DECEMBER 2017
Living
INSIDE VINO AND CANVAS
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR
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By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director
Put the Happy in your Happy Holidays! It’s no secret: the holidays can be stressful. Our family’s regular schedule is pretty hectic already… so when you add in all the “extras” during the holidays, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. I know I’m not alone; for many, the holidays deliver stress and challenges instead of good cheer. With a little thought and planning, you’re sure to make it through the season honoring what you genuinely want to honor. Below are a few reminders to help us all enjoy the season. 1. Keep it simple - With everything going on, it might not be the best time to try out that complex Pinterest recipe. 2. Keep with your budget - It’s so easy to get caught up with the shopping frenzy, which is why I love number 5. 3. Don’t be afraid to say no - with so many fun things to do, it’s easy to over- commit. 4. Take advantage of the time you do have - Find a few minutes in the morning just relaxing and doing nothing. 5. Leverage technology - Shopping, easy recipes, and even articles that remind us to explore ways to really enjoy the season are all at our fingertips.
TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS TOSCANA RESIDENT FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in December at 5 PM, Palazzo Grande Food, fun and conversation upstairs in Palazzo Grande - open to all Toscana residents. Join us for some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The Friday Socials are FREE. Please RSVP by Thursdays at noon. No Friday Social on December 1. FOOD TRUCK - COUSINS LOBSTER TRUCK Tuesday, December 5, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Palazzo Grande Cobblestone Come on down to the Palazzo Grande Pool Area for a little take-out. Toscana favorite, Cousin’s Maine Lobster truck is returning! Looks like it will be a savory evening! Please stop by the office or check out their website for a menu.
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 STAFF Dick Rosenhagen, PCAM 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 Food Truck
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Toscana Lifestyle
VINO AND CANVAS Thursday, December 7, from 5:15 PM - 7:30 PM Please RSVP by December 5 Cost: $25 It’s going to be a great evening of painting, chatting and wine! Vino and Canvas is coming to Toscana for a winter painting party, right here in the Palazzo Grande. Bring a friend or make some new ones and a bottle of your favorite wine! A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE HALE THEATER Saturday, December 9 from 11:45 AM to 5:15 PM RSVP by December 6 Cost: $24 (includes transport, parking, admission) This spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is magically brought to life on the Hale Stage. The production is rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters that are guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family. Now celebrating its 15th year in Gilbert! PARTY AT ANYTIME FITNESS Saturday, December 9, from 1 PM to 3 PM, Anytime Fitness on High Street RSVP by December 8 Get ahead of your New Years Resolution and start your health journey at Anytime Fitness! Following a FREE WEEK for Toscana residents (12/3-12/9), Anytime is hosting a Party for us at their location! Free food, give-aways and raffles from 1-3pm- all right across the way at High Street. Please RSVP by 12/8 for food ordering purposes. SAY CHEESE TO CHEESE - CHEESE MAKING CLASS Monday, December 11, from 6 PM to 8 PM, Palazzo Grande RSVP by December 8 Cost: $35 Mozzarella and Burrata Cheese Class- A fun night out learning to make cheese while you laugh, drink and spend time with friends. Cheese making supplies are included in the $35 per person fee. Please bring your favorite beverage!
FITNESS MACHINE ORIENTATION WITH ERIN Tuesday, December 12, from 6 PM to 8 PM Palazzo Grande Fitness Center Would you like to learn how to increase your strength in a safe environment? Personal Trainer, Erin Smith, will be in the Palazzo Grande on December 12 at 6pm to show you how to use the fitness equipment safely - and to your best ability. It’s almost the new year, and you can get a jump-start with your fitness goals.
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Toscana Lifestyle
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HANUKKAH DINNER Wednesday, December 13, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Palazzo Vacanza RSVP by December 12 Let’s light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and enjoy traditional meal and festivities as we break bread together on Wednesday, December 13th in celebration of Hanukkah. CREATE HOLIDAY BAGS AND TAGS Thursday, December 14, from 2 PM to 4 PM, Palazzo Grande RSVP by December 12 What a fun way to create some holiday-themed gift tags, a gift bag and wine tag! Diane will guide the group through the creative making process in a fun and collaborative environment. Class may sell out and are only $10 for residents (payable directly to the instructor). BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Saturday, December 16, from 9 AM to 11 AM, Palazzo Grande RSVP by December 14 Enjoy a special breakfast with Special Guest Santa at the Palazzo Grande, where Santa will be handing out one gift a little early. Please bring your child’s (or grandchild’s) gift wrapped and labeled with first and last name to the Palazzo Centro office before December 15th. Kindly keep your gift under $25 for ease of distribution. Great Photo Op! CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND COCOA Wednesday, December 20, from 6 PM to 8 PM Palazzo Centro and Dante’s Corner RSVP by December 19 Come celebrate the season with a little Christmas Caroling and Cocoa! We will sing Christmas Carols in Dante’s Corner and have snacks and cocoa in the Palazzo Centro. Please bring an appetizer or holiday dessert to share! We’ll bring the cocoa! We hope to see you there! HAPPY HOLIDAYS, TOSCANA!
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
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CONCIERGE CORNER By Alicja Davis, Concierge
We had a wonderful time hosting Toscana Restaurant Night last month. Big thank you to all participating restaurants – Gordon Biersch, Kona Grill, Maggiano’s, Mastro’s, MidiCi, Ocean Prime, Rosati’s, Torch Cigar Bar, and Tryst Café for their time and generosity! None of this would have been possible without their kind contribution. I would like to thank our Toscana patrons – your presence and support made it a fun and successful event!
Nightly Snowfall Through Sunday, December 31 (except for Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day) 7pm and 8pm on the hour and every hour on Christmas Eve (December 24) Desert Ridge turns into a winter wonderland every evening this holiday season, so bring the family and enjoy the cold, crystal flakes fall from the sky. Plus, enjoy holiday sounds featuring local Paradise Valley community groups.
Desert Ridge Holiday Events Holiday Classics in The Courtyard Series December 7 and December 28 at 6pm Barnes & Noble Courtyard Grab your friends and family and rediscover childhood favorites this holiday season with beloved holiday films on the new big screen! Sit back, relax and enjoy the film while reclining in the brand-new Adirondack seating. Plus, enjoy great deals and discounts at Desert Ridge Marketplace restaurants. December 7 – “A Christmas Carol” December 28 - “Elf ” Christmas Angel Tree Through December 14 The District near Dave & Busters. Every child deserves a Merry Christmas. Support the Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree and give a child a gift they could only dream of!
Disney on Ice Gift-with-Purchase December 1 - December 31 Spend $250 or more in the same day at Desert Ridge Marketplace and receive two tickets to see Disney on Ice at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Same day receipts totaling $250 or more can be redeemed at the Desert Ridge Marketplace Management Office, located on the north side of The District between Xi Clothing and AT&T, Monday – Friday from 8:30am-5pm. AZ Taekwondo Association Break-A-Thon Saturday, December 2 Time: 1-4PM Location: The District Stage Description: Desert Ridge Marketplace is partnering with Arizona Taekwondo Association and Phoenix Children’s Hospital to host the annual Break-A-Thon. Karate students around The Valley will show off their skills as they chop boards with their bare hands! Grab your friends and prepare to be entertained! Happy Holidays, Toscana!
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Toscana Lifestyle This month, we are pleased to showcase a new VIP Partner:
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CLUBS AND CLASSES
Scottsdale’s upscale Cast Salon and Spa is the newest addition to High Street- where the locals flock for an elevated lifestyle experience. Toscana residents receive 10% off of all services. Please mention Toscana when booking your appointment or see your concierge for more information. Free haircut with the purchase of any gift card this holiday season. To schedule your service, please call 602.329.1839
BILLIARDS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1:00pm, Billiards Room in Palazzo Grande Contact: Lynn at 602-301-5010 BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR - Mondays at 5pm in Palazzo Grande, BYOB RUMMYCUBE CLUB: TBD
HIKING CLUB: December 18, McDowell Mountain meeting at 9am, $6 parking fee Contact: Gary at gwood@telusplanet.net LADIES PING PONG: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11am, Palazzo Vacanza Contact: Heyam at heyambonnamy@gmail.com MAHJONG CLUB: Mondays at 6:30pm, Palazzo Grande
Holiday Beauty Specials: Our VIP Partner, Tiffany Anne at Titanium Salon at Desert Ridge, will make you look and feel amazing for the holidays! Her talented hands are able to create red carpet looks - in a lovely location of the Beauty District. Tiffany’s Holiday Special is good through December 31, 2017 (first time clients only). Enjoy complementary conditioning treatment with purchase of a haircut OR complementary haircut with purchase of any color service. Call or text to schedule an appointment! 480-232-8115 or tiffanyannehair@gmail.com
STUD POKER CLUB: Wednesdays at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande. Bring $5 and your poker face. Contact Phil at 480-513-3615. BOOK CLUB: December 20 at 7:00 pm “The Orphan’s Tale” by Pam Jenoff, Palazzo Vacanza
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: December 6 at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande $6 per card, Contact: Marge at 480-585-0494
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In and Around Toscana MANAGER TIDBITS
By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager Happy Holidays! It has been another great year at Toscana. As the winter months are upon us, Toscana’s winter visitors are coming back to Toscana and we would like to welcome everyone back. As you have witnessed, the association has been completing a number of beautification projects within the community. The buildings interior hallways are being repainted and new carpet is being installed. We have also installed new benches, a new charging station for electric vehicles (look for an upcoming email blast with details). Also, new up-lighting for the palm trees was installed and we updated Dante’s Corner just to name a few of the projects. These fantastic updates to the community are expensive to the association. In the short weeks after some of the buildings that have been finished being repainted and carpeted, the management team has found a number of areas that have been uncared for. We have already had to replace a couple of carpet tiles from stains and touch up areas already painted. Please utilize care when going about your daily activities as it truly takes a village to keep Toscana looking great.
Do pick up after your pet Do dispose of grease in your garbage Do be sure to park in your assigned space Do register your guests in Dwelling Live Do say something if you see something that requires attention Don’t use extension leashes Don’t put vegetable clippings in your disposal Don’t hang towels on your balcony Don’t potty your pets on the turf Don’t use glass containers in the pool area And lastly, DO thank a neighbor for doing their part in keeping our community safe!
I would like to take this moment to wish each and every resident in Toscana a Happy Holidays and prosperous 2018!
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Toscana Events and Programs Clubs
December 2017 Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
Events Association
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM OFFICE CLOSED AT 1PM
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MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
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5 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM COUSINS LOBSTER FOOD TRUCK PG 5PM
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BINGO PG 6PM
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7 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM VINO & CANVAS PG 5:15PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
Saturday 1
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9 ANYTIME FITNESS OPEN HOUSE PARTY OFFSITE 1PM A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE HALE OFFSITE 11:45AM
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11 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM CHEESE MAKING CLASSMOZZARELLA PG 6PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
12 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM FITNESS MACHINE ORIENTATION PG 6PM
13 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM HANUKKAH DINNER PV 5:30PM
14 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM HOLIDAY BAGS AND TAGS WITH DIANE PG 2PM
15 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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18 HIKING CLUB 9AM MEET AT TOSCANA MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
19 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM PING PONG PV 11AM
20 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM CHRISTMAS CAROLING & COCOA PC 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 7PM
21 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
22 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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24/31
25 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM OFFICE CLOSED
26 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM OFFICE CLOSED
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28 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM NO TAI CHI
29 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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BREAKFAST WITH SANTA PG 9AM
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In and Around Toscana ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES by Kevin Wiegel, Administrative Assistant The most common issues I receive phone calls about pertain to the following concerns:
not allowed in the underground parkades at any time. Please also make sure to dispose of your cigarette butts in the proper locations.
All moves and furniture deliveries need to be scheduled for after 8:00 am and must be completed before 8:00 pm. Please contact the office in advance to get a moving pass. We will pad the elevators, if needed, and do an inspection prior to your delivery.
Quiet hours are between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. Please be aware of this when you are utilizing your patio or have your windows open at night to enjoy the wonderful weather. Please respect your neighbor’s right to a peaceful use of their condo.
One more time I’d like to remind those of you that use Uber or Lyft to please give the service your unit number. They arrive at our front gate with nothing more than a first name and rarely have your phone number. I’m afraid that them telling the gate attendant that they are picking up “Bob” is not going to get them in. Our gate attendant is following procedure when these drivers are denied access and I applaud them for tactfully and forcefully enforcing the policy.
Please remember that your pets need to be registered with the community association. Additionally, they must always be on a leash when outside of your condo and you must pick up any of your pet’s waste. There is a first-time $250 fine for failure to do so. Extension leashes are not allowed and therefor we would be happy to provide you with a brand new Toscana leash at no cost! These are all common sense issues that most of our residents happily comply with; and most of the “nuisance” calls we receive would cease to exist if everyone were simply aware of these rules. However, if you have a problem that is persisting please contact one of your staff during the day or a night manager in the evening and we will try our best to assist you.
Smoking is not allowed in any amenity building, amenity building patio or pool area. Smoking is not allowed within 20 feet of any common area door. This includes pool gates and clubhouse doors. Smoking is also
ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES by Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager This year more than ever, my family has been reminded of the true meaning of the holidays and family. As we prepare for the inevitable, passing of my dear uncle, I am noticing so much sadness, hatred and negativity in the world today. We are overloaded with the negative social media posts and news stories. My family and I are making a pact to be part of the positive and not get caught up in the negative or hatred. I want to challenge all of my friends here at Toscana to do the same and be part of the change, part of the positive.
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Remember that everyone is dealing with something in their life whether it be financial, work, or family. Greet your neighbors and sit with someone new at social events and holiday gatherings. Be compassionate and positive. Together we truly can make a difference not only here at Toscana, but world wide. It takes so much more effort to be angry and negative, then it does to wake up with a smile and spread peace and joy. On a personal note, please also take the time to tell your loved ones that they are loved. Don’t take advantage of what you have today, for tomorrow it may be gone. Wishing you all the happiest of Holidays!!
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UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM By John Raabe
We are pleased to announce that some exciting changes are going to be taking place at the main gate starting next month as the Board has decided to bring the gate attendant positions in-house through CCMC. These changes are going to bring outstanding customer service and communications to the main gate. As you know, this is the first impression that you, new homeowners, your guests, the members and their guests experience when they enter the community.
As we move into January, I encourage all of the Toscana family introduce yourselves to the new members of the gate house team. Now that many of our residents are here for the winter, I thought this would be a great time to remind you all about a few tips in regards to your smoke detectors. The batteries in your smoke detectors should be changed annually. Additionally if you notice them beeping, this is an indicator of a dying battery. Most smoke detectors are made to last about 8-10 yrs. The manufactured date is either on the back, or inside the unit. If made earlier than 2008, it might be a great time to replace them.
We are already actively searching for the best candidates to fill these positions. We are also happy to announce that due to the timing of the transition Transcend Security If you have a fire extinguisher in your unit, this is will be able to continue providing guards until all of the a great time to do a safety check. If you don’t have one, positions are filled and our new staff is fully trained. what a great holiday gift this season.
OnTime Transportation Group Driven by Service
Airport Transportation Private Car Service Private Jet Charter TOSCANA One way Sky Harbor Airport
$50.00
One way Phoenix/ Mesa Gateway
$100.00
877.944.6111 www.OnTimePCS.com info@OnTimePCS.com
The stress of moving from winter to summer homes can be overwhelming and OnTime is able to help with relieving the stress. We will provide a driver to drive your car from one home to the other. Our drivers like company so if you have a pet we would be more than happy to have them accompany us on the ride.
Please call 602.449.0252 for more information.
Licensed – Bonded – Insured CAUTION: Read our Blog as to why it is important to use a Licensed Private Car Service.
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Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
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In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: WONDER By Gil Berkowitz
WARM AND INSPIRING BRING TISSUES The movie “Wonder” sends many messages. They are subtle and suggests that we discover certain meanings for ourselves. This is the story of a young boy facing an extraordinary challenge. It not only is the story of the boy, but it grows into a film about community, family and relationships. Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), is a ten-year old who has had multi-surgeries on his face as a result of a birth defect. He has been home schooled by his mother, Isabel (Julia Roberts). His mom thinks it is time him to attend public school. Auggie has worn an astronauts helmet in public and doesn’t want to be subjected to the snickering and nasty attitudes that is sure to come from kids at school. But off to school he goes. Auggie first meets the principal of the school Mr. Tushman (Mandy Patinkin), who immediately tells Auggie he has heard all the jokes about his name. This brings a smile to Auggie”s face and breaks the ice. He is painfully aware of how he looks and is surprised, however, when one kid, Jack Will (Noah Jupe) makes a point of becoming his friend.
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Jack sits with him at lunch, shares a desk in class and plays with him after school. Later in the film this new relationship will make Auggie vulnerable to being hurt. The movie isn’t just about him and it begins to develop the emotions and people surrounding Auggie. His older sister, Via (Izabela Vidovic) has learned over the years that she will always be a low priority to her parents. She expresses that “Auggie is the Sun,” and the rest of the family revolves around him. She is starting high school and is facing her own concerns. Her girlfriend has stopped talking to her. And she meets a boy she likes. And she is trying to decide to try out for the drama class. Resentment builds. This is when a young girl needs to talk to her mom for advice, but Isabel is not available. The film presents many viewpoints and perspectives. This allows the audience to understand that all the characters, good and bad have their problems and resulting reasons. The movie is not really about a boy with a facial disorder, but rather about what we choose to see in it. “Wonder” is the perfect movie for the holidays and a must see. It is playing a Harkins theaters throughout the valley and is rated PG. It runs for 1 hour and 53 minutes.
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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