SEPTEMBER 2017
Living
INSIDE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
BAGELS AND BREW
Toscana Lifestyle A WORD FROM THE LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR
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By Chris Reeder, Lifestyle Director
Congratulations! Our Toscana family have become excellent examples in RSVP etiquette. Attendance planning is the largest variable in event production, so it’s always a good time to remind ourselves how important your RSVP is. The goal is to hit 100% attendance each and every event and we are getting closer! Why should we take the time to RSVP for programming? Well, there are several reasons, listed below: 1. Staffing - Based on headcount, staffing levels fluctuate to accommodate group size. 2. Supply ordering - Event food, plates, cups, flatware, and décor are some of the items impacted by your RSVP. 3. Event set up/tear down - our maintenance staff sets up tables and chairs, as well as any additional heavy-lifting (thank you maintenance muscle!). Too many RSVP’s mean extra set up and tear down time for our busy maintenance team. Too few and an event start time can be delayed while the event team scrambles to set up more tables and chairs. How to RSVP: There are numerous ways to secure your event attendance. You may register for events through the ToscanaLiving. net website, through a direct email to creeder@toscanaliving.net, or through our preferred method - online registration. Online registration links are easy to find in your monthly newsletter and weekly email communications. Of course, you can always RSVP in person at the HOA office too! When to RSVP- Please RSVP prior to posted deadlines. “Register by” dates are set to secure group tickets, order supplies timely, etc. If a minimum number of attendees are not scheduled to attend, an event will be canceled. We recently hosted an event with almost 20 RSVPs coming after the posted deadline. As you can imagine, this scenario was not optimal- but we made it work! If your group has a change of plans and can no longer attend an event that you’ve already registered for, please email creeder@toscanaliving.net or call the HOA office. Our goal is to continue to be good stewards of HOA resources, AND produce the high quality events we have come to expect. To accomplish both, we need your help. Thank you for helping us be prepared for your arrival (or your cancellation), and thank you for your continued support!
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 Sunday Sundae Event
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Toscana Lifestyle
TOSCANA SIGNATURE EVENTS FUN FRIDAY SOCIALS Fridays in September 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. MUSEUM OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS SELF GUIDED TOUR Sunday, September 3 at the MIM - 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050 Open from 9 AM to 5 PM Cost: $20 RSVP by September 1 Celebrate the vibrant cultural traditions of India, one of the world’s largest countries, on Sunday, September 3. Our $20 ticket vouchers allow for a self-guided tour where you may arrive at your leisure to experience India events and performances - and a special Toscana bakery treat at their Cafe Allegro!
PARENTS NIGHT OUT - KIDS PAJAMA PARTY Friday, September 8 from 6 - 8 PM, Building 10 RSVP by September 7 Parent’s Night Out (Grandparent’s too!)- Kid’s Night IN! A special evening pajama party for Toscana’s smallest residents with coloring, pizza and a movie (“Boss Baby” playing this month). Bring a blanket, stuffie or pillow for the movie. There are two volunteer spaces for this event. BAGELS AND BREW Sunday, September 10 from 8:30 AM to 10 AM Dante’s Corner RSVP by September 8 There is nothing like a smell of a freshly brewed coffee on a Sunday morning! Relax and have a neighborly chat with your fellow residents while enjoying some coffee and bagels - 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. We hope to see you there!
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Toscana Lifestyle
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HOUSE OF COMEDY OPEN MIKE NIGHT Tuesday, September 12, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM RSVP by September 8 Cost: $4 It’s Triple Threat Tuesday at the House of Comedy! Amateurs and Pro’s take the stage at 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30). Select beers, wells and appetizers are only $4 - bring your wallet. Your $4 ticket includes admission and a snack. Make sure to RSVP prior to the deadline of September 8, to ensure your seat at the table! FOOD TRUCK QUP! BBQ Thursday, September 14, from 5 PM to 7 PM Palazzo Grande Cobblestone It’s a no-cook night! Come on down to the Palazzo Grande cobblestone for some AWESOME BBQ! The loaded nachos look fantastic! Check out the QUP! website for a preview that will prepare your taste buds for a special evening. The truck accepts cash, debit and credit cards. GROOVYTEK TRAVELTEK SEMINAR Tuesday, September 19, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Palazzo Centro RSVP by September 18 GroovyTek works side-by-side with you in your home to help you become comfortable, confident and independent using your smartphone, tablet, or computers. In this workshop, GroovyTek will walk you through tips to maximize your technology while on the road or away from home. MURDER MYSTERY DINNER: “MURDER IS PAR FOR THE COURSE” Saturday, September 30, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Building 10 Cost: $5 per person RSVP by September 28 Join the Toscana Staff Suspects as we try to decode the motive, means and opportunity they each had available on the night of Holin Wunn’s demise. Dinner will be served during this golf-themed murder mystery. Investigative teams of six people will be formed as guests arrive - or come as your own team of six. Register Now!
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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CONCIERGE CORNER By Alicja Davis, Concierge
Sedona Getaway Looking for a weekend getaway? Sedona is a great place to visit and is only a two hour drive north. Located in Arizona’s high desert, Sedona has a lot to offer: breathtaking views of the red rock formations, fantastic hiking trails and hard to beat weather conditions with the annual average temperature of 75 degrees.
Arrow Tour - which is Pink Jeep’s signature tour. It’s a memorable off-road experience with just the right amount of adrenaline and a “wow” factor. Toscana residents receive 15% off all tours. Sedona is famous for its magnificent hiking trails. Their beauty comes not only from the surrounding nature; the power that emanates from the vortexes produces some of the most remarkable energy on the planet. The calming serenity of Sedona puts your mind into a quiet and relaxing state and helps you embrace the true spirit of this place. Among the most iconic trails, Fork West is absolutely glorious and captures unimaginable beauty with towering cliffs, perennial water, and lush woodland. The trail difficulty is easy to moderate and the entire loop takes about three to four hours over the 6.5 miles. Bring a pair of good water resistant hiking boots and a camera!
Sedona got its name after Sedona Schnebly who moved to the banks of Oak Creek with her husband Theodore. In 1902 the town of Sedona was named after this pioneer woman who opened and ran the first store, hotel and the post office in this rural ranching community. The city of Sedona, one of Arizona’s premier tourism, recreation, resort and art centers, was incorporated in 1988. Today, more than four million tourists from around the world visit this unique town blessed with the natural beauty and exceptional charm. While in Sedona, I highly recommend exploring the red rocks with one of the most famous off-road tour companies in the Southwest and Toscana’s VIP partners - Pink Jeep Tours. They will take you on unforgettable excursion where you will enjoy an amazing scenery while learning about the history and geology of Sedona. If you’re up for an adventure, I highly recommend Broken
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Doe Mountain Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Sedona Red Rock Wilderness. Starting in the majestic Secret Mountain Wilderness, the trail quickly traverses up the side of Doe Mountain onto a relatively flat mesa. Once on top of the mesa, follow the rock cairns to the other side where you will be met with spectacular 360-degree red rock views. Note: As you approach the end of the trail please use caution. The trail ends on a ledge that drops off several hundred feet. (http://www. lauberge.com/blog/nature/) After a day of hiking and exploring, your Sedona experience must include spending some time at internationally famed Tlaquepaque Village. Tlaquepaque, which means the “best of everything”, offers a lot of charm - grounds surrounded with the sycamore tree grove, Spanish appearance with a lot of pretty fountains, courtyards, galleries and shops. Many great restaurant choices are available to visitors: Rene at Tlaquepaque or El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano, a southwesternstyle cafe featuring Mexican cuisine mixed with a Native American flare are amongst the popular choices.
Toscana Lifestyle This month, we are pleased to showcase two new VIP Partners:
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CLUBS AND CLASSES
Fresh Start Aesthetics Med Spa Check out an amazing, contemporary MedSpa located in Desert Ridge inside the Beauty District. They specialize in everything from waxing, up to non surgical facelifts. Over ten years of experience - and just around the corner from Toscana! VIP Offer: 20% discount for all new clients (excludes product) and $20 off Hydra-facial MD. Please see your concierge to book your appointment.
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
Polish Up Nail Bar Contemporary, luxurious nail salon. Organic infused treatments customized to your needs. $5 off manicure and $10 off mani/pedi combo. Please mention Toscana when booking. 602-717-0226.
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: September 27 at 6:30pm “The Secret Wife” by Gill Paul, Palazzo Vacanza HAND & FOOT CLUB: Thursdays at 6pm, Palazzo Grande. Contact Marge at 480-585-0494 FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUE: Contact Gil Berkowitz at 602-881-6272 or 480-998-2135 VIP CLUB CARD: Stop by the concierge office if you have not received your VIP Club Card. COFFEE SOCIAL: Each Wednesday and Friday at 9:00am in Palazzo Grande Kitchen BINGO: September 13 at 6:00pm, Palazzo Grande
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In and Around Toscana
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MANAGER TIDBITS
By Dick Rosenhagen, Community Manager
Summer Projects - Update
a few items.
As we continue through the building hallway re-paint and the new carpet installation, I wanted to update you on
The painting project is going well. The painting crew is nearly finished with Building 1 touch-up work and has started painting in Building 11. It is anticipated that each building will take no longer than two weeks to complete. As soon as we have a more concrete schedule we will be emailing it out to everyone. As we move closer to starting work in your building we will also email you and post signs. The carpet replacement will be starting by the second week of September and will follow the same building schedule that the paint is - with one exception. Building 10 will get the new carpet installed first as this is a warranty replacement of their carpet.
They will then move to Building 1 first and keep the same schedule as the paint crew. The new Automated External Defibrillators have been installed in the Palazzo Grande and Building 10 fitness rooms. The team is now CPR/ AED certified and Chris Reeder is planning a class for residents who may want to get certified at a small cost. The Dante’s Corner flagstone repairs have been made and the area looks great! We have ordered the new benches and the Electric Vehicle charging stations; we anticipate that they will be installed by the end of this month. Please be watching for email blasts and postings for updates on all of these projects that will benefit this great community.
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Toscana Events and Programs Clubs
September 2017 Monday
Sunday
Tuesday
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Events Association
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Thursday
Friday
Saturday 1
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
3 “EXPERIENCE INDIA” AT THE MIM ALL DAY *RSVP PRIOR TO AUGUST 25
10 BAGELS & BREW DANTE’S CORNER 9AM
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4 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM HOA OFFICE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY
MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
12 RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE MEETING PV 9AM HOUSE OF COMEDY OFFSITE 6:30PM
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19 GROOVYTEK TRAVEL SEMINAR PC 11:30AM
25 MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
6 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
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MAHJONG CLUB PG 6:30PM
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BINGO PG 6PM
20 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM
26 RUMMYCUBE PG 1PM
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27 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM BILLIARDS PG 1PM POKER CLUB PG 6PM BOOK CLUB PV 6:30PM
7 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM
14 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM QUP! BBQ FOOD TRUCK PG 5PM
21 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR NEIL SIMON’S “CHAPTER TWO”
28 HAND & FOOT PG 6PM HOA BOARD MEETING PV 9AM
2 PINE/STRAWBERRY ART FESTIVAL OFFSITE 8AM *RSVP PRIOR TO AUGUST 25
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM PARENTS NIGHT OUT PV 6:00PM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
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COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
29 COFFEE SOCIAL PG 9AM FRIDAY SOCIAL PG 5PM
30 MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PV 5:30PM DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR VERDE CANYON DAY TRIP
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In and Around Toscana STORAGE IN THE PARKADE by Kevin Wiegel
As we conduct our nightly parkade walks, we often see items left in the parking spots that don’t belong. It is important to remind residents of the Toscana policy regarding storage in the parkade. Per the CC&R’s, there is no storage of items within your parking stall that are not stored in a pre-approved storage cage. Other than your vehicle, the only thing that is allowed to be stored in your parking stall is a small cart to bring groceries to your condo. Among the items we have seen, and sent violation notices for, are bicycles, plant pots, golf clubs, wheelchairs, garbage containers, construction materials, and the occasional roll of carpet. Please be aware that items not promptly removed from parking spaces will be deemed abandoned, confiscated and disposed of after 30 days. We appreciate the effort you make to keep Toscana uncluttered.
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!
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In and Around Toscana
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ASSISTANT MANAGER UPDATES By Nicole Careaga, Assistant Manager THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING INVOLVED! As we move through all of the amazing projects here at Toscana we often hear: “Why are you doing this now?”, “Why aren’t you doing this, or that?” from the residents. The answer is very simple - the Board has evaluated the needs of the community and has made the decisions that will make the most sense and the best impact. Every other month your Board of Directors meets to discuss all of the repair projects, reserve projects and other concerns. They do their best to take the resident opinions, financial repercussions and recommendations from the management team prior to making their decisions.
Repairs are always necessary as we need to keep Toscana functional and looking great. Reserves projects are often quite costly, however not only do they improve the look, feel and value of Toscana; many times they are necessary expenses to avoid future higher cost repairs. Keep an eye out for the emails that include the meeting agendas, and question forms that are sent out prior to each meeting. This will allow you ample time to set your calendars to attend, or send in questions. Also, after each meeting, I send out an update with all of the approved items listed, so the you can be informed. The meetings are open and your attendance is encouraged. It is so important that you as residents stay involved and educated. Myself and the team are always here to answer any questions you may have.
ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®
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In and Around Toscana UPDATES FROM YOUR MAINTENANCE TEAM
By John Raabe
Trash Disposal Guidelines Each residential building at Toscana has a garbage room located in the parkade. These receptacles are to be used for all domestic garbage and recyclable items. Each building’s waste is emptied daily.
fire riser rooms, amenity buildings or grounds. Trash should be only disposed of in the garbage room. Non compliance with this policy will result in violations. For questions, please contact any Toscana team member at 480-585-0808. CO-MINGLED RECYCLING PROGRAM
All non recyclable waste should be properly bagged and placed in the brown dumpsters in the trash room. Toscana’s recycling allows for co-mingling all plastics, aluminum paper, cardboard, and glass. Please place all materials listed above in the blue garbage bin. A few reminders: Make sure trash bags are tied (especially Casitas) When putting boxes in the recycle bins make sure they are broken down and placed in the bin standing up so that they do not cover the bins on the bottom. If your bin is overflowing, please use one of the other buildings bins. Do not throw trash on ground or on top of the pile where it may fall on the ground. If you spill your trash while dumping it in the bins please clean it up or alert the staff so that we may clean it up promptly. Please read the label on the recycle bins and make sure what you are putting in the bin is recyclable. Remember each trash room needs to accommodate roughly 90 units so please be considerate when throwing away large items that take up too much space. Finally, please do not place your trash bags in the hallways,
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Recyclable All Paper: Newspaper, Brochures/Magazines, Office Paper, Manila Folders, Chip Board (cereal boxes) and All Cardboard Most Plastics: Plastic #1 and #2 - Water, Milk, Soda, Detergent Bottles (if rinsed) All Metals: Aluminum Cans, Tin Cans, Scrap Metals Glass * CAN BE RECYCLED – if bagged in large CLEAR plastic garbage bags: All Strapping (metal and plastic strapping must be bagged) and Shrink Wrap Not recyclable Food Waste (including – Used: Coffee Cups, Paper Plates, Utensils, etc.) Batteries Plastic Bags - Grocery, Bread, Retail, Newspaper, Dry cleaning, Ream/Food Wrappers Styrofoam – Unless baled Used Paper Products – Tissues, Paper Towels, Napkins Wood
Photo Gallery
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In and Around Toscana MOVIE REVIEW: WIND RIVER By Gil Berkowitz
WIND RIVER AN ICY COLD THRILLER “Wind River” is not a great movie. It is a very good one. A bit disturbing and cinematically enthralling. Taylor Sheridan wrote the screenplays for “Sicario” and “Hell or High Water” and is now trying his hand at directing. He has crafted a powerful but uneven story of vengeance and violence. A story of injustice surrounding the death of a young Native American woman. The film is a western style thriller photographed against the snow laden Wyoming landscape. As the movie begins, we see a young woman running through the dark of night in the snow. She is barefoot and obviously frightened. Then the film flips to a scene of a silent hunter aiming his rifle at wolves. At the request of local ranchers he is protecting their herds of sheep. The hunter is Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner). He is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agent whose responsibility is patrolling the snowy wild Wyoming winter. While out hunting a mountain lion attacking sheep herds he comes across the body of a young woman (Kelsey Asbille) . She is frozen in the snow, has been sexually assaulted and barefoot.
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As a result of gulping the subzero air her lungs have burst. Cory recognizes the girl as the daughter of his close friend Martin (Gil Birmingham). Cory is impacted by the death. He lost a daughter to the brutal elements years earlier. He and his Native American wife have since divorced. While the two of them were out of town, a party given by their daughter got out of control. She was found dead in the snow under mysterious circumstances. Because the death took place on the Wind River Indian Reservation, the investigation falls to Ben (the always great Graham Greene) the local sheriff and an inexperienced and ill equipped FBI agent. Her name is Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) and has been flown in from Nevada. She is smart, but shows up in heels and fashionable pants and blouse. She is in charge of the investigation, but she is smart enough to realize she needs Cory to help her. Gil Birmingham is wonderful as the grieving father, Renner and Olsen strike a nice balance as two unlikely partners who forge a mutual respect while hunting an unknown killer. The film is playing at the Harkins Camelview at the Fashion Square Mall. It runs for 111 minutes and is rated R for strong violence, disturbing images and language.
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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