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FEATURES
VISION
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.
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 8am-5pm
Stacey Harvey Executive Director sharvey@ccmcnet.com
Ashley Scott Community Manager ascott@ccmcnet.com
Jenn Sheets Director of Communications jsheets@ccmcnet.com
Ashlie Adamscheck Lifestyle Director aadamscheck@ccmcnet.com
Briana (Bri) Minjarez Administrative Assistant bminjarez@ccmcnet.com
Max Schwartz Administrative Assistant mschwartz@ccmcnet.com
Richard Dearo Facilities Director rdearo@ccmcnet.com
Rudy Martinez
Maintenance Lead
Chantel Martin
Maintenance Assistant
Martha Castaneda
Maintenance Assistant
Manager’s Corner
At the October 7, 2024, Grayhawk Community Association (GCA) and Retreat Village Association (RVA) Board meetings, the Board of Directors of both associations approved the Budget/Finance Committee’s recommended 2025 operating budgets. The approved budgets result in an $8.10 per month increase ($24.30 quarterly increase) in the GCA assessment and a $12.20 per month increase ($36.60 quarterly increase) in the RVA assessment, if you are a member of the Retreat Village. The Retreat Village and Pinnacle neighborhoods were all approved with varying increases in 2025. Both the GCA and the RVA Board of Directors approved the funding level for each association’s capital reserve fund to the recommended funding level in the GCA and RVA updated reserve studies.
In December you will receive a quarterly statement from our office which will reflect the new assessment rate for 2025. If you would like to sign up for eStatements, you can do so by scanning the QR code or using the link provided on your December statement. CCMC provides a variety of payment options, including recurring payments. Visit ccmcnet.com/portal for more information.
Your monthly GCA assessment is used to pay for a wide range of services that affect all of you including the landscape maintenance throughout the community, the GCA office staff, 24-hour community patrol, maintenance of the community and neighborhood amenities such as ramadas and playground areas, community events and activities, and capital reserve funding.
The GCA’s operating budget for 2025 includes the following notable changes:
• Insurance costs were budgeted with an estimated increase of 19%.
• The Landscape Repairs category reflects an increase of 15% due to an increase in allocation for annual plant replacement.
• Irrigation Repairs increased by 50% due to the age of the infrastructure of the community.
• Miscellaneous Repairs increased by 36%, this is based on an increase in costs associated with dog station supplies, bee removal and general maintenance supplies.
• Water increased by 24% based on the City of Scottsdale’s forecasted rate increase and historical usage.
• Reserve Account funding increased 27% to recommended 2025 reserve study levels.
The Board of Directors of both the GCA and the RVA continue to adhere to their responsibility as fiduciaries of these non-profit corporations and expend the Association’s funds as prudently as possible. The Budget/Finance Committee and both the GCA and the RVA Board of Directors are to be commended for continuing to display fiscal responsibility with your assessment funds.
On another note, please join your Grayhawk neighbors by participating in some or all of the holiday programs scheduled in December. These include Holiday Howl at the Hawk, Evening Breakfast with Santa and Celebrate Hanukkah. Also, please remember to stop by the Cocoa Hut in Montevina.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Executive Director, Grayhawk
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 Flight. GCA shall not be held liable or responsible for any misleading or incorrect advertising.
Grayhawk Master Association Board of Directors Meeting
November 4, 2024
HOMEOWNER FORUM
A homeowner in Retreat commented that the recent striping along Grayhawk Drive looks great and is a big improvement.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Paul Alessio presented information from the Development Committee report. Axon has submitted a request to the city to amend the zoning for their land from light industrial to include residential as well as food and entertainment. These requests will need to be reviewed and approved by the planning board before the estimated groundbreaking that will occur in 2 to 2 ½ years.
9400 East Bell – This land is fully cleared and ready for the infrastructure to begin for a 52 lot home subdivision.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Don Morse reported that the committee met on October 28. Patrol reported some recent transient trespassing occurrences and that they have been coordinating with Scottsdale police. Additional patrols occurred for Halloween especially on Phantom Way. There were some traffic issues with the holiday and management will reach out to homeowners about closing additional areas of the street for trick-or-treaters next year. Patrols (4 RUNNER) vehicle’s lease is up next year and the committee is looking at replacing it with a new 4-Runner. Current technology prohibits a hybrid option that can still accommodate the towing of the Party Trailer which is needed for the community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2024-2025 Grayhawk Community Association
David Van Omen President
Paul Alessio Vice President
Derek Moore Treasurer
Richard Zielinski Secretary
Randy Brown Director
Arlene Smith Director
Don Morse Director
2024-2025 Retreat Village Association
Michael Loya President
Don Morse Vice President
Richard Fowler Treasurer
Jim Ball Secretary
The committee discussed a home in Pinnacle that experienced significant damage due to a vehicle hitting the house. Repairs are anticipated to take place this week.
The committee is working on office considerations as well as alternatives for storage units to accommodate maintenance and Lifestyle supplies.
LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
Arlene Smith reported that the Landscape Committee met on November 4. The committee discussed the Bermuda grass transition this year and different techniques for future transitions. The committee will be making a recommendation to the board at the March 2025 meeting for the process to be used for Summer 2025 grass.
The landscape committee identified seven tot lots within The Park that would benefit from landscape enhancements. DLC provided proposals which includes plant replenishment, riprap and boulders. This project comes from a strategic planning directive to review the plant material within Grayhawk. While a 3rd party advised the plant density is adequate for the community, the committee has started to look at high profile areas for enhancements. The proposal from DLC Resources for $120,599 was sent to Community Enhancement for review.
The Landscape Committee reviewed a proposal to enhance two monuments, one at Pima & Thompson Peak Parkway and the other at Scottsdale & Thompson Peak Parkway was reviewed. Neither monument was included in the original Monument Enhancement Project that took place in 20212022. both will include additional plants, boulders, riprap and contouring mirroring the look of the Montevina monument. The proposal from DLC Resources for $17,700.00 to complete enhancements at the monument at Pima and Thompson Peak and Scottsdale and Thompson Peak was sent to Community Enhancement for review.
Arlene shared that there are several Landscaping Events coming up in the near future which include:
Propagation Class November 12th (9-11am)
The Educational Garden Party November 20th (4-6 pm)
Plant-it-Forward November 20-21
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
John Williams Director
Ashley Scott reported that the committee met on October 22. The Community Enhancement Committee reviewed the Tot Lot Enhancement Proposal and the Monument Enhancement Proposal presented by The Landscape Committee and recommend that the GCA Board approve both proposals.
A motion was made to table the Tot Lot Enhancement Proposal from DLC for $120,599 until December and management was asked to seek a 3rd party to review the pricing of the proposal. Seconded and Motion Passes.
Motion to approve the proposal from DLC for a total of $17,700 to complete enhancement at the monument at Pima an Thompson Peak and Scottsdale and Thompson Peak. Seconded and Motion Passes.
The committee reviewed a request from Encore to modify the projects within their approved submittal for the 2024 Condominium Community Enhancement Program. Part of Encores approved submittal included $6,000 for the purchase and installation of a storage shed. The Encore board investigated the project further and decided that there really was not a suitable location for the shed. The committee recommends that the GCA board review an alternative project for Encore so the community does not miss out on the funding.
Motion to approve an alternative and qualifying project for Encore for the 2024 Condominium Community Enhancement Program not to exceed the original funding level of $18,500. Seconded and Motion Passes.
EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE
Ashlie Adamscheck reported that the Landscape Committee met on October 21 and is happy to report that the recent Red Cross Blood Drive provided 26 units of donated blood which is an incredible turn out from the community!
The Pumpkin Patch was a great success with over 258 people attending.
Upcoming events include Flannel Fest which includes BBQ from Little Miss BBQ, live music, line dancing lessons, a mechanical bull and much more.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Michael Loya reported that committee met on November 2nd and have been discussing the communication plan for the upcoming community vote on HS2298 which addresses enforcement on public roadways.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Paul Alessio reported that the committee reviewed 13 submittals on October 2nd and 14 submittals on October 16th. Submittals included roof and window replacements, exterior lighting and landscaping projects. Paul suggested an article be published in an upcoming Flight regarding windows.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
David Van Omen reported that the committee discussed the December board meeting date, Vote HOA Now for the 2025 board elections, Engagement Letters for Tax/Audit, Monument Enhancement Proposal and the request from Encore to modify their 2024 Community Enhancement Project.
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
Derek Moore reported that they did not meet.
CONDOMINIUM BOARD PRESIDENTS COMMITTEE
David Van Omen reported they did not meet.
NEW BUSINESS
2025 GCA Annual Meeting On-Line Voting Proposal –In 2022 Grayhawk Community Association began utilizing electronic voting options for the convenience of homeowners. Vote HOA Now utilizes a website platform for residents to access via a single use personal identification code. Motion to approve the proposal for the 2025 Annual Election at costs of $2,115 for election processing and up to $3,800 for additional printing/postage costs. Motion Seconded and Motion Passes.
Motion to change the December board meeting date be from December 2 and December 9 to allow additional time for preparation due to staff vacations and office closure during the week of Thanksgiving. Motion Seconded, Motion Passes. Motion to schedule the Board “After Holiday” Party Date on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Motion Seconded and Motion Passes.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Derek Moore reported that the most recent financials reflect expenses of $8,800 more than budgeted for the month which was due to storm damage and general landscape costs. The Community Enhancement fund is just over $4 million.
MANAGEMENT REPORT
Management has been working on the 2025 Budget notification letters to homeowners. Letters will be sent in November to all GCA along with neighborhood specific letters explaining their increase.
Scottsdale Design Build is waiting on their insurance provider to complete needed paperwork for the Ramada and Mailbox update project. Once received the Board will review before and modifications begin.
GCA Office Holiday Hours
The GCA Office will be closing at 3 p.m. on the following days:
• Monday, December 23
• Monday, December 30
The GCA Office will be closed on the following days:
• December 24
• December 25
• December 31
• January 1
Please note that Retreat Village Association transponders will not be installed on any days that the office is closed
Vendor Hours
• December 24 (Christmas Eve Day): Quiet Work only between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• December 25 (Christmas Day): No vendors permitted
• December 31 (New Year’s Eve Day): Quiet Work only between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• January 1 (New Year’s Day): No vendors permitted
Trash and Recycle Hours
• Recycle will be picked up on Tuesday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 31.
• Trash collection will be moved from Friday, December 27 to Saturday, December 28.
• Trash collection will be moved from Friday, January 3 to Saturday, January 4.
City of Scottsdale Brush and Bulk Pickup
Brush and Bulk Pickup will take place in Grayhawk the week of December 30. Please have items placed parallel to the street on your front property line by 5 a.m. on December 30. The crew responsible for brush and bulk collection visits the neighborhood once within the scheduled week and will not return for piles that were placed after servicing the street.
Residents may place bulk/brush out for collection no sooner than 3 days prior to the Monday of scheduled collection week. For more information on residential trash, recycle or brush and bulk please visit the City of Scottsdale website at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/solid-waste.
Trash Talk
The City of Scottsdale collects pink (recycle) bins on black (trash) bins on Thursdays. For more information on regular trash or recycle collections, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/ solid-waste. Also, please remember that:
• Bins must be stored out of public view when they are not on the street for pickup. Please store bins behind a solid fence or in your garage.
• Bins should only be placed on the street, never on the curb or obstructing the sidewalk, to allow for easy pick-up and safe pedestrian travel.
• Bins should not be placed on the street earlier than 3 p.m. the day before collection and must be removed no later than 10 a.m. the day after collection.
DECEMBER EVENTS
Howl at the Hawk
Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
McDowell Room at the Grayhawk Golf Club, 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tis the season to eat, drink, dance and be Merry! Celebrate with your neighbors while enjoying cold drinks, warm hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats. Don’t miss out on the first class live entertainment by AZ Dueling Pianos, performing some holiday classics, everyone’s favorite top hits and all your requests! Because of the concept’s focus on audience engagement and interaction, the dueling piano musical repertoire generally consists of up-tempo pop and classic rock music that is easy to sing along with Don’t forget your dancing shoes! Cost per person is $60 prior to Nov. 24 and includes incredible entertainment, heavy appetizers, dessert, one drink ticket and great photo opportunities with friends! Registrations received after Nov. $24 will increase to $100 per person. Registration and payment must be received by Nov. 27 Seats are limited and will fill up fast. A big thank you to Bankers Trust for sponsoring this event!
Santa Party:
Breakfast for Dinner and Pajama Party
Sunday, Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fairway House at the Grayhawk Golf Club Ho! Ho! Ho! It's time for Santa's annual visit to Grayhawk. Grab your favorite pair of PJs and join us for an evening full of magical holiday cheer including crafts, gifts, treats and more. We will serve breakfast for dinner for the kids and a selection of appetizers and a cash bar for the adults. There will be a hot chocolate station to warm you up and get you in the Holiday spirit. Cost is $30 for adults, $20 for kids if registration is received Dec. 8. Registration after Dec. 8 is $60 for adults and $40 for kids. The last day to register is Dec. 11. Space is limited and this event may sell out.
Parents should drop off a wrapped gift at the GCA office for Santa to give your child by no later than Dec. 11 to hold your spot. Clearly mark your child's first name, last name, and age on the gift. Register and pay at www.grayhawkcommunity.org. A big thanks to Jeremy Mueller with State Farm for sponsoring this event!
Hanukkah Celebration
Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
GCA Office Talon Room
Happy Hanukkah! All residents are invited to enjoy a pre-Hanukkah celebration at the GCA office. Since we are celebrating early there will not be a traditional lighting of the Menorah, but you can expect delicious latkes, a light meal from JJ’s Deli, sweets, great music, and fun activities for the kids. Cost to participate is $5 for kids 3 and up and $10 per adult. Register and pay online at www.grayhawkcommunity.org by Dec. 12.
JANUARY EVENTS
Sourdough Making Class
Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Talon Room, GCA Office
SCAN TO REGISTER FOR ALL CURRENT GRAYHAWK EVENTS
Join us for this class run by Kelley McCormick with Waking Up To Wellness to learn how to make your own sourdough. (https://wakinguptowellness.life/sourdough) Sourdough is the process of fermenting the grains so that your bread is easier to digest and move nutrient dense. In this class you'll learn about the fermentation process, see demos, try lots of samples, receive a recipe packet, and go home with your own starter to begin your sourdough journey. Cost for the class is $40 per person. Register at www.grayhawkcommunity.org by Friday, Jan. 10.
Hawk Talk: Protect Your Wealth – Smart Solutions for a Secure Future
Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Talon Room, GCA Office
Join the Bankers Trust team for a night of charcuterie, wine, and smart strategies to protect and grow your wealth. Discover tailored banking and investment solutions that provide security and peace of mind as we age gracefully, or help loved ones navigate their later years. Register at www.grayhawkcommunity.org by Monday, Jan. 20.
Curbside Bicycles Pop-Up Shop
Sunday, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2
Bike drop off at 9 a.m. (pick up time may vary depending on amount of bikes dropped off)
Curbside Bicycles is teaming up with Grayhawk to offer affordable and convenient bicycle repair pop-up shops around the community! Ian is giving an exclusive $10 discount to Grayhawk residents, offering a comprehensive tune-up for only $85 per bike with a same day turnaround. Registration is required at info@curbsidebicycles.com or 608- 571-7330. Find more information at www.curbsidebicycles.com/phoenix
POP-UP SHOP LOCATION & SCHEDULE:
Sunday, Jan. 26 - Talon Retreat/Peregrine Pool (Talon & Raptor Residents only)
Sunday, Feb. 2 - Grayhawk Event Greenbelt at 78th Pl and 78th Way
Painting Class with Nancy Troupe
Thursday, Jan. 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Talon Room, GCA Office
Join neighbors for a fun and easy painting experience for beginners and experts alike! Follow along with step-by-step instructions as artist Nancy Troupe takse you through completing your own 16x20 masterpiece in two hours. Connect with friends, make new friends, and have a blast! Cost is $40 per person. Register online at www.grayhawkcommunity.org by Friday, Jan. 24. For more information, please visit Nancy Troupe’s website at http://www.nancytroupe.com/home-1.html
SAVE THE DATE
Make sure you are signed up for The Buzz weekly eblast and following our social media channels for more information on these upcoming events. Register by visiting https://bit.ly/3CiK3Ru.
Daddy Daughter Dance
Saturday, Feb. 8, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Grayhawk Elementary School
Multipurpose room
Family BBQ and Movie Night
Friday, March 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Grayhawk Neighborhood Park
Grayhawk
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Grayhawk Greenbelt
Michael Feinstein: My Tribute to Tony Bennett 3/3
Holiday Lights and Feeding Arizona’s Hungry Montevina Shares the Spirit of Giving
This holiday season marks the 23rd year that the residents of Grayhawk’s Montevina neighborhood have been spreading holiday cheer with their overthe-top lights, music and goodwill. Hundreds of cars pass through each week every December to enjoy the spectacle on Rose Garden Lane, as life-sized snowmen, manger scenes and reindeer delight children young and old.
Santa’s Cocoa Hut, which sits near the entrance, is definitely the highlight. Visitors are handed hot cocoa and cookies by Montevina resident volunteers in exchange for non-perishable food items or cash donations for St. Mary’s Food Bank.
The neighborhood has raised thousands and pounds of food and a ton of money over the years, helping to feed our Valley neighbors who are living with hunger. In 2023, Montevina neighbors collected $20,000 and 4,368 pounds of canned
goods, providing 101,124 meals to those in need.
So this December, make sure to stop shopping, baking and wrapping long enough to drive (or walk) over to Montevina and bask in the holiday glow. The Cocoa Hut will be open from December 1-December 25 seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Hunger in Arizona
According to St. Mary’s Food Bank, in Arizona, food insecurity is a problem 2 million Arizonans are faced with every year. Nearly 30% of our neighbors are considered working poor, living on wages that barely cover housing and other basic necessities.
With the support of generous donors and the help of over 600 partner agencies, St. Mary’s Food Bank distributed 102,227, 360 pounds of food last year throughout most of Arizona.
Recent Grayhawk Events
Flannel Fest
Educational Garden Party
Book Club Recommendations
In November, Grayhawk’s book clubs got together for their annual social. They ate, drank and each shared their favorite book of 2024.
The women compiled a list of their picks in hopes that their Grayhawk neighbors would be able to use the list to find their next book. They hope that you are inspired to read more in 2025!
If you don’t know where to start, the top three books were favorites or multiple book club members, so there is a good chance you’ll love one of those!
MOST FAVORITED OF 2024
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese Horse by Geraldine Brooks
HISTORICAL FICTION
A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci
All the Broken Places by John Boyne
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
James by Percival Everett
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
The Bird Hotel by Joyce Maynard
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
The Bria Club by Kate Quinn
The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barabra Davis
When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon
Winds of War by Herman Wouk
FICTION
A Girl Returned by Donatella di Pietrantonio
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusty Bowling
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The Borrowed Life of Fredrick Fife by Anna Johnston
The Home Front by Kristin Hannah
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
NON-FICTION
Dark Tide : The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puleo
Dead Wake : The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Vanderbilt by Anderson Cooper
