LIVING
toscana
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW
THE GREAT OUTDOORS APRIL 2021
Our Staff. Community Manager Nicole Careaga ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Assistant Community Manager John Raabe jraabe@toscanaliving.net Lifestyle Director Mark Gatchell mgatchell@toscanaliving.net Concierge Director Katie Lucas klucas@toscanaliving.net Administrative Assistant Wade Longworth wlongworth@toscanaliving.net Community Patrol/Admin Saffron Caudle scaudle@toscanaliving.net Maintenance Supervisor Daniel Renteria drenteria@toscanaliving.net Maintenance Staff Tyler Driscoll Night Managers Don Meeks, Jackie Hernandez 480.861.0875 Gate House Staff Chet Sanders, Joshua Oakley, Laura Taylor, MaryJane Vital, Emerson Glasgow 480.513.0602
ASSOCIATION OFFICE 5450 E Deer Valley Drive Building 2 Phoenix, AZ 85054 480.585.0808
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY 602.234.9288
toscanaliving.net
Nicole's Noteables by Nicole Careaga
One of the most amazing aspects about managing a place like Toscana is that unlike a lot of single-family home HOAs I can get out and walk through my entire property. This is an amazing thing for me, as it allows me to be so much more hands-on than driving through in my car. As the team moves about the property on foot we can pick up trash, see areas of concern with the landscape, fix pool furniture, and even visit with you, our amazing residents. Getting up and out of my office is my favorite thing to do most afternoons, as it allows me a moment of reprieve from the phone and email, to get some fresh air, stretch my legs and look at Toscana as a whole. PAGE 3
Taking the time to visit with the landscaping crew, check on window washers, and make sure that residents' moves and vendors are following protocol is all part of what makes being outside and out of the office just as important as being inside. Over the next few months, you will see John and me around the property a lot as we work with your vendors to update landscape, paint, granite, pool furniture, and a myriad of other projects scheduled for completion in 2021. Being onsite also provides me with firsthand knowledge of what Toscana needs regarding future planning. Our reserve study outlines all of our capital assets and provides a schedule for repair
and replacement. Working with the team on-site allows us to access those areas and ensure that we are providing the proper maintenance and scheduling the replacements accordingly to save reserve funds, and make the most of your money. If you happen to see us out and about, be sure to say hi and let us know if there are any areas of concern that you would like to point out or questions you would like the answers to.
Make your
Mark by Mark Gatchell
Here Comes the Sun! April has arrived, and we can't imagine a better way to kick-off the month than by celebrating the great outdoors and all that it has to offer here in Arizona and across the globe. The majority of our April events will reflect our outdoor themes, such as Toscana picnic day, food trucks with outdoor tables, some light entertainment, and of course, a few surprises tossed into the mix. April 22nd is national Earth Day; an annual event celebrated worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Earth Day is the largest civic event globally, aiming to bring awareness among the masses about climate change and global warming. One great way to help our planet is to plant trees, and we look forward to bring you ways to contribute and donate to many great organizations such as "One Tree Planted" and many more. Did you know that NASA planted a historic "Moon Tree" to celebrate Earth Day? The moon tree was grown from a Loblolly Pine seed that journeyed to the moon and back aboard Apollo 14 in 1971— planted on Arbor Day March 15th in 1976. What better way to bring together our outdoor theme and national Earth Day than to offer some outdoor events such as picnic day and your own wildflower grow kits that include an organic pot, a soil pod, and a seed packet which we hope will bring a bit of color to your homes. Remember those warm summer nights roasting marshmallows over your campfire, putting together that amazing treat of S'mores? How about your very own home S'mores PAGE 5
making kit? All are coming to you with a few other surprises for the month of April! Of course, your favorite events will be around with some new twists and turns and an all-new redesigned trivia night! Jindo is moving to one night a week, but the great news is that we are adding to the prize if you win! Test your musical skills against your neighbors and CCMC communities throughout the west coast. And don't forget, the Lifestyle Committee is back, and we meet every third Tuesday of the month via Zoom! We would love to have you join the meeting and share your ideas for future events!
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
APRIL SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU 1
5
6
7
JINDO 6:30-8PM
11
12
13
GLAZED DONUTS AND BREW PC 9-10:30AM
18
25
SAT
2
3
9
10
16
17
23
24
FOOD TRUCK AT PG 5-8PM
Association Events
4
FRI
19
TOSCANA RESIDENTS HAVE S'MORE FUN PC 10:30AM6PM
26
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY WILDFLOWERS PC 10AM-6PM
8
BINGO, BANGO, BONGO! 2-3PM
14
15
JINDO 6:30-8PM
20
FOOD TRUCK AT PG 5-8PM
21
LIFESTYLE COMMITTEE 2PM
28
JINDO 6:30-8PM
22
BINGO, BANGO, BONGO! 2-3PM
JINDO 6:30-8PM
27
FOOD TRUCK AT PG 5-8PM
FINANCE COMMITTEE 9:30AM
BOARD MEETING 10AM FOOD TRUCK AT PG 5-8PM 29
30
THE MGA
By David Petrie
I have been fascinated with sports cars for a long time. It probably began in middle school in Boulder, Colorado, when I would sit in a neighbor’s sports car or carefully look at sports cars at local car dealers. In college, my roommate had a Triumph sports car. It was so much fun to ride with him around town or into the mountains of Colorado. I decided that someday I would own a sports car. During the summer after my junior year in college I worked underground in the huge molybdenum mine at Climax, Colorado, and earned enough money for a car. But my first car was a rather boring used 1963 Chevy Biscayne. Three-on-the-tree with a bench front seat. But the car got me around the area just fine. In early 1970 I came across a white 1959 MGA that a guy in Boulder wanted to sell; he needed a more practical car. The car actually belonged to the guy’s son who had for some reason moved away and left the car with his parents. (By the way, this story will later repeat itself.) MGA…wow! The classic British roadster built by Morris Garage during the years 1955-1962. Beautifully rounded fenders, four-speed stick, rag top, and a tonneau cover. Not exactly in the best condition, but I could handle those details later. The guy and I struck a deal where we would do a straight trade of my Chevy sedan for the MGA. We even crafted $100 bills of sale to keep the state sales tax reasonable on both auto sales. When I went to the courthouse to get the title and license plates for the MGA, the clerk looked at the sales receipt and said, “I hope the car runs.”
The clerk was partially correct. Keeping the MGA running was a challenge. For one thing, the car would not start if the outside temperature got below 40 degrees. So, I carried a can of ether to spray in the two carburetors. I had to leave the hood open until the engine started or risk an explosion of the confined vapors. The car had no heater, so driving around in Colorado in the winter was a thrill. Then there was the problem with the differential. On rare occasions, the rear wheels would suddenly seize up bringing the car to a screeching halt. But after the stop, the car drove fine. I finally opened the differential to try and locate the problem. Oddly, a small gear fell out; not attached to anything. I looked for a place to reinstall the gear but decided the part should not even be there. I threw away the extra gear, closed the differential, and never had another problem with sudden stops. The list goes on, with strange oil reservoir shock absorbers, idle adjustments by bending a control wire, and a tricky spark timing adjustment. But when it was running, the MGA was totally fun. In the summer of 1971, I received orders from the Navy to report for six months of communications training in Pensacola, Florida. And then I would likely go overseas for a year and a half. By then I had bought a nice used Chevy Camaro that could be trusted to make longer trips. So, the MGA would have to stay behind in my folks’ garage in Boulder. That fall I found out that my father had invested quite a bit of time (and probably some money) to get the MGA running great. He would drive around town in this hot MGA and attract lots of attention. One of my brother’s coworkers was amazed, “I don’t know what kind of car that is, but I want it.” So, my father sold the MGA to an eager buyer. I signed the title for the sale, but never saw any of the proceeds from the deal. I guess that was fair. My interest in the MGA continued, but I didn’t own another sports car until 1989. I bought one of the first Mazda Miata cars to arrive in the US. Often referred to as a “polyester sports car,” the Miata did not have the mechanical challenges of the MGA. But it also did not have the personality that I fondly remember to this day. Maybe I need to look for another MGA.
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TOSCANA POET SOCIETY Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite neighborhood poet!
We had 13 fantastic resident entries into March's Haiku Contest! With topics ranging from the Toscana property, to current events, to furry friends and loved ones, there's sure to be a poem that speaks to you. As a reminder, the winner of Toscana's Haiku Contest will win a gift card and featured space in the next Toscana Living magazine (like our story contest winner, David Petrie!). Visit Survey Monkey to read these anonymous entries and cast your vote! A winner will be announced on April 13, giving you plenty of time to read, enjoy and vote! Keep an eye on the weekly lifestyle eBlast for more upcoming events and contests!
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CONNECTION
community
by Katie Lucas
April is my favorite month of the year (and not just because of my birthday). It's always fun to see everyone get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather the month of April brings, and one of the best ways to do that is to go camping! With six national forests, 31 state parks and over 12 million acres of public land, there is an abundance of space for you to kick back, relax, and be one with nature (and enjoy some delicious s'mores). Below you'll find three of Arizona's most popular campgrounds. For a full list of camping sites, check out VisitPhoenix.com.
Cave Creek Regional Park In the northern part of Greater Phoenix's Sonoran Desert, you'll find almost 3,000 acres of cactus, wildflowers, trails and more at Cave Creek Regional Park. For hikers, there's more than 11 miles of trails, ranging from the short Jasper Trail (0.2 miles) to the Go John Trail (5.8 miles). You can choose from 44 developed camp sites for tents and RVs, with water, electrical hook-ups, dump station, picnic table, barbecue fire ring, as well as public restrooms with hot water showers and flush toilets.
Manzanita Campground This Sedona campground offers some amazingly peaceful scenery nestled against the red rocks of Oak Creek Canyon, with relaxing waters for swimming holes and fishing, as well as wildlife watching. Be warned: this campground's 18 sites fill up fast, and are for tent camping only. Luckily, 11 of these sites are available for advance reservations. If you do happen to land a spot — congratulations! You'll have a picnic table, campfire ring and grill, as well as coin-operated showers just up the road.
White Tank Mountain Regional Park This West Valley park is the largest of Maricopa County's regional parks, encompasses almost 30,000 acres, most of which is occupied by the sprawling White Tank Mountains. The mountains offer petroglyph sites, as well as some amazing hiking and biking trails, including the Waterfall Trail. The park features 40 individual sites for tent or RV camping, with water and electrical hook-ups, plus a dump station, picnic table and barbecue fire ring, with nearby showers and bathrooms.
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JOHN'S JOURNAL
by John Raabe
Architectural Review Process Warmer weather is upon us and many residents have begun exploring ways to make the most of their homes. The governing documents of the Association state that any change to the exterior of your unit, as well as any changes involving flooring, electrical, plumbing, or anything else that could penetrate walls require the approval of the Board of Directors PRIOR to work beginning. Recently the Association has seen a rise in the number of residents beginning projects without filing the proper paperwork with management staff to obtain this approval. The process for obtaining approval is simple. An application form must be filled out and signed by the OWNER of the property. This application must be accompanied by a drawing or plan showing all changes and specific products (including color) that will be utilized. That application and plan is then submitted to the Association office located at Palazzo Centro, or emailed to me at jraabe@toscanaliving.net. Applications are then emailed to the Board on a weekly basis, and they are given 30 days to either approve or deny proposed alterations.
What if I Already Started My Reno? If you have completed a project, have one in process or are planning one we encourage you to contact us and begin the process of getting the project approved. We encourage communication and will work with you to obtain approval and then issue you an approval letter for your files.
Why Do I Need Approval? Many people wonder why the Association gets involved with changes on private property. The answer is two fold. Firstly, by purchasing within Toscana you agreed to be bound by the governing documents of the Association which state that this process is in place and that approval must be granted before work begins. Secondly, the members of the Board review plans looking for potential long term issues that may affect not only your property but also neighboring units and common areas. A number of factors are taken into consideration when reviewing plans, all of which are meant to assist homeowners in making changes while maintaining good neighbor relationships with an eye on potential future issues.
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What Happens if I Don't Get My Work Approved? It is important to note that as this is part of a deed restriction on your property it is the responsibility of the property owner to file this paperwork with the Association. The contract is between you and the Association. Failure to do so will result in fines and a cease and desist order from the Association’s attorney. The cost for that letter is also added to the homeowners account.
WADE'S WORLD by Wade Longworth
April is truly the season when spring begins for us in the desert. After a few months of relatively chilly winter weather things start to heat up. It means that we need to stop curling up on the couch with a blanket and go do some outdoor activities. With all of the ups and downs of the last year there is not a better time to get out of the house to go explore AZ! Everything from a half day hike, to an overnight excursion, there is plenty of things to discover in this great state. If hiking is your thing then you are in the right place. There are over 180 moderate hiking trails in Phoenix alone and over 1500 in Arizona. With all of these options it might seem difficult to pick one but there is one around the area that I have traversed and recommend. The famous Camelback Mountain is right in the heart of Scottsdale; although this can be a challenging climb up to almost 2700’ the stunning views make the enduring ascent worth every step. From the top, the vistas of the phoenix basin are hard to match; you will be able to see all of the surrounding mountains and way out to State Farm Stadium. The best part is this hike only takes a few hours maximum which leaves plenty of time for anything else you might have on the calendar.
Dutchman Gold Mine, that are accessible from Charlebois Spring. For an especially scenic loop that measures about 9.5 miles, begin at the Peralta Trailhead and follow Dutchman’s Trail #104 around Miners Needle. From there, this moderate hike takes you down into Whiskey Spring Canyon, where you’ll intersect with the Red Tanks Trail and proceed to Charlebois. Campsites abound near the spring, and when you’re ready to return to reality, Bluff Spring will deliver you back to the trailhead. These are just three examples of half day, full day, and overnight explorations that only scratch the surface of the copious amount of outdoor activities in AZ. Hiking and camping is not for everyone but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Take a look at DukOut adventures on dukout.com for some spectacular ways to get out doors. They have a little of everything from Jeep tours to wine tastings, to bike and brew they will surely have something for you!
Of course these half day adventures are certainly not the only choices to get out and do something this month. One of the most unique spots in the country is Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. These two landmarks are truly remarkable and are exclusive to the southwest. This journey will take you through slot canyons which are long, narrow, deep and tortuous channels or drainage ways with sheer rock walls that you have to see to believe. It will also give you the chance to what they call the “east rim of the Grand Canyon” which is a horseshoe shaped meander in the Colorado River. To get to this majestic spot takes only a short 4.5 hour drive; which means you can sightsee and get back home in one day. However, if you are really feeling adventurous, stay overnight and visit the Grand Canyon the next day. A relatively close to Phoenix overnight night backpacking trip to Charlebois Spring could be something of interest as well. Thanks to its convenient location in the western portion of the Superstition Wilderness, Charlebois Spring (locals often pronounce it “Charlie-boy”) is the perfect basecamp for a multi-day backpacking trip. The Superstition Wilderness is packed with fascinating historical sites, such as the Lost PAGE 12
MAINTENANCE
report by Daniel Renteria
With summer around the corner, there are a few things that we want to touch on in regards to preventative maintenance in your unit. In the past we have touched on shut-off valves that are usually located in the laundry room behind the metal panel door (building 10 are in the ceiling) and how important it is to exercise these valves at least once a month. We have also touched on checking on you’re A/C filters which are located in the ceiling close to where the condenser unit is located. In some units, you are able to find them down toward the floor in the den. It is always important to change these out at the recommended replacement time each brand recommends. These recommended time frames can range anywhere from one (1) to six (6) months depending on the brand of filter purchased. We have also touched on P traps which are the curved piece of pipe under each sink. In order to prevent nasty smells or build up in that area. It is recommended to disconnect these once every three (3) months and clean them out. To remove and clean these is fairly simple, turn the coupling that PAGE 13
attaches both ends of the pipe, clean out the pipe and re-attach the coupling and tighten the coupling back up. When doing so, make sure that it is tight enough for water to not leak through. You would want to run water to make sure there is no leaking anywhere in that area. A question that we often get is “How often should you clean your dryer vent out?” A dryer vent is recommended to be cleaned yearly to enhance the dryer's efficiency. Regular dryer vent cleaning helps to remove lint and other dirt and debris that are obstructing the dryer performance. Signs you can look for that let you know it is time to clean out your dryer vent are the following: Your clothes are taking much longer than usual to dry Both your clothing and the dryer exterior get very hot Presence of debris around the dryer hose The dryer vent has not been inspected for more than a year You notice a strange burning smell on the clothes The laundry room feels excessively hot when the dryer is running What do you gain from regular dryer vent cleaning? It will save energy - Cleaning your dryer vent regularly will help improve its efficiency, thus lowering the amount of power that it consumes. Homeowners who clean their dryer vent periodically can save up to 30% on their energy bills. Reduces maintenance cost - When the dryer vent is cleaned regularly, it is less likely to overheat or get clogged. As a result, it is less likely to break down or experience a technical difficulties. Reduces the risk of FIRE - Lint is a highly flammable material. If left to accumulate on the vent, it can cause a fire that can wreak havoc. Regular cleaning helps to prevent lint buildup and will prevent the risk of fire. It reduces wear and tear of the dryer - If the dryer vent is not cleaned regularly, then the dryer is forced to work twice as hard to dry your clothes. This excessive strain can wear down crucial parts of the dryer. Regular cleaning helps to improve dryer efficiency, thus reducing wear and tear. A couple tips to keep your dryer vent clean are; 1) if you are using dryer sheets then switch to a liquid fabric softener and 2) allow the dryer to cool for at least 15 minutes in between loads.
s ' n o Saffrircle c
by Saffron Caudle
Guess What? It’s International Pooper Scooper Week! Okay, folks, as you can see from the title, I’m going to talk about something gross. Pet poop! There I’ve said it. Are you still reading? If so, did you know that April 1 -7 is International Pooper Scooper Week? An entire week dedicated to picking up your pets poop. How it All Began In 2002, the International Pooper Scooper Week was created by the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists. Why? To educate pet owners about the importance of picking up their pet’s poop. I believe the week was started because there is always evidence of pet parents who simply let their pets poop where ever they want and then they just walk away. Why Don’t You Pick Up After Your Pet? Here are Some Reasons I’ve heard 1. If my dog goes off trail and poops in the landscaping, who cares? No one will step in that. You don’t know that everyone will stay on the path. 2. It’s gross. No doubt about it. It’s your dog, it’s your responsibility. 3. I don’t want to carry a bag of poop for my entire walk. Who does? Plan ahead, people! If your pet poops within the first few minutes of your walk, take a route that takes you past a pet waste station so you don’t have to carry it for miles. 4. “No one else” is picking up. This reminds me of what my mom used to say, “If everyone jumped off a bridge would you?” Just because others are lazy, doesn’t mean you need to leave your pet’s poop lying around. 5. I didn’t bring a bag/the doggy station is out of bags. Be prepared. You know you’re walking. You know your pet will poop. Therefore, you know you need to carry a bag. Simple as that. Leave bags with the leash and harness so you never leave home without them.
Reasons to Scoop Your Pet’s Poop 1. It’s gross and rude not to. Your pet is your responsibility. 2. You'll receive a $250 fine each time you are caught NOT picking up after your pet. 3. Animal waste adds nitrogen to the water. Excess nitrogen depletes the oxygen in water necessary for beneficial underwater grasses, wildlife and fish. 4. Animal waste may contain harmful organisms such as Giardia, Salmonella and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and other animals by ingesting contaminated water. 5. Roundworms and hookworms deposited by infected animals can live in the soil for long periods of time and be transmitted to other animals and humans. 6. It’s easy to clean up by carrying plastic baggies and paper towels in your pocket. The baggies can be secured and thrown away in the garbage. 7. Your neighbors will appreciate your good manners. Pet Waste Stations Pet waste stations are undoubtedly the best way to go about collecting and containing dog waste. In fact, Toscana has pet waste stations strategically placed all over the property to help with clean up and disposal of your pet's waste! It couldn’t get any easier, it’s all there for you! Just look for the green, free standing units along your pet's favorite walking path. Not Just For Dogs As a reminder, any pet you own is your responsibility to care for and clean up afterward. So, whether you've got a Rover, a Fluffy, a Franklin or anything in between, remember: your pet poops and YOU need to clean it.
For those of you that aren’t able to pick up after your pet, please look into having a friend, family member, or a service to help out.
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Our team recently adjusted Toscana’s arbor inventory after responding to an emergency request for tree removal. A tree fell in early March due to storm damage, and DLC disassembled the by Isael Gonzalez, Field Manager trunk and hauled the debris away. Accurate GIS mapping of trees effectively As we head into the warmer spring months, DLC Resources is preparing manages tree health and keeps the your landscape for a beautiful and fruitful growing season. Our crews Community’s most valuable assets are continuing to mow turf to keep it looking clean and vibrant. looking their best.
lay of the land
In mid to late April, the transition from winter Ryegrass to summer Bermuda will happen. You may see yellow or dry spots in the turf, but this is just temporary as the Ryegrass recedes and the Bermuda begins to flourish. Once the Bermuda grass is actively growing, Ammonium Sulfate fertilizer (21-0-0) is applied to enhance color and growth and promote healthy turf. Crews are also continuing our seasonal pruning, trimming select shrubs to lower heights to help keep them at a manageable size and promote healthy regrowth in the spring and summer. This is done to help ensure shrubs throughout the Community are growing properly and encourages maximum blooming. As temperatures continue to heat back up, we are adjusting the irrigation system to accommodate your plants, trees and turf in the hotter months. Our irrigation specialists also consistently monitor rainfall to conserve this valuable resource whenever possible.
Later in April, our Special Projects crews will be working on the restoration of selected rip-rap areas throughout Toscana. Rip-rap consists of large stones to optimize drainage around culverts. You’ll also see granite replenishment around the Community to enhance any spots where existing granite has deteriorated due to weather and other factors. Large granite piles may temporarily block select parking spots as crews work to distribute it to areas in need, but it will be worth it as the new rock fills in and spruces up the Community!
