Toscana Living May 2017

Living

MAY 2017

INSIDE WINE COUNTRY TOUR

FLORAL DESIGN PARTY

Located on McClintock Drive/Hayden Road just north of the Loop 202 in Tempe

www.BigSurf Fun.com and follow us on and

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FREE TICKETS WITHMAY PURCHASE 1 - MAY 31 (OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)

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SPEND $250 OR MORE IN THE SAME DAY AT DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE AND RECEIVE 2 FREE GENERAL ADMISSION PASSES TO BIG SURF WATERPARK.

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Management Office

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SAME-DAY RECEIPTS TOTALING $250 OR MORE CAN BE REDEEMED AT THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE DISTRICT BETWEEN XI CLOTHING AND AT&T, MON-FRI 8:30AM-5PM.

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Applies to purchases made on the same day, May 1-31, 2017. Limit 2 free passes per person for the duration of the promotion.

Passes valid for Big Surf Waterpark general admission only. Offer valid while supplies last. Must be 18 or older. Other restrictions may apply.

Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR

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By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director

Happy Mother’s Day to our Toscana mothers, grandmothers, aunts, caregivers, and fur-moms! It truly takes a village to teach kindness and empathy in this topsy-turvy world. Millions of people across the globe take a special day as an opportunity to honor their mothers; thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant support and well wisher.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday. The origin of this popular holiday traces back to the era of ancient Greek and Romans. The roots of Mother’s Day can also be traced in the UK where a Mothering Sunday was honored much before the celebration came into popularity in the US. The celebration of Mother’s Day as it is seen today is a recent phenomenon and not even a hundred years old. Today the festival of Mothers day is celebrated across 46 countries (though on different dates) and is a hugely popular affair. There are two events scheduled this month that would be fabulous for Mother’s Day - The Floral Design Party and the Wine Country Tour. Check out the Lifestyle portion of the newsletter for more information and how to register!

TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS FUN FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in May at 5 p.m. Palazzo Grande May 5 Fun Friday Social will have a Cinco de Mayo twist with a taco bar and festive décor.

Come together to meet new people and socialize with your neighbors at this non-hosted neighborhood gathering. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided (while supplies last). The Fun Friday Socials are free. Please RSVP by Thursdays at noon.

FLORAL DESIGN PARTY Thursday, May 11, Palazzo Grande at 10 a.m.

Cost: $49 per person, includes all supplies RSVP by May 9 We are bringing all the flowers, supplies, and instruction needed to create a fun and exciting morning! We teach the tricks-of-the-trade so anyone can acquire the knowledge and skill to create a beautiful arrangement, even to those that don’t consider themselves “crafty”! It’s the Perfect Mother’s Day gift, especially when paired with the Wine Tasting Tour!

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT (GRANDPARENT’S TOO!) Friday, May 12, Palazzo Vacanza at 6 p.m.

RSVP by May 11 Kid’s Night IN! A special evening pajama party for Toscana’s smallest residents with games, pizza and a movie (‘Trolls’ this month). Bring a blanket, stuffie or pillow for the movie.

5450 E. Deer Valley Drive Building 2 Phoenix, AZ 85054 www.toscanaliving.net Phone: 480-585-0808 Fax: 480-585-2859 Night Manager: 480-861-0875 STAFF Dick Rosenhagen, CAMM, CMCA Community Manager drosenhagen@toscanaliving.net Nicole Careaga, CMCA Assistant Community Manager ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Christine Reeder Lifestyle Director creeder@toscanaliving.net Alicja Davis Concierge adavis@toscanaliving.net Kevin Wiegel Administrative Assistant kwiegel@toscanaliving.net NIGHT MANAGERS: Don Meeks dmeeks@toscanaliving.net Jackie Hernandez hhernandez@toscanaliving.net MAINTENANCE: Frank Young Maintenance Supervisor fyoung@toscanaliving.net Keith Buc Maintenance Tech Ignacio Santana Porter

ON THE COVER EASTER EGG SCRAMBLE

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Toscana Lifestyle

WINE COUNTRY TOUR WITH DUKOUT ADVENTURES Saturday, May 13, Page Springs Wine Country, Bus departs Toscana at 7:45 a.m.

RSVP by May 5 Cost: $197.00 per person; includes $30 credit for lunch, 1 flight of tastings at each vineyard (5 tastings per flight) and entrance to Tuzigoot Ruins site Your DukOUT Adventure begins with a visit to the Tuzigoot Indian Ruins, where we will learn about this preserved pueblo high above the Verde River floodplain.

Continuing on from the Ruins, we will take a scenic drive of the Red Rock area to lunch at one of Sedona’s finest restaurants. After lunch your expedition continue to two premier vineyards in Page Springs for a VIP tour and special wine tasting. This tour would be the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

TACO TUESDAY AT JALAPENO INFERNO Tuesday, May 16, 23587 N Scottsdale Road, Bus departs Toscana at 5:20 p.m.

Cost: Transportation provided by Toscana, food and beverages on your own RSVP by May 15 at 5:00 p.m.

Can’t get enough Cinco de Mayo?! Taco Tuesday at Jalapeno Inferno features all you can eat tacos for less than $10!

Join your friends on the Toscana bus and have a margarita or two. Transportation provided by Toscana, meal and beverage at the residents’ discretion. View the menu here: http://jalapenoinferno.com/ GROOVYTEK SEMINAR - WHAT THE HACK?!

Tuesday, May 23, Palazzo Centro Media Room at 11:30 a.m.

RSVP by May 22 Join us Tuesday, May 23, for a simple review of best practices to protect yourself online. With the term “hacking” trending across news feeds and headlines all over the world, “What The Hack” will provide a clear definition of hacking, what it means to you as well as provide simple best practices to protect yourself online.

POTLUCK POOL PARTY Thursday, May 25, Palazzo Grande Pool at 5:30 p.m.

Cost: No cost to residents RSVP by May 24 Join your friends and neighbors for relaxing tunes with guitarist, Pete Pancrazi, during this annual Potluck Pool Party! Residents with last name beginning A-Q should bring appetizer or main dish, last names starting with R-Z, please bring dessert. The office will provide non-alcoholic beverages, disposable plates, napkins and flatware.

IMPORTANT RSVP INFORMATION PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RSVPS AND CORRESPONDING PAYMENTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 5PM ON THE DAY OF THE RSVP DEADLINE. All RSVP’s without payment collected by the deadline will be considered invalid. Unless noted otherwise, all RSVP’s can be made by dropping correct change or a check to Toscana Association in a clearly marked envelope inside the drop box by the Lifestyle Director’s office in Palazzo Centro. Alternatively, you may register by clicking on the RSVP option included in the weekly email blast and you will automatically receive the payment link. We regret to inform you that late RSVP’s cannot be accepted after the deadline, and that refunds cannot be issued except in the case that Toscana cancels an event. Your cooperation with these policies helps ensure that our vendors have the notice they require, that we steward assessment dollars appropriately and avoid needless waste, and that the event experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for participants.

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Toscana Lifestyle CONCIERGE CORNER

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By Alicja Davis, Concierge Artlink First Fridays Artlink First Fridays are starting on May 5. Enjoy the spirit and culture of Phoenix during the self-guided art walks on first Friday of every month from 6-10 p.m.

Tour more than 70 galleries, venues and art spaces to see a variety of artwork while socializing with the local community. Visitors are invited to utilize free shuttles that circulate on three routes through downtown Phoenix’s arts districts. The shuttles meet at a connector hub at Arizona Center, and you can also catch the shuttles at any of the stops along the routes including Phoenix Art Museum, CityScape, Oasis on Grand and Unexpected Gallery. https://artlinkphoenix.com/ The Summer Concert Series at Kierland Commons The concerts will take place on Main Street every Saturday starting on May 6 through June 10 from 7pm - 9pm.

Seating is limited, so arrive early with your lawn chairs to ensure a sitting spot. The series will start with ‘Apple’: Beatles Tribute Band.

So, come together! http://www.kierlandcommons.com/Events/ Details/445338 Summer Concert Series at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park These FREE concerts take place every Sunday through July 2 from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. Bring your foldable chair or a blanket to enjoy a variety of favorite local bands – Rock and R&B, Eagles Tribute Band, Retro 80’s, 60’s and 70’s and more! Food will be available for purchase and the train/carousel rides are only $2. http://www.therailroadpark.com/?post_ type=event&p=205

Phoenix Comicon at Phoenix Convention Center Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture experience of the Southwest and it runs from May 25 through May 28. Comicon brings out the top comic book writers and artists in the industry, features many genres from pop culture (anime, authors, horror, and steampunk) and presents a full weekend of events and activities for you and your family. Great opportunity to meet the artists and get their autograph! Dick Van Dyke will appear at this year’s Comicon! https://phoenixcomicon.com/

WE ARE PLEASED TO WELCOME TWO NEW VALUABLE VIP PARTNERS. GroovyTek provides in-home training for smartphones, tablets and computers. Their primary goal is to empower people to navigate personal technology independently.

Toscana VIP offer: Three one hour sessions for $200 and five sessions for $300.

To schedule your training, please visit http://www. groovytek.com/ Titanium Salon – Tiffany Anne Hair LLC Located inside the Beauty District at Desert Ridge Suite #102 (next to Scrubs and Beyond and Mattress Firm).

Beautiful, fresh and new hair salon!

Toscana VIP offer: 20% off your first hair service and 10% off every hair service after that. for appointments!

Contact at 480-232-8115 or tiffanyannehair@gmail.com

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Toscana Lifestyle KEVIN’S TWO BITS

By Kevin Wiegel, Administrative Assistant A few reminders

As the temperatures slowly rise our community will begin to see the northerners depart; typically before the heat truly sets in. One of the benefits to condo living is the fact that, for most part time owners, it is a “turn-key” property with relatively little to be done upon departure or arrival.

However, there are some minor requirements that benefit both the snowbird and his or her full time neighbor.

The first may seem inconsequential, but it can be very annoying if left unchecked - smoke detector batteries.

As many of you are aware, when the battery is close to depletion the device will “chirp” to notify you that it is time to change the battery, of course this only works when the unit is being lived in. Not changing the batteries can lead to annoyed neighbors and phone calls while you are away to arrange for someone to alleviate the nuisance. Probably well worth the cost of a few nine volt batteries to avoid. It is recommended that you replace all batteries at the same time.

A similar item that is recommended, but not required, is to schedule a check of your HVAC unit before the summer heat is upon us. Unlike smoke detectors, the AC may be your biggest single contributor to your electric bill and may result in a higher bill than expected. Most people choose to use Corey from AZ Air (480-415-6315) for this service, but your concierge, Alicja, will have a few other options as well should you request them.

In addition to an annual check you should make sure to replace your air filter with one that will last for the duration of your absence; alternatively, you can choose to use a vendor to run the water, etc. and include the changing of air filters.

Lastly, please remember that storage on patios or in your parking stall is not permitted. Similar to the smoke detectors, having to arrange for such items to be

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moved into your unit or storage is not what you want to be dealing with just after arriving at your summer destination. The easiest way to avoid this is to make sure the only thing in your parking stall is a vehicle.

On the patio, patio furniture and minor decoration are permitted, but please do not leave cleaning items (brooms, mops, etc.), coolers, bicycles, etc. The patio should be presentable and clean, even if the furniture has covers on it.

I hope this information may prove useful and am looking forward to another wonderful summer at Toscana.

DO’S AND DON’TS Do pick up after your pet Do dispose of grease in your garbage Do be sure to park in your assigned space Do registrer your guests in Dwelling Live Do say something if you see something that requires attention Don’t use extension leashes Don’t put vegetable clippings in your disposal Don’t hang towels on your balcony Don’t potty your pets on the turf Don’t use glass containers in the pool area

Toscana Events and Programs Clubs

May 2017 Monday

Sunday

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22 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

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29 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

Wednesday

2 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM

MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

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Association

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MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

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Events

Tuesday

MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM

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WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM

16 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TACO TUESDAY AT JALEPENO INFERNO OFF SITE 5:20PM

23 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM GROOVYTEK WHAT THE HACK? PC 11:30AM

30 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM

Thursday

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4 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM

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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BINGO PG 6PM

17 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6:30PM 24 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM FLORAL DESIGN PARTY PG 10AM PERFECT FOR MOTHER’S DAY! 18 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM BOARD MEETING PV 5PM 25 WATER AEROBICS PG 9:30AM TAI CHI PV 10AM HAND & FOOT PG 6PM POTLUCK POOL PARTY PG 5:30PM

Friday

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GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIALCINCO DE MAYO EDITION PG 5PM

GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM PARENT’S NIGHT OUT PV 6PM

DUKOUT WINE COUNTRY TOUR OFFSITE 7:45AM PERFECT FOR MOTHER’S DAY!

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GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

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GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM

31 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM

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In and Around Toscana

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MANAGER TIDBITS

By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager Unit Water Reminder As we continue into spring, we start to see most of our winter visitors heading north to keep cool.

I wanted to remind each of you about CC&R requirements, specifically Section 4.26, Vacant Units, Water Lines; Drainage. It states, “If any Unit is vacant or will be vacant for more than three (3) days, the Unit Owner must maintain air conditioning so that the maximum temperature in the Unit is not higher than eighty five (85) degrees Fahrenheit at all times.

from following the requirements in Section 4.26 of the CC&R’s discussed above.

Finally, please avoid putting celery stalks, coffee grounds, fats, grease, fruit pits, nuts, seeds, paper, plastic, glass, pasta, rice, shells, bones and vegetable peelings down the garbage disposal. These items will stick to the walls of the trunk lines and cause back ups in the line.

Thank you in advance for helping everyone out by following the procedures above, it will help make residents life easier. Enjoy the spring if you are in Phoenix or the cooler weather if you are up north.

If any Unit is vacant or will be vacant for more than thirty (30) days, the Unit Owner must ensure that all plumbing sources, including but not limited to, bathroom and kitchen faucets, clothing washer, dishwasher, toilets, tubs and showers are provided running water for no less than one (1) minutes per 30 days to each plumbing source to prevent against drying out waste water traps.”

Also, the “Unit Water Shut Off ” Board Resolution which can be found at www.toscanaliving.net, states “the Board of Directors is extremely concerned about (1) water damage to units and common elements due to water leaks occurring while owners are away from their units, (2) the potential ramifications of such damage to the members of the Association, as well as to any members specifically affected due to the damage caused to units and the common elements and (3) the increase in insurance premiums that result from numerous water claims; for these reasons, the Board of Directors considers the conditions described above an emergency situation justifying water shut off by unit owners that are away from their units for an extended amount of time;” As a result, the Association will allow a unit owner to shut off water to their unit if the unit owner leaves the unit vacant, but this does not preclude owners

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Offering a 25% VIP Discount for Toscana Residents Eco-friendly dry cleaning at fair prices Open Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 9am-4pm

Same day service Tailor on premises We do shoe repairs as well!

Located at the Desert Ridge Marketplace next door to the UPS Store

(480) 502-5881 www.desertridgecleanersaz.com

In and Around Toscana

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ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES

By Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager Make A Difference – Volunteer Being a volunteer can happen on a number of different levels; packing food boxes, building homes, community clean ups, and event committee involvement. Here at Toscana, part of our Strategic Plan is to create committees. Committees help to present new innovative ideas and solutions to the Board of Directors, while also providing resident feedback in the day to day happenings at the community. We are hoping to create three committees here at Toscana, and are actively looking for residents who want to participate, and be part of this exciting new adventure and future. The potential committees are Budget & Finance, Landscape and Lifestyle. Each of the committees will be chartered and will meet to discuss ideas and plans for our future. If you are interested in any of our potential committees please email me at ncareaga@toscanaliving.net.

Another way to volunteer here at Toscana is during our fabulous events. Chris is always looking for extra hands during her Parent’s Night Out event, to keep an eye on all of the kiddos.

Also, how great to have residents to facilitate a card making class, or make sure everyone is back on the bus before leaving one of the many exciting destinations we tour.

Please be sure to email Chris at creeder@toscanaliving. net should you ever be available to volunteer at an event.

Volunteering in your community is also a very rewarding experience and www.allforgood.com makes it very easy.

Just search using your zip code along with your interests to find a multitude of volunteer opportunities in your local community. All For Good has thousands of options including, Mentoring, Senior Assistance, Child Care and much much more.

CLUBS AND CLASSES BILLIARDS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1:00pm, Billiards Room in Palazzo Grande RUMMYCUBE CLUB: Will resume in June HIKING CLUB: Will resume in November SINGLE LADIES NIGHT OUT: Will resume in September MAHJONG CLUB: Mondays at 6:30pm, Palazzo Grande STUD POKER CLUB: Wednesdays at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande. Bring $5 and your poker face.

Contact Phil Labue at 480-513-3615.

BOOK CLUB: May 17 at 6:30pm; Palazzo Vacanza The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.

Please contact Susan Rubin with questions.

HAND & FOOT CLUB: Thursdays at 6pm, Palazzo Grande. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE: Contact Gil Berkowitz at 602-881-6272 or 480-998-2135 VIP CLUB CARD: Stop by the concierge office if you have not received your VIP Club Card.

COFFEE SOCIAL: Each Wednesday and Friday at 9:00am in Palazzo Grande Kitchen

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In and Around Toscana UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM

By Frank Young, Maintenance Supervisor

Air-conditioning filters Forgotten air filter maintenance is one of the top reasons for poor AC performance. The right approach is to be proactive about your AC care, so at peak usage, the unit is performing at top capacity. If you haven’t thought about filter replacement for a while, don’t put it off any longer.

The air handler is going to pull air into the unit whether the filter is dirty or not. The question is how hard are you going to make it work? The job of an AC filter is to remove debris from the air before it enters your system.

When things clog up, the unit pulls that much harder and uses more energy – causing a substantial rise in the electric bill. Dirt in the filter also shortens the life of your air conditioner, because dirt pulls into the inner workings of the unit. The strain on the fan and motor from the increased effort will take its toll, as well.

For families plagued by allergies, changing the AC filter is one way to improve the air quality in your home. All the dust mites, pet dander and other allergens that a clean filter traps are getting through the dirty one. For people with sensitive allergies, it is necessary to use a clean highefficiency filter to remove spores from the air, too.

Check the service manual to see the proper filter size and style. Write this information down, so when you shop for filters, you have it handy. When you filter shop, buy them by the case or stock up for several months. Find a convenient storage area nearby to make changing the filter a breeze.

Pet owners should plan to change the HVAC filter more often, perhaps twice as much for longhaired breeds. Pay attention to the arrow markers on the filter. This indicates what direction to install the units. Putting the filter in incorrectly affects the airflow into the system.

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Write the date on the filter in pen. This provides a reference, so you know when it was last changed.

Filter location will depend on the type of AC unit in your home, but look for the place it pulls in air.

Fiberglass filter. This throwaway air filter is the most common type. Layered fiberglass fibers are laid over each other to form the filter media and typically are reinforced with a grating that supports the fiberglass to prevent failure and collapse.

Polyester and pleated filters. These filters are similar to fiberglass filters but typically have a higher resistance to airflow and a superior dust-stopping ability.

High efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters.

These units filter the air passing through them at a very fine scale.

Washable air filters. These products are not as common and rely on the build-up of dust along the cloth to improve the efficiency of the filter. Industrial processes involving high volumes of coarse dust are typical applications.

As a general rule the high efficiency filters should be changed monthly while fiberglass filters can go three to six months depending on conditions.

WELCOME KEITH BUC! We are happy to introduce Keith Buc as our newest employee at Toscana!

Keith joined the Toscana team as a maintenance technician.

Keith has an extensive maintenance background and has been working in this field for over 17 years! We are excited to have him on board!

In and Around Toscana RESTAURANT REVIEW BY ‘TOSCANA FIVE’ Quill Creek Café @ Grayhawk Golf Club 8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale Happy Hour only Wednesday with entertainment Price ranges from $11 -$30 Cuisine: American

Upon entering we were greeted with a friendly smile.

We decided to sit inside but the outside patio was very inviting as well. The view is the golf course and the Pinnacle Peak Mountain as a back drop.

Menu is extensive, we each ordered something different and all agreed that the presentation was lovely.

One dish was the Grayhawk Salad which consists of a healthy portion of sliced chicken, greens, angel hair pasta, and the Thai Peanut Sauce dressing.

YUM! Another person ordered Crispy Chicken Wrap

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and a choice of a side dish of mango coleslaw. The spinach tortilla, crispy chicken, cheese, bacon, and a honey mustard dressing were extremely delicious! Another dish was a Super Green Quinoa Salad that had again healthy amount of chicken, cabbage, and a delicious poppy seed dressing. There was not a morsel left to be had!

This next dish looked so good that I thought I should have claimed it. Filet Mignon Chop Salad had seared beef tips, greens, chopped egg, crumbled blue cheese, fried onions, with a blue cheese vinaigrette dressing.

I was told that it was soooo delicious! Last but not least was a Turkey Apple Brie Wrap, had whole wheat tortilla, roasted turkey, greens, apples, pecans with cranberry sauce, and a side dish of coleslaw.

Great place to linger over lunch or dinner.

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

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Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery

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In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: GIFTED

By Gil Berkowitz

is taking custody of Mary.

McKenna Grace Charming As a Young Math Whiz This movie is far from perfect but I enjoyed it very much. I felt good after leaving the theater. The story has been told many times in many different films. However, I liked the characters so much that it didn’t matter to me.

Frank Adler (Chris Evans) has custody of his 7-year old niece Mary (McKenna Grace). Mary’s mother who was a mathematical genius committed suicide when she was an infant. Frank is a down to earth type of guy who keeps his exposure to people to a minimum. He is dedicated to raising his niece and dotes on her. Frank is a former college professor and now is a mechanic repairing motor boats while living in a Florida coastal location. His income is average and lifestyle modest. Frank’s approach to life is to make it up as you go along. He and his niece are doing just fine - until Mary needs to begin first grade.

Mary turns out to be a mathematical genius. A one in a billion prodigy. It doesn’t take long before Mary’s teacher realizes she should not be wasting her time doing three plus three is six. The school principal (Elizabeth Marvel) becomes aware of Mary’s brilliance and offers to place her in an extremely expensive school for gifted children. Frank is against this. He wants Mary to have a balanced life.

Not a world where she will be isolated and smothered in a prodigy like existence. Not a life like his sister.

Frank’s estranged mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) arrives from Boston and becomes aware of her granddaughter’s talents. She is a wealthy and domineering woman. Evelyn was once a math prodigy herself and who pushed her daughter to prominence. She meets Mary and gives her an Apple Macbook full of math texts and tells Frank she

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The movie falls into a series of courtroom scenes and theatrics. The emotions are high during the courtroom confrontations. Evelyn has a scene reminiscent of Jack Nicholson’s outburst in “A Few Good Men.” The film is full of sharp dialogue and warm humor. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Franks’s next door neighbor who lovingly meddles in his and Mary’s lives. Jenny Slate plays Bonnie who is Frank’s love interest and Mary’s school teacher. Chris Evans is best known for his role as Steve Rogers/Captain America in the super hero films. He gives a worthy and low-key performance as Mary’s uncle.

McKenna Grace is sweet and irresistible as Mary. The chemistry between the two is sensational. This is not a great or an original movie but I like it. Go see it. It is showing in Harkins theaters throughout the valley and is rated PG-13. It runs for 101 minutes.

TL Advertise with Toscana Living Emailed to Toscana Residents weekly.

Contact Alicja Davis at 480-585-0808 or adavis@toscanaliving.net

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