Good afternoon,
I hope everyone has had the opportunity to enjoy this amazing weather over the last couple of days. This weekend should be fantastic as well. The recent run of dry weather has allowed crews to get a lot of “catch up” work done after the month of rain we had. Skinner Smith crews have been busy back in the new section of Rosewood Landing with the continuation of Sea Holly and the cul-de-sac of Lazereth Court. They have had to “undercut” most of the roadway bed as the top layer of material is mostly clay and that is not good for laying roads on. The material being removed is going to extend our berm along I-140 to the north and we plan to curve the berm around the northeastern property line with GE where the walking trail will be installed along our common boundary.Curbing will likely go in on the new sections in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks to all of you that were able to attend the meeting last night regarding the great work done by the ARC Committee volunteers. The summary of the ARC Guidelines that were handed out last night will be posted on the portal on Monday, as well as the revised full set of guidelines that now includes a policy regarding solar panels. Several great points were made last night and we appreciate the input. One thing I failed to mention last night is that you may all want to check your irrigation systems as many were turned off during the long period of rain and some of our lawns are “thirsty” after this warm, dry spell.
We do want to make everyone aware of a change coming soon to the operating hours at Porches Cafe. Over the last two and half years we have tinkered with the dinnertime hours, menu and days of operation in an effort to find the right formula for evening operations. While our lunchtime hours and special events have both been very successful, dinner has not and the financial drain requires that some changes be made. Effective September 4th, Porches will be open from 11-3 everyday for lunch  and only on Fridays from 11-9. Friday evenings will have events such as live music, karaoke, trivia night etc. Special events such as brunch, wine tastings, oyster roasts and “Wing Night” will still be scheduled on other evenings. Blair will be working on booking the restaurant for other special events such as small wedding receptions and Christmas parties. While this was not an easy decision, it is the financially prudent one and one that can be revisited as our resident population increases over time.
Amenities
The design for the electrical and water systems for the marina docks has been completed and the CFPUA has also approved the sewer installation down the road leading to the marina. Work on these projects will be going on for the balance of this year, as well as work on the parking lot for the marina and the bath house and recreational area planned for that area. We have also been working with the dock manufacturer for the two new “T-Heads” we will be installing this winter. As I mentioned in the last update, we have now ordered a number of signs for both the boat ramp and marina areas that will do everything from identify slip numbers to letting people on the water know that this is a private facility. There will also be court numbers installed at the tennis and pickle ball courts so court reservations will be easier through the portal. If you have a vehicle or trailer in the Boat/RV storage area please keep an eye out for an e-mail in the next week or so as we will be installing new space numbers and getting people assigned to specific spaces.
Neighborhood Safety
You probably noticed the radar speed detector that has been on Chair Road for several days. If past experience is any indication, several days after those units are out, the cars with blue lights are next. Please be considerate of your speed along Chair Road and if you see a particular vehicle speeding, don’t hesitate to let one of the guys at the gate know. Also please always remember to keep your vehicles locked as well as your garage.
Community Activities
Hopefully you are able to stop by the special Farmer Market today between 10-2. Steve has a number of special items and the list of vendors has been expanded. I visited with Ian yesterday up at the farm and they are planting a number of different crops that will last well into the fall.
U.S.S. North Carolina Tour-Our own Ritt Schiano is again offering to set up at least one or two “Behind the Scenes” Tour for this October or November. Ritt is a docent on the battleship and if enough people sign up, the rate is discounted and I’m assured that the tour is time well spent. If you have an interest in signing up please e-mail me and we will be in touch with details.
Save The Date-On October 27th River Bluffs will again be hosting Operation Hope Front for a “Trunk or Treat” event on the patio and around Davis Square. Tina Chadwick is organizing what will surely be a great opportunity to spread some joy amongst active duty military families in our region. More to follow on this soon.
September 5th-For some insane reason the River Bluffs staff has agreed to a rematch of the Water Volleyball Super Bowl. As you may recall, we didn’t have the best showing last year against the seasoned pros of the Water Volleyball Club so the quest for revenge is certainly in the air. The day of reckoning begins at 5:30 and we hope you all can come watch.
In closing, thank you all for choosing this community to make your home and for the contributions of time and ideas that so many of you routinely make. We look forward to finishing the year strong and appreciate you support .
John Lennon