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Believe in Better:
SAFETY FIRST
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It's been four years in the works, but residents at
Mountain View Meadows woke up recently to discover a new fully-functional traffic light at the entrance to Highway 12 at Crossroads Parkway. The light offers a greater sense of safety for the families of the growing community and for the more than 480 employees poised to walk through the doors of the new Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters on Alice St. this month. Until now, with a daily traffic count on Highway 12 that can reach as high as 23,000, residents often nervously ventured onto the four-lane roadway on their way to work or to school or shopping. Workers and work trucks cautiously entered and exited the highway. Speeding traffic made it difficult for bicyclists, runners and pedestrians to access the paved trail connecting Mountain View Meadows to downtown Helena. Although caution is still of the upmost importance as drivers become accustomed to stopping for the new light, everyone benefits from its presence. Traffic speeding over the viaduct between East Helena and Helena will be encouraged to slow down as they enter the east edge of town with its increasing number of businesses. Slowing traffic has proven to not only saves lives but also support economic development as drivers have an opportunity to safely observe what businesses, restaurants, recreation and other facilities are available in the area. Many, many thanks to the MDOT for getting the light installed and for playing an important role in making living and working at Mountain View Meadows even better!
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Building a Better Community:
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Cowboy/Cowgirl Up for Helena Industries--a fundraising gala, western style, at the Kleffner Ranch on Saturday, October 8th. Whether you wear your cowboy boots dressed up or with blue jeans, you're sure to have an unforgettable evening at the historic Kleffner Ranch. Music will be provided by Red Lodge's High Country Cowboys, so if you like country music, you're sure to have a great time! Support Helena Industries' work that provides meaningful jobs, counseling services, job coaching, and case management support to over 900 people with significant developmental disabilities. For early reservations call Carolyn Belling at 406.442.8632, Ext. 215 or call her cell at 406.461.7443. Seats are $75 per person or $600 for a table of 8. Helena Industries works hard to build a better community. Thank you!
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On Topic:
WINTERIZING YOUR HOME
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For homeowners with new homes built to energy code, your home may be snug and warm this winter with lower energy costs. But fall is a good time for all homeowners to check for any issues that may cause pipes to freeze or drive up heating bills. Organizing your home for the winter might feel like one more chore you don't have time to do, but the financial benefits make it well worth crossing it off your "to do" list. A well-prepped home can save a big chunk of change while protecting your property for years to come.
Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore, in an article on HGTV.com, suggest breaking the chore into two or three jobs you can tackle over several weekends. First up, check windows for drafts and insulation needs. Next, inspect pipes to avoid an unfortunate burst when temps drop below freezing. Welch and Rockmore go on to offer three steps to protecting your home for the upcoming winter season.
#1: Prep the Plumbing
Drain the water from your outdoor faucets and garden hoses and arrange to have any in-ground sprinkler pipes blown out. Roll up the garden hoses and store them inside. Identify any "problem" pipes that are prone to freezing in the house and consider using heat tape to keep them warm during extremely cold weather. If the worst happens, ensure everyone in the family knows how to turn off the water at the source. This will minimize leaking when and if a pipe bursts.
#2: Heat Things Up
Everyone enjoys cozy evenings by a crackling fire. Ensure your fireplace is ready to provide warm nights all winter. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Also, have a professional perform a routine check of the heating systems before cold weather arrives. This should include vacuuming the vents and other heating components. If your furnace has a filter, check to see if it needs replacing. For more energy savings, consider installing a setback thermostat that keeps the home cooler when you are asleep or away.
#3: Seal the Leaks
Keep drafts to a minimum this winter. If you have them, install storm windows and doors -- and don't overlook the basement. Add or replace worn weather stripping around the doors and windows and caulk any gaps. If doorstops are worn, replace them. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall, be sure to use caulking and weather-stripping around all entry points. These steps will block any potential entry points for cold air. That's an idea you can warm up to.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1. It's time to blow out those pipes, the ones you can't see under the ground providing water to your lawn and landscaping. You can check out YouTube videos for doing it yourself or contact a local landscaper. Proline Curb installed many of the UG systems in Mountain View Meadows. You can contact R.J. at Proline Curb at 439-2577. Average cost for blow out is $55.
2. Fall/Halloween Decorating Contest. Check out "The Best in Our Neighborhood" section for details regarding this year's competition.
3. Trick-or-Treat is fast approaching. Hey all you goblins and ghouls! You won't find a safer place to get out and walk around on neighborhood sidewalks knocking on doors for treats than Mountain View Meadows. And remember to go around to all the neighborhoods to get your treats including Aspen Park, which seemed to get missed last year. If you're home passing out treats, turn on your front porch light. This is the universal sign that you welcome trick-or-treaters. The Information & Sales office at 431 S. Alice St. will open from 5 till 8 to pass out treats.
4. Dogs in Costume Contest. Hey dogs, come on by the office between 5 & 7 on Halloween and show off your best Halloween costume. All dogs receive a treat and your owner gets a chance to win a $25 gas gift card.
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New Homes F
or Sale:
PLANS TO BUILD AND BUILD TO SUIT
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A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction. Visit our Information & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street to tour our right-now homes, view plans to build and check out lot maps. Have your own plan? Give us a call at 406-449-0800 to arrange a meeting. The availability of new homes and lots is subject to change so check back often. Below is a listing of some of the new homes ready for move-in or currently under construction.
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Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
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503 Twilight - 3700 Sq. Ft. including 3BD/2BA on the main floor and a walk-out basement with a finished laundry room and an additional 3 rooms and 2 baths fully-framed and insulated. This new home well under construction features a fireplace, granite countertops, trey ceiling in living room, a back yard retaining wall, an attached 2-car garage and free front yard landscaping with UG watering system. Gas Range, microwave, dishwasher and fridge included in the price of the home along with bathroom vanities for the basement. This home has an option for a stackable washer and dryer in the Master bedroom closet. MLS#296449. $309,500.
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491 Twilight - Known for their rustic natural finishes, this new 3BD/2BA home under construction by family owned and operated Grewett Construction will wrap you in style and comfort. With over 3,000 square feet including an unfinished walkout basement, you'll have ample space to add 2 more bedrooms, a bath and a large recreation room downstairs while enjoying single-level living on the main floor. Purchase now and watch your dream home grow from start to finish. Call 449-0800 for additional information.
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491 Twilight - Known for their rustic natural finishes, this new 3BD/2BA home under construction by family owned and operated Grewett Construction will wrap you in style and comfort. With over 3,000 square feet including an unfinished walkout basement, you'll have ample space to add 2 more bedrooms, a bath and a large recreation room downstairs while enjoying single-level living on the main floor. Purchase now and watch your dream home grow from start to finish. Call 449-0800 for additional information.
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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493 S. Alice St. - 1812 Sq. Ft. Condo for only $219,900! Enjoy care-free exterior maintenance and low monthly condo fees. This 2-story 3BD/2.5BA beauty features granite countertops, an attached 2-car garage, an upstairs T.V. room and an inviting front porch. Stop by the Mountain View Meadows Information & Sales Center for a private tour. MLS#294204.
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2811 Alexis - The Rancher. Recently completed and ready for move-in, this Sierra Custom Homes new construction is just the ticket for you and your family with its location directly across from Mountain View Park. This 1836 S.F. single-story 3BD/2BA home features a generous front porch, a covered side outdoor living space, an upscale master ensuite, granite countertops, laminate flooring, arched 9' ceilings, an upgraded cabinet package, fireplace, and stainless steel appliances. Contact Dawn Purvis at Century 21 for more information. $269,900. MLS#293976.
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2847 Alexis - The Coach House. 3BD/2BA Construction nearing completion on your dream home with lots of garage space for all your toys and little yard maintenance so you have time to enjoy them! This 3BD/2BA Weatherall-built home features a 3-car rear garage and an inviting front porch with beautiful craftsman columns. Price includes front yard landscaping with UG water system and a landscaped rear border along the paved carriage lane (alley.) With nearly 1500 Sq. Ft., this brand new home plan is unbelievably priced at only $249,900. For additional information and a tour call 449-0800.
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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Have you seen this home? If not, you really need to check it out! You won't find better for the price anywhere in Helena. Located only 5 minutes from the new BCBS headquarters, this exceptional, upscale Parade Home has all the bells & whistles you expect in an executive-style home with nearly 3700 Finished Square Feet on a 1/3 acre city lot. This gorgeous new 5BD/3.5BA home features a European-style Bar-Tile Roof, Hardy Plank Siding, Solid Wood Floors, Tiled Entry, Kitchen & Baths, Honed Granite Countertops, Main Level Office/Formal Dining, 17' Stone Fireplace, Central Vac, Wet Bar in Lower Level Family Room, Luxurious Carpeting, Custom Designed Open Stairway, Tons of Natural Sunlight, Hand-wiped Alder Doors & Trim, Oversized 2-car Garage with Storage Room, Owners' Entrance, Mud-room, Outdoor Living Space, and a Fully-Landscaped Yard with a Living Rear Fence. Priced below appraisal. MLS#290812. $459,900.
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Neighborhood:
Fall/Halloween Decorating Contest
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It's time to bring out the pumpkins, cornstalks, spider webs and ghosts! Dress up your porch or entryway (yards are a plus) with your favorite fall and/or Halloween decorations and show off the spirit of the season...with a chance to win cash prizes! First & Second Place winners will be selected from
the best "Halloween-themed" decorations and will receive $100 and $75 respectively. Two $50 cash prizes will be awarded for the best "Fall-themed" decorations. A Third Place prize of $25 will be awarded from either category. Five Honorable Mention prizes of $5 gift coupons will also be awarded.
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Last year's First Place Winner...Delightfully creepy!
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Janell Boniecki
Is settled into her beautiful new garden home.
Sally Spear
Recently moved into her new cozy Townhome Condo.
Corrine Tweedt
Is already enjoying the comfort of her cozy new home on Twilight Avenue.
Congratulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness:
Strolling with Baby
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New moms often struggle with getting back into shape and losing weight after having a baby. The solution? Taking a stroll with your baby! Many moms in Mountain View Meadows are already taking advantage of the Fun & Fitness trail and getting exercise in the outdoors while pushing their baby buggy. Just take a walk through the neighborhood, and you are sure to see mom or dad pushing the newborn--oftentimes with another child or dog in tow, too! Researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that walking with a stroller burns 18 to 20 percent more calories than fitness walking alone; moms already walking, this is great news for you! The benefits of walking for mental health can't be left out of reasons for moms to stroll, either. According to the Postpartum Depression website, 11-20% of new moms are subject to postpartum depression each year. Exercise and sunshine are a couple ways to help combat depression by activating those "feel good" endorphins. It's common knowledge that new moms are busy and worn down. Baby-buggy walking allows moms the necessary exercise, socialization, and outdoor time they may need in their very stressful lives! At Mountain View Meadows, new parents can head straight out the door and get to the Fun & Fitness Trail via neighborhood sidewalks in no time. Talk about an efficient workout that's convenient and beneficial for stressed out parents!
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It isn't easy to get away from work and perhaps driving 5,203 miles in 10 days isn't the best way to spend your time. But that's how our trip hauling equipment back and forth across the country while taking a side trip to D.C. for a wedding went. Actually, I skipped out on the last 1845 miles so that I could get back to work Saturday evening, flying out of Reagan International for the first time. I was pretty surprised to see how easy it was to get around the airport: bigger than Helena Regional but much more traveler-friendly than Dulles. I made the mistake once of flying from Helena to Dulles to Ohio trying to save money on a trip to see family. It wasn't worth it. Mark driving the long haul back alone in his 2004 GMC dually kept me on pins and needles for three days. But he arrived safely back home in Helena Tuesday at 3:30 PM and was in meetings by 4. There's always work to do, but seeing family and attending family events are important to us. Mark's mother turned 89 Oct. 5th. We're planning a big party next year for her 90th. Just hoping we fly back and leave the work behind instead of hauling it along with us!
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Stopping at Wall Drug in South Dakota for donuts and 5 cent coffee.
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Mark couldn't resist stopping to check out this 1947 Silver King tractor along Rt. 29 about 40 miles east of his family home in Ohio.
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