Buckle up for our May newsletter, the Crossover Event you never knew you needed! This month, we’re rolling out the red carpet for a quartet of celebrations that blend better than tequila and lime: Cinco de Mayo, Star Wars Day, the Kentucky Derby, and the thrilling countdown to the last week of school. Imagine margaritas and mint juleps served by stormtroopers in sombreros, and Yoda in a fancy Derby hat offering wise betting advice—now, that’s a crossover event worthy of a galactic fiesta!
May the 4th be with you as we kick off Star Wars Day and the Kentucky Derby in spectacular fashion! Just in case you've been hiding in a Sarlacc pit, remember that Star Wars Day coincides with both our community pool's grand opening and the Kentucky Derby. It's the perfect chance to brandish your lightsaber-like pool noodles while donning your finest sombrero sun hats! But be cautious—excessive dueling might prompt the lifeguard to teleport you from the cantina to a galaxy far, far away. Meanwhile, saddle up for the Kentucky Derby, where the jockeys might just be dressed as Jedi and Sith lords, delivering a spectacle more thrilling than any pod race on Tatooine.
Don’t forget, if you're still recovering from indulging in too many trifectas of Margaritas, Mint Juleps, and Bantha Milk, and find yourself near Cedar Town on the 8th of the month, be sure to gaze skyward for a certain high-flying celebration— Let's just say, if you know, you know! So, Richlanders, grab your lightsabers, sombreros, swimsuits, and party hats, and let’s make May a month to remember. Here’s to a fusion of tacos, lightsabers, horse races, and the thrill of the unexpected. Happy swimming, and may the horse be with you!
Richland HOA Announcements
Pool Opening: As we dive into the warmer months, it's time to make a splash at the Richland pool! The Pool Officially Opens May 4th! Before you grab your swimsuits and sunscreen, please take a moment to review the Pool Hours, Pool Rules, and Community Reminders for 2024. Remember, everyone should have received their new amenities sticker in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Please Note: If you haven't received your new sticker or need a new card, please contact Shaben and Associates. Keep in mind that only members in good standing (those who have paid their dues) will have access to the pool, tennis and pickleball courts. Happy swimming! 🏊♀️🎾Clubhouse Rental Cost Increase: Please note that any reservations made after June 1st will see an increase from $225 to $300. This adjustment is due to the increasing use of the clubhouse and the fact that the current rental fee barely covers cleaning costs and other expenses. Additionally, we have recently updated the appliances in the kitchen, including the ice machine, double oven, microwave, and fridge, to enhance your experience.
Coyote Sightings and Pet Safety:
We have received reports of coyote sightings in various parts of our community, particularly during dawn and dusk hours. As coyotes can pose a threat to small pets, we urge all cat owners to be particularly cautious. Consider keeping your cats indoors, especially at night, to ensure their safety. If you must let your pets outside, supervise them closely and avoid leaving food or garbage out that could attract wildlife. By taking these precautions, we can help protect our beloved pets and prevent unwanted encounters with wildlife.
Increase in Vehicle Break-Ins:
As the school year draws to a close, we have observed an annual uptick in vehicle break-ins within our community. Residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant and proactive in securing their vehicles (and their kids). Please ensure that all car doors are locked, valuables are removed from sight, and that vehicles are parked in well-lit areas whenever possible. These simple steps can significantly deter potential thefts and safeguard your property. Let's work together to maintain the safety and security of our neighborhood. If you see something, please call 911.
Gwinnett County Short Term Rental Task Force
The Richland HOA President was nominated to serve on the Short-Term Rental Citizen Task Force, which was convened for its inaugural meeting on the evening of April 30. The meeting was well attended, with all ten task force members present. One of the first orders of business was the election of the chair and vice-chair, which was unanimously decided to be tabled for a future meeting to allow members more time to consider potential candidates.
Chris Hayward took the opportunity to outline the task force's purpose, roles, and responsibilities. The core discussion of the evening centered around the current landscape of short-term rentals within the community. Hayward presented an overview that highlighted several concerns raised by residents, prompting task force members to engage actively. There was a consensus on the need for a detailed presentation by the Gwinnett County Police Department to better understand legal and enforcement aspects related to short-term rentals. After a thorough and engaging discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM, thanks to a motion from James Bulot, seconded by Steve Brown.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 22 at 7:00pm. The county is actively
working to book presenters for the next meeting from the short-term
rental industry, Explore Gwinnett
(Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau), and the Gwinnett County
Police Department. We've asked for additional data related
to housing tenure and short-term rentals available in Gwinnett.
It’s not too late to sign your kid(s) up for this great summer activity!
And remember, some of our Coaches are Certified Swim Instructors for Gwinnett County. If your child has a strong desire to learn to swim, we would love to teach them to swim with us! For more
Upcoming Events:
- Advance Voting: Now through Friday, May 17, all advance voting locations will be open from 7:00am to 7:00pm for the May 21 General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election
- Election Day Voting: Mark your calendars for May 21. It's important to participate and contribute to the decisions that affect our community. Whether you're voting at the clubhouse or Walnut Grove, every vote counts!
- Richland Book Club: WED, MAY 29 AT 7 PM. Richland Book Club
- Pool Opening Party: Dive into summer at our Pool Opening Party on June 8! Celebrate the start of the pool season with a splash. We've planned an afternoon filled with fun, sun, and plenty of food and refreshments. It’s a fantastic opportunity to catch up with neighbors, enjoy some refreshments, and take the first dip of summer in our newly opened pool. Bring your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen for a day of aquatic fun. We can't wait to kick off the summer with all of you!
Richland Waves Swim Team News
Summer swim team registration is NOW OPEN!It’s not too late to sign your kid(s) up for this great summer activity!
And remember, some of our Coaches are Certified Swim Instructors for Gwinnett County. If your child has a strong desire to learn to swim, we would love to teach them to swim with us! For more
Swim practice will begin on May 13th after school hours and will switch to mornings practices on May 28 once school ends. We will have 6 swim meets, every Thursday night from May 23-June 27. The swim season continues through July 14 for those swimmers who qualify for the county swim meet.
Practice attendance is flexible, so swim team CAN fit in with other summer camps and vacations that you have planned. Kids ages 4 through 18 as of June 1st 2024 are eligible to join. Swim team is great for all kids – experienced swimmers as well as beginners.
For more information, make a splash on our website: richlandwaves.swimtopia.com
We can't wait to see you at the pool! 💦😄
Afternoon swim practice 3:30 – 6pm Monday-Friday afternoons from May 13 through May 22. Only the mushroom pool will be open during these times.
We have 2 swim meets at our Richland pool in May: May 23 and May 30. The lap pool will close at 4:00 pm on these dates, but the mushroom feature pool will remain open for regular pool hours.
Grab your paddle and join us for an electrifying game (or two, or three) of Pickleball magic!
New to the world of Pickleball? No worries - just go down and start practicing! Here are some Pickleball facts to tickle your curiosity:
Practice attendance is flexible, so swim team CAN fit in with other summer camps and vacations that you have planned. Kids ages 4 through 18 as of June 1st 2024 are eligible to join. Swim team is great for all kids – experienced swimmers as well as beginners.
For more information, make a splash on our website: richlandwaves.swimtopia.com
We can't wait to see you at the pool! 💦😄
Swim Team Practice and Meets at the Richland pool in May
While we are excited that the pool is opening on May 4th, please be aware of the following dates that our swim team will be using the large lap pool.Afternoon swim practice 3:30 – 6pm Monday-Friday afternoons from May 13 through May 22. Only the mushroom pool will be open during these times.
We have 2 swim meets at our Richland pool in May: May 23 and May 30. The lap pool will close at 4:00 pm on these dates, but the mushroom feature pool will remain open for regular pool hours.
Meet the Candidates Event:
On April 13, the Richland community had the opportunity to engage directly with the candidates running in the upcoming General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election at our "Meet the Candidates" event. Held at the lower tennis court Pavilion, the event provided a platform for residents to hear firsthand from those vying for office. Mostly full recording can be viewed here or on our Richland HOA Facebook Page.
The event was a success, with a strong turnout and spirited discussions. Each candidate was given time to present their platform, followed by a Q&A session. Residents asked insightful questions, touching on local issues such as community development, safety, and education enhancements.
The highlight of the event was our Commissioner, Matthew Holtkamp, he gave an update and shared some lessons learned as a new commissioner. This setup not only fostered a deeper understanding of the candidates' visions but also enabled voters to make informed decisions about who can best represent their interests.
We thank all the participants for their engagement and thoughtful dialogue. Such events are vital in shaping a well-informed community ready to make impactful decisions at the polls. Remember, your vote is your voice—let it be heard on May 21!
Pickleball @ Lower Courts
Get ready for a pickle of a time with the nation's fastest-growing sport... Pickleball! 🏓🥒Grab your paddle and join us for an electrifying game (or two, or three) of Pickleball magic!
New to the world of Pickleball? No worries - just go down and start practicing! Here are some Pickleball facts to tickle your curiosity:
- Pickleball is a wondrous fusion of ping pong, tennis, and badminton.
- Pickleball burns a whopping 8 to 11 calories per minute! That's a sizzling 480 to 660 calories in just 60 minutes of play. 🔥
- Pickleball was invented in 1965, making it 58 years young and full of energy.
- Pickleball is highly addictive! You've been warned. 😉
- But, if you've not be active in a while - you may want to prepare yourself!
Richland Book Club
The Richland Book Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month at the clubhouse at 7 pm. Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just looking for some intellectual conversation, we'd be thrilled to have you join us.
For more details and to RSVP, please email Ingrid Shell at ingrid.r.shell@gmail.com. Grab your favorite reading glasses, and let's dive into the world of literature together! 🤓📖
If you've made it this far into the newsletter, cheers to you! You've uncovered our hidden 'hoppy' hour. May your days be as long as a May evening and filled with the joyful buzz of a well-deserved beer. Here's to savoring the fine print like a fine brew!
For more details and to RSVP, please email Ingrid Shell at ingrid.r.shell@gmail.com. Grab your favorite reading glasses, and let's dive into the world of literature together! 🤓📖
Richland HOA Management Updates
🛠️ Behold, Richlanders! Prepare for a riveting journey through the latest community projects your dedicated HOA is fervently tackling (Current as of April 9). Yes, we know how exhilarating updates on lighting can be. 😉 So, buckle up and embrace the whirlwind of thrilling news about the various endeavors we're undertaking throughout the neighborhood. We challenge you to stay awake long enough to learn about the pressure washing saga. Let the adventure begin! 🎉🔦Clubhouse Updates:
- Clubhouse Rental Cost Increasing - please note, that any reservations made after June 1st will increased from $225 to $300.
- A board member touched up the soundproofing panels with fabric paint; the cost for 6 new panels is $1,834.04.
- Ice Maker Rules have been posted.
- Five new 95-gallon containers replaced by WM, with HOA stenciled on the side.
- Sourceone has to updated handicapped signage in the clubhouse parking lot and the replacement of 3 private property signs.
- The rotten bench around the tree near the playground is being rebuilt by JSP Home Repairs.
- Decision to remove the bike rack at the clubhouse has been tabled.
Landscaping and Grounds:
- Irrigation Contractor has conducted a startup inspection and necessary repairs at Richlake, Doublegate entrance near the bridge, and Taylor Mill.
- Seasonal color installation is scheduled for early May.
- Landscape Workshop will aerate and overseed the area by the sidewalk in front of the clubhouse in April.
- The rotten white rail fence at Laurel Lake and Quinton Place was removed at a cost of $350.00, and a new fence has been installed at Marsten Park Entrance, pending green stain.
Pool Updates:
- The pool opening is scheduled for May 4, 2024, with the pool letter to be mailed by April 15.
- AMS is finalizing pool light repairs; subsequent refinishing of the pool deck and sidewalk by Sundeck is planned, costing $3,500, board tabled the extended sidewalk work until next year.
- Sourceone will replace 15 rusty drain covers near the small pool gate for $1,268.75 and install an additional channel drain; installation is on schedule for April 13.
- Cleanup of the fence near the main entrance where old access control equipment was abandoned is completed.
Tennis Updates:
- Delivery and installation of practice backboards for the pickleball court and tennis court by United Sports are expected by mid-May.
- Removal of the existing backboard costs $400.
- Warranty work on pickleball courts scheduled for Spring.
- Discussion on non-resident fees for pickleball is ongoing.
- Sourceone has completed repairs to the support rails on the chain-link fencing at the upper tennis courts.
- Replacement and restaining of deck boards on the bridge pending, costing $1,400 for stain and $600 for wood floor repair.
- Wood repair and restaining of two upper tennis pavilions, costing $4,363.64, have been tabled.
- Washing of wood benches around the fire pit is pending.
Lake Maintenance:
- Dredging quotes have been received: Riversand - $831,745 and Mceachern - $615,000 total.
- The Board discussed scheduling a special meeting with lake homeowners to solicit input and feedback on the best approach to proceed with the maintenance/dredging of the lakes.
- The County has decided that it does not have any responsibility, and because the lakes are privately owned, the cost should be borne by the property owners.
- A County right of entry form for OCS maintenance work is needed.
Financials as of March 31, 2024:
- Checking (Operating): Available upon request (we just don't want to post publicly)
- Money Market (Reserve): Available upon request (we just don't want to post publicly)
- Certificates of Deposit: Available upon request (we just don't want to post publicly)
- Total Account Balance: Available upon request (we just don't want to post publicly)
If you've made it this far into the newsletter, cheers to you! You've uncovered our hidden 'hoppy' hour. May your days be as long as a May evening and filled with the joyful buzz of a well-deserved beer. Here's to savoring the fine print like a fine brew!
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