Toscana Living November 2017 by Toscana of Desert Ridge

NOVEMBER 2017

Living

INSIDE RESTAURANT NIGHT

POOL PARTY

FRIENDSGIVING POTLUCK

Toscana Lifestyle

A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director I am delighted that we have a new Lifestyle Committee here at Toscana! The vision for most community lifestyle committees, including Toscana’s, is to support the lifestyle director and their efforts in creating wonderful lifestyle events for the community. This is the foundational idea behind a volunteer lifestyle committee. All Committee members have signed an official charter that includes such items as: the goals of the committee, code of conduct, etc. As an Association, we are required to notify the community at large at least 48 hours prior to our meetings. All residents are encouraged to attend the open forums. We’d love to see you at the next meeting! We have a wonderful group of residents willing to share their time, energy and ideas. Volunteer committee members are not expected to take on a full-time job, nor are they expected to know the daily ins-and-outs of maintenance, budget etc. Our initial goals for Toscana Lifestyle volunteer members are to: 1. Attend and assist at events, 2. Actively promote programming, and 3. Create/lead clubs within the community. If you have an awesome idea for an event, you don’t have to be a member of the volunteer committee. Just stop by the office and I’m happy to discuss with you directly. Alternatively, you could speak with a committee member to have your idea added to the next meeting

agenda. If you are interested in leading a club or volunteering for an event I’d love to speak with you! Our new volunteer members include: • Carol Paradis • Gil Berkowitz • Lynn Jerrett • Lynn Knode • Marcy Goldsmith • Marge Mandell • Olivia Marshall • Pat Brash Please thank your neighbor members for volunteering their time to be our social ambassadors!

Did you know….. Event registrations are accepted on a first come/first served basis. This means the fastest way to register for an event is online. Registering is super easy- all you do is click on the registration link in your weekly Lifestyle email or monthly newsletter. Registration links are underlined and in bold. If you do not receive the weekly email, please let us know so we can set you up. Registrations are processed in the following order of priority: 1. Online 2. In person- Calls/Walk-ins/Lock Box Please avoid missing out on one of our fantastic programs by registering as a first priority, online!

5450 E. Deer Valley Drive Building 2 Phoenix, AZ 85054 www.toscanaliving.net Phone: 480-585-0808 Fax: 480-585-2859 Night Manager: 480-861-0875 MANAGEMENT TEAM Dick Rosenhagen, CAMM, CMCA Community Manager drosenhagen@toscanaliving.net Nicole Careaga, CMCA Assistant Community Manager ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Christine Reeder Lifestyle Director creeder@toscanaliving.net Alicja Davis Concierge adavis@toscanaliving.net Kevin Wiegel Administrative Assistant kwiegel@toscanaliving.net NIGHT MANAGERS: Don Meeks dmeeks@toscanaliving.net Jackie Hernandez hhernandez@toscanaliving.net MAINTENANCE: John Raabe Maintenance Supervisor jraabe@toscanaliving.net Keith Buc Maintenance Tech Ignacio Santana Porter

ON THE COVER Trukin’ Tuesday

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Toscana Lifestyle

TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS CHIP AND DIP POOLSIDE GOLF CLINIC WITH PGA PRO ALEX FISHER AND FUCHSIA SPA Friday, November 3 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM, Palazzo Grande Pool Cost: $3 per person, RSVP by November 2. Come join Alex Fisher, one of Golf Digest Magazines “Best Young teachers” and PGA Certified Instructor for a fun short game clinic around the community pool. Learn how to pitch the golf ball and see if you can hit the floating green. You’re guaranteed to have a splash of a time and a chance to win a private golf lesson with Alex. Our friends at Fuchsia Spa will be present to provide complimentary massage and offer health & beauty tips! Appetizers and soft drinks/water will be provided. TRUHIT FITNESS BOOTCAMP Saturday, November 4 from 12 PM – 1 PM, Tennis Court Jumpstart your 2018 resolutions with an amazing FREE workout provided by TruHiT. The team from TruHiT will conduct a HiT style - high intensity interval training - workout at and around the tennis courts. No matter where you are in your path to better health and fitness this is the workout for you. Bring a towel, water, and be ready to work! After you enjoy this taste of TruHiT be sure to sign up for the FREE 4 week challenge that starts a week after this bootcamp. http://truhitfitness.com/challenge CREATIVE CARD AND CRAFT CLASS Thursday, November 9, 11 AM - 1 PM AND 2 PM - 4 PM Palazzo Grande Fiesta Kitchen Cost: $10 to instructor directly Diane will kick-start your creative side by hosting a Creative Card Making class. Classes may sell out and are only $10 for residents (payable directly to the instructor). There are two sessions available. ANNUAL TOSCANA RESTAURANT NIGHT - SOLD OUT Wednesday, November 8 from 6 PM - 8 PM Palazzo Grande Cobblestones The Annual Restaurant Night Event will be held on Wednesday, November 8 from 6PM - 8PM. Join us for an elegant evening at the Palazzo Grande Cobblestone to sample specialty fare and signature dishes from the local restaurants and enjoy live band entertainment. What a wonderful evening for only $10 per person! PARENT’S NIGHT OUT “FREE BIRDS” Friday, November 10 from 6 PM - 8 PM Palazzo Vacanza Parent’s Night Out (Grandparent’s too!)- Kid’s Night IN! A special evening pajama party for Toscana’s smallest residents with coloring, pizza & a movie (Free Birds this month). Bring a blanket, stuffie or pillow for the movie. There are 2 volunteer spaces for this event.

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Toscana Lifestyle

HEADSHOTS COUNT! PHOTOS WITH MARK Saturday, November 11 from 10 AM - 11 AM, Palazzo Centro Media Room Cost: $55 Headshots count, so make yours special! It’s important to keep your personal brand current with Linkedin, your email and your company website. You will receive professional high resolution digitally retouched electronic photo appropriate for self marketing. If you watch 3tv news, you are already familiar with the quality of Mark Sachet’s work! PARDNER POOL PARTY Saturday, November 11 from 3 PM - 6 PM, Palazzo Grande Pool Cost: $5 Join your friends and neighbors for our last “summer” pool party. There will be savory BBQ food and Live Country Music for your entertainment by the Palazzo Grande Pool. Wear your swim suit if you feel inspired and get ready to dance! TRUCKIN’ TUESDAY WITH HIBACHIBOT FOOD TRUCK Tuesday, November 14 from 5 PM - 7 PM Palazzo Grande Cobblestones It’s a no-cook night! Come on down to the Palazzo Grande Pool Area to check out Hibachibot Korean BBQ. Looks like it will be a delicious night! Please stop by the office or check out their website at www.hibachibot.com for a menu. FRIENDSGIVING POTLUCK DINNER Friday, November 17 from 6 PM - 8 PM, Palazzo Vacanza Join us for a casual get together for those dear friends we consider family but that we won’t be giving thanks with on the Thanksgiving Holiday. The main dish will be supplied by the HOA, please plan to bring your side dish serving for six servings. Residents with the last name beginning with T-Z, please bring dessert. If your last name begins with A-S Please bring a side dish. BONSAI AND POTTERY EXHIBIT AT THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN Saturday, November 18 from 11 AM to 3:30 PM Cost: $10 The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix invites residents to its Second Annual Bonsai Exhibit sponsored by Scottsdale Bonsai Society, Phoenix Bonsai Society and Nakama Bonsai Kai. This year they will be joining their Bonsai exhibit with another piece of Japanese artistry, pottery and Ikenobo (traditional flower arrangement) display. Tickets are only $10 and include a light lunch. SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC PERFORMING BEETHOVEN’S 9TH SYMPHONY Sunday, November 19 from 3 PM - 6 PM Cost: $17 Arizona’s Premiere Philharmonic presents Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. Do not miss this great orchestral and choral performance with a 100-member choir singing behind the orchestra. Beethoven’s final symphony is considered to be one of his greatest works and is arguably his most recognized pieces. This event will sell out, so register early- it’s first come first served!

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Toscana Lifestyle

GOBBLE, GOBBLE DEATH AND TROUBLE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Saturday, November 25 from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Palazzo Vacanza, Cost: $5 Join the Toscana Suspects and Investigators as we try to decode the motive, means and opportunity associated with chef Ramsey Gordon’s demise. Dinner will be served during this Fowl murder mystery. Investigative teams of 6 people will be formed as guests arrive- or come as your own team of 6. ORGAN STOP PIZZA TRIP Thursday, November 30 from 4:30 PM - 7:45 PM Organ Stop’s Mighty Wurlitzer is one of the largest and finest theater organs in the world today! Its nearly 6000 pipes, numerous percussions, and countless traps are masterfully presented by the musical staff who are world class musicians. Our reservation is on the main floor, & dinner is at your discretion- Bring cash as they do not accept cards. CHASE FIELD TOUR AND LUNCHEON Wednesday, December 6 from 9:30 AM - 1 PM The rotunda inside the main gate of Chase Field looks very different when there aren’t thousands of people walking through it. Join our friends during this guided tour of the wonderful ballpark. Stop with your Toscana friends to admire the artwork on the upper levels depicting Arizona scenes, as well as the map of Arizona on the floor. We will stop for lunch, so bring your wallet!

CLUBS AND CLASSES NEW CLUB! LADIES PING PONG: November 21 at 11:00am in Palazzo Vacanza. BILLIARDS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1:00pm, Billiards Room in Palazzo Grande HIKING CLUB: November 27, meet a 9:00 am to carpool to Marcus Landslide. MAHJONG CLUB: Mondays at 6:30pm, Palazzo Grande STUD POKER CLUB: Wednesdays at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande. Bring $5 and your poker face. Contact Phil Labue at 480-513-3615. BOOK CLUB: November 15 at 6:30pm, Palazzo Vacanza. “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult HAND & FOOT CLUB: Thursdays at 6pm, Palazzo Grande. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 VIP CLUB CARD: Stop by the concierge office if you have not received your VIP Club Card. COFFEE SOCIAL: Each Wednesday and Friday at 9:00am in Palazzo Grande Kitchen BINGO: November 22 at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande. Please feel free to suggest any club ideas to staff !

IMPORTANT RSVP INFORMATION PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RSVPS AND CORRESPONDING PAYMENTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 5PM ON THE DAY OF THE RSVP DEADLINE. All RSVP’s without payment collected by the deadline will be considered invalid. Unless noted otherwise, all RSVP’s can be made by dropping correct change or a check to Toscana Association in a clearly marked envelope inside the drop box by the Lifestyle Director’s office in Palazzo Centro. Alternatively, you may register by clicking on the RSVP option included in the weekly email blast and you will automatically receive the payment link. We regret to inform you that late RSVP’s cannot be accepted after the deadline, and that refunds cannot be issued except in the case that Toscana cancels an event. Your cooperation with these policies helps ensure that our vendors have the notice they require, that we steward assessment dollars appropriately and avoid needless waste, and that the event experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for participants.

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Toscana Lifestyle CONCIERGE CORNER By Alicja Davis, Concierge

We are pleased to invite our fabulous Restaurant vendors to showcase their tasting plates and samples at our vibrant community of Toscana Desert Ridge. Restaurant Night is an excellent opportunity to interface with our VIP partners and to learn about their wonderful menu options. Last year, this event was enjoyed by many residents and we hope to provide another valuable and beneficial experience for participating restaurants and Toscana audience. Participating Restaurants this year include Mastro’s, Tryst Café, Gordon Biersch, Kona Grill, Ocean Prime, MidiCi, Maggiano’s, Torch Cigar Bar, and Rosati’s.

Local Current Events Dinosaurs in the Desert Phoenix Zoo/Arizona Center for Nature Conservation 455 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix Now through April 30 This fall, 23 prehistoric creatures will descend onto the Zoo’s Desert Lives Trail. This will be an unforgettable selfguided expedition into the land of the lost you won’t want to miss. Repositioning Paolo Soleri: The City Is Nature Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art 7374 East Second Street Scottsdale, AZ Now through to January 28, 2018 Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art unveils an unprecedented exhibit of pioneering Italian- American artist and architect, Paolo Soleri. Over his sixty-year career, Soleri explored thousands of possibilities for the urban built environment in drawings, architectural models, sketchbooks, sculptures, prints and photographs. His groundbreaking idea “arcology,” or the fusion of architecture and ecology, proved prescient in its ties to current issues about sustainable cities, suburban sprawl, climate change, renewable energy and water shortages. His Arcosanti project is an urban vision focused on innovative design, community, and environmental sustainability. “The City Is Nature” exhibit spans the breadth of Soleri’s ideas and practice, bringing together elements from his built and unbuilt residences, bridges, dams, cities and transportation systems. This ground-breaking exhibition represents the largest collection of original works by Soleri presented in North America since 1971.

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Toscana Lifestyle

We are pleased to welcome new VIP Partners: Yogurt Time – High Street Hangout Visit our neighbors at Yogurt Time to try their delicious products including frozen yogurt, handcrafted gelato, cold beverages, coffee, and more yummy treats! Toscana residents receive 20% off their purchase - please pick up your coupon at the concierge desk.

TOSCANA FIVE RESTAURANT REVIEW Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

15505 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale 85260, 480-355-0740, 7am - 8 pm, closed Sunday

FIT36 Desert Ridge 36 minutes efficient total body training! High energy, supportive and motivating environment. Discounted membership rates for Toscana residents and a FREE week trial. Please see your concierge for more information. Anytime Fitness High Street Health and Wellness Studio * $0 Enrollment ($75 value), 1 complimentary personal training session and 2 complimentary group training sessions ($90 value) * Secure access 24/7/365 to over 3,000 locations worldwide * Accepting Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit * VIP Special: $34.99/month per yearly agreement and $39.99 month to month. For more information, please contact Jimmy Miller at 602-715-0700 or HighStreetPHX@AnytimeFitness.com Additional information: Private restrooms including showers, brand new facility with brand new equipment, supportive community feel, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and access to nutrition guidance and additional resources.

Kneaders is a chain restaurant that specializes in a variety of freshly baked breads plus sandwiches, salads, hearty soups, homemade pastries and breakfast fare. Prices are really reasonable. Land mark to find this restaurant is in the same parking lot with Home Depot. Atmosphere is casual and cozy. When we entered we saw a wonderful display of items great to buy for yourself or for friends like aprons, jewelry, decorated items, etc. It was hard to choose from the menu, everything sounded so good. One of us had a salad called chicken ala mondo, which is spring mix, grilled chicken breast, bacon, red onions, sliced almonds, mozzarella cheese and sweet poppy seed dressing. (Very fresh and tasty). Another salad we tried was chicken raspberry nut, consist of spinach, grilled chicken, red onions, fresh berries, walnuts, candied pecans, feta cheese, and raspberries walnut vinaigrette dressing. (Soooo good). One had avocado veg.sandwich on a focaccia bread and a cup of broccoli soup (everything was wonderful). One had turkey bacon avocado on focaccia sandwich which is slow-roasted hand-pulled turkey, bacon, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and avocado. (Enjoyed it all) We would highly recommend this restaurant.

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In and Around Toscana

MANAGER TIDBITS By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager

Annual Meeting Wow, it is hard to believe that we are near the end of 2017. That means that is it time to start planning for our 2018 Annual Meeting. It has been scheduled for February 12, 2018 and there are two volunteer positions that will become open on the Board. The two current homeowner board members are serving a one year term this year in order to stagger the positions. All future positions will hold a two year term on the Board of Directors. As determined last year, those two positions will be appointed by the Declarant to the Board of Directors for a two year term following a preference election which will be held on February 12, 2018 at the Annual Meeting of the Members. Tentative timeline follows: • The Association will request volunteer homeowner applications for a seat on the Board of Directors in early November 2017. • Deadline for volunteer applications will be in early December 2017. • Candidate Bio’s and ballots to be mailed out in early January 2018. • Meet the Candidates Event to be held in middle of January 2018. • Annual Meeting of the Members and announcement/appointment of new homeowners to the Board of Directors will be held on February 12, 2018. We look forward to seeing all owners who are able to attend the Annual Meeting.

ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES By Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager Welcome Back to those returning to Toscana and the amazing Arizona fall weather. 2017 has been a busy year and, along with all of the projects that are underway, your Lifestyle Director and Committee have been busy creating new clubs and classes for you to enjoy. This month I want to highlight a great new club that is still in the early stages and showcases YOU! Now Showing in the Palazzo Grande Billiard Room is artwork created by Toscana Residents. We have provided the supplies needed for

anyone interested in displaying their original works of art for all of your neighbors to see. Bring your canvas paintings, drawings or even your photographic masterpieces. We welcome all to participate and hope that this will develop into a group that will work together to create pieces, travel to museums together and just make friends with those who have similar interests. As we have not yet created a resident point of contact, please reach out to me with any questions. Keep an eye on the bulletin boards for updates for this group as well as for all of the clubs and classes offered at Toscana.

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Toscana Events and Programs

November 2017

Clubs Events Association

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM HOA BOARD MEETING PV 6PM

MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM

Thursday 1

8 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM RESTAURANT NIGHT PG COBBLESTONES 6PM

WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM CARD CRAFT CLASS- 11AM CARD CRAFT CLASS- 2PM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

Friday

Saturday

3 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL WITH ALEX FISHER PG POOL 6PM

10 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM PARENTS NIGHT OUT PV 6:00PM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

13 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

14 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TRUCKIN’ TUESDAY HIBACHIBOT FOOD TRUCK PG 5PM

15 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6:30PM

16 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

17 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIENDSGIVING TURKEY DINNER PV 6PM

19 SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS BEETHOVEN’S 9TH OFFSITE 3PM

20 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

21 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM NEW CLUBPING PONG PV 11AM

22 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BINGO PG 6PM

23 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM HOA OFFICE CLOSED

24 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM HOA OFFICE CLOSED

27 HIKING CLUB MARCUS LANDSLIDE 9AM MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

28 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM

29 REGISTER FOR CHASE STADIUM LUNCH TOUR SCHEDULED FOR 12/6

30 ORGAN STOP PIZZA TRIP OFFSITE 4:30PM WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM

4 TOTAL BODY WORKOUT WITH TRUHIT TENNIS COURT 12PM

11 HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY PC 10AM POOL PARTY PG 3-6PM

JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN OFFSITE 10AM

25 MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PV 5:30PM

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Toscana Lifestyle ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES by Kevin Wiegel, Administrative Assistant

DELIVERIES AND MOVES As we continue to move forward with the new carpet and painting of the buildings’ hallways, doors and trim, it is more important than ever that we prevent damage when we have furniture delivered and/ or move out. There are a few “moving” requirements that you may not remember from your new resident orientation. First of all, please stop by the administration office and fill out a moving pass. This will be your moving truck’s pass to get in the gate. Because we have had considerable damage in the past from movers, we now require a refundable moving deposit. We will inspect your building’s halls, walls, and elevator before and after the move, and then refund the deposit if no damage has occurred. Movers, whether bringing in a new dishwasher or a complete household, are required to move everything through the front door, regardless of whether or not

another door may be more convenient to them. There is a “hold-open” button at the front door that will keep the door open while the movers are there. Please remember to reverse the action once the movers have finished. Finding adequate parking for moving trucks is always a challenge. Some buildings have fewer parking spaces than others and this can lead to trucks having to park further away from the door than they would like. Please contact management if you think your moving truck will need special consideration. Last but not least, please let the movers know that we frown on letting them empty the truck in the parking lot and then moving the items to your condo. This can block parking, sidewalks and be a safety hazard. Have them move each item directly to your unit from their truck. If we are all able to follow these simple rules, moves will be less stressful to all involved and damage will be minimized.

UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM By John Raabe, Maintenance Supervisor UNDER SINK CHECK VALVES So far this year the community has had eight costly backups. When the garbage disposal is not properly used or improper things are poured down the drain it can cause a blockage that can back up into your neighbors unit, causing substantial monetary damage, for which you may be held liable. Below is a list of items to avoid putting down your garbage disposal: Greens, Celery Stalks, Nuts and Seeds, Coffee Grounds, Fats and Grease, Fruit Pits, Paper, Plastic, and Glass, Starchy Items (Rice, Potatoes, Pasta, etc.), Shells (Egg and shellfish) and Bones, and Vegetable Peelings. Some items our plumbers have pulled out of our clogged drains include rags and handy wipes or flushable wipes. Even though they are marketed as flushable they really

are not and can cause serious problems. I hear a lot of residents say “I used to put this down my house sink”, but one thing you must remember is that for each stack there are four units, so stuff is building up in these pipes four times as much as anywhere else and over time will cause backups. One of the things we recommend and some owners have installed is an under sink check valve, this valve allows water to flow only in one direction. There are many styles of check valves and your plumber can recommend what will work best for you. There are also a few items that can be researched and purchased that will alert you if water is filling up in your sink while you are away for long periods of times.

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In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: ONLY THE BRAVE By Gil Berkowitz A TRUE LIFE STORY OF HEROISM AND SACRIFICE

In the opening scene of “Only the Brave,” a flaming bear lunges at the camera and thru to the audience in the middle of a flaming forest. The image of the burning bear returns several times during the course of the film. It is a memory that fire crew superintendent Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin) describes as “the most beautiful and terrible thing I’ve ever seen.” Director Joseph Kosinski has taken this idea seriously as the movie is visually beautiful, spellbinding and overwhelming emotionally. It is a true life story of character and community. “Only the Brave” follows a group of men, the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a bunch of young wildfire specialists. They take us into the world of a rugged, highly trained team of wilderness fire fighters. “Hotshots” is a term that refers to the elite fighters who are on the front lines of raging wildfires. They use axes and chainsaws to cut down trees and brush and then torch them to create a large enough stretch of land that the real wildfire cannot pass. Eric Marsh is the hardheaded but fair veteran fire chief who’ll do anything for his men. His work keeps him away from his devoted horse rancher wife Amanda (Jennifer Connelly). Marsh is a no-nonsense authority figure as the Hostshots chief. He is a flawed man, compassionate and smart who is haunted by his past. His wife Amanda is a complex and interesting woman and is played with intensity by Connelly. There are compelling moments between her and Marsh. Miles Teller plays Brendan McDonough whose nickname is Donut. He is a junkie and screw-up. Marsh lets him join the Hotshots and it’s a last ditch opportunity for him. He is trying to turn his life around after he learns he has a baby on the way. Jeff Bridges plays the crusty retired Prescott fire chief who helps oversee the Hotshots. He has some powerful scenes near the end of the film.

The film is inspired by the courage and sacrifice of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, who memorably battled a devastating fire in the summer of 2013 in Prescott, Arizona. The movie pays tribute to these men, their families and their heroics. It is not an easy film to watch, but it should be seen. It plays at Harkins theaters throughout the vallley and is rated PG-13. Run time is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

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In and Around Toscana

Easy Does It from a Fairway Bunker By Alex Fisher Navigating your way around a golf course is not always straight forward. Sometimes you’re asked to hit a narrow fairway, or over a water hazard. Naturally, it is easy to get intimidated by your surroundings but there’s one particular shot that I see golfers get anxious over, hitting out of a fairway bunker. Golfers tend to over think the situation but it really is a shot that shouldn’t cause you too much trouble as long as you keep it simple and follow these simple steps: If there’s one thought to concentrate on when playing a full shot from a fairway bunker, it’s to hit the ball before the sand. This is undoubtedly the key to success at long shots from sand. If the club head makes contact with the sand first, you lose a great deal of distance on the shot. Before setting foot in the bunker, look at the distance between you and the green and judge which club you need. Then, providing there’s enough loft to clear the lip in front of you, take one more longer club. The small adjustments you need to make in your swing means that the ball doesn’t travel quite as far as a shot from grass. Always remember – if the lip in front of you is so high that you can’t use a club long enough to reach the green, resist the temptation to try anything adventurous. It usually ends in disaster. Just accept that you can’t attack the pin this time – make sure of your escape and go for the green with your next shot. In these situations a cagey approach keeps you out of trouble. Work your feet into the sand just enough to give yourself a firm footing. Put a little more than half your weight on your front foot. This promotes a steeper swing arc which helps you strike the ball cleanly. Grip slightly further down the club as an extra precaution against taking too much sand.

Play the ball further back in your stance than for a shot from grass. This helps ensure the clubhead is on a downward path into impact. Make a three quarter backswing for maximum control – the choice of one more club removes any doubt about distance. Make sure that your head remains very still on the downswing. Dipping down is likely to cause a heavy shot. If you come up off the ball – even just slightly – you’re in real danger of hitting it thin. Keep your hands ahead of the club head at impact and resist looking up to see where the ball is going. You should be only concerned with how close you just hit it to the flag. Alex Fisher is a PGA Certified Golf Instructor and founder of the Ahwatukee Golf Academy. He is available for golf lessons at the Foothills Golf Club and can be reached at (602)363-9800

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In and Around Toscana MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

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In and Around Toscana

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TL Advertise with Toscana Living Emailed to Toscana Residents weekly. Contact Alicja Davis at 480-585-0808 or adavis@toscanaliving.net

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