toscana KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW
MAY 2021
Our Staff. Community Manager Nicole Careaga ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Assistant Community Manager John Raabe jraabe@toscanaliving.net Lifestyle Director Mark Gatchell mgatchell@toscanaliving.net Concierge Director Katie Lucas klucas@toscanaliving.net Administrative Assistant Wade Longworth wlongworth@toscanaliving.net Community Patrol/Admin Saffron Caudle scaudle@toscanaliving.net Maintenance Supervisor Daniel Renteria drenteria@toscanaliving.net Maintenance Staff Tyler Driscoll Night Managers Don Meeks, Jackie Hernandez 480.861.0875 Gate House Staff Chet Sanders, Joshua Oakley, Laura Taylor, MaryJane Vital, Emerson Glasgow 480.513.0602
ASSOCIATION OFFICE 5450 E Deer Valley Drive Building 2 Phoenix, AZ 85054 480.585.0808
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY 602.234.9288
toscanaliving.net
Nicole's Noteables by Nicole Careaga
April's Board of Director's Meeting had a lot on the agenda! With topics ranging from CC&R updates, remodel procedures, Palazzo Grande patio furniture refurbishment and more, here are some important changes coming to your community... CC&R Amendments: The following changes to the CC&R's will be made available on the website and go into effect 30 days after being recorded with Maricopa County. First up, some clarifications and updates on homeowner responsibilities when it comes to individual units. These updates will be found under Articles 4.11, 5.1B, 5.3 and 8.2. Updated language clarifies that pest control on the interior of units and on patios/balconies is homeowner responsibility, that unit owners are required to carry homeowners insurance, includes window screens in unit window maintenance, and generally outlines which areas are considered homeowner or Association responsibility. In addition, an update to article 4.15 clarifies that any flag flown on property must be done in a way that complies with Federal Flag Code. PAGE 3
Patio Furniture Refurbishment: The patio furniture upstairs at Palazzo Grande is due for a little refresh. Members of the Board and Management staff met at the end of April to determine what updates need to be made to the furniture. Be on the lookout in the near future for a fresh new look at our biggest pool! Architectural Process Update: There are a few changes to the remodel process that were decided upon at the April 2021 Board meeting. The first is an extension on working hours for approved remodels in the community. Previously, residents could have remodels done 8am5pm Monday-Saturday, the new hours extend the end time to 7pm. In addition, there is a new list of preapproved architectural items, to account for more modern styles and inability to purchase items that were previously on this list. Check out the ToscanaLiving.net website for the new policy and Architectural Approval forms. Building 10 Unit Key Changeout: When Building 10 was built, unit doors were fitted with locks that feature a programmable, electronic key. This key had been programmed by the Building 10 staff, and that responsibility was transferred over to the Association when the building was annexed into Toscana. Due to the age of the system, the Association can no longer
maintain the software that programs these keys. So, effective June 1, the Association will no longer program Building 10 unit door keys. Residents are encouraged to change out door locks in anticipation of this change, to prevent being locked out of their unit should the system fail again. Community Repainting: If you love the new colors on Building 10 and half of Building 1, you're in luck! The entire property is scheduled to receive a new coat of paint by the end of the year. Keep an eye on your email for your building's schedule and what you will need to do in anticipation of this project. Landscape Committee: It was determined at the April 2021 Board Meeting that the standing Landscape Committee would be dissolved in favor of ad hoc committees, which will be created as-needed for community landscaping projects.
If you have any questions about last month' Board Meeting or any of the above changes, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Make your by Mark Gatchell
Food Truck Fun The Thursday food truck social has been very wellreceived and has quickly become a new favorite here at Toscana. Over the past months, your Lifestyle Director and the Toscana team have worked very hard at revamping, restyling, and reimagining not only our signature events but also the weekly and monthly events we have all grown to love. Our goal has been to put our residents' health and safety first while still providing all that lifestyle has to offer! We started in April, bringing you a food truck every Thursday evening from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, which has become the new Thursday Social that has become very popular! The El Taco Santo, El Pastorcito Taqueria truck, and the Ril Dill BBQ truck were well-loved by our residents! The added seating outside on the cobblestones or the tables around the pool has made a great evening to sit and socialize with your friends and neighbors and provides a great way to meet the many new residents of Toscana! With plans to add entertainment, games, and a few surprises, we believe the new Thursday Social will only grow in size and popularity! Now that we are becoming more and more comfortable gathering with our fellow residents, we are excited to bring back our pool parties at the Palazzo Grande pool. Be sure to read the Tuesday Lifestyle eBlast for details on our upcoming pool party season! May is all about cooking here at Toscana! We will PAGE 5
have some exciting online Zoom cooking classes, mixology events, and some spice kits for all of you to enjoy! Trivia and bingo will include fun food twists, and I will be including some grilling ideas and recipes throughout May. The scavenger hunt returns with two grand prizes for two lucky residents with the chance to win a picnic backpack or a Moroccan cooking Tagine! It's time to spice up your life and get back outdoors, and mingle with your neighbors once again! Please be sure to register for the Tuesday Lifestyle eBlast, so you don't miss out on any of our upcoming events! You can register online or email me at mgatchell@toscanaliving.net, and we will see all of you soon at our May events!
Bourbon Marinated Steaks
Recipe for
N A M E
F R O M
T H E
K I T C H E N
O F
O F SERVES
Lisa Lundskow, Vice President
PREP TIME
TOTAL TIME
D I S H
4-6 4-12 hours 5-13 hours
I N G R E D I E N T S
1c Soy Sauce 1/2c Bourbon 1/4c Worcestershire Sauce 2Tbsp Course Black Pepper
1tsp White Pepper 2Tbsp Brown Sugar 1/2tsp Ground GInger 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced
1/4c Canola Oil 1/4c Water 4-6 Steaks (depending on size)
D I R E C T I O N S
At least 4 hours, and up to 12 hours, before you plan to barbecue, combine the marinade ingredients in a lidded jar. Place the steaks in a plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Turn the meat occasionally, if needed, to saturate the surface with the marinade. Prepare the grill for barbecuing, bringing the temperature to 200-220 degrees. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and drain the marinade, reserving it. Cover the steak thoroughly with the black pepper first, then the white pepper. Let the steak sit 30 minutes. Smoke to desired temperature.
*this is a smoking recipe, to grill, raise grill temp to 400-450 degrees PAGE 6
05
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
MAY SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT 1
Association Events Clubs/Classes
2
4
3
5
JINDO 6:30-8PM
9
10
11
B1, 10, 11 PARKADE CLEANING
12
23
30
17
18
24
SPICE IT UP SPICE KITS 1-6:30PM
31
OFFICE CLOSED
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BINGO, BANGO, BONGO! 2-3PM
JINDO 6:30-8PM
16
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM
19
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM
JINDO 6:30-8PM
AFTERNOON TRIVIA 2-3PM 26
JINDO 6:30-8PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BINGO, BANGO, BONGO! 2-3PM
7
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM
FOOD TRUCK AT PALAZZO CENTRO 5-8PM
13
FOOD TRUCK AT PALAZZO GRANDE 5-8PM
20
LIFESTYLE COMMITTEE 2PM
25
6
14
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM
FOOD TRUCK AT PALAZZO GRANDE 5-8PM
15
FINANCE COMMITTEE 2PM 21
FOOD TRUCK AT PALAZZO CENTRO 5-8PM
27
8
28
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM
CARRIBEAN RUM MIXOLOGY 5:30-6:30PM
22
POOL PARTY PG 5-7PM
29
Meet Our Pawsome Fur Friends NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY - MAY 20
Emma and Pepper (and Gingy the Cat) - Nicole Careaga, Community Manager These are my rescue babies. Emma is a Rhodesian Ridgeback Terrier Mix. Her momma was rescued by a coworker of my husbands, who was unaware she was pregnant. She was born while in foster care and came home to us in May of 2019. She is a 90lb dog in a 30lb body. Pepper is our newest rescue. She was also born in the foster system and adopted by a friend. After a very rough time for the family, she has moved around a lot and went through some tough experiences. We rescued her on March 4, and when she is not eating our new home, she is a very lovable 60lbs and thinks she is a lap dog. Pepper will be 1 at the end of May.
Gabby - Don Meeks, Night Manager Gabby is an 18 month old King Charles Spaniel. He loves to watch TV, sings along with the My Pillow commercial & runs laps in the backyard! He’s our little man!
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Meet Our Pawsome Fur Friends NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY - MAY 20
Link and Echo - John Raabe, Assistant Community Manager Echo is German Shepherd who just turned 3 last month. She is one of the sweetest dogs ever, she loves licking everyone and everything. She was a rescue from Follow Your Heart Animal Rescue. Link is a Siberian Husky who will be 1 year old at the end of May. He is very energetic and can play for hours and very stubborn. We adopted him from a family whose son was allergic.
Ollie and Zara - Laura Taylor, Gate Attendant My older pup's name is Ollie we call him Doofus (biggest baby ever literally), he is a two years old German Shepherd. He is still full of so much energy and loves other dogs! Then I have Zara. She is a 3 month old shepherd mix. I got her from some house fair and she was covered in fleas (ewww). She is very energetic. These two are my world (my kids too but the dogs like me more then my kids) . PAGE 9
Meet Our Pawsome Fur Friends NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY - MAY 20
Illyana and Bruce - Katie Lucas, Concierge Director Illyana (Yana) is my 7 year old German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix. My husband rescued her from the Coconino County pound in May 2014 as an engagement present for me. She was the only puppy left from her brothers and sisters because she has two (adorable) extra toes on each of her back feet. She is my aloof little princess and spends most of her time letting you admire her from afar. Bruce is my sweet baby Pitbull/Lab mix. He was born on the night I got married, October 17, 2015, so he's 5 years old! We "rescued" him in November 2015 from a family who didn't have the resources to care for the unexpected puppies. Bruce is extremely energetic and is constantly following around my three-year-old, since Yana won't play with him!
Lotus - Tyler Driscoll, Maintenance Technician Lotus is my 6 year old Pitbull/German Shorthair Pointer mix. We rescued her from the Arizona Humane Society five years ago, after she was found on the streets in South Phoenix. She's a lazy pup, who loves to get her beauty rest! PAGE 10
Meet Our Pawsome Fur Friends NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY - MAY 20
Chili - Wade Longworth, Administrative Assistant Chili is my Sheepadoodle. He is 9 months old, (currently) weighs in at 70 lbs, and is taller than my wife. His favorite things to do are run crazy around the house and play the piranha-puppy game. He also loves walks and playing with his many toys.
Mabel - Mark Gatchell, Lifestyle Director Mabel is a Bluetick Coonhound that joined my family on December 29th. She is currently just over 6 months old and loves any and all dogs she meets. Like any puppy, her chew toys last about 30 seconds and bones seem to disappear in one bite! Being a hound she loves to howl when she is happy or, of course, in the middle of the night when she needs to go outside. She is a total cuddle monster at night and I could not have found a better family member! PAGE 11
TOSCANA POET SOCIETY WINNER - BETH BRADLEY We had 14 awesome entries into the Toscana Haiku Contest. After a vote from the residents, our winner is Beth Bradley, who earned over 27% of the votes for her Haiku: Parkade Cleaning Time. Enjoy the Haiku below, and don't forget to congratulate Beth, if you see her around!
Parkade cleaning time Drive and drive to find a spot Finally…got one!
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CONNECTION
community
by Katie Lucas
May 16 is National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day, so I've compiled a list of things to do to brighten your neighbor's day! Don't forget to send us your Being a Good Neighbor photos to be featured in the next issue of Toscana Living.
Offer to Help Out
Be Hospitable
Got a neighbor who doesn't have a ladder and needs a lightbulb changed? Or maybe you see someone struggling to grip the handle on a door after a particularlyfruitful shopping trip? Offering to lend a hand watering plants, changing out smoke alarm batteries, or picking up groceries can be a quick way to take away some of your neighbor's to-do list and put a smile on their face!
This means opening up your home. But because we rarely do that today for safety reasons and because we value our privacy (and for a list of other reasons), you could open up your heart.
Give Them a Gift
Compliment Them
Leave a plant (everyone loves succulents and they never seem to die) at your neighbor’s door, along with a note saying “Happy “National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day” and sign it. Chances are, they’ll find a way to say “thank you” or return the favor and that just may be the start of a friendship.
Try something like “Thanks for being such a great neighbor. You’re so quiet, I barely even know you’re there.” It could lend to surface chit-chat, and eventually lead to more conversation. Consider this for the ‘neighbors’ who aren’t right next door, too. Let those you meet and rely on in your daily life know you recognize something about them.
Introduce Yourself
Don't Forget Work Neighbors!
If you don’t yet know your neighbor(s), knock on the door and if they answer, introduce yourself. Tell them you wanted to take the opportunity to let them know you’re glad they’re living next door. PAGE 13
Try letting new neighbors know you are here to help them navigate the community and help answer any questions they may have!
For your "neighbors" you work with, bring in coffee or treats that you know your coworkers enjoy. Tell them how glad you are to have them as good neighbors.
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JOHN'S JOURNAL
by John Raabe
Emergency Contacts It’s that time of year again when the temperature starts to reach close to the triple digits, which means our seasonal residents start heading back north and the rest of us start going on vacations to escape the heat. Any time you leave the property for an extended amount of time, it is always a good idea to update your DwellingLIVE account with information for your Emergency Contact. Your Emergency Contact should be someone who will remain on the property or in the area, designated to watch over your unit and be the point-of-contact for unit emergencies. There are a number of events that could take place here at Toscana that would result in the management team needing to gain access to your unit quickly. When these events happen, seconds count! The sooner we get in, the sooner we can assess what needs to happen, which could result in less damage and less headache. We have had several instances where a leak is detected in the parkade, but because the unit was temporarily-vacant, we could not gain access and the damage became worse than it could have been if we got in immediately. Having someone nearby can also give you peace-of-mind. Should the Association have a concern that there may be an issue in your unit, but it can't be determined without going inside, you can restassured knowing your emergency contact is able to help us get it checked out and keep your possessions safe. Another thing to think about is that if there is an emergency situation and we are not able to get into your unit, we will have to call out a locksmith to get in to the unit - at your expense! They will have to change the lock out, as well, which could cause some hardship when you return. It is also just good to have someone who can check up on the unit once a week, to make sure everything is fine or put any packages that may have been delivered inside your unit. Since delivery drivers will leave packages outside of your door unless instructed to bring them to the office, any parcel you have sent to your Toscana home will be waiting in your hallway unless you have someone regularly checking the unit. While your friend, family member, or service is at Toscana, make sure to have them run your taps and exercise your valves, too! This will help prevent plumbing issues while you're out of town. PAGE 15
Where Should I List My Emergency Contact? On your DwellingLIVE account under the "Notes" section. There is an option to add emergency access information, where you should include the name and contact number for the friend, family, or service who will be looking after your unit.
Who Should I Use if I Don't Have a Trusted Friend or Family Nearby? There are a few vendors in the VIP Guide who have done great work for our Toscana residents in the past keeping an eye on units and responding in case of emergency. Be sure to check out the Home Services sections beginning on page 14.
WADE'S WORLD by Wade Longworth
Last month we talked about how nice it was to get outdoors and work up a sweat, all while enjoying a beautiful hike. After all that physical activity, I am sure an increased appetite will follow. There are plenty of options to satisfy the palette. Cooking on the stovetop, baking something in the oven, and firing up the grill for some barbeque is perfect this time of year. While most of us try to keep our recipes as healthy as possible, it's always fun to throw caution to the wind can cook whatever the heart desires. That is why, on May 11, we celebrate National Eat What You Want Day! On this day, people are encouraged to treat themselves by giving in to their sweet tooth, carb-loading without having a marathon to run, and eating breakfast for dinner. I enjoy these types of national days because it allows switching things up if only for a day. There are a few great ways to partake in this national day. One thing that people always seem to want to do but don't is have breakfast for dinner. Take the freedom to choose to have a fluffy stack of pancakes with a side of bacon before bedtime. You may throw off your taste buds, but your stomach will be happy. Another great way to celebrate is to get the kids involved. It might seem like a wild idea, but this day is an opportunity for the kids to decide what will be on tonight's menu. It creates a chance for them to help out with the meal and gives them a feeling of accomplishment when they see the finished product, even if it's a bowl of cereal and chocolate chip cookies. If it's only one day of the year, chocolate chip cookies are a good selection for dinner. For many people, cheat days might not frequently occur in the daily eating routine. Those habits restrict us when going out to dinners and drinks with friends because they stop us from trying the newest dish or drink on the menu. Today is primarily the day to try that thing that you've always wanted. I love getting a pizza with extra cheese and toppings to eat without worrying about the consequences for a day. Of course, there is a reason why this national day only occurs one time per year. While eating anything that you want sounds great, in reality, it is not most likely not the healthiest. So after a day of living in an open dietary world, it will be nice to know that Toscana has two excellent gyms on the property. Located in Palazzo Grande and building ten, they have every piece of equipment to keep the body healthy. So go out there and enjoy food without consequence this day with peace of mind! PAGE 16
MAINTENANCE
report by Daniel Renteria
With our theme this month being “Cooking” we wanted to touch on what you shouldn’t put down your garbage disposal to keep it running efficiently. Here you will find a couple things that you would NEVER want to put down your drains. Coffee Grounds - Don’t do it! Let’s start by debunking a common folk remedy. While it’s true that dropping coffee grounds into your garbage disposal reduces odors in the short term, it can actually cause more serious problems down the drain. To understand why, think about what used coffee grounds look like when taken out of a filter: They reduce into a dense, thickly packed pasty wad. And that is exactly what you don’t want going in your drain lines! Pasta - Anyone who’s made spaghetti or mac ‘n’ cheese knows that pasta expands when soaked in water. Given that, you can see why you might not want to drop lots of pasta into your disposal and drain where it will, after all, soak in water and keep expanding.
PAGE 17
Bones - Garbage disposals are wonderful at grinding up and disposing of food waste. But just because they can grind doesn’t mean they’re angle grinders. They simply aren’t made to deal with extremely hard items, such as bones. Oatmeal - Much like pasta, oatmeal is another expansion threat. Uncooked oats in particular likely to slip through the disposal untouched, only to collect and expand down-line. Which can cause backup issued not just for yourself but everyone else on your stack. Nuts and shells - Similar to bones, nuts and shells (including seafood shells) can be very damaging to your garbage disposal. And softer nuts, such as peanuts, are still not a good idea for the disposal. You garbage disposal is not unlike a nut grinder, and know what you get when you grind and mash peanuts? Peanut butter. Well maybe not exactly the peanut butter you get in a jar, but a somewhat thick, peanut paste that can easily clog up your drain. Oil, Fat and Grease - While it may seem slick enough to just slide right through the pipes, oils, fats, and grease congeal as they cool, often creating a wall off hard-to-remove solid matter in your plumbing. Due to their consistency, it can be extremely difficult for even a professional to entirely remove trapped oil, fat, and grease. A smart thing to do is pour any excess oil, fat or grease into a foil-lined bowl, allow for it to cool, and then throw it away in your regular trash.
Here at Toscana it is highly recommended that you do not put anything down your drains as all of your drains feed into a "trunk line," and anything that you put down your drains can/will affect the units above or below you. We also recommended that you use a sink strainer. This is something that you are able to pick up at your local hardware store for a very affordable price. If you ever experience any back up issues please contact Moon Valley Plumbing at 602-253-2600. If you feel the backup will/can cause any damage to your unit or surrounding neighbors/common areas, please contact the office at 480-585-0808 during business hours or our Night Manager at 480-861-0875 after-hours.
s ' n o Saffrircle c
by Saffron Caudle
May is National Moving Month Many people use the month of May to pack up their belongings and change their address. If you are planning to move this summer, start planning ahead. To celebrate National Moving Month, we’ve compiled a list of some useful tips for a stress-free move. Check the firm’s operating authorityTo confirm the license number in all marketing materials, including websites and social media platforms. Every interstate (state-to-state) moving company is licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and has a Motor Carrier number issued by FMCSA, also displayed in marketing materials. Verify the validity at www.protectyourmove.gov Get three written in-home estimatesOnly use estimates by a professional mover who visits your home. Never say yes to a phone estimate. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) – The BBB is a perfect place to begin your search when you need to hire a moving company. While you are checking out the list of BBB-accredited moving companies, be sure to look for the ratings of each one. An A+ rating is the highest that a business can receive from the BBB, and is usually indicative of a company that has received few, if any, complaints from customers, has outstanding customer service, and offers great service. Moving industry associations – Many moving companies are members of the American Moving and Storage Association, one of the most popular organizations in the moving industry; this organization bestows its ProMover designation on the most reputable moving companies. You will also want to check out the list of movers belonging to your state’s Movers and Warehousemen’s Association.
Consumer review websites – There are countless consumer review sites, and these are great resources for anybody who wants to learn a thing or two about how a business treats its customers. Your VIP Guide Don't forget to check your VIP Guide on the ToscanaLiving.net website for a list of movers trusted by your neighbors! Moving and Delivery PolicyNow that we have some helpful tips out of the way, let’s dive into Toscana’s policies: All moves, in or out, must be scheduled with Management one business day in advance in order to obtain a moving pass. There will also be a refundable deposit of 250.00 and a nonrefundable administrative fee of $25.00 due at the time of submission New Residents (Owners and Tenants) must have completed an Orientation prior to move-in Moving vans or trucks arriving at times other than the designated times on the moving pass will not be given access to the community Moving activity and moving vehicles will be permitted on the property only during the hours of 8:00am to 8:00pm. The same is true of delivery vehicles Balconies/patios (including those on the first floor) and side doors may not be used for moving any items into the unit everything must go through the front door. Personal items, furniture or boxes cannot be left in common areas (parking lots, doorways, hallways, elevators, etc.). I.e. items must immediately go from the truck into the unit or vice versa. Residents will be responsible for any /all damages occurring as a result of the move.
We greatly appreciate your cooperation with these guidelines, as we know you will appreciate adherence to them as a Resident of Toscana! PAGE 18
lay of the land by DLC Resources
As summer grows closer, we are continuing with routine maintenance and spring projects in your Community. DLC crews are helping the Bermuda grass transition out of dormancy for the summer. Transitioning from Ryegrass to Bermuda grass is, ideally, a gradual process that typically lasts from the beginning of April through the end of May. During this time, the Ryegrass dies, and the turf may appear to be yellow or have some areas that look dry. This is a temporary condition that improves as the Bermuda grass fills in. We will soon apply 21-0-0 fertilizer to help support the emerging Bermuda grass as it grows. Onsite crews are almost finished with the seasonal pruning and will then work in a cycle to trim shrubs selectively, keeping curbs and sidewalks clear. We will trim trees to lift canopies, making the Community look more attractive and well-maintained. Those beautiful blooms from trees and plants blossoming in spring weather can result in additional debris around the Community. Our crews will keep clearing leaves, petals and pollen to maintain a clean area for residents. We are treating for weeds several times a month to keep them at a minimum.
As temperatures rise towards the tripledigits, we are adjusting the irrigation system to accommodate plants, trees and turf in the summer months. Our irrigation specialists also carefully monitor rainfall to conserve this valuable resource whenever possible. A few mainline breaks have happened recently due to normal wear and tear. DLC irrigation crews quickly repaired the issues. The restoration of selected rip-rap areas throughout Toscana that our Special Projects crews have been working on should be complete by early May. Rip-rap consists of large stones to optimize drainage around culverts. After that, you will see granite replenishment around the Community to enhance any spots where existing granite has deteriorated due to weather and other factors. Large rock or granite piles may temporarily block select parking spots as crews work to distribute it to areas in need, but it will be worth it as the new rock fills in and spruces up the Community!
