Grayhawk: a Sonoran Desert home to vibrant southwestern living with an uncommon commitment to community.
MISSION STATEMENT
Grayhawk Community Association strives to enhance quality of life and community strength through inclusion, participation and pragmatic stewardship of human, financial and environmental assets.
GRAYHAWK COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone (480) 563-9708
Fax (480) 563-9709
www.grayhawkcommunity.org
Talon Guardhouse/ Roving Patrol (480) 502-7685
Raptor Guardhouse (480) 502-5078
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Michelle Sacco Executive Director msacco@ccmcnet.com
Jenn Sheets Community Manager jsheets@ccmcnet.com
Max Schwartz Assistant Community Manager mschwartz@ccmcnet.com
Laurie Vuoto Communications Director laurie.vuoto@ccmcnet.com
Ashlie Adamscheck Lifestyle Director aadamscheck@ccmcnet.com
Briana (Bri) Minjarez
Administrative Assistant bminjarez@ccmcnet.com
Richard Dearo Facilities Director rdearo@ccmcnet.com
Rudy Martinez
Maintenance Lead
Chantel Martin
Maintenance Assistant Martha Castaneda
Maintenance Assistant
Director’s Corner
Fall Fun, Community and Safety
Hello, Grayhawk Residents!
As we transition into fall, I know many of you are looking forward to cooler temperatures. While I will gladly take our Arizona heat over snow any day, I think we can all agree that 115+-degree days have run their course for the season!
I have now been a part of the Grayhawk community for a few months, and I truly love it here. Grayhawk is such a beautiful place to work, and I am excited to continue getting to know both the community and its wonderful residents even better.
With fall approaching, we have several exciting events planned. The Pumpkin Patch promises to be a fantastic family-friendly event, and I, for one, can’t wait for Sunday in the Park. As a self-proclaimed foodie, this is one event I won’t miss! For details on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website at www.grayhawkcommunity.org.
On another note, I recently attended a Community Engagement Meeting hosted by the City of Scottsdale Police Department. One of the topics discussed was the new Scottsdale e-bike law. The meeting was extremely informative, and I look forward to fostering a strong, collaborative relationship with the department. Below is a brief overview of the new law:
S.R.C. | 17-77.1
• (A) No person under the age of sixteen (16) shall operate a class three electric bicycle, a similar device capable of exceeding twenty-one (21) miles per hour, or an electric motorcycle on city property.
• (B) No person shall operate an electric motorcycle on a city roadway unless it has been titled and registered with the State of Arizona.
• (C) A violation of this section is considered a civil traffic offense and carries a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
For more information on this law, please scan the QR code. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe fall season. I look forward to seeing you around the community!
Warm regards,
Michelle Sacco, CAAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Executive Director
GRAYHAWK ADVERTISING
The Grayhawk Community Association (GCA) offers advertising as a service to our community and does not support or endorse the products, persons or services advertised in the Grayhawk Flight. GCA shall not be held liable or responsible for any misleading or incorrect advertising.
Meet Grayhawk’s New Communications Director – Laurie Vuoto
Hello, Grayhawk! I am excited to join this wonderful community as your new Communications Director. With a background in strategic communications and a passion for building strong, vibrant communities, I am honored to bring my wealth of experience to Grayhawk.
Most recently, I served as Communications Director at Leisure World in Mesa, Arizona, where I had the privilege of working closely with residents to strengthen engagement through storytelling, event promotion and creative marketing outreach. I am eager to bring that same energy and dedication to Grayhawk.
Throughout my career, I have focused on content development and humancentric messaging for a variety of organizations. I take great joy in getting to know the people I serve, sharing their stories, and helping foster a sense of belonging and pride in the place we all call home.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband Rich and our two rescue pups, Daphne and Destiny. We love hiking together and discovering hidden gems throughout The Valley. I am also a tennis aficionado and enjoy playing several times a week — both for fun and competitively with my USTA teams. Please stop by the office and say hello. I look forward to getting to know each of you!
Best wishes,
Laurie Vuoto
Grayhawk Elementary School Officially a Blue Zone School!
By Eli Hubbell
We are so excited to welcome everyone back for another amazing year at Grayhawk Elementary! Our students will continue to engage in a rich Core Knowledge curriculum that builds deep knowledge and critical thinking skills across key content areas.
In addition, our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs continue to grow and thrive, giving students opportunities to explore, problem-solve and innovate. Whether it is coding a robot, building a machine or conducting a hands-on science experiment, our learners are discovering the joy of thinking like scientists and engineers every day.
We also know that school is about more than academics, so we are proud to announce that we are the first and only Blue Zones Approved School in the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
The Blue Zones Project is a communityled initiative inspired by Blue Zones around the world where people live longer, healthier and happier lives. Through a partnership with Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, Grayhawk Elementary has joined a growing movement to create environments that
support healthy choices and foster meaningful connections for both students and adults.
As a Blue Zones school, we are focused on supporting the well-being of students and staff by encouraging healthy habits, movement, kindness and a sense of purpose throughout the day. From mindful moments to outdoor learning and community service, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, physically and mentally.
So, what does this look like at Grayhawk Elementary? We are creating more thoughtful opportunities throughout the day for students to move their bodies and take brain breaks. We are incorporating mindfulness, gratitude and reflection into our routines. Our staff is also working to model healthy habits — everything from the food we serve to the way we build relationships and community. Ultimately, we are encouraging students to find purpose, show kindness and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
Our partnership with Blue Zones Project Scottsdale strengthens our commitment to academic excellence and to the
health and well-being of our entire school community. We are honored to be part of a city-wide effort that includes local businesses, organizations and neighborhoods, working together to make healthy choices easier and more accessible for all.
We are so excited to kick off another amazing year of learning, growing and living our best Blue Zones lives together!
To learn more about Blue Zones Projects Scottsdale, visit: https:// bluezonesprojectscottsdale.com/
-Eli Hubbell is principal of Grayhawk Elementary School.
IN & AROUND GRAYHAWK
Scan the QR Code to register for all events or visit www.grayhawkcommunity.org. Limited space, so please register early to save your spot!
SEPTEMBER
Ladies Bunco
Thurs., September 4 | 6 – 8 p.m.
GCA Office Talon Room
Join your neighbors for a night of food, drinks and Bunco! Never played before? Don’t worry! It’s an easy dice game—all you need to know is how to roll dice and count! We’ll teach you the rest. We will also enjoy a potluck, so please bring either a bottle of wine and/or an appetizer to share. The fee is $5 per person and goes towards cash prizes. Register by Tuesday, September 2 to reserve your spot.
Free Trivia Night
Wed., September 17 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
GCA Office Talon Room
Come out and play Brainwave Trivia, six rounds of general knowledge questions in a pub quiz-style format. Pen and paper only: no Google! Gather your friends and family to tackle questions on movies, food, sports, history, music and more in this team-based game. Put your brain power to the test and see who wins the bragging rights for being the brainiest of the bunch! Please register by Sunday, September 14.
Mixology Class
Tues., September 23 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
GCA Office Talon Room
Shake things up with a do-it-yourself Whiskey & Old-Fashioned Cocktail Hour. Get ready to shake, stir and sip your way through a fun-filled happy hour at our hands-on cocktail crafting class! Join Tipsy & Tasty Mixologist Ginger and her assistant Persephone for a fun and interactive mixology happy hour where you'll learn to craft the perfect whiskey cocktails, classic old fashions and more! All tools and ingredients provided. Cost is $25 per person. Please register by Tuesday, September 16.
Hawk Talk: Blue Zone
Midlife Metabolism Makeover
Tues., September 30 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
GCA Office Talon Room
Join Laurel Roach with Alloy Personal Training to learn about the Blueprint to Look, Feel, and Perform Better at 40+ Than You Did at 25. If you are over 40 and tired of feeling like your best years are behind you, this event will show you how to reignite your metabolism, build real energy, and feel stronger and more confident than you ever did in your 20s. Learn science-backed strategies for a healthier you!
OCTOBER
Happy Hour – Toscana Italian
Thurs., October 9 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. 16580 N 92nd St #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Check out a new local hot spot and meet other Grayhawk residents at our upcoming happy hour. Toscana offers Northern Italian cuisine highlighting handmade pasta, prime steak and fresh seafood with fine dining service in a warm atmosphere. A special thank you to Laurel Roach with Alloy Personal Training for providing one drink ticket per person. Please register by Tuesday, October 7 to reserve your spot. For full dinner afterwards, please make advance dining reservations by calling 480-597-7160.
Haunted House Lego Class
Tues., October 14 | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. GCA Office Talon Room
This Halloween season, join Play-Well TEKnologies for a LEGO Haunted House workshop! Participants will use their imagination to build their own haunted houses and engineer traps with the guidance of an experienced Play-Well instructor. Please register by Thursday, October 9. Cost is $10 per person and limited to 10 participants.
Pumpkin Patch
Sat., Oct. 25 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Greenbelt at N 73rd Way and E. Whistling Wind Way
Don your costume and join us for a day of fall fun! Kids will love our pumpkin patch, Deb’s Dragons, face painting, carnival games, crafts, sweet treats and more. DLC Resources will serve grilled hot dogs with chips and drinks. The cost is $10 per child, which includes all activities, one pumpkin and a hot dog lunch. Adults can also pay $5 in advance for lunch. Food tickets will not be sold on event day. Please register by Sunday, October 19. Late registrations are accepted only until Thursday, October 23, with $20 child ticket cost. A heartfelt thank you to Garda World Security, DLC Resources, David Van Omen with BVO Luxury Keller Williams AZ, Laurel Roach Personal Training, Impact Physical Therapy, Lifetime Windows and Kowlaski Painting for their generous support in making this event possible.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thurs., October 30 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Talon Room, GCA Office, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Ste. 102
Help save a life by participating in our Grayhawk community blood drive! All blood types are needed. Walk-ins are allowed, but time slots are limited. Please schedule an appointment by visiting www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time, type our zip code 85255 and select Grayhawk. For help scheduling, please call 800-733-2767. Remember to bring a photo ID, drink extra water and eat prior to donating. Snacks and juice provided. Feel free to invite friends who do not live in the community. Thank you for helping us replenish the community blood supply for Arizona patients! All donors will receive a special gift from the Red Cross.
SAVE THE DATE
Ravenscroft Show
Fri., November 7 | 7 – 9 p.m.
8445 E. Hartford Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Sunday in the Park
Sun., November 16 | 3 – 5 p.m.
Grayhawk Greenbelt, Corner of 78th Pl and 78th Way
Family Movie Day – Wicked: For Good Part 2
Sat., November 22 | 10:30 a.m.
Harkins 101
Adult Christmas
Thurs., December 4 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Toscana Wood Fired Italian, 16580 N 92nd St. Ste 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Santa Party
Breakfast for Dinner and Pajama Party
Tues., December 16 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Fairway House at the Grayhawk Golf Club
Hanukkah Celebration
Thurs, December 18 | 6 – 8 p.m.
GCA Office Talon Room
Toy Drive to Help Spread Holiday Cheer!
Foster Alliance is kicking off its annual Holiday Toy Drive to bring joy to children in foster care across Arizona — and they need your help to make it magical! We are collecting new toys and gifts for all ages, and every donation brings a smile to a child’s face.
Here’s how to donate:
• GCA Office: Drop off your goodies Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Amazon: Shop from our Amazon Wish List — gifts will ship directly to us!
Let’s make this season extra bright for kids who need it most!
When to Call 911
By Officer Robert Katzaroff
In Scottsdale, knowing when to call 911 versus the non-emergency police line can make a critical difference in how quickly and appropriately your concern is addressed. Understanding this distinction helps ensure emergency resources are available when truly needed and supports the Scottsdale Police Department’s commitment to community safety.
Call 911 for Emergencies
Dial 911 when there is an immediate threat to life, safety or property. This includes:
• Crimes in progress (e.g., assault, burglary, robbery)
• Fires or explosions
• Medical emergencies
• Car accidents with injuries
• Situations involving weapons or violence
• Suspicious activity that appears dangerous or escalating
If you are ever uncertain about whether a situation qualifies as an emergency, it is better to err on the side of caution and call 911.
Non-Emergency Issues
For situations that require police attention but are not urgent, please call the Scottsdale Police Department’s nonemergency number: (480) 312-5000, Option 6. Examples include:
• Reporting a crime that occurred hours or days ago
• Noise complaints
• Parking violations
• Vandalism or graffiti
• Welfare checks when there’s no immediate danger
• Lost or found property
This line is staffed 24/7 and ensures that emergency lines remain open for critical incidents.
COMMUNITY POLICING
The Scottsdale Police Department embraces the philosophy of community policing: building trust and collaboration between officers and residents to solve problems and prevent crime. This approach echoes the words of Sir Robert Peel, often called the father of modern policing: “The police are the public and the public are the police.”
This principle reminds us that public safety is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, reporting concerns appropriately and engaging with local officers, residents play a vital role in keeping Scottsdale safe.
Anonymous Tips
If you have information about non-urgent illegal activity but wish to remain anonymous, Scottsdale PD offers several tip lines:
• P3 Tips App: Download the app on your smartphone to submit tips anonymously.
• Online Tip Submission: Visit the Scottsdale PD Tip Page at https://www.p3tips.com to report any of the following:
» Unsolved cases
» Drug activity
» Vandalism
» Wanted persons
» Suspicious behavior or planned crimes
» Traffic Concerns
These tools are ideal for sharing information that may help prevent future crimes or assist ongoing investigations.
For any questions or community safety concerns, contact Officer Robert Katzaroff at rkatzaroff@scottsdaleaz.gov.
-Officer Rob Katzaroff has proudly served with the Scottsdale Police Department for the past 28 years. He currently is the Crime Prevention Officer for the Foothills District. Officer Katzaroff is dedicated to building strong community partnerships and empowering residents to help prevent crime and enhance neighborhood safety.
Standing Tall: How Research and Volunteers are Safeguarding the Saguaro’s Future
By Kaipo Spenser
In recent years, Arizonans have experienced an increase in extreme temperatures and a noticeable decline in rainfall. Many have wondered about the effects of these weather changes on the magnificent saguaros that inhabit the Sonoran desert. Unfortunately, in many residential communities, we have seen saguaros die at an alarming rate.
Experts point to precipitation and daytime and nighttime temperatures as being critical to the successful establishment of saguaros. According to the National Park Service, “establishment is episodic,” meaning that “seedlings survive only during favorable periods with several consecutive years of cooler, wetter weather."
According to Dr. Tania Hernandez, research scientist at the Desert Botanical Garden, "We have very few babies in our urban population. Since heat waves are affecting more significantly the old and larger individuals, when they die, there's not going to be a young cohort to replace them. As a result, we will have to bring saguaros from somewhere else, which is expensive and most of the time transplants are unsuccessful."
The good news is that several initiatives are currently underway to understand what these giants need to ensure their survival for centuries to come. More importantly, there are ways in which Arizona residents can help.
Studying Saguaro Root Systems
Don Swann and other researchers at the Saguaro National Park have been unearthing and inspecting the unique root systems of these majestic cacti.
Unlike many other plant species, saguaros develop a shallow root system that extends outward. “If you think about the desert soils, we don't have a water table that's 3 feet below the surface here, so [saguaro roots] are not really going down for water, they're just taking advantage of water that's falling on the surface during a rainstorm,” says Swann.
Grayhawk’s saguaros are a beautiful staple of the community.
How You Can Help
Thanks to the efforts of researchers like Swann, we are understanding increasingly how best to help these exquisite cacti survive. In 2023, Dr. Hernandez and others at the Desert Botanical Garden began cultivating seeds from wild saguaros to test whether these saguaros could better withstand harsher weather conditions.
Saguaros grown in a nursery – which makes up a lot of the saguaros found in urban areas – often receive more water than their wild counterparts. They may not be as hardy as a result.
Arizonans can participate in this initiative to cultivate saguaro seedlings. Volunteers can help transport germinated seedlings into grow trays. Then, they can raise these burgeoning saguaros at home until they are ready for planting.
Visit dbg.org to learn more.
In addition, Dr. Hernandez created a Saguaro Census to track saguaros across Metropolitan Phoenix. In 2024, observers found that “72% of urban saguaros are in residential areas, making homeowners and local communities the stewards of this iconic species."
Residents can download the iNaturalist app and begin cataloguing saguaros, including those that have died. There are even prizes available for volunteer observers!
Saguaro seedlings; photo courtesy of the Desert Botanical Garden
It is a sad truth that this unique species is at risk. But there are many ways Arizona residents can help to preserve these giant beauties for years to come.
To learn more about landscape care for your yard, visit our Learning Center at dlcresources.com/learning-center/.
-Kaipo Spenser is DLC Resources Field Manager.
Fall Planting Season: What to Know Before You Dig
By Max Schwartz
As fall approaches, it is the perfect time to refresh your landscaping during Grayhawk’s second planting season of the year. Homeowners are reminded to ensure their front yards meet the community’s minimum planting requirements as outlined in our GCA Design Guidelines (see photo for reference).
If your yard is missing a tree, now is a great time to select one from the pre-approved plant list, which includes trees, shrubs, accent plants and ground cover. These options have already been approved by the Architectural Committee, so no submittal is required if you are planting eight or fewer of these items at one time.
Planning a full landscape overhaul or adding more than eight plants? Be sure to submit your plans to the Architectural Committee before beginning any work.
Additionally, if you are replacing granite in your yard, please note that “Madison Gold” or a predominantly gold-toned granite is required for all single-family homes in Grayhawk.
For more information, see our DCA Guidelines in our Document Center on our website or by scanning the QR code.
For questions, please contact Assistant Community Manager Max Schwartz at 480-563-9708 or mschwartz@ccmcnet.com.
Happy planting!
-Max Schwartz is assistant community manager at Grayhawk Community Association.
Grayhawk Community Landscape Update August 2025
Our Work
• It’s a scorcher out there, and we’re crossing our fingers for some much-needed rain! Even with the heat, your dedicated crew is working diligently to keep your common areas looking their best.
• We’ve given the turf a boost by fertilizing, promoting its health and vitality.
• Our skilled irrigators are always on watch, monitoring and adjusting the irrigation system as needed. If it rains, they can reduce run times or even temporarily shut off the system – talk about smart water management!
• The crews have a keen eye on your plants, diligently watching for any signs of heat-related stress, especially those plants near hard, reflective surfaces like curbs, streets or walls.
• The crew is busy trimming low-hanging branches and elevating tree canopies to keep pathways clear and trees looking their best. They’re also addressing suckers, which are non-branch growths that can steal nutrients from trees. Specialized equipment like our sweeper trucks aid our crews in cleaning up fallen bean pods.
• We prepare for monsoon season well in advance!But if storm-damaged trees obstruct roads after work hours, our emergency crew responds. During the day, the on-site crew handles fallen branches and other cleanup.
• Good news! Our specialized Arbor crew has finished pruning pre-selected trees above contract height. This month, they’ll spend one additional day pruning trees selected by the board.
Landscaping Tips
When monsoon storms arrive, DLC’s emphasis shifts to cleanup and repair. Typically, summer storms occur late in the day after crews have left the property.
For emergency storm response, such as trees blocking streets or sidewalks, please call the GCA Office.
For damaged trees in your own yard:
• Typically, DLC recommends removing trees leaning more than 45 degrees in any direction or any tree where the root ball has been uprooted. When in doubt, consult a certified arborist.
• If you have a young tree (one year or less) that sustains storm damage, but believe it can be salvaged, restake the tree. This helps it regain trunk strength.
• When doing any tree maintenance: wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed shoes, safety glasses, a hard hat and gloves to help prevent injury.
• Only prune what you’re comfortable with starting from the ground. Pruning higher branches often requires specialized tools.
For more helpful tips, visit our Learning Center at dlcresources.com/learning-center.
The Tarco vacuum truck helps our crew clear debris efficiently as they work in your community. Follow @DLC.Resources on Instagram for more landscaping tips and photos!
