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December 2019
Believe in Better:
SIGHTS ON THE NEW MONTANA HERITAGE SITE
The committee responsible for analyzing site selection data for the much-anticipated Montana Heritage Center has completed it's report. Time and serious consideration was allotted each location to determine which sites would be most beneficial to both the taxpayers who will fund the Center and the Capital City which will host it. Tourists, school children, educators, historians and local visitors will benefit from the cultural history, preserved documents and irreplaceable artifacts of the great state of Montana contained and displayed within its walls. Though late to make clear its interest in being considered for the new landmark site, Mark Runkle recently submitted support documentation to the committee demonstrating why the Crossroads Commercial neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows would be the best site for the Montana Heritage Center. Runkle sighted the advantages of options for the larger lot size at Mountain View Meadows to address the need for a long-term solution for future expansion. He also sighted the reduced cost inherent in selecting the Mountain View Meadows site which would be delivered with complete infrastructure including paved streets, curb and gutters, underground utilities, city sewer and water services and street lamps and parking. Runkle also pointed out the importance of maintaining the integrity of the area surrounding the site. "Just like in our residential neighborhoods, Covenants and Design Standards will protect the Montana Heritage Center from incompatible land use and in maintaining the kind of aesthetics that compliment a landmark building of this nature." Runkle also sighted that building across the street from the Blue Cross Blue Shield headquarters and facing the iconic Sleeping Giant is a real plus. "The new Montana Heritage Center would have the best views of the Sleeping Giant right out the front entry," said Runkle. " What an exceptional natural landmark to compliment the new landmark Montana Heritage Center." To show your support for selecting Mountain View Meadows for the new Montana Heritage site, visit https://heritagecenter.mt.gov/ and click on the red PROJECT. On the next page, scroll down to "Be a part of History!" and click on the blue Public Comment button.
Iconic view of the Sleeping Giant from potential Montana Heritage Center site in the 
Crossroads Commercial neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows.
Building a Better Community:
THE ANGEL FUND
Celebrating 30 years of service to school children in the Helena School District and beyond, The Angel Fund is a remarkable example of one person making a difference. Thirty years ago, Founder Marcia K. Wall, a school counselor at Helena Middle School at the time, realized there were students whose parents could not afford school supplies, back packs, shoes, warm coats or fees for field trips. Her personal commitment (digging into her own pocket) morphed into The Angel Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation assisting children that qualify for the free/reduced lunch program with these basic essentials. During this past year alone, The Angel Fund has served over 800 children in the Helena School System along with awarding 25 Montana post-secondary scholarships of $1000-$2000 each to deserving graduates. Executive Director Janet Riis credits Marcia's love and passion with the success of the Fund. There are currently over 40 Angel Coordinators and volunteers in all 18 Helena Schools processing applications and ensuring children in need receive help. And everything is kept confidential. For example, explained Riis, kids get to choose their own clothing and then Angels go to the stores and make purchases. Many people have heard of the "Stuff the Bus" project that benefits students throughout Lewis and Clark, Broadwater and Jefferson Counties. But did you know that "Stuff the Bus" is coordinated through The Angel Fund? Then there is the "Running for Montana's Future" project, a collaborative effort between The Angel Fund, the Montana Attorney General's Office and the Helena Police Department to promote healthy physical activity while providing an opportunity for local law enforcement to forge a positive relationship with kids. The Angel Fund welcomes your support and makes it easy to donate by visiting www.angelfundhelena.org . For a fun way to start out the giving season, stop by On Broadway Monday, December 2nd between 5:00 PM and 9:30 PM. There you can enjoy a delicious dinner while checking out the beautiful artwork in a silent auction with 50% of all proceeds, including take-out items, benefitting The Angel Fund's mission in Helena. For a list of available menu items call 443-1929. The Angel Fund may be one of Helena's best kept secrets due to the confidentiality inherent in the program, but it's time to get the word out! For more information you can email theangelfundmt@gmail.com. The Angel Fund builds a better community through its commitment to children, fostering success now to help ensure a better tomorrow.
On Topic
PROTECTING YOUR HOME'S FOUNDATION
Your home's foundation is the most important aspect of the structure. Winter can be tough on a foundation but there are ways to protect it from damage.
 
What causes winter foundation damage? The villain for a lot of foundation damage is the changing amounts of moisture in the dirt. As temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, so does the moisture in soil. Top layers of dirt freeze first and then lower layers of soil freeze as temperatures drop further. When this happens, the freezing water expands and pushes upward causing the soil to heave upward, too. This can crack concrete. If the soil shifts sideways it can cause a shift in the foundation.
 
Frozen pipes in winter can also harm a home's foundation. When temperatures drop below 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes can freeze and break. A break not only causes flooding, damaging flooring and interior furnishings, but it can also weaken the home's foundation.
 
But there are ways to protect your foundation during the winter. These tip from edenstructural.com can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and keep your home's foundation strong throughout the year.
 

Clear Gutters: Homeowners often think of their roofs when thinking about their gutters. But your drainage system serves another important purpose too - it directs water safely away from your foundation. So, clear out gutters and point the downspouts so that melting snow and ice drain safely away from your home.

Slope Soil: Because soil can expand and contract, pushing on the foundation and causing it to shift, it's important for landscaping to be carefully planned. Make sure the soil slopes downward, away from the foundation.

Insulate Pipes: Prevent flooding near the foundation by ensuring that outside pipes are properly insulated. Keep your home heated to at least 55 degrees, even when you're not there. Heed freeze warnings.

Inspect Foundation: Don't take things for granted - examine your home's foundation regularly, especially if you see signs of possible structural problems, such as cracks in walls. When in doubt, bring in a professional team of foundation experts to assess your home and, if necessary, suggest a plan of action that protects your home.

Pay Attention to the Warning Signs: When your home's foundation is suffering from winter damage, you'll start to see signs. So, pay heed and look for professional advice if the winter months start to result in issues like these:

  • Doors and/or windows are hard to open or close
  • Cracks appear in walls-especially over doors and windows, or where walls meet ceilings
  • Floor tiles show cracks, especially if tile is installed over concrete
 
The best laid foundations can still suffer from winter damage, so always stay on top of your home's foundation.
Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
1. CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST : Yes, it's that time of the year! It seems like only yesterday the streets were teeming with ghosts and goblins and here we are getting ready for the winter holidays! Thanksgiving is only days away and holiday lights are popping up already! Start celebrating the festive season by dressing up your home for the holidays. Not only will you find joy in your work each time you enter your home but you will delight your friends and neighbors and visitors from afar. Sharing the holiday spirit and delighting your neighbors, family and friends is reward enough, but Mountain View Meadows throws in an extra incentive offering cash prizes for the best decorations. Judging takes lights, color, special effects, style, tradition, fun and originality into account... and looks to see what's changed from last year. Grand Prize: $200! Followed by 1 st , 2nd , 3rd , & 4th  prizes of $100, $75, $50 & $25 respectively. Judging will start December 22 and run through December 26 so be sure to keep your lights on after dark till 9:00 PM as much as possible during that time. For more information, contact Rryland@mvmeadows.com.
 
2. NO RENTAL HOME SALES REMINDER:  If you currently have your home for sale or are considering selling, please remember that homes, by Covenants, cannot be sold as or for rentals. Whether new or used, a home must be owner-occupied for a minimum of 18 months before it can be rented. Although we know there are great renters and landlords, too often rentals are not managed well and can lead to issues that affect home values or detract from the neighborhood. Covenants regarding rental violations will be enforced.
 
3. STILL LOOKING FOR SNOW SHOVELERS: Fellow residents are looking for people willing to shovel snow from driveways and sidewalks. If you are willing and able to be put on a "call list", please email info@mvmeadows.com with your contact info, your availability and what you charge for this service.
New Homes F or Sale: 
PLANS TO BUILD AND BUILD TO SUIT
A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction. MVM now has a number of home sites that are eligible for 0% down loans. 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. Realtors are always welcome . 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. 
Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
2870, 2872 & 2874 Runkle Parkway:  Another popular 3-unit condo building on Runkle Parkway, all with outstanding views of the Elkhorn Mountains. Two single-story 1635 S.F. 3BD/2BA units flank a 1932 S.F. 2-story with 3 upstairs bedrooms and an additional TV/entertainment room. All three homes have attached 2-car garages and front covered porches plus the single-story plans come with covered outdoor living spaces out back. Hurry in to tour these homes, talk pricing and stake your claim. For more information please call 406-449-0800. 

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2880 & 2882 Runkle Parkway:  New 1219 S.F. duplex condos with great views of the Elkhorns! Condos back up to future pocket park. Condo features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, a pocket desk, an attached 2-car garage and a covered outdoor living space. Design amenities include granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, water-resistant laminate flooring, tiled laundry, baths and entry, and carpeted bedrooms. Electric range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal included! Monthly condo fee is $130 and pays for sidewalk snow removal, mowing and landscaping care as well as exterior building insurance and maintenance. Priced at $254,900. Call now! 406-449-0800.

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2851 & 2853 Twilight Avenue:  New 1219 S.F. duplex condos well underway -- Absolutely perfect for the "downsizer" or the "first time" home buyer! Condo features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, a pocket desk, an attached 2-car garage and a covered outdoor living space. Design amenities include granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, water-resistant laminate flooring, tiled laundry, baths and entry, and carpeted bedrooms. Electric range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal included! Monthly condo fee is $130 and pays for sidewalk snow removal, mowing and landscaping care as well as exterior building insurance and maintenance. Priced at $249,900. Call now! 406-449-0800.

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235 Bella View: "THE TOWN HALL". A classic you'll love to live in right across from Mountain View Park! Over 1900 S.F., this 2-story craftsman 4-square offers 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths and an upstairs nursery or TV room. A fireplace, central air, side patio, full-front porch and an attached 2-car garage are only a few of the features that make this house the place to call home. Well underway, expect The Town Hall to be completed in time for the holidays. Wrap it up early by calling 431-7680. Priced at $339,900.

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2850 Alexis Avenue: "THE FRONTIER". This 1800 S.F. single-level home was featured in the 2019 Parade of Homes! It has an exceptional open concept with clean lines and quality finishes. This 3BD/2BA with a 2 car attached garage maximizes space and function. Granite countertops from Silver City Stone, Mohawk flooring, walk in custom tile shower in master, 8 foot steel ceiling fan and other incredible features. For more information, contact Jared Engels at 406-461-4025. MLS# 21916648. Priced at $319,500.

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2908 Stacia: "THE PRIMROSE". A brand new 3BD/2BA Garden Home with main floor ensuite. This 1526 S.F. two-story home features granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring, kitchen appliances and an attached 2-car heated garage. Side yard fence included plus front yard and rear carriage lane landscaping! Easy walking distance to Mountain View Park. RD financing available. For additional information, please stop by the MVM Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. or call Dawn Purvis, Century 21,  at 406-439-6380. MLS# 21913419. $265,900.

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2920 Stacia Avenue: "THE YARROW". Brand new craftsman 2-story Garden Home with inviting front porch features a ½ bath downstairs for guests and 3 bedrooms and a bath upstairs. Built for comfort and economy, interior details on this Sierra Custom Home include granite, tile, laminate and stainless-steel appliances. Front yard landscaping, side-yard fencing and a raised bed with snow-crab ornamental tree all in the price. To tour this home priced at only $254,900 call 431-7680.  

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2874 Alexis Avenue: "THE RANCHER".  This new 1836 S.F. single-story, 3BD/2BA Sierra Custom Home is just the ticket if you love great views and access to parks and trails. The Rancher features a generous front porch, a covered side outdoor living space, an upscale master ensuite, granite countertops, laminate flooring, arched entryways, 9' ceilings, fireplace, and stainless-steel appliances. For additional information call 449-0800.

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2853 Jeannette Rankin: "THE SETTLER". Be the first on your street to own this home plan! The master suite on this nearly 1600 S.F. 3BD/2BA craftsman bungalow features a double vanity, separate shower and tub and a big walk-in closet. The walk-through kitchen allows easy access to both the dining room to the rear and the family room to the front with extra space perfect for a pocket office. Priced at $289,900, this Weatherall built home includes granite countertops, laminate floors, soft-close cabinets, kitchen appliances, front yard landscaping and an attached two-car garage. To tour this home call 431-7680.

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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
363 Elouise Cobell: This 3BD/2BA single-story Sierra Custom Home is just getting underway! With 1591 S.F. a few of the amenities in this home include a gas fireplace, coffered 9' ceilings, covered porches, granite countertops, soft close cabinets, tile floor in baths and laundry, stainless steel appliances, and an attached 2-car garage. For more information stop by the Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street or call 406-449-0800. 

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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
ASPEN PARK: This view could be yours, but hurry! There are only two walk-out lots facing the Elkhorns still available in Phase I. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street to discuss your plan for a new home at Aspen Park. We'll help you choose the perfect lot and connect you with the best builder to make your dream home a reality. 

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Mountain View Meadows | 406-449-0800 | Info@MVMeadows.com  | http://www.MVMeadows.com
431 S. Alice Street
Helena, MT 59601
In This Issue
The Best in Our
Neighborhood:
WELCOMING IN THE HOLIDAYS
Perhaps not the first, but the first sign of the season that caught our eye. This wreath display on the entry to the home of Tony and Hadley Stanfel at 2865 Jeannette Rankin showed up sometime before the 22 nd . What a delightful way to usher in the holidays! Although the annual decorating contest elicits visions of spectacular displays, welcoming visitors with hints of the holiday season will put a smile on their faces, and in plenty of time for Thanksgiving! So even if you haven't had time to climb ladders to hang lights or drag bags of decorations out of storage, take this as one of the best examples of simply stating, "Welcome to our neighborhood this holiday season!" Thank you Tony and Hadley for starting us off right!
Welcome to the
Neighborhood
Shelbi Frieling
Is settling into her magnificent Sierra Custom Home in Aspen Park.
 
April & Bryce Prescott
Have moved in and are enjoying their lovely 2-story Meadowrue with wonderful mountain views.
 
Donald & Geraldine Hummel
Just closed on their gorgeous Craftsman Home by Weatherall Builders.

Peg Holwick
Is anxiously waiting to move into her beautiful Garden Home in Craftsman Village. 
 

Congrat ulations! 
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
 
Fun & Fitness
BURNING HOLIDAY CALORIES
Discovering new ways to burn calories while having fun is a bit like finding a Christmas gift for your 90-year-old grandmother. But it can be done. Google "Burning calories preparing for the holidays" and a number of ideas pop up. Time magazine published a list of ways in a December, 2013 online article by Alexandra Sifferlin. It may be six years old, but we're guessing the number of calories burned by each activity has remained the same. If not, throw in a few extra packages to wrap or cookies to bake to make up the difference. In any event, here are your 11 Ways to Burn Calories with Holiday Cheer according to Sifferlin's article:
  • Wrapping gifts:                            30 minutes = 48 calories
  • Carrying Groceries:                    15 minutes = 13 calories
  • Changing bed linens for guest staying at your house:               15 minutes = 40 calories
  • Standing in line at the toy store: 30 minutes = 47 calories
  • Decorating the Christmas tree: 30 minutes = 85 calories
  • Socializing while standing:          1 hour = 127 calories
  • Tending bar for guests (but not drinking yourself):                         1 hour = 146 calories
  • Baking and preparing your feast: 1 hour = 159 calories
  • Operating a snow blower:         30 minutes = 167 calories
  • Cleaning house after your guests leave:                                  1 hour = 191 calories
  • Sledding with the kids:               30 minutes = 238 calories
Checking out the list one can say with confidence cooking and cleaning for guests will easily take off 1000 calories or more. And wrapping gifts? Well, that should garner another 500 at the least. So when you tally your calories burned completing your holiday tasks you might be surprised to find that extra piece of pumpkin pie piled high with whipped cream may not be cause for concern. Just in case, says registered dietitian Tracy Lockwood, "Take the stairs at the mall instead of the escalator or elevator when you're shopping." That's sure to tip the scale in your favor once the holiday cheers are over.
From 
  Mark &  Rebecca
CELEBRATE THE NEW 

New streets, new construction, new homes, new amenities and new mothers-to-be. New things happening at Mountain View Meadows keep both staff and crews busy heading into the holidays. Curb and gutters are in for three new streets in The Uplands neighborhood. Digging for new foundations and construction on new homes continues throughout the neighborhoods despite the onset of cold weather. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the new, finally completed, pergola in the pocket park at the corner of Alice and Stacia. The new pergola swing seemed like the perfect place to show off perhaps our favorite "new" news. Sales office manager Danielle Starkey and her husband Jon are expecting their first child in May. Everyday seems to bring another "something new" and we are forever grateful that we are surrounded by hard-working people who put their talents to task here at Mountain View Meadows to keep those new things happening. Whether building a new home or making your home at Mountain View Meadows, we wish each and everyone of you a Happy Thanksgiving and many new blessings during the holiday season and on into the New Year!
Danielle rocking baby-to-be in new pergola swing
Scaffolding system being set-up on new Sierra Custom Homes "Rancher" model on Alexis in Craftsman Village
Surveying for new Vista View Condos across from Aspen Park
Digging foundations for new homes available for sale in The Uplands 
Curb and gutters in for new streets in phase II in The Uplands
Mark cuts our new Christmas tree