OCTOBER 2017
Living
INSIDE VERDE CANYON TOUR
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR
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By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director
The weather is turning and our winter Toscana family will be returning soon! Summer was very busy for our residents and attendance was strong for lifestyle programming. That said, with our seasonal folks returning home, a few reminders from lifestyle: 1. Make sure you RSVP for events. We count on your RSVP for things such as, arranging adequate space and ordering the proper amount of food. Along the same vein, if you are registered to attend an event and cannot, please let us know so adjustments can be made. Thank you in advance! 2. Register early for programs you would like to attend. Events can fill up and sell out quickly. If you plan to attend a program, the fastest way to register is online - either through our weekly lifestyle e-blasts, or online at Toscanaliving.net. Of course you may stop in the office, or call/email Chris to RSVP as well. All RSVP’s are accepted on a first come, first served basis. And wait-lists are established for those events that sell out. 3. Lines will be longer at most events. We do our best to move lines along quickly and efficiently at events, and we ask for your patience as lines for food are sure to be longer over the coming months. Also, a gentle reminder to allow your neighbors to have a first serving of food before going back for seconds. Thank you for your kindness and patience. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and having a great time together!
TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS FUN FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in October at 5 PM, Palazzo Grande Come together to meet new people and socialize with your neighbors at this weekly 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. CHAPTER TWO BY NEIL SIMON Thursday, October 5, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM The Herberger RSVP by October 3 Celebrate the Arts with a bus trip down to the Herberger Arizona Theater Company for this sure-to-be-special program. Your $37 ticket includes transportation, parking and admission to the show.
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: John Raabe Maintenance Supervisor jraabe@toscanaliving.net Keith Buc Maintenance Tech Ignacio Santana Porter
ON THE COVER Kids Pajama Party
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Toscana Lifestyle
EDWARD JONES SEMINAR: INVESTING FOUNDATIONS Tuesday, October 10, from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Palazzo Centro Please RSVP by October 9 The focus of this informative seminar will be on “The Foundations of Investing” in today’s world. Lunch will be served complimentary of Edward Jones, representative Kevin Lewis. CREATIVE CRAFT AND CARD DESIGN CLASS MORNING - 11 AM - 1 PM CREATIVE CRAFT AND CARD DESIGN CLASS AFTERNOON - 2 PM - 4 PM Thursday, October 12, Palazzo Grande Two Classes Available - RSVP for morning OR afternoon class Cost: $10 per person Diane will kick-start your creative side by hosting a Creative Card Making class. Classes may sell out and are only $10 for residents (payable directly to the instructor). PARENT’S NIGHT OUT- KIDS PAJAMA PARTY: SPOOKY BUDDIES Friday, October 13, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Palazzo Vacanza RSVP by October 12 Parent’s Night Out (Grandparent’s too!) - Kid’s Night IN! A special evening pajama party for Toscana’s smallest residents with coloring, pizza & a movie (Spooky Buddies this month). Bring a blanket, stuffie or pillow for the movie. There are 2 volunteer spaces for this event. VERDE CANYON TRIP WITH DETOURS Saturday, October 14, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Verde Canyon RSVP by October 12 Cost: $200 Tour the heart of the Verde Valley, recently named a Top 10 travel destination by Lonely Planet. Highlights of this day tour include the first-class train ticket, Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale, tasty treats in Cottonwood, the historic mining town of Jerome, and stunning views & a delicious lunch on the Verde Canyon Railroad. FORT MCDOWELL CASINO BUS TRIP Tuesday, October 17, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Fort McDowell Casino RSVP by October 10 Bus will be parked in front of Building 26 Is Fort McDowell Casino on your “fun list”? The Fort will be sending a bus to Toscana on October 17 at 8:45 am. The bus will depart Toscana at 9 am arriving at the Casino prior to Bingo at 12:30. There are specials offered to our residents for this trip: $10 in Free Play, 5 for 1 Bingo packs & Additional free play for those with $50 in Slots/Bingo.
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Toscana Lifestyle MY WAY TACOS FOOD TRUCK Tuesday, October 24, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Palazzo Grande Cobblestone It’s a no-cook night! Come on down to the Palazzo Grande Pool Area to check out My Way Tacos, one of the most highly rated food trucks in the Scottsdale area. Looks like it will be a delicious night! Please stop by the office or check out their Facebook page for a menu.
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LA-Z-BOY SEMINAR Thursday, October 26, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, Building 10 RSVP by October 25 Top ten tips to make your home look like a model home. Would you like to have function & fabulous in the same space? Do you want your home to look crisp & on-trend? If these are some of the questions you wrestle with join us for a fun & interactive evening where La-Z-Boy’s ASID designers will share secrets that they use to create beautiful interiors. TOSCANA HALLOWEEN PARTY Friday, October 27, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Palazzo Grande Cobblestone RSVP by October 26 Cost: $5 per person Come join the spooky fun! The annual Toscana Halloween Party is always a fabulously great time! Costume contest, dancing and dinner will complete the Halloween season. Happy Halloween! CPR, FIRST AID & AED TRAINING CLASS Saturday, October 28, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Palazzo Vacanza Cost: $40 per person; RSVP by October 26 This CPR Program is meant for anyone in the community wanting to learn CPR for their own personal enrichment and/or to fulfill certification requirements for certain types of employment such as adult and/or disabled caregiving, child care, teaching, or support staff. The class is four hours. Certification cards valid for 2 years. BAGELS AND BREW Sunday, October 29, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Dante’s Corner Relax and have a neighborly chat! Coffee and bagels will be served in the newly renovated Dante’s Corner in Toscana. It’s a perfect time to catch up with old friends- or make a few new ones! Please let us know you will be attending, so we can be prepared for your arrival.
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
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CONCIERGE CORNER By Alicja Davis, Concierge
OCTOBER HIGH STREET EVENTS
Join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix in their fight against childhood hunger at their annual DISH IT OUT event held on High Street, beginning at 5PM on Sunday, October 22. Dish It Out is the Valley’s most exciting upscale culinary event showcasing a variety of Phoenix’s favorite restaurants and bars serving up their signature dishes to the attending crowd. The event features live music and a battle of the most creative chefs for the title of Dish It Out Champion. All proceeds benefit hungry children who get their healthy meals at their local Boys & Gilrs Club. Participating restaurants last year included The Keg, LaBocca, Yard House, Twenty6, Paul Martin’s, Ocean Prime, among many others. This event is for adults age 21 and older; IDs will be checked at the door and attire is dressy casual. Tickets are available for purchase HERE and are all-inclusive. For more information, please visit their website.
The 13th Annual OKTOBERFEST FOR PARKINSON’S celebration will be hosted by the Baehr Challenge from 5 PM – 9 PM on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at High Street. Join the block party celebration that will include brats, live music, authentic Oktoberfest games, plenty of craft ales, selection of fine wines, spectacular raffle basket prizes and fun to help make a difference for a good cause. The goal of this event is to raise funds for scientific research to find better treatments and cure for Parkinson’s disease.
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HAPPY FALL, TOSCANA!
Toscana Lifestyle This month, we are pleased to showcase two new VIP Partners:
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CLUBS AND CLASSES
ANDREW’S There are a few things more important than being comfortable in your own home. With Andrew’s, all of your A/C, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical needs are in good hands. Toscana residents receive a discounted rate of $79.00 per hour Monday through Friday 6:00 AM through 6:00 PM. To schedule your appointment, please call 602-992-9560.
BILLIARDS CLUB: Wednesdays at 1:00pm, Billiards Room in Palazzo Grande RUMMYCUBE CLUB: Second and fourth Tuesday each month, Palazzo Grande at 1pm
HIKING CLUB: Will resume in November SINGLE LADIES NIGHT OUT: TBD 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: October 18 at 6:30pm “The Heavens May Fall ” by Allen Eskens, Palazzo Vacanza
ARIZONA HOME CLEANING Dust your worries away! Arizona Home Cleaning provides deep cleaning, after party cleaning, one-time or recurring services. Toscana residents offer: Get your 4th home cleaning FREE when you mention Toscana at the time of scheduling your cleaning. Please call 480-305-4193 for more information.
HAND & FOOT CLUB: Thursdays at 6pm, Palazzo Grande. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 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 BINGO: October 11 at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande Please feel free to suggest any club ideas to staff!
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In and Around Toscana
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MANAGER TIDBITS
By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager
SHORT TERM RENTALS AND BOARD MEETING UPDATE Recently we have found a few owners trying to rent their units for less than the minimum time frame allowed per the CC&R’s in the community. Remember, according the Toscana at Desert Ridge Condominium Association CC&R’s, “No lease of any Unit shall be entered into by any Toscana Property Suites Unit Owner that is less than six (6) months in its term unless the Unit is located within Building 10 where the lease can be no shorter than thirty (30) days in its term.” As a result of finding these short term rentals being advertised, the Board of Directors adopted a new policy at the September Board Meeting, which can be found at www.toscanaliving.net.
• Suspension of privileges: All access to the amenities within the Association will be revoked until the violation is cured to the Board’s satisfaction. • Fines: $500.00 fine for violation of the policy. • Referral to Legal Counsel: The Board reserves the right to refer the matter to the Associations legal counsel for further action. In addition to the new policy listed above, the Board made the following decisions: During the Maintenance Association Board Meeting, we had four landscape contractors that provided proposals, give presentations to the Board. After the presentations and discussion the Board made the decision to end our six year partnership with Desert Care Landscape effective December 31, 2017 and start a new partnership with DLC Resources beginning January 1, 2018. The Board and Management appreciates the hard work that Desert Care Landscape has done for the community over the last six years and is excited to start our new venture with DLC. In the Condominium Association Board Meeting, the Board made the following decisions:
According to the new policy, any unit rented or advertised as rented for less than six (6) months per new tenancy shall be deemed in violation of the Declaration and subject to the policy. Any violation of the policy will result in the following:
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• • •
All of the Building Front doors will be replaced with new more functional doors. The Board approved a Document Retention Policy and a Procurement Policy. The install of new walk-off carpet at all entrances into all buildings including at the Parkade levels to help protect our new carpet.
If you have any questions or concerns about any these items, please reach out myself or the management team.
Toscana Events and Programs Clubs
October 2017 Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
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16 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
22
23 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
29 BAGELS & BREW DANTE’S 8:30AM
Thursday
30
10 RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM EDWARD JONES SEMINAR PC 11:30AM
17 CASINO BUS TRIP OFFSITE 9AM
24 RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM TRUCKIN’ TUESDAY MY WAY TACOS PG 5PM
Friday
4 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
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Association
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MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
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Events
Wednesday
2
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11 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BINGO PG 6PM
18 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6PM 25 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
Saturday
5 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM CHAPTER TWO AT THE HERBERGER OFFSITE 6:30PM
12 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM TAI CHI PV 10AM CARD MAKING CRAFT CLASS 11AM CARD MAKING CRAFT CLASS 2PM 19 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM TAI CHI PV 10AM
26 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM TAI CHI PV 10AM LA-Z-BOY SEMINAR PC 6:30PM
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7
13
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM PARENTS NIGHT OUT PV 6:00PM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
VERDE CANYON DAY TRIP OFFSITE 7AM
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
27 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY PG 5:30PM
28 CPR, FIRST AID & AED CERTIFICATION CLASS PV 8:30AM
31
MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
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In and Around Toscana ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES by Kevin Wiegel, Administrative Assistant WELCOME BACK!
It’s October already!? Around here that means a lot of our seasonal owners are starting to come back, grills are filling up and the pools are full. For those of you returning to Toscana for the wonderful people and exceptional weather there is so much to do and so many to see that getting back in to the Toscana groove can be challenging. Below are some of the most common questions we get from residents, both seasonal and year round, this time of year: Do we need to carry our Doggy Bag Dispenser still? I see others who do not have it… YES! All dog owners are required to register his or her pets with the Association, thereby acquiring a Doggy Bag Dispenser and Toscana leash. Thereafter, the owner must visibly carry the dispenser at all times when outside his or her unit. Please remember, no extension leashes. What happens if an owner doesn’t pick up after their pet? If we can track it to the unit in violation it will result in a $200 fine for the first, and each subsequent, offense. What happens if we run out of bags or lose our dispenser? Please come to the Palazzo Centro and we can get you a refill of bags or a new dispenser. As always they are free of charge to anyone registering a new animal. How do I authorize someone through the front gate? Please utilize DwellingLIVE. If you do not have an account set up please speak to or email me at kwiegel@toscanaliving.net. All owners and tenants receive log in credentials and training during their orientation. The DwellingLIVE system allows for easy, accountable guest entry. Can’t I just call the front gate to let them know? Technically yes, if it is a one time guest. However, the front gate staff CAN NOT add or remove guests from your permanent guest list on DwellingLIVE.
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I need a multi-day surface parking pass. Who can I get this from? To acquire a multi-day pass you must contact the administrative offices in the Palazzo Centro during normal business hours or contact the night manager in the evenings and weekends. The gate staff can only issue passes good for one day – no extended passes. Where can I find community documents, insurance info, electronic copies of the newsletter, etc.? ToscanaLiving.net is the community website for all these items. Additionally, you can list items for sale, communicate with staff, check out the most up-to-date VIP offers and more. If you do not already have a log in simply go to ToscanaLiving.net and click on “Request Login” under the “Login” dropdown menu. What is the WiFi password? At both Palazzo Grande and Palazzo Centro the Password is Toscana1. The password for Palazzo Vacanza (Building 10) is Toscana2016. And last, but not least - please remember to pick up your parcels stored in the Palazzo Centro. We have a limited storage space and packages that are not claimed within three weeks of their arrival might be returned to the sender (unless previous arrangements have been made).
In and Around Toscana
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ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES By Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager
LOVE LIVING AT TOSCANA There is absolutely no denying that Toscana is one of the most beautiful communities, with the lush landscaping, gorgeous amenities and fabulous architecture. However, maintaining a community this size is no easy task and truly takes a village. As residents we want you all to take pride in where you live and we ask that you take the time to clean up after yourselves and your pets. We also are going to ask that you take it a step further. The team always appreciates the feedback from residents when there are concerns with pet waste and garbage littered about the community, and we ask that you continue to alert us to troublesome areas. However, we also want you to participate in the solution. If you see a small piece of garbage, pet waste or other item of concern, dispose of it and send us an email letting us know that you took care of it and the area in which it was located. By working together we can not only keep the grounds looking spectacular, but we can also identify areas of concern that may require a little more diligence and research into who isn’t taking care of our home. Any resident that is not following the policies of Toscana, will be subject to violations and fines. The team here is prepared to take care of the large messes whether it be during the day with the janitorial crew, or a night manager to assist. But knowing that all of us are in this together will not only keep things looking their best, but will also facilitate keeping costs lower for all of you. Last, but not least - please DO NOT dispose of your garbage anywhere other than proper receptacles. Thank you for your cooperation!
Do pick up after your pet Do dispose of grease in your garbage Do be sure to park in your assigned space Do register 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 And lastly, DO thank a neighbor for doing their part in keeping our community safe!
If you have any questions regarding the pet policy, or anything else, please let me know.
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In and Around Toscana UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM
By John Raabe
VANDALISM AT TOSCANA Vandalism is something you never want to hear about in your neighborhood or community and fortunately it doesn’t happen very often at Toscana, but we still see a little. It may be intentional or accidental but it still costs the community money to repair. Here are a few examples of vandalism we have found in the community: Main building entry doors being forced off the track because someone lost or forgot their key fob. Not only does it cost staff time to reset the doors but in some cases this causes damage to the rollers which have to be replaced and costs a few hundred dollars every time it happens. The scratching of figures or words into the stainless steel elevator panels not only looks bad, but it costs thousands of your dollars to repair. Kicking or stepping on landscape lighting, blocking pool gate closing mechanisms, even pushing the emergency shutoff at the pools may seem playful but it shuts the pumps, heaters and chlorinators off. Leaving garbage bags in the hallways or dropping them off in the fire riser rooms causes unpleasant smells in the hallways and takes your maintenance and cleaning staff away from their regular duties.
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Lastly, one of the things one may not consider as vandalism would be not picking up after your pet or leaving a pile of debris for someone else to pick up. This has been an ongoing issue at Toscana and the resolution is simple - CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET. It is not cool to leave it to others to pick up. Your dog will be grateful, too. If you see someone damaging your property or not adhering to Toscana’s pet policy, please notify management staff or your night manager on duty. We appreciate your cooperation!
Photo Gallery
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In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: WIND RIVER By Gil Berkowitz
STRONGER SOBERING-RAW TALE OF SURVIVAL “Stronger” is based on true events and is a hard-edged no frills story of one particular survivor of the Boston Marathon terrorist attack. The survivor who suffered the most is Jeff Bauman. He has had both physical and emotional challenges. Director David Gordon-Green presents a film without Hollywood fanfare and without rah-rah uplift. Jeff Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a beer-guzzling, Boston brawler type. We first meet him hanging out with buddies in a local bar. He works as a chicken roaster at Costco and barely holds onto the job. He likes to party hard with his friends all the while cheering Red Sox and Bruins teams to new heights. He has an off again-on again relationship with his some time girlfriend Erin Hurley (Tatiana Maslany). Jeff is not very reliable and Erin has kept him at a distance. Erin decides to run in the marathon. Jeff promises her to show up at the race but she has no expectation that he will. He has let her down too many times. However, Jeff shows up this time. He is at the finish line rooting her on. Then the bombs go off, his legs are shattered. Prior to Jeff waking up in the hospital, we get a glimpse of the animosity between Erin and Jeff ’s mother (Miranda Richardson) and protective father (Clancy Brown). When Jeff awakes and realizes his legs above the knee
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are gone, shock and fear overcome him. He goes through a grinding rehab process. The pain of being fitted with prosthetic legs is agonizing and hopelessness overtakes him. To the public Jeff is a hero. He has become the symbol for “Boston Strong”. He cannot come to grips with this image. His family exploits his notoriety by urging him to appear at a Red Sox game and throw out the first ball or appear at a Bruins game in a wheelchair at center ice. He is traumatized by doing these things. He cannot come to grips with being a hero. He develops a brooding sense of humor and refers to himself as “Lieutenant Dan” from the movie Forrest Gump. When the dark moments come Erin is there to help. She supports him and is there to rally his spirits. She even gives him bathroom assistance and when they are intimate for the first time after the accident her feelings are sincere. They marry and have a child. Gordon-Green has made an inspirational film that is very good. It’s a story about an average guy trying to keep his world together. This is not a film that is sappy or sugar-coated. Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Bauman is one of his best. It is worthy of an Academy nomination for best actor. The movie is at all AMC theaters throughout the valley. It is rated R for profanity, sexual content, and nudity. It runs for 116 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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