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Believe in Better:
2024 Milestones
| As 2024 comes to a close, it is a great time to reflect on what goals were set and what was achieved in and about the Helena area. Jacob Kuntz, Executive Director of Montana Habitat for Humanity continued to lead his organization in furthering plans for a new mixed-use development in East Helena designed with housing affordability in mind. A major milestone for the project: completing the subdivision application and perhaps most exciting of all, announcing the name for the new community -- “Rose Hills.” In 2024 Prickly Pear Land Trust completed trail development and set the bridge at Prickly Pear Park with a grand opening planned for spring 2025! “PPLT also purchased Birdseye Ranch which expanded new hunting access on 1500 acres and protected key wildlife habitat in the area,” said Executive Director Mary Hollow. Mountain View Meadows developer Mark Runkle and his wife Rebecca Ryland, Director of Design, are thrilled to announce that they welcomed their 500th new homeowner to the community on December 30th. Mark and Rebecca surprised Donna Smith on her very first day in her new home on Adam Run Ave. in the Craftsman Village neighborhood with a check for $500 commemorating the event. “We wanted to do something special that reflected our joy in reaching this milestone,” said Runkle. “Rebecca and I appreciate all the builders, subcontractors, engineers and Helena city staff that helped make this happen and we look forward to working together to lay the foundation in 2025 for the next 500!” | |
Building a Better Community:
It's Not Just About Rooftops
| It’s exciting to start off the new year with the 500th new home buyer moving into her new home at Mountain View Meadows. But as important as that milestone is, it is equally important to reflect on building a better community and what that means. Throughout the year, Mountain View Meadows spearheads a number of events to provide opportunities for residents to become involved with their community -- all of which are supported by the Mountain View Meadows HOA. In 2024, the first “Spring Fling” was held at the recently completed Peace Park. The event kicked off with a 1.8-mile cross-country foot race followed by old-fashioned kids games and an apple-pie baking contest. In the summer, the 4th of July Community Celebration reached its 10th year celebration! The event, which is free and open to the public, is made possible by volunteers from throughout Mountain View Meadows who help with everything from coordinating the “Chalk Up the Block” art project and “Best of 10” Basketball Free-throw contest to a friendly horseshoe competition and Kids Push, Pull & Pedal Parade. In the fall you’ll see community volunteers decorating the Haunted Park -- now in its 5th year -- and dressing in costume to pass out the nearly 500 bags of candy donated and individually bagged by Mountain View Meadows residents. And it isn’t just the Haunted Park that is alive with activity. Hundreds of residents join in by decorating their homes and passing out special treats including hot chocolate for the adults. Then comes the Winter Holiday Decorating contest that literally lights up the community and fosters some neighborly rivalries, all in good fun. So it’s hats off to the wonderful residents (and businesses) that came together for another year of community building at Mountain View Meadows. When we work and play together, community happens. | |
On Topic:
2025 Home Affordability -- Up or Down?
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Is it an escalator going up or down? An escalator at the mall goes both ways, but according to Merriam-Webster, the secondary meaning is “an upward course”…and thus concurs the experts: Home prices will continue to rise in 2025, but so will home affordability.
According to a December 26 article on “Money” by Leslie Cook, “When it comes to home prices, there’s mixed news heading into 2025. The downside is that prices are expected to keep increasing. The good news is that they won’t rise as much as they have in recent years.” At the low end, the National Association of Realtors projects a year-over-year price increase of 2%, while Zillow expects an increase of 2.6%. On the higher end, Realtor.com and Redfin, forecast year-over-year price growths of 3.7% and 4%, respectively.
What contributes to a modest uptick in home prices? The obvious answers are increased labor, materials and land development costs mostly attributable to an annual inflation rate of goods and services. As of November, the core Consumer Price Index was at 3.3% inflation on an annual basis and .3% monthly. Just how are these numbers reflected in housing affordability?
“[There’s] a very clear correlation between inventory and price appreciation,” says Leo Pareja, CEO of brokerage firm eXp Realty. “Steadily increasing inventory is a major factor in improving housing affordability. In areas where housing supply has improved, home price growth has begun to level off…” Most experts consider a six-month supply of for-sale listings to be the best indication of a balanced market -- one where there is enough supply to meet buyer demand. “Nationally, we’re not there yet,” says Pareja, “but we’re making progress.”
The experts at Realtor.com agree: the housing market is heading toward greater balance. There is currently about a four-month supply of homes on the market -- a significant improvement over the record-low one month’s worth of inventory on the market in January 2022.
Realtor.com points to other positives heading into the new year. “Mortgage rates are forecast to slowly decrease over the next 12 months, which will help improve affordability for borrowers. Buyers are likely to have more purchasing power, too.”
Orphe Divounguy, senior economist at Zillow, agrees. “Would-be homeowners will be in a better financial position because wages are expected to grow by around 4% year-over-year in 2025, outpacing both the expected rates of inflation and home price growth, thereby increasing buying power.”
Of course, nobody has a crystal ball when it comes to interest rates, inflation and wages, but experts say would-be homebuyers have reasons to be optimistic about 2025. Let’s hope they are right.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1. THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS: There is little in the way of community events at Mountain View Meadows that would be possible without the support of our wonderful volunteers. As we wave goodbye to 2024, we want to thank all of you who volunteered your time to make community happen. And as we move head-on into 2025, we’d like to welcome anyone who might enjoy volunteering in the new year to please contact April at April.mvm@hotmail.com.
2. A STROLL(ER) IN THE SNOW: Some interesting items show up at the MVM office, mostly turned in by conscientious neighbors who hope to get those items back into the hands of their lost owners. Late this fall a Graco stroller in really good shape found its way into the MVM lost and found. If you think it may be yours, contact Danielle at Danielle.mvm@hotmail.com before the little one that needs it grows too big to use it.
3. ICY DRIVEWAYS, SIDEWALKS, PORCHES & STAIRS: How to keep yourself safe from a nasty fall on the ice while avoiding salt products that cause unsightly spalling on your concrete? Ice Melt, certain types of pellets and fertilizers with a high percentage of nitrogen claim quick action without damaging concrete. Sand does not melt ice, but can provide traction on slippery surfaces. Be sure to read labels of all products before using. When possible, choose products that do the job without damaging your concrete or harming your pets or the environment.
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New Homes For Sale:
Plans to Build and Build to Suit
| Pricing for new single-family homes and condos at Mountain View Meadows if not shown may be available upon request. Not all available homes and condos are included below. To learn more about your favorite home or for a complete list of plans under construction call the Mountain View Meadows Sales and Information Center at 406-449-0800 for an appointment or stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. And remember, realtors are always welcome! | Homes at Mountain View Meadows | |
2750 Lone Chief Loop: “The Lookout”. Nearly ready for move-in -- Final touches underway so don’t delay! This lovely 3BD/2BA single-story home is designed to maximize livability while minimizing strains on your budget. At 1400 SF, The Lookout lives large for its size with all the conveniences of a bigger home. The Lookout features quartz countertops, soft-close cabinets and a big kitchen island along with vaulted ceilings, tiled wet areas, tiled walk-in shower, double vanity, walk-in closet, an attached 2-car garage and AC. You’ll enjoy morning coffee on your covered front porch and entertain guests on your covered rear patio. Soon to hit the MLS so take advantage of a discount now! Call 406-431-7680 today for a private tour to see this brand new home at the unlisted price of $434,900.
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2746 Lone Chief Loop: “The Teton”. A Gorgeous 1830 SF 2-story with both a downstairs living/dining area and upstairs family/TV room. This 3BD/2.5BA plan, one of the very first in the new Peaks neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows, is the perfect home when you need room to roam! Enjoy a walk around the loop to take in all the beautiful views. The Teton comes with all the upscale finishes you expect in a Weatherall home. Purchase soon to select your exterior colors… Then be ready to move in to your new home mid-February! $514,900.
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2762 Lone Chief Loop: “The Bannock XL”. 1875 SF with a 3-car garage with outside parking for year-round storage of your boat or RV -- what more could you want? How about a main floor guest room/office and three huge upstairs bedrooms with amazing views? All that plus a 10,500 SF lot with city of Helena sewer and water, curb-side garbage pick-up and police and fire protection make this home a dream home come true! Expected completion at the end of February, stop by 431 S. Alice St. for more info and a private tour. Buy now at $529,900 and get ready to take possession before spring.
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2765 Crow Peak Ave: “The Wolf”. 1801 SF 3BD/2BA ranch style under construction but available to tour. Expect all the upscale finishes you’ve come to appreciate in a Sierra Custom Home. Call 406-431-7680 or stop by the Sales & Info office at 431 S. Alice St. where you can get a copy of the design booklet with details on colors, cabinetry, countertops and more.
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2773 Crow Peak Ave: “The Big Horn”. 1925 SF of single-level living that will absolutely wow you with style! A brand new floorplan by Sierra Custom Homes, this 3BD/2BA home features a dedicated dining room directly off the kitchen along with a smaller café with sliding glass doors leading to a covered rear porch with incredible views. Don’t need a dining room? Turn the space into your private office or sitting room. The spacious great room features a gas fireplace with plenty of room for your bookshelves and display cases on either side. The kitchen offers lots of cabinetry, a walk-in pantry and large kitchen island where you can hang with friends while cooking dinner. You’ll appreciate, too, the small amenities like a laundry room sink and a garage heater. Enjoy the convenience of City of Helena sewer and water services and police and fire protection and access to paved hiking and open trails. Well under construction and available for touring. Call Rebecca at 406-431-7680. Pricing available soon.
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2769 Crow Peak Ave: “The Big Sky”. 2192 SF; 3BD/2.5 BA with outstanding views! You’ll enjoy star-gazing over the Eklhorns in style from your private balcony off the owner’s suite and entertain friends on the lower patio off the 17’ x 40’ great room. Wouldn’t you love both a soaking tub and tiled walk-in shower? How about a first-floor office? A sink in the laundry room? Maybe an awesome entry way with a 16’ ceiling? Then this is the home for you! A definite must-see, call Stephanie at 406-672-5479 or stop by the Mountain View Meadows office at 431 S. Alice St. for a tour of this nearly completed Sierra Custom Home. MLS#30036702. $624,900.
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2898 Big Timber Loop: Come see for yourself what comfort and style lies ahead when you choose a luxurious Sierra Custom Home. This exquisitely designed 2193 SF single-level home in Aspen Park speaks to the high standards you expect from a custom-built home. We truly mean it when we say this is a “must see” with all its special features including a tall entryway, contemporary fireplace, massive kitchen island, upscaled appliances including 6-burner gas stove and a microwave drawer, two distinct cabinet colors, an office that can double as a guest bedroom, a huge walk-in closet that opens into the laundry room, both a soaking tub and tiled shower in the owner’s suite, jack-and-jill doors from bedrooms 2 & 3 to their shared bath, a covered deck off the dining area and an awesome window package. Natural timber features inside and outside this 3BD/2.5 BA home along with the beautiful concrete tile roof and stone accents provide that upscale Montana feel in a totally contemporary custom home. Enjoy the space you deserve for entertaining and pampering yourself along with an attached 3-car garage for your big toys. Call Stephanie at 406-672-5479. $749,000. MLS#30035975.
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2933 Adam Run Ave: “The Side-kick”. A new 1255 SF home under construction ready for summer move-in. This 2BD/2BA home features a great owners’ suite with upscale finishes throughout including beautiful granite countertops, soft-close birch cabinets, stainless steel appliances, walk-in tiled shower, vaulted ceilings, AC and an attached 2-car garage. Start your new year off right by laying claim to this new Weatherall home in Phase 8 of Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows. Pricing available soon in the $400K range. Call 406-431-7680 to learn more.
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2895 Adam Run Ave: “The Marshall”. MLS#30030028 -- $519,900. A simply beautiful 1858 SF single-level home located at the corner of Adam Run and Jean Baucus. This Sierra Custom Home features Z-Line kitchen appliances, gas fireplace, tons of cabinetry, a laundry-room sink, walk-in pantry, seating for up to four at the spacious kitchen island and a dedicated café/dining area with glass doors leading onto a side patio with great views. The premium suite boasts a super-sized walk-in closet, double vanity and tiled shower. You’ll appreciate City of Helena services and all the amenities within walking distance at Mountain View Park including pickleball, tennis, basketball, a dog park, playground and pavilion along with easy access to nearly 3 miles of paved trails. Call Stephanie Ricks to tour. 406-672-5479.
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2872 Adam Run Ave: “The Mayor”. 3BD/2BA, 3602 SF with all the convenience of finished 1801 SF single-level living plus another 1801 SF to finish out to suit your needs -- that’s only $183 a square foot! Wait till you check out the upgrades on this gorgeous walk-out from Z-Line appliances to the fashionable hardware and designer lighting throughout. Don’t be surprised if you mistake the huge walk-in closet for another bedroom! And what about that unobstructed view of the sleeping giant? Call Stephanie Ricks to tour today. You’ll be happy you did! 406-672-5479. $657,500. MLS#30034127.
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2808 Alyson Rain: “The Deputy”. Tour & Price available by calling 406-431-7680.
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2888 Adam Run: “The Elk Park”. Come see the beautiful “Elk Park” boasting over 2000 finished square feet! Enjoy upscale main level living plus a finished bonus space with two big closets above the attached 2-car garage. This new home features vaulted ceilings in the great room and owner’s suite, fireplace, granite countertops and tile in all wet areas including baths and laundry. The owner’s ensuite includes both a tiled shower and bath plus his and her walk-in closets. You’ll love the spacious kitchen island, soft-close cabinets, stainless steel appliances and partially covered patio off the dining nook where you can take in the unobstructed mountain views. Let us show you the home you’ll fall in love with at first sight! Don’t delay -- Call Anna for a tour today! 406-438-1141. MLS# 30031963. $549,900.
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| Condos at Mountain View Meadows | |
2952 & 2954 Vista View: 1334 SF Single-Level, 2BA/2BD Condos. These popular Aspen View Phase II condos with their covered outdoor living space and attached 2-car garage are just about ready for move in. Laminate flooring, tiled baths and laundry, granite countertops and soft-close cabinets are just a few of the upscale features you’ll enjoy in your new, nearly maintenance-free condo. Low monthly dues of $180 cover landscape and exterior building maintenance, sidewalk and street snow removal, exterior building insurance and contributions to shared amenities. It’s 2025 -- time to make the move to your brand new condo! For more info call Danielle at 406-461-9748. Please note that condos may not be rented.
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2968 Vista View: 1687 SF Single-Level 3BD/2BA Condo. Beautiful gray soft-close cabinets with marble countertops, white walls and gorgeous tiled walk-in shower. 10’ tall tray ceilings in the Great Room and Owner’s Suite add a simple touch of elegance. You will absolutely love your 10’ x 16’ covered outdoor living space that backs onto an open draw so you’ll never have a home behind you! Of course, you’ll also enjoy all the standard amenities including AC and an attached 2-car garage with access to utilities right at your fingertips. Contact Danielle at 406-461-9748 for a tour of where this exceptional condo is currently being built. Ready for move-in this Summer!
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2958 Vista View: 1845 SF Single-Level, 3D/2BA upscale condo. You’ll love the huge walk-in pantry, dedicated dining area and 10’ x 16’ covered outdoor living space that backs onto open space. Every condo currently under construction at Mountain View Meadows comes complete with AC, an attached 2-car garage and easy access to utilities. Stop by the Sales & Information office at 431 S. Alice St. or call Danielle at 406-461-9748 for more info. The overwhelming majority of condos at Mountain View Meadows sell before completion so don’t wait! Inventory is low! Call today to see how you can make this beautiful Weatherall-built condo your own. (Just a reminder: condos may not be rented.)
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| Wouldn’t you love an amazing mountain view? But then, you also want the convenience of Helena city services? Hard to find? Not at Mountain View Meadows! Check out this sampling of some of our favorites: | |
CRAFTSMAN NORTH: Lot 37, 2860 Adam Run & Lot 35, 2804 Alyson Rain: Now is a great time to plan a new Sierra Custom Home to be built on the last walk-out lots with unobstructed Mountain Views in Craftsman Village. Imagine your new home as you stand on the lot and look out at the Sleeping Giant. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice St. We’ll provide you with details on purchasing the lot for your custom home. Out of town? Drop us a line at info@mvmeadows.com or call Rebecca at 406-431-7680. More custom home lots with awesome views available in the new Peaks neighborhood. Come take a tour!
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| THE PEAKS: Peaks Edge Street Lots 7, 8, & 9: Ranging in size from .71 acre to 1 acre, these estate-size city lots provide unbeatable views across the Helena Valley to the Big Belts. Peaks Edge homes backing onto open space require a 3000 SF minimum footprint with upgraded roofs and professionally designed landscaping. Expect the best when you build your new custom home on Peaks Edge! | The Peaks at Mountain View Meadows | Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows | | |
The Best in Our
Neighborhood:
Holiday Decorating
Grand Prize Winner
| For a number of years Mountain View Meadows sponsored a holiday decorating contest to encourage residents to share their holiday spirit by brightening up the neighborhoods. Over time, as more neighborhoods developed within the community, judges selected one home in each neighborhood to be “The Best” in that neighborhood. Then starting three years ago, a winner was selected from the Best in each neighborhood to be awarded the $200 Grand Prize for the entire Mountain View Meadows community. This year, the judges for each neighborhood met over brandy and sweet treats to advocate for their choice to win the grand prize. And after hearing what each judge had to say, they voted the top prize to new resident Jennifer McCluskey whose beautifully decorated home at 2901 Big Timber Loop in the Aspen Park neighborhood incorporated special features including music and animation that won over all the judges. Congratulations to Jennifer for winning the 2024 Grand Prize! And thank you to everyone who joined in the spirit to dress up their porches, homes and yards for the holidays. From a festive wreath on your front door to a myriad of lights, each and every one of you brought joy to your neighbors and made all our holidays merry and bright! | Welcome to the Neighborhood | |
William & Leslie Marohn
Are delighted with their Wrangler Sierra Custom Home.
John & Pat Shotwell
Are loving their single-story condo by Weatherall Builders.
Taustin & MacKenzie Parvinen
Have settled into their brand new 2-story home in Craftsman North.
Travis & Tova
Reddick-Starkel
Are enjoying their lovely condo with amazing mountain views.
Sydnee Sather
Is happy to live closer to family here at Mountain View Meadows.
Charles & Yvonne Brooke
Are thrilled with their brand new condo on Vista View.
Donna Wise
Is getting settled into her beautiful single-level condo.
Donna Smith
The 500th homeowner at Mountain View Meadows! Picked up the keys to her lovely Elk Park home in Craftsman North last week and getting moved in.
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Congratulations! And Welcome
to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness
Fun in the Cold?
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Whether it’s cross-country skiing, snow shoeing or hiking, getting out in the cold can be fun! Really! The City of Helena Parks Department does an amazing job providing opportunities for residents throughout the community to enjoy the chills of the season. In partnership with The Last Chance Nordic Ski Club, the Parks Department grooms nearly four kilometers of skate and classic cross-country ski tracks around the perimeter of Bill Roberts Golf Course. Skiing is free and all levels are welcome. Snowshoeing and walking on foot are also encouraged but individuals are asked to please avoid the groomed ski trails. Also on the list of fun activities in the cold -- check out the Memorial Park Ice Rink. “The Memorial Park Ice Rink is a cozy place to rent skates, enjoy hot chocolate and glide along the ice under twinkling lights,” says info on the Rec Dept. website. The Memorial Park ice rink is open through February with weather dependent hours. And that’s not all! There are unattended ice rinks free and open to the public at Cunningham Park on Flowerree St. and Lincoln Park at the intersection of Roberts Street and Walnut Street. For more ideas how to stay active and have fun this winter visit www.helenamt.gov/recreation.
Hmmmm…on a related subject -- Wouldn’t the open lands surrounding the new Peaks neighborhood and around the Uplands neighborhood behind Blue Cross Blue Shield be great for cross-country skiing? Perhaps 2025 is the perfect year to reach out to The Last Chance Nordic Ski Club to see if they might spearhead the project. Anyone know their number?
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From
Mark & Rebecca
Zoning Goof Up
| Applying for the right zoning when submitting an application for a new phase of development should be pretty straight forward after nearly 20 years…but once in a while we goof up! We didn’t catch our mistake in how the new Peaks neighborhood was zoned until we were working on the site plan for one of the new homes. The Peaks was originally zoned R2 which permits residential uses for single-dwelling residences and residences with two dwelling units. That’s pretty much what we do so R2 zoning makes perfect sense except it doesn’t when building larger homes on smaller lots. R2 zoning only permits 40% building lot coverage. That means on smaller city lots you can only build about a maximum 1500 SF home when you accommodate R2’s 8’ minimum side yard setback and 10’ minimum front and back yard setbacks. In order to build larger homes on smaller lots, the City of Helena introduced RU zoning. RU stands for Residential Urban. In RU zoning, a 60% lot coverage is permitted. Like R2 zoning, RU zoning permits single-dwelling residences and 2 dwelling residences. However, the larger lot coverage provides much greater flexibility in the square footage of the dwelling. RU zoning also allows for 0' setbacks. That sounded concerning for one Mountain View Meadows resident who attended a recent zoning commission meeting to speak against the zoning change fearing it would negatively impact our community. The funny part is, this resident lives in the beautiful Uplands neighborhood which is zoned RU! Although it is true you can do 0' setbacks in RU, our Design Standards do not permit 0' setbacks but rather typically require equal to or greater than R2 zoning minimum setbacks. It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t. Unless you goof up! Then you have to apply for the zoning change which can take months to work through to hopefully receive a recommendation from the zoning commission before the request is taken up by the City Commission. Fortunately in December, the Zoning Commission approved the request unanimously and we go before the City Commission on January 13th for preliminary approval and then in February for final approval. If all goes well, we will be able to continue to offer the very best housing options for all our new home buyers with the flexibility to build the right-sized home for each buyer’s needs without sacrificing the outstanding look and feel of the Mountain View Meadows community. Should anyone have any questions about the zoning change, please feel free to stop by our office… and we’ll do our best not to goof up the next time! | CHECK OUT MORE GREAT PHOTOS OF THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY DECORATING COMPETITION! | MVM Staff, Crew, Builders, Friends, & Families Christmas Party | A Bald Eagle Bids Farewell to 2024 | |
