April 2020-Toscana Living Magazine

LIVING

toscana

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW

WELCOME SPRING APRIL 2020

Our Staff.

Community Manager Nicole Careaga ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Assistant Community Manager Christine Reeder creeder@toscanaliving.net Lifestyle Director Mark Gatchell mgatchell@toscanaliving.net Concierge Director Katie Lucas klucas@toscanaliving.net Community Patrol/Admin Saffron Caudle scaudle@toscanaliving.net Facilities Director John Raabe jraabe@toscanaliving.net Maintenance Staff Ignacio Santana, Keith Buc, Daniel Renteria Night Managers Don Meeks, Jackie Hernandez 480.861.0875 Gate House Staff Chet Sanders, Joshua Oakley, Laura Taylor, Nina Fader, MaryJane Vital, Brian Stower 480.513.0602

ASSOCIATION OFFICE 5450 E Deer Valley Drive Building 2 Phoenix, AZ 85308 480.585.0808

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY 480.234.9288

toscanaliving.net

Nicole's Noteables THANK YOU, TOSCANA FAMILY By Nicole Careaga

During this time of uncertainty, I want to send out a huge message of gratitude to the Toscana Family. Residents continue to be supportive, as we are forced to shut down amenities, limit exposure of the residents and team members, and work daily to bring you the level of service that you are accustomed to, and that we enjoy providing.

In this issue, we provide you with updates on how to keep you and your families safe, things to do to stay entertained while staying in your condo, and ways to just cope with our new temporary normal. I want to assure you that business at Toscana continues and we are

here to assist you. You may not see our smiling faces as much as you are used to, but members of our team are available daily onsite, and a number of us continue to be available to you all remotely.

During this time, we continue to process work orders and complete projects, such as the window and parkade cleanings, parking lot crack seal and others to keep Toscana the beautiful place you call home.

So sit tight, stay healthy, practice social distancing and together we will get through this. Once done, we will party together and celebrate a new start.

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E L Y T S E IF

toscana

L

by Mark Gatchell

Find the beauty in nature this Spring.

Ring in the spring season by sprucing up your balcony! Many of you already have potted plants on your balcony, just waiting for the spring planting season. Why not take a moment and plant something creative or even environmentally conscious this year? A small herb garden is always a great option, but if you’re looking for some new ideas, I’ve got you covered.

When you walk onto your balcony, and take a deep breath, you want the air to be as crisp and clear as possible. Some excellent air purification plants include aloe, spider plants, peace lilies, and small weeping fig trees. Plus, aloe is known for its medicinal qualities, making is a great (and extremely hearty) planting option!

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Another fantastic idea, that is easy to do on your balcony, is to plant a butterfly garden.

Not only are the plants beautiful to grow, but you will be doing your part to help the dwindling Arizona butterfly population. Some ideal plants you can plant are Heartleaf Ice plant, Baby Sun Rose, Milkweed varieties, Passion Vine, Baja Fairy Duster, Lantana, and so much more.

Arizona has several butterfly species including Southern Dogface, Orange Sulphur, Checkered White, Monarch, and several varieties of the swallowtail. Sadly, the Monarch butterfly population has plummeted 86% in one year. By planting a butterfly garden on your patio, you are doing a small part to help the butterfly population.

An abundance of butterflies is often an indication that an

ecosystem is thriving. This is due to the fact that butterflies are an essential component of a food chain, as predators and prey. Adult butterflies and caterpillars are an important source of food for other animals, such as bats and birds.

Along with nectar, butterflies eat a variety of plants. Some species also provide a natural form of pest control. For example, the harvester butterfly eats aphids while it is in its caterpillar form.

Planting butterfly friendly plants, having sunny areas for butterflies to bask and warmup, along with providing a shallow water source such as a birdbath will all help to attract butterflies to your garden.

With minimal effort we can all make a difference in no matter how large or small to help improve our lives and

help our environment around us. Not only does a butterfly garden help our butterfly population but it also makes your balcony a wonderful place to relax and enjoy all spring long!

Order plants and resources online at Home Depot, or get a 10% discount on phone orders with local nursery, Moon Valley. Just call 602-938-MOON, we've also confirmed that they can do "nocontact pickup," where you just drive up, have your car loaded, and be on your way!

Grow the butterfly population and a beautiful garden at the same time!

Create a relaxing, and enjoyable space right outside your door.

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NEIGHBORS' FAVORITES INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp. butter 1 clove garlic, minced 2 lb. asparagus ends trimmed, cut into 1" pieces Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 c. low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 c. heavy cream, plus more for garnish Freshly chopped chives, for garnish Freshly chopped dill, for garnish PAGE 5

DIRECTIONS 1. In a heavy pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, 5 minutes. Add broth and simmer, covered, until asparagus is very tender but still green, 10 to 15 minutes.

This Cream of Asparagus soup recipe is perfect for Spring!

2. Using an immersion or regular blender, puree soup.

If using a regular blender, be sure to stop and remove the lid a few times to avoid overheating the soup.

Return to pot, stir in cream, then warm over low heat— season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Garnish with more cream and herbs

CONNECTION

community

by Katie Lucas

TIPS FOR AT-HOME SELF-CARE

START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL: An article about the benefits of gratitude published by Harvard Health explains that “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

ORGANIZE A WEEKLY PHONE OR VIDEO CALL WITH LOVED ONES Phone calls don’t just have to be an audio experience, you can use a computer to video chat via Skype, or use an iPhone or iPad to FaceTime. The key is to schedule these calls the same way you would schedule a dinner: make it more official by putting it on your calendar.

KEEP FIT With routines for everyone from novice to fitness guru, Healthline can get those endorphins going and keep all those boredom cookies you're baking off your hips.

STAY HYDRATED Staying hydrated not only helps keep you physically fit, but helps keep your mental health in tip-top shape, as well. Most people need at least three litres of water daily.

Good Housekeeping will also be offering virtual classes to those who prefer a little more structure!

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TOSCANA OF DESERT RIDGE

Planting Seeds

GREAT INDOOR GARDEN PLANTS AÂ breath of fresh air for your home from greatist.com

Best Fruits: Avocados

Purchase a dwarf avocado plant to get the best quality avocados at home. To tend to your tree, add some sand to the bottom of a large, well-draining pot before filling it with regular potting mix and planting. Prune often and water regularly...but don't soak it!

Lemons

Purchase a dwarf tree that is about 2-3 years old. Choose a clay, ceramic, or plastic pot slightly larger than the root ball of your tree. Fill the drainage dish with stones to allow air to circulate. Use a potting soil specifically formulated for citrus trees. Place the plant in an area that will receive 8 to 12 hours of sunlight each day. Water regularly. Citrus trees like moist air, so misting the leaves with a spray bottle will help keep the leaves perky.

Mandarin Oranges

Purchase a dwarf tree and place is a spacious pot. Place in a sunny spot and water regularly. The trees can grow up to 6 feet tall, and their root system grows along with them. When the roots begin to grow back on themselves or out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot in a container that’s at least 2 inches larger in diameter.

Tomatoes

At the start, select a pot with about 6 in of space for each plant you plan to grow. Fill the container with starter mix and plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.

Water, keeping the soil moist but not soggy in an area with even sun distribution. Expect the seeds to germinate in 5 to 10 days. When the seedlings are about 3 inches tall, transplant them from the starter mix to potting soil. As the plants grow larger, you may need to stake them to avoid broken stems.When plants bloom, tap the main stem and larger side branches with your finger — this will help to encourage pollination.

P6GE 8

Best Veggies: Garlic Greens

Start by purchasing a few garlic bulbs with small cloves. Select a 4-inch pot with drainage holes at the bottom and a small bag of potting soil. Fill the pot with soil to about half an inch below the top of the container. Break the bulbs into individual cloves (leaving the peel on), and push each individual clove about an inch into the soil, pointy end up.Plant about 12 cloves close together.

Water well and place the container in a sunny spot. Make sure that the soil remains moist but not soggy. Green shoots should appear in about 1 week.

Carrots

Purchase carrot seeds and a pot or window box that’s at least a 1.5 square feet, with drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the container to within an inch of the top with a potting mix. Water the soil before planting the seeds. Plant the seeds 1 inch apart in rows 6 inches apart from each other, pressing the seeds gently into the soil and covering them with a thin layer of soil.Place the container in an area that receives tons of light. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked.

Salad Greens

Choose a planter box with drainage holes in the bottom and fill it with potting soil. Use your finger to poke holes into the soil about 4 inches apart.If using seeds: Sprinkle a few of them into each hole, then pat the soil back over the hole to cover them up.If using starts: Massage the roots before placing each start in a hole, filling in around them with soil.After planting seeds or starts, water the soil. When plants start to appear (if growing from seed), pull out all but the largest, healthiest shoots. Water the soil regularly, making sure that it always remains moist to the touch.

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Best Veggies: Microgreens

Start by purchasing a variety of seeds, such as radishes, kale, Swiss chard, beets, basil, and dill. Fill a shallow tray, no more than 2 inches deep or a shallow pot with a drainage hole, and fill to the top with potting mix. Moisten the soil with water. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil (they should be close to each other but not touching). Sift a thin layer of soil over the top to cover the seeds.

Using a spray bottle, lightly mist the soil. Place the tray on a sunny windowsill in a room that’s between 60 and 70°F. Mist or lightly water the soil daily so it remains moist. In about 3 to 5 days, the seeds will likely germinate — once they do, make sure they get 12 to 14 hours of light each day.

Scallions

Scallions win the prize for easiest kitchen crop. To get them growing, simply buy a bunch, wrap the bulbs together with a rubber band, and place the whole shebang (greens, bulbs, and all) in a glass with an 1 of water.Change the water daily. When new green shoots appear and the roots have doubled in length (in about 7 to 10 days), plant the scallions in a shallow pot or other small container.Keep the plants evenly watered (i.e., don’t let the soil get too dry before watering) and in full sun.

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Best Herbs: Chives

Start by purchasing seeds and selecting a pot that’s 6 to 8 inches in diameter.

Fill it almost to the top with potting mix.Plant the seeds, making sure they’re covered by a light layer of soil. Place the container in an area that’s partially shaded. Water regularly, making sure the soil never dries out.

Basil

Start by purchasing seeds or a starter plant online or at a nursery or grocery store. Choose a container that’s at least 4 inches wide and has good drainage holes. Basil likes at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. Fertilize the soil about once a month. Water often — about once a day when temperatures are really hot, or every other day in less intense conditions. Pruning will also help you maximize your basil yield.

Cilantro

Begin by purchasing coriander seeds or starter plants and selecting a container that’s at least 8 inches deep and has holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the container with soil, leaving about an inch or 2 at the top of the pot. Press the seeds into the soil, then water the soil until moist. Cover the container with plastic wrap, securing it with rubber bands. Remove the plastic wrap once the seedlings have germinated and are pushing against the plastic. Water the seedlings each day or so and keep the container in an area that receives a substantial amount of sunlight.

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Best Herbs: Ginger

This one’s easy — like, really, really easy. Simply purchase a chunk of ginger at the grocery store and cover it with soil in a container, making sure the freshestlooking buds face up.Place the container in an area that receives indirect sunlight and wait for new growth to sprout. Keep the soil consistently moist, so that it’s never dried out (but never waterlogged).

Mint

Start by purchasing seeds or starter plants and a large, deep pot about 10 inches in diameter — mint will sprawl. Fill the container with potting soil and plant the seeds or starter.Place the container in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and water regularly, making sure the soil doesn’t dry out.

Rosemary

Start by planting seeds (or propagating cuttings) in a container with holes in the bottom for drainage.A soil made from a mixture of two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand works well. Add one teaspoon of lime (the agricultural kind, not the fruit!) per 5 inches of pot. This will help make the soil alkaline.Place the container in a sunny indoor area; rosemary will grow best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Water only when the top of the soil is dry to the touch (but be sure not to let the soil dry out completely).

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CORNER

Chris's

by Chris Reeder

Potty (and other plumbing) Talk Who's responsible, and how help to keep it functioning correctly With all the recent discussion around toilet tissue, it’s a good time to talk about plumbing here at Toscana.

Our resident buildings have a plumbing trunk line system. In layman’s terms, that means there is a “trunk” that runs vertically, with individual horizontal branches that feed into each residence.

Your HOA is responsible for the trunk, while individual owners are responsible for their “branch”.

We call the units that are lined up vertically, a stack. For example, the stack that includes unit 1234 includes 2234, 3234, and 4234. All fixtures line up vertically (the reason plumbing cannot be moved during a unit renovation). So your

PAGE 13

neighbor’s kitchen sink is directly above or below yours. It’s important to note: Kitchen sink lines do not merge with toilet lines inside the buildings, they merge lower down the trunk, in the parkade area.

Back-ups are not uncommon in such a system, especially if residents are not familiar with blockage causes. Many of our residents come from single family homes, and may not have experience with trunk line systems - or may not realize some of the causes of blockages.

The impact of a plumbing blockage affects your neighbors, more often than not. For example suppose a blockage, comes through a resident kitchen sink- let’s say, bacon fat or potato peel- and makes it to the trunk line, it will start to slide down and may make it to just below the floor beneath yours. That blockage will cause water any water coming from your sink, and the sinks above yours, to flow in the path of least resistance; the kitchen sink of your neighbor below.

Once a blockage is known, the HOA starts contacting the stack, asking them not to use the fixture that is blocked. The resident with the blockage will call to have a plumber dispatched

Your HOA is responsible for the "trunk," while individual owners are responsible for their "branch."

PAGE 14

and the line cleared, which can take some time. If a plumber determines that the blockage is located in the unit branch, the unit owner is responsible for the charges associated with the blockage. If the blockage location is in the trunk area and the source of the blockage cannot be determined, your association funds are used to remedy the clog.

Thus it is very important for owners and their renters to know how to prevent drainage blockages. Kitchen line blockages are commonly caused by rice, potato peel, or fats and oils. Please do not be lured into a false sense of security by using your garbage disposal. Warm oils or fats will cogulate as they cool, and will stick, creating a blockage. Toilet blockages are generally due to (not) flushable wipes, sanitary products, or excessive amounts of toilet tissue. Flushable wipes are most definitely not flushable, especially with a trunk line system.

Bathtub or bath sink blockages are generally caused by hair (including dog hair), body washes and oils or hair products.

We strive to educate our residents through a variety of communications, like these newsletter articles. Knowledge is power! Please read the Board approved policy regarding Plumbing and Blockages HERE

THE

MAINTENANCE REPORT

see if it is running too long. Also, your air

SMW Refrigeration & Heating – 602.992.1930 Rainforest Plumbing & Air – 480.615.7766 Cold Air Mechanics – 623.760.5884 AZ Air Company LLC –

conditioners have been probably sitting

480.516.9047

by John Raabe

KEEP IT COOL

kicks on for unusual noises, making sure it is maintaining a comfortable

It’s that time again when the weather outside starts to get real hot, real quick. Now would be a great time to get your annual A/C check, if you haven’t already.

temperature, and paying attention to

You should have you’re A/C

water dripping from the metal pan in

checked at least once a year. Don’t

your laundry room, if you have one. For

think that just because it has been

those that have the condensation units

working fine so far it is going to

that are located behind the door in your

continue to keep going strong. It

den, you should open the door where

could be on the brink of failure

you replace your filter and make sure

without any noticeable signs. As it

there is no moisture down there.

also you are making you’re A/C

A/C work even harder, which could

Your A/C units are located on the roof,

should which could cause it to

cause a failure. It would be better

directly above your unit, and they are all

dormant, so the condensation lines could be blocked. Keep an eye out for

gets hotter outside, it makes your

to find that out while the weather is labeled with a metal tag on the circuit still mild rather than it fail and you box. We do not allow residents access

recommendation on the filter itself. Different filters are designed for different lengths of use and if these become too dirty you will not be getting max airflow from your unit and unit work harder than it fail.

We have four vendors in our VIP guide that offer special

onto the roofs, but all your vendors have

rates or discounts for Toscana

in triple digit temperatures because to do is ask for a key when they arrive at the front gate. all the vendors are too busy.

recommend Cory with AZ Air

be without an A/C for a day or two

There are a few things you can self-

Also make sure your filters are being

check, like listening when the unit

replaced according to the

Residents. I highly he knows this property very well and has a great response time.

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LUXURY LANDSCAPE

BY DLC RESOURCES

April Update Spring is in full bloom! While the landscape is full of color and growth, DLC Resources is maintaining the landscape and preparing for the summer. In April, crews we will begin the process of transitioning Toscana’s Bermuda grass out of dormancy. Read more about the turf transition process below.

through the end of May. Subtle changes occur in turf areas throughout the transition period. DLC Water Management Experts will monitor watering times in the common areas to encourage Bermuda grass growth. Through this process, less water is used, not more. To suppress the Ryegrass growth, we gradually lower mower heights from 2 inches down to 1-1.25 inches.

As the Ryegrass dies off, turf may appear off-color or yellow and there may even be some areas that appear dry. This is a temporary condition that improves as the Bermuda grass fills in. Once the Bermuda grass is actively growing, fertilizer is applied to enhance color and growth and promote healthy turf.

A NOTE ON COVID-19 Additionally, as temperatures continue to heat back up we are adjusting the irrigation system to accommodate your plants, trees and turf in the summer months. Our irrigation specialists also consistently monitor rainfall to conserve this valuable resource whenever possible.

It’s Transition Time When nighttime temperatures in the Southwest are consistently in the 60s, the summer Bermuda grass, which has been dormant all winter, begins to wake up and grow. As daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees, the winter Ryegrass should begin to recede. It is during this transition period where both types of grass compete for sunlight and water.

What to Expect Transitioning from Ryegrass to Bermuda grass is, ideally, a gradual process that typically lasts from the beginning of April PAGE 16

The health and safety of our employees and residents is always at the forefront of our minds. DLC Resources has been in constant contact with your Community Management about the situation, and we remain working in your common areas caring for your landscape.

However, we are taking several precautions to help keep everyone healthy, including: social distancing guidelines, wearing gloves, disinfecting trucks and equipment, and reducing face-to-face meetings.

In addition, we have implemented additional sick leave policies and support for all employees and work-from-home requirements for office staff. As the situation changes and evolves, we will continue to reassess and make changes as necessary.

FRIENDLYFACILITATORS These amazing residents have offered to help neighbors in need. If you feel vulnerable, or are unable to go out and gather necessary supplies, please feel free to reach out to a Friendly Facilitator below. In trying times, we love seeing neighbors helping neighbors!

Jordan (evenings): 440-821-9261 Cathy (varies): 303-514-6044 John (anytime): 310-924-2779 or jdickson847@gmail.com Lorry (evenings): 480-299-0855 Gord (before 5pm): 780-920-4828 Amy F. (weekday evenings; weekends): 480-291-4184 Sean (available through April 5): 206-518-1607 Carol (varies): carolparadis@gmail.com Robert (daytime): 908-239-2259 Amy (anytime): 480-363-1543 Tamara/Mike (varies): 206-818-6432 MaryCarmen (varies): 480-737-0381 Amy W. (varies): amym101@yahoo.com If you would like to join the Friendly Facilitators, please reach out to Katie at klucas@toscanaliving.net