MARCH 2018
Living
INSIDE CASINO NIGHT
BALLROOM DANCING
VENDOR EXPO
Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR
TL
By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director
Happy Spring, Toscana! The month of March is a favorite of full time Arizonan’s and part time residents alike. Temperatures average in the upper 70’s and there are multiple festivals every weekend. It’s hard to select which activity to participate in - there are just too many interesting things to do! It’s also one of our busiest months from a Toscana lifestyle perspective - we have a wide variety events scheduled that offer something for everyone. Some highlights include: The Annual VIP Vendor Expo always brings out a crowd. Our VIP vendors are all invited to come share their businesses with Toscana on March 10th. With many of our seasonal residents planning to leave Arizona, you won’t want to miss the Pool Party on Sunday, March 18th. We expect 100 or so of our Toscana Family to be there! The Easter Bunny will hop to Toscana for breakfast and an egg hunt on the 24th. It’s a great opportunity for a photo with the bunny! We hope you enjoy the Spring season and take advantage of all that Phoenix and Toscana have to offer!
TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS TOSCANA RESIDENT FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in March at 5 PM, Palazzo Grande Food, fun and conversation upstairs in the Palazzo Grande - open to all Toscana residents. Join us for some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The Friday Socials are FREE. Please RSVP by Friday at noon. TRANSFORM YOUR GROCERY STORE FLOWERS Thursday, March 1, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM Palazzo Grande Join Tina as she shows us how to artfully arrange a bouquet from the local grocery store or Costco. She will demonstrate how you can turn a $15 -$20 grocery store bouquet into a $65 arrangement from a florist. Then she’ll have a raffle drawing and give away the arrangement. Fun and Free!
5450 E. Deer Valley Drive Building 2 Phoenix, AZ 85054 www.toscanaliving.net Phone: 480-585-0808 Fax: 480-585-2859 Night Manager: 480-861-0875 Gate House: 480-513-0602 STAFF Dick Rosenhagen, PCAM Community Manager drosenhagen@toscanaliving.net Nicole Careaga, CMCA Assistant Community Manager ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Christine Reeder Lifestyle Director creeder@toscanaliving.net Alicja Davis Concierge adavis@toscanaliving.net Kevin Wiegel Administrative Assistant kwiegel@toscanaliving.net NIGHT MANAGERS: Don Meeks Jackie Hernandez 480-861-0875 MAINTENANCE: John Raabe Maintenance Supervisor Keith Buc Craig Sanders Ignacio Santana GATE HOUSE: Ron McCroskey, Sabrina Cooper, Chet Sanders, Tom Cagle 480-513-0602
ON THE COVER FRIDAY SOCIAL
Toscana Living | 3
TL
Toscana Lifestyle
TOSCANA CASINO NIGHT Saturday, March 3, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Palazzo Vacanza Cost: $10 Who needs Vegas?! On the Go Casino will be back for the Annual Toscana Casino Night. If you have never been to this program, roll the dice- come on out and enjoy the games! Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and Texas Hold’em will all be featured along with light appetizers and Fantastic Prizes! Bring your favorite beverage! BALLROOM DANCE SERIES WITH FRED ASTAIRE Starting on Monday, March 5, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM Upstairs in Palazzo Vacanza Cost: $60 per person Have you ever wanted to learn Ballroom Dancing? Join the certified instructors from the Phx North Fred Astaire Dance Studio for a fun-filled group class series! Each week the class will focus on a different style of dance. Individuals or couples welcome- No experience or partner necessary! For the 4-week session, $60 per person, $120 per couple. SPRING FASHION SHOW WITH TAYLOR MARIE Tuesday, March 6, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM in Palazzo Vacanza RSVP by March 5 It’s time for Spring Fashion! TaylorMarie’s, a full-service boutique, will be hosting a fashion show & shopping event. TaylorMarie’s features name brand clothing as well as unique boutique items & jewelry. TaylorMarie’s offers a full range of sizes in petite, missy & women’s. Fashion Show models wanted, please email your interest to creeder@toscanaliving.net CREATIVE CRAFTING WITH DIANE Thursday, March 8, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Palazzo Grande; RSVP by March 5 Happy Spring! Diane will guide the group through the creative making process in a fun and collaborative environment. Class may sell out and are only $10 for residents (payable directly to the instructor). TOSCANA VENDOR EXPO Saturday, March 10, from 11 AM to 1 PM; Palazzo Grande Cobblestone Please join us on Saturday, March 10 at our Toscana Vendor Expo - a great opportunity to get to know your area partners, and to make some new contacts or learn more about new services or products offered in the local community. We hope to see you there! MEDICINE PLANTS OF THE DESERT WORKSHOP Sunday, March 11 at 10 AM to 4 PM; Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center Cost: $80; RSVP by March 8 This hands on program features plant uses from a pharmacological perspective and traditional uses for healing, wellness, and food. As part of the experience, you will harvest several plants and prepare edibles, a poultice, a tincture, and two ointments to take home. On the plant tour, you will also tour the Southwest Wildlife sanctuary.
Toscana Living | 4
Toscana Lifestyle
TL
COYOTES VS. VANCOUVER CANUCKS HOCKEY GAME Sunday, March 11 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Cost: $24 including transportation This will be an fantastic game - the Coyotes vs. Vancouver on March 11 (Sunday). Your ticket includes transportation, parking, and admission to the game with your Toscana neighbors - all for $24 per person. We only have 15 tickets reserved, so register today! This event will most likely sell out! Game starts at 6pm. *Note these are Not AYCE tickets. FLORAL ARRANGING CLASS Monday, March 12, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Palazzo Grande Cost: $49 Learn to create your own special Spring Floral Arrangement with Tina from “Create Yours with Flowers”. What a fun way to celebrate everything Spring! This class comes with all supplies needed and is discounted from $69 to $49 for our residents. LA-Z-BOY SEMINAR Tuesday, March 13, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in Palazzo Vacanza Wine and Design- “The Art of Accessorizing” It’s the finishing touches that take a room from functional to fabulous! Join us for a fun and informative session with tips and secrets on how to finish your rooms with La-Z-Boy’s ASID designers. BUS TO LONE BUTTE CASINO Thursday, March 15, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Cost: $15; RSVP by March 6 The casino charges $15 per person transportation fee - you’ll receive $25 in bonus play plus $5 food credit. The bus will stop at Wild Horse Pass (near outlet shopping!) and Lone Butte (Bingo). Departing Toscana at 9:30am, Departing the casino for the return trip at 5pm. Need minimum 25 attendees, or this trip will cancel. POOL PARTY Sunday, March 18, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Cost: $3 ($5 for non-resident) Join your Toscana neighbors for yummy grilled hotdogs and summer tunes, provided by the Fire up Freedom refurbished firetruck. Only $3 per ticket for residents ($5 for non-residents) Let’s meet up by the Palazzo Grande for a grand Sunday afternoon! HAND AND FOOT TOURNAMENT Tuesday, March 20, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Palazzo Grande Join your Fellow Hand and Foot players for this Annual Tournament, hosted by Roberta Lippitt. Your $20 per player fee includes: Snacks, Light Lunch, Supper and Prizes! *Round Robin Play* This event fills up quickly, so reserve your spot today! BYOB.
Toscana Living | 5
TL
Toscana Lifestyle
EASTER EGG SCRAMBLE Saturday, March 24, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Palazzo Grande RSVP by March 20 The Easter Bunny is coming to Toscana! Breakfast, egg hunting and a fantastic photo opportunity with the Fabulous Bunny are all included in the $3 ticket fee. Remember to bring your basket for the egg hunt too! NEW RESIDENT MIXER Monday, March 26, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Palazzo Grande Let’s spend an hour meeting residents new to Toscana during the first quart of 2018. All are welcome to this social mixer! TOSCANA TEAM TRIVIA Thursday, March 29, from 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM Palazzo Vacanza Join your Toscana neighbors for an evening of great conversation and live team trivia. Teams will be organized as you arrive- or you may register as a team of 6. Special prizes and bragging rights to the winning teams! Go for the Big Brain Award!
TRIP TO KARTCHNER CAVERNS WITH TWO WINE TASTINGS Saturday, March 31, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM RSVP by March 19 What a wonderful opportunity to visit Southern Arizona’s Kartchner Caverns - AND experience tastings at two local wineries. The $215 per person fee includes: Luxury transportation, entry fees, experienced guided services, two wine tastings, and lunch. Guide gratuities are at your discretion. Please RSVP prior to 3/19 or this program may cancel.
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.
Toscana Living | 6
Toscana Events and Programs Clubs
March 2018 Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
Events Association Wednesday
Thursday 1 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM TRANSFORM GROCERY STORE FLOWERS PG 10:30AM
4
MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM BALLROOM DANCING CLASS PV 3:30PM
5
6 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM SPRING FASHION SHOW PV 6:30PM
TL
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE PV 2PM
7
8 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM CREATIVE CRAFTING CLASS PG 2PM
Friday COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
Saturday 2
9
3 TOSCANA CASINO NIGHT PV 5PM
10 VENDOR EXPO PG 11AM
11 HOCKEY GAME OFFSITE 5PM MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE DESERT SEMINAR OFFSITE 10AM
12 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM BALLROOM DANCING CLASS PV 3:30PM FLORAL CLASS PG 9AM
13 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM PING PONG PV 11AM LIFESTYLE COMMITTEE PV 1PM LA-Z-BOY DESIGN PV 6:30PM
14 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM RESIDENT BINGO PG 6PM
15 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM LONE BUTTE CASINO BUS TRIP OFFSITE 9:30AM
16 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
17
18 TOSCANA POOL PARTY PG 11:30AM
19 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM BALLROOM DANCING CLASS PV 3:30PM
20 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM HAND AND FOOT TOURNAMENT PG 10AM
21 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6:30PM
22 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM BOARD MEETING PV 9AM
23 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
24 EASTER SCRAMBLE PG 9AM
25
26 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM BALLROOM DANCING CLASS PV 3:30PM NEW RESIDENT MIXER PG 5PM
27 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM
28 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
29 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM TEAM TRIVIA PV 5:45PM
30 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
31 BUS TRIP TO KARTCHNER CAVERNS AND WINE TASTINGS OFFSITE 6AM
Toscana Living | 7
Toscana Lifestyle
TL
CONCIERGE CORNER By Alicja Davis, Concierge
Hiking in Phoenix As I’m frequently being asked about hiking trails in the area, I decided to include a few of my favorite local trails for everyone who enjoys outdoor activities. Pinnacle Peak 26802 N. 102nd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262 (1 mile south of Dynamite & Alma School) 1.75 miles one way, this trail offers a moderate hike with a 1,300 foot elevation gain. Very scenic and rich in variety of desert plants. This hike is great for both beginners and experienced hikers, as well as children. 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 1/2 mile to the official trailhead, marked as Dixie Mine Trail. The first 2 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. After 2 miles, you will reach the Dixie Mine turnoff (mine visible straight ahead) where you can opt to take the maintenance road left marked to Thompson Peak. From this point, the trail gets steeper and steeper. Even seasoned hikers may need to rest along the way; as it is so steep, the trail was paved to access the top of the peak. The climb provides a serene feeling of ridge-line hiking, offering amazing views along the way as you quickly climb 2000 feet to the peak. The finish line is the majestic peak which offers the best views of the valley and dwarfs any other mountain or hike. Browns Ranch Trail 30301 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 This trailhead features interpretive exhibits about the human history of the Preserve and serves as the major access point to the vast network of trails in the area. It
Toscana Living | 8
provides access to such unique destinations as Granite Mountain, Cholla Mountain, Brown’s Mountain, Ballanced Rock and Cathedral Rock. The Trailhead is located approximately 1.25 miles north of the intersection of Alma School Parkway and Dynamite Boulevard. A gentle out-and-back 3-mile hike on a very wide trail with occasional sandy stretches. This hike brings you to Brown’s Ranch, with many ranching structures still visible. This area was used for ranching from the later 1800s until the mid-1950s. Currently a site for field experiments to determine how best to restore a grazed area, you can find an excellent show of wildflowers in the spring. Follow the Brown’s Ranch trail north from the Brown’s Ranch trailhead, across the power line road, to the marked Brown’s Ranch junction. From the junction you can go a short distance to the right to see some of the remnants of the old ranch. Return the way you came. Roundtrip distance is just over three miles. Elevation Gain: 100 feet Lost Dog 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 did 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.
In and Around Toscana
TL
MANAGER TIDBITS
By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager Annual Meeting Thank You! I just want to take a moment and say thank you to all of you for a very successful 2018 Annual Meeting. As many of you know this was Toscana’s 11th Annual Meeting, and this year you came out in true Super Hero fashion and helped to make it a great night. The evening included a delicious Italian dinner which was sponsored by DLC, our landscape vendor, along with raffle prizes from our community and VIP partners that totaled over $2500 in value.
volunteering promotes regular contact, strengthens the ties to the community and benefits all on many levels. Thank you for your service! Just as a reminder, the Board of Directors will hold their next meeting on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 9 am in the Palazzo Vacanza, Building 10. HAPPY SPRING, TOSCANA!
This year was truly about celebrating the wins of 2017 as it was such a busy year with all of the reserve and enhancement projects that were completed including; carpet, paint, front doors and much more. Also new in 2017 were the addition of three committees; Budget & Finance, Landscape & Lifestyle and they include a number of residents that have spent hours helping bring our neighbors together and creating a sense of community. Also, the owners were once again asked to participate in a preference election to determine who would be appointed to serve a two year term on the board of directors. There were three candidates to choose from: Gil Berkowitz, Terry Huntingford and Barry Wilson. Both Gil Berkowitz and Barry Wilson were re-elected and will serve two year terms. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all three of our candidates - as
Toscana Living | 10
In and Around Toscana
TL
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES by Kevin Wiegel, Administrative Assistant I’ve been working on the Toscana website off and on for some time now and wanted to point out some of the features and benefits available there.
RESIDENT GROUPS, CLUBS & CLASSES BILLIARDS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1:00pm, Billiards Room in PG. Contact: Lynn at 602-301-5010
We’ve updated the amenity pages with some beautiful pictures and descriptions, including a new page showing off Dante’s Corner. There is now a link under the HOME tab where you can sign up to be included in our mailing list to receive all the exciting Concierge and Lifestyle emails about what’s going on in and around Toscana! For anyone interested in reviewing important Association documents, the RESOURCES tab includes all community documents, including the CC&R’s, policy resolutions, board meeting minutes and agendas, and miscellaneous forms and FAQ’s. Under the CONCIERGE tab, Alicja has an on-line copy of the VIP Guide and a link to Golf Now Reservations. Chris’ LIFESTYLE tab has the Toscana monthly events calendar, where you can review all the fun things happening at Toscana and RSVP directly from the site. As you explore the website, you’ll see links to news, weather and Community announcements. Got a boat to sell? Need to find a dog sitter who knows the Toscana rules? Post something in the classified section! Under the FEEDBACK tab, you can email us with your inquiries, maintenance concerns or drop something in the suggestion box. We will continue to improve the website and as always, appreciate your input and feedback!
Toscana Living | 11
BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR: Mondays at 5pm in PG BYOB
HIKING CLUB: March 12, meet up at 9am. Contact: Allen Poppa at apoppa@yahoo.com LADIES PING PONG: March 11 at 11am, PV. Contact: Heyam at heyambonnamy@gmail.com MAHJONG CLUB: Mondays at 6:30pm, PG. STUD POKER CLUB: Wednesdays at 6:00pm, PG. Bring $5 and your poker face. Contact Phil at 480-513-3615. BOOK CLUB: March 21 in PV, 6:30pm HAND & FOOT CLUB: Thursdays at 6pm, PG. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 COFFEE SOCIAL: Each Wednesday and Friday at 9:00am in PG Kitchen BINGO: March 14 at 6:00pm, PG $6 per card, Contact: Marge at 480-585-0494 WATER AEROBICS: Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:30 - 10:15 PG Pool $10/Person/Session GENTLE YOGA: Fridays at 11am in PV; $5/Person/Session CHAIR YOGA: Wednesdays at 11 am in PV; $5/Person/Session TAI CHI: Thursdays at 10 am in PV; $10/Person/Session
RUMMYCUBE: 2nd and 4th Tuesdayat 1pm in PG
In and Around Toscana
TL
ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES by Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager
Healthy Living in 2018 Many of us created a resolution to just be healthier in 2018. As we enter March, some of us may have given up on this resolution as being healthy can be very intense and time consuming. I thought for this month’s article, I would try to bring some life back to these resolutions by giving you some tips that not only will help you feel healthier, but also assist in keeping those close to you healthy as well. EXERCISING – We all have read the articles and know that for our mind, health, strength, endurance and weight control, working out is a must. For some light exercise take a walk with your four legged friends, or tour the community nightly with a neighbor. For the more intense workout there are full service gyms in both B10 and B25 that are open daily. WIPING DOWN GYM EQUIPMENT – This is a necessary step in your daily exercise routine. Not only should you wipe down the equipment before use to protect yourself. You should do so after your workout to protect others. According to a study commissioned by Fit Rated, an exercise equipment company, found that the amount of germs on gym equipment is more alarming than you may have thought. EMLab P&K, an environmental testing group, tested 27 pieces of gym equipment at 3 different gyms. They found that free weights contained 362 times more bacteria than a public toilet. While not all the bacteria found to be on the exercise equipment was dangerous to a person’s health, there was plenty cause for alarm. With the tests finding that a third of the bacteria was what is known as gram-negative rods, which are harmful to humans.
EATING RIGHT – Everyone knows that eating right is a major factor in being healthy and feeling happy. But did you know it is not just what you eat, but how much of it matters also. According to www.livestrong.com, eating the right portions not only helps your pocket book and waist size, it also helps you feel better. Your body turns the foods you eat - especially carbohydrates - into glucose, your body’s primary source of energy. When you eat a large portion of food, glucose levels rise quickly. When your bloodstream is flooded with glucose, your pancreas releases insulin to move that glucose into your cells for use. But the faster glucose levels rise, the more likely it is that your pancreas will produce too much insulin, leading to low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia. By eating smaller meals, more times a day, you actually will have more energy, and will avoid the dreaded “Food Coma”. CLEANING UP AFTER YOUR PETS – I know, I know, I write about picking up dog poop in a lot of articles. But there really is a health concern to not cleaning up dog poop. www.dogintonpost.com uses a great info graphic to explain all of the many dangers of not picking up after our furry loved ones. Here at Toscana, we are always hearing from residents about the large amount of feces not picked up by their neighbors. So not only are diseases being spread, but residents are getting stressed out, which is not good for anyone’s health. Hopefully by following these simple tips, we can all enjoy a happy and healthy living.
Toscana Living | 12
TL
In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: HOSTILES By Gil Berkowitz
Hostiles Grim - Thoughtful Western “Hostiles” begins with a seemingly innocent scene in which Rosalie, a mother (Rosamund Pike) is teaching her daughter the different parts of speech. Suddenly the family is attacked and brutally murdered by a war party of Comanche Indians. We sit in shock as Rosalie holding her dead baby, screaming in terror. Director Scott Cooper with this scene establishes the tempo of this thoughtful and sometimes brutal western. Army Captain Joe Blocker (Christian Bale), a veteran Indian fighter of the United States’ war against Native Americans is about to retire when he is given a last mission. His commanding officer forces him on a mission Joe doesn’t want to take. He threatens to court-martial Joe for insubordination if he does not comply. He wants Joe to escort his long-standing enemy - Cheyenne Chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) and his family to their burial grounds in Montana. Yellow Hawk has been a prisoner for several years and is dying of Cancer. As a show of mercy, the government has agreed to release him and let him return to his homeland. Blocker objects and is angered at having this mission as he detests Yellow Hawk who has been responsible for the death of his friends and fellow soldiers.
Toscana Living | 13
Blocker and his troop begin their journey across the endless New Mexico desert and through the thick forests of Colorado and Wyoming. Along the way he picks up Rosalie who has managed to survive the brutal attack on her family. He also picks up an army prisoner (Ben Foster) a soldier facing a court-martial upon arrival at their destination. In order to survive they must all stick together. As the group faces a number of threats and challenges Blocker undergoes a transformation. He has moments of introspection and is barely holding himself together. The past haunts him and he begins to gain an understanding and sense of humanity toward his Indian enemies and his past. Christian Bale gives another outstanding performance and he does more with a gesture or facial movement than most actors with a written script. Rosamund Pike
is fine as a young widow facing the realities of a new life. Wes Studi is always good and presents a true image of a Native American. The film’s cinematography captures the harshness and beauty of the old west. The movie is playing at Harkin’s theaters throughout the valley and runs for 2 hours and 13 minutes. Rated R for strong violence and language.
Photo Gallery
TL
Toscana Living | 14
The Luxe is an upscaLe haven for everyone who vaLues superior s e r v i c e s a n d a m e n i T i e s.