Hello QRNA Neighbors,

I hope you all had a fantastic summer and are embracing the shift into Fall. The evenings are definitely becoming cooler, and the mornings certainly call for a cozy sweater! We wanted to take a moment to share some updates about what's happening in our neighborhood. And regarding those dog days of summer...

As summer comes to a close and we gear up for a lovely fall season, it's a perfect opportunity for a gentle reminder about our QRNA landscaping and yard maintenance guidelines. A well-kept neighborhood is beneficial for everyone, as it boosts curb appeal and safeguards property values. I must confess, we have sent out more notices than I would have liked. Numerous notices were issued for lawns that were uniformly brown, patchy, or simply lifeless. I understand that many of us are mindful of our water consumption, but the CC&Rs are the CC&Rs, and we all knew what we were agreeing to when we chose to live in QRNA (or at least I hope so).

The goal isn't about achieving "perfection..." I once scorched my lawn while attempting to fertilize at 10 pm, all in a bid to escape the heat. We understand the distinction between putting in effort and not trying at all. The Board is aware that life can throw curveballs, yet we also aim to safeguard the property values of QRNA and uphold the immaculate reputation of our community.

Together, our combined efforts can lead to a remarkable impact. Here are some helpful tips to assist everyone in keeping their yards in top shape:

Watering: A hot topic for sure. There exists a balance where we can all supply sufficient water to sustain the grass crowns until the cooler weather makes its return. With the cooler temperatures on the horizon, it's important to be mindful of your watering routine. Watering deeply but less frequently promotes robust root development.

Lawn care essentials: Mowing: While not everyone has a weekly landscaper, aim to keep your grass neatly trimmed. Be sure to switch up your mowing pattern to avoid creating ruts and think about leaving clippings on the lawn to provide natural nutrients.

Edging and trimming: A sharp, clean edge along your driveway, walkways, and garden beds can make a significant difference. Remember to trim around trees and other features as well.

Weed control: Keep a close eye on weeds in your lawn and garden beds. Taking care of them now will stop them from spreading. Also, consider managing pine needles, leaves, and pinecones around your tree wells throughout the year. Weeding has emerged as one of the biggest challenges this year, and it requires less maintenance than in recent years.

FALL CLEAN UP! Join us for the upcoming QRNA FireWise cleanup on Sunday, October 12th, from 10:00 AM to Noon. This is our fall clean-up! If you would like the chipper to visit your residence, please email the board by 10/13.

Pool Closure and Maintenance Notice: We expect this to be the final 10-day period that the pool will be open. Fob usage has decreased, and typically, when temperatures consistently drop below 80-85°F, usually in late September or October, we will close the pool based on your feedback.

Assist in Maintaining Our Neighborhood's Self-Management – Become a Member of the HOA Board:

This is the challenging yet bittersweet moment I always anticipated would arrive, eventually. Several of our current board members will conclude their terms in January 2026. Yes, that includes me as well! To prepare for this transition, we are actively seeking to recruit the next group of HOA Board members. Their terms will commence in February 2026. Standard terms last for three years, though shorter commitments may also be an option.

The success of an HOA Board hinges on the collaboration of its members, who work together for the betterment of their community. Without new involvement, we risk not having enough members to achieve a quorum. The positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary are all up for re-election following their initial terms. This situation could hinder the board's functionality, forcing the neighborhood to hire a third-party company for HOA management. The expenses associated with HOA Management can vary widely depending on the scope of responsibilities. These costs would ultimately be passed on to each property owner through an increase in annual dues, potentially raising dues by $800 or more per household each year.

A considerable number of the officers are prepared to extend our tenure for a transitional year; however, we require successors. Given the level of engagement and efficiency we have demonstrated, we simply need assistance.

QRNA operates with a dedicated board, all thanks to the efforts of our volunteers. I take immense pride in the remarkable transformation and unwavering commitment we have achieved over the past three years. Our collective aim was to foster transparency, equity, and prudent investments in community reserve budgeting and projects. Over these three years, we have accomplished a great deal in addressing long-overdue maintenance projects and engaging in candid grassroots efforts to raise HOA dues, ensuring a robust reserve budget.

While certain positions, such as President, Vice President, and Treasurer, demand a greater time commitment, other roles are less demanding yet equally vital. Whether you can spare a few hours each month or are willing to take on more responsibilities, there is a position that aligns with your availability. No previous HOA experience is necessary; we warmly welcome new neighbors who are eager to contribute to our community, committed to learning and upholding the CC&Rs, and dedicated to maintaining our neighborhood as self-managed and affordable.

If you are interested or simply wish to gather more information, please do not hesitate to contact any current board member. We are more than willing to provide additional details and assist you in discovering how you can become involved. Should we not receive sufficient interest by October, we will initiate the process of soliciting bids for an HOA management company.

We eagerly await your response and appreciate your efforts in keeping our neighborhood vibrant.