Toscana Living February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

Living

INSIDE LIVING WITH DESERT WILDLIFE

VINO AND CANVAS

PRESENTS

MOVIES IN THE COURTYARD COCO | MARCH 15 | 6PM - 8PM DESPICABLE ME 3 | MARCH 29 | 6PM - 8PM

Enjoy your favorite ďŹ lms every 2nd and 4th Thursday through May 2018, and take advantage of grab-and-go deals at participating retailers.

S H O P D E S E R T R I D G E . C O M

Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR

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By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director

Have you discovered one of Phoenix’s Hidden Gems?

If so, let us know!

As a Phoenix native, I am constantly amazed at the sheer volume of activities offered in our city. There are sporting events, museums, cool small businesses, restaurants - all within exploring distance of Toscana.

Our Toscana family loves to come in and tell us about a great time they had at a local haunt…and we love to hear about it! Oftentimes, when our residents come share their experiences, the chat leads to an awesome new event that we can promote to the Toscana community. So, please keep your stories coming, your experiences keep our lifestyle calendar fresh and lively.

When you hear about or go to an interesting museum, fun educational program or unusual event, stop by the office and share your experience (or email me at creeder@toscanaliving.net).

Additionally, please make a note of the Volunteer Lifestyle Committee meeting calendar: every second Tuesday from 2-3:30pm. All residents are welcome to attend and share their thoughts.

If we can organize a new program for a Toscana group, I’d love to get something on the schedule. Our community is diverse - and diversity in activity gives everyone a little slice of Toscana Lifestyle Heaven!

TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS TOSCANA RESIDENT FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in February at 5 PM, Palazzo Grande Food, fun and conversation upstairs in the Palazzo Grande - open to all Toscana residents. Join us for some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The Friday Socials are FREE. Please RSVP by Friday at noon.

MEET THE AUTHOR, LINDA VALDEZ Saturday, February 3, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Palazzo Grande A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing in 2003, Linda is a columnist and editorial writer at the Arizona Republic/azcentral.com. She has written extensively about immigration and border issues. Her commentary opposing Arizona’s anti-immigration laws earned her the Scripps Howard Walker Stone Award for editorial writing in 2011.

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 Gate House: 480-513-0602 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 Jackie Hernandez 480-861-0875 MAINTENANCE: John Raabe Maintenance Supervisor Keith Buc Craig Sanders Ignacio Santana GATE HOUSE: Ron McCroskey, Sabrina Cooper, Chet Sanders, Tom Cagle 480-513-0602

ON THE COVER Pancakes and Pajamas

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Toscana Lifestyle

TUBAC FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS DAY TRIP Thursday, February 8, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Tubac, AZ RSVP by February 3 Cost: $22 Spend the day visiting hundreds of visiting artists, crafters and musicians from around the country at the very popular Tubac Festival of the Arts. Serious paintings share the streets with whimsical sculptures, jewelry and much more! Your $22 ticket includes transportation and a bus snack!

This event is sold out. Wait-list only.

HEART-SHAPED CHEESE Sunday, February 11, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Palazzo Grande Cost: $35 per person RSVP by February 6 Mozzarella and String 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!

TOSCANA OF DESERT RIDGE ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING Monday, February 12 at 6 PM at Aviano Community Center RSVP by February 9 Celebrate Toscana at the Annual Homeowner Association meeting! There will be food, drink and fun raffle giveaways. Meeting begins at 6 PM, registration opens at 5:30. Carpool if you can, since parking could be tight! Please RSVP by 2/9 for food ordering purposes.

THE HALE THEATER PRESENT’S “NO NO NANETTE” Saturday, February 17, from 1:45 PM to 7:00 PM Cost: $27 Join the group as we head to Downtown Gilbert for the Hale Theater’s presentation of “No No Nanette”. Your $27 ticket includes: transportation, parking and theater admission. Plan to depart Toscana at 12:45. Lunch will be on your own - there are many nearby restaurants in this cute little area.

TRUCKIN’ TUESDAY FOOD TRUCK Tuesday, February 20, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Palazzo Grande Cobblestone Come on down to the Palazzo Grande Pool Area for a little takeout. The Hummus Xpress truck will be ready for dinner at 5pm! Hummus Xpress was founded on the basic idea that healthy, nutritious food should be flavorful and affordable. Bring your wallet and your appetite! Check out their page and menu at http://hummusxpress.com/food-truck/

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Toscana Lifestyle

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COYOTES VS. CALGARY FLAMES HOCKEY GAME Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Registration is closed - wait-list only Cost: $24 including transportation This will be an fantastic game - the Coyotes vs. Calgary Flames on February 22nd. Your ticket includes transportation, parking, and admission to the game with your Toscana neighbors- all for $24 per person. We only have 23 tickets reserved, so register today! This event will most likely sell out! Game starts at 7pm. *Note these are Not AYCE tickets.

Registration is closed. Please email Chris to be added to the wait-list.

LIVING WITH DESERT WILDLIFE Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Palazzo Grande RSVP by February 23 The Phoenix Herpetological Society will be coming to Toscana to speak to us about desert wildlife & identification, including native venomous and non-venomous creatures. This seminar is sure to interest our year round and winter residents. Seating will be limited, so please RSVP quickly.

VINO AND CANVAS Monday, February 26, from 5:15 PM to 7:30 PM Cost: $30 RSVP by February 19 It’s going to be a great evening of painting, chatting and wine! Vino and Canvas is returning to Toscana for a winter painting party, right here in the Palazzo Grande. Bring a friend or make some new ones and don’t forget a bottle of your favorite wine!

TACO TUESDAY AT JALAPENO INFERNO Tuesday, February 27, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM We love Jalapeno Inferno! Taco Tuesday at Jalapeno Inferno features all you can eat tacos for $10! Join your friends on the Toscana bus and have a margarita or two.

Transportation provided by Toscana, meal and beverage at the residents’ discretion. View the menu here.

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

Toscana Vendor Expo Saturday, March 10 11 AM - 1 PM

Local Area Events

I would like to invite Toscana residents and their guests to join our VIP Vendors during our Annual Vendor Expo event on Saturday, March 10 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Palazzo Grande Cobblestone.

We will be hosting activities and travel companies, retail and home services/home improvement vendors, as well as restaurants, beauty & spa, and more!

Please join us at this great event and enjoy the opportunity to meet our fabulous VIP Partners! Vendor Expo is open to all residents and does not require RSVPs.

The weather in the Valley of the Sun is nearly perfect during springtime. Spring is when people enjoy the outdoor activities like hiking and biking; the restaurant patios are full of folks enjoying the local fare, and baseball fans flock to stadiums across the metro area for Cactus League Spring Training.

For more information on current local events and specials, please keep an eye on our weekly email blast (sent out on Thursdays) highlighting fun activities and places to visit in the Phoenix area.

Happy Spring, Toscana!

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

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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.

In and Around Toscana

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MANAGER TIDBITS

By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager Toscana of Desert Ridge Annual Members Meeting

RESIDENT GROUPS, CLUBS & CLASSES BILLIARDS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1:00pm, Billiards Room in PG. Contact: Lynn at 602-301-5010

We look forward to seeing everyone at our Toscana Annual Meeting of the Members on Monday, February 12 at 6 PM. Please remember if you haven’t marked your calendars, make sure you have the date penciled in. As in previous years, this meeting will be held at the Aviano Community Center (directions will be available at all amenity buildings).

Sign-In begins at 5:30 PM and the meeting is starting promptly at 6 PM. This annual event will include premeeting appetizers & beverages as we celebrate Toscana’s accomplishments for 2017. It’s also shaping up to have great raffle prizes, so don’t miss out!

To make our planning a breeze, we will be asking for your RSVPs for food/beverage ordering purposes. We appreciate your help!

We hope to see you there! Please always feel free to email myself or the member of our team with any questions or concerns.

BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR: Mondays at 5pm in PG BYOB

HIKING CLUB: February 19, depart Toscana at 10 am.

Contact: Allen Poppa at apoppa@yahoo.com LADIES PING PONG: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11am, PV. Contact: Heyam at heyambonnamy@gmail.com MAHJONG CLUB: Mondays at 6:30pm, PG. STUD POKER CLUB: Wednesdays at 6:00pm, PG. Bring $5 and your poker face. Contact Phil at 480-513-3615.

BOOK CLUB: Meet the Author Event on Saturday, February 3 HAND & FOOT CLUB: Thursdays at 6pm, PG. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 COFFEE SOCIAL: Each Wednesday and Friday at 9:00am in PG Kitchen BINGO: February 14 at 6:00pm, PG $6 per card, Contact: Marge at 480-585-0494 WATER AEROBICS: Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:30 - 10:15 PG Pool $10/Person/Session GENTLE YOGA: Fridays at 11am in PV; $5/Person/Session CHAIR YOGA: Wednesdays at 11 am in PV; $5/Person/Session TAI CHI: Thursdays at 10 am in PV; $10/Person/Session

Please contact creeder@toscanaliving.net for more information.

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Toscana Events and Programs Clubs

February 2018 Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Events Association

Wednesday

Thursday 1 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

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5

6 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE MEETING PV 2PM

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8 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM TUBAC ART FESTIVAL OFFSITE 8AM

11 CHEESE-MAKING CLASS PG 6PM

12 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM ANNUAL HOA MEETING AVIANO 6PM

13 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM LIFESTYLE COMMITTEE MEETING PV 1PM

14 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM RESIDENT BINGO PG 6PM

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19 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM HIKING CLUB MEET AT 10AM

20 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TRUCKIN’ TUESDAY HUMMUS XPRESS PG 5PM

21 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

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26 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM VINO AND CANVAS PG 5:15PM

27 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM JALAPENO INFERNO TRIP OFFSITE 5PM

28 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM

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Friday COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

Saturday 2

3 MEET THE AUTHOR PG 1PM

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

16 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING PV 3PM

17 BUS TRIP TO HALE THEATER OFFSITE 1:45PM

22 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM COYOTES VS FLAMES OFFSITE 6PM

23 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

24 LIVING WITH DESERT WILDLIFE PG 10AM

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

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In and Around Toscana ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES

by Kevin Wiegel, Administrative Assistant

Since I’m given carte blanc with my article topics, I thought I’d share an experience I survived recently. Let me start by pointing out that I have two grown sons, both of whom I am extremely proud. My son Jake and his wife Melissa have blessed us with our first and only grandchild, Scarlet. But, by the time you read this they will have had their second child, Hudson.

A matched set. I would like to think Jake takes after me a bit with his love for gardening and working on their property and home in Washington State. My other son Jesse also lives in Northwest Washington and happens to be the reason for my recent excursion into the world of meditation. Jesse, among other things, is an outdoor educator and sailor who teaches students the biology and conservation of the ocean aboard the historic Schooner Adventuress out of Port Townsend.

I will be the first to admit that I don’t keep in touch with my sons as often as I want to, so I was happy to answer his phone call in early November. Among other things, he said to check an email sent to me about a silent meditation course he wanted to attend. He wondered if I would be interested. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to spend time with Jesse I decided within a couple of days to apply. Jesse had attended this course multiple times and applied as a server. I heard back within a couple of days that the course was full but Jesse and I were both on a wait list. One week before the start of the course I finally heard back that I had made the cut and was invited to attend the course. I called Jesse with my good news and he said that he probably would not make it in because servers rarely cancel after applying, which is the only way he would be invited. He then offered to travel with me to the location and go camping and rock climbing nearby for 10 days while I attended the course. I was stunned that he would do that. After a little consideration, I decided to

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attend, and we waited as the date approached. Jesse flew in on Tuesday and on Wednesday afternoon we drove the four hours to the Southern California Vipassana Center outside 29 Palms, California. I waved him goodbye and trudged up the hill to the center, bag in hand, having very little idea what to expect.

I attended my first meditation course later that night, learning the expected, nay, required schedule for the next 10 days. There would be about 12 hours of meditation each day, including instruction by the Assistant Teacher and 90 minute video discourses by M.S. Goenka, who had been teaching Vipassana meditation for 40 years before he passed in 2012. The next morning I awoke at 4:15am and headed for the Dhamma (meditation) Hall. Day one was learning to observe one’s respiration. Yes, for twelve hours. There is a breakfast and rest break at 6:30am until 8:00am, Lunch from 11 to 1, and a tea break from 5:00pm to 6pm. Dinner was not served and it took me 6 or 7 days to come up with a tea combination I could palette, as I do not care for tea. We also had 5 or 10 minute breaks every hour to stretch and take a walk. The last meditation of each day was from 6pm to 9pm, which included the 90 minute video discourse from 7pm to 8:15pm. During the 1 o’clock to 5 o’clock sit, the assistant teacher calls up the students to see if they understand the instructions and if there are any questions. When I was called up the teacher told me that a server had not shown up and Jesse was invited and would be attending the next day! I was ecstatic for him and myself as I had not seen or experienced any emotion for 24 hours. I grinned (silently) all the way back to my room. The next 9 days became a routine of waking, meditation, meals, and sleeping. On day 10 the Noble Silence rule was lifted after the morning sit. I was finally able to look Jesse in the face and thank him for inviting me. All the students shared their experiences. I met quite a few wonderful people, including an artist who has work displayed in a number of museums and galleries. It was ten days of highs and lows, ten days of quiet, ten days I probably will never experience again, and 10 days that I will never forget.

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ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES

by Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager

Common Community Courtesies One of the best parts of working at Toscana is working with all of the residents that are always keeping an eye out for things that need attention. One of the worst parts of my job is when the complaint that comes in is due to one of their neighbors not taking pride in where they live. Below I have compiled a list of the most common complaints: Dog Waste – as you know, we get this complaint quite often and it is very frustrating as not only are there doggy stations throughout the property. The association also provides doggy bags free of charge with the color coordinating building ID holders.

Dogs in Parkade – we all know that sometimes it is just a bit too chilly or way too hot outside for those mandatory puppy potty walks, however the parkade is not the place to use as a back up plan. Allowing your dog to walk around the parkade is not safe for your furry friend. While cars are not traveling very fast, they are all much larger than your dog. If the unavoidable potty accident does occur in the parkade, we ask that you address it right away before it is tracked into the building or becomes a slip hazard for your neighbors.

Parkade Line – while we are talking about the parkade, lets also discuss that wonderful yellow line. This line is meant to be a center marker. Please do not drive with your vehicle on both sides of the line. The parkade is for two way traffic at all times.

Fast Driving – as posted the speed limit throughout Toscana is 10 MPH. The reason for this is the narrow drives, sharp turns and number of residents. Please be

sure to take your time as you drive through the property to avoid hitting pedestrians and other vehicles.

Stop Signs – there are a number a places where three way stops have been created. Please be sure to follow these signs as they were placed there for your safety.

Guest Parking – as we all know parking is quite tight at Toscana. The surface parking is the only place in which guests are able to park while visiting the property.

If possible, we ask that you utilize your parkade spot during the day as much as possible, unless you require the additional room for loading and unloading. Once it is dark out, we ask that you move your car into the parkade for the night as over night resident parking is prohibited on the surface.

Vandalism – one of the most costly issues that we receive complaints about quite often is vandalism. Right now it is more frequent than ever as we have new finishes throughout. New carpet and paint show the damage so much easier than the old one did. We have received calls in regards to drawing on the walls, etching in the elevators, foot prints or areas kicked in on the walls, and stains that have been allowed to set.

Noise Complaints – As most of you have neighbors to the left, right, above and below you, it should come as no surprise that sometimes we are just a little to loud. Be sure to switch your radios off when you leave the house. Keep TV and radio volume low in the late night hours, and make sure that your dogs are not barking all day while you are gone, or late at night waiting for you to arrive home.

So often we get these calls, and there is really very little we can do to rectify the issue for you. In most instances, talking to your neighbors is a great option.

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Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery

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