Season's Greetings, Richland!
As we dive into the holiday season, there’s magic in the air—and maybe just a hint of mystery. Every year, there are strange sightings and happenings throughout the hood. We've chalked them up to mostly to Santa's elves or our otherworldly neighbors.
But as our ever-curious ghostly reporter, Casperine McAllister, has uncovered, it's the elves, but not all are created equal. From angelic monitors to mischievous troublemakers, the truth about these pint-sized spies might surprise you. Without further ado, we present:
Exclusive Investigative Report: The Elf on the Shelf Scandal
By Casperine McAllister, Richland’s Resident Ghostly Reporter As we enter the holiday season, don’t be alarmed if you notice streaks of light or quick movements in your home or yard. It’s just that time of year when Santa’s finalizing his list. Every kid knows it’s never too late to cram for Christmas, and his elves are out in full force, monitoring extra closely. But what our neighborhood reporter has discovered may change how you view these little visitors forever.After years of whispered rumors and hushed parental conversations, I, your ever-curious ghostly neighborhood reporter, have cracked the case of the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon. Why do some homes have well-behaved elf monitors, while others endure mischievous, even destructive, shelf elves wreaking havoc every December? The truth, dear neighbors, is more shocking than even Santa would dare to admit.
Through extensive research (and a few ghostly eavesdrops at the homes of the living), I’ve uncovered the truth: your Elf on the Shelf is a direct reflection of your family’s behavior—past and present. Yes, parents, your own childhood antics might have doomed you to a life of December chaos.
The Angelic Elf Monitors: If your home is graced by a calm, almost invisible elf—or perhaps no visible elf at all—it’s because this type of elf doesn’t need to sit in your home. These ethereal observers quietly send light supervision reports to the North Pole without making a fuss. This likely means you, as a parent, were a model child—always on Santa’s “Nice” list. Your kids are now benefitting from your stellar reputation. The elf knows they only need gentle reminders to stay on track, no flour-spilling antics required.
The Traditional Shelf Elves: These are standard issue for families who teeter on the edge of the naughty/nice divide. If you or your kids have had moments of questionable behavior, these elves are here to provide a healthy dose of watchful accountability. They keep tabs, move around creatively, and may even pull small pranks to remind everyone that Santa is always watching.
The Evil Shelf Elves: And then there are the true December terrors—the naughty, destructive elves. These are the ones that TP your Christmas tree, spill glitter everywhere, or hide the remote control just for fun. These fiendish elves are sent to families where the parents were permanent residents of the Naughty List as kids. (No judgment, but we’ve heard some Richland parents tried to “booby trap” their elves back in the day.) These mischievous elves aren’t tormenting your kids—they’re targeting you! Think of them as karmic justice, straight from Santa’s workshop.
Parents, before blaming your kids for the elf chaos, take a hard look at your own Christmas past. Did you sneak extra cookies off Santa’s plate? Forget to leave carrots for the reindeer? Maybe you spent a few years on Santa’s “Needs Improvement” list. If so, your elf might just be holding a grudge. On the flip side, if your elf monitor perches politely all season, occasionally admiring your holiday decor, you can pat yourself on the back for being a Santa-approved child of yesteryear.
For those dealing with mischievous or downright evil elves, remember: these little troublemakers thrive on chaos. Theoretically, your best defense would be to go full “silent running submarine” mode—pretending the holidays don’t exist to stay entirely off Santa’s radar (sonar, elfdar?) . But let’s face it, by now, it’s probably too late.
In the meantime, try to maintain some semblance of holiday calm and cheer (and perhaps a spiked cup of cocoa to steady your nerves). Whatever you do, don’t retaliate—rumors of parents duct-taping their elves to shelves only seem to make them angrier.
So, Richland, as Santa’s elves continue their rounds, keep an eye on your holiday helper. Their behavior may just tell you more about yourself than you’d care to admit. And for those of you dealing with toothpaste-filled Oreos or a glitter-covered living room... well, let’s just say Santa has a very long memory.
Good luck, and Happy Holidays to everyone in Richland! 🌟🎅🦌
Upcoming Events
Cookies With Santa - December 7th, Noon–3 PM at the Richland Clubhouse
Join us for our annual Cookies with Santa event, where holiday magic comes alive! Kids can decorate cookies, play in the faux snow, write letters to Santa, and create one-of-a-kind ornaments. And if the wind and fog cooperate (we’ve got our fingers crossed for no Rudolph-style mishaps), Santa himself might fly in for photos—so be sure to bring a brush or comb!
Ladies (and you too, Bob)—no sitting on Santa's lap this year!
Psst… Old-timer Richlanders, don’t forget to share your “I was there in 2018” stories with the newcomers. Nothing says holiday nostalgia quite like reminiscing about "The Night Rudolph Dropped the Ball"!
We’ll see you there for an afternoon of festive fun and holiday cheer!
Election Update: The HOA Board That Was… and Might Still Be
Ladies and gentlemen of Richland, we regret to inform you that the 2024 HOA Board Election is beginning to look a lot like the 2000 presidential race: endless counting, uncertainty, and absolutely no holiday break for the vote counters. Despite our best efforts (and several strongly worded emails), ballots are still trickling in. At this rate, we may not have the final results until January.
Until then, your current HOA board remains in charge. And without the firm guidance of a new board, let’s just say things are getting… creative. Rumors abound that they’re debating whether to freeze Taylor Lake to provide Santa with a clear and icy runway—just in case Rudolph’s nose decides to blink out again, à la the "2018 Incident" . While we’re skeptical about their ability to turn a lake into a tarmac, their passion for holiday safety is… commendable?
What You Can Do
We need YOUR ballot to seal the deal! If you haven’t already, please, mail, email, fax, or drop off your completed (at the clubhouse) ballot ASAP to ensure your voice is heard. Let’s be honest—no one wants this vote hanging over the neighborhood into Valentine’s Day. Documents from meeting are here:
- Richland HOA Operating Budget
- Annual Meeting Presentation
- Ballot to Approve Electronic Voting
- Ballot to Elect Board Members (Coming Soon)
Your current board members remain:
- Jay Bulot as President (and unofficial "Freeze the Lake" campaign manager).
- Alan Meeks as Vice President, silently rolling his eyes at the freezing idea.
- Don Tam as Treasurer, cautiously budgeting for "frozen lake maintenance."
- Ricky Fiorillo as Member at Large, currently not-so-large on decisions.
The fate of the board, and indeed the neighborhood’s sanity, depends on this election. Let’s wrap this up before someone actually orders the industrial ice machine.
Clubhouse Lights Are Go!
The Richland Clubhouse is once again aglow with festive lights, thanks to the HOA board
Fog-Proof Lighting Demonstration
Many have asked who helps decorate the clubhouse. We’re happy to report we get a pretty good discount—after all, the elves handle it. However, rumor has it they subcontract some of the work to a local vendor. The HOA is excited to announce a Fog-Proof Lighting Demonstration showcasing the latest in visibility-enhancing technology. This groundbreaking event is tentatively scheduled for December 32nd, shortly before dawn. However, should this date prove inconvenient (and we’re confident it will), we’ll reschedule for another unavailable day between then and January 1, 2025. Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to be dazzled by lights so advanced, even the densest fog won’t stand a chance!
HOA Annual Meeting Update
- Repainted and refinished the clubhouse interior, floors, and sound-deadening boards.
- Replastered the pools, installed LED lights, and extended the pool season to October 14.
- Performed storm cleanup and tree removal in common areas.
- Repainted and updated monument signs and fencing.
- Re-staining upper tennis pavilions.
- Transitioning the main pool to a saltwater system.
- Installing a nature trail bridge and commissioning a lake maintenance study.
- Enhancing entrances with updated signage, fencing repairs, and staining.
- Updates from the Pool, Tennis, Pickleball, and Social Committees. Recognition of volunteers and leaders who contributed to the year’s success.
- Elections: Final votes are still being counted, and results will be shared as soon as possible
Richland Volunteer(s) of the Year for 2024
This year, the Richland HOA Volunteer of the Year Award was given posthumously to Dave Mugfor and jointly to Mike Kahen in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to our community.Dave Mugfor, who passed away on October 17, 2024, was the heart and soul behind
Dave was also a longtime supporter of the Richland Waves Swim Team, serving as the head timer for both the Waves and the Collins Hill High School swim team. His booming whistle and enthusiastic presence on the pool deck will be deeply missed. In honor of his memory, the Richland Waves have created a fund to ensure no child in our neighborhood is denied the chance to swim due to economic need. Donations to this fund can be made via Venmo at @richlandwaves.
Mike Kahen, a former board member and current unofficial chair of special projects (if you’ve enjoyed the playground recently, you can thank Mike) and a two-time previous winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award, was also recognized for his tireless commitment to Richland. Always present at events—whether asked or not—Mike could be found helping in any way possible. His dedication to the community embodies the true spirit of volunteerism, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him as part of Richland.
In the end, it felt only fitting to honor both of these incredible men for their shared service and unwavering love for this community—because, in true racing fashion, it’s not just about the finish line; it’s about the team that gets you there.
Join the Richland Social Committee!
Are you looking for a fun and fulfilling way to get more involved in our Richland community? We have an exciting opportunity for you! The Richland Social Committee is seeking volunteers to help plan and organize our community events. Whether you're full of creative ideas, have a knack for organization, or just love bringing people together, your talents are needed! As a committee member, you'll play a key role in shaping the social scene of Richland, creating events that bring joy and connection to our neighborhood. This is a great way to meet new people, contribute to our community's vibrancy, and have a hand in crafting memorable experiences. If you're interested in joining or would like more information, please reach out to us at social@richlander.com. Let's make Richland's social calendar even more exciting together! 🌟🤝🎉Call for Help: Volunteers Needed for Lake Project
Management Update
The Richland HOA Board met on November 12 at the Clubhouse. The following update was provided by our management company:Clubhouse
- Christmas lights have been installed.
Landscaping/Grounds
- Seasonal color has been installed throughout the community.
- Irrigation systems are scheduled to be winterized next week.
- Wildwood Lake enhancement is planned for installation next week.
- Discussion remains on whether to move forward with fence repair and staining along Taylor Road.
Pool
- Timers have been added for pool lighting to improve energy efficiency.
- Several pool anchors were replaced following recent deck touch-up work.
Tennis and Pickleball
- Security Fence Company completed repairs today.
- Clip replaced on pickleball court #2.
- Electrical cover on tennis court 6 was replaced.
- Timers were adjusted to reflect the time change.
- Pavilion signs numbering each pavilion have been installed.
- The proposed wood repair and restaining of the upper tennis pavilions ($4,363.64) has been tabled.
Lakes
- Spoke with Ray Engineering to analyze the dredging project, with a quote of $6,500.
- Received dredging quotes:
- Riversand: $831,745 for 10,000 cubic yards.
- McEachern:
- Mobilization & water control: $15,000
- Permanent access road installation: $15,000
- Dredging (9,000 cubic yards): $340,000
- Hauling/dumping offsite: $245,000
- Total: $615,000
- The county will begin work on the dam in December.
Community Amenities
Richland GazeboRichland has a publicly accessible gazebo located at the corner of Quinton Place and Richlake. Here is a Map Link. Feel free to stop by and enjoy this charming community spot!
Just a reminder – we have small community library at the clubhouse. Feel free to pick up or drop off a book. If you do want to donate a book for others to enjoy, please place them on the shelves. The library is located on the pool side of the clubhouse. There is a wide variety including romance, self help, historical fiction and science fiction
The Richland Book Club
The Richland Book Clubs meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Clubhouse. If you aren't sure which one that is, the Book Club usually puts out signs in front of the clubhouse leading up to the meeting! Please contact Ingrid Shell directly at ingrid.r.shell@gmail.com for more details.
Richland Fire-pit
Just a reminder, Richland has 1 community fire pit. It's located behind the tennis courts closest to the club house. There are also two park style grills as well as 4 built in benches around the pit. Fire-pit and grills are first come first serve. You can reserve the pavilions on either side using reservemycourt.com. Please plan to bring your own wood -and please be sure to completely put out the fire when you are finished. There is a creek right behind the fire-pit - use as much as you need - we'll make more water!
Richland Trails
We have two inviting gravel trails in our community ready for your exploration. The first trail is accessible behind the lower tennis courts on Quinton Rd. Just follow the concrete sidewalk until you reach the gravel path. The second trail, part of Phase 2 expansion, can be accessed by walking the sidewalk to Hunt River Way - this trail follows alongside the creek opposite the current trail. Happy exploring!
Pickleball Courts Courts Now Available!
Great news for pickleball enthusiasts! The lower tennis courts 7 and 8 have been transformed, and we now proudly boast six pickleball courts in total. This expansion is all set to enhance your playing experience. Enjoy your matches! 🏓🌟
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with all the happenings in the Richland Community. Download the NABR Network App for your phone, or check it out on the website. Once you set up your account, you set your preferences to receive communications through text message alerts or opt to receive the same information via email or you can just regularly check the community feed for updates. Additionally, you are able to pay dues, reserve the clubhouse and submit ACC requests all virtually. 
“Every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.”
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