JUNE 2017
Living
INSIDE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
DIAMONDBACKS GAME
ROOTBEER FLOAT
Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR
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By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director
Get ready for National Safety Month! Join the National Safety Council as we work to raise awareness of what it takes to Keep Each Other Safe. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. Safety messages will be displayed in Toscana common amenity areas about the following topics you can discuss with your co-workers, family and friends over the month of June:
Week 1: Stand up to Falls Week 2: Recharge to Be In Charge Week 3: Prepare for Active Shooters Week 4: Don’t Just Sit There
TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS FUN FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in June at 5 p.m. Palazzo Grande Friday, June 16, we will celebrate National Fresh Veggies Day! 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. PARENT’S NIGHT OUT (GRANDPARENT’S TOO!) Friday, June 9, Palazzo Vacanza at 6 p.m. RSVP by June 8 Kid’s Night IN! A special evening pajama party for Toscana’s smallest residents with games, pizza and a movie (‘Sing’ this month). Bring a blanket, stuffie or pillow for the movie. There are two volunteer spaces for this event. MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Saturday, June 10, Palazzo Grande; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per person, RSVP by June 8 I Loathe a Parade! Join your fellow inquisitive neighbor investigators as we determine who murdered Mayor Possumz. During this adventure, resident suspects will be “interrogated” and your team (teams of 6 will be formed upon your arrival) will figure out WHO DID IT?!
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 Keith Buc Maintenance Tech Ignacio Santana Porter
ON THE COVER Resident Potluck Pool Party
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Toscana Lifestyle
WAFFLE LOVE FOOD TRUCK Monday, June 19, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Palazzo Grande Cobblestone The fantastic Waffle Love truck is coming to Toscana! If you have never tried their delicious treats, you are in for something special :) Follow the yummy smell to the Palazzo Grande pool area and bring your wallet! http://www.waffluv.com/ DIAMONDBACKS BUS TRIP Saturday, June 24 Diamondbacks vs Phillies game starts at 7:10 p.m. Bus pick up: 5:30 p.m. in front of Building 26 Tickets: $37 per person RSVP by June 11 Baseball, fireworks AND Star Wars night?! June 24 is sure to be a night to remember with our seats in the baseline reserve section. Bring your glove - it’s foul ball territory! Your tickets include admission, transportation and parking. GROOVYTEK SEMINAR - SOCIAL MEDIA Monday, June 26, Palazzo Centro from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m RSVP by June 25 Join us on Monday, June 26, for a seminar discussing social media - what is out there and what is right for you. We hope to see you there! BEAT THE HEAT ROOTBEER FLOAT PARTY Tuesday, June 27, Palazzo Grande from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. RSVP by June 26 Come beat the heat with an old fashioned Root Beer Float by the Palazzo Grande Fiesta Kitchen! Make sure you RSVP with the office or online to reserve your cool treat! Come out and beat the heat!
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 Scottsdale ArtWalk Various Galleries in Old Town Galleries in Scottsdale open their doors to the public showcasing the work of the Southwest’s outstanding artists. Scottsdale ArtWalk is perfect for an evening with friends and family or for those searching for a unique piece of art. Special exhibitions and entertainment are offered each Thursday night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage and trolley rides are often available from plentiful free parking areas nearby. http://scottsdalegalleries.com/ Night Lights Tour at Taliesin West Fridays in June Visit Taliesin West in Scottsdale for a magical experience of the Night Lights evening tour. The tour gives a great insight into Frank Lloyd Wright’s art, and his approach to architecture, design, nature and light. Enjoy his desert masterpiece by registering HERE Science with the Twist at Arizona Science Center ‘This Animation is Not For Kids’ - June 16, 2017 Science with a Twist is designed for ages 21 and older with activities geared towards adults. Each month is themed and includes a cash bar, music, live science demonstrations, hands-on activities, discounted tickets into the featured exhibition and more! For more information, please see Alicja or visit https://www. azscience.org/ScienceWithATwist
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera Heard Museum http://heard.org/exhibits/frida-kahlo-diego-rivera/ More than 30 works by Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera have made their way to Arizona. The paintings will be on display at the Heard Museum in Phoenix through August 20, 2017. The exhibition also features more than 70 photographs taken by Edward Weston, Lola Alvarez Bravo and Kahlo’s father, Guillermo Kahlo. Mark your calendars, August 15 is our Toscana resident bus trip to enjoy this exhibit! VIP Partnership Protocol Reminder: Kindly respect introductory offers. Be sure to return this courtesy by extending your regular business. If you know ahead of time you’ll be visiting our VIP service provider, please thank them for their partnership. When representing Toscana, please leave gratuity on the total amount of the bill. Some discounts may not be combinable with any existing specials or happy hour pricing. Thank you so much for your effort in promoting the Toscana community and for being a good neighbor. Your kindness and support pay off with lasting relationships that we continue to build. For the list of current vendors, please see our VIP DIRECTORY or visit your concierge for more information. Happy June, Toscana!
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Toscana Lifestyle KEVIN’S TWO BITS By Kevin Wiegel, Administrative Assistant Toscana Gate Attendants
Let’s keep our community secure and safe by remembering the role of our Gate Attendands! Not all of our Toscana residents may be aware of the roles and responsibilities of our front gate attendants - and what they require to allow your guests on the Toscana property. Below are some friendly reminders for all of us. The gate attendants make use of our resident database called DwellingLIVE and are required to confirm that all guests are on the residents’ approved guest list prior to entry. If the guest is on your list, the attendant will issue a pass and allow the guest entry. If not on your list, they will attempt to contact you with the phone number in DwellingLIVE. It is important that you confirm your phone number and email in DwellingLIVE so that you can be contacted for this purpose. Guests, realtors, service personnel, and/or deliveries will be turned away if they are not on your guest list and we cannot reach you by phone. The gate attendants are required to call you directly to confirm your unregistered guest information before allowing entrance to the community. Please be respectful to the attendant on duty as they are following this process for the safety of the community.
If you have not ever accessed our DwellingLIVE or need a new username and password sent to you, please contact the management office at (480) 585-0808 or email Kevin at kwiegel@toscanaliving.net. Also, please remember that the primary role of the gate attendants is to monitor access onto our property. Other than calling them to allow and approve your guests, you should direct all other issues and concerns to the management office or the night manager at (480) 861-0875.
DO’S AND DON’TS Do pick up after your pet Do dispose of grease in your garbage Do be sure to park in your assigned space Do registrer 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
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Toscana Events and Programs Clubs
June 2017 Monday
Sunday
Events Association
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
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5
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MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
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MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
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19
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26 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM GROOVYTEK SEMINAR PC 11:30AM
27 RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM BEAT THE HEATROOT BEER FLOAT PARTY PG 5:30PM
28 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
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TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
15 TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM BOARD MEETING PV 5PM
21 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6:30PM
Friday
Saturday
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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14 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM
MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM WAFFLE LOVE FOOD TRUCK 5PM
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7 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BINGO PG 6PM
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22 TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
29 TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
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3
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM PARENT’S NIGHT OUT PV 6PM
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PG 5:30PM
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL NATIONAL FRESH VEGGIE DAY PG 5PM
23 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
24 DIAMONDBACKS BUS TRIP OFFSITE 5:30PM
30 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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In and Around Toscana
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MANAGER TIDBITS
By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager
Communication is Key It is imperative that the Association has a robust and effective communications strategy to inform all residents of the changes going on at Toscana. To address this, Toscana has a variety of communication platforms with the goal of having an overlapping, complimentary approach. The newsletter went electronic in 2016 and we have had a great feedback. If you need help viewing the newsletter online or simply would like a paper copy printed, please stop by the office. Email blasts are one the most important and useful communication tools available to the Association; this is due to the ability to get important information out now. When a new resident moves in we add their email address to two different distribution lists. The first is for emergency and work related purposes to communicate building specific information. The second is for Lifestyle and Administrative email blasts which include upcoming Lifestyle event information and Board Meeting decisions, policy changes, and other similar items. Regular snail mail is still used as well to communicate important items. Please contact the Association office if you have had any changes to your mailing address or phone number as it is important to keep them up to date. Lastly, the Association utilizes the bulletin board space in the elevators and clubhouses. These spaces are typically reserved for Lifestyle events but can be used for communicating IMPORTANT information as well.
CLUBS AND CLASSES BILLIARDS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1:00pm, Billiards Room in Palazzo Grande RUMMYCUBE CLUB: Will resume in June HIKING CLUB: Will resume in November SINGLE LADIES NIGHT OUT: Will resume in September MAHJONG CLUB: Mondays at 6:30pm, Palazzo Grande STUD POKER CLUB: Wednesdays at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande. Bring $5 and your poker face. Contact Phil Labue at 480-513-3615. BOOK CLUB: June 21 at 6:30pm; Palazzo Vacanza America’s First Daughter by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray. Please contact Susan Rubin with questions. 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 in Palazzo Grande Kitchen
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In and Around Toscana
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SUMMER SPOTLIGHT SERIES Nicole Careaga By Alicja Davis Nicole Careaga joined the Toscana team in May of 2016 and it’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since her first day at Toscana! If you could ever package energy and spunk, Nicole is that package. Her enthusiasm is contagious to the rest of the team and present in everything she does.
What would constitute a perfect day for you? A relaxing day with my family enjoying a campsite, or lounging by a pool with a book.
Nicole is an Arizona Native and has lived in Phoenix most of her life. She graduated from ASU in 2009 with a BS in Communications, and had aspirations to be a NFL Network Sideline Reporter as she is a huge sports fan. She loves football and roots for her favorite team, the Indianapolis Colts. Being a football aficionado, Nicole was actually the main brain behind our annual meeting theme – “Join the Winning Team”. Her spirit and passion brightened the event and scored big in NFL style! Nicole was also very fortunate to be in the stands for the Super Bowl in Miami in which her team beat the Chicago Bears 29-17.
If you could live in any state, where would you end up? Honestly, I have no idea. I have lived in AZ my entire life. I love visiting Miami, but I am not sure I would want to live there.
Nicole has been with CCMC for eight years and she really enjoys working in the community management field. She is grateful for being a part of this beautiful community, for the residents letting her into their home, and for the privilege of waking up every day knowing she loves what she does.
Which songs would you include in the “Nicole’s life soundtrack”? There are so many, I am an avid listener of all types of music. The faster the beat, the more I love it.
Nicole married her best friend, Bart, and she is the “biological mommy” to two Yorkies, Abbie and Peyton. She is also the step mom to two beautiful girls, Esperanza, a 14 year old, and Celeste, 11. They love to spend their days engaging in arts and crafts, baking, camping and Poke – Hunting. Nicole also likes to cook and she frequently shares her killer enchiladas with the rest of the team! She is an avid book worm and a movie connoisseur, and loves going to variety of concerts and cultural events around the valley.
What inspires you? The amazing people around me.
What is your favorite fictional character? Harry Potter. I love his outlook on life, how he is always there for his friends, and when the time to choose came, saving the rest of the world was more important than just saving himself.
What story from your childhood would your parents share to embarrass you? My mom and dad have never really been the type of parents that want to embarrass us. My mom is always encouraging, and loves telling people about how I always embraced being the big sister. Being older by almost 7 years, meant that I truly was another set of hands around the house, which was helpful with twins. What’s the best part of waking up? Knowing that I have one more day to be on this earth with my friends and family.
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In and Around Toscana UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM By Frank Young, Maintenance Supervisor
Vandalism in Toscana Vandalism is something you never want to hear about in your neighborhood or community and fortunately it doesn’t happen very often at Toscana, but we still see a little. It may be intentional or accidental but it still cost the community money to repair. Here are a few examples of vandalism we have found in the community: 1. Main building entry doors being forced off the track because someone lost or forgot their key fob. Not only does it cost staff time to reset the doors but in some cases this causes damage to the rollers which have to be replaced and costs a few hundred dollars every time it happens. 2. The scratching of figures or words into the stainless steel elevator panels, not only does it look bad but it costs thousands of your dollars to repair. 3. Kicking or stepping on landscape lighting, blocking pool gate closing mechanisms. 4. Pushing the emergency shutoff at the pools may seem playful but it shuts the pumps, heaters and chlorinators off. Lastly one of the things one would not consider as vandalism would be not picking up after your pet or leaving a pile of debris for someone else to pick up.
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All of these take your maintenance staff away from their regular duties. If you see someone damaging your property please notify management staff.
With the start of summer, it’s time for a Toscana pool refresher. There are three resort style pools for residents to enjoy here at Toscana. The hours of operation for the pools and spa are daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm. Please respect the proximity to the residential buldings by maintaining a reasonable volume in the early morning and late night hours. Please use your key fob to gain access to these amenties. Gas BBQ grills are available for use by residents. All guests must be accompanied by the Resident who has allowed them access to Toscana. Guests are limited to two per resident. Four Simple Rules for enjoying the Pools 1. Residents and Guests must refrain from smoking inside the pool fence. This is state law that we are obligated to enforce. You may be asked to leave if caught smoking. 2. City ordinance prohibits glass inside the pool areas. This includes wine and beer bottles, cooking ware, and glasses. Plastic cups are available in each amenity building for your use. 3. Only personal music devices may be used- this means headphones or earbuds only. 4. No pets are permitted in the pool area. Additional guidelines for posted on signage within
pool use are the pool area.
Thank you for helping keep Toscana fun and safe this summer season!
In and Around Toscana
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RESTAURANT REVIEW BY ‘TOSCANA FIVE’ Postino Wine Cafe at the Kierland Commons 7030 E Greenway Pkwy Scottsdale 602-899-1111 Postino is an upscale restaurant with some great wine specials and a well-diverse beer selection on their menu. It has a really cool decor and great vibes! The patio is quite large and open; it can fit a decent crowd. Our service couldn’t have been any sweeter and accommodating to our individual needs. Postino’s menu features a variety of signature paninis and we ordered from the extensive choice of different toppings and combinations. Amongst the selected options, we enjoyed the Panini Chicken & Mozzarella,
Prosciutto with Brie, Vegetarian, and Chicken with Avocado, all of which were very good and quite large. One of us had the Raspberry Chicken Salad - absolutely delicious! We found this restaurant to be a great place to go to, and while there you should enjoy walking around the area and enjoy the outdoor shopping center with great stores, restaurants and entertainment.
ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®
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Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
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In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: THE PROMISE By Gil Berkowitz
journalist, he has an honorable heart and intensely in love with Anna.
A Chaotic Film Depicting Armenian Genocide “The Promise” is a romantic period piece set against the turmoil of war. It is 1914. As the Great War emerges, the oppressive Ottoman Empire is falling apart. Constantinople, the once exciting, multicultural capital of Turkey is about to be demolished by the chaos of World War I. The film is essentially about the Armenian genocide that took place in the early part of the 20th century. It was an event that occurred as a side incident in history as the Ottoman Empire was forming an alliance with Germany as World War I was about to breakout. Over a million people were killed and the Turkish government still refuses to acknowledge that the genocide happened. Director Terry George (“In the name of the Father” and “The Boxer”) has as a focus of the movie a love triangle. Mikael Boghosian (Oscar Isaacs), is a pharmacist from a village in Southern Turkey. He wants to become a physician but he has no money. Mikael commits himself to marry a young woman from a wealthy family. Mikael believes, “he will learn to love her.” He receives a sizable dowry and now can afford to go to medical school. While attending medical school he is staying with a well-off relative where he meets Anna ( Charlotte Le Bon), a beautiful artist who is also Armenian. Anna is romantically involved with Chris Myers (Christian Bale) a dedicated American journalist. He is a hard living and hard drinking type of man. Both men fall in love with the same woman. Anna is torn between her loyalty to one and her newly felt feelings for the other. Mikael is a good-hearted man who wants to help the Armenian people. Chris is a brave, famous
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All three of them get caught up in the harrowing and sad story of the Armenian annihilation. The film is at its most impacting when the flight of the Armenians is depicted. The horrendous loss and savagery the film reveals is overwhelming. Oscar Isaacs does a good job as Mikael and is the focus of the film. However, Christian Bale plays a more complex and sympathetic role. “The Promise” is a sobering reminder of the horrors of war. The film is playing in Harkins theaters throughout the valley and runs for 132 minutes. It is rated PG-13 for violence and some sexuality.
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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