NOVEMBER 2018
Living
INSIDE FRIENDSGIVING POTLUCK DINNER
CASINO BUS TRIP
YOGA + BEER
Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR
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By Mark Gatchell, Lifestyle Director Hello Toscana! As you know, I’m your new lifestyle director and I would like to extend a heartfelt 'thank you' to everyone that has welcomed me to the Toscana family! I am proud, grateful and happy to be part of an awesome company and all-star team! I look forward to the opportunity to create, grow and make a personal impact on the lifestyle events in this beautiful community. Please feel free to stop by and see me when you can - I look forward to meeting all the wonderful residents here at Toscana!
giving thanks with, on the Thanksgiving Holiday. Toscana will be providing the turkey and mashed potatoes. Please plan to serve six with your dish.
Phone: 480-585-0808 Fax: 480-585-2859 Night Manager: 480-861-0875 Gate House: 480-513-0602 STAFF Nicole Careaga, CMCA Community Manager ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Christine Reeder Assistant Community Manager creeder@toscanaliving.net Mark Gatchell Lifestyle Director mgatchell@toscanaliving.net Alicja Davis Concierge adavis@toscanaliving.net
Thank you for your warm welcome! Veteran’s Day is November 11 Veterans's Day honors all members of the Armed Forces who served this country valiantly, and in a very big way. They served and fought to protect us, to keep our country safe, and to preserve our way of life. Veterans gave their time, and risked their lives for you and me. In some cases, they made the ultimate sacrifice. Please join me and the entire Toscana team in thanking our veterans for their service. Toscana Signature Event Friendsgiving Turkey Potluck Dinner is just around the corner! Join us on Friday, November 16 upstairs in Palazzo Vacanza (building 10) for a casual get together with our dear friends we consider family, but we won't be
5450 E. Deer Valley Drive Building 2 Phoenix, AZ 85054 www.toscanaliving.net
November 20 - Mediterranean Majik Food Truck Come on down to the Palazzo Grande pool area Tuesday, November 20 for Food Truck night! Mediterranean Majik is coming back to Toscana for Truckin' Tuesday (The 3rd Tuesday each month). Bring your appetite...and your wallet! Also, please remember to RSVP to events to secure your spot! Don’t miss out on the fun! Register via this newsletter, email us at mgatchell@toscanaliving.net or stop by the office and register in person. We hope to see you there!
Katie Lucas Administrative Assistant klucas@toscanaliving.net NIGHT MANAGERS: Don Meeks Jackie Hernandez 480-861-0875 MAINTENANCE: John Raabe Maintenance Supervisor Keith Buc Kevin Wilson Ignacio Santana GATE HOUSE: Ron McCroskey, Saffron Caudle Chet Sanders, Hector Perez, Mariya Lilith 480-513-0602
ON THE COVER HALLOWEEN PARTY
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Toscana Lifestyle
TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS RESIDENT FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in November at 5 p.m., Palazzo Grande; RSVP by Friday at noon No Friday Social on November 16 and 23. Food, fun and conversation - open to all Toscana residents. Join us for some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. BYOB. Friday Socials are FREE. COYOTES VS CAROLINA HURRICANES Friday, November 2, from 6-9 p.m.; Cost $35 Check out our first Toscana group game of the season! Your ticket includes transportation, parking, and admission to the game with your neighbors- all for $35 per person. We only have 10 tickets reserved, so register today! This event will most likely sell out! Game starts at 7pm. *Note these are Not AYCE tickets. RESTAURANT NIGHT Tuesday, November 6, from 6-8 p.m. Palazzo Grande Cobblestones Cost:$10 Join us for an elegant evening at the Palazzo Grande Cobblestone to sample specialty fare and signature dishes from the local restaurants and enjoy live band entertainment. What a wonderful evening for only $10 per person! RSVPs are required - please RSVP online or by contacting Alicja at adavis@toscanaliving.net FLORAL ARRANGING WITH CREATE YOURS Saturday, November 10, from 3-5 p.m.; RSVP by November 8 Palazzo Grande Learn to create your own special Fall centerpiece with candles with Tina from "Create Yours with Flowers". What a fun way to celebrate the season! This class comes with all supplies needed and is discounted to $49 for our residents. RSVP before Nov 8 to ensure your spot! FASHION SHOW WITH TAYLORMARIE'S Monday, November 12, from 5:30-8 p.m. Palazzo Grande It’s time for 2019 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 and jewelry. TaylorMarie's offers a full range of sizes in petite, missy & women’s. Fashion Show models wanted, please email your interest to Mark at mgatchell@toscanaliving.net
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Toscana Lifestyle
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FRIENDSGIVING TURKEY POTLUCK DINNER Friday, November 16, from 6-8 p.m. Palazzo Vacanza Join us for a casual get together with our dear friends we consider family but that we won't be giving thanks with on the Thanksgiving Holiday. Plan to serve six with your dish. Please sign up to bring your dish HERE. LONE BUTTE CASINO BUS TRIP Monday, November 19, from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Cost: $15 Gambling fever is in the air with our bus trip! Minimum of 25 individuals is required so be sure to RSVP soon. Participants will receive a $25.00 free play card and $5.00 food voucher. Transportation provided by he casino. Cash only - please pay the driver the $15.00 fee upon pickup here at Toscana front gate. TRUCKIN' TUESDAY - MEDITERRANEAN MAJIK FOOD TRUCK Tuesday, November 20, from 5 -7 p.m., Palazzo Grande Cobblestones Come on down to the Palazzo Grande pool area for Food Truck night! Bring your appetite and your wallet! CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION Tuesday, November 20, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Palazzo Centro Discussion Topic TBD, contact John Foster at jfoster@sasktel.net TOSCANA TEAM TRIVIA Saturday, November 24, from 5:45-7:45 p.m.; 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! COYOTES VS CALGARY FLAMES Sunday, November 25, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Gila River Arena; Cost: $57 per person Toscana residents love this match-up! Your ticket includes transportation, parking, and admission to the game in the All-You-Can Eat section- all for $57 per person. We only have 15 tickets reserved, so register today! This event will most likely sell out! Game starts at 1pm. DAVE & BUSTER'S BOWLING NIGHT Wednesday, November 28, from 5-7 p.m.; Cost: $9 Join your fellow residents at the Dave & Busters resident bowling night! 2 lanes of bowling, tailgate buffet which includes nacho stations, pizza bites, crispy chicken bites and classic bar burgers. Please arrange your own transportation to this event or simply walk to Desert Ridge Market Place! Shoes and bowling balls are also provided! NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE DAY BONANZA Thursday, November 29, from 7-9 p.m., Palazzo Vacanza Kick up you're heels and "do si do" with your fellow residents at our national square dance day bonanza! Snacks and drinks provided along with professional square dance caller! No horses allowed at this event!
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Toscana Lifestyle CONCIERGE CORNER By Alicja Davis, Concierge Toscana Restaurant Event
We are pleased to invite our fabulous Restaurant vendors to showcase their tasting plates and samples at our vibrant community! Restaurant Night is an excellent opportunity to interface with our VIP partners and to learn about their wonderful menu options. We hope to provide another valuable experience for participating restaurants and Toscana audience. Participating restaurants this year include: Cien Agaves, High & Rye, Meritage Urban Tavern, Ocean Prime, Torch Cigar Bar, and Gordon Biersch. Heard Museum Open daily. World-renowned museum devoted to Native American art and culture. The museum houses an extensive collection of historic and contemporary art and historical exhibits. Special perfor mances by dancers and artists. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Explore the unique complexity of archeological preserve of one of the most mysterious ancient structures in North America. This prehistoric Hohokam site includes a four-story earthen building built about 650 years ago, interpretive walking tour, exhibits and picnicking. Pueblo Grande Museum Near downtown Phoenix, the museum showcases life as it was 2,000 years ago in the Sonoran Desert. This was a place where Native Americans traveled over the
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centuries to make tools and etch petroglyphs in basalt boulders nestled in the hills. The center features a museum, nature & interpretive trails and rock sites with over 1,500 petroglyphs. Apache Trail Travel the Apache Trail at the base of the stunning Superstition Mountains, home of the Lost Dutchman Mine. The Trail was built to haul workers and supplies during construction of Roosevelt Dam.
The trail features canyons, lakes, towering saguaro cacti, desert plants, wildflowers, gardens, prehistoric ruins, historic ghost towns and stage stops. You can take a ride on a steamboat, a horse, a helicopter or a jeep; fish, hike, sleep near the edge of a lake and eat Old West style in a mining camp. Try your hand at gold panning at Goldfield Ghost Town, place a bet on the dogs, or experience Arizona’s only narrow-gauge railroad. Take in a country western dinner at Tortilla or shop a swap meet. For breathtaking vistas, stop at Weaver’s Needle lookout, or take in the view of a mini Grand Canyon from the top of fish Creek Hill. Arizona Museum of Natural History The history of Arizona and the world is relayed through such activities as gold-panning, viewing caves and the Peralta Stone maps, touching Indian Petroglyphs, and walking through the first Spanish Mission in Arizona.
Toscana Events and Programs Clubs
November 2018 Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
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Events Association
Wednesday
Thursday HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM COYOTES VS HURRICANES OFFSITE 6-9PM
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10 FLORAL ARRANGING CLASS PG 3PM
6 RESTAURANT NIGHT PG COBBLESTONE 6-8PM
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12 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM FASHION SHOW WITH TAYLORMARIE PG 5:30-8PM
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14 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6:30PM
15 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM COMMUNITY WORKSHOP PV 9AM
16 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIENDSGIVING TURKEY POTLUCK PV 6-8PM
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19 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM CASINO TRIP 10AM
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21 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
22 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
23 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM OFFICE CLOSED
24 TOSCANA TEAM TRIVIA PV 5:45PM
25 COYOTES VS FLAMES OFFSITE 11AM
MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
26 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
TRUCKIN’ TUESDAY PG 5-7PM CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION PC 6:30PM
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
28 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOWLING NIGHT D&B 5PM
HAND & FOOT PG 6PM FINANCE COMMITTEE PV 9:30AM
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Saturday
5
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7
Friday
THANKSGIVING OFFICE CLOSED
29 NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE DAY 7PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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In and Around Toscana NICOLE'S NOTABLES
By Nicole Careaga, Community Manager October 2018 Board Meeting Wrap Up At the Board of Directors meeting held on October 18, the 2019 Annual Budget was approved. This year, your Budget & Finance Committee Volunteers worked diligently with the management team to provide the board with a balanced budget and a minimal increase to the monthly assessment. With the approval of the Budget, there is an increase to the 2019 Assessment of $9.00 per month. The major increases that affected next year’s budget are: Reserve Contribution Taking care of Toscana Capital Items is as important as it is costly. In order to establish a strong reserve position for our future, we have increased the Reserve Contribution by $86,794.00 for the upcoming year. Prop 206 Another factor in increasing care costs for Toscana is the passing of Prop 206, which raised the minimum wage in Arizona. Both our janitorial and landscape contracts have increased by 4% for 2019 as a direct result and could continue to rise in the coming years, based on the passing of future propositions. Garbage Removal As our final few built units sell and more units are converted to full-time residency, we have also seen an increase in the cost of garbage removal. In order to keep
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up with demand, this line item is budgeted at $33,000 for the upcoming year. Building Maintenance Both the age of the buildings and the increase in fulltime residency have caused us to see an increase in the Building Maintenance line item. While our Maintenance staff does their best to control costs by performing many jobs in-house, they cannot do everything. In order to minimize these expenses, it is important that we work together to prevent avoidable damage. Water Last, but not least, our water budget increased by 2% this year. We hope that the City of Phoenix will not cause any additional increase mid-year due to their planned restructuring of pricing in our area. As with Building Maintenance, this is a line item that you as residents can help control. Be mindful of things like laundry, showers and dishwashing to help keep water usage at a minimum. Be on the lookout, as we will be mailing each of you a copy of the Budget summary for your review. Should you have questions about this article or that mailing, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you to the Board of Directors and Budget & Finance Committee on your diligent work this budget season.
In and Around Toscana CHRIS COLUMN
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By Chris Reeder, Assistant Manager When I was presented with the opportunity to move to a new role within the community, my excitement was matched only by my apprehension in leaving the Lifestyle Director position behind. My two biggest concerns in making the shift to Assistant Manager were: who could I trust to take on the role of Lifestyle Director, and would our residents support my decision to assist them in a new capacity? In our search for a new Lifestyle Director, we wanted to ensure we chose a person with a strong skill set-someone who could hit the ground running. Perhaps more important than skill, we wanted to ensure this individual would seamlessly integrate into our Toscana resident family, as well. When we thought of our most important qualifications, we knew no one would fit in quite as well as candidate Mark. With his fresh ideas and wonderful demeanor, I am confident our residents are going to enjoy getting to know their new Lifestyle Director.
Upon the announcement of my promotion, I was flooded with emails, phone calls and in-person messages of congratulations from our community-my heart is full! I want to take a moment to thank everyone for the encouragement and support. I would also like to thank my internal team, who have and will continue to work hard through the shuffling and reinforcement of our staff with new talent. In the words of the insightful Mr. Rogers, “Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind.” Thankfully, I do not feel loss. Instead, I feel invigorated and excited! I am relieved to know I’m not leaving Toscana behind, just altering my focus within the community. With the support of our Toscana family, I know that this team will exceed expectations and continue to keep Toscana the ultimate address. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Toscana!
RESIDENT GROUPS, CLUBS AND CLASSES BILLIARDS CLUB Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Billiards Room in PG. Contact: Lynn at 602-301-5010 BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR Mondays at 5 p.m. in PG BYOB BINGO TBD at 6:00 p.m., PG $6 per card Contact: Marge at 480-585-0494 BOOK CLUB December 5 "An American Marriage" by Tayori Jones PV at 1 p.m.
CHAIR YOGA Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in PV
COFFEE SOCIAL Each Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. in PG GENTLE YOGA Fridays at 11 a.m. in PV HAND & FOOT CLUB Thursdays at 6 p.m., PG. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 HIKING CLUB Monday, November 5
MAHJONG CLUB Mondays at 6:30 p.m., PG. Contact: Susan at susan4266@aol.com STUD POKER CLUB Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., PG. Bring $5 and your poker face. Contact Phil at 480-513-3615. WATER AEROBICS TBD
For new clubs and classes idea, please email Mark Gatchell at: mgatchell@toscanaliving.net
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In and Around Toscana UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM By John Raabe, Maintenance Supervisor Under sink check valves I would like to talk about drain blockages and backups in sinks again.
A third product on the market that one of our residents found and shared with us is a leak detection system that can remotely notify your smart phone if water is detected.
So far this year the community has had 14 backups. In previous articles I talked about the things that can cause blockages. When the garbage disposal is not properly used or improper things are poured down the drain it can cause a blockage that can back up into your neighbors unit, causing substantial monetary damage, for which you may be held liable. Below is a list of items to avoid putting down your garbage disposal:
I love to see these new innovative ideas and for those of you who are away for long peroids of time this could be a home saver. The product shared with us is from D-Link home automation systems and here is a link to the product:
Greens, Celery Stalks, Nuts and Seeds, Coffee Grounds, Fats and Grease, Fruit Pits, Paper, Plastic, and Glass, Starchy Items (Rice, Potatoes, Pasta, etc.), Shells (Egg and shellfish) and Bones, and Vegetable Peelings.
Although I do not endorse any particular product and there are most likely similar products available on the market, but I think this is a fantastic idea and should be considered.
http://us.dlink.com/products/connected-home/wi-fiwater-sensor/
Some items our plumbers have pulled out of our clogged drains include rags and handy wipes or flushable wipes. Even though they are marketed as flushable they really are not and can cause serious problems. One of the things we recommend and some owners have installed is an under sink check valve, this valve allows water to flow only in one direction. There are many styles of check valves and your plumber can recommend what will work best for you. Another product you may consider is a water alert sensor; this product can be found at home depot or other hardware stores. It will sound an alarm if water is detected and can be used in a sink or under a cabinet.
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As always, please feel free to email me with any maintenance related questions at jraabe@toscanaliving.net
In and Around Toscana ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
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By Katie Lucas, Administrative Assistant In the cooler months Toscana sees an increase in the number of cars and pets around the community. With the return of our seasonal residents, I would like to take the time to remind everyone of policies regarding parking and pets. Parking If you haven’t been reading your mail, you may have missed that the Board has recently made some updates to the parking policy. Updates to the policy not only include more strict guidelines, but also definitions of who is considered a guest (someone who resides in Toscana for three (3) nights or less per week, and what is considered overnight parking (between the hours of 12 a.m. -5 a.m). Guests at Toscana are eligible for visitor passes that grant them surface parking privileges during their stay. Guests can obtain a one day visitor pass from the gate as they enter, up to three nights in a given week (defined as Monday-Sunday, regardless of holidays). Residents who have guests visiting for longer periods of time must come by the office to obtain an extended guest pass. If you are in need of a guest pass outside of regular business hours, the Night Manager can assist you in obtaining a pass. Residents are always required to park in their designated space in the parkade overnight. Residents are defined as any person who resides at Toscana four (4) or more days per week. Residents must always have their parking decal placed in the lower left corner of the front windshield of their vehicle, stating that they are parking in the correct space. Any vehicle found in the parkade not displaying the decal for the space they are occupying may be subject to towing at the owner’s expense. Any vehicle parked on the surface overnight that is not displaying a current visitor’s pass will be issued a citation. After one (1) citation has been issued within a six (6) month period, the second occurrence will result in notification of impending vehicle boot via sticker placed on vehicle. The third occurrence will result in vehicle being booted immediately at owner’s expense and
will continue to be booted until a citation has dropped off within the six (6) month period. Pets Pets can be your best friend, but they are also a huge responsibility! At Toscana, we have a few policies to help make sure you, your pet and your neighbors all stay happy and healthy. Pets tend to be extremely social creatures. That’s why humans domesticated them, after all! Even your cat that likes to skulk behind your couch all day wants your attention and affection from time to time. For residents interested in getting Fido a “friend” to help ease some potential loneliness during the day, please keep in mind Toscana has a maximum of two (2) pets per unit. Part of keeping your pet happy and healthy involves getting plenty of exercise. Many owners choose to walk their pets in order to achieve this exercise. However, it is important to note that per City Ordinance, pets must remain in control of the owner at all times and kept on a leash when outside of your unit (cats, too!). Pets at Toscana must be kept on a standard, non-extension, leash six (6) feet or less in length. Pets who like to take walks are required to stay in designated areas throughout the community and must stay off the turf. Designated pet areas are lined with pet stations, including bags for droppings and trash receptacles. All pet owners are also required to promptly remove any pet waste. The first, and all subsequent violations, can result in a fine of $200. Some pets can get frightened or defensive when they hear noise or see things they don’t like. It is important to create a comfortable environment for your pet where they feel safe. Excessive barking or noises that might affect your neighbors are not permitted. If a pet has gained a reputation for aggressiveness, they are not permitted on the Toscana property. Any damage or injury caused by a pet is the sole responsibility of the pet owner. So, it is important to always ensure your pet feels safe and is under your control. Please feel free to visit our website ToscanaLiving.net for the full list of policies or reach out to me at klucas@ toscanaliving.net with any questions.
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In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: A STAR IS BORN By Gil Berkowitz
Lady Gaga Stars in Pop Music Film This film was originally made in 1937 with Frederic March and Janet Gaynor. Subsequent versions had James Mason and Judy Garland (1954), Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson (1976). The present day version is the fourth depiction and a tribute to the Pop Culture of our time and is Bradley Cooper's first hand at directing. He does a nice job directing and handles the lead acting role beautifully. This story transcends generations and Bradley Cooper, who also co-wrote the screenplay, tailors it to the present day and current musical culture. The tale is about Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper), a famous-countryrock star, who performs at sold out stadiums. His fans never see behind the facade he puts up. They don't see that his drinking is taking a toll on him and how he is deteriorating. After a drinking binge at the conclusion of a show, he sees Ally (Lady Gaga) performing at a drag bar and is impressed by her singing. After her show they sit in a grocery store parking lot talking about music.
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She tells him how she writes songs and a chemistry forms between them. It's a story of two artists wrapped up in their talent and music. Jackson tells Ally that she should perform her own songs, and that he thinks she is beautiful. The next day he drags her out of the crowd onto the stage where he is performing, so she can sing her songs. Ally begins to forge a career for herself and Jackson drinks more and more. Ally begins to allow fame and stardom warp her views and Jackson accuses her of selling out to celebrity and compromise. This is a story of a woman trying to make it, and a man who already has. They fall in love and marry. He struggles with his substance abuse and fall from fame. When Ally gets made over by fame and celebrity, he becomes aware that he is holding her back. He makes a sad and tragic decision. The movie is very good. Not great. Certainly will be nominated as one of the best pictures of the year. It is playing at Harkins theaters throughout the valley. Rated R and runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Photo Gallery
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Photo Gallery