The end of the year is always a time to reflect and look forward to the coming year. We are ending a very successful year of changes as we moved to a new association manager and made several capital improvements. The association is now over thirty years old and has made many changes. We remain a vibrant community of 657 properties with an eye on the future. Although it may seem odd, this is an excellent time to address landscaping and home maintenance needs. Winter fertilizing and the proper pruning of certain trees and shrubs can be critical to their root development in the spring. Similarly, touch-up painting around the house or mailboxes can prevent winter damage.

At the November Board meeting, the 2020 budget was approved. The budget provides funds to maintain our common areas which is a large expense each year. We have contracted with a new landscaping firm, Nature’s Way. They will also be addressing many maintenance issues caused by this summer's drought.

The Board also approved continuing the current assessment rate of $404 per year or $101 per quarter. In recent years the Board has implemented cost savings programs and new service contracts which have allowed the rate to remain unchanged. In December, the budget will be sent to all residents with payment coupon books. The package will also include information about the payment options. Please read this carefully.

Elsewhere in the Bulletin is a report from the ARC Committee, but I want to bring one special item to your attention. The ARC Standards and Guidelines were last revised in 2015 and are due to be updated. The proposed procedures will be posted on the Birkdale website later this month for your review. They can also be sent electronically upon request. If you want a copy, submit your request through the website. www.birkdaleonline.com

I thank every member of the Birkdale Community Association for your support this year and extend best wishes for the holidays.

Earl Bishop
President, Birkdale Community Association

December 1, 2019

ASSESSMENTS

Your Birkdale Community Association Board appreciates our residents who pay their assessments on time! Mark your calendar for your next payment of $101 which is due on January 1, 2020. Many residents pay the full yearly assessment of $404 at the beginning of the new year.

COUPON BOOKS

Early in December, our community manager, ACS West, Inc., will be issuing new coupon books for 2020. Included in the packet will be information regarding several payment options. Remember that some options add a handling or convenience fee.

DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS

ACS West, Inc. recently sent out second notices regarding 24 delinquent accounts and 11 accounts that have shortages. If you have questions regarding the status of your account, please contact:

ACS West, Inc.
Lee Ann King, Birkdale’s Community Manager
1904 Byrd Avenue, Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23230
804-282-7451, or admin@acswest.org

COLLECTION AGENCY

Equity Experts, Birkdale Community Association’s collection agency since November 2016, currently is handling 20 delinquent accounts. Following the Birkdale Community Association’s Collections Policy, the BCA Board has authorized Equity Experts to file liens and other legal actions, including foreclosures.

Once an account has been referred to our collection agency, Equity Experts, residents must deal with the collection agency, not individual Board Members nor ACS West, our Community Manager.

Delinquent homeowners pay all collection fees. These charges can be substantial since the collection agency bills for each contact, service, and procedure. There is NO CHARGE, however, to our association.

Birkdale’s Collection Policy is posted under Governing Documents on Birkdale’s official website. www.birkdaleonline

2020 BUDGET

At the November 19, 2019 meeting of the Board of Directors of the Birkdale Community Association, the 2020 Budget was approved. There will be no increase in the yearly assessment; your dues remain at $404 per year or $101 per quarter.

IS YOUR BILLING ADDRESS CORRECT?

Is your address correct for receiving your bill from the Birkdale Community Association? Some residents have stated that they have not received notices regarding their delinquent accounts. It is the responsibility of each owner to notify ACS West, Inc. if there is a change in his billing address or any name change on the account.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Betsy Martello, Treasurer, 804-739-7487, or, betsy@martellofamily.com

Birkdale's Most Recent Financial Statement

Approved Board Minutes

Approved Board Minutes from the 9/17 meeting can be found online at our website
www.birkdaleonline.com

HOW TO FILE ASSOCIATION COMPLAINTS

Every resident can be the eyes and ears of the association and the county for many purposes and for the benefit of all. The Association, through the Board of Directors and the Covenants Committee, has the authority to enforce the standards to which we all agreed when purchasing property in Birkdale. These standards and rules may be in the Declarations, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, or Architectural Standards and Guidelines. Although there is a recommended form for the submission of a complaint or comment, it can also be done by sending an email to webmaster@birkdaleonline.com. Replies are generally not issued.

HOW TO FILE COUNTY/VDOT COMPLAINTS

Birkdale is a planned community that has a certain authority and responsibility. However, an even greater authority rests with Chesterfield County or Virginia Department of Transportation.

The Chesterfield Department of Community Enhancement’s mission is “Improve the value, quality, and attractiveness of Chesterfield County”. Details of these standards and a complaint form are on their webpage. Access these in this order: www.chesterfield.gov, My Community, Community Enhancement; File a Complaint. Complaint categories are Animals, Business, Code Enforcement, Housing, Litter, and Vehicles. Be aware that issues of personal concern may not be a violation of the county code.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for the roads in Birkdale including maintenance and snow removal. The VDOT website for reporting problems or filing comments is www.virginiadot.org Regulations concerning Birkdale roads are part of the Chesterfield Code of Ordinances; some are parking regulations and others may be in zoning.

Holiday Happenings in the Richmond Area

Below is a listing of events taking place around town.

Model Railroad Show at the Science Museum of Virginia
Friday, Nov. 29 — Sunday, Dec. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street in Richmond
www.smv.org.

The three-day post-holiday event features model train displays with various scaled locomotives riding through intricate landscapes and miniature cities created by HO, O and N-scale model train enthusiasts from across Virginia. Other features include the Museum’s vintage train cars (which are only open once a year during the Model Railroad Show); Teddy Bear Express; Clydesdale horses; blacksmiths, steam engine demos and watch “Rocky Mountain Express” on the Giant Dome screen. Guests can also see the Museum’s centennial anniversary exhibition featuring photography and artifacts that tell the story of Richmond’s booming train station during its years in operation (1919-1975).

The Model Railroad Show is included with Museum admission, which is $15.50 for adults, $13.50 for youth and seniors and $10 for preschool-age children. Museum members and children two and under are admitted free. The Museum offers discounts for military, teachers and EBT cardholders. Dome tickets to see “Rocky Mountain Express” are additional.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Nightly through Jan. 6 from 5 – 10 p.m. (Closed Dec. 24 and 25)
1800 Lakeside Avenue in Richmond
Tickets $13 for adults | $8 for children age 3-12
www.lewisginter.org

The holiday season brings many events and activities for the whole family to Richmond, including the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The holiday tradition features one million twinkling lights, handcrafted botanical decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate (for purchase); nightly family activities & more.

This year’s theme “Magic in the Air” is inspired by things that fly. Fireflies and flying pigs, spaceships and unicorns take flight across the Garden, suspended on radiant wings of light and even an astronaut made of lights.

The show runs from 5 10 p.m. nightly but is closed Dec. 24 and 25. For more information call at 804-262-9887 or visit them online at www.lewisginter.org.

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village

Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village
Now through Dec 31 5:30 — 10 p.m.
Meadow Event Park
13191 Dawn Blvd. in Doswell
Tickets: $25 for car admission (1-9 passengers)
http://www.illuminatelightshow.com

Christmas light and music shows, with over two million LED lights, displayed over a 2.5-mile route, synchronized to rocking Christmas music played through your own car stereo.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night, through Christmas Eve, Illuminate Light Show & Santa’s Village is giving $5 off admission to anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy for Mason’s Toy Box. Mason’s Toy Box is a nonprofit organization established in 2011 to honor Mason Clark Thomas. Mason fought a rare childhood cancer from age 5 to age 11 and lost his battle on June 20th, 2011. Donations for teens and babies are the biggest need. Illuminate Light Show and Santa’s Village has partnered with Richmond Harley Davidson of Ashland to host a Toy Ride on Saturday, Nov. 30, benefiting Mason’s Toy Box. Approximately 200 riders are expected to take part in the Toy Ride, riders will depart for Illuminate Light Show at 5 p.m. All riders will receive free admission to Illuminate Light Show, with a donation of at least one new, unwrapped toy.

Legendary Santa at the Children’s Museum of Richmond
Friday, Nov. 29 through Tuesday Dec. 24
Children’s Museum of Richmond
2626 W. Broad Street in Richmond
https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/full-menu/legendary-santa/

As Richmond legends since 1936, Legendary Santa and the lovely Snow Queen have been delighting families for 83 years. It all started on the 7th floor of the historic Miller & Rhoads department store and now 25,000 children and families head to the Children’s Museum to continue, or start, their family tradition.

Special event with Santa: Sunrise and Sunset with Santa, Sensitive Santa, families with children who have sensory or other special needs are invited to a sensory-friendly visit with Legendary Santa, presented by Altria Companies Employee Community Fund, including special access to the Genworth Foundation Holiday Village, CMoR Central’s Exhibits, and the Virginia529 Fawn Shop. Details visit https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/full-menu/legendary-santa/

Visit Soul Santa
Saturday, Dec. 7 and 14 from Noon – 4 p.m.
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
122 West Leigh Street in Richmond
Blackhistorymuseum.org

Soul Santa is returning to Richmond at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia during the museum’s annual holiday open house Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14, noon – 4pm, The free event features pictures with Santa, storytelling for children, arts and crafts, and refreshments.
Details at details: http://www.blackhistorymuseum.org or (804) 780-9093.
NOTE: The museum is closed Nov. 28 and 29, but will be open Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Salsa Night at the Vineyard Estate
Saturday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m.
New Kent Winery
6800 New Kent Highway in New Kent

Salsa Connection Dance Company is back to teach you the moves and DJ Kevlar will keep the music playing. After lessons, dancing until 10pm. Wine and dinner available. Tickets available https://newkentwinery.com/calendar/2019/4/27/salsa-night-at-new-kent-winery or https://newkentwinery.com/

RVA Holiday Day Party
Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Main Stage at 112 North 5th Street in Richmond

The fourth annual RVA Holiday Day Party by KLM Scholarship Foundation is the “Hottest Holiday Day Party in RVA.” Music By DJ DRAKE, and hosted by CBS 6’s Shelby Brown. There will be a Cash Bar, Free Hors D’oeuvres (between 3:00pm – 4:30pm) Reserved Seating is available. Door Prizes. Funds raised will benefit book scholarships. For tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-rva-holiday-day-party-tickets-69461285575.

‘Hamilton’ at the Altria Theater
Now through Sunday, Dec. 8
Altria Theater
6 N Laurel St, Richmond, VA 23220
https://www.altriatheater.com/

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.

Forty (40) tickets will be sold for every performance for $10 each. Digital lotteries will begin two days prior to each performance. Details at the Altria Theater https://www.altriatheater.com/

You can also visit http://hamiltonmusical.com/lottery to register.
The lottery will open at 11:00 AM two days prior to the performance date and will close for entry at 9:00 AM the day prior to the performance.
Winner and non-winner notifications will be sent between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM the day prior to the performance via email and SMS (if mobile number is provided.)

for more information :
https://wtvr.com/2019/11/27/holiday-weekend-events-legendary-santa-illuminate-light-show-santas-village-more/

The Holidays are Upon Us

Chesterfield students enjoyed a nice long Thanksgiving break. There are a mere three weeks of school in December before students and teachers are out for Winter Break December 23-January 3rd.

Neighborhood Watch

Want to participate on a committee? This is a great way to meet and work with neighbors for a common goal: helping our community. We are currently looking for Neighborhood Watch, Covenants and Social Committee chairs.

Please send a message to this newsletter with your interests or contact any Board member, and the BCA will gladly and willingly find a place to use your talents! Many thanks!

newsletter@birkdaleonline.com

The Birkdale Board Members
* Earl Bishop, President, 639-5915, earlbishop8313@gmail.com
* Doug Craig, Vice President, 639-1439, cckcraig@aol.com
* Betsy Martello, Secretary/Treasurer, 739-7487, betsy@martellofamily.com
* Wayne Bass, Member-at -Large, 639-0795
*ACS West, Community Manager, Lee Ann King 804-282-7451, fax 804-282-9590, E-mail: admin@acswest.org

Association Contact Names and Numbers
* ARC—Lee Kemmet, 739-6405, clkem5@comcast.net
* Covenants Committee--- a volunteer is needed to head this committee Earl Bishop is currently serving as contact
* Landscaping/Lighting—Wayne Bass, 639-0795; Nick Martello, 739-7487
* Newsletter—Cynthia Steiner, 804-852-3365, newsletter@birkdaleonline.com
* Social Committee—VACANT
* Neighborhood Watch--VACANT (Won't you please put your name here?)

Other Community Contact Names and Numbers
* Women’s Club—currently inactive
* Lake Committee---Derek Evans 804-400-2295, husker19642002@yahoo.com
* Swim Team—Joy Blocher, email: collingtonswimteam@gmail.com
* Birkdale Golf Course Clubhouse, 739-8800, www.acumengolf.com
* Birkdale Golf/Swim Membership, hospitality@acumengolf.com

Support your Neighborhood and Local Businesses who Advertise in the Birkdale Classifieds

Happy Holidays! Do you need help with your yard and home projects? Time to contact the advertisers in this month's Classifieds to help tackle those chores. The Classifieds are filled with local businesses that offer services to make our lives easier. To view the current issue of the Birkdale Classifieds click the link below. This publication is printed and delivered to paper boxes of all Birkdale residents the first week of each month. If you would like to run an ad in the Birkdale Classifieds, contact Cynthia Steiner at classifieds@birkdaleonline.com. or text 804-852-3365. Resident rates start as low as $15/month.