The Grayhawk Flight- December 2022

Chantel

Manager’s Corner

At the October 3, 2022 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 2023 operating budgets. The approved budgets result in a $6.00 per month increase in the GCA assessment and a $10.00 per month increase in the RVA assessment, if you are a member of the Retreat Village. The neighborhood assessment for Pinnacle was approved with a $6.00 per month increase in 2023 and the Retreat Village neighborhood were all approved with varying increases in 2023. 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.

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, and community events and activities.

The GCA’s operating budget for 2023 includes the following notable changes:

• Patrol Service - The patrol service expense reflects a $1.00 per hour increase in the wage rate for the patrol officers with Garda World Security Services that was previously approved by the GCA Board of Directors as part of the 5 year contract renewal approved in 2020.

• Landscape Maintenance - The landscape maintenance expense reflects a 3% increase in the landscape maintenance contract that was previously approved by the GCA Board of Directors.

• Salaries and Benefits - The salaries and benefits expense includes fully funding the Board-approved additional staff member along with cost of living increases.

• There are several other increases in budget line items including the GCA office lease expense, Newsletter expense and landscape repairs in 2023.

• Reserve Account funding increased to recommended 2023 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 the Holiday Happy Hour, Christmas Lights Parade, Holiday Wine & Wrap, Hanukkah Donut Decorating Party, and Holly Jolly Bingo. Also, please remember to stop by the cocoa shack in Montevina.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Stacey Harvey Grayhawk Community Manager

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.

Community Meetings

BOARD MEETINGS – DECEMBER 2022

Board meetings are open to residents and we encourage you to attend. Your involvement does make a difference!

Grayhawk Board of Directors

Monday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. Call the GCA Office at 480-563-9708 for more information. grayhawk_board@grayhawkcommunity.org

Grayhawk Board of Directors Executive Session Meeting

Monday, December 5 at 5 p.m. The Board of Directors will be meeting in Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. Section 33-1804 (A)(3).

Retreat Village Board of Directors

Monday, December 5 following the GCA Board meeting. Call the GCA Office at 480-563-9708 for more information.

retreat_board@grayhawkcommunity.org

Retreat Village Board of Directors Executive Session Meeting

Monday, December 5 at 5 p.m. The Board of Directors will be meeting in Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. Section 33-1804 (A)(3).

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Communications

Committee

Call Jennifer Sheets at 480-563-9708 for more information.

Event Planning Committee

Call Sarah Van Duyne at 480-563-9708 for more information.

Landscape Committee

Call Stacey Harvey at 480-563-9708 for more information.

Operational Review Committee

Call Stacey Harvey at 480-563-9708 for more information.

Architectural Review Committee

Tuesday, December 6 at 4:30 p.m. Call Ashley Scott at 480-563-9708 for more information.

OTHER ASSOCIATIONS

Avian Condominium Association Board Meeting

Call Associated Property Management 480-9411077 for details.

Cachet at Grayhawk Condominium Association Meeting

Tuesday, December 27 at 5 p.m. in the Cachet Clubhouse. Call FirstService Residential at 480-551-4300 for details.

Crown Point Board Meeting

Call Ashley Scott at 480-563-9708 for details.

Edge Condominium Association Board Meeting

Visit www.theedgegrayhawk.com or call 480-584-4647 for details.

Encore Condominium Association Board Meeting

Monday, December 19 at 6 p.m. via Zoom

Call Associated Property Management 480-941-1077 for details.

Tesoro Condominium Association Board Meeting

Call Associated Property Management 480-941-1077 for details.

Venu Condominium Association Board Meeting

Call Vision Community Management at 480759-4945

Village at Grayhawk Condominium Association Board Meeting

Thursday, December 8 at 4 p.m. Call FirstService Residential at 480-551-4300 for details.

Vintage Condominium Association Board Meeting

Call Associated Property Management at 480-941-1077 for details.

2022-2023

Grayhawk Community Association

David Van Omen

President

Paul Alessio Vice President

Derek Moore Treasurer

Richard Zielisnki Secretary

Randy Brown Director

Lou Ender Director

Don Morse Director

2022-2023 Retreat Village Association

Michael Loya President

Don Morse Vice President

Richard Fowler Treasurer

Steve Berk Secretary

Jim Ball Director

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.

Grayhawk Master Association Board of Directors Meeting – November 7, 2022

Development Committee

Don Morse reported that members had attended the 101 freeway road improvements meeting. The 101 improvements will improve a general purpose lane in both directions, among other improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin in summer/fall 2023 and completed in 2025.

Jim Ball reported that the dog park previously approved by the City of Scottsdale for placement near Thompson Peak Park is underway. The City of Scottsdale has already completed solicitations and secured both design and construction teams for the dog park. They are working with local power companies to determine restrictions and potential design considerations. Public outreach is tentatively scheduled for late 2022 or early 2023.

Operational Review Committee

Don Morse reported that there were no major incidents on Halloween. One neighborhood did close a street for a block party. The Association will work with homeowners in the future to make sure they are able to host block parties, but also that they go through appropriate channels to do so.

At their recent meeting, the Operations Committee reviewed a proposal submitted by Air Comm/Creative Communications for $15,811.10 for the replacement of the current repeater and two

way radio system located at the guardhouse. The current system was purchased in late 2012 as an upgrade from the previous analog technology to digital. With the age of the system and continuing evolution of technology, an upgrade is recommended to provide better communication and clearer voice recognition on the radios.

A motion was made and approved to accept the Proposal submitted by Air Comm to install a new repeater/Radio System for $15,811.10.

Landscape Committee

Arlene Smith reported that although there was not a committee meeting, she had met with committee members Martha Troy and Tim Mouer to look at the health of the winter Rye grass. Most of the greenbelts that were over-seeded looked green and lush; however, they found large patches of weeds/crab grasses and barren spots on slopes. DLC thinks the weed issues will be resolved after several mowings, they have re-seeded the bare spots. The committee is still waiting for the results of the soil analysis that was sent out in October.

Fall flowers have been planted in the monuments at Scottsdale & Grayhawk Drive, and in several Retreat pool areas.

DLC began pouring the concrete bench pads, beginning in Firenze, followed by the two on Grayhawk Drive and the final one in the Monterey neighborhood.

Paying Your 2023 Assessments

The Assessment notice for the first quarter of 2023 will be sent to all owners in December and is due January 1, 2023. Your assessment is considered late any more than 30 days past the due date.

MAIL

If you pay your assessment by mail, please remember to adjust your payment amount and mail your assessment payment to the address listed on the statement to facilitate processing.

ONLINE

If you pay your assessment through our online portal with Pacific Western Bank, please remember to adjust your payment amount.

BILL PAY

If you pay your assessments through bill pay through your own bank, please reach out to them to adjust your payment amount.

DIRECT DEBIT

If you pay your assessments through direct debit, you do not have to adjust your payment. The amount will be automatically adjusted.

Please visit Grayhawkcommunity.org for more information on assessment payment options or to view the 2023 assessment rates by neighborhood.

The fall Plant it Forward event generated about 50 cacti and succulent pups. DLC has identified several areas to replenish.

Community Enhancement Committee

Ashley Scott reported that the committee did not meet.

Event Planning Committee

Sarah Van Duyne reported the Pumpkin Patch had been extremely successful. It was the first time things really felt “back to normal” since Covid.

Paws at the Park was also successful, with an estimated 300 people in attendance.

Sunday in the Park is taking place on November 13.

Communications Committee

Jennifer Sheets reported that the committee had recently reviewed a layout proposal for the website redesign and all agreed the changes were great. The next step is CivicPlus creating a mock-up with everything (colors, etc.) in place for the committee to review.

The committee also discussed the Annual Meeting and started a discussion on Grayhawk Flight improvements.

Upon request from the Board of Directors, CompuNet provided a proposal for an additional microphone that will allow for either a lavalier or handheld option for anyone in the room/at the podium.

A motion was made and approved to accept the CompuNet proposal for new microphones at a total of $1,585.85, which includes $865.85 for hardware and $720.00 for installation service.

Architectural Review Committee

Paul Alessio reported that the committee had reviewed 12 submittals at the October 4 meeting and six submittals at the October 18 meeting.

The committee has finally finished selecting new paint colors for all of the neighborhoods. This project took longer than the previous paint selections due to the fact the committee was removing old paint colors rather than just adding new colors to the existing palette.

Budget/Finance Committee

Derek Moore reported that the committee did not meet.

Executive Committee

David Van Omen reported that the committee did not meet.

Condo Board Presidents Meeting

David Van Omen reported that topics at the meeting included how boards were currently holding their meetings (in-person, hybrid or virtually).

The group also discussed how much each association was having to raise assessments to account for inflation.

There was discussion of vehicle charging stations, but ultimately it was determined that there were a number of obstacles in installing those.

The next meeting is scheduled in January and the group will discuss water conservation.

Treasurer’s Report

Derek Moore reported that the income is under budget due to a bad debt write-off. Water expense was down due to storms, however, there was nearly $30,000 in storm damage caused by storms as well.

Management Report

Stacey Harvey reported that management was invited by the Grayhawk Golf Club Director of Golf Joe Shershenovich to attend a drought update meeting held by the City of Scottsdale at their Water Campus off of Hualapai Drive. David Van Omen attended along with Stacey Harvey and Ashley Scott. A presentation was made regarding the drought Arizona is facing and steps City of Scottsdale is taking for water conservation.

Randy Brown, Don Morse and Stacey met with Frank Civil Consulting to discuss the board approved street analysist project.

Dave Deatherage, Copper State Engineering, performed a walk of the Deer Valley Channel and Drop Basin with Stacey and David. His initial assessment did not identify any key issues to immediately address but a detailed report will be forthcoming.

In & Around Grayhawk

Arizona Helping Hands Pajama Drive

Dec. 1 – Dec. 16, Drop off at the GCA Office Mon- Fri, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7940 E. Thompson Peak pkwy. Ste. 102 Last year we brought in over 300 pairs of pajamas for children in foster care. Help us beat last years numbers! Did you know that many foster children go into foster homes with only the clothes on their backs? Many end up sleeping in their day clothing or under garments due to lack of available clothing. We hope to bring comfort to at least 100 foster children again this year with the Grayhawk Pajama Drive. Help us during this season of giving and collect cozy pajamas for boys and girls of all ages. The pajamas do need to be new with tags. They should also be pajamas that can be worn all year long and not just holiday styles. The ages range from 0-16 years, so all styles and sizes are greatly appreciated. We will have a box at the GCA office where they can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will also have a box at all GCA Holiday events to make it easy for collection. Help us bring comfort and joy to children in foster care in Arizona! Email Sarah with any additional questions at: svanduyne@ccmcnet.com.

Holiday Happy Hour

Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Jalapeno Inferno- Ghost Kitchen, 7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. D1 Feliz Navidad and Happy Holidays! Join neighbors for a night of sparkly lights, music, apps, cocktails, surprise raffles, games, and celebrating the Holidays with friends. We are hosting a cocktail party on the beautiful patio at Jalapeno Inferno’s Ghost Kitchen. Enjoy live music and sounds of the seasons with our very own Sinatra swooner, Garrad Perry. Jalapeno Inferno will be serving delicious appetizers and tasty drinks to keep you warm. This event is on the patio and will have fire pits and heaters all around to ensure all are comfortable, but be sure to dress warm! This is an outdoor event, so you are welcome to get wacky and tacky with Holiday sweaters, or as sparkly and glamorous as you like. Our secret voting committee may have a special prize for someone who gets voted “Best Dressed” during the event as well. Anyone who brings a new pair of pajamas to donate to our pajama drive will also receive an additional drink ticket. Cost to participate is $15 per person. Music, apps and your first drink are included in the $15 cost. Additional food and drinks can also be purchased separately. Cash bar will be open for the duration of the event. Seating is limited to 50 participants. Register by Monday, Dec. 5. Thanks to David Van Omen with Keller Williams NorthEast Valley for sponsoring this fantastic community event.

Impact Physical Therapy-Preventing/Treating Back Pain

Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6p.m. to 7 p.m. Talon Room, GCA Office, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Ste. 102

Is Back Pain preventing you from living a normal life? Join Impact Therapy to learn how to experience life without pain. An estimated 32 million Americans are suffering from back pain at this moment and about 80% will experience it at some point in their life. The goal of this presentation is to educate about back pain and learn how to prevent/treat back pain with exercise and movement examples. This class will consist of both an educational component and a movement component. Space is limited. Register at grayhawkcommunity.org by Tuesday, Dec. 6 to save your spot.

Christmas Lights Parade - LIGHT UP GRAYHAWK!

Saturday, Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Along 76th St. in the Park, Map will be emailed to participants and posted via social media leading up to the event Santa is coming to Grayhawk! We are bringing a night of enchantment to the families of Grayhawk with festive music, bright sparkly lights, and of course, SANTA! He will be riding through a neighborhood near you and his helpful elves will be handing out treats and toys to those watching and waving. Santa will be accompanied by our favorite DJ playing fun holiday tunes, so be prepared for stops and a quick dance along the way. After the parade walk down to the Christmas street in Montevina for some cocoa, cookies, and a chance to take a picture with Santa.

The best part of this parade is having resident participation! Do you have a local business you would like to showcase? We are having a battle of the businesses and will vote on who has the best in show for floats or vehicle decorations. Winner will get to sponsor an event of their choice at no cost in 2023!

In & Around Grayhawk

If you have a group interested in participating in the parade, email Sarah at svanduyne@ccmcnet.com. Residents and businesses can LIGHT UP your floats, vehicles, golf carts, trailers, vehicle, bikes, or anything you like and participate in the parade. Register at grayhawkcommunity.org by Thursday, Dec. 8 to receive the parade route map. Thank you to David Van Omen with Keller Williams NorthEast Valley and Jeremy Mueller with State Farm for sponsoring this incredible event.

Holiday Wine & Wrap

Tues., Dec. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

GCA- Talon Room, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Ste. 102 Bring a bottle, bring a friend, bring a friend with a bottle.. but also bring some wrapping paper and your holiday gifts and wrap them here at our office. The idea is to swap and share wrapping paper and wine with neighbors while wrapping your families presents away from the kiddos. If you are a little insecure about your wrapping skills, we have you covered! We will have some volunteer wrapping experts here to help! We will supply lots of scissors, tape, and gift tags for all to use. Be sure to register online to save your spot! RSVP at grayhawkcommunity.org by Fri., December 9.

floo-id YOGA in the Park

Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Way & 78th Pl, Park at 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. floo-id YOGA is a locally owned boutique yoga studio right off the 101 and Scottsdale Road, located in the same plaza as Whole Foods. They offer a wide variety of classes to accommodate all ages and skill levels to help you become a better version of yourself and has proven to aid in a healthier, physically fit and less stressful lifestyle. floo-id has been kind enough to host a class at no cost just for Grayhawk residents! This is a great way to clear your mind and social distance while exercising. Just bring your mat, a can-do attitude, and your body will do the rest. The class will take place in the narrow beginning section of the greenbelt that starts at the tunnel under the Thompson Peak Pkwy and Hayden intersection. Walk down, ride bikes over, or park in the Offices at Grayhawk Parking Lot and head down to the greenbelt from there. Please register online prior to class at grayhawkcommunity.org to help us coordinate with the instructors!

Hanukkah Donut Party

Wednedsay, Dec. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Raptor Room, GCA Office, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Ste. 102 Happy Chanukah! Residents are invited to enjoy a nice night decorating donuts, kids crafts, and music. We are providing light appetizers, and adults are welcome to bring a bottle of wine to share while mingling with neighbors. This is a free event but registration is required at grayhawkcommunity.org by Friday, Dec.16. Thank you to David Van Omen with Keller Williams NorthEast Valley for supporting community events.

Holly Jolly Bingo

Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Virtual via Zoom, Zoom link will be emailed to participants two days prior to event

Join us this month to play an interactive game of Bingo from the comfort of your own home via Zoom! We will have opportunities for holiday song sing alongs and chances to win prizes like a $100-$15 Amazon and Target gift cards. Register at Grayhawkcommunity.org by the end of the day on Fri., Dec. 16. We will email you the link to print off your own cards at home once registration has closed. If you do not have a printer and would like to participate, we can print them at the office for you. There will be 5 games total and will last approximately an hour depending on how fast the BINGO’s happen. This is truly fun for people of all ages and fun for the whole family. Prizes are awarded for each round and will be sent or dropped off to those winners. Wear your brightest, most fun, and crazy holiday attire and get entered to win the best dressed award and a $50 Amazon gift card.

SAVE THE DATE UPCOMING JANUARY EVENTS

floo-id YOGA in the Park

Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Way & 78th Pl, Park at 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. floo-id YOGA is a locally owned boutique yoga studio right off the 101 and Scottsdale Road, located in the same plaza as Whole Foods. They offer a wide variety of classes to accommodate all ages and skill levels to help you become a better version of yourself and has proven to aid in a healthier, physically fit and less stressful lifestyle. floo-id has been kind enough to host a class at no cost just for Grayhawk residents! This is a great way to clear your mind and social distance while exercising. Just bring your mat, a can-do attitude, and your body will do the rest. The class will take place in the narrow beginning section of the greenbelt that starts at the tunnel under the Thompson Peak Pkwy and Hayden intersection. Walk down, ride bikes over, or park in the Offices at Grayhawk Parking Lot and head down to the greenbelt from there. Please register online prior to class at grayhawkcommunity.org to help us coordinate with the instructors!

Grayhawk Single Sippers Club

Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m.

Parma Italian Roots, 20831 N Scottsdale Rd #117

If you are a single looking for casual conversation, a friend, or just to meet some other singles in your neighborhood, then this event is for you! Grab yourself a bite to eat and a drink on the patio at Parma in the Grayhawk Plaza and meet some new people. This is a great way to broaden your circle of friends and to try something new. Our reservation starts at 5 pm. We must give the restaurant our final count of attendees by Friday, Jan. 20. Register at grayhawkcommunity.org to reserve your seat.

Adopt-a-Road Clean up

Saturday, Jan. 28 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 clean up day. The City of Scottsdale will provide all volunteers with gloves, trash bags, safety vests, and cold waters. We will not be in the road so all litter pick up will be on the property beyond the curb. We will meet in the GCA office at 8 am, go over some quick 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!

FREE LIVING TRUST SEMINAR: Learn The Latest Strategies To Protect Your Estate

Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Talon Room, GCA Office, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Ste. 102

Planning Is Essential – Do You Have A Plan? Have you considered what would happen to your loved ones in the event of your disability or death? Everyone should attend this seminar – Even if you have a Will or a Trust. Learn why a Will is not enough. Why many people with Living Trusts will end up in probate. Learn how to avoid it. Learn how to appoint someone to make healthcare and financial decisions for you when you are unable to do so. If you do not, a court may decide for you. A good estate plan coordinates what happens to your home, savings, investments, businesses and retirement accounts. Come learn how to put a plan into action to help protect your legacy, your family and your future. Guests will have an opportunity for questions after the seminar with Attorney Richard M. Dwornik. Presented by: Dwornik Law Firm. RSVP by Jan. 27 at www.grayhawkcommunity.org to reserve your seat!

Guardhouse Construction Project Update

It is expected that both the new Talon and Raptor guardhouse building will be completed In December, although there is possibility of mov ing into early 2023. Once he building are complete, the switchover of utilities will take place. It is expected that will take anywhere from one to four days.

Once utilities are switched and buildings are fully operational, guard operations will switch to the new building and the current buildings will be demolished. At that point, reconfiguration of the curbs and site work will commence and will last for an estimated six to eight weeks. DLC will continue to do landscaping after that.

What does this mean for residents in the Retreat?

Regardless of current project phases, no construction activities will be taking place on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christ mas, and December 26. Prior to those holidays, contractors will make sure the potholes are filled, roadways swept and hosed down, and the area has been swept for debris and nails to better ensure the ease of access and comfort for the residents and their guests.

More about the Guardhouse Construction Project can be found on the Grayhawk website at https://bit.ly/GrayhawkGuardhouse.

December 2022

WHO TO CALL

ROVING PATROL (480) 502-7685

GRAYHAWK ASSOCIATION (480) 563-9708

SCOTTSDALE POLICE (480) 312-5000

6

GCA and RVA Board Mtgs. 5:30 p.m. Talon Room

ARC Mtg. 4:30 p.m. GCA Office

7 Holiday Happy Hour 5:30 p.m. Jalapeno Inferno Ghost Kitchen

8 Preventing Back Pain 6 p.m. Talon Room

9 10 Christmas Light Parade 5 p.m.

Holiday Wine and Wrap 5:30 p.m. Talon Room

Hanukkah Party 5:30 p.m. Raptor Room

Holly Jolly Bingo 6 p.m. Via Zoom

floo-id Yoga in the Park 9 a.m. Grayhawk Greenbelt

Special thanks to GardaWorld Security, DLC Resources, Jeremy Mueller with State Farm, and Andrew Bloom and Van Omen with Keller Williams NorthEast Valley for sponsoring Pumpkin Patch.

Thanks to Cashman Partners with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s for sponsoring and hosting an amazing Paws at the Park

Pinnacle Park Renovation and Turf Reduction

By Tim Mouer, Pinnacle resident and member of the Landscape Committee

Earlier this year several homeowners in the Pinnacle community approached me about a small park at the east end of Wing Shadow Rd. needing some attention. I am also a Pinnacle resident and a member of the Landscape Committee, which made a good starting point for this project. This little park with a security gate in and out of Pinnacle is heavily traveled and used by many homeowners who accompany their children to and from Grayhawk Elementary School and Guidepost Montessori. Some of the areas of concern included:

• Large thick tree canopies were preventing the bermuda grass underneath to flourish because very little sunlight was reaching the grass to allow it to remain healthy and grow.

• Dirt erosion was occurring above the curbing during heavy rainfall and the dirt was covering the grass preventing it from growing.

• Broken curbing that needed to be replaced.

• The need for a pet waste station somewhere in the park.

I took the concerns to the Landscape Committee and they determined that the committee should pursue potential solutions. Landscape Committee Members, CCMC staff members, representatives from Grayhawk’s landscaping contractor, DLC Resources, and GCA Board President David Van Omen visited the site and determined that the park was definitely in need of renovation.

I prepared a drawing that included ideas suggested by those involved and Arlene Smith and Martha Troy, both members of the Landscape Committee, joined me to gather input from owners of homes adjacent to the park to ensure they were able to offer input as well. DLC took the feedback and prepared a proposal that was presented to the Landscape Committee. The proposal included reducing the turf in shaded areas, the

addition of riprap and plants and a new concrete border.

Both the Landscape Committee and GCA Board of Directors approved the proposal from DLC and in October, DLC completed the project. Everyone involved is very pleased with the end result. This is a great example of how homeowners within our community came together with an idea and through the work and cooperation of all the necessary entities, made a project happen. We did it!

As a result, we further enhanced our community, continuing to make it one of the most desirable communities in the valley to live and improving our home values. I know that makes us all happy!

Sustainable Shrub Management

By Kaipo Spenser, DLC Resources Field Manager

During the summer growing season, shrubs are lush, healthy and blooming. When cool fall and winter temperatures set in, our desert shrubs slow their growth dramatically. Grayhawk uses sustainable pruning methods to reduce their size before the following year´s growing season, allowing for healthier shrubs and maximum flowering!

Some landscape management providers choose to shear shrubs into shapes such as cones, balls and flat tops throughout the growing season. However, this practice is detrimental to the health of the plant, causing frequent stress. Over time, shearing also results in shrubs that have large, woody branches and few leaves. In addition, the plant requires more water to recover the lost foliage.

DLC Resources’ approach adheres to the Arizona Landscape Contractor’s Association’s sustainable landscape management practices. Our Sustainable Shrub Renovation Program consists of trimming shrubs to roughly half their size. On some species, like the Red Bird of Paradise, even more pruning is needed.

This type of pruning permits plants to grow back into their space during the following growing season and stimulates natural growth. Plants that are pruned typically have more blooms, vibrant colors and lush leaves. It also allows residents to enjoy the seasonal color of common area plants because they are not being trimmed

Scottsdale, AZ 85255 602-388-8382 www.northscottsdaleinsurance.com

during their flowering season. Shrubs that encroach on streets or sidewalks, or obstruct lines of sight at intersections and near road signs, are pruned as necessary.

At Grayhawk, we will follow a customized sustainable pruning plan. We prune all winter in order to best prepare shrubs to flower in the spring, but continue trimming plants as needed during the rest of the year as there are so many shrubs in your Community! However, we are careful not to prune plants that may be flowering at the time. Crews recently began the seasonal prune on large sages most in need of trimming. We started in the Halcon, Feartherwind and Ridgecrest neighborhoods and the walking paths along the greenbelt, focusing on areas that have the heaviest vegetation and greatest need for size control.

We know it may seem shocking to see a large area of shrubs trimmed so severely, so we try to leave some plants green and untouched. That area will be revisited later in the cooler months to complete the project. And don’t worry, your shrubs will grow quickly as the weather warms. In the end, sustainable shrub pruning is a more mindful and long-term method to help keep Grayhawk looking beautiful and vibrant while continuing to keep

plants healthy.

DLC Resources has more information about caring for plants on The Learning Center on our website.

Sip and Tell

By Sue Lukenbill, Encore Resident

Welcome to the month of December.

As we close the door on 2022, I can honestly assay that I have enjoyed all the restaurants that I have reviewed and have really enjoyed having Jennifer Sheets, our Director of Communications, join me monthly for the reviews. I love sharing new places to eat (or drink) with the residents of Grayhawk and truly enjoy hearing about your experiences at local restaurants as well.

It’s hard not to brag about the life here in Grayhawk. On December 18, my husband and I will celebrate 26 years living in Grayhawk. The date is almost as important to us as the birthdays and anniversaries we celebrate! I still love living here with no regrets. I also love reminiscing this time of year about the many things that have made the year so special, from my friends and family to the many Grayhawk events I have been a part of. We are so very lucky to call Grayhawk home.

This is the time of year than many of us are eating out more than normal, whether it’s a quick bit while shopping for the holidays, a nice dinner hosting out of town visitors or just enjoying the company of our local friends and family. Jennifer Sheets recently suggested Cava as a healthy fast-casual option and I jumped on the opportunity to check it out. I have to balance out the holiday sweets somehow!

Cava started amongst three friends: Ted, Ike, and Dimitri. One of them is the chef, and all of them grew up with loud Greek families who spent their time gathering around food. They took notes from their nonnas and uncles in the kitchen at kitchen counters and over bottles of wine. They all know that food is what connects us to people, and closes the gaps between us. But they also knew that wasn’t enough. The food had to be good as well.

Cava is a Mediterranean restaurant featuring customizable greens and grains bowls, pitas and salad. Cava has a great menu, but I didn’t need to look at it and try and decide what I would order because Crispy Falafel was on the menu, and when falafels are on the menu, I always order them. They are my favorite! At Cava

the plant-based pita favorite is made on a large, warm pita that includes falafel, hummus, roasted eggplant, pickles, cabbage slaw, tomato, onion, garlic dressing and skhug (a spicy cilantro sauce and contains sesame).

Jenn ordered the Greek Salad. It is a base of romaine and arugula, hummus and classic Greek ingredients: tzatziki, grilled chicken, feta, cucumber, tomato, Kalamata olives, and Greek vinaigrette. We both devoured our lunches. We did not even have leftovers to take home!

I would recommend this restaurant in a heartbeat. You order at the counter, and they bring your order to you at the table. It seems to be super busy at lunch but the line goes superfast.

Until next month, stay safe, and healthy. Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas!

Cava www.cava.com • (602) 805-7957

HEALTHY HINTS Favorite Healthy Recipes of 2022

By Tina Uphoff, Grayhawk resident, Personal Trainer, Health Coach Yoga Teacher & Certified Yoga for Golfers Instructor

As 2022 comes to a close, there continues to be an interest in being healthier. The food you eat is one of the biggest factors for better health. Therefore, I am sharing three of my favorite healthy recipes that I have made this past year.

*FUN FACT: Coconut aminos comes with a reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer when compared with soy sauce, due to the lack of MSG, GMOs and phytoestrogen and phytic acid. Coconut aminos is also has 17 amino acids, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B and scores low on the glycemic index.

It is important to take care of yourself during this busy time of year. Eating healthy food is one of the top ingredients for good health. So, try some of these recipes or find other healthy options to make this holiday season.

Feel free to contact me at: tina@tinahealthcoach.com or my cell (612.720.3596).

Have a safe and healthy holiday season, Tina

Simple Hearty Salad for One Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 cups of chopped greens such as spinach, kale, arugula

• 2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

• 6 cherry tomatoes, halved

• 6 kalamata olives

• 2 TB purple onion, chopped

• 1/4 - 1/2 avocado, cubed

• 1 TB pepitas or sesame seeds

• Dressing: Olive oil and squeeze of lemon

• Optional: 1-2 TB hummus to dip fork or mix into salad

DIRECTIONS

1. Arrange greens on dinner plate.

2. Add remaining salad toppings and dressing.

Vegetarian Chili

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

• 2 TB olive oil

• 1 medium purple onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored and diced

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 2 ribs celery, chopped

• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced finely (optional)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

• 2 TB chili powder

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 2 (14-oz) cans diced tomatoes

• 2 (14-oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 (14-oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 2 TB chopped fresh cilantro for garnishing

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, warm olive oil until simmering. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery, jalapeno, and salt. Stir to combine and cook.

2. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 1 minute.

3. Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the drained black and pinto beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer for about 30 minutes. Remove the chili from the heat.

4. Add the chopped cilantro on top.

Roasted Vegetables

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

• 14 cups of vegetables cut in bite-sized pieces (e.g., Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

• 1/3 cup coconut aminos* or soy sauce (coconut aminos is a soy sauce substitute – found by the soy sauce at most grocery stores)

• 1/2 cup purple onion (optional for additional flavor)

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut up vegetables, wash and place in large container or 1–2-gallon sized plastic bag(s) for marinating.

2. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice and coconut aminos and pour over vegetables.

3. Marinade for at least 30 minutes and up to one day prior to baking.

When ready to bake:

4. Set oven to 350 degrees.

5. Spray three (3) 9”x13” pans with olive oil cooking spray.

6. Drain vegetables in colander (do not rinse) and split between the three pans.

7. Bake for 1 hour or longer depending on how toasted you like your vegetables.

Important Contact Numbers

Grayhawk Onsite Office

480-563-9708

Capital Consultants Management Corp. 480-921-7500

Grayhawk Community Patrol 480-502-5078

Talon Guardhouse 480-502-7685

Raptor Guardhouse 480-502-5078

After Hours Answering Service 602-234-9288

UTILITIES

Southwest Gas 877-860-6020

City of Scottsdale Water 480-312-5650

City of Scottsdale Solid Waste 480-312-5600

APS 602-371-7171

Street Light Repair (SA/ ID prefix on pole) 602-371-7171

CITY OF SCOTTSDALE

Non-Emergency Police Department 480-312-5000

Fire Department Main Phone 480-312-8000

Police or Fire Emergency 911

Parks and Recreation 480-312-2771

Street Light Repair (SS prefix on pole) 480-312-5483

SCHOOLS

Grayhawk Elementary School 602-449-6600

Mountain Trail Middle School 602-449-4600 Pinnacle High School 602-449-4000 El Dorado Private School 480-502-6878

LIBRARIES

Appaloosa

480-312-7557

Arabian 480-312-6250

Mustang 480-312-6050

Grayhawk Golf Club 480-502-1800

Boys and Girls Club, Thunderbirds 480-538-9547

Motor Vehicle Division 602-255-0072

Poison Control 602-253-3334

US Post Office, Kachina Branch 480-513-2935 Southwest Wildlife 480-471-9109