November 2019-Toscana Living

NOVEMBER 2019

Living SURVIVING BLACK FRIDAY TOP TIPS ON GETTING THROUGH THE SHOPPING FRENZY IN-TACT

BOARD MEETING RECAP UPDATES ON THE 2020 BUDGET,

CALL BOX REPLACEMENT, AND MORE

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

HOW TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION THIS SEASON

NO SHAVE NOVEMBER THE BATTLE BEHIND THE BEARD

SIGN UP FOR ESTATEMENTS HOW TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY BY RECEIVING STATEMENTS ONLINE

TL 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 Nicole Careaga, CMCA Community Manager ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Christine Reeder Assistant Community Manager creeder@toscanaliving.net

YOUR NEIGHBORS' FAVORITES

By Mark Gatchell, Lifestyle Director

With the NFL season in full swing and Fall has arrived, this hearty beer glazed brats and sauerkraut makes for a perfect comfort food dinner.

INGREDIENTS • 1/8 teaspoon celery seeds • 1/8 teaspoon caraway seeds • 1 pound fresh bratwurst sausages • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle lager beer • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar • 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder • 1 teaspoon onion powder • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed • 1 pound sauerkraut (preferably barrel-aged), drained DIRECTIONS 1. Crush celery seeds and caraway seeds in a mortar and pestle until ground; set aside.

2. Place bratwursts into a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Mix beer, brown sugar, dry mustard, onion powder, black pepper, dill weed, and crushed celery and caraway seeds in a bowl, stirring to dissolve brown sugar; pour over the brats. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Uncover and raise heat to medium; boil the sauce until it reduces to a thick, syrupy liquid, about 20 minutes. Tilt skillet to roll brats in the sticky sauce until thoroughly coated. Transfer sausage to a platter and keep warm. Cook and stir sauerkraut in the same skillet to mix in any leftover sauce, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer sauerkraut to a serving platter and top with cooked bratwurst.

Retrieved

from

https://www.countrymartok.com/Recipes/Detail/7681/Beer_Glazed_Brats_

Mark Gatchell Lifestyle Director mgatchell@toscanaliving.net Katie Lucas Concierge Director klucas@toscanaliving.net Dani Wall Administrative Assistant dwall@toscanaliving.net NIGHT MANAGERS: Don Meeks Jackie Hernandez 480-861-0875 COMMUNITY PATROL: Hector Perez 480-861-0875 MAINTENANCE: John Raabe Facilities Director Keith Buc Daniel Renteria Ignacio Santana GATE HOUSE: Saffron Caudle Chet Sanders Josh Oakley Mariya Lilith 480-513-0602

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FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL Friday, November 1, from 5-7 pm Building 10 Amenity Center RSVP by Thursday prior, at noon Food, fun and conversation - open to all Toscana residents. Join us for some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Friday Socials are FREE.

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HIKING CLUB Monday, November 4, from 8:30 am-Noon Meet at Front Gate The weather is cooling off, and the hiking season is here! The Toscana hiking club will hit the trails once again on November 4th. Details of the hike will be sent out a week prior.

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FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL Friday, November 8, from 5-7 pm Building 10 Amenity Center RSVP by Thursday prior, at noon Food, fun and conversation - open to all Toscana residents. Join us for some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Friday Socials are FREE.

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RESTAURANT NIGHT Tuesday, November 12, from 6-8 pm Palazzo Grande Cobblestones $12 per person Come with us on a culinary adventure! Residents will be able to sample food and beverages from Phoenixarea restaurants. This event will also include live music and a special keepsake to remember the night.

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VIP SPOTLIGHT-GROOVYTEK Thursday, November 14, from 10-11 am Building 10 Amenity Center With the ever-changing landscape of the technological world, it can be hard to keep up. That’s where GroovyTek comes in. This 45-minute introductory seminar to the technology that surrounds you will help you learn how to better utilize everything from computers, to cell phones, to tablets, and more!

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MYSTERY TOUR Thursday, November 14, from 10-11 am $99 per person We’ll travel down the road a bit and stop somewhere you’ll never expect. This tour includes transportation, lunch, and lots of surprises! You don’t want to miss out on this popular mystery tour!

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FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL Friday, November 15, from 5-7 pm Palazzo Grande RSVP by Thursday prior, at noon Food, fun and conversation - open to all Toscana residents. Join us for some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Friday Socials are FREE.

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BOWLING NIGHT Saturday, November 16, from 5-7 pm Dave & Buster’s Desert Ridge $3 per person Two lanes of bowling, tailgate buffet, which includes nacho stations, pizza bites, crispy chicken bites, and classic bar burgers. Shoes and bowling balls are also provided!

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VIP SPOTLIGHT-INTEGRATED ORTHOPEDICS Monday, November 18, from 7-8:30 pm Building 10 Amenity Center Learn everything you need to know about getting a total knee arthroplasty with Dr. Gruber from Integrated Orthopedics. This seminar will go over everything from prep, to the actual surgery and recovery process.

Get your questions answered and meet the team at this exclusive Toscana event.

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TRUCKIN’ TUESDAYS Tuesday, November 19, from 5-7 pm Palazzo Grande Cobblestones Join your fellow residents on the cobblestones outside Palazzo Grande to enjoy a fan-favorite. Electric Sliders food truck will be serving up delicious options for our Toscana residents. Bring your wallet and appetite!

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TOSCANA BOOK CLUB Wednesday, November 20, from 6-8 pm Building 10 Amenity Center Please join the Toscana Book Club starting at 6:00 pm in Building 10. The book selected is “The House Girl” by Tara Conklin.

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FRIENDSGIVING POTLUCK Friday, November 22, from 6-8 pm Building 10 Amenity Center Join us for a casual get together with our dear friends we consider family but that we won’t be giving thanks with on the Thanksgiving Holiday. Plan to serve six with your dish.

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November 2019 Monday

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HIKING CLUB 8:30AM-NOON MAHJONG CLUB B10 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR B10 5PM

MAHJONG CLUB B10 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR B10 5PM

MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM FIRESIDE CHAT DC 5PM VIP SPOTLIGHTINTEGRATED ORTHOPEDICS B10 7-8:30PM

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

Tuesday

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HAND & FOOT B10 6PM

Wednesday

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12 LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE B10 2PM RESTAURANT NIGHT PG 6-8PM HAND & FOOT B10 6PM

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19 LIFESTYLE COMMITTEE B10 2PM TRUCKIN’ TUESDAYS PG 5-7PM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

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HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

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COFFEE SOCIAL B10 9AM GENTLE YOGA B10 10AM BILLIARDS B10 1PM POKER CLUB B10 6PM

COFFEE SOCIAL B10 9AM GENTLE YOGA B10 10AM BILLIARDS B10 1PM POKER CLUB B10 6PM

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA B10 10AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM TOSCANA BOOK CLUB B10 6-7:30PM

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA B10 10AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

Clubs Events Association

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HAND & FOOT B10 6PM

MYSTERY TOUR 8AM-6PM VIP SPOTLIGHTGROOVYTEK B10 10-11AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

OFFICE CLOSED THANKSGIVING HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

Friday

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1 COFFEE SOCIAL B10 9AM FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL B10 5PM

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8 COFFEE SOCIAL B10 9AM FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL B10 5PM

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15 COFFEE SOCIAL PV 9AM FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL PV 5PM

16 BOWLING NIGHT 5-7PM

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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIENDSGIVING POTLUCK PV 6-8PM

OFFICE CLOSED THANKSGIVING

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This literature is for “Marketing Purposes” only and no representations of any type are made by this marketing material, which is subject to change without notice. Floor plans are artist’s renderings and not to scale. Square footage and amenities may vary between apartment units and are subject to availability. ADRE #LC566897000.

TL COMMUNITY CONNECTION

By Katie Lucas, Concierge Director No-Shave November Many of you have probably heard of No-Shave November (or Movember, as some people refer to it). It’s the time of year where people stop shaving; burly beards and curly mustaches abound this month. But, where did this tradition of ditching the clean-shaven look and embracing the scruff start? No-Shave November was actually introduced to start a conversation-and not one about how awesome someone’s beard looks or what a pain it is to shave in the cooler months.

The movement is backed by the Prevent Cancer Foundation (PCF) and meant to spread cancer awareness-more specifically prostate cancer awareness.

Over the years, the movement has grown to include more and more people, and more and more hair. PCF encourages people to participate by “growing a beard, cultivating a mustache, letting those legs go natural, and skipping that waxing appointment. Put down your razor and set up your own personal No-Shave November fundraising page. If you’re not ready to get hairy, sit back and support someone who is.”

The rules of participation are extremely simple: stop shaving for the month and donate the money you would have spent on grooming products to cancer research.

Hiking Season is Here!

Thompson Peak 20199 N. 78th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255 This beautiful trail starts in a gated neighborhood where you will walk the footpath for the first half a mile to the official trailhead, marked as Dixie Mine Trail. The first two miles of the trail is relatively flat with rolling hills and washes. You will be able to enjoy the full views of Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks. Once you reach Dixie Mine turnoff (mine visible straight ahead) you can opt to take the maintenance road left marked to Thompson Peak. From this point, the trail gets steeper and steeper. The climb provides a serene feeling of ridge-line hiking, offering amazing views along the way. The finish line is the majestic peak which offers the best views of the valley and dwarfs any other mountain or hike.

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Gateway Loop Trailhead 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 The Gateway Trailhead, located on the east side of Thompson Peak Rd. between Legacy Blvd. and Bell Rd., is fully barrierfree and has all the amenities an outdoor recreation enthusiast could want. The Gateway Trailhead is the access point to many unique Scottsdale trails. Even kids in strollers love the games and activities along the Bajada Nature Trail. Kids of all ages are able to explore the Gateway Loop trail and older kids love the challenge offered by interior trails.

Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 Located at the north end of 124th Street just beyond Anasazi Elementary School, Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is one of the major access points for the Preserve. This award winning trailhead provides extensive vehicle and equestrian parking along with a gathering area and other amenities. Lost Dog Wash Trailhead offers somewhat shorter and easier trails that wander around and across a natural desert wash. Kids love to explore for wildlife along the edge of the Lost Dog Wash Trail, just as native people have for hundreds of years. Sunrise Trailhead is a neighborhood access area for those who like exercise, with Sunrise Trail heading straight up the mountain towards Sunrise Peak and beyond, showcasing the entire McDowell Mountain range.

Pinnacle Peak 26802 N. 102nd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262 This trail offers a moderate hike with a 1,300 foot elevation gain, spectacular vegetation, and panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Parkade Cleaning Schedule Please ensure cars and foldable shopping carts are removed from impacted parkades between the hours of 6am-6pm. Surface parking will be limited on parkade cleaning days Please plan guest visits accordingly.

BUILDINGS 1, 10, 11: Tuesday, November 5th

TL A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR

By Mark Gatchell, Lifestyle Director hope this allows many of you November Fun to plan your Holiday vacations It was great to see so many returning and family visits in the hopes residents at our Bagels and Brew event of having as many residents as held in Dante’s Corner! It’s always a possible attend our events. fantastic time seeing so many residents Please remember it’s essential returning to Toscana. to register for events before October kicks off many of our Toscana Signature events, and the deadline. This helps us our Annual Toscana Halloween Party was yet another huge provide an accurate count when success! With many great costumes, a fantastic DJ, and the ordering food and planning for delicious food, it was an exciting night here at Toscana! Thank supplies. As important as it you to all the residents that attended what is one of our most is to register before the event deadline, it is just as important popular events. to let us know you will not be attending an event you have The reviews are in, and all the kids attending the Holiday Art registered for. We always want to be sure we have plenty of class with Mimi had a spook-tacular time. Mimi encourages food and drinks for everyone, but we also hate to waste a lot all that attend her classes to explore their creative side and of food. enjoy a night of creativity! If you missed the October class, don’t panic! Mimi will be holding another Holiday Art class in Again, we love to see all our Toscana residents! Please stop by the office and say hello and be sure to check out your Lifestyle December, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot! e-Blast for all the exciting events and of course, a few surprises!

Once again, the Hiking Club is back in action, and residents enjoyed the October hike. With more hikes coming, be sure RESIDENT GROUPS, CLUBS AND CLASSES to sign up early. If you have any questions regarding any HAND & FOOT CLUB upcoming hikes, please contact your Lifestyle Director or the BILLIARDS CLUB Wednesdays at 1pm Tuesdays and Thursdays facilitator of the Hiking Club, Allen, at apoppa@yahoo.com.

It turns out the new food truck, Zpotes Salvadoreno’s, was a huge hit! We try our best to get new and exciting food trucks here at Toscana, and our residents raved about Zpotes. If you missed your chance to enjoy the tasty menu items, we hope to have them back soon! Keep an eye out on the Lifestyle e-Blasts for what food trucks are coming each month. You don’t want to miss out on your favorite truck.

With many holidays fast approaching, we encourage all of you to sign up early for our annual events. With the launch of our new website and Calendar feature, all of the Toscana signature events will be listed for the entire year. We

Billiards Room in B10 Contact: Lynn at 602-301-5010

6 pm, B10 Contact Marge at 480-585-0494

BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR Mondays at 5pm in B10 BYOB

HIKING CLUB Tuesday, November 4 8:30am, Front Gate

BOOK CLUB Wednesday, November 20 in B10 “The House Girl”

by Tara Conklin RSVP

MAHJONG CLUB Mondays at 6:30pm in B10 Contact: Susan at susan4266@aol.com

COFFEE SOCIAL Each Wednesday and Friday, 9am in B10

POKER CLUB Wednesdays at 6pm in B10 Bring $5 and your poker face Contact 480-513-361

GENTLE YOGA Each Wednesday 10am in B10

To share new clubs and classes ideas, please email Mark Gatchell at: mgatchell@toscanaliving.net

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YOUR NEIGHBORS' FAVORITES (DOUBLE DIP)

By Mark Gatchell, Lifestyle Director

Make your Thanksgiving delicious with this excellent Sausage Cornbread Stuffing that the entire family will love!

INGREDIENTS • Extra-virgin olive oil • 1 large onion, small dice • 3 ribs celery, small dice • Kosher salt • 1 pound spicy sausage, casing removed, broken into bite-size chunks • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and finely diced • 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts • 10 sage leaves, finely chopped • 3 sprigs rosemary leaves finely chopped • 10 cups stale cornbread, cut into 1-inch cubes • 2 cups dried cranberries • 3 to 4 cups of chicken stock DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Coat a large sauté pan with olive oil, add the onions and celery and sauté over to medium heat. Season with salt and cook until the vegetables start to become soft and are very aromatic. Add the sausage and cook until the sausage begins to brown. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. Add the walnuts; sage, and rosemary and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

3. In a large bowl, mix the cornbread, cranberries, and the sausage mixture. Add chicken stock and knead with your hands until the bread is very moist, actually wet. Taste to check for seasoning and season with salt if needed, and transfer to an ovenproof dish.

4. Bake the stuffing until it is hot all the way through and is crusty on top, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Retrieved from https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-burrell/sausage-cornbread-stuffing-recipe-1957857

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TL DANI'S DIGEST

By Dani Wall, Administrative Assistant Black Friday Safety Tips: Once the turkey dinner is done (and the leftovers are put away for delicious cold-turkey sandwiches for the rest of the week), many of you may be putting on your battle gear to head out into the hoarde of shoppers to get this year’s best deals on winter holiday gifts. In an effort to minimize the bumps and bruises, and prevent theft, I wanted to share with you some shopping tips from the Black Friday Pros.

1. Don’t fight over items. If someone thinks they deserve something you already have in your hands (even if you’ve purchased it), let it go- it is not worth getting hurt over.

2. Do not take your money out while waiting in line. Wait to pull your wallet out until you are at the cash register and ready to pay.

3. Use one credit or debit card. Using one method of payment allows you to leave all other cards and cash at home, and allows you to notice transactions that you did not make easier.

4. Shop in pairs. Find a friend, neighbor, or family member to fight the crowds with. Not only will it be safer while shopping, but it is a second pair of eyes on the road in parking lots for pedestrians and other distracted drivers.

5. Store all bags in the trunk of your vehicle. Do not leave anything in plain sight.

Shipping Cyber Monday Items to Toscana? Here are some good things to remember: For those of you who want great prices without the long lines, Cyber Monday might be your thing! While you’re snuggled up with your morning coffee perusing your favorite retailers’ sites, keep these important shipping notes in mind to ensure seamless delivery of your coveted deals.

1. Make sure your full name and address are on the package, including your unit number.

2. Do not put “leave package at front door if not home” in the shipping instructions. Packages are not permitted to be left at the doors by drivers. If you see packages sitting in front of your neighbor’s doors, please call us and let us know, so we can secure them in the package room.

3. Toscana will be happy to take packages for you in Palazzo Centro. If you are not home to receive them, we will gladly receive any parcels 25lbs or lighter, and 16 cubicfeet and smaller.

4. Please verify we have your email on file if you wish to be notified when a package is delivered.

5. Delivery services we see most often: • UPS- United Parcel Service • USPS- United States Postal Service • FedEx- Federal Express, and Federal Express Ground • AMAZON- Independent Contract Drivers and Certified Amazon Drivers Five Festivals Not to Miss Out On this November!

Don’t forget to treat yourself to a little fun this season, as well!

The cool November air brings with it tons of exciting openair festivals. See something you like? Check their websites for more information and ticket options!

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2nd – ARIZONA FALL FEST: LOCAL FIRST 8th – CHILES & CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL 10th – BRUNCH FEST 16th – MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL 23rd – ART FEST of SCOTTSDALE

Sign Up for eStatements Did you know that by signing up for electronic statements (instead of having one mailed to your home) you are saving the Association about $5 a year, per household? If everyone in Toscana goes digital, the postage savings is over $3000!

Even if you are signed up for auto pay or direct debit, the law requires us to send you a statement, so why not get an email?

To sign up for electronic statements; saving time, money and paper; follow the link below: http://www.ccmcnet.com/ Then select - Homeowners Tab Then select - eStatements Thank you for your help in lowering Association costs!

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TL CHRIS'S CORNER

By Chris Reeder, Assistant Manager Limited Common Elements

a “Walls-In” homeowners insurance policy here at Toscana.

What are Limited Common Elements in our Community?

Each unit owner within Toscana is responsible for the upkeep/ replacement of windows, parking spaces, balconies, plumbing inside the studs, air conditioning units, and front doors.

The Association is responsible to maintain the building roofs, hot water boilers, water softening systems, as well as other elements used by the entire community.

The sidewalks, the elevators, the streetlights, and more belong to, and benefit, everyone in a homeowners association. These common areas, or common elements, are shared property maintained by the association. They are meant to be enjoyed and available to all residents. The money for repairing and replacing these elements comes from the community’s operating budget, or sometimes from reserves, which are funded by everybody’s collective monthly assessments and resale fees.

Additionally, it’s good for homeowner’s to know the Association has the ability to inspect or access Limited Common Elements, addressed in the CC&R documents.

This easement allows the Association to do things like wash the exterior of building windows.

Toscana Condominium balconies, parking spots, roofs, and even windows and doors—while designated for the exclusive use of one resident—also are considered part of a community’s infrastructure. The question frequently arises asking who is responsible for maintaining and/or repairing a common element that is used by a singular household? These areas are called “Limited Common Elements,” and they are the individual home owner’s responsibility to maintain.

Check out Toscana’s CC&R’s HERE to learn about limited common elements in the community.

Limited Common Elements as defined in our CC&R’s, are the elements designated for the exclusive use of one or more, but fewer than all, of the Units. This does include such elements as: unit patios, doors, and windows. For example: The exterior double pane windows may begin to fog as they fail (meaning moisture builds up between the glass) Although they are the homeowners responsibility to replace, the association contracts with a company to clean the exterior of the windows and our internal team makes repairs to the window screens.

TONIGHT?

But who—unit owner or association—is responsible for the wiring or plumbing pipes found throughout a condominium?

Our Toscana residents expect them to work. After all, the pipes transport hot and cold water and gas into a unit and remove wastewater, and the wiring provides electricity, cable, and internet service. The pipes and wiring run throughout the building and, at some point, enter the unit within the studs.

For us at Toscana, this is where the Association’s responsibility ends and homeowner’s responsibility begins. This is one of the reasons why the Association requires unit owners to carry

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WHY NOT

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TL SPOTLIGHT ON BEING GRATEFUL

Easy and Creative Ways to Give Thanks at Thanksgiving Retrieved from: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_to_give_thanks The holiday season is often filled with lavish feasts, ex4. Think outside the box. It’s fairly obvious why we pensive gifts and extended vacations for many people. It might feel grateful for grandmothers, lovely sunsets, and can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of fineries anything else that has provided comfort or beauty in (and the stress of putting on the perfect holiday party) and our lives. But what about thanking the homeless people forget to take a little time to appreciate all the good in the who come to the shelter where you volunteer? “Indiworld, and people, around you. viduals who do volunteer work sometimes speak of the benefits they receive from service,” writes Robert EmResearch in positive psychology has identified several mons in his forthcoming book, Thanks! “Since service ways that practicing gratitude can boost people’s health to others helped them to find their own inner spirituand happiness. Here are four of these research-tested ality, they were grateful for the opportunity to serve.” If “gratitude interventions.” we look hard enough, he argues, we can find a reason to feel grateful for any relationship—even when some1. Write a gratitude letter. Research by Martin Seligone does us harm, as that person helps us appreciate man, Christopher Peterson, and others has shown this our own vulnerability. Emmons claims that such highly one to be particularly effective. Write a letter to a menadvanced forms of gratitude may actually increase the tor, family member, or some other important person in level of goodness in the world by inspiring positive acts your life whom you’ve never properly thanked. Deliver in ourselves and others. it in person. Read it out loud. Bring tissues.

This year, as you pass the Thanksgiving turkey and mound 2. Keep a gratitude journal. Studies by psychologists up those creamy mashed potatoes, make sure you take a Michael McCullough, Robert Emmons, Sonja Lylittle time to allow yourself to take note of all the wonderubomirsky, and others have backed up this exercise, ful things in your life. Sometimes that’s all it takes to turn a which involves keeping a list of things for which you’re bad day into a good one! grateful—anything from your children or spouse to the beauty of the tree outside your window. Doing so helps you focus on the positive things in your life—a practice that’s been shown to increase happiness.

3. Savor. Take the time to notice beauty and pleasures in your daily life. Loyola University psychologist Fred Bryant has shown that savoring positive experiences can heighten your positive responses to them. A key to savoring is what Bryant calls “thanksgiving,” or expressing gratitude for the blessings that come your way, large and small.

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TL NICOLE'S NOTABLES

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By Nicole Careaga, Community Manager the increase is 2.1% and will be explained in more detail Board Meeting Recap in your annual budget mailer.

On Thursday, October 24 the Board held the last meeting of the 2019 year. During This month there were a number of discussion items: the meeting the Board voted and approved • Building 10 Exterior Paint – The Board decided to obtain the following items: competitive bids and make a decision at the January 2020 meeting to possibly paint Building 10 with a new color The July Meeting Minutes are now available on our new scheme. The Board will be working with the Budget & website.

Finance Committee on a plan for future paintings as well.

The June – August 2019 financial statements. These can • Board term-limits were presented as a possible future be viewed on the website. change to the CC&R’s. Should an amendment be needed, Building 24 Concrete drain install for the east side this item will be revisited at that time. entrance. The purpose is to properly drain the side entry so that residents are not having to walk through a puddle • Balcony Décor once again was a hot topic. Currently having anything attached to the walls of your balcony is when entering. The cost of the project is $4,885 and will not permitted per the CC&R’s, however the Board has not be paid from the Community Enhancement fund. been enforcing these items. Should the Board choose to Dedication Plaque. In 2012 a plaque was dedicated to begin such enforcement, the community will be notified Arizona’s First Responders and Military. Due to concerns prior to the violation letters being distributed. with the upkeep, the plaque will be reconstructed to be elevated and moved to a more visible location. Once it • Towel dispenser installation- This topic was presented and asked to be reviewed by a resident. The suggestion has been received and installed, a small ceremony will be was to place towel dispensers at the parkade doors so held in the courtyard outside of the Palazzo Grande. The residents would not have to touch the handles. This item cost for the new plaque is $485.00 and will be paid out of was tabled. The management team will continue to send the operating account. out Flu Tips and Tricks via email to keep residents safe.

Easement agreement with Montreux. Now that our new • 3- Year reserve plan was presented to the Board. This just neighbors to the east, the Montreux is nearing completion highlights those projects that are anticipated by our current it was time for our easement agreement to be finalized. reserve study. The Budget & Finance committee along with As we will be sharing a sidewalk and fence line with the the management team will be making recommendations Montreux, an easement agreement was drafted to highlight to the Board for completion or deferment. the responsibilities of both parties. Once notarized, the • Building 25 Toilet Purchase. A new toilet will be placed final document will be posted to the website for review. in the upstairs unisex bathroom of the Palazzo Grande Building call box replacement. The time has come to during the remodel. update the call box system with new software that allows for long distance numbers to be registered for access.

The new system will also allow for residents to create a Survey Results passcode that can be used to grant access. The system will The results are in, and we are happy to announce that the cost $45,633.00 and will be paid for out of reserves.

2020 Operating Budget. The Budget & Finance Committee overwhelming majority residents are happy to be living at has been working diligently on the 2020 Operating Toscana. We will be distributing the results in the future, and Budget. The new budget does include an increase to the discussing how to improve some scores at the committeeassessment of $10.00 per month/per unit. This increase level. is being driven by Arizona Prop 206, which is increasing the minimum wage in 2020 from $11 an hour to $12 an Thank you to all of those in attendance for making it a great hour. This impacts all of our contracted services. Overall, meeting. If you were not able to make it, we hope to see you in January.

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TL UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM

By John Raabe, Facilities Director Homeowner Information for Vendors and Contractors Quite often, we get calls from residents to help one of their contractors gain access to various utilities or services associated with their unit. So, I thought I would put together some information for residents to refer to when calling out a vendor or contractor.

The most common call we get is “where is the airconditioning compressor for my unit?” The airconditioning compressors are on the roof of all buildings, except for the Casita buildings where they are located in the back of the property on the ground. In the three story section of all buildings there is a stairwell with a small roof access door for the contractor to use. There is also a roof access stairwell for the rest of the building on the opposite end. To gain access, the contractor must pick up a key from the gate house. All compressor units are labeled with the unit

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number and are directly above the condo unit.

Electric meters and main breakers are located in the parkades, each one is labeled with the condo unit number on it.

Telephone and television connections are in the utility closets, located on each floor and at both ends of the buildings. They are labeled with the condo unit number for easy identification.

To gain access to the closets the service technician can obtain a key from the front gate attendant.

When it comes to the other utilities, each building is on a master meter for gas and water. Clusters of condos can be isolated for temporary shut off if a gas line repair is needed in a unit. In this case, the owner will need to contact the HOA office to coordinate that activity, ideally with at least 48 hours notice.

Water can be turned off in each condo through an access panel in the wall located in the laundry room for all buildings except building 10, where they are in the ceiling. In a situation where you cannot turn the water off in your unit, arrangements will need to be made to have the building shut down so the owner can have repairs made to the unit isolation valves. Hot water is supplied to the buildings through a boiler system; therefore, the individual condo units do not have a water heater.

For questions regarding the building utility systems feel free to contact the HOA office at 480-585-0808.

SAGE REJUVENATION

Sage Before Pruning

Sage 2 Weeks After Pruning

Sage Bloom in Season After Pruning

Growing Season During the summer growing season, shrubs are lush, healthy and blooming. When cool fall and winter temperatures set in, our desert shrubs slow their growth dramatically. During roughly November through April, the shrubs in our Communities are seasonally pruned to reduce their size before the next year´s growing season.

Some landscape management providers choose to shear shrubs into shapes such as: cones, balls, flat tops and beer kegs, throughout the growing season. The advantage to the landscape provider is that employees need little training, knowledge or supervision to simply shear every plant on the property each time they are in an area. This practice is detrimental to the health of the plant as the plant requires more water to recover the lost foliage.

Proper Pruning DLC Resources, Inc.’s approach is different. Our Seasonal Shrub Renovation Program consists of trimming shrubs back to roughly half their size. On some species, like the Red Bird of Paradise, even more pruning is needed.

This type of pruning permits plants to grow back into their space during the following growing season. Shrub renovation allows residents to enjoy the seasonal color of common area plants because they are not being trimmed during their flowering season. Shrubs that encroach on streets or sidewalks, or obstruct lines of sight at intersections and near road signs, are pruned as necessary.

Toscana’s Tailored Approach This year at Toscana we will be adjusting the pruning of Sage plants throughout the Community. While these shrubs are typically trimmed to approximately 18 inches in height, we will be bringing them down to 6 inches this season. We have evaluated Sage throughout the Community and determined that this will be the best course of action to promote healthy growth moving forward. In bringing the shrubs down further in a precise manner, we allow the shrub to re-grow and bloom in a more controlled space that will best maintain its health moving forward.While these shrubs will have a diminished appearance in the weeks following this pruning, you should begin to see the Sage growing back and blooming again brightly in the next warm season!

TL

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