The Grayhawk Flight- March 2024

Stacey Harvey Executive Director sharvey@ccmcnet.com

Ashley Scott Community Manager ascott@ccmcnet.com

Cierra Austin Assistant Community Manager caustin@ccmcnet.com

Jenn Sheets Director of Communications jsheets@ccmcnet.com

Nian Quinn Administrative Coordinator nquinn@ccmcnet.com

Richard Dearo Facilities Director rdearo@ccmcnet.com

Chantel Martin Maintenance

Martha

Manager’s Corner

During the past year, the Grayhawk Community Association (GCA) Board of Directors has continued the effort to improve their outreach to the homeowners in condominiums within Grayhawk in accordance with one of the Board’s goals from a previous strategic planning meeting. To accomplish this goal, the GCA has approved funding through the GCA community enhancement fund for projects in all eight of the condominium associations through the Condominium Community Enhancement Program; the GCA holds a quarterly meeting of the condominium Board Presidents to discuss common issues such as the current economic impact on their financial status and how the GCA can better serve the condominium associations.

Did you know that over 50% of the 3,784 homeowners in Grayhawk live in condominium units? If the answer is no, you are not alone. I didn’t either until about a year on the job as Grayhawk’s assistant community manager when the team decided to analyze the makeup of the Grayhawk residents and tried to determine some basic demographic figures of the residents of this wonderful community. Over 2,000 (the actual number is 2,007) members of the Grayhawk Community Association live in one of the eight condominium associations in Grayhawk.

In these meetings with the condominium association Presidents, representatives from these associations have informed us that homeowners in the condominium associations frequently asked them “Why do we have to pay the quarterly assessment to the Grayhawk Community Association?” The simple answer is because when you buy a property in the Grayhawk community, whether it is a single-family home, condominium unit, or custom home, the deed to your property requires that you are a member of the Grayhawk

Community Association, and therefore must pay assessments to this association. But there is much more to it than that.

Being a member of the Grayhawk Community Association adds value to your property and results in increased home values for all Grayhawk homeowners, including the owners of condominium units. If one of the condominium associations in Grayhawk was built as a “stand alone” development outside of the Grayhawk Community Association, statistics show that these types of condominium developments do not appreciate in value as much as those located within a large master-planned community like Grayhawk. Also, most of the properties in Grayhawk did not decline in value as much as properties located in other areas of Scottsdale during the last housing slump.

I am also sometimes asked by condominium homeowners “What do I get for my assessment payments to the Grayhawk Community Association?” In addition to increased property values, all Grayhawk Community Association members benefit from the wide range of amenities throughout the community available to all homeowners. These amenities include 30 miles of hiking/biking trails, eight tot lot playground areas, greenbelts and pocket parks throughout the community, two 24-hour community patrols, use of the Raptor Room and/or the Talon Room in the GCA office, and a wide range of programs and social events throughout the year.

As you can see, living in Grayhawk not only adds to the value of your property, but also instills a sense of pride in your community for many residents. Being a homeowner in a “city within a city”, as some call Grayhawk, is much more than just owning a property located among a group of other houses.

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 – February 5, 2024

HOMEOWNER FORUM

A homeowner inquired about developments in the area including the Phoenix Coyotes purchasing land in North Scottsdale and an extension of Hualapai Road.

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Paul Alessio shared that the Axon rezoning request was pushed back to the February 15 City of Scottsdale planning commission meeting.

OPERATIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Don Morse presented information from the January 22 Operational Review Committee.

The committee met with Frank Civil Consulting and L. Keeley to discuss remedies for Grayhawk Drive within the Retreat. Diamond grinding will be performed which will be evaluated with a profilograph machine. All costs of the remediation will be covered within the original contract and a timeline will be forthcoming but anticipated in May/June 2024. Communication will be sent to all Retreat homeowners once a schedule is established.

Changes to the sample monument light project were completed and the Operation Committee is recommending approval to modify community monuments. This will be sent to the Community Enhancement Committee for review at their February meeting.

Garda World is launching digital reports and they are continuing to work on installing check point scanners throughout the community.

The barrier arm sleeves installed on Grayhawk and Hayden experienced some damage. The Committee is going to continue researching alternative materials.

LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE

Arlene Smith presented the Landscape Committee report. The Ad Hoc Educational Garden committee met on January 30 and finalized benches, plant counts and signage for the garden. DLC is anticipating the garden will be completed by the end of March.

120 bags of fertilizer were applied this month to turf and the 5’ perimeter fire mitigation in Firenze was completed.

A community wide plant infusion project timeline was presented. The project is anticipated to be presented to the board at the May meeting.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE

Richard Zielinski reported that the committee did not meet.

EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Jennifer Sheets reported that the committee met on January 29 to discuss previous and upcoming events. The recent walking event, Walk and Talk Wednesday, was a great success with approximately 20 attendees and they are already planning the next event.

Upcoming events include a Charcuterie Class, Chocolate Making Class, Easter Egg Hunt, Family BBQ and Concert in the Park.

A community survey regarding events will be launched in the coming weeks.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Michael Loya reported that the committee met on January 16 and discussed the digital Flight, a review of costs and savings for advertising and the community survey that will be launching in the coming weeks.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Paul Alessio reported that since the last Board meeting, the committee met on January 2 (seven submittals) and January 16 (twelve submittals). The committee is continuing to see a trend in front doors, windows and landscaping.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

David Van Omen reported that the committee met on January 29 and discussed a homeowner request to add gates in Ridgecrest, Ramada drawings, an upcoming communitywide Plant Infusion Project, holiday lighting and the recent crime trends in Scottsdale.

2023-2024

Grayhawk Community Association

David Van Omen President

Paul Alessio Vice President

Derek Moore Treasurer

Richard Zielinski Secretary

Randy Brown Director

2023-2024

Arlene Smith Director Don Morse Director

Retreat Village Association

Michael Loya President

Don Morse Vice President

Richard Fowler Treasurer

Jim Ball Secretary

John Williams Director

BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE

Derek Moore reported that the committee did not meet and their next meeting in January 21.

CONDOMINIUM BOARD PRESIDENTS COMMITTEE

David Van Omen reported the committee met on January 17 and discussed condo flooring, the 2024 Condominium Community Enhancement Program and recent banking changes.

NEW BUSINESS

Paul Alessio presented a proposal from Studio KZ for architectural renderings and city permitting of 36 mailbox structures and 9 ramadas within the community at a cost of $89,797. This proposal was based on a continuation of the guardhouse project design and would be a community enhancement project if approved. Motion to approve the proposal as presented to be funded by Community Enhancement. Seconded, and Motion Passes.

A request was received for the addition of gates to the walking path area along Scottsdale Rd between Grayhawk Dr and Deer Valley Rd. There are two entrances to the

neighborhood there, with direct access to Scottsdale Rd and the multipurpose trail system. Legal counsel was asked to provide an opinion and then expressed that a locking gate is prohibited because of the public easement. The board requested management reach out to the homeowner who requested the gates to discuss the action currently being taken. Motion to take no action on modification to the entryway. Seconded and Motion Passes.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Derek Moore reported that the 2023 financials ended over budget for the year, primarily due to water. There is currently $3.7 million in the Community Enhancement account.

MANAGEMENT REPORT

Stacey Harvey reported that the Annual Meeting will be held on March 19 at The Grayhawk Golf Club and there are three (3) open positions this year. The search is on going for a Lifestyle Director and Maintenance Lead position for the community. Two notifications in the Buzz were published regarding City of Scottsdale police notification on a recent trend in crime.

DON'T MISS THE WEEKLY ENEWS!

The Buzz, sent every Monday, is the best way to stay informed on community updates, upcoming events, and news from the City of Scottsdale. We also will send standalone emails if there is urgent information that needs to be sent to the community. In addition to The Buzz, Retreat Village residents can sign up to receive Retreat specific emails that are sent periodically.

The Buzz is the primary source of information for Grayhawk, so we encourage all residents to sign up. If you haven’t signed up to receive emails yet, scan this QR code to sign up or visit Grayhawkommunity.org > Life at Grayhawk > Communications > Enews.

AROUND GRAYHAWK

Pi Day Pie Social

Thursday, March 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Raptor Room, GCA Office

Join the pie-ty at the GCA Office anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. Enjoy a variety of pie, coffee, tea and chatting with your Grayhawk neighbors! This is a casual way to socialize and make new friends. Registration is required on grayhawkcommunity.org by Friday, March 8.

GCA and RVA Annual Meeting

Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m.

Fairway House - Grayhawk Golf Club

8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy.

SCAN TO REGISTER FOR ALL CURRENT GRAYHAWK EVENTS

Join your fellow Grayhawk homeowners for a night of celebrating the amazing community that you live in. Elect new Board members, look back on the past year and, more importantly, look forward to what’s in store in the future. There will also be tons of great raffle prizes! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for light refreshments. Please call 480-563-9708 if you have any questions regarding the Annual Meetings.

Charcuterie Class

Wednesday, March 27 at 6 p.m.

Talon Room, GCA Office

Connect over a memorable evening of wine and cheese! Join neighbors for a one-hour hands on class with Charcuterie Crossing. Discover the secrets on how to create and style a charcuterie board that will WOW your friends and family. Learn how to make a killer cheese spread, style and cut cheese in different ways and make create a salami rose and fruit flower to make your boards pop. Cost is $40 per person which includes pre-prepped food supplies and utensils to create a board to take home. Bring a bottle of wine to share. Space is limited. Register by March 20 at https://bit.ly/GHCharcuterie.

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30

Check in begins at 9:30 am; Event from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Place and 78th Way Dig out the baskets and Easter attire and join us for the Annual Grayhawk Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will enjoy games and music, bounce houses, face painting and balloon twisting, crafts, treats and so much more! The Easter Bunny will even be available for photos! Check-in starts at 9:30 am. Hunt times will be staggered for the three age. All details will be sent in an email prior to the event. Don’t miss the most popular event of the year! Registration payment are required online by March 25. Cost to participate is $10 per child and free for adults. Late registration will be accepted between March 25 and March 27 at a price of $20 per child. No registration past March 27 or walk-up registrations will be accepted. Thanks to Christina Rathbun with Launch Real Estate and Jeremy Mueller with State Farm for sponsoring this great event!

APRIL EVENTS

Walk and Talk Wednesday

Wednesday, April 3 at 7:30 a.m.

Meet at the GCA Office

7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy.

Join neighbors for a walk through the community led by Grayhawk residents and finish with coffee and pastries back at the office. This is a great way to make new friends and learn more about the trails and amenities in Grayhawk! Register by no later than April 1 at grayhawkcommunity.org.

New Homeowner Orientation

Thursday, April 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Virtual via Zoom

Zoom link will be emailed two days prior to orientation

Join us virtually to learn a little more about your community and all it has to offer. Just for joining you will be entered into a raffle for a $50 Amazon gift card, and if you answer one of our trivia questions at the end of the presentation correct you will be able to win additional prizes! Register at www.grayhawkcommunity.org by Monday, April 8.

Family BBQ and Movie Night

Friday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Grayhawk Neighborhood Park

20726 N. 76th St.

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and join us to enjoy a night full of family fun including live music, bounce houses, crazy rides and more! Enjoy free hotdogs, chips, drinks, s'mores, and a family friendly movie on a giant 50’ screen, complete with popcorn to top off the festivities. This event is free, but registration is required by April 15 at grayhawkcommunity.org. Thanks to David Van Omen with Keller Williams NorthEast Valley, Jeremy Mueller with State Farm and DLC Resources for sponsoring.

Concert in the Park

Thursday, April 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Pl. and 78th Way

Join your neighbors for the first live music concert of the year in the Grayhawk Greenbelt! We are excited to have the Americana and Celtic band, Switchback, joining us all the way from Chicago. Their Celtic music is authentically Irish and they are known for their powerful performances. Bring a chair or blanket to sit in the lawn, purchase food from the food truck on site and enjoy the beautiful weather! Cost is $3 per person and tipping the band is recommended! Registration is required at www.grayhawkcommunity.org by no later than Monday, April 22.

Earth Day Adopt-a-Road Clean up

Saturday, April 27 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 Earth 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!

January & February events at Grayhawk included Walk & Talk Wednesday, Bunco and a Volunteer Day at The Foster Alliance

Grayhawk Community Association

David Van Omen

What specific projects would you like to see the Board address in the coming year?

With a large quantity of funds in our Enhancement Fund I would like that those funds be put to the very best use to make sure the Grayhawk community maintains its appeal to prospective homeowners.

What do you think the Board’s / Community’s top three priorities should be?

1. Community Enhancement Fund spending.

2. Continue to enhance the new website/Portal so that it will attract residents and non-residents.

3. Explore a continuation of the guardhouse project design within the community to update and enhance aesthetic appeal.

How will your life skills and work experience help contribute to the Board/ Community achieving these priorities?

I have served on the Grayhawk Board and various committees since about 2002. Being a Realtor that specializes in the Grayhawk community allows me to give great incite on many of the Board’s monthly decisions.

Why should we vote for you?

My wife Debi and I built our home in Grayhawk in 1997. We love this community and don't ever plan on leaving. We raised our two boys here and have many great friends who live in the community. I want to see Grayhawk maintain its position in the city as THE destination community to live in.

Richard Zielinski

What specific projects would you like to see the Board address in the coming year?

My wife and I have been very happy with the positive evolution of our Grayhawk community. I wish to assist in growing the enthusiasm about programs/events offered. I would work with the residents to continue the quality of life offered and maintain the communication with all who live in Grayhawk.

What do you think the Board’s / Community’s top three priorities should be?

1. Safety of all residents.

2. Keeping cost of maintenance and programs within allocated budget.

3. Offering help to any resident in need of assistance. Possibly develop a program where volunteers could assist with rides to doctor's office, grocery store, etc.

How will your life skills and work experience help contribute to the Board/Community achieving these priorities?

Having been an educator for thirty-three years, primarily as a high school administrator, I have had to work within a budget, be creative and work with young students and adults alike. I have worked with many school districts, as well as state and federal agencies which beneficial to all. I have been successful and I believe I have grown as a person. I believe I have made a positive impact on those with whom I have come in contact and afforded me an opportunity to know, first hand, the workings of government and how to complete tasks.

Why should we vote for you?

I am a person who will work well with others, but I am also a person who will stand by a belief. I will see projects through to fruition. I will research items brought before the board, seek input from and communicate with residents of the community, and make decisions which will hopefully benefit all.

Grayhawk Community Association 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES continued

Randall Brown

What specific projects would you like to see the Board address in the coming year?

• Enhancement of the Community, short-term and long-term, using Community Enhancement Funds which are a current asset of the community.

• Initiating a Spending oversight process and analysis of the top 3 expenses of the Community by a third-party consultant.

What do you think the Board’s / Community’s top three priorities should be?

1. Appropriately managing the major expenses of the community.

2. Maintaining property values of the community.

3. Taking steps to keep Grayhawk Great thru the aging process.

How will your life skills and work experience help contribute to the Board/ Community achieving these priorities?

I have lived in the community for 25 years, worked in corporate property management and construction in an ownership capacity with an operational focus. I have served on association boards for over 15 years.

Why should we vote for you?

I am experienced and I care about Grayhawk. I have sometimes been assertive in achieving goals on behalf of homeowners and will continue to do so as appropriate using my corporate experience as a resource. My focus has been on fiscal and operational management, and I want to continue to use these strengths in my community.

Retreat Village Association

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

Jim Ball

What specific projects would you like to see the Board address in the coming year?

We have a mature community that has been well maintained and I would like to contribute to the continued high-quality environment in which we live.

What do you think the Board’s / Community’s top three priorities should be?

1. Fiscal responsibility

2. Maintain a proactive approach both with associationmaintained elements as well as surrounding development

3. Renewed interaction with city of Scottsdale representatives

How will your life skills and work experience help contribute to the Board/Community achieving these priorities?

I spent 40 years in sales interacting with various demographics with both large and small retail operations. Since retirement I have been very active with the city planning and zoning commission observing and learning processes within our city.

Why should we vote for you?

As an original owner I have a deep invested interest in this community and I have the time and availability to participate fully.

Richard Fowler

What specific projects would you like to see the Board address in the coming year?

I would like to see the Board continue to update Grayhawk's amenities to reflect its ongoing campaign of modernization; specifically, remodeling its ramadas and mailbox stations.

What do you think the Board’s / Community’s top three priorities should be?

1. Bolster our financial standing to comply with established budgetary norms

2. Maintain the character of individual communities within Grayhawk through diligent compliance to the standards that have been established for each

3. Educate new homeowner's to the requirements and subtleties of the CC&Rs

How will your life skills and work experience help contribute to the Board/Community achieving these priorities?

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1971, I commenced active duty with the US Air Force at Williams AFB near Mesa. Over the next seven years, I served as a fighter pilot and an instructor pilot, and subsequently flew for American Airlines, both domestically and internationally. Along the way, I earned an MBA, served as an engineering consultant to various concerns, and performed the duties of HOA Board President in central Phoenix. Additionally, I have acted as Treasurer of Grayhawk's RVA board for the past two years.

Why should we vote for you?

In 2004, my wife, Sherry and I purchased a new home in Grayhawk's Renaissance Community, our last of more than a dozen moves across the country. Simply put, we have no intention of leaving this exceptional community and every desire of keeping it that way. With my varied experience, I sincerely believe that I could contribute to the well-being and continuing enhancement of the Grayhawk family

Looking Toward the Future: HOW GRAYHAWK IS PREPARING STUDENTS

What will the world look like when our elementary students enter the workforce? The expanding science and technology fields will have an impact. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers have increased by 79% over the last 30 years (Pew Research Center, 2018), and are projected to increase by 10.8% in the next 10 years. These careers are high-paying jobs with a median income more than double that of non-STEM careers. Developed STEM skills are applicable and transferable to other fields. So how do we prepare students for a world we can only imagine?

Igniting Curiosity: STEM Lab and Makerspace at Grayhawk Elementary

At Grayhawk, students as young as kindergarten learn the basics of computer coding, use robotics, and create 3D prints. We recognize that children are uninhibited when it comes to

new technology since they are naturally curious and highly creative problem solvers, and we foster that innate curiosity through hands-on experiences. It makes learning fun and engaging while preparing students for their future. With this vision in mind, a series of grants and close collaboration with PTO has led to the establishment of a state-of-the-art STEM Lab and Makerspace.

STEM: Not Your Traditional Science Class

If you visit a STEM class in action, students are up and moving around, busy constructing and collaborating. The integrative essence of STEM solves real-world problems through interactive experiences encouraging students to think critically and creatively to solve challenges.

Empowering Future Innovators: Building a Foundation for Success

Students actively participate in the engineering design process: discerning problems to solve, imagining solutions, planning schematics, creating prototypes, making improvements, and presenting results. Ultimately, putting skills to use as they become inventors and showcase original

First graders learning to code computers

Second graders learning directional coding for robots using remote controls.

Sky Harbor

creations at our Invention Convention. Our future inventors/ entrepreneurs even have plans to sell their products online. Our Science and Engineering Fair is for our older students who progress and place at District and state-level competitions, proving their readiness for advanced STEM coursework moving into middle and high school.

Learning Skills for Life: Confidence and Collaboration

While experimenting, students learn from their mistakes and begin to persevere while developing confidence. In collaborating with their peers, students enhance their social skills and gain a deeper understanding of how diverse perspectives contribute to innovative solutions.

Beyond the Classroom:

Field Experiences in the Outdoor Lab

With the recent addition of our outdoor classroom, STEM now extends outside the building walls, students engage in many physics and engineering activities: growing Monarch butterfly gardens, constructing pulley and gear systems, and applying aerodynamic concepts with model parachutes and propeller planes.

Real-World Applications: Connecting Classroom to Career

At Grayhawk, students are shown the practical side of STEM disciplines. From raising live insects to AI machine learning, students nurture a passion for these fields. They find inspiration from guest speakers too. A local astronomer visited to let students view solar flares and gave an evening star and planet viewing presentation. A pilot demonstrated the principles of flight. When students meet someone in a STEM profession, they begin to imagine it for themselves.

Preparing for Tomorrow: Today

The skills needed to succeed in the workplace today have changed dramatically over the years and education at Grayhawk is keeping pace. Our hands-on STEM Lab empowers the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders. The true hands guiding this process have been Grayhawk’s dedicated staff, PTO, and community whose alacrity for integrative learning and continual support have galvanized this program and taken us to places we never could have imagined.

Sixth graders entertain first graders with their solar powered recycled material amusement park rides built for LEGO people.

Pickleball Win!

Grayhawk resident Michael Bellet recently won a gold medal at The Desert Ridge Open in Mixed Doubles at the 3.5 skill level for ages 70+. The Desert Ridge Open is an annual event with over 1,000 participants including about 200 of the top Pickleball pros.

Congratulations, Michael!

Fourth graders show off their 3D printing skills with original castle designs.

Fifth graders explore the laws of physics when building marble ramps.