OCTOBER 2018
Living
INSIDE TOSCANA HALLOWEEN PARTY
KARAOKE NIGHT
Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR
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By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director Welcome Back! As the summer season winds down, so does the temperature bringing our seasonal family home to Toscana! As we prepare for our winter residents’ arrival here in the office, there are some things you may choose to do to smooth your return to Arizona below. Reminder to forward your mail You may want to forward your mail from your summer residence to Toscana, or hold mail at your winter post office. We are happy to accept packages and items too large for your Toscana mailbox (but smaller than 25lbs and/or 16 cubic feet). The office is staffed from 8am5pm, with a night manager available for evening parcel pick up. You can read more about our Package Acceptance Policy on the toscanaliving.net website under Resources - Toscana Package Policy. Update your guest list & preferences in DwellingLIVE It’s a great time to make any adjustment to your Toscana guest list in our DwellingLIVE system. If you do
not know your log in or password just let us know and we can reset it. Update your contact information Has your email address or phone number changed? Please let us know by emailing Katie at klucas@toscanaliving.net so we may update in both the DwellingLIVE and Constant Contact systems. Inspect your unit for any water damage It’s a good idea to visually inspect your walls and ceiling for any water intrusion that may have occurred while you were away. RSVP for upcoming events Many of our more popular programs will fill up quickly, such as the bi-monthly Murder Mystery Dinner. You’ll want to register quickly to attend your preferred events. To register for Lifestyle programming, you may click registration links in the weekly e-blasts, register through this newsletter, email us at creeder@toscanaliving.net or stop in the office and register in person. There are many opportunities at Toscana to give our winter residents a chance to bond with friends from back home (or make new friends) and celebrate the shared good fortune of escaping the cold to make warm and happy memories at Toscana. Welcome back winter residents, and welcome first time visitors! We’re excited to see many familiar faces have returned, and many so new faces here in the community.
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 Gate House: 480-513-0602 STAFF Nicole Careaga, CMCA Community Manager ncareaga@toscanaliving.net Christine Reeder Assistant Community Manager creeder@toscanaliving.net Lifestyle Director 480-585-0808 Alicja Davis Concierge adavis@toscanaliving.net 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 TOSCANA RESIDENTS
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Toscana Lifestyle
TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS RESIDENT FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in October at 5 p.m., Palazzo Grande; RSVP by Friday at noon No Friday Social on October 26. Join us at Toscana Halloween Party at 5:30 p.m.! Food, fun and conversation - open to all Toscana residents. Join us for some snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. BYOB. Friday Socials are FREE. EASY AS PIE - APPLE ANNIE'S IN WILCOX Friday, October 5, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Wilcox, Arizona Cost:$99 Travel to Wilcox for some of the best pie ever! Spend the day on the farm enjoying a flavorful harvest of pick-your-own apples, pears, peaches, pumpkins and more! Enjoy lunch (included), including award-winning apple pie. TRUCKIN' TUESDAY - Q UP! BBQ Tuesday, October 16, 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! KARAOKE NIGHT! Friday, October 19, from 5:45 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Palazzo Grande RSVP by October 18 It's a fun evening of Karaoke! Set your inner-diva free! MURDER MYSTERY DINNER - DISAPPEARANCE OF DEATH Saturday, October 20, from 5:30-8 p.m. Palazzo Vacanza RSVP by October 17 Join our resident suspects for this interactive who-dun-it dinner! You may register as a group of six, or your team will be formed upon arrival. Please email creeder@toscanaliving.net if you are interested in playing a suspect part. Tickets are only $7 per person. This very popular program will sell out, so register quickly! TOSCANA HALLOWEEN PARTY Friday, October 26, from 5:30-8 p.m. Palazzo Grande Cobblestones Cost: $5 per person RSVP by October 23 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.
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Toscana Lifestyle
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BAGELS AND BREW Sunday, October 28, from 8-10 a.m. Dante's Corner; RSVP by Friday, October 26 Relax and have a neighborly chat on this gorgeous Fall Morning! Coffee and bagels will be served at 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. COYOTES VS OTTAWA SENATORS Tuesday, October 30, from 6-9 p.m. Gila River Arena RSVP by October 29 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 15 tickets reserved, so register today! This event will most likely sell out! Game starts at 7pm. *Note these are Not AYCE tickets.
RESIDENT GROUPS, CLUBS AND CLASSES BILLIARDS CLUB Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. Billiards Room in PG. Contact: Lynn at 602-301-5010
GENTLE YOGA Fridays, starting October 19 11 a.m. in PV
BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR Mondays at 5 p.m. in PG BYOB
HAND & FOOT CLUB Thursdays at 6 p.m., PG. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494
BINGO TBD at 6:00 p.m., PG $6 per card, Contact: Marge at 480-585-0494
HIKING CLUB TBD
BOOK CLUB October 17 PV, 6:30 p.m. CHAIR YOGA Wednesdays starting October 17 11 a.m. in PV COFFEE SOCIAL Each Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. in PG
MAHJONG CLUB Mondays at 6:30 p.m., PG. 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
New club ideas are welcome!
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Toscana Lifestyle CONCIERGE CORNER By Alicja Davis, Concierge Hiking Season is Here!
Thompson Peak 20199 N. 78th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255 This beautiful trail starts in a gated neighborhood where you will walk the footpath for the first half a mile to the official trailhead, marked as Dixie Mine Trail. The first two miles of the trail is relatively flat with rolling hills and washes. You will be able to enjoy the full views of Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks. Once you reach Dixie Mine turnoff (mine visible straight ahead) you can opt to take the maintenance road left marked to Thompson Peak. From this point, the trail gets steeper and steeper. The climb provides a serene feeling of ridge-line hiking, offering amazing views along the way. The finish line is the majestic peak which offers the best views of the valley and dwarfs any other mountain or hike.
Gateway Loop Trailhead 18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 The Gateway Trailhead, located on the east side of Thompson Peak Rd. between Legacy Blvd. and Bell Rd., is fully barrier-free and has all the amenities an outdoor recreation enthusiast could want. The Gateway Trailhead is the access point to many unique Scottsdale trails. Even kids in strollers love the games and activities along the Bajada Nature Trail. Kids of all ages are able to explore the Gateway Loop trail and older kids love the challenge offered by interior trails.
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Lost Dog Wash Trailhead 12601 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 Located at the north end of 124th Street just beyond Anasazi Elementary School, Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is one of the major access points for the Preserve. This award winning trailhead provides extensive vehicle and equestrian parking along with a gathering area and other amenities. Lost Dog Wash Trailhead offers somewhat shorter and easier trails that wander around and across a natural desert wash. Kids love to explore for wildlife along the edge of the Lost Dog Wash Trail, just as native people did for hundreds of years. Sunrise Trailhead is a neighborhood access area for those who like exercise, with Sunrise Trail heading straight up the mountain towards Sunrise Peak and beyond, showcasing the entire McDowell Mountain range. Browns Ranch Loop Trail 30301 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 This trail features exhibits about the human history of the Preserve and serves as the major access point to the vast network of trails in the area. It provides access to unique destinations as Granite Mountain, Cholla Mountain, Brown’s Mountain, and Cathedral Rock. You can expect a gentle out-and-back three-mile hike on a very wide trail with occasional sandy stretches. This hike brings you to Brown’s Ranch, with many ranching structures still visible. This area was used for ranching from the later 1800s until the mid-1950s. Pinnacle Peak 26802 N. 102nd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262 This trail offers a moderate hike with a 1,300 foot elevation gain, spectacular vegetation, and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Toscana Events and Programs Clubs
October 2018 Monday
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Tuesday
Events Association Wednesday
1 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
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3 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
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MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
Friday
Saturday
5 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM APPLE ANNIE'S IN WILCOX 8AM-6PM
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10 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
11 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
12 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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17 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6:30PM
18 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM BOARD MEETING PV 9AM
19 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM KARAOKE NIGHT PV 5:45PM
20 MURDER MYSTERY DINNER 5:30PM
25 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
26 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM GENTLE YOGA PV 11AM TOSCANA HALLOWEEN PARTY PG COBBLESTONE 5:30-8PM
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15 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
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22 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
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24 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
29 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM BILLIARDS HAPPY HOUR PG 5PM
30 COYOTES VS SENATORS GILA RIVER ARENA 6-9PM
31 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM CHAIR YOGA PV 11AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
28 BAGELS AND BREW DANTE'S CORNER 8-10AM
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TRUCKIN’ TUESDAY PG 5-7PM
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HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
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In and Around Toscana NICOLE'S NOTABLES
By Nicole Careaga, Community Manager Ch. Ch. Ch. Changes!! Fall is in the air and changes are everywhere! The Toscana team is excited, and looking forward to the new ideas and challenges that we will be faced with. Anytime there is transition within a team, new ideas come to fruition and new plans can be put into motion. As this is my first newsletter article as your community manager, my thought was to ensure you that the residents and the upkeep of Toscana will remain our priority. I also thought this would be a great opportunity to remind you about our departmental roles and responsibilities and who is your best point of contact.
always busy throughout the property taking care of items that require attention. Please feel free to address any concerns with them as they are always appreciative of your feedback. Their work order list is invariably long and managed based on priority and workflow. If you see something that requires attention, please fill out a maintenance request at www.toscanaliving.net. These requests will generate a work order that goes into a queue allowing for the team to identify immediate needs. Have a great idea for an event or get together?? Feel free to reach out to our new lifestyle director. We always love to hear your feedback in relation to events we have had and ideas for future gatherings or resident clubs. All suggestions are welcome and we all look forward to seeing you at this Fall's upcoming events.
Moving, packages, access devices, and other administrative concerns can be addressed by reaching out to Katie Lucas. Katie is also available to assist you with questions in regards to architectural submittals, including carpet and hard surface flooring installs, screen door and ceiling fans for your patios, along with full remodels. Please be sure to reach out to her prior to scheduling any type of work in your unit.
Do you have an operational question or concern? A little confused about the new CC&R’s and what that may mean for you? Chris Reeder and I are here to assist you with anything related to Toscana. We're both present at the Board Meetings and Workshops to ensure that, as residents, you are always armed with all knowledge to help you smoothly navigate through the Toscana landscape and enjoy your community to the full potential.
Want to plan a getaway, day at the spa or play some golf ? You are in good hands with our onsite concierge who is able to assist you in planning vacations, nights on the town, or exciting day trips. Alicja Davis is a fantastic resource to all of you and I hope that as you plan your winter events, she is your first go-to.
As a reminder, our next Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, October 18, at 9 a.m. in Building 10. Our main agenda item this month will be the approval of the 2019 Budget. Please be sure to attend and get all of your questions answered by the Board and team.
Maintenance Requests – John Raabe and his team are
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The future looks amazing at Toscana and myself and the team are looking forward to all that is to come.
In and Around Toscana ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
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By Katie Lucas, Administrative Assistant Pet Registration For many of our residents here at Toscana, part of that feeling of “home” involves being greeted at the door with big, slobbery kisses from their most loyal companion or the soft purr of their favorite fluff-ball brushing against their legs. I know my day would not be complete without my boy Bruce gently nudging his favorite toy of the day into my legs, ready to play, as soon as I get home. There is so much to love about having a pet, and we love being able to see all of them out and about in the community. However, we have noticed many furry friends around Toscana who have not been properly registered with the Association. Registering your pet is an easy process and is required per your CC&Rs. In order to register your pet, you just need to fill out a simple form-available in the association office or online at toscanaliving.net under Feedback Contact Forms. A photo of your pet is required to complete the form, so make sure you get your camera ready to capture your pet’s “good side.” All residents who complete their pet registration forms receive a gift in the form of an Official Toscana leash and doggy bag holder set! It is important to carry your doggy bag holder with you when you take your pet on a walk, as it is your ID showing your pet is properly registered (and is useful for picking up those “gifts” your pet will leave along the way)! If you are unsure if your pet is properly registered, please feel free to reach out to me at klucas@toscanaliving.net Insurance Policy Reminder As a reminder, all Toscana owners are required to carry insurance on their unit and list the Association as a Certificate Holder (or similar – Additional Interest,
Additional Insured, etc.) which will send notification if a policy is renewed, changed or terminated. As we come up on the end of the year, we have noticed many of our owner policies are approaching expiration and we have not been provided an updated copy. Missing insurance information can result in a violation on your account. If we have not yet received your 2018-2019 certificate, or if you would like to verify that we have, please email me at klucas@toscanaliving.net as soon as possible.
Please also check with your insurance agent that they have the proper information on file to add Toscana as a Certificate Holder. Certificate information is as follows: Toscana of Desert Ridge Attn: Insurance 5450 East Deer Valley Drive Phoenix, AZ 85054 Alternatively, they can fax a certificate to 480.585.2859 or email to klucas@toscanaliving.net
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In and Around Toscana UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM By John Raabe, Maintenance Supervisor Vandalism in Toscana
I would like to discuss, once again, vandalism around Toscana. I know we are very fortunate around here that we do not have to deal with large scale vandalism, such as spray painting or damage to large structures, but we do have some issues with small scale vandalism that still costs the community time and money. Some of the recent examples are footprints and handprints all over the hallway walls. A few here and there are to be expected, but there are about five large sections of walls that are covered in footprints in one building alone which will have to be completely repainted. We have also had a few incidents of someone drawing lines down a hallway as they’re walking, and a lot of small dings and scrapes as well. In the parkades we have had several of the parking curbs hit or run over, breaking them loose along with breaking the curbs themselves. A large issue we have always had to deal with here is littering and pet waste. In the parkades there has been large amounts of trash left in parking stalls or just lying
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around randomly. We have also some reports of residents walking their dogs in the parking structures, and letting them urinate and leaving it. On the surface we have several instances of pet waste not being cleaned up. As part of our team, we have landscapers and a porter on site that are directed to keep an eye out for pet waste and dispose of it. However, the landscapers are on a monthly rotation of the property and may not see a certain area for 3 three weeks and the porter has several other jobs that prevent him from being able to do a full clean up all the time. It is very important that every pet owner is cleaning up their own pet waste. If caught not cleaning up their pets waste, homeowners will be getting a violation and an immediate $200.00 fine. T h a n k f u l l y, a number of frustrated residents are tired of this issue and take the time to report it to the association when they have witnessed it. Help us keep your community looking beautiful. If you see someone vandalizing your community please let us know.
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: Lynn Yort Pinnacle Peak Full Moon Hike
Photo Credit: Lynn Yort Pinnacle Peak Full Moon Hike
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OVERSEEDING FAQ Late September to mid-October marks a major milestone for turf landscape in the desert. It’s the time to transition from summer grass to winter grass. What is Overseeding? Overseeding is the process of planting winter Ryegrass. This process typically includes reducing irrigation to the existing Bermuda grass reduced by half, lowering mow heights to prepare the seed bed and then laying down Ryegrass seed. Why Overseed? Bermuda grass grows well in the summer but goes dormant during the winter months. Because it is no longer actively growing, it turns brown, resulting in straw-like appearance until it begins growing again in the spring. Ryegrass however, stays green and vibrant through the cooler months, then dies out with the summer heat. Why are the sprinklers running more frequently? In order for the new Ryegrass seeds to germinate, the seed bed must remain moist. We accomplish this by watering from sunup to sundown. Why can’t I walk on the grass? In order to help ensure the Ryegrass grows in fully and your Community can enjoy even winter grass, we encourage you to not walk or play on overseeded areas as the grass germinates, which typically takes 3-4 weeks. Why is the grass turning a different color? The summer Bermuda grass turns a brown, blonde, straw- like color as it goes into dormancy. This is normal, and your turf areas will look greener once the winter Ryegrass begins to sprout and grow.