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With just two weeks till the second favorite holiday of the year (according to "The Top Tens"), it's the perfect time to check out Halloween happenings around the area. First up is "Nightmare Affair" at the Great Northern Hotel on October 27 starting at 6 PM. In support of Exploration Works, this annual fundraising event features a buffet dinner, live music, live auction, hands-on science exhibits and "The best Adult Halloween Costume Party in Helena!" On Halloween day, from 1:00-4:00 PM, the Helena Business Improvement District will once again sponsor its Little Tykes Trick or Treat throughout downtown Helena. From 5:30-8:30 that night, check out the Haunted House at Eagles 4040 in East Helena. This free Haunted Forest themed event features fairy tale rooms and candy treats for kids. Of course kids -- and many adults, too -- love dressing up for Halloween trick-or-treating. A popular place to trick-or-treat is on Broadway around Lockey Park where you can stop and say Hello to Governor Bullock who typically dons a costume and passes out treats. And if you are looking for perhaps the safest place in town for kids to walk along sidewalks from house to house to fill up their goody bags, then Mountain View Meadows is the place to be. With 200 homes connected by city sidewalks and a paved Fun and Fitness Trail, kids (and parents, too) can easily maneuver from one front porch to the next in well-lit neighborhoods where many residents join in the fun decorating their homes and yards to delight their Halloween visitors. Creating safe, walkable neighborhoods is one more way that Mountain View Meadows works to foster a sense of community. It's not just about candy, costumes and decorations, but about believing community is better, and sharing in the festivities creates a night worth remembering for everyone involved.
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Building a Better Community:
FALL ART WALK / NEW PLAYS AT FREE CERAMICS
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Mark your calendars for the Nov. 2 Fall Art Walk in downtown Helena. Since 1984, this highly anticipated event brings downtown businesses, local artists and the Helena community together to experience a variety of art in unique venues throughout downtown Helena. The Fall (and Spring) Art Walk is sponsored by Downtown Helena, Inc. (DHI), a 501(c)6 non-profit business membership organization in collaboration with the Helena Business Improvement District (BID). There will be free food and beverages, live music and door prizes at select locations. One of the unique places to catch on the Walk is Free Ceramics Studio Art Center at 650 Logan Street. The Studio Art Center is a building with private studios and community space for rent, a showroom for studio artists and a place where live music, classes and events take place. Among the events at the studio this November is the Last Chance New Play Fest featuring seven projects including performances of "Montana Short Cuts", a collection of eight 10-minute plays on a common theme, "Apocalypse." All seven projects will be performed multiple times over the ten day Fest running Nov. 2-11. Visitors to Free Ceramics during the Fall Art Walk will enjoy free popcorn, drinks and video clips of plays in the Fest along with other treats and the works of ceramic artists, including the works of Free Ceramics owners Emily Free Wilson and Matt Wilson. A full performance of a new play by Ross Peter Nelson entitled
Simulacra
will kick off the Fest at 9:00 PM at the close of the Art Walk. For more info on the Last Chance New Play Fest celebrating the works of Montana playwrights and performance artists, visit Experimentaltheatrecoop.org or email [email protected]. The Fest is sponsored by Opportunity Bank of Helena, NorthWestern Energy and Mountain View Meadows, LLC and is supported in part by a grant from the Montana Arts Council.
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On Topic:
SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS
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Your home is your castle, right? Technology provides lots of options these days for securing your home, but what are the common characteristics of the safest neighborhoods? When selecting a place to buy, among the top considerations, says baby-boomer Improvement Center Columnist Iris Price, is "Safety."
So what constitutes a safe neighborhood? First, says Price is well-maintained homes. "Property that has fallen into disrepair, is overgrown and/or abandoned not only looks unsightly but can attract criminal activity." A well-maintained neighborhood exhibits a sense of pride among the homeowners and promotes a safe environment for residents.
Caring neighbors is another biggie. "While you may not want nosy neighbors," says Price, "studies suggest that where neighbors take an interest in each other's well-being, neighborhoods experience less crime."
What about
Parks and Open Spaces? Price refers to research on the value of parks and open spaces. "Parks with open areas and green landscape have been shown to relieve stress associated with aggressive behavior."
Price went on to list additional features of safe neighborhoods and how to achieve and maintain them:
- Neighborhood organizations. Neighbors who care about the community (that value the look, feel, health and safety of the community) also take responsibility and demonstrate leadership by forming or joining existing neighborhood organizations or homeowner associations (HOAs).
- Good schools. Families concerned with their children's education also worry about their safety. They tend to settle in an area with a school district that has a good reputation.
- Ratio of owner-occupied homes to renters. Studies have shown that homeowners take pride in ownership and take more measures to protect their homes than renters, but where renters feel welcome they can play a role in improving or maintaining its safety, too. Again, "neighborliness" and inclusion provide the best foundation for safe neighborhoods.
- Social engagements. Community activities like cook-outs and block parties or just people out walking or sitting on front porches socializing and engaging in community events discourage criminal behavior.
As safety and security are everyone's concern, a community where you can let your kids walk to the nearest park and a woman can walk alone at night is definitely a safe haven. Neighbors out walking their dogs, sitting on porches and kids out playing and riding their bikes are positive indications of a safe neighborhood.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1.
FALL/HALLOWEEN CONTESTS
: The season is full of fun contests at Mountain View Meadows to promote community spirit. Judging for the annual
HALLOWEEN/FALL DECORATING CONTEST
will take place starting the weekend before Halloween. Pumpkin spice up your porches and front yards with your favorite fall or Halloween decorations for a chance to win cash prizes. Between 6 & 7 on Halloween, stop by the office with your costumed pet for a chance to win the
BEST COSTUMED PET CONTEST.
Photos will be taken and judged the next day and posted on Facebook...and the winner's "person" will receive a $20 gas gift card.
THE BEST FALL/THANKSGIVING INTERIOR
DECORATIONS
PHOTO CONTEST
started last year is a great way to show off your Thanksgiving table, holiday fireplace mantel decorations or other fall interior decorations. Not everyone can get out to put up decorations, so this is a great opportunity to show off your creative spirit. Only one photo per household so select the best feature and email the photo to [email protected] no later than December 1st
. The best photo will be featured in December's "Best in the Neighborhood" section of the newsletter and the winner will receive a $25 gift card.
2.
IRRIGATION SYSTEMS BLOW-OUT: If you haven't already, it's time to schedule your fall blow-out of your irrigation system. Although the weather hasn't been so severe to cause freezing pipes yet, this is Montana and it could happen overnight.
3.
REMOVE RV'S, BOATS & TRAILERS: Please immediately remove your RV's, boats and trailers from the street. Avoid a fine and make your neighbors happy.
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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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379 Elouise Cobell: "THE ELK PARK". New construction! This 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. MLS# 303181.
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366 Elouise Cobell: "THE WHITEFISH".
Beautiful new home well 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 1975 S.F. executive-style home! $329,900.
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Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
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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. Just two blocks from Mountain View Park, this brand new home includes UG irrigation system and free landscaping! Call 406-431-7680 for a private tour any day of the week. $344,900. MLS# 303182.
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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275 Bella View: "THE MINER". A floorplan with room to grow. 1826 Finished Square Feet with an additional unfinished basement makes this 3432 S.F. home currently under construction perfect for the growing family or just because you want the extra space! Located across the street from the best neighborhood park in Helena, Sierra Custom Homes builds exceptional value into their homes with granite countertops throughout, beautiful master suites and stainless steel appliances. This 3BD/2BA Miner features a stunning wrap around porch and attractive craftsman details and includes an UG water system, free front yard landscaping, and an attached 2-car garage. For additional information contact Dawn Purvis, Century 21 at 406-439-6380. MLS# 301685. $345,960.
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2856 Alexis Avenue: "THE TRADER".
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. Although this new home under construction has a contract pending, this is a great opportunity to check it out and make plans to build your own down the street. This 1485 S.F. craftsman Carriage Home is affordably priced in the low $260's.
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2838 Alexis Avenue: "THE SENATOR". With over 1900 S.F., this luxurious single-story Sierra Custom Home with a covered side patio and inviting front porch gives you the lifestyle you've always wanted. You'll enjoy waking up on a quiet street and taking leisurely walks to Mountain View Park, less than a block away. Currently under construction, now is the time to buy this home and look forward to a new year living in comfort and style. $339,900. MLS# 303222.
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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. Your new home includes free front yard and rear carriage lane (alley) landscaping. Stop by the Information & Sales office at 431 S. Alice St. to review the plan. If you hurry, there is still time to choose paint colors on this brand new home currently under construction priced at only $269,900.
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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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2860, 2862 & 2864 Runkle Parkway:
THREE NEW CONDOS with amazing mountain views! Two 1635 S.F. single-story condos (one with a contract pending) and an 1812 S.F. two-story in between. Single-story condos feature 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, tray ceilings, great room, separate dining, attached 2-car garage, front porch and rear, private, outdoor living space. All this for only $289,900! The 3BD/2.5BA two-story condo features a spacious main floor great room, an upstairs loft/TV room, front porch and an attached 2-car garage for $259,900. Stop by now to take a look at the floor plans and claim your condo before they're all gone!
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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2930 Big Timber Loop: "THE OPEN RANGE". Contract with contingency fell out on this NEW UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY CRAFTSMAN HOME with 2748 totally finished S.F. Their loss, your gain! 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 the new construction on this 3 or 4BD/ 2.5BA home -- an unbeatable value at only $415,000! MLS#303180. Contact Anna Havranek at KellerWilliams at 406-438-1141 for a private showing.
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Neighborhood:
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
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Driving around this week, the most gorgeous fall mums stood out at a home in the Craftsman Village neighborhood. The simple beauty of the flowers planted in the raised bed that comes complimentary with a Garden Home truly demonstrated owner, Jodi Granberg's, pride in her home and her work towards creating a lovely landscaped carriage lane (alley way) behind her home. Yes,
behind
her home! The flowers are so impressive that they are worth taking a drive down the carriage lane to see. No doubt there are lovely examples of fall landscape colors throughout Mountain View Meadows, but the eye-catching display behind 2818 Twilight is worth a second take. Thank you, Jodi, for taking the time to make your home extra special and contributing to the outstanding look and feel of your neighborhood.
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Jon & Janet Pallister
Are enjoying the fantastic views of the Elkhorns from their lovely custom designed home in Aspen Park.
Alea Avila
Has moved into her absolutely stunning new Sierra Custom Home.
Carol Monroe
Is settling into her beautiful new condo by Weatherall Builders.
Timmon & Chris Hayes
Have moved into their lovely new 2-story home in our Uplands neighborhood.
Coleen Street
Is eagerly getting ready to move into her beautiful brand new home.
James & Kelly Worthington
Are currently moving into their gorgeous single-story home in our Aspen Park neighborhood.
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness:
FALL WORK-OUT
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Exercising in the cold weather? We may not be ready for it, but did you notice the snow we got last week? Unfortunately, cold weather can discourage even the most motivated exercisers from hitting the Fun and Fitness Trail -- but you don't have to let the cold weather put a damper on your exercise routine.
"Almost everyone can work out safely in cold weather. In fact, scientists have suggested no temperature is too low to exercise outdoors as long as you suit up to minimize cold-weather risks. Your body will work to maintain a core temp of 98.6 degrees no matter what you're doing", says Laura Schwecherl, a writer on greatest.com/fitness.
Dressing appropriately and paying attention to the following safeguards from Dr. Mercola, an alternative medicine proponent and osteopathic physician who markets through his website mercola.com, can help keep you safe and warm when exercising outdoors this winter:
- Always wear a hat, as you lose about 50 percent of your body heat from your uncovered head
- Wear gloves to protect your fingers from frostbite
- Cover your face with a mask or scarf, this can help warm the air before entering your lungs
- Wear sturdy footwear with good traction to prevent slips and falls on snow or ice
- Check the temperature and the forecast, Health risks increase when the combined temperature and wind chill falls below -20°F
- Wear light and/or reflective clothing as it gets darker sooner during the winter months
- Drink plenty of fluids, Staying properly hydrated is just as important during cold weather as during hot weather
- Tell someone what route you're taking, and when to expect your return
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Dress in three or more layers:
- Use a lightweight synthetic material to wick moisture away for your skin. Avoid heavy cotton material as these absorb sweat, trapping wetness close to your body, which can increase your risk of hypothermia
- Add another layer or two of wool or fleece for insulating warmth
- Top it off with a lightweight, water-repellent and wind-resistant material
While staying warm is important, a common mistake people make is actually dressing too warmly when exercising in cold weather. Remember that exercise will generate body heat and sweating even though it's cold outside. And once your sweat starts to accumulate in your clothes, it can have a significantly chilling impact.
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For over a decade, Don Arkell has put his talents to work keeping heavy equipment up and running at Mountain View Meadows no matter time of year or weather. He and his wife, Connie, have graced our home each December at our annual Staff and Crew Christmas Party and Don has come to the rescue more than once when I've run out of gas or broken down on my way to or from the office. He brings us the biggest purple potatoes I've ever seen in my life and he always has a smile on his face. With mixed emotions, we announce Don's retirement. At 65, Don has made the decision that it's time to travel with Connie, ride his horse and enjoy life. (Connie notes she's been retired eight years and Don is ready to do what she does! Haha!) Four years ago, Don was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer with metasis to his liver. He has been on chemo ever since and always will be, but he's barely missed a day of work in all that time. He's had a couple of set-backs in the last year, but is holding steady and he looks forward to doing more of the things he loves before his cancer won't let him.
"
I've enjoyed my job at MVM for over 11 years!," says Don. "When I first started there were many challenges and issues with equipment and procedures. Working closely with my co-workers, and Mark, we resolved most of them. Mark has been extremely supportive and flexible with my cancer battle. I will miss the people I've worked with and have made lasting friendships. I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life!"
After 45 years as a heavy equipment mechanic, Don has played a major role in keeping the wheels of progress in motion in and around Helena. His contributions to Mountain View Meadows can be seen throughout the community whenever a bulldozer pushes dirt or an excavator digs a hole for a new foundation or a trench for pipes to provide water and sewer services to your new home. He keeps equipment running to put in new streets, crush gravel and install community amenities. He will be sincerely missed.
If you'd like to celebrate Don's retirement, stop by the Open House at 10 Halford Rd. in Clancy this coming Saturday, October 20, between 4:00 and 8:00 PM. Appetizers, beer and wine will be provided, but feel free to BYOB and a snack to share.
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Don and his loyal companion Rex! Doing what they both love, driving tractor!
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Thank you, Don. We'll miss your smile!
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