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
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
The holiday season is quickly approaching and Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. This is a perfect time to reflect on all that we are thankful for in our lives. For some that may be their family, others, their health or friendships they have developed over the years.
I am fortunate to have the privilege of working with so many truly amazing people. I am thankful to work with the outstanding on-site staff at the Grayhawk Community Association. Ashley Scott, Jennifer Sheets, Ashlie Adamscheck, Max Schwartz, Briana Minjarez, Richard Dearo, Chantel Martin, Martha Castaneda and Rudy Martinez are all extremely dedicated and professional employees, and I don’t think I have ever worked with a better group of people. I am also thankful to work for a company like CCMC who gives us the necessary support and guidance to effectively do our jobs at the on-site association office.
I am also thankful to work with a talented and devoted Board of Directors for the Grayhawk Community Association and the Retreat Village Association. These homeowner board members all have a true passion for the community of Grayhawk and a desire to make this an even better place in which to live. I am also thankful for the work that is done by the many homeowner committee members who volunteer their time by contributing their knowledge and experience toward the betterment of this great community.
I am thankful for those of you who attend and take part in the many social events that we have throughout the year. It is because of you that these events continue to be successful and distinguish Grayhawk from most other communities.
I sincerely appreciate all of you as homeowners, as you show such outstanding pride of ownership in your property and in doing so, help to make Grayhawk one of the Valley’s premier communities.
Finally, I think we should all be thankful to be living in such a beautiful area of this great country, especially this time of year when the weather finally starts to cool off!
On another note, the Grayhawk Community Association (GCA) and Retreat Village Association (RVA) Annual Meetings, which are held every year in March, will be here before you know it. It is not too early to begin thinking about running for election to the Board of Directors. We will be electing four members to the GCA Board of Directors and three members to the RVA Board of Directors. If you have questions regarding these elections or what is involved in serving on the Board of Directors, please feel free to contact me.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
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
October 7, 2024
HOMEOWNER FORUM
A homeowner in Los Vientos expressed concerns about a tennis coach utilizing the court next to her home for private lessons. The board explained that it is a Retreat Village matter and they will look into the situation.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Paul Alessio thanked Jim Ball for the written report. He reported that a deal between American Semiconductor Materials has been approved to build a 400,000 sq. foot office building on a 23-acre site on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Rd. and the Loop 101.
Plans submitted by Banner Health for a 119,000 square foot medical building west of the northwest corner of Hayden Rd. and Mayo Blvd. have been approved by the City of Scottsdale Development Review Board.
The Mack Development property is fully cleared and ready to being infrastructure.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Don Morse reported that the committee met on September 23. Pete Day shared with the committee that there has been a decrease in disturbances since school started. Garda is currently fully staffed at Grayhawk.
The committee is currently working with Maintenance Supervisor, Richard Dearo to find alternative storage solutions as there are currently two units being rented at an off-site storage facility for maintenance and event supplies. They are currently awaiting bids for storage containers that would be kept at the landscape yard and are also considered utilizing the Raptor Room for storage.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Van Omen
The committee also reviewed a resident request to paint curbing in front of mailboxes. For a variety of reasons, including inability to monitor public streets in The Park and maintenance/upkeep, the committee did not feel this was a possibility. They are recommending increased communication reminding homeowners not to park in front of mailboxes for long periods of time.
LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
Arlene Smith reported that the ad hoc committee met in the Educational Garden at the end of September to discuss the loss of plants due to the summer heat. About a dozen plants will be replaced under warranty, and the committee requested some additional plants to fill out a few areas in the garden.
Fall planting will begin at the end of October. Sidewalk replacements around the Community are underway and overseeding for the Fall is underway.
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Ashley Scott reported that the committee did not meet.
EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE
Ashlie Adamscheck reported that the most recent event was the Stargazing Event, which had about 60 people in attendance. The Tequila Tasting has been cancelled due to lack of registration.
Upcoming events include the Red Cross Blood Drive on October 16 in the Talon Room and Pumpkin Patch on October 26 which is always a popular event!
There is also a Hawk Talk scheduled for October 30 which will cover online scams and identity theft. On November 10 we will host Flannel Fest in the Grayhawk Event Greenbelt. This event will include live music and food from Little Miss BBQ.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Jennifer Sheets reported that last month there had been some discussion about the recommendation the committee was making for the Grayhawk Flight in 2025.
The committee is recommending that the magazine is printed once a quarter and to utilize the quarterly billing inserts for additional communication. It will not include a digital issue on month’s that there is no print issue.
Motion to revise the committee’s recommendation to print The Flight once a quarter and to utilize the quarterly billing inserts for additional communication with the intention to phase out print editions in 2026. The motion was seconded and passed 5-2.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Paul Alessio reported that the committee reviewed 5 submittals on September 3 and 15 submittals on September 17. Submittals included roof and front door replacements, as well as landscaping, exterior lights and solar panels.
Paul Alessio also shared that the committee had recently celebrated Barry Ebert’s retirement following his many years of service to the Grayhawk Community Association.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
David Van Omen reported that the committee had discussed the draft budget for 2025, legislative updates and the ramada and mailbox enhancement project.
BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE
Derek Moore reported that the committee had finalized the draft budget for 2025. The proposed draft budget has a $8.10 per month increase in assessments in 2025 and funds $308,160 of the contribution to the reserve fund through the GCA operating account.
The Budget/Finance Committee is also recommending a $8.50 per month increase in the Pinnacle neighborhood assessment rate in 2025.
The Budget/Finance Committee and management recommended that the GCA Board of Directors approve the 2025 GCA and Pinnacle neighborhood operating budgets as submitted. Motion passed.
CONDOMINIUM BOARD PRESIDENTS COMMITTEE
David Van Omen reported they did not meet.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Derek Moore reported the GCA was under budget $8,700 for the year. The special events category is under budget due to timing on events and the landscape maintenance category is over for the month but under budget year to date.
MANAGEMENT REPORT
Stacey Harvey reported that Max, Ashley and Stacey attended an industry class entitled "Keeping Composure Through Conflict."
Ashlie Adamscheck attended Grayhawk Elementary’s Walk to School Day on September 25 and assisted the PTO with handing out breakfast to families that were encouraged to walk to school instead of drive.
Save the Date for the DLC sponsored Annual Volunteer Breakfast, which will be held on November 19 at 9 a.m.
The Board approved holiday lighting project has begun with the installation of string lights in trees and cacti at major intersections underway.
Mandy Patinkin 2/24
The Tenors 2/14
Michael Feinstein: My Tribute to Tony Bennett 3/3
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Make A Difference Day - Adopt-a-Road Clean Up
Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Meet at the GCA Office, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. #102
Calling all volunteers! In an effort to keep our community beautiful, we are looking for volunteers to help us on this Make A Difference Day. The City of Scottsdale will provide all volunteers with gloves, trash bags, safety vests, and cold waters. Meet in the GCA office at 8 a.m. to receive instruction, and then will start walking the trails along Hayden Road north of Thompson Peak Parkway. The walk will be approximately 1 mile each direction, a little over two miles in total after both sides of the road are cleaned. All volunteers 17 years of age and under must come with a guardian. This is a great way to complete community service hours for school. Please register at grayhawkcommunity.org to sign up today!
Flower Bouquet Making Class with Poppies Flowers
Thursday, Nov. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Talon Room, GCA Office
Embark on a creative journey with our Floral Design Class, where the artistry of blooms comes to life in your hands. Whether you're a budding enthusiast or an aspiring florist, this class is designed to ignite your passion for flowers and hone your skills in the timeless craft of floral arrangement. Led by seasoned floral designers from Poppies Flowers, this hands-on class covers the fundamentals of working with various flowers, foliage, and other botanical elements. Cost is $50 per person. A minimum of 10 participants is required. Register by Nov. 1 on grayhawkcommunity.org.
Flannel Fest
Sunday, Nov. 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Way & 78th Pl
Throw on your best flannel and join us for all things country. We'll have award-winning BBQ from Little Miss BBQ, live music, line dancing lessons, a mechanical bull, horseshoes, a pony ring, and more! Dress the part because prizes will be awarded for the best dressed cowboy, cowgirl and lil' buckaroo. Cost is $5 for kids 3-11 years old, $10 for anyone 12 years and older and free for those 2 and younger. Registration and payment are due no later than Sunday, Nov. 3. We will accept registrations until noon on Nov. 7, but the cost will be $10 for kids and $20 for 12 and older. We will not be accepting walk-ups to this event. Special thanks to Starlight Roofing and Jeremy Mueller at State Farm for making this event possible! Register at grayhawkcommunity.org.
DLC Propagating Class
Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Starting in GCA Talon Room then will head out into the community
Join DLC and resident Plant guru Victoria Kauzlarich to learn how to propagate plants. Propagating is the process of taking a trimming from a plant and growing a brand new one. DLC and Victoria will walk you through the easy process of propagating a variety of desert plants. Participants will be able to practice their new skills on a desert plant and get to bring home their own potted clipping! Cost is $3 per person. Register at grayhawkcommunity.org by Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Yoga at the Grayhawk Greenbelt
Saturday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Way and 78th Pl
Emma Pigeon Yoga and Nekter Juice Bar are teaming up to bring you a totally free all-ages 45-minute yoga session in the Grayhawk Greenbelt. Led by delightful instructors and followed by refreshing drinks to keep you feeling your best. Come flow with us and enjoy some sweet deals from Nekter Juice Bar and Emma Pigeon Yoga! Register at https://bit.ly/3Yw5VjR.
Educational Garden Opening
Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Corner of 76th St and E. Whitetail Way (across from Grayhawk Elementary School)
Join us for an afternoon garden party as we celebrate the grand opening of our new Educational Garden as an exciting new addition to the Grayhawk community. Enjoy a selection of mocktails and sweet treats while exploring the beautifully designed garden, a testament to the dedicated efforts of the Landscape Committee and DLC Resources. Please register at grayhawkcommunity.org by Monday, Nov. 18.
DECEMBER EVENTS
Santa Party: Breakfast for Dinner and Pajama Party
Sunday, Dec. 15 from 5:30 p.m. 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!
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!
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.
aadamscheck@ccmcnet.com
Gratitude: Good for Your Health
Most people don’t take the time to think about the small things they encounter in life, although there are many things that likely bring us joy on a daily basis. Research shows that gratitude can have a wide-range of psychological and physical benefits, including better sleep, more success at work, improved relationships and more energy.
While the Thanksgiving holiday is a good reminder to convey our appreciation, we should probably do it every day! Whether say it out loud or write it down in a gratitude
Ashley Scott
My Saturday morning walks to Starbucks with my family
Max Schwartz
Football from September to February!
Richard Dearo
• Bullet points
• My cell phone
• My dog
• Modern conveniences
• Bagels and cream cheese
Ashlie Adamscheck
Friends that live far but are the closest
Chantel Broomfield
My dog, rabbit and family
journal, we encourage you to improve your quality of life by expressing your gratitude daily.
Below are a few things that members of your Grayhawk team are grateful for. WE ALSO WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Pop over to our Facebook Page (facebook.com/ GrayhawkAZ) and share what you are thankful for in the pinned post. On November 20, we will randomly select one person who comments to win a $50 gift card to AJ’s to help with your Thanksgiving spread!
Jenn Sheets
Chick-fil-A Diet Coke and my sports wagon
Stacey Harvey
My first cup of morning coffee, sunscreen and my Ugg robe
Rudy Martinez
My friends and family
Bri Minjarez
Comfy clothes after a long day
Martha Ruiz
Coworkers, family and friends
Elf, Jr. is Coming to Grayhawk Elementary School!
Grayhawk Elementary School’s thriving after-school theater program will soon welcome Buddy, Jovie, and, of course Santa, to its stage. A 35-member cast of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders will bring this holiday hit to life in late November!
Now in its fourth year, the Grayhawk Elementary theater program is about so much more than just acting, singing, dancing and putting on a show. The students get an opportunity to discover gifts and talents they may not have realized they had and a place where they can all flourish. The program helps to inspire their imagination and develop their creativity while learning important life skills such as learning to face their fears, problem solving when on stage, communicating with peers from other grades and speaking in front of large groups of people.
Theater can bring a shy person out of their shell and teach all students the importance of teamwork, friendship and family. Theater also allows kids to learn and grow, to step into a world of imagination and discover things about themselves. It provides an opportunity to act a little goofy, to shine on stage and have a whole lot of fun!
Most importantly, students learn that you may not always get the role that you want but that's ok. As our theater director explains to them, ‘it’s not the role you get, it’s how you play that role!’ A life lesson that will hopefully pay dividends for our students in years to come.
Multiple performances of this must-see performance are scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd and will be held in the school's multi-purpose room. Tickets will be available in advance and at the door. Join us to kick off the holiday season in style and maybe catch a future Broadway star at your neighborhood school!
COVENANTS CORNER
Grayhawk is nearing 30 years as a community, and a major focus of the Grayhawk Community Association (GCA) Board of Directors, Retreat Village Association (RVA) Board of Directors and Architectural Review Committee is to increase property values. Many of the recent and upcoming community projects like monument enhancements and the guardhouse remodel project were intended to keep the original design and feel of the community, while allowing for a fresher and more updated design.
As a homeowner, you can also help keep the community looking fantastic. Like most HOAs, Grayhawk does have set guidelines and documents that dictate how the exterior of your home should be maintained. The guidelines help provide a visual identity for the community and specifically call out what is and is not allowed in order to maintain property values.
That being said, GCA staff inspects the community regularly to ensure that community standards are upheld. While we know that receiving a courtesy notice can be frustrating, our goal is to create a well-maintained community that everyone in Grayhawk can be proud to call home.
While property tours and sending violations are necessary for the overall community, we ultimately want
ON TIME, ON BUDGET
FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND
YOUR CONTRACTOR OF INTEGITY!
to help homeowners understand the requirements and work as a team to bring each home into compliance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss any questions that you may have.
WHAT WE’RE NOTICING NOW
On recent property tours GCA staff members have noticed that many address numbers are needing a little love. Whether you replace, paint or repair them, it is imperative that street numbers are visible from the street, day and night. This is not only for aesthetics, but also for emergency vehicles and visitors to be able to quickly and safely locate a home.
If you are thinking about updating your address numbers and need some direction, a one-sheet for street numbers can be found at https://bit.ly/ ModificationGuidelines. Please remember that you must submit to the Architectural Review Committee for approval prior to starting any work. More information about the Architectural Review Committee process, including meeting dates and submittal forms can be found at https://bit.ly/ARCprocess.
2025 Budget Approval and Updates
By Derek Moore, Treasurer of the GCA Board of Directors and Chair of the Budget/Finance Committee
At the October community meeting the board and residents in attendance discussed the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025.
As residents of Grayhawk, maintaining fiscal strength and level of service is paramount now and in the future. The recommendations approved for 2025 provide the appropriate funding level for expected operating costs as well as maintaining healthy reserve levels for future expenditures.
A good way to think about the operating budget is that it covers day-to-day expenses of things needed to run our community.
The reserve budget is what is needed in accounts to fund future expected repairs and maintenance of community assets as well as unplanned repairs or replacements.
ASSESSMENTS IN 2025
The Grayhawk Master Association, Retreat Village Association, and neighborhoods will all see assessments increasing and CCMC will be communicating the updated levels towards the end of the year.
Prior to the recent inflationary period, the assessments were by and large little changed in the years prior.
While the latest year over year rate of change in the CPI (Consumer Price Index) has slowed to 2.4% as
of September, the embedded price increases are now installed in the economy and the cumulative effects of inflation mean most likely things are permanently more expensive.
From July 2020 through September 2024, the cumulative price changes measured by the CPI is over 22%. Even if the rate of change is 2.4% on a year over year basis today, that change is now compounded at much higher levels.
To put this into perspective, consider that prices went up in the last 4 years as much as they did the preceding 11 ½ years before that.
Other costs like insurance premiums had a more delayed reaction where they rose substantially in 2024 and are expected again to increase significantly in 2025. Anyone who has received their homeowner’s insurance renewal has seen that firsthand.
Thanks To Our Volunteer Finance Committee, Boards, and CCMC
Finally, I would like to thank the finance committee, board, other committees and CCMC members who put in quite a bit of time and effort working through the budgeting process.
This included the lengthy process of utilizing data to estimate future costs, reviewing reserve funding levels, and evaluating potential cost savings over numerous meetings that started in the summer.
