Toscana Living January

Living

JANUARY 2017

INSIDE CHUCK’S COMEDY NIGHT

VINO & CANVAS

HIT THE GREEN SPECIAL FUN FRIDAY!

Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR

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By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director

Do you remember where you were when the year turned “2000”? I was working for a local restaurant caterer, running from event to event when I looked up and saw the fireworks. In that moment, I had an instant clarity. I did not want to live another year running from place to place, never taking the time to enjoy life. I had never put much stock in “New Year’s Resolutions”, but I made a life-changing resolution to balance my home and work time.

What New Year’s Resolutions have you made over the years that have stuck with you and actually had a lasting impact on your life? Please share your stories on the Toscana Facebook page, or email me your inspirational story. We would love to share it with the community!

TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS FUN FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in January at 5 p.m. Palazzo Grande Come together to meet new people and socialize with your neighbors at this non-hosted neighborhood gathering. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided (while supplies last). The Fun Friday Socials are free. Please RSVP by Thursdays at noon.

TAI CHI CLASSES Thursdays, Palazzo Vacanza (Building) 10 from 10-11 a.m.

Cost: $10 per class Please join us for our weekly Tai Chi/Qigong class to quiet your mind, reduce stress, increase flexibility and range of motion, and improve balance and coordination. All of this while learning slow, gentle and meditative movements, designed to access and enhance the energetic pathways of the body. No experience necessary.

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT Friday, January 13, Palazzo Vacanza (Building 10) at 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: Free for residents, RSVP no later than January 12th Ages 5-12, under 5 with a parent/guardian in attendance Parent’s Night Out (grandparents too!) - Kid’s Night In! A special evening pajama party for Toscana’s smallest residents with games, pizza and a movie. Bring a blanket for the movie. This month we will be showing The Secret Life of Pets! Pizza will start at 6 and the movie promptly at 6:30 p.m. There are two volunteer spaces for this event.

HIT THE GREEN (IN CONJUNCTION WITH FUN FRIDAY) Friday, January 13, Palazzo Grande Pool Area at 5 - 7:00 p.m.

RSVP by January 11 Come join Alex Fisher, Golf Digest Magazines “Best Young Teacher” and PGA Certified Instructor at Wildfire Golf Club for a fun and fast paced short game clinic around the community pool. Learn how to pitch the golf ball correctly and see if you can hit the floating green. Our VIP Vendor, Torch Cigar Bar, will be present with their famous Sangria and an exciting raffle prize! Also, a massage chair to relax your back!

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, CAMM, CMCA 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: Frank Young Maintenance Supervisor fyoung@toscanaliving.net John Raabe Maintenance Tech Ignacio Santana Porter

ON THE COVER HAPPY 2017!

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Toscana Lifestyle

CHUCK’S COMEDY NIGHT OUT Tuesday, January 10, Palazzo Vacanza (Building 10) at 5 - 6:15 p.m.

RSVP by January 9 Free for residents, $5 non-resident fee Chuck Field and his stage partners, Ziggy, Nick and Dr. Sol, have been wowing audiences for over 40 years. Their hysterical humor and superb ventriloquism are truly delightful! Come join Chuck and friends for a fun evening out with friends! https://www.gigmasters.com/ventriloquist/chuck-field-comedy-ventriloquist VINO AND CANVAS Tuesday, January 17, Palazzo Grande Fiesta Kitchen at 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Cost: $20 per resident, $30 non-resident fee RSVP no later than January 16 We love the arts, we love a good bottle of wine, and we love our neighbors. What better way to combine our love for our community than Vino and Canvas?! Come create a new memory and a new piece of artwork with your friends. BYOB. https://vinoandcanvas.com/ DWORNIK LAW ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR Tuesday, January 24, Palazzo Centro at 6:30 p.m., RSVP by January 23 Free Living Trust Seminar: Learn about the latest strategies to protect your estate.

Come learn how to put a plan into action to help protect your legacy, your family and your future. Complimentary wine and refreshments will be served.

TOSCANA TEAM TRIVIA Saturday, January 28, Palazzo Vacanza (Building 10) at 6:00 -7:45 p.m.

RSVP by January 27 Join your Toscana neighbors for an evening of great conversation and live team trivia. Special prizes and bragging rights to the winning teams!

4TH ANNUAL BROADWAY COMPOSERS PROGRAM PRESENTED BY BOB ALEXANDER Tuesday, January 31, Palazzo Vacanza (Building 10 at 6:00-7:30 p.m.

RSVP no later than January 30 Come take a trip with Toscana resident, Bob Alexander, as we explore the shows and songs of Cole Porter. As always, a sing-along will follow the presentation. This event is free for Toscana residents.

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 CONCIERGE CORNER

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By Alicja Davis, Concierge Another year went by! New Year resolutions from 2016 are the thing of the past and nobody even remembers what they were. I lost mine sometime in February. I like chocolate and simply can’t live without it. That is a difficult commitment to endure.

The New Year is here. Let’s enjoy it with all our might and appreciate what it brings - the fresh supply of exciting events, and the new wisdom that comes our way. With or without resolutions, let’s make the best out of it.

Sometimes we’ll laugh and other times we’ll try to reach unattainable dreams. We may have a great time or sulk a bit. It’s all engraved in our nature.

In the abundance of daily events and the constant pursuit of multitude of things, we rarely allow ourselves to be silly. Let’s enjoy little thighs like children do. Happiness is made out of small gestures; it lies in our kindness, in an ordinary day, in our laughter and our silence.

Let this be our resolution – just to keep our eyes and hearts open. Happiness is here. Happy 2017, Toscana!

‘TOSCANA FIVE’ RESTAURANT REVIEW Toscana is a community that forms unique groups, social circles and lifelong friendships. Residents establish clubs to promote fun and engaging ways to entertain, join together in art, recreation, games or culinary interest.

Toscana’s group of ladies, Toscana Five, enjoys exploring different restaurants in the valley and is happy to provide unbiased lunch reviews from various spots in the valley.

Grape Bistro located on 23335 N. Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale (in the Sprouts Farmers Market Plaza) is the latest place of their culinary investigation.

The first impression – Grape Bistro features contemporary décor, relaxing background music and medium lunch prices. Some menu specials are available and service is attentive. Chicken Penne pasta dish seems to be the best choice and hamburger or Portobello mushroom sandwich were just mediocre. As there weren’t any other people at the restaurant, there wasn’t any warmth to the place. The overall experience: Grape Food & Wine Bistro didn’t leave a lasting impression.

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Toscana Lifestyle KEVIN’S KORNER

By Kevin Wiegel, Administrative Assistant

Hello my Toscana friends and those I have yet to meet.

I have been furiously working as the Administrative Assistant at Building 2 for a couple of months now and have been allowed a few paragraphs to share my views.

And lastly, one of the more common complaints I hear from residents is about the lack of responsibility some pet owners have by not cleaning up after their dogs.

The residents of Toscana live in a beautiful community and they and management want to keep it that way. We expect everyone to do their part in following up after their dog does his part.

Please feel free to contact me about not just this issue but any concerns you may have. I am happy to help you or if I can’t, I can find out how to help you.

Happy New Year!

To begin, I appreciate everyone who stops by and greets me when they come in. It is a welcome change from the limited contact I had with residents while working the night shifts. Hopefully I can and do answer most of your questions and concerns.

Secondly, I would hope that you would continue to pick up your packages in a timely fashion. We have limited space and our package room can fill up quickly.

If you’re not set up to receive an email from DwellingLIVE when we receive your package, let me know and I can remedy that easily. Keep in mind that we may not have received your package yet even if the carrier has texted or emailed you that it has been delivered (I really don’t know how or why that happens, but it is pretty common).

I do go through the package room regularly and try to make contact with residents who have not picked up their packages for an extended time.

Offering a 25% VIP Discount for Toscana Residents Eco-friendly dry cleaning at fair prices Open Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 9am-4pm

Same day service Tailor on premises We do shoe repairs as well!

Located at the Desert Ridge Marketplace next door to the UPS Store

(480) 502-5881 www.desertridgecleanersaz.com

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Toscana Events and Programs Clubs

January 2017 Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

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2

9 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

RUMMYCUBE CLUB PG 1PM

MEET THE CANDIDATES PV 5PM

CHUCK’S COMEDY NIGHT PV 5PM

16 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

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17 VINO AND CANVAS PG 5:30PM

23 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

24 RUMMYCUBE CLUB PG 1PM ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR PC 6:30PM

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30 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

Thursday

4 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

HOCKEY GAME RSVP DEADLINE

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Association

3

OFFICE CLOSED

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Events

Wednesday

MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

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

18 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6:30PM 25 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

Friday

Saturday

5 TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

12 TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

19 TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

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7

13

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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM PARENTS NIGHT OUT PV 6PM HIT THE GREEN PG POOL 5PM

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21

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

BOARD MEETING PV 9AM

26 TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

27 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

28 TOSCANA TRIVIA PV 6PM

31 BROADWAY COMPOSERS PROGRAM PV 6PM

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In and Around Toscana

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MANAGER TIDBITS

By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Holiday Season. As we enter into 2017 at Toscana we look forward to the future of this community. The future is positive for Toscana with new and exciting Lifestyle Events and by adding three owners to the Board of Directors in the upcoming Annual Meeting on February 6, 2017.

Directors via a preference election. The Developer will then appoint the three owners receiving the most votes to the Board of Directors and will expand the Board to seven members. The ballots will be provided to owners in electronic form from a third party contactor that will facilitate and count the ballots. Please be on the lookout for the email with the Ballot to cast your vote, should you need a paper ballot one will be available to pick up at the office at the Palazzo Centro.

Lifestyle for 2017 is going to be great; please keep an eye out for some of the exciting events that are coming in the newsletter and email blasts.

Just a reminder… Holiday lights and decorations must be removed by January 7, 2017 as determined by the CC&R’s.

At the Annual Meeting the owners will be casting their first vote for owner representation on the Board of

Wishing all residents of Toscana a happy and prosperous 2017!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

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In and Around Toscana

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ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES

By Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager ASSESSMENTS

CLUBS AND CLASSES

It is 2017, a new year is here and it is going to be a busy one here at Toscana. As always, we have a number of projects, events and a historical Annual Meeting just on the horizon.

POOL PLAYERS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1pm, Billiards Room

All of this however, would not be possible without each of you to participate, and without the association assessments. By timely paying your association assessments you help Toscana remain lively, beautiful and a sound investment for future years. I want to make sure that all of you are aware of the many ways in which you can stay current with your assessments, and up to date with what is happening with the association.

HIKING CLUB: Select Monday mornings to hike different trails. Contact your lifestyle director to join the email list.

First, you all should have received your annual coupon booklet. Please if you have not, be sure to let me know, so that we can get it reprinted for you. Assessments are able to be paid via check either online, through the payment mailing address, or by dropping a check here a the office.

We also offer a wonderfully simple solution called Direct Debit. We are able to debit your American checking account, on or around the 5th of each month. This allows you the comfort of knowing that as long as you are a Toscana resident your assessments are paid for and are always up to date.

I also want everyone to know, that should you ever need some assistance with your account status, I am here to work out other payment options, and plans if you do find your self a few months behind.

My door is always open and I am available to assist in any way that I can.

RUMMYCUBE CLUB: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 1-2:30pm, Palazzo Grande

SINGLE LADIES NIGHT OUT: Last Wednesday of the month at 6pm. Contact Heyam Bonnamy at heyambonnamy@gmail.com MAHJONG CLUB: Mondays at 6:30pm, Palazzo Grande STUD POKER CLUB: Wednesdays at 6pm, Palazzo Grande. Bring $5 and your poker face.

Contact Phil Labue at 480-513-3615 BOOK CLUB: January 18 at 6:30pm.

The Residence by Kate Anderson Brower.

Please contact Lynn Jerrett with questions.

3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm, Palazzo Vacanza.

HAND & FOOT CLUB: Thursdays at 6pm, Palazzo Grande. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE: Contact Gil Berkowitz at 602-881-6272 or 480-998-2135 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.

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In and Around Toscana UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM

By Frank Young, Maintenance Supervisor

CONDO MAINTENANCE TIPS This is an article I published last year however with several new residents moving into the community I thought it would be good post it again.

Below I have put together a simple list of items that you should routinely do to help things run smoothly in your home.

Air conditioning filters: Depending on the filter type (Fiberglass) filter can be replaced every three to six months depending on conditions in your home.

For example if you have pets or leave your window open a lot you should check them at least every three months.

(Pleated) filters should be changed every one to three months because they trap more particulates.

Smoke alarm batteries: Smoke alarm batteries should be changed out annually. Fire prevention week falls on the week of October 9th every year and is one of the things the NFPA encourages people to do on that week.

However you can change them out any time, New Years Day, or a birthday or maybe an anniversary of some type just as long as they are changed out every year.

Main water valves: Your main water shut off valves are located in your laundry room typically behind an access panel should be operated (exercised) periodically, every three to six months. It might be something you do when you change your air filters just to make it easy to remember. By exercising the valve it helps to prevent scale build up which causes the valve to not function when needed.

Drain cleaning: Drain cleaning sounds like a difficult task however with today’s advancement in drain cleaners/ treatments it is extremely easy. I recommend using an enzyme type treatment. These can be purchased at almost any hardware store or from some of your local plumbers.

The procedure is simple, mix the recommended amount in warm water and pour down the drain as shown in the directions. This is very effective on kitchen sink drains and bathroom sink drains. Do this once a month and you will have trouble free drains.

For any questions related to your condo maintenance, please visit me in my office in Palazzo Centro or email me at fyoung@toscanaliving.net Happy New Year!

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Photo Gallery

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In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: MANCHESTER BY THE SEA

By Gil Berkowitz

Casey AffleckBreakthrough Performance Manchester by the Sea is a story of grief; how it can wreck a good man and turn him into a shadow of his former self. Rob him of all that he was and anything he can hope to be. Kenneth Lonergan directs a riveting and soul searching film. The opening of the film introduces us to Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck); who passes the time of day as a janitor/handyman. He is a man seemingly without purpose. A man that carries a burden that weighs him down. His evenings are spent in tap rooms and local bars. He is abrupt with everyone and lacks any semblance of social skills.

One morning he gets a call from Manchester which is where he used to live and was his original home. Lee is informed his older brother Joe (Kyle Chandler) has been taken to a hospital and may not survive. From where Lee lives in Boston it is a 90 minute drive and by the time he gets to Manchester his brother passes away.

Lee must plan and make all arrangements for his brothers’ funeral. Also, he needs to take care of Joe’s 16 year old son Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Lee is shocked to learn that his brother has named him as Patrick’s guardian. Lee is not happy. This means that Patrick will have to move to Boston and leave all his friends and upend his life. The other choice is for Lee to move back to Manchester which is something he dreads.

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We now become aware that there is a story behind why Lee does not want to return to Manchester. As events develop and Lee encounters past acquaintances the mystery unfolds. These flashbacks and encounters come to a head in an intense and gut wrenching scene between Lee and his ex-wife Randi (Michelle Williams). Manchester by the Sea is not a film for fans of light fare and escapism.

The film engulfs you in Lee’s sadness and melancholy. It peels away layers of the man Lee is and we travel with him through his boredom and lack of purpose. The ending is not of the Hollywood variety but more realistic and acceptable.

Surely the performance by Casey Affleck will be worthy of Oscar nomination. He portrays Lee’s sadness in every move and in everything he says. His despair is a shroud he wears. Michelle Williams is very good in a small role as is Lucas Hedges. However, this film belongs to Affleck.

The movie is a bit slow but worth your patience. When Academy Awards come around this film will be nominated as best picture of the year. It is playing at Harkins theaters throughout the valley. It runs for 2 hours and 17 minutes an is rated R for profanity and sexual content.

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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