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July/August 2018
Believe in Better:
NEW HOMESITES
Since 1982, 31 million acres of ranch and farmland have been developed in the U.S. Although there has been a slight decline in the ratio of rural and city development in Lewis and Clark County this past year, there are still considerably more homes built outside the city than inside the city, with significant rural development on once productive agricultural land. All developed land, of course, was once rural. It becomes the responsibility, then, of city and county planners to implement strategies to manage growth so that the best agricultural lands are preserved and development takes place with the least amount of negative impact on natural resources. Directing residential development within a designated growth boundary around a city and allowing reasonable housing on rural low productivity and non-agricultural lands provides the opportunity for a robust housing market to help foster growth and address buyers' preferences while conserving the best farm and ranch lands for current and future needs. Working towards that shared vision, Mountain View Meadows continues to develop new homesites in a number of unique neighborhoods that make up a single city of the Helena residential and business community. The latest residential phase opened in June in the Craftsman Village neighborhood. These approximately 6,000 S.F. conservative city lots on the east side of Mountain View Park provide building sites for Carriage Homes ranging from 1200-2400 S.F. and can accommodate basements for buyers looking for additional square footage. In just a single month, six new Carriage Homes are under construction; three presold and three available for sale. In 2018 so far, throughout the various neighborhoods, 53 new homes have been completed or are under construction on city lots ranging from 4,000 S.F. to nearly ½ acre in size. Overall, 65 lots are currently available at Mountain View Meadows to better serve new home buyers in Helena, with an additional 115 lots in development for phases to be completed in 2019 and 20 with more to come.
Building a Better Community:
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS
The exceptionally popular Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is coming once again to Helena for performances starting at 6:00 PM August 6 & 7 at Pioneer Park. This year's offerings include Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello on Monday evening and one of his early comedies, Love's Labour's Lost on Tuesday evening. Othello revolves around its two central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army and his unfaithful ensign, Iago. Given its varied and enduring themes of racism, love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge and repentance, Othello is still often performed in professional and community theatre alike. Love's Labour's Lost follows the King of Navarre and his three companions whose attempts to swear off the company of women for three years are thwarted by their subsequent infatuation with the Princess of France and her ladies. The play draws on themes of masculine love and desire, reckoning and rationalization, and reality versus fantasy. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks travels to 60 communities every summer and does 75 performances throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, eastern Idaho, western North Dakota and eastern Washington. MSIP is a nationally recognized outreach program of the College of Arts and Architecture at Montana State University. If you plan to go, be sure to put down a blanket early to save your space. Food cans to hold down blankets are typically collected for the food pantry allowing audiences to give back to their community while taking in a community cultural event. Although performances are free and open to the public, donations are highly recommended. For more info visit shakespeareintheparks.org.
On Topic
THE COMEBACK OF THE FRONT PORCH
"The front porch is experiencing a cultural renaissance," said Samantha Toscano in an article published in Home and Living back in 2014. "The McMansion-style homes that have dominated the luxury home market in recent years have their merits," she added, "But there's a welcomed and much quainter change cropping up on floor plans, a feature that the Wall Street Journal is calling "the friendliest place in a house" - the porch."
 
And the trend continued to rise. A 2017 article in CityLab by Lynn Freehill noted that 65% of new single-family homes completed during the past year had this once-again-trendy feature according to data compiled by the National Association of Home Builders. More Millennials than any other age group now want a porch, the association's 2016 survey showed. In October, 2017 REALTOR Magazine brought the trend home by proclaiming to every licensed agent: "Porches Are Making a Comeback."
 
But what about 2018? Marcia Jedd writing for HGTV sees the trend getting bigger and expanding the concept of the "old-fashioned" front porch.

"As more porches sprout in front yards across the country, the homebuilders behind them meet the wants of today's buyers with a kind of architectural back to the future. Popping up in both renovations and new construction, it seems to be all about the new old-fashioned porch," said Jedd.
Minneapolis architect Paul Buum says porches are also getting larger, often spanning the full length of the front of the house. Depending on the style of home, many production builders also are making front porches standard and building them deeper than a decade ago - 8 to 10 feet deep instead of 4 to 6 feet.
 
"In both remodels and new construction, full lengths are nice for homes facing a street, and so are wider [deeper] porches to accommodate tables, chairs or the old-fashioned porch swing," Buum says.
 
"Ensuring continuity with the architectural style of the rest of the home is a key design consideration. A porch should be consistent in detail and character with the rest of the house. This is particularly true with front porches," Buum notes, "since it's the first introduction a person has to the home."
 
Buum outlines these porch design trends:
 
More color. Design elements emphasize color. "You see a lot of multicolor palettes today. You can have one siding color, another trim color and an accent."
 
Bolder columns. Architectural columns often are on a larger scale for design or aesthetic as long as the columns are scaled appropriately to the home. Columns can be round, squared or tapered and sit on the deck of the porch or a pier.
 
Durable materials. A well-designed porch typically will encompass the same exterior material as the rest of the home.
 
Flooring. In addition to traditional pine or cedar floors on front porches, an increasingly popular choice is ipe, a Brazilian hardwood that is an incredibly strong wood, resistant to insects, rot and mold.
Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
1. DID YOU LOVE THE 4 TH  OF JULY FIREWORKS? If so, it isn't too late to send your donations to those who made it happen. We definitely want to see this tradition continue but it isn't possible without our help. To make a donation to help fund the fireworks, visit www.helenafireworks.com or email aimeemyles23@gmail.com . You can also drop off donations at either of the Shellie Country Café locations. For additional information, call Shellie at 442-0033 or Dean at 439-0489.
 
2. HOME IMPROVEMENTS: Please remember that you live in a community with covenants and design standards. Design standards are a means to protect your home's value and the look and feel of the neighborhoods. Each neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows has its own unique design standards. Before making improvements, send an email to the Director of Design, Rebecca Ryland at RRyland@MVMeadows.com . Give a brief description of what you are planning and be sure to request any info you need. For example, if painting your home, you may either need to match your colors or see if your new color is approved for your neighborhood. We have most of the existing home colors on file in the office. Putting in a fence? Rebecca can provide you with information regarding materials and placement for fences in your particular neighborhood. Design Standards for each neighborhood are available online at www.MVMeadows.com.
 
3. HORSESHOES: Just a reminder that we have horseshoes at the MVM office. These may be borrowed anytime for use at Mountain View Park, which has two regulation-size horseshoe pits.
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. 
Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
2789 Favor Loop: "THE WISE". Until you see it, you won't believe the upscale feel of this 2414 S.F. 3 or 4 bedroom/2.5 bath home. It has it all--- front door sidelites, open 2-story floor to ceiling entryway with chandelier, main floor master suite, luxury bath, air conditioning, fireplace, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, soft-close cabinets, separate dining room and front and rear covered porches.  Close to completion, now is the time to buy this brand new home just two blocks from Mountain View Park. Call 406-431-7680 for a private tour any day of the week. $349,900.

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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
379 Elouise Cobell: "THE ELK PARK". This nearly completed 3BD/2BA home is one of the best new plans available in The Uplands neighborhood. With a look and feel that exceeds its 1900 S. F. floorplan, you'll fall in love with The Elk Park's tall 9' ceilings, vaulted great room and master bedroom and luxury master ensuite boasting two walk-in closets, double vanity, soaking tub, tiled shower, private water closet and natural light. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island bar, pantry and separate dining area while a gas fireplace sets off the great room.  You'll enjoy both the distant mountain views and city lights from your covered front porch and have plenty of privacy for BBQ's and entertaining on your covered rear patio. And wait till you see the huge storage closets in the bonus room over the garage! The Elk Park comes complete with air conditioning and gas hookup for those who wish to upgrade to a gas range. For a private tour, visit the MVM Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St.  $319,900.

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366 Elouise Cobell: "THE WHITEFISH".  Beautiful new home just underway is in easy walking distance to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters. Impressive front courtyard entry and large covered rear patio for outdoor living set this home apart. Built by family owned Grewett Construction, known for their rustic wood finishes and exceptional craftsmanship, this new 3BD/3BA floorplan includes an open vaulted great room with gas fireplace, vaulted master ensuite, study, huge walk-in pantry and spacious laundry room/owner's entry off an oversized 2-car garage. Better keep a close eye on this one or you'll miss a great opportunity to own this awesome 2540 S.F. executive-style home!  

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317 Elouise Cobell: "THE MONIDA". Located in "The Uplands" neighborhood just one block south of the new BCBS headquarters, this new 2003 S.F. single-story 3BD/2BA home built by Casteel Construction features a huge open great room, kitchen island, gas fireplace and an attached 2-car garage. Homes in this new neighborhood sell fast! Call Jared Engels at Windermere Real Estate for more information. MLS#300221. $309,000.

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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
2856 Alexis  Avenue: "THE TRADER". Just underway in Craftsman Village, this popular 2-story plan features 3BD/2.5BA with all the standard upgrades you've come to expect in homes at Mountain View Meadows. Buy now and you can choose your own colors of laminate flooring, cabinets, granite, tile, carpet, and interior and exterior paint. This 1485 S.F. Craftsman Carriage Home is affordably priced at $259,900 and is located just one block from Mountain View Park. Call 431-7680 to discuss options.

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2862 Alexis  Avenue: "THE COACH HOUSE". If you're looking for a 3-car garage that comes standard, then this 1481 S.F. single-story plan is for you! The Coach House features granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring and all your essential kitchen appliances. Choose from three exterior elevations that personalize your inviting front porch. Your new home includes free front yard landscaping and rear carriage lane (alley) landscaping.  $269,900. Stop by the Information & Sales office at 431 S. Alice St. or email Danielle.mvm@hotmail.com to get your copy of the floorplan.

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2884 Stacia: "THE YARROW". This new 3BD/1.5BA Garden Home is just getting underway! This 1223 total S. F. home features granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring and kitchen appliances.  Side yard fence included plus free front yard and rear carriage lane landscaping! Easy walking distance to Mountain View Park. For additional information, please stop by the MVM Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St.  

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2888 Stacia: "THE ASTER". New 2BD/2BA single-story craftsman garden home featuring granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, kitchen appliances and an attached 2-car garage. Comes complete with U.G. water system, front and carriage-lane landscaping and side yard fencing. Contact Dawn Purvis, Century21, at 406-439-6380.  MLS#301380. $229,900.

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2818 Vista: "Courtyard Condo". You asked for it... You got it! Now offering a brand new 1635 S.F. single-story condo plan. Not only is it bigger than our popular 1219 S.F. plan, but it comes with a rear patio/courtyard area that can be completely fenced for your personal privacy. The new 2BD or 3BD/2BA  floorplan features granite countertops, tile & laminate flooring, a vaulted master and great room, kitchen appliances, a 2-car attached garage and a flex room for hobbies, an office or 3rd Bedroom. Visit the MVM Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice St. for additional information. 

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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
2930 Big Timber Loop: "THE OPEN RANGE". NEW UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMAN HOME has 2748 totally finished S.F. with 2460 S.F. of single-story living and an additional 288 S.F. finished bonus space above the garage. This home features a vaulted living room, corner fireplace, raised breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, den/office, wood floors, doors and trim, granite countertops, knotty-alder soft-close cabinets, "subway" tile backsplash, separate dining, and a gorgeous master suite with double vanity, tiled shower and soaker tub. The home includes an owner's entry with bench and cubby hole shelves and central air with three separate zones. An over sized garage, stone and timber exterior features, a concrete tile roof with a 75 year warranty, HardiePlank siding, a beautiful front porch entry and a huge covered outdoor living space are among the many amenities that set this home apart. Drop by the Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice Street to check out this brand new 3 or 4BD/ 2.5BA home -- an unbeatable value at only $429,900! MLS#300407. Contact Anna Havranek at KellerWilliams at 406-438-1141 for a private showing. 

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2883 Alpine View Loop: BRAND NEW nearly completed single-story Sierra Custom Home. This beautiful home has 2254 finished S.F. including 4BD/2BA featuring a beautiful master suite, gas fireplace, granite countertops, 3-car garage, covered outdoor living space (front & back), HardiePlank siding, concrete tile roof, and stone and timber exterior accents. Priced at $399,900. Stop by the Information & Sales office or contact Dawn Purvis, Century 21 for more information. MLS#300186. 

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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: 
CHICAGO TITLE & OPPORTUNITY BANK
Kudos to Chicago Title & Opportunity Bank for joining Mountain View Meadows in sponsoring the 4 th  of July Community Celebration at Mountain View Park. As food vendors arrived at 6:00 PM and Jack-a-lope Jump Houses rose up for free jumping for kids, the park began filling up with neighbors, families and guests. At 9:00 PM the bounce houses came down and Dan Hunthausen entertained with guitar and vocals on the open grass areas as people from throughout Mountain View Meadows and the greater Helena community began laying out their blankets and setting up lawn chairs to watch the Prickly Pear Fireworks display. By 10:00 PM, 250 or more people had assembled for the show, the biggest turnout for a 4th  of July event in Helena. Kudos also to Flying Cloud Coffee and the Missionary Taco Truck for providing such a great variety of food and drink products and for sticking around till the last explosion of colors faded from the night sky. If you missed it, be sure to check out the 4th  of July fun next year in Helena's best neighborhood park right here at Mountain View Meadows.
Welcome to the
Neighborhood
Terri Hogan
Has moved into her lovely new home built by Sierra Custom Homes in our Uplands neighborhood.

Dick & Linda Burns
Are settling into their brand new Courtyard Condo by Weatherall Builders.

Jay & Jennifer Boughn
Are downsizing into their beautiful new Courtyard Condo where they still have great views of the Elkhorn Mountains!


Congrat ulations! 
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
 
Fun & Fitness: 
HORSESHOES
Horseshoes is a lawn game played between two people (or two teams of two people) using four horseshoes and two throwing targets (stakes). Most anyone between eight and eighty can heave a horseshoe the typical 40 feet distance between stakes. It is a great way for people of all ages to engage in a fun outdoor activity that combines fellowship and exercise at any family gathering.

In horseshoes, one player pitches both shoes in succession to one pit, followed by the other player. This is formally called an inning. In horseshoes, there are two ways to score: by throwing "ringers" or by throwing the horseshoe nearest to the stake. A ringer is a horseshoe that has been thrown in such a way as to completely encircle the stake. A live shoe that is not a ringer, but comes to rest six inches (6") or closer to the stake, has a value of one (1) point and a ringer scores three points. "Leaners", that is a horseshoe that leans on the stake scores 2 points. This scoring system gives rise to the popular expression "Close only counts in horseshoes."
 
If a player throws two ringers, that player scores six points. If each player throws a ringer, the ringers cancel and no points are scored. If two ringers are thrown by one player and one ringer by the opponent, the player throwing two ringers scores three points. This is typically called "two dead and three" or "three ringers three" for score keeping purposes. Back-yard games can be played to any number of points that is agreed upon, but are usually to 21 points--but you must win by 2.
 
Different scoring rules apply to sanctioned play.  But whether playing for sport or fun, an average-sized person can expend as many as 211 calories an hour playing this popular game. To burn even more calories, complete warm-up exercises before starting the game or play with horseshoes that weigh 2 or 2 ½ pounds.
From 
  Mark &  Rebecca
THE WINGS OF FREEDOM
Last year I saw that a B24 Liberator was touching down in Billings but we just couldn't get away at the time to make the trip to see it. When I saw that the Wings of Freedom Tour was coming to the Helena Airport July 2 nd -5 th,  I made sure we set time aside to take our grandkids to see the plane in which my dad flew 50 missions as a gunner in World War II. Okay, so not the exact plane, but close enough. My son, Favor, also went along. He saw what may have been the same tour in Florida when he was 13, the same age as our two oldest grandchildren. I decided to wear my dad's aviation jacket. I hadn't worn it since he passed away in 2011. When I reached in the pocket I found the photos he had of himself and his plane that he carried with him to show people who were curious about that jacket. Painted on the front of the jacket is his plane's logo, "The Big Idjit" along with 50 bombs representing the number of missions he flew...and survived. On the back is a painting of the plane. When we got to the gate, I showed the attendant the photos. He marveled at the jacket and the number of missions saying his dad only flew 3 before his plane was shot up. And then he let us all in for free in honor of by dad. Mark often reminds me how miraculous it is that Dad flew all those missions and lived long enough to have me... so we could marry and have such a wonderful life and family. The 4 th  of July is a great time to say thanks for the opportunities we often take for granted, for the people who put their lives on the line to create a new country 242 years ago and to those who continue to defend our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Front of Dad's Jacket
B24 Liberator on back
Aspen Park residents Dave & Jan and new Courtyard Condo owners Bonnie & Bruce first to join Mark in the pavilion on the 4th
Residents Linda, Dick, Diane, John and Karen join family & friends at the Park
Kids jump for free thanks to sponsors!
Dan Hunthausen entertains as people begin arriving for fireworks
The last of the show!