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Believe in Better:
WORKING THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES
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Helena, along with the rest of the world, has experienced unprecedented changes over the past 30 days due to the Coronavirus. But, as the Helena IR and Billings Gazette have both reported, it isn't the first time Montana has faced a health crisis. The state came to a halt in 1918 when the government imposed a six-week quarantine to slow the Spanish Flu pandemic. Similarly today, schools, restaurants, bars, theatres, health clubs and other gathering places are closed to reduce the spread of the virus as individuals practice social distancing to better protect themselves from becoming sick or passing the virus on to others. For now, the construction industry is hobbling along, adapting to supply chain disruptions and worker availability. Fortunately, most aspects of construction from streets to homes are inherently self-isolating as crew members work independently operating equipment or nailing down roof tiles. Each day the construction industry and other small businesses like Mountain View Meadows evaluate the evolving situation to ensure their employees and customers are better protected during these challenging times. It will get worse before it gets better, but if we believe in better, we'll get through it together.
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Building a Better Community:
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One of the best underutilized community resources may be living right down the street from you. While interviewing Tom and Millie Sullivan for the "Best in Our Neighborhood" feature in this newsletter, it reminded us that the experiences of older folks provide the structural foundation for building a better community. They bring to the table history. Their personal experiences offer insight as to changes over time that affect the success, health and well-being of the people. They know firsthand what the country was like when doctors made house calls and factories retooled to support our nation at war. They may have worked on assembly lines or fought on the front lines. They remember never swimming in public facilities for fear of contracting polio and just as relevant, what it meant to the community when the first polio vaccine became available. 85-year-old Millie spent years as a librarian involved in cultural affairs and political advocacy. As a writer, she is most known for her political satire and poetry. Her book, "The Pignut Tree" about growing up in Louisiana and "Journeys to the Bitterroot" about Tom's family migrating to the Bitterroot valley are on hand at the Montana Historical Society. Millie expressed that more people should record their knowledge and experience. "It's easy to do with modern technology," she said. Millie would like to see more opportunities for young people to learn directly from the people who experienced first-hand what they read in their history books at school. At this difficult time, we must all do our part to safeguard this valuable resource to our community by following the recommendations and mandates to lessen the spread of the coronavirus and limit exposure to vulnerable populations like the elderly. There's no better time than now to remember what Millie said, "People our age can really be a resource." Let's protect them!
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On Topic:
BUSINESS DURING A PANDEMIC
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Last week, Montana joined Washington as one of the latest states to order the closure of "nonessential" businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But what exactly is the definition of "essential"?
Technically, says a March 24 article in Business Insider, it's up to cities and states to decide, but there are some businesses that all locales have deemed essential. They include healthcare operations, pharmacies, veterinarian clinics, educational institutions that facilitate distance learning, banks, post offices, daycares, and businesses that provide services and necessities to the disadvantaged. Supermarkets, grocery stores, farmer's markets, food banks, and agriculture and food processing, warehousing, storage and distribution understandably fall under "essential." Big box stores, convenience stores, gas stations, auto-repair shops and hardware stores also meet the criteria. Essential services like utilities and garbage collection continue uninterrupted along with the transportation industry and any business that allows essential businesses to operate.
According to Business Insider, nonessential businesses are generally recreational in nature. They don't provide groceries, health or financial support, or utilities. Restaurants fall in this category, but most locations have allowed restaurants to continue to operate as long as they close dining rooms and switch to exclusively take-out and delivery. Generally, theatres, gyms and recreational centers, salons and spas, museums, casinos, racetracks, shopping malls, bowling alleys, bars and sporting and concert venues are categorized as "non-essential."
If you are elderly or you live in a condo and your grass needs mowed, your yard needs landscaped, you're waiting for your fence to get installed or your dream home is under construction, the distinction between "essential" and "non-essential" becomes blurred. Industrial manufacturing not related to essential function, construction, and home office supply stores fall within this gray area. These businesses, according to Business Insider, are among those most likely to vary by region as to whether they are considered essential. The changing circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic determine whether these businesses can continue to operate with the health, well-being and safety of the public taking precedence.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1.
POSTPONED TILL SAFE DATE: We were all geared up to hold the annual Single-Family Neighborhoods Owner's Association meeting March 19th but, as you know, it was postponed due to a much more important consideration--your health! While we patiently wait for the sky to clear, please feel free to submit nominations (including for yourself) to serve as an HOA Officer. If you had questions or comments prepared for the meeting, you are welcome to submit these now, particularly if any are "time sensitive." Please submit nominations, questions or comments to
Rryland@mvmeadows.com. As soon as it is safe again to gather together, we will set a new date for the meeting.
2.
SOCIAL DISTANCING: Thank you to all who are observing necessary social distancing as a valuable tool to slow down transmission of the coronavirus. If you are out for a walk or run, a nod of the head and a smile while stepping aside to allow someone to pass at a safe distance is very much appreciated. Please be aware of your neighbor's needs, especially the elderly who are at high risk of developing COVID-19. Keep your distance but give them a call now and then. Let them know you are thinking about them or just chat for a while to help break the monotony of isolation. Taking time to let others know that you care while doing what we must do to protect vulnerable populations will benefit everyone in the long run, including yourself.
3.
FENCE STAINING: Last month's newsletter touted the health benefit of fence staining. (Seriously, there are benefits!) To keep yourself from going stir crazy while you are stuck at home, now is a great time to take a long hard look at your wood fences and take steps to clean and stain those that require attention. It's not much consolation for being sequestered at home, but home improvement projects can keep your mind focused on the positive and bring you satisfaction for a job well done--not to mention that you just increased your home's value!
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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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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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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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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 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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2867, 2869, 2875, 2877, 2883 & 2885 Vista Avenue:
Brand new Condo floorplan! "Vista" Condos feature rear decks overlooking 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. Contract pending on 2867 & 2875 but 2869, 2877, 2883 & 2885 are still available, but hurry! 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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2880 & 2882 Runkle Parkway:
New 1219 S.F. duplex condos with great views of the Elkhorns! Condos back up to an open space park. Condo features 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, a pocket desk, an attached 2-car garage and a covered outdoor living space. Design amenities include granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, water-resistant laminate flooring, tiled laundry, baths and entry, and carpeted bedrooms. Electric range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal included! Monthly condo fee is $130 and pays for sidewalk snow removal, mowing and landscaping care as well as exterior building insurance and maintenance. Priced at $254,900. Call now! 406-449-0800.
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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 $339,900.
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2905 Stacia Avenue: "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. To tour this home today, please call 449-0800. $239,900.
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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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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 with an interior covered patio off the kitchen and a huge loft on the upper floor flanked by two bedrooms to the rear and a spacious master suite with park views. Just finishing framing, this Sierra Custom Home will be completed in plenty of time to enjoy a summer by the park. For additional information call 449-0800.
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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 well underway! With 1591 S.F. a few of the amenities in this home include a gas fireplace, tray ceilings, covered porches, granite countertops, soft close cabinets, tile floor in baths and laundry, stainless steel appliances, and an attached 2-car garage. For more information stop by the Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street or call 406-449-0800.
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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 and open great room, and a large kitchen island. Sit on your covered front porch or relax on your private covered rear patio or just enjoy upscale living in your new Sierra home, but hurry in! Call 406-449-0800 for an appointment.
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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 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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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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Mountain View Meadows | 406-449-0800 | Info@MVMeadows.com
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http://www.MVMeadows.com
431 S. Alice Street
Helena, MT 59601
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Neighborhood:
"BEST LOVE STORY"
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On April 12, your neighbors, Tom and Millie Sullivan, will celebrate their 67
th
wedding anniversary. But if it wasn't for Millie's self-determination and interest in seeing the world, it may have never happened. "Mamma said 'If you marry that Yankee you made your bed and you can lie in it'," recalls Millie. As a member of the U.S. Airforce stationed near Millie's hometown of Alexandria, Louisiana, Tom was hardly a suitable suitor for a 17-year-old southern gal just out of high school. When Tom proposed while riding in the backseat of a friend's car, Millie quickly said "Yes! I always wanted to go to North Dakota!" "I'm from Montana," said Tom. "Close enough!" exclaimed Millie. After Tom left the military, the young couple traveled around the west in an RV and then settled in Glendive where he worked for AT&T. He was later transferred to East Helena when the radio tower off Highway 282 was built. They moved to Stevensville in 1988 to care for Tom's mother but after she moved into a healthcare facility, they devoted their time traveling to see their five children who live in various places around the country and then retired in Townsend. Millie spent 20 years as a librarian and has always been an avid writer. For their 50th
anniversary celebration, she wrote a play that told the story of her life with Tom. Their family members took on the roles and they performed it during the party. Millie, now 85 and Tom, who will turn 87 in July returned to Helena several years ago to be closer to St. Peter's Health. Their home on Twilight Ave. in the Craftsman Village neighborhood has a great view of the radio tower that brought Tom to the area so many years before. One day he saw a problem with the tower. "I called the FAA that the hazard light was off," said Tom, who easily recognized it was out. When asked what Millie would most like to see happen at Mountain View Meadows she replied, "I'd like to see people wanting to be more neighborly." We agree! But for now, let's do our part to protect Tom and Millie by calling to wish them a Happy 67th
Anniversary, by leaving a note on their doorstep or by emailing millietom1@msn.com. But next year, let's see all their neighbors become "more neighborly" and get together to celebrate their 68th
!
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Richard & Robin Lemm
Are enjoying their gorgeous single-level condo by Weatherall Builders.
David & Maura Kerry
Sullivan-Lechner
Are thrilled with their magnificent 2019 Parade Home by Casteel Construction.
Matthew Berg
Is getting ready to move into his lovely "Aster" Garden Home in Craftsman Village.
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness
AT HOME OR ON THE RUN
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Do you run for health and fitness? As more people find themselves at home during the COVID-19 crisis, the urge to get out of the house plays on your senses. But is it safe to run outside?
"Yes," says David Nieman, Dr.PH, "as long as you're alone." Nieman, a health professor at Appalachian State University shared his thoughts in a March 23rd article in Runner's World.*
The best plan, according to the article, is to go out for a solo run and enjoy the outdoors in non-crowded areas.
Health experts say that a regimen of 30-60 minutes of moderate to brisk daily activity can help your immune system keep viruses at bay. However, during the pandemic, it is important to know what is going on in your area and if there are any restrictions or mandatory self-quarantines. "If you are sick or at-risk of spreading the virus," says Nieman, "you shouldn't go out--the bigger concern is spreading it to those who are at high risk, such as the elderly or immunocompromised."
So what to do if you are stuck at home? During a self-quarantine or shelter-in-place mandate, Nieman suggests running on an at-home treadmill unless you're sick.
"If you do have the flu or coronavirus, or have a fever, sick people think wrongly they can 'exercise the virus out of their system' or 'sweat it out.' That's a myth," says Neiman. "It's actually the opposite."
*For the most up-to-date information, check resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) regularly.
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STAY SAFE, STAY STRONG, STAY HEALTHY!
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Every day brings a new challenge to our country. As we look to our health professionals, the Governor and local leaders for guidance, please know that we will do our best at Mountain View Meadows to make decisions that meet the needs of our residents and the health and well-being of the greater Helena community. As of last week, our office was still open. Several weeks ago, we implemented strict social distancing restrictions to protect our office personnel, residents, home-buyers and visitors and began providing examination gloves and booties for people requesting home tours. However, following the recent "Shelter in Place" order by Governor Bullock, our office will no longer be open to the public until further notice. It is our understanding, at this time, that the construction industry will continue to operate as an essential business in the state of Montana. Although we can no longer respond to your questions, comments or concerns face to face, if we can be of any service to you, please be sure to email
Rryland@mvmeadows.com
or call 406-431-7305 and we'll do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible. Until we can meet again in person, stay safe, stay strong and stay healthy!
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