LIVING
toscana
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW
SWING INTO SUMMER AUGUST 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 Maintenance Supervisor Daniel Renteria drenteria@toscanaliving.net Maintenance Staff Chris Ehrlich, Juan Magana Night Managers Jackie Hernandez, Saffron Caudle 480.861.0875 Gate House Staff Chet Sanders, Joshua Oakley, Laura Taylor, MaryJane Vital 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
Board Meeting Update If you missed the Board of Director's meeting, don't worry, we have you covered. Included in this article you will find a summary of the decisions made during this meeting and can view a list of resident-submitted questions and their answers here.
You can also view a recording of the entire meeting online here with the access code: 9LH*3L8B On Thursday, July 29, the Toscana Board of Directors held the July 2021 Condo Association meeting. The meeting agenda is HERE. The following items were approved: The minutes from the April 2021 Condo Association Meeting. They will be made available online at www.toscanaliving.net early next week. The March- June 2021 Association Financials. They will be made available online at www.toscanaliving.net early next week. Palazzo Grande Spa Deck Maintenance - Bid for $1,800 from Aquaman Pools to repair pool deck surrounding Palazzo Grande spa was approved to be paid out of the reserves. Please be on the lookout for an email detailing the scheduling of this repair and remember to stay safe by avoiding active work areas. 2020 Audit - Approved to be completed by finance team and posted to the website.
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2022 Board Composition The 2022 Board of Directors will consist of seven Toscana residents. Interior Signage - Interior directional signage was approved to be added at all elevator junctions and front entrances to Buildings 1, 11, 14, 15, 24 and 26. Signs will be fabricated by FastSigns and installed upon their arrival. Exterior Building Signage – Approved font choice to move forward with quote process. Toscana Master Insurance Policy – Approved to move forward with current policies in 2021-2022 at an annual premium cost of $147,428.00 to be paid out of operating.
As a result of this meeting, the following updates to Toscana's COVID protocol have been enacted. The Palazzo Centro Office and Business Center is now accessible during regular operating hours through your resident key fob. Private rentals in amenity spaces will continue to be placed on hold, until further notice. Lifestyle events will be modified to allow for additional physical distancing opportunities at inperson functions. The Board of Directors directed management to begin the process of creating Design Guidelines for the Toscana community, to include restrictions on balcony/patio décor.
Make your
Mark by Mark Gatchell
Swinging Through Summer August is “Swinging Through Summer,” and what better way to celebrate than to throw some golfthemed events. Our summer putt pool party is later this month, where you get to test your skills and chip onto a floating putting green. The closer you get to the hole, the greater the prizes will be, and we have some great golf bags headed your way with a few golfing essentials. And, of course, lots more cool summer treats to help beat this summer heat. As we get into late August, we will be hosting a delicious brunch with all the fixings! As we do our best to beat the heat of this Arizona summer, we have had a great turnout at the cool treat food trucks! I Scream Sandwich Co. is a huge hit, and we look forward to bring even more ways to stay cool. Over 120 people register for The Creek ice cream day, a locally owned business. We have grown to love the food trucks here at Toscana as well. Even though we have taken a short break because of the heat, they will be back very soon! Check out the Tuesday Lifestyle eBlast for upcoming trucks, so you don’t miss out on your favorite food trucks! Have you joined in on the all-new bingo yet? Join your friends and neighbors three Wednesdays a month for regular bingo and now the all-new 90number bingo! You have several chances to win a $25 Amazon gift card, so why wouldn’t you want to play. And to all the Jindo fans out there. Don’t worry, Jindo will be back in September!
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Have you missed our Toscana bowling nights? I am happy to say we have been working with Dave & Busters, and starting in September, they will once again be hosting our Toscana bowling nights. Nothing beats a great night out with some delicious food, fun, and maybe a drink or two! Be sure to check the Lifestyle eBlast for all the exciting details! Don’t forget if you have some great ideas for events here or even outside Toscana, be sure to join the Lifestyle Committee Meetings every third Tuesday of each month starting at 2:00 PM. We love new ideas, and you can also get a sneak peek at some upcoming events!
08 A U G U S T SUN 1
MON 2
TUE 3
WED 4
5
Events
9
MAH JONG PG 12PM
10
11
COFFEE CLUB PG 9AM
*AFTERNOON BINGO* 2-3PM
HAND AND FOOT PG 6PM
16
MAH JONG PG 12PM
22
23
17
6
7
COFFEE CLUB PG 9AM HAND AND FOOT PG 6PM
MAH JONG PG 12PM
30
MAH JONG PG 12PM
12
13
14
COFFEE CLUB PG 9AM
FINANCE COMMITTEE 9:30AM
HAND AND FOOT PG 6PM
18
19
*90 BALL BINGO* 2-3PM
COFFEE CLUB PG 9AM *ICE CREAM DAY* PC 10AM-6PM LIFESTYLE COMMITTEE 2PM HAND AND FOOT PG 6PM 24
*TOSCANA GOLF KIT PICK-UP* PC 10AM
29
SAT
HAND AND FOOT PG 6PM
Clubs/Classes
15
FRI
COFFEE CLUB PG 9AM
Association
8
THU
COFFEE CLUB PG 9AM
20
21
FOOD TRUCK 5-7PM
HAND AND FOOT PG 6PM
25
26
*AFTERNOON BINGO* 2-3PM
COFFEE CLUB PG 9AM
FOOD TRUCK 5-7PM
FOOD TRUCK 5-7:30PM
*PUTTING THROUGH SUMMER POOL PARTY* 5-7PM
HAND AND FOOT PG 6PM
31
COFFEE CLUB PG 9AM *BRUNCH BAR* PG 10AM HAND AND FOOT PG 6PM
*REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*
27
28
GOT AN ACTIVE CLUB OPEN TO ALL TOSCANA RESIDENTS?
LET YOUR NEIGHBORS KNOW BY ADDING IT TO THE TOSCANA COMMUNITY CALENDAR
EMAIL MGATCHELL@TOSCANALIVING.NET TO GET SET UP ALL ADVERTISED CLUBS MUST ADHERE TO COMMUNITY CLUB GUIDELINES AND POLICIES.
Let's Keep It Clean Ensure you are properly bagging and disposing of your trash. Be sure your bag is tied before dumping in trash room bins. If your bag breaks or leaks, be sure to re-bag it prior to bringing it through your hallways and into the trash rooms. Trash rooms may not be used to dump large items, such as furniture. Hire a trash removal service or arrange for a charitable donation pickup. Break down large boxes prior to recycling, and do your best to place them on the side of the bin.
CONNECTION
community
by Katie Lucas
It's Golf Month here at Toscana and since I'm not an avid golfer like Wade (check out his article on his favorite courses on page 13), I thought I'd give you some options on great super-amateur golf fun in the Valley, Top Golf Is any list about having a funfilled golf experience complete without mentioning Top Golf? They are pioneers of the sportsentertainment industry with a track record of creativity and infusion of technology and hospitality. What began as a simple idea to enhance the game of golf has grown into a movement where people from all walks of life connect at the intersection of technology and entertainment. Between the high-tech games, climatecontrolled hitting bays, a chef-inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, event spaces, and music, this place has something for everyone. They even offer classes, for those of you who want to up your game on the course without getting a sunburn this summer!
Glow Putt Mini Golf Glow Putt Mini Golf is an indoor, glow-in-the-dark, miniature golf course. The jungle-safari theme surrounds a challenging 18hole course that is illuminated with special UV lighting. Even the golf ball is special as it glows brilliantly each time it passes through one of the many custommade chargers located throughout the course. The layout is designed to challenge and please all skill levels as you make your way through the air-conditioned course. Plus, you have a chance to win a prize on the last hole! Glow-in-the-Dark mini golf is a fun twist on a kid-friendly classic. Be sure to check it out the next time you're wondering what to do to stay cool and have fun!
Buffalo Ridge Disc Golf Want to play a game like golf, but using a frisbee? Well, Disc Golf might be your sport! Disc golf is played much like golf except, instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc. The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws). Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations as golf, whether it's sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway. Unlike golf, disc golf is usually free to play in public parks and takes about half as long to complete a round. Disc golf is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, gender identity, and economic status, making it a great lifetime fitness activity. PAGE 10
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JOHN'S JOURNAL
by John Raabe
TRANSITION TIDBITS Have you been reading your emails? If not, you may have missed some important, and educational, updates from our Transition Tidbits series. For the past year the Association has been periodically sending communication to our residents that explains the process of transition from a developer-run to residentrun community. Topics in the Toscana Tidbits series range from "What is a Transition" to what attributes to look for in a potential Board member, and more! This series is meant to help residents understand the impact transition will have on their community - what may change and what will always be the same - as well as provide a "jumping off point" for residents to be able to ask questions they may not have thought of before. The latest email in this series also included an archive of previously-sent Transition Tidbits, to help our residents keep all the information in one place.
As we approach Transition in mid-February 2022, we encourage any residents with questions on the process, how to get involved, or anything else to please reach out. The Management Team is here to help keep you informed. Who knows, your question may even make it into the next Transition Tidbit! At our next Annual Meeting, Toscana Members will be electing four new members to the Board of Directors to join Heather Wood, Dr. Walter Atkenson, and Barry Wilson as they navigate your community through your first year as a resident-run association. There will be one open seat for Toscana Property Suites/Golf Casita owners and three open seats for Toscana Luxe owners. So, keep an eye out for our Call for Candidates in the coming months, if you'd like to run for the Board and be a community decision-maker! Remember, even if you don't plan on running for the Board, it is imperative that you do your research on the candidates and VOTE for who you feel would best represent the wants and needs of the community.
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WADE'S WORLD by Wade Longworth
Arizona is known for many excellent outdoor activities like hiking, camping, hunting, and many others; the list could really go on forever We are probably best known, though, for our excellent golfing opportunities, especially in the winter when conditions are pristine. In summer, the rates drop significantly for valuehunters still looking to bag a trophy course like myself. This article will discuss some of my favorite golf courses that I have had the pleasure of playing. With rates being so reasonable in the hottest part of the year, it’s effortless to book a tee time at some of the best courses the state has to offer. I recently got the opportunity to play the TPC Scottsdale, which is the host site for the Waste Management Open year after year. I wasn’t expecting this course to be exactly like how it looked on TV and was impressed with how it played surprisingly similar to the tournament, without all the grandstands and crowds. Although it was fun imagining a raucous crowd all around. Especially on the famous 16th hole where there are usually 20,000 people packed around the hole like you are in an actual stadium. It doesn’t quite look like that without the tents, but it was still fun to hit one on the green and escape with par. This course is a mustplay for anyone who thinks it’s cool to play in a venue that the professionals play every year. Another one of my favorite courses offers significant elevation changes that lead to stunning views and a great time. The resort course down in the southeast valley called Gold Canyon Dinosaur Mountain is probably at the top of the list. It seems like every hole could be in a picture hanging on the wall at home. It is always in great shape, and it sits right on a mountain as it winds its way through valleys and climbs up to peaks, where it makes hitting the driver enjoyable. The golf course isn’t the only attraction as the whole resort offers unique rooms with views of plentiful wildlife and an incredible restaurant to boot.
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These courses can get expensive, so this next course high on my list is more affordable for the average golfer. Continental Golf Club in Scottsdale is an executive (short) course that is great for golfers just beginning or for highly skilled players looking to tune their swing. I like this course because it brings me back to the courses that I grew up playing. It reminds me of a municipal public course owned by the city with advertisements on the tee boxes and patchy grass in some spots. You can show up in jean shorts and a cut-off t-shirt or dress to the nines; this course has a laid-back vibe that not every course can offer. Golf is my favorite sport, and the best part is that I can play it my entire life. If you are looking for a challenging, frustrating, and rewarding experience, I encourage you to get a set of sticks and head out to the links.
MAINTENANCE
report by Daniel Renteria
With monsoon season among us, this month we wanted to provide you with some information in regards to storm and water damage and who to call when experiencing either. With storms that have come by Toscana in the past, we have all seen what damage they are capable of making. In those situations, depending on where the damage is and how severe the situation may be, we would like to provide you with some guidance on who to call. Toscana does have someone on property 24 hours 7 day a week. At Toscana, when we know a storm might come by we prepare ourselves by contacting our landscaping vendor so that they are ready to come out in any case that any trees go down during the storm. If you experience any trees that go down during a storm, you are always welcome to give our office a call and let us know. If it is during business hours, you can call the office at 480-5850808. If you experience something outside of business hours, you are able to contact our night managers at 480-8610875. They are available Monday – Thursday 4PM to 2AM and
Friday – Sunday 3PM to 3AM. If you ever experience a non-life threatening emergency you are always welcome to call our Night Manager at 480-861-0875 or the CCMC emergency number at 602-234-9288. In a water situation, what you would want to do first and foremost is contact your local plumbing company to assist you in that situation. We do highly recommend two companies that are very familiar with Toscana. One is Moon Valley plumbing and they can be contacted at 602-253-2600. We also highly recommend Rainforest Plumbing and Air and they can be contacted at 602-497-3367.
QUICK TIP: Did you know that unit pest control is resident responsibility? This includes your patios/balconies. To avoid seeing unwanted pests in your indoor or outdoor living spaces, we recommend you set up regular pest control with a professional service. Burns Pest Elimination actually offers discounted rates to our residents while they are on site to complete common area pest control! Reach their team at 602-971-4782 or contact your preferred pest control company.
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lay of the land by DLC Resources
As we move into August, DLC Resources is focused on protecting your landscape from both monsoon damage and the lingering summer heat. With most of the Ryegrass transitioning out, the summer Bermuda grass is filling in throughout your common areas. For any remaining bare spots, crews will continue to give extra attention through fertilization and irrigation to push growth in these areas, typically sloped or shaded places that receive less sunlight or water than turf in flat, open areas. We are monitoring your irrigation system and have maintained increased run times as necessary for the warmer temperatures. In addition, our Water Department and local irrigation specialists carefully observe monsoon rainfall and on-the-ground conditions to deliver the right amount of water for your landscape. A monsoon windstorm blew through in mid-July, breaking many tree branches and resulting in the loss of four trees. We trimmed the affected trees as needed and cleaned up the area. Crews have been performing routine maintenance, trimming any trees or plants encroaching upon sidewalks, walls or corners. Shrubs are pruned according to bloom cycle. Plant debris and bean pods are removed as we work in a cycle around the Community. We recently brought in the sweeper to help our crews more efficiently clean up falling pods. In conjunction with Community management, a DLC Special Projects crew is working on enhancing Toscana’s entryways. We recently installed a variety of new plants with irrigation lines (if needed). The work is still ongoing as more plants will soon be added. The result should give your Community a welcoming, refreshed appearance! In addition, Special Projects just began a granite replenishment project that will add more than two tons of granite throughout the Community, filling in bare spots and keeping your landscape looking beautiful and well-maintained! Storm Response When monsoon storms arrive, the emphasis for DLC Resources shifts to clean-up and repair. Typically, the summer storms occur late in the day, after crews have left the property for the day. For emergency storm response needs, such as damaged trees in the common areas blocking streets or sidewalks, please call your Community Management team. Full-scale non-emergency storm clean-up generally begins the following morning. Routine maintenance activities may need to be suspended or reduced in scope while the crew cleans up debris and perform repairs. PAGE 16
