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Governor Steve Bullock recently outlined strategies for getting Montana safely back to work. But during these challenging times, the community will always be in debt to those who never stopped. Thank you to all the first responders who have continued to protect our health and well-being and to the essential workers keeping food on our tables, mail in our boxes, lights on in our homes and garbage off our streets. You've stocked our shelves, tended our kids, and put roofs over our heads. As the rest of our community cautiously gets back to work, we'll remember those who never stopped. You make us all better for your commitment to a better, safer, healthier world.
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Building a Better Community:
SPARK LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY
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"Be the Spark" --
That's the rallying cry for a media campaign sponsored by Montana Radio Company in support of shopping at local businesses. "
As a locally owned small business, we have seen firsthand the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on our community and families," said Business Manager, Angela Terry. "I thought it was important for us to find a way to use the voice we have as the radio to make a difference." Terry recognized that it isn't enough to just tell people to shop locally, it needed to be a call to action with a deadline and it needed to be something in which most everyone could participate. Terry said that Kevin Skaalure in their office came up with the name and the
$50 by 5
challenge was created. It was a simple concept: to ask people to spend $50 at a local business over a 2-week period (by May 5th). Once the concept was set, the focus turned to the impact it could make.
If half of the 60,000 residents in their listening area would spend $50, the local economy would reap a $1.5 million boost. "The impact was measurable and easy to understand," said Terry. "We had a message to put our voice behind and an image for Facebook to connect people." The idea of being the spark to make a difference came from a conference call on ways to help people remember the message.
"Be a spark to make a change, be a spark to make someone smile, be a spark to help a business," said Terry. "A spark is small, but with the right environment, a spark can make a huge change."
To help promote the effort, Montana Radio Company encouraged all businesses to share "shop local" posts on their social media platforms and to promote the $50 by 5 on radio and online. Although the May 5th target date for putting $1.5 million into our local economy is tomorrow, it's not too late to do your part to make it happen. Not only do we depend on our local businesses for their goods and services, but they help define the character of our community, providing us all a better place to live, work and play. For those who can, now is the time to invest in Helena. Buy a product or service. Buy food, gift cards or a haircut. It all matters and it all helps spark life back into our community.
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On Topic:
WHAT 0% INTEREST RATES MEAN TO HOME BUYERS
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Last week, ABC reported that the Federal Reserve says it will keep its short-term interest rate near zero for the foreseeable future. It's designed to stimulate the economy by making it cheaper to borrow money. Does that mean the mortgage rates will go to zero?
"No," says Anna Bahney, CNN Business correspondent in a March 16 article that explains that the federal funds rate is the rate banks pay to borrow money overnight. Not even the U.S. Government can borrow at 0% and the most creditworthy consumer carries a higher risk than the US Treasury. When applying for a mortgage, you will expect to pay several percentage points higher than banks.
But with mortgage rates at historic lows, there is increasing demand to take advantage. So, should you rush out to refinance or purchase a new home?
"There is literally a traffic jam to get on to the mortgage refinance highway," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. The result is less consistent rates among lenders as they work through the initial wave of demand. However, said McBride, with so many things at play in the economy right now, the conditions are set for mortgage rates to stay low for the balance of 2020. "Once lenders ease the backlog of applications, rates should normalize and that will make for an opportune time to get in."
What does this mean for the housing market?
After dropping to historic lows, the 30-year fixed interest rate ticked up slightly in mid March but declined in April. "Now rates are expected to drop again," said Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com. "Lower rates may entice home buyers out to shop. Some people may feel the need to buy or refinance now so they don't miss out."
As shelter-at-home restrictions ease, homebuyers concerned about exposure to the coronavirus need to feel comfortable and safe when touring homes for sale. Realtors have adopted measures to protect both the buyer and the seller so that all parties, as well as the economy, benefit from the low mortgage interest rate.
"Monetary policy is not a quick-acting tool," said Hale. "It will be some time before we know whether this action was sufficient to sustain economic growth, but it's a large and coordinated move that will put households, the housing market, businesses, and the financial sector on better footing."
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1.
DATE STILL TO COME: Due to the Shelter-at-home directive, your HOA Officers and Board of Directors elected to cancel their April monthly meeting. A new date will be set for the annual HOA Members meeting as soon as the Officers and Board are able to meet again. In the meantime, if you have any thoughts about the annual meeting, particularly if you would be willing to attend if social distancing practices are put in place, please drop us an email. And we are still requesting nominations to serve as an HOA Officer. If you submitted a nomination and didn't hear back, please re-submit to
[email protected]. The address provided in the newsletter last month has not been working properly.
2.
PAINTING: This past winter has proven hard on home exteriors. This is a good time to assess the exterior of your home to determine if it needs a fresh coat of paint. For most of the homes, your exterior colors are on file in the MVM office. If you want to change your color, you will need to submit your new color(s) to the DRC (Design Review Committee) for review. New colors are reviewed as a means to maintain a cohesive sense of design in your neighborhood. You can normally tell if your color has a good chance at approval by looking around your neighborhood. Call us at the office and we'll give you details on a Sherwin Williams paint discount to MVM residents.
3.
IMPROVEMENTS TO HOMES AND LOTS: To protect home values and the integrity of your neighborhood, MVM Covenants require approval for any improvement to the exterior home or lot. Improvements include such things as home designs, additions, decks, fencing, landscaping and painting. Contact Director of Design, Rebecca Ryland to submit your plan. Office Manager Danielle Starkey says Rebecca gets really excited when residents recognize the value of covenants and design standards and are willing to work through the submittal process for approval. It's pretty simple and 99% of the time plans are approved as submitted or with a little tweaking to meet the Design Standards. And if something doesn't work in your neighborhood, Rebecca will explain why and work with you to develop a plan that hopefully works for you. To start the approval process for your next improvement, call Rebecca at 406-431-7680.
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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. 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.
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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
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363 Elouise Cobell: This 3BD/2BA single-story Sierra Custom Home is move-in ready! With 1591 S.F. a few of the amenities in this home include a gourmet kitchen with a gas range, gas fireplace, tray ceilings, granite countertops, soft close cabinets, tile floor in baths and laundry, stainless steel appliances, covered porches, and an attached 2-car garage. For more information call Dawn Purvis, Century 21 at 439-6380. $339,900. MLS# 22004787.
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371 Elouise Cobell:
Beautiful Sierra Custom Home with all the upscale details you'll love from tray ceilings, arched entryways and a gas fireplace to a tiled walk-in master shower, double vanity and water closet. This exceptional 3BD/2BA 1700 S.F. floorplan includes a tiled laundry/mud room directly off the attached 2-car garage, a large walk-in pantry, a café off the kitchen, a large kitchen island, and an open great room. Sit on your covered front porch or relax on your private covered rear patio or just enjoy upscale living in your new Sierra home. Call Dawn Purvis 406-439-6380 for an appointment. $349,900. MLS# 22004784.
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2686 Summers Crossing: 1716 S.F. 3BD/2BA single-level Sierra Custom Home about to break ground! This brand new floorplan features a zero-barrier front courtyard entry and spacious rear covered patio. Coffered ceiling in the great room with 9' ceilings throughout the rest of the home. The sooner you buy the more choices you'll make on cabinets, granite, tile and flooring along with both interior and exterior colors. Call 431-7680 and we'll email the floorplan and lot location so you can start dreaming about your new home!
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2692 Summers Crossing: A lovely front porch sets off the entry to this 3BD/2BA single-level home ready to start one block south of BCBS. This 1647 S.F. Sierra Custom Home features a fireplace, coffered ceiling in the great room, covered rear patio off the café and an attached 2-car garage. Lock in your historically low interest rate now so you can relax and enjoy watching your home progress from start to finish. Call 431-7680 for additional information.
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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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. Call Anna Havranek at 406-438-1141 for a tour today. Priced at $332,900. MLS# 22001571.
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255 Bella View: "THE PROSPECTOR".
2210 finished square feet with an attached 3-car garage makes this 3BD/2.5BA 2-story one of the most desirable floorplans available in Craftsman Village. Located directly across from Mountain View Park, your new home boasts a large open great room and half bath on the main floor and a huge loft on the upper floor flanked by two bedrooms to the rear and a spacious master suite upfront with park views. Nearly completed, this Sierra Custom Home will be ready in plenty of time to enjoy summer by the park. For additional information call Dawn Purvis at 439-6380. $345,900. MLS# 22002976.
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2897 Stacia Avenue: "THE ASTER".
New 2BD/2BA single-story craftsman garden home featuring granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, stainless steel kitchen appliances, electric fireplace and an attached 2-car garage. Comes complete with U.G. water system, front and carriage-lane landscaping and side yard fencing. To tour this home today, please call 449-0800. $239,900.
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2878 Alexis Avenue: "THE MEADOWRUE". Fall in love with the main floor master on this 3BD/2BA 1507 S.F. classic craftsman home. Granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, laminate flooring, tiled wet areas, stainless-steel kitchen appliances and a big laundry room provide a great upscale feel in this modestly-priced home. Located just one block from Mountain View Park! For pricing call 449-0800.
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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, gas fireplace, and stainless-steel appliances. For additional information call Dawn Purvis at 439-6380. MLS #22001227. $349,900.
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Condos at Mountain View Meadows
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2867, 2869, 2875, 2877, 2883 & 2885 Vista Avenue:
Brand new Condo floorplan! "Vista" Condos feature rear decks overlooking the open space draw, some with unobstructed mountain views. Street entry into attached 2-car garage with an additional concrete parking pad for your guests. Interior details include open great room with stunning views, 10' tray ceilings, granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, raised breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, tiled wet areas, and master bath with double vanity and walk-in tiled shower. These absolutely will be gone before you know it! 1635 S.F. Condos $309,900. 1660 S.F. Condo $315,000.
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2641 & 2643 Jeannette Rankin Drive: "NEW UPLAND CONDOS!". One for the Parade and one for you! Brand new 2053 S.F. upscale duplex condos underway on Jeannette Rankin Drive in The Uplands neighborhood. Condos feature a spacious 17' x 18' living room with a 10' high tray ceiling, separate dining area off kitchen, huge walk-in pantry, raised breakfast bar, laundry room with sink and cabinets, luxurious master suite featuring 10' tray ceiling, 2 closets (one walk-in), double vanity, private water closet, walk-in tiled shower and separate soaking tub. You'll enjoy design details like granite countertops, tiled wet areas, and lots of closets and each condo comes with a gas fireplace and central air. You'll love the covered outdoor grilling/sitting porch and a 2-car garage with storage room plus the opportunity to add a fence to enclose an exclusive outdoor-use space. Just being framed, stop by when it's safe again to go out and we'll discuss in person your claim on one of these beautiful 3BD/2BA one-of-a-kind single-story condos all with convenient and reliable City of Helena services.
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2857 & 2859 Twilight Avenue:
New 1219 S.F. duplex condos scheduled for completion late spring -- 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 or gas 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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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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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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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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Neighborhood:
SPREADING SMILES
ONE ROCK AT A TIME
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Condo Gals on their daily hike love finding Painted Rocks!
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Neighbors have been stumbling upon small painted rocks in their yards and along the Fun & Fitness Trail. Mary, Sharon, Rhea and Jennifer who live in the Condos in Craftsman Village walk together every day. They want to thank whoever is painting rocks and leaving them along the Trail. It makes their day! Corrine, who lives on Twilight, called the office to ask if anyone knows about the painted rocks. She found one in her yard and, even though she didn't know its meaning, it made her smile. We're only hypothesizing here, but a trend that started several years ago may have popped up at Mountain View Meadows. Painted rocks left for others to find, sometimes with directions for posting a photo on Facebook, are intended to bring a smile to someone's face. They can be kept as a special gift (even named) or passed along for someone else to find. They can also be used as a fun game for children who delight with the discovery of the surprise gifts hidden in yards, along sidewalks and behind bushes. And they work great for a treasure hunt. Some painted rocks come with inspirational messages. "Kindness rocks", as they are called, is a viral trend where people paint rocks or stones with inspirational messages or sayings and then they leave them in public places for people to find. The intention is to spread kindness and love. One of the best parts about painted rocks, particularly during these challenging times, is they cost nothing to get and little to paint, but for the lucky person who finds that rock, the joy is priceless. Thank you to the anonymous (guessing)
young
girls and boys in our neighborhoods spreading smiles one rock at a time. You are the best!
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Jonathan & Jacqueline Garcia
Are enjoying their beautiful 2-story Sierra Custom Home in Craftsman Village.
Clarence & Connie Lester
Are settling into their lovely brand new Vista Condo by Weatherall Builders.
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness
BIKING PART 1:
FUNDAMENTALS OF MOUNTAIN BIKING*
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Ahh, spring is in the air. Roads and trails are drying up, and it's just about time to pull out the mountain bike. Through two decades of personal mountain bike experience and working with mountain bike athletes all over the country, here are a few fundamental tips to keep in mind to ensure every ride is better than the last:
1. Ensure You Maintain Your Bike
Ensure the basics are done, such as a chain check, brake checks, tire checks and cable checks. These are often the small things that give out when least expected.
2. Ride with Better Riders than Yourself
Riding with seasoned riders will help you learn some of the riding habits of people who have been doing it longer. Watch how they position their
bodies, how they handle rough, rocky sections and how they fix a flat tire when they're miles from anywhere.
3. Focus on Where You Want to Go
When you are on the trail, look where you want to go, especially on trails with plenty of roots and rocks. If you look at the rock or tree that you are trying to avoid, you will probably hit it. Instead, focus on the line that you want to take.
4. Take a Brake
Learn how to use both brakes effectively. Most of your braking power comes from the front brake. But be careful not to use it too much if you are going downhill or cornering. When cornering, practice breaking before the turn, rather than in the middle of it. When descending, learn to feather the brakes so that they don't lock up.
5. Go Yonder
Practice the general skills of mountain biking on the MVM trails and undeveloped roads to build fundamentals and progress to our local trails. We have so many excellent trails in Helena:
6. Strength Train
Appropriate strength training and stretching provides for the muscular endurance and flexibility you need on the bike. I would recommend a strength training session preferably twice a week. For some basic fundamental exercises feel free to contact me.
Helena has a huge mountain bike community, and there are plenty of opportunities to ride with others. Check the local bike shop for a ride schedule, join the local bike clubs like
Helena United Cycling or
Montana Bicycle Guild. I'll see you on the trails!
*Contributing writer, Mountain View Meadows resident and master biker, Joe Hamilton
406-461-6901
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Thankfully "Alive & Well" is a fitting description of Mark and me, our families and our friends, although my brother in Ohio suffered a serious bout of COVID-19 and is still on the road to recovery. But this particular shout out to "Alive & Well" hails all the activity at Mountain View Meadows since skies turned blue. Blue skies mean welcomed spring weather, but they also signal a cautionary return to less stressful, more optimistic days ahead. "A picture paints a thousand words," so we hope you enjoy the gallery of photos below that show just how Alive & Well life is at Mountain View Meadows. And to keep the positive energy flowing, May the 4th be with you!
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Social Distancing Social at 2846 Twilight
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Bike Training with Grandma
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Cool Kids on a Stroll with Mom
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Baby in Backpack & His Sisters Hike with Dad
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A "Working from Home" Break
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Getting the Jump on a few Weeds
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Teens Swing in Pocket Park
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Sidewalk Scooters & Skaters
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Tina on the Trail of the Meadowlarks
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MVM Crew Digging a New Foundation
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Al Marsh Laying Rock on Antelope Trace Sign
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Craftsman Creating Corbels for Garden Homes
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Freshly Poured Concrete
at New Sierra Custom Home in Aspen Park
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Generation Painting
at Work on Weatherall Condo Building
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Helena Habitat Together We Build
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Montana City Landscapers Prep for Green Grass
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New Age Painting Putting on Final Touches
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NorthWestern Energy Keeping the Lights On
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Not Fair! American Sheet Metal Contractors Stuck Inside!
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Resting Now for Another Day of Work Tomorrow
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