HOA DRAMA, SHENANIGANS, AND MYSTERY by Sheryl Jordan

 A homeowner’s association (HOA) governs and manages a housing community, setting rules and bylaws (with the assistance of a hired attorney) for its residents. Residents pay fees to cover the cost of amenities and services provided, such as swimming pools, landscaping of common areas, clubhouses, gyms, etc.

My first experience living in a community with an HOA during the late 1980s – early 1990s was relatively uneventful. Everything was organized, and communication of changes and updates was timely, even though it was done by postal mail, or letters and flyers placed on your screen doors.

Two years ago, we purchased a home in a beautiful golf course community. I love living in our community, as most residents are friendly, and I have built close friendships with some of them. Our HOA offers numerous committees for residents to get involved in, as well as activities for children, adults, and families residing here.

After attending several meetings and reading some of the comments in their aftermath, I was prompted to write a fictional mystery short story or novel about the shenanigans and cutthroat drama that occur in a fictitious HOA community.

I began researching HOAs and community posts on various websites. I found there is dissatisfaction with HOAs across the United States. Not just with the HOA, but discord amongst the people living in these types of communities.

I read about instances where arguments between HOA Board members and residents escalated into full-blown fights during meetings, acts of revenge, and sabotage among committee members and neighbors.

Although I won't be sharing many details of my story in progress, rest assured that it will include drama, revenge, and a deceased body or two.

What were your experiences with an HOA or neighborhood you’ve had the pleasure of residing in? Please share your story, good, bad, ugly, or funny.

Count Dracula, the legendary Vampire by Teresa Inge

As October approaches, a month often associated with Halloween, numerous horror films begin to air on television. Iconic characters such as Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers signal the onset of the season dedicated to suspense and fright. In my childhood, I enjoyed classic movies like Frankenstein, works by Alfred Hitchcock, and stories featuring Count Dracula. My siblings and I often repeated lines such as “I want to suck your blood,” showing how much the character influenced us.

Dracula is one of the most enduring and iconic creatures in gothic literature and popular culture. Originating from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, this vampire has become synonymous with the myths and legends of the undead, shaping the portrayal of vampires in literature, film, and media for over a century.

Origins of the Novel

Dracula tells the story of Count Dracula, a centuries-old vampire from Transylvania who travels to England in search of new blood, spreading his undead curse. The novel is presented through a series of diary entries, letters, and newspaper articles, chronicling the efforts of Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, Dr. Van Helsing, and others as they attempt to stop Dracula’s reign of terror.

Bram Stoker’s creation was inspired by Eastern European folklore and historical figures such as Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century Romanian prince known for his brutal methods of punishment.  

Characteristics of Dracula

Dracula is often depicted as a charismatic yet terrifying figure. He possesses supernatural abilities including immortality, shapeshifting into a bat or wolf, control over animals, and the power to mesmerize his victims. Traditionally, vampires like Dracula cannot endure sunlight, must drink blood to survive, and are vulnerable to garlic, holy symbols, and stakes through the heart.

Dracula in Popular Culture

Since the publication of Stoker’s novel, Dracula has been adapted into countless films, television shows, and theatrical productions. Throughout my childhood, I watched the 1931 Universal Pictures film starring Bela Lugosi who popularized the image of Dracula with his slicked-back hair, a high-collared cape, and an Eastern European accent.

From Hammer Films featuring Christopher Lee as Dracula in the mid-20th century to more recent adaptations such as the TV series Dracula and the movie Hotel Transylvania, the character continues to appear in popular culture.

Dracula’s Legacy

Dracula’s impact extends beyond entertainment; he has become a cultural symbol representing fear, eternal life, and the struggle between good and evil. The novel also sparked interest in vampire lore and gothic fiction as literary genres.

As Halloween approaches in the next few weeks, viewers will remain drawn to Dracula for its enduring vampire legend. Are you watching?