OCTOBER 2019
Living ARIZONA’S MOST HAUNTED A ROAD TRIP OF PARANORMAL PROPORTIONS
WINNERS ANNOUNCED WHO IS TAKING HOME THE $75 GIFT CARD AND FOUR-PACK OF COMEDY TICKETS?
MEET THE TEAM: GATE HOUSE AND MAINTENANCE
BIGGEST EVENTS OF THE SEASON
REGISTER NOW FOR OUR ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY AND RESTAURANT NIGHT
HALLOWEEN FASHION COSTUMES THROUGH THE YEARS
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
YOUR NEIGHBORS' FAVORITES By Mark Gatchell, Lifestyle Director
Christine Reeder Assistant Community Manager creeder@toscanaliving.net Mark Gatchell Lifestyle Director mgatchell@toscanaliving.net
This Duchess Baked Potatoes recipe is the perfect Fall side dish. Whether you want to spice up your Thanksgiving spread, or dress up your weeknight dinner, they’re a great addition to any menu.
Katie Lucas Concierge Director klucas@toscanaliving.net
INGREDIENTS • 12 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (3½–4 pounds) • Kosher salt • 5 large egg yolks • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated • 1¼ cups heavy cream • ¾ cup sour cream • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted • 1 teaspoon pink or black peppercorns, finely ground
Dani Wall Administrative Assistant dwall@toscanaliving.net
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place potatoes in a large pot and pour in water to cover by 2”; season with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high. Reduce heat and simmer until a paring knife very easily slides through potatoes, 25–35 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly. 2. Preheat oven to 425°. Whisk egg yolks, garlic, cream, sour cream, butter, and peppercorns in a large bowl; season generously with salt. Peel potatoes and pass flesh through a ricer or a food mill (or mash them by hand if you don’t mind a few lumps) directly into bowl with egg mixture. Fold in gently (be careful not to over-mix). Transfer to a 3-quart baking dish and decoratively shingle or swirl surface. Bake, rotating once, until golden brown and slightly puffed, 30–40 minutes.
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 SIerra Mathisen 480-513-0602
Do Ahead: Assemble one day ahead. Cover and chill. Increase bake time by 5–10 minutes. Retrieved from https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/duchess-baked-potatoes
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FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL Friday October 4, 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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HOLIDAY ART WITH MIMI Tuesday, October 8, from 5:30-8 pm Palazzo Vacanza $25 per person Grab your juice-box, and come enjoy a fun-filled evening of spook-tacular arts and crafts with artist and fellow resident, Mimi. The class fee will cover all materials needed.
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OLD WEST HIGHWAY ADVENTURE Wednesday, October 9, from 8 am-5pm $99 per person I hope you’re ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time! Head down the scenic Old West Highway with a stop at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the world’s smallest museum, and the Besh Ba Gowah Ruins; we’ll even stop for lunch at the Pickle Barrel Trading Post, whose unique wares match its fun name.
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FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL Friday October 11, from 5-7 pm Palazzo Vacanza 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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TRUCKN’ TUESDAY Tuesday, October 15, from 5-7 pm Palazzo Grande Cobblestones Zpotes Salvadoreno’s is kicking off the Fall Food Truck season with delicious pupusas and tamales. Called “the best Salvadorian food in Arizona,” you won’t want to miss this truck! So, bring your appetite and your wallet down to the PG cobblestones for dinner.
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TOSCANA BOOK CLUB Wednesday, October 16, from 6-7:30 pm Palazzo Vacanza Please join the October Toscana Book Club in reviewing the book “Love Lives Here” By Amanda Jette Knox. The Book Club meets the third Wednesday of each month in Building 10 starting at 6:00 pm.
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FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL Friday October 18, from 5-7 pm Palazzo Vacanza 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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BAGELS AND BREW Sunday, October 20, from 8:30-10:30 am Dante’s Corner Relax and have a neighborly chat on this gorgeous Fall Morning! Meet your friends for coffee and bagels at Dante’s Corner in Toscana. It’s a perfect time to catch up with old friends- or make a few new ones! Please let us know you will be attending, so we can be prepared for your arrival.
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HIKING CLUB Monday, October 21, 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 on October 21. Details of the first hike will be sent out a week prior. Please join your fellow hikers at the front gate with a departure time of 8:30 AM.
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VIP SPOTLIGHT-NORTH SCOTTSDALE MEDSPA Tuesday, October 22, from 4-7 pm Palazzo Vacanza North Scottsdale MedSpa will be coming to Toscana for an exclusive informational session on taking care of the biggest organ your body has-your skin! Whether you want to dial-in your daily routine, or need a complete overhaul, Neda and her team are here to help you put your best face forward. Snacks and beverages provided.
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TOSCANA HALLOWEEN BASH Friday, October 25, from 5:30-8 pm Palazzo Grande Cobblestones; $5 per person Join the spooky fun! The annual Toscana Halloween Party is always a fabulously great time! Costume contest, dancing, and dinner will complete the Halloween season.
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IMPORTANT RSVP INFORMATION PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RSVPS AND CORRESPONDING PAYMENTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 5PM ON THE DAY PRIOR TO THE EVENT, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Unless "Payment at the Door" is permitted, all RSVP’s without payment collected by the deadline will be considered invalid. Payments can be made by dropping correct change or a check to Toscana Association in a clearly marked envelope inside the drop box by the Concierge Director’s office in Palazzo Centro. We regret to inform you that late RSVP’s cannot be accepted, 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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October 2019 Monday
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MAHJONG CLUB PV 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PV 5PM
MAHJONG CLUB PV 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PV 5PM
HIKING CLUB 8:30AM-NOON MAHJONG CLUB PV 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PV 5PM
MAHJONG CLUB PV 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PV 5PM
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HOLIDAY ART WITH MIMI PV 5:30-8PM
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15 LIFESTYLE COMMITTEE PV 2PM TRUCKN’ TUESDAY PG 5-7PM
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22 VIP SPOTLIGHTNORTH SCOTTSDALE MEDSPA PV 4-7PM
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PV 9AM BILLIARDS PV 1PM POKER CLUB PV 6PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PV 9AM BILLIARDS PV 1PM POKER CLUB PV 6PM
Events Association Thursday
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9 OLD WEST HIGHWAY ADVENTURE 8AM-5PM COFFEE SOCIAL PV 9AM BILLIARDS PV 1PM POKER CLUB PV 6PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PV 9AM BILLIARDS PV 1PM POKER CLUB PV 6PM TOSCANA BOOK CLUB PV 6-7:30PM
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4 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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11 FINANCE COMMITTEE PV 9:30AM COFFEE SOCIAL PV 9AM FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL PV 5PM
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18 COFFEE SOCIAL PV 9AM FUN FRIDAY SOCIAL PV 5PM
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24 BOARD MEETING PV 9AM HAND & FOOT PV 6PM
25 COFFEE SOCIAL PV 9AM TOSCANA HALLOWEEN BASH PG 5:30-8PM
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TL COMMUNITY CONNECTION
By Katie Lucas, Concierge Director Restaurant Night Fall is in the air...and with the cooler weather comes some of Toscana’s favorite events! We’re starting the season off with an exciting rendition of our annual Restaurant Night featuring cuisine from around the world. Residents are invited to come with us on a culinary adventure as we explore the world through food. This year, residents will not only enjoy an elegant night with a live jazz band while they sample favorites from area restaurant, but will also get a special take-home item to remember their trip around the world long after the event ends. This event sells out quickly, so be sure to register early! Save time at check-in by paying for your ticket online! A link will be sent to your email after you have completed registration. Arizona’s Most Haunted With Halloween just around the corner, a trip to one of Arizona’s Most Haunted locations is just what the witch doctor ordered. Want to hit all these spook-tacular spots? Check out this map to make a road-trip full of frightening fun. Let’s begin our haunted tour at the Yuma Territorial State Prison. Though it was only open for 35 years, the prison housed over 3,000 inmates, of which 111 passed away from illness. While paranormal activity is reported across the entire property, most people say it’s strongest in the dark, solitary confinement cell. If you’re bringing along some scaredy-cats, they can enjoy perusing the prison’s museum full of inmate stories, refurbished weaponry, and even have the chance to take their own mug shot! Next stop, head over to Wickenburg to visit the Vulture City Ghost Town. Having been raised in Arizona, I’ve visited just
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about every gold-mining ghost town we have, and I’m excited to add Vulture City to my list this season! With a rich history full of short-lived fortune and ending in a completely abandoned mine, Vulture City has stayed true-toits-roots upon its revival to a tourist attraction by faithfully restoring its buildings. Visitors have experienced the aroma of food being cooked in the mess hall and seen apparitions of individuals sent to the gallows at the old ironwood tree. Need a place to stay the night along your road trip? Head up to Prescott and visit a 102-year-old wonder, the Hotel Vendome. Ask to stay in room 16, which is known to host a ghost named Abby, who committed suicide in the room when her husband failed to return from a grocery trip. Don’t worry about losing sleep, though, Abby and her pet cat are said to be friendly. If you’re looking for more than one ghost in your hotel, perhaps the Grand Hotel in Jerome will scratch that paranormal itch! One of the best places my husband and I went on a date was ghost hunting in Jerome, so I know from experience the hair-raising fun that can be had in the town! The hotel itself was originally opened as a hospital in 1927 and has seen countless lives lost due to illness, suicide and even
TL murder. Roaming the halls at night gives a spine-tingling chill its eight years of operation between 1881-1889. Known as you feel the presence of all those who suffered between the throughout the country as one of the wildest and meanest haunted walls. places, 26 people are reported to have perished on its grounds. Visitors have claim to have not only seen apparitions and A little farther north in Flagstaff is another 1920’s hotel heard mysterious sounds, but have felt a spiritual touch, and that boasts significant paranormal activity, the Monte Vista. even sometimes been shoved by the ghosts. Room 305 was even featured Everyone who has been in Arizona for more than a few minutes on an episode has heard tales of the great gold-mine said to be hidden in of “Unsolved the Superstition Mysteries” for the Mountains at the apparition of an Lost Dutchman Park. old woman sitting Many hikers have, in a rocking chair and continue to, lose by the window. their lives in search Right next door, of the treasure, said room 306 often to be hidden by a has reports of possessions being moved and the cold feeling lucky Dutchman, of hands on visitor’s skin. Even celebrities have commented names Jacob on paranormal activity in the hotel. Actor John Wayne once Waltz in the 1800’s. His ghost still wanders the mountains, encountered a ghostly bellhop in his room, 210. protecting his ore. Of course, I don’t recommend searching for his fortune, but it’s fun to hike the trails, looking for some Heading back down the mountain, it’s time for a stop in paranormal activity. Globe, where you can visit the century-old As you head back in to Phoenix, stop by the Orpheum Theatre. Gila County Jail. This Opened in 1929, this 1,800 seat theatre even boasted an early creepy incarceration form of air-conditioning to keep patrons cool. Visitors of facility is home to the Orpheum numerous murders, can expect and the ghosts within it to see the don’t hesitate to make playful ghost, their presence known! called Mattie, Ghost hunting tours running up are offered monthly on and down Friday evenings, so you the aisles and can catch your own glimpse of the terror within. haunting the wings of the You can’t make a ghost-hunting list without a stop in stage. No one quite knows who she is, but she’s always a fun Tombstone to spirit to see! visit the Bird Cage Theater! Perhaps Want to take a tour of Arizona, but leave out the spooky stuff ? one of Arizona’s Come by my office for information on Wild West tours, jeep most well-known rides in the red rocks of Sedona, and even how to soar above haunts, the theater the Sonoran in a hot air balloon! Booking adventure tours still has bullet through your concierge offers up to a 25% discount through holes riddling the specific vendors. building from
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TL A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR By Mark Gatchell, Lifestyle Director Cool Off in October Once again, a huge thank you to the wonderful residents of Toscana for making September fun-filled and icecream-cool!
trucks you enjoy the most! We have a wide variety throughout the year and do our best to have new-toToscana food trucks from time to time.
On September 12th, we had our Classic “Creamsicle” Day, which was a big success, and according to many of our residents, it brought back some amazing childhood memories. On September 26th, we kept it cool with our free Popsicle day and turned up the heat by giving away a $75.00 Visa gift card! We are thrilled to announce that Marcy Goldsmith was the As part of our initiative to provide events that appeal to all the different demographics here at Toscana, we are excited to winner of the gift card. announce a “little” tweak on a resident favorite event. We have Though the Arizona Cardinals fell prey to the Seattle Seahawks worked with the incredible artist Mimi to provide a painting on September 29, Toscana residents still had a blast attending class that is themed to the upcoming holidays, and is so simple the game! We will be offering more games in the coming season, even our smallest Toscana residents will have a blast creating so be sure to check out our Lifestyle e-Blast for upcoming beautiful works of art. Of course, everyone is welcome to join games and information. There is no better way to spend a day this beginning-beginners class and get in the holiday spirit! Be than at the Cardinals State Farm Stadium cheering on our local sure to check out your Lifestyle e-Blast for all the information on her new classes. team! Now that October is here, be sure to mark your calendars for Thank you to all the residents that make Toscana a wonderful our annual Halloween Bash that will be held on October 25th place to live! from 5:30-8 pm. We will have a spooky blast dancing the night away, eating delicious food and waiting with great anticipation RESIDENT GROUPS, CLUBS AND CLASSES to see which costume will win 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in our HAND & FOOT CLUB annual costume contest! Our Halloween party is one of our BILLIARDS CLUB Wednesdays at 1pm Tuesdays and Thursdays Toscana residents’ favorite events. Be sure to sign up early and Billiards Room in PV 6 pm, PV reserve your space. Plus, get together your spookiest, silliest, Contact: Lynn at 602-301-5010 Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 or most fantastic costume for a chance at winning our grand HIKING CLUB prize in the costume contest! Tickets are just $5.00 per person. BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR It was great to hear all the positive comments about the new food truck we had in September, “Ma Taylor’s Kitchen.” The food was fantastic, and the pricing was great! We love to get any, and all feedback so be sure to let us know which food
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Mondays at 5pm in PV BYOB
Monday, October 21 8:30am, Front Gate
BOOK CLUB Wednesday, October 16 in PV “Love Lives Here” by Amanda Jette Knox RSVP
MAHJONG CLUB Mondays at 6:30pm in PV Contact: Susan at susan4266@aol.com
COFFEE SOCIAL Each Wednesday and Friday, 9am in PV
POKER CLUB Wednesdays at 6pm in PV Bring $5 and your poker face Contact 480-513-361
To share new clubs and classes ideas, please email Mark Gatchell at: mgatchell@toscanaliving.net
Live Your Best Life in Desert Ridge NOW PRE-LEASING 335 LUXURY APARTMENTS Opening Summer, 2019, Montreux is the perfect example of modern luxury apartment living. Our resort-style property offers an exceptional collection of first-class amenities. Resident clubhouse with double-sided fireplace, exposition kitchen Two heated pools/spas including outdoor grills, and fire features Business center and conference room • Fully equipped fitness center Billiards area and game room with multi-sport simulator •
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Tennis, bocce, and pickleball courts • Pet park • Indoor mailroom • Interior elevators Walk-in pantries and closets •
Spacious floor plans •
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Expansive 12-foot ceilings on top floors
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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 DANI'S DIGEST By Dani Wall, Administrative Assistant Halloween Costumes Through the Years
costumes. Communities would have parades, and haunted houses, bob for apples, etc.
Is it strange that once a year, we get dressed up in ridiculous costumes, throw parties, and send our kiddos door to door begging for candy from strangers in outfits that we spend a small fortune on? Not in my book! Halloween is tradition. But when did it all start, really?
Mass production of paper costumes began in 1910 by the Dennison Manufacturing Company in Massachusetts. Collegeville (later became Ben Cooper Inc.), located in Pennsylvania caught up quickly and started making clown and jester costumes from leftover scraps of the Flags they made. By the late 1930’s they were making Disney costumes such as Mickey and Minnie, Tinker Bell and the Big Bad Wolf.
It all started back in Ireland (or what is Ireland now) 2,000 years ago; Celts would dress up in animal skins and heads while burning huge sacred bonfires to ward off the ghosts of the dead. This was called Samhain (pronounced sow-in). They believed, on this day, the separation between the dead and the living was thin and made it easier for the dead to cross over. Samhain would begin the evening of October 31st, and end in the evening of November 1st. November 1st marked their new year and the start of their long, brutal winters. To end the celebration, they re-lit their fireplaces from the sacred bonfire to help protect them throughout the winter. The turn of the 18th century brought the holiday into more of a neighborhood celebration, with Halloween parties that everyone could enjoy. They would often make handmade costumes from paper mache, gauze, and sheets, esulting in ghosts, witches, and animal
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In the 1920’s the fun really s t a r t e d , kids started going doorto-door and performing mimes, songs, dances and tricks in exchange for a treat from their neighbors, bringing back the centuries-old practice of trick-or-treating. If the neighbors didn’t have a treat to give, they would threaten tricks or pranks on the house. Costumes like skeletons, cute clowns, and ghosts were still popular come the 1940’s, but this decade brought us something that has yet to lose its popularity: the
TL sexy Halloween costume. This is when wearing heels and heavy make-up with a witch’s costume became popular, and well, it never went away.
Target shelf every Halloween. It was the cool thing to dress up as a Power Ranger (yes, I did go as the pink one in the 90’s), a Ninja Turtle, and even Hulk Hogan was a popular find.
In the 1950’s films were kicking off, bringing a different approach to Halloween costumes. Western films brought us a lot of cowboy dressed toddlers to the streets, while Tarzan and Davy Crockett were also fantastically popular that decade. Girls could be found in a luau dress, or keeping up the more old-fashioned trends like witches, and Disney characters.
The 2000’s brought us an unusual mix of costumes from Pop stars like Michael Jackson, to the Harry Potter crew, you could find it all. The Joker and Spiderman were also big as the movies that launched around that time brought them back into the star-light.
Dennis the Menace, Barbie, Charlie Brown and Peanuts, and other pop icons such as the Beatles, could be found walking the streets in the form of rubber masks in the 1960’s-1970’s. Spiderman, Superman, Batman, Batgirl and Catwoman were also wildly popular around this time. By the 1980’s there were more companies to buy your Halloween costumes at other than Ben Cooper, which brought a more unique flare to Halloween attire. This is when Star Wars Costumes were all the rage. You might have even spotted a Freddy Krueger walking his younger sister or brother in a Care Bear outfit doing the care-stare. The 1990’s brought some huge costumes to the game that are still found to this day on your local
Do you want to build a snowman? Well, almost every little girl and boy did, for most of the 2010’s. Elsa, Olaf, and Anna have been the most popular Halloween costumes of this decade. One thing we can count on is that the classics that have been around for Centuries will be here to stay forever. Ghosts, skeletons, devils, and witches are always a solid go-to costume. Trick-or-treating is becoming less and less popular as time goes on though, with the dangers of going door-to-door you’re more likely to find parents taking kiddos to a “tr unk-or-treat” gathering or a party.
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TL CHRIS'S CORNER
By Chris Reeder, Assistant Manager Code of Conduct The Toscana Board of Directors recently approved an updated Code of Conduct for Association. The previous code of conduct had been in place since 2016, and it was time for a refresh. A few previously addressed points were expanded, as well as a “Right to appeal” added in to the document. The updated document includes guidelines for: Behavior of Members Residents and guests at Association Board meetings Committee meetings and Lifestyle events When using Association’s common areas, or when addressing other residents, community members, or Association representatives. The intent of a Code of Conduct is to provide a base-level of professionalism during business meetings (such as Board of Director meetings, or Committee meetings), during Lifestyle Events, and general conduct in common areas. A few advantages of having a code of conduct include setting expectations for board meetings, and enhancing community culture during resident-to-resident interactions. One of the most important benefits of a community code of conduct is that it can foster an environment of trust, ethical behavior, integrity, and excellence.
the building, replacing gym flooring, tile and carpet cleaning, replacement of the oven, and more! The building will look shiny and clean by the time the project is completed! Of note: The fitness machines will not be replaced, nor will the pool tables upstairs. During the course of the project, the building will be closed to residents. Building 25 Restrooms will remain accessible, through the pool area. Building 10 gym will be open for our residents that enjoy their work-out, and the Building 25 gym will remain closed during the project. This project will take over a month to complete and includes over eight different vendor timelines. We are scheduling the work timeline based on vendor work estimates, and hope to stay on track; of course any changes to the timeline will be communicated via email. Thank you so much for your patience during this project, we hope you enjoy the results!
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Ethical behavior and corporate social responsibility can bring significant benefits to our community. Please take a moment to view this and other important policy documents on the resident website. Palazzo Grande Refresh Every year the Toscana Board reviews the third-party reserve study, which helps them budget for replacement of items such as building boilers, repainting of buildings, and more. This year, the Palazzo Grande amenity center is due for a face-lift! This “Refresh” project includes: repainting the interior of
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21001 N. Tatum Blvd | 480.419.7772 | kegsteakhouse.com
TL SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS Gym Etiquette (That is Often Ignored)
Going to the gym comes with its own set of rules, both written and unwritten, to help keep the equipment and people in tip-top shape. As a reminder, the Palazzo Grande gym will be closed through mid-November for the refresh project. As there will be more users in the Building 10 gym than usual, these common etiquette guidelines are more important than ever, especially as we come into flu season. Here are some of the most common missteps we see: 1. If You’re Sick, Stay Home Staying healthy is a concern for everyone at the gym. While it may be considered medically okay to work out with symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat, doing so at the gym can leave behind microbes that settle on equipment and infect your neighbors. If you feel “well enough” to workout, think about opting for some at-home training, instead! 2. Sanitize, Wipe and Wash Sniffles or not, you should always wipe down equipment with anti-bacterial wipes before and after use to help keep yourself and others healthy. It is also a good idea to come to the gym with a towel. This can not only act as a sweat-sopper, it can also be a barrier between you and the gym equipment. Of course, you should also always shower and wash your hands after a workout! 3. Follow Time Limits This rule is most often broken on cardio equipment. During busier times, you should try to limit your workout on each piece of equipment to 20-30 minutes. If you’re used to a longer workout, try increasing the intensity. Not only will this help you still achieve that post-workout satisfaction, studies have shown shorter workouts burn more calories for hours afterwards! 4. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize and not on your neighbors. Most people go to the gym to zone-in and focus on themselves-and so should you! Nobody likes feeling like they are being watched or judged during their workouts. Keep your focus on you and your opinions to yourself. Not only will this help create a comfortable workout environment, it also helps prevent injuries. 5. Adjust Your Scent for an Enclosed Space Perfume and cologne have no place at the gym. Strong scents can be overwhelming in an enclosed space and can even cause serious allergic reactions in some individuals! Using lotion to give your smell a pleasant boost
is also not recommended. The cream can turn slick as you sweat, which can put you (or others) at risk of injury. Keep body odor at bay by showering and/or using deodorant prior to your workout. 6. Keep Your Gym Bag Tucked Away Gym bags should not be placed on the floor of a gym, ever. This is a major tripping hazard and can lead to serious injury. If you aren’t comfortable leaving your gym bag in a locker, consider investing in a fanny pack! They may not be the most stylish accessory, but they allow you to keep your personal items on you while keeping them out of the way of others. 7. Step Away from the Weight Rack With free-weights, it is important to step away from the rack during your workout to clear a path for fellow residents looking to get some reps in. Standing directly in front of, or leaning against, the free-weight rack while using equipment puts you at risk of injuring someone if one of you isn’t paying enough attention! 8. Re-Rack Your Weights Failing to re-rack your weights, whether they are dumbbells or weighted plates, can be as dangerous (if not more) than leaving your gym bag on the floor. Additionally, it can be very frustrating to other patrons who have to search the gym in order to find the free-weights they are looking for or having to remove weights they did not put onto equipment. The person looking to use equipment after you may not be able to (or may just not want to) remove the poundage you have chosen to put on for your workout. Be respectful to your fellow fitness fanatics by ensuring all weights are returned to their proper locations once you are finished. Bonus: you’ll get that much more of a workout in! 9. Shh Stay off your phone, keep your music in your ears (headphones or earbuds only, please!), and just generally respect other people’s desire for a quiet space to workout. Loud conversations, music and television can be distracting to gym-goers. Gym time is a chance for you to unplug for an hour or so, so take advantage! 10. Conserve Energy Reducing our electricity usage is good for the environment and good for Toscana’s budget. Help us save money by ensuring TVs and fans you are using get turned off once your workout is completed.
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TL NICOLE'S NOTABLES
By Nicole Careaga, Community Manager No one wants to be held up at their new home because their Moving and Remodel Procedure name isn’t on “the list” at the Gate House! It seems as though every day we get in a padded elevator, see a large moving The same is true for having work done within your unit. We or delivery truck, or watch carpet and use a similar pass to ensure that we allow for all of your trades cabinets being ripped out and units being to have access to the community. We also do this so that the remodeled. I wanted to use my article maintenance team is able to conduct a pre- and post-remodel this month to provide some insight on our moving/delivery inspection of the hallways. While accidents do occur, we want processes, along with our remodeling policy and why the to ensure that all vendors onsite are being cautious while HOA has the policies in place that we do. For your reference, moving tools and materials through the hallways. the policies that I am discussing are available on our website. Having to repaint hallways multiple times per year, replace The moving in/out process is definitely one of the most carpet tiles monthly, and other small repairs eat up a lot of the discussed with our residents. Each move in/out or large item Toscana finances. As a team, we try our best make the best use delivery (a great rule of thumb is to think “can one person of your association funds. Beginning in February of 2017, the easily lift this above their waist height on their own?” If not, association began collecting a $500.00 refundable remodeling consider it a large delivery!) requires that a moving pass is deposit each time major renovations are completed within a filled out. This is the form used to inform the gate house team unit. One of our biggest expenses here at Toscana is general that you have met with the office staff and your deposit and building maintenance, and taking this deposit allows us to moving fee has been paid. This form also ensures that your keep that expense to a minimum by ensuring that owners and moving or delivery truck is granted access to the community. their hired vendors be responsible especially cognizant when Without going through this process, your movers may be moving heavy items through the common areas. Since this process began, we have only had the need to retain two of turned away, and that is not a fun day for anyone. these deposits due to damage, which is fantastic! When moving or having a large item delivered above the first floor, we need to be sure that the elevators are padded. This is Should you ever have any question about these policies, or done to protect one of Toscana most valuable and expensive any of the others that are in place, I and the team are always assets. By having the elevators padded, we save potentially here to explain them and assist you. thousands each year by not having to address dented or scratched metal. We ask that when you put your unit on the market, you communicate this process to your realtor. We want to ensure that new residents to Toscana are not met with a frustrating situation, by not being granted access immediately upon their arrival. We have also begun including this information in the required disclosure packet that is ordered by the title companies for every closing. Also, it is imperative that ALL new residents attend a new resident orientation. Not only does this orientation allow us to get to know our new resident and make sure they know about all the exciting programs and amenities Toscana offers, but it’s our chance to ensure they are given proper information on those not-so-fun CC&R’s and make sure they have proper access to the community.
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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 15/24: Tuesday, October 1st BUILDINGS 1, 10, 11: Tuesday, November 5th
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TL UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM By John Raabe, Facilities Director Gate and Maintenance Teams This month I would like to introduce some of the team members here at Toscana that most of you see around, but probably don’t get to talk to very often or meet. The Gatehouse Here at Toscana we have Gate Attendants on duty 24 hours, 7 days a week. The gate house phone number is 480-513-0602. It is important to note that the gate house is not security, and does not operate as such. The purpose of this amenity is to enhance the exclusivity of Toscana by verifying that person(s) arriving at the gate have been given permission to enter the property by a registered resident. This not only acts as a kind of deterrent, it prevents lost cars from wandering in and blocking roadways. We have 3 Attendants that work Mon-Fri which are: Saffron Caudle (7am-3pm), Mariya Lilith (3pm-11pm), and Chet
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Sanders (11pm-7am), and two that work the weekends Joshua Oakley (7am-7pm), and Serria Mathisen (7pm-7am). The Gate Attendants use DwellingLIVE to check guests and vendors in and direct them to the correct building. If guests or vendors are not in DwellingLIVE, our staff contacts the residents to make sure they are permitted on property. It is recommended that all residents utilize the DwellingLIVE system for admitting guests and vendors, so that a proper record can be kept for who is coming on property and when. It also helps to keep traffic moving through the gate smoothly. Having to call residents to verify guests because they are not on the list backs up traffic and causes hazards. It is not the Gate Attendants responsibility for adding permanent guests or vendors to your lists. If you need assistance with this, you can come to the office and we can show you how to do it. The Maintenance Team Though you probably see this team driving around the property on green Gators, you may not always see the work they do. The maintenance team keeps Toscana looking good and keeps the cogs working, all from behind-the-scenes. The Maintenance Team performs maintenance work only on common areas of Toscana. They do not, and cannot, enter a residential unit, barring emergencies. If you are in need of a handyman, check your VIP guide for suggestions! We have two Maintenance Technicians, Keith Buc and Daniel Renteria. The Maintenance Technicians are responsible for maintaining all the common areas. This can be anything from patching holes in drywall in the hallways, changing light bulbs, or repairing the pool gates. If you notice something around the property than needs some attention you can go onto the Toscana Living Website and fill out a Maintenance Request form so that we can get it rectified as soon as possible. We also have a Porter, Ignacio Santana. He is responsible for removing all the garbage and recycling from around the property and taking it out the compactor and recycling bins. He also mops out the trash rooms and cleans the spider webs and trash around the parkades.
OVERSEEDING FAQ Late September to mid-October marks a major milestone for turf landscape in the desert. It’s the time to transition from summer grass to winter grass. What is Overseeding? Overseeding is the process of planting winter Ryegrass. This process typically includes reducing irrigation to the existing Bermuda grass reduced by half, lowering mow heights to prepare the seed bed and then laying down Ryegrass seed. Why Overseed? Bermuda grass grows well in the summer but goes dormant during the winter months. Because it is no longer actively growing, it turns brown, resulting in straw-like appearance until it begins growing again in the spring. Ryegrass however, stays green and vibrant through the cooler months, then dies out with the summer heat. Why are the sprinklers running more frequently? In order for the new Ryegrass seeds to germinate, the seed bed must remain moist. We accomplish this by watering from sunup to sundown. Why can’t I walk on the grass? In order to help ensure the Ryegrass grows in fully and your Community can enjoy even winter grass, we encourage you to not walk or play on overseeded areas as the grass germinates, which typically takes 3-4 weeks. Why is the grass turning a different color? The summer Bermuda grass turns a brown, blonde, straw- like color as it goes into dormancy. This is normal, and your turf areas will look greener once the winter Ryegrass begins to sprout and grow.
TL
WINNER: SALLY BRAZINHA
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