LIVING
toscana
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE NOVEMBER 2020
Our Staff. Community Manager Nicole Careaga ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Assistant Community Manager Christine Reeder creeder@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 Facilities Director John Raabe jraabe@toscanaliving.net Maintenance Staff Daniel Renteria, 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
TOSCANA OF DESERT RIDGE
CHARITY RAFFLE
Chance to win one of four prizes worth over $500!
$10/TICKET, $100/12 TICKETS; CASH ONLY Childhood Memories Featuring everything you need to keep your favorite little-one(s) entertained. This gift basket includes playtime fun from a giant baby doll care set, to jigsaw puzzles, science and craft kits, fort-building supplies, games, dress-up, night-vision binoculars and even a lunarscope. Of course, no child should go without a classic Radio-Flyer red wagon and some Lincoln Logs, too!
Purrfect Pet Present
Mysteries of the Heart Featuring everything you need for an exciting date nights to last you into summer! This gift basket includes a subscription to a murder-mystery date box as well as special date-night treats, a;; delivered to your door.* Plus, enjoy delicious wine, and pre-paid movie rentals. *Subscription services will run December -May and may be subject to delivery restrictions.
Perfect Shot
Featuring everything you need for your fluffy friends (whether they bark or meow). This gift basket
Featuring everything you need to up your golf game. This gift basket includes a special Toscana-branded golf bag and towel set, golf balls and markers,
includes items to make your pets say "I RUFF you!" every day. Enjoy an ultra-chic sofa-bed for your pooch and an extra-cozy mat for your cat. The basket also includes treats for each, tons of toys, a filtered water fountain and even a Furbo pet cam/treat delivery system!
a "Cooler Club" to keep your Arnold Palmers (or whatever else you're drinking) close-at-hand, a bluetooth speaker, range finder and golf accessories. You'll even enjoy some practice at home with a special putting mat and a book of 501 Excuses for a Bad Golf Shot, you know, in case you need them.
All proceeds will go to support Wounded Warriors and St. Mary's Food Bank. Raffle tickets can be purchased with exact change in CASH ONLY through December 17 at 5pm.
Nicole's Noteables by Nicole Careaga
2021 Budget For those of you that read my article last month, you know that we have been in the throes of Budget Season for the past few months. Thanks to everyone involved, we have officially made it through and can begin enjoying the holidays. We are so thankful to be at this point, and are excited to be able to tell you all that the 2021 budget has been approved and that we will see NO INCREASE to the 2021 assessment amount. Even though the assessment amount didn’t change, there were a number of things that were updated for the 2021 year. New Units – 2021 brings exciting news as we will begin to meet our new neighbors to the west, as the Luxe is anticipated to open in the Spring. The addition of two new buildings is a major factor in our assessment assessment. Having 65 units paying the full amount provides a lot of income to our community, which always helps in offsetting expenses.
Expenses – Many of the expenses have increased in 2021. The most impactful are: Postage/Statement Fees – These line items became quite expensive this year due to a new Arizona requirement that all residents receive a monthly statement instead of an annual coupon book. Landscape Maintenance – An expected increase of 3%, due to the approval of Prop 206 four years ago. This is the final year our state will see a minimum wage increase in relation to this proposition. Janitorial Maintenance – An anticipated increase of 3%, due to Prop 206. Pool Maintenance – This increase is due to having a new pool vendor, Aquaman Pools. The increase is about $1300 per month. Cost Savings – The team works diligently each year to find some way to provide cost savings. Some years are really great, while others are just more costly. A big savings for 2021 is that we have contracted with a new Window Cleaning Provider who will be saving us about $15,000 next year, while still providing the same services.
We hope to see some cost savings due to our new gate maintenance provider, Antech. This year the front gates had a major overhaul and have been working
much more efficiently. Another cost savings was due to the insurance premium for the community going down. As we continue to have no major losses due to water or fire damage, this premium has become more affordable. So, what can you do to help keep assessments low? Pay your assessment on time each month – this eliminates costs due to collections, additional late notice mailings, and legal fees. Sign Up For E-Statements – Yes, residents are required to receive a statement each month, however doing so electronically saves the Association about $6 per month per unit. That means you can save the Association $72 per year. That number adds up quickly as we currently have 677 units receiving the statement each month. Take Ownership – By properly disposing of your garbage and cleaning up after your pets, you save the association hundreds in labor costs.
Should you have any question about this years budget, or any of the financials, please give me a call or schedule some time to come and visit with me. PAGE 4
Just a small sample of the positive messages we've been receiving from our amazing residents.
Thank you so much. I want to tell you how much I appreciate all of the updates from you and from Toscana about everything going on in the community. It is so refreshing to have this kind of attention, complete opposite of where I am moving from which is also a big part of why I am moving from that community. I know you always hear the grumblings and I wanted to add something positive to your day. Your whole team has been so great. I’m hoping to move in by the end of October and really looking forward to it. Thank you again.
re We a well. y l i m t a our f l im e n and y com p u o t o y t wa n fi n d s w e re de. I e t his p aces s P a r ka e 4 I ho p h 1 re b. T in g s we n t jo B u i ld und u c e lle o x r e in t he a n s fo r a al s o sp a c e eam de. I’d d t he a n k a t he t r l a l r p ry w e d y of le a n e ed ve re m e e a c v t a a h e c le a n r g ch ic e t o s mu r t he It’s n acces h n fo o e J k a ls o . a u m nk yo fo r en to o t ha a llo w rs o p o o o t li ke t d d ate a sh p re c i he t r ! in g t ch ap r u u r day c m e s y you so is o l j a n E It r. g. e a sie a n c in l d ist so c ia
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU A HUGE kudos to DLC for doing a great job trimming the landscaping on the path to Bldg. 14’s entrance outside the East elevator. It is wonderful to be able to walk there without being “attacked” by the bushes! I continue to be so impressed with Mark’s creativity... kettle corn, teddy bears, doughnuts and all the fun Zoom activities!! Yay! Next week we’re surprising our six year old neighbor with play-doh, if I can pry it from ____'s hands. Who doesn’t live play-doh!?!
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the ations in r o c e d s n ons give s e a utum a h e t s r e o f ou ith th o Th a n k y ating w s it als r o c e d ; plu y k it n in u h t a nd lobby. I ey." mmunity o c " h om f o e r o g n m li e g e in a f he build m a ke s t
Unfortunately, due to the virus, we will not be coming to Toscana this year. We hold out hope for March but it is a faint hope. However, we wanted to say how much we have enjoyed reading about all the wonderful virtual games, little gifts, and general upbeat messages you have created during this difficult time, Mark. Bravo! We hope all at Toscana appreciate how dull their lives would have been without you! Stay safe and well and hopefully we will see you early in 2022.
E L Y T S E IF
toscana
L
by Mark Gatchell
Giving Thanks Giving thanks can be broken down by each word. Giving is an expression of gratitude, or show of appreciation, and to thank is to acknowledge or recognize others’ kindness. I want to take a moment and give thanks to all of our wonderful Toscana residents who have been so supportive of your HOA staff during the last few, challenging months. We have received several uplifting, and positive emails along with many thank you cards from so many of you, and it is greatly appreciated. Each year at Thanksgiving, when my family is seated at the dinner table, we take the time and go around to each of us to say one thing we are thankful for. I want to bring that tradition to Toscana and ask our residents to email me one thing they are grateful for, and we will send out an email in late November with all of the appropriate “What I’m Thankful For” statements. You can remain anonymous, if you wish, and you can email me at mgatchell@toscanaliving.net. "Trick or Treat" week was a blast! We had so many fantastical costumed creatures come by the Palazzo Centro Office for a special treat bag. We hope you had as much fun as we did seeing all your creative, fun, and spooky outfits.
We sold out on our Spooky Spirits event this month; our new mixology events have become very popular and we are proud to be bringing them back for a fun Friendsgiving twist this month! It’s a great way to up your cocktail game while spending (virtual) time with your neighbors. Bingo night was a blast this month. Thank you to everyone who logged in for some fierce card-dotting competition. One of my favorite things about holding trivia and bingo night online is that all our Toscana family that is currently unable to return home can hop online, see their neighbors, and still join in on all the fun! Thank you again for all of your positive and supportive messages! We will continue to do our best to bring more and more exciting events! PAGE 6
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
NOVEMBER SUN 1
MON 2
3
Clubs/Classes
9
4
10
Letter to Santa Day Begins in Your Lobby
15
WED
THU
FRI
5
6
12
13
SAT 7
Cookie Monster Day GH 8am-6:30pm
Association Events
8
TUE
B 15 & 24 Parkade Cleaning
11
Trivia Night 6pm-7pm
14
Landscape Committee 2pm-3pm
Young Readers Day PC 11am-6pm
16
Fireside Chat 6pm-7pm
17
Strawberry Shortcake Kits 10am-6pm Lifestyle Committee
18
19
20
Mickey Mouse Birthday PC 9am-6pm
21
Friendsgiving Mixology Bash 2:15pm-4pm
2pm-3pm
22
23
24
25
Lunch-Time Bingo 1pm-2:30pm
29
30
26
27
OFFICE CLOSED
28
OFFICE CLOSED
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CONNECTION
community
by Katie Lucas
The weather is beginning to cool, which means it's the perfect time for a nice, open-air, physicallydistanced picnic! Here are some of the best places to get outside and enjoy your favorite picnic recipes at.
Encanto Park
Sahuaro Ranch Park
Encanto Park has been named one of America’s Best City Parks by Forbes, and with good reason. Encanto Park's scenic oasis makes it the perfect site for your next picnic. Though the onsite amusement park is aimed at kids ages 2-10, the park has something for everyone in the family.
The crown jewel of Glendale's park system, Sahuaro Ranch Park offers users both a recreational and historic experience. Visitors can picnic, play on the playgrounds, smell the roses, view peacocks, explore the old ranch grounds or play a ball game.
Steele Indian School Park
McCormick-Stillman Park
Steele Indian School Park is the premiere special event park in central Phoenix. It boasts 72 acres of green grass, mature shade trees and a historic setting.The north side of the park features a playground, two half-court basketball courts and two sand volleyball courts. Ramadas provide shade for picnics and parties.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park has a bit of everything. There is an antique carousel, museum and a few options for snacks and sweets nestled between the playgrounds, ramadas and green grass. Don’t forget to bring a couple bucks to ride the train and see the McCormick Historical Railroad Exhibit. PAGE 10
s ' n o r f f a S ircle c
by Saffron Caudle
THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF THANKSGIVING? Prior to the formal institution of Thanksgiving, harvest festivals had been celebrated for centuries by Native Americans, with colonial services dating back to the late 16th century. The autumn feasts celebrated the harvest of crops after a season of bountiful growth.
As the story goes, it was in the early 1600s when communities of settlers in both Massachusetts and Virginia came together to give thanks for the productivity and continuity of their fields. The most recognized Thanksgiving is that of the Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, who feasted for three days with the Wampanoag people in 1621. SOME HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING IN THE UNITED STATES The first national holiday of Thanksgiving was observed for a somewhat different reason than the celebration of the harvest, it was in honor of the creation of the new United States Constitution. In 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation designating November 26, of that year as a “Day of Public Thanksgiving” to recognize the role of providence in creating the new United States and the new federal Constitution.
Washington was in his first term as president, and a young nation had just emerged successfully from the Revolution. Washington called on the people of the United States to PAGE 11
acknowledge “an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” This was the first time Thanksgiving was celebrated under the new Constitution. THANKSGIVING BECOMES A FEDERAL HOLIDAY
Whereas Thanksgiving became a yearly custom in many communities, it was celebrated on different months and days that suited them, it would take some time to become a federal government holiday. Thomas Jefferson and many following presidents felt that a public religious demonstration of devotion was not appropriate for a government holiday in a country based in part on the separation of church and state. While religious thanksgiving services continued, there were no further presidential proclamations marking Thanksgiving until the Civil War of the 1860s. WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING
For many, celebrating Thanksgiving is all about reflecting on blessings and acknowledging gratitude for our family, friends, or to a higher power. For others, it’s a holiday built upon enjoying delicious food, the Macy’s Day parade, and of course football! DO YOU KNOW WHY THANKSGIVING IS CELEBRATED WITH TURKEY?
Turkey has become the traditional Thanksgiving fare, but did you know that at one time it was a rare treat? During the 1830s, an eight- to ten-pound bird cost a day’s wages! Although much more affordable today, they still remain a celebratory symbol of plentitude.
Reeder's
DIGEST
by Chris Reeder
The importance of gratitude is one of the few things in life that almost everyone can agree upon. We drill this into our kids. We preach “attitude of gratitude” in our places of work. We even have a major upcoming holiday devoted to it. It can be really challenging to think of things you are grateful for when everything in the world seems to be going sideways. Countless studies show that for many people, finding a bit of thankfulness each day can actually increase happiness levels and decrease depression. By developing a grateful heart, we can feel more fulfilled and joyful each day. Some ways to be mindful and practice gratitude include: Wake up every day and express to yourself what you are grateful for, go to bed reminding yourself how grateful you are for the day completed Tell whoever you are with at the end of the day the three things you are most grateful for, or journal them Acknowledge other people around you. Thank them for inspiring/helping/supporting you - oftentimes people wait their whole lives to be acknowledged (and yet it happens far too infrequently)! An Attitude of Gratitude is a regular habit to express appreciation for all different parts of life, no matter how small. The intrinsic well of gratitude within each of us is like the love for a child- it never runs out and there is always more to give, it doesn’t cost anything and does not diminish your life force.
"The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness" -Dalai Lama
Thankfully, gratitude isn’t something we have to figure out on our own. It’s been the subject of many wise words over the years. The following list includes some of my favorite quotes about being thankful. “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” Winnie-the-Pooh (A.A. Milne) “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” Margaret Cousins “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” Dalai Lama If you liked these quotes about gratitude, be sure to share them with others – on Thanksgiving or any other time of year. Also we hope you’ll love sharing some of our notes and quotes from fellow Toscana residents, included on page 3 We’re pretty sure people thank you. PAGE 12
WADE'S WORLD by Wade Longworth
THANKSGIVING MEMORIES With Thanksgiving Day only a few weeks away, I can almost smell turkey roasting, rolls rising and the spicy aroma of pumpkin pie wafting through the house. These smells, whether real or imaginary, always elicit memories of childhood and home sweet home. Even though I know the holiday is coming every year; I am still taken back to those fond memories when I awake to the savory aroma of a turkey roasting in the oven. One of my favorite memories was bundling up with a long sleeve, sweatpants, and a stocking cap to meet the neighbors for a game of back yard football‌or Turkey Bowl as we used to call it. Growing up in the Midwest it seemed like it was always cloudy and a bit brisk with just the right amount of wind to keep a chill through the body. Perfect for football. We all played at the local high school field in front of empty bleachers, and while the food was cooking we would meet to join in a friendly football game. However, things would always turn competitive and less friendly before the turkey was ready. Quite frankly we were lucky there were no serious head injuries or broken bones because the game was always played full tackle. The league was also indifferent to the field conditions, which were usually either muddy or frozen depending on when winter decided to arrive. After a couple hours of running around, making big catches, and trying some Heisman like stiff arms we all would pack it up and head back to our respective houses. After being out in the dry cold weather it was always comforting to take a hot shower, put on fresh sweats, and settle in for an afternoon of feasting with family. Sitting down at the large wooden table surrounded by family the indulging would start with whatever dish was closest to you (hopefully stuffing). One by one the green bean casserole, turkey, and mashed potatoes would be passed along finally layering the whole plate in smooth rich gravy. After a few hearty conversations and time for the meal to settle the focus always turned to desert. It was always a sure bet that, by the end of the afternoon, an empty plate with only crumbs remaining would be accompanied by a warm body peacefully resting on the couch with football on in the background. PAGE 13
MAINTENANCE
by John Raabe
report
KEEP IT CLEAR Drains continue to be an area of concern around the property. It seems like, lately, we have been receiving about two or three calls a week about drain concerns. Sometimes it’s just a slow drain, but most the time it’s because something has blocked the trunk line, causing a backup into a unit. As I have mentioned in previous communications, the drain lines are shared with the residents above and below your unit. Even the smallest things can get stuck to the walls of the pipes and start a buildup that eventually leads to a backup in your or another person's unit. With Thanksgiving coming up, I wanted to remind residents that nothing solid (or even partly solid) should be put down your sinks. Turkey bones should never be put down the drain (and yes we have seen it); they can get lodged in the pipes, slowly accumulating other solid matter, causing a huge backup that is incredibly hard to clear. I have also seen plumbers clear out whole pipes full of grease. When you pour grease down the sink, it begins to cool as it runs down the pipe and then solidifies on the walls of the pipes and slowly causes a bottleneck in the pipe, which leads to a backup. These backups are extremely hard to clear, because the plumbers snakes just push into the grease and move through but the when they pull it out the hole just fills back in and continues to back up. Some other things that you might not think about but could cause a huge problem are: Greens, Celery Stalks, Nuts and Seeds, Coffee Grounds, Fats, Fruit Pits, Paper, Plastic, and Glass, Starchy Items (Rice, Potatoes, Pasta, etc.), Shells (Egg and shellfish), and Vegetable Peelings. A sink backup on a normal day could be very rough, but just think if it happened over the holidays! It might be hard to get a plumber out, you could be out of town visiting family, or your guests could get a nasty surprise. Please be respectful of your neighbors and don't put anything down your drains that doesn't belong there. PAGE 14
LUXURY LANDSCAPE by DLC Resources
Cooler weather has shifted DLC Resources’ focus from keeping your plants healthy through the harsh summer to preparing your landscape for the cool winter and spring. Following overseeding in October, you should start to see the deeper green winter Ryegrass that will stay through the spring. In the early parts of this month, we look forward to our first mow of your newly overseeded turf once the Rye is in strong state. We will also be applying fertilizer to help give strength and nutrients to the new grass. Crews will be continuing routine cycle maintenance, trimming back overgrown shrubs and trees away from sidewalks and sightlines. As part of our maintenance plan, we have begun to trim down selected shrubs to lower heights, helping to foster new growth in the next blooming season! As part of an ongoing effort, crews are removing of a number of dying Agave plants around the Community after they flowered and lived through their expected life cycles. Agave pups (very young agave seedlings) from the original plants were left behind in several areas to allow for new Agave growth in the near future. These natural pups works to replace the plant at no cost to the Community! Additionally, our Special Projects crew installed new cooler weather flowers in pots around the Community and in the flowerbeds along Deer Valley Road. The new flowers have been selected in partnership with Community Management to match the Toscana plant pallet. Also in the opening weeks of the month, our Certified Tree Crews will have completed pruning selected trees around Toscana! With the high winds of monsoon season behind us, this process will help to thin canopies of trees and promote a healthy structure moving forward.
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WE WANT YOU
ON THE TOSCANA BOARD OF DIRECTORS VISIT TOSCANALIVING.NET, CHECK YOUR EMAIL, OR REACH OUT TO CREEDER@TOSCANALIVING.NET TO OBTAIN YOUR APPLICATION
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