Believe in Better:
CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE
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Since 1776 when a fledgling alliance of 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American Independence. Festivities ranging from backyard barbeques to flag raisings, fireworks, parades and concerts highlight the day throughout the U.S. While Helena struggles to bounce back from challenges brought on by the pandemic, organizers for the Capital City Fourth of July Celebration at Centennial Park regretfully cancelled all events except for the annual raising of “Old Glory” with Scouts from Troop 214. However, festivities at Mountain View Park on the southeast side of Helena are a go! Mountain View Meadows, LLC, along with co-sponsors Stahly Engineering and the Mountain View Meadows HOA will host its 6th annual 4th of July Community Celebration at Mountain View Park with activities starting at 2:00 PM and live music from 7:00-10:00 PM. In the afternoon, artists of all ages are invited to “Chalk up the Block” with their chalk-art creations. There is no need to pre-register. Participants can sign-in at the pavilion where colored chalk will be available free of charge. “Best of Show” ribbons will be awarded in up to 6 age groups from pre-school to senior citizens. Starting at 5:00 PM, the fun “Play till You Lose” Horseshoe Tournament gets underway with walk-ups welcome! Two-member teams will challenge one another with the winner going on to play the next team. The last team standing wins two $25 gas gift cards! Food Vendors begin rolling in at 6:00 PM in time for the Kids Push, Pull & Pedal Parade. The parade will feature kids and families dressed up in costume and showing off their decorated non-motorized “vehicles” ranging from skateboards, scooters, tricycles, bikes and buggies to wagons and wheelbarrows. At least one member of the unit must be 12 or under. The theme for this year’s parade is “Free to Be Me!”--and there is still time to register! Email risland05@yahoo.com for entry forms. All activities are free and open to the public. Following the event, the Prickly Pear Fireworks, hosted by Shellie’s Country Café and promoted by The Montana Radio Company, will once again light up the sky above East Helena. You’ll find the best views of the fireworks right from Mountain View Park! For those who would like to donate to the annual fireworks display visit www.helenafireworks.com or drop off your donations at Shellie’s Country Café. “We had to believe times would get better,” said Rebecca Ryland, event coordinator for the 4th of July Community Celebration at Mountain View Park, “and they have! The event provides a welcomed opportunity to get outside with family and friends listening to live music and topping the night off with an awesome fireworks display!”
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Building a Better Community:
SHARING IS CARING
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A shift in circumstances can turn any household upside down. The economy, changes in benefits, cost of housing, or job loss all have the potential to put people at risk. The pandemic hit hard, creating even greater challenges for organizations that work every day to support those in need. In 2020, Helena Food Share saw a 40% increase in new customers each month on average who needed food assistance. According to Patty White, Communications Director, due to COVID restrictions, customers were no longer able to come into the pantry to shop. Therefore they transitioned from “Choice Shopping”, in which customers shopped pantry aisles like in a grocery store, to filling Grab-and-Go boxes. This method allowed customers to come to a window, tell how many people were in their household and pick up a box of food without going inside. On June 1st Choice Shopping resumed but they still offer Grab-and-Go boxes for those not wanting to shop inside. Food Drives play an important role in keeping pantry shelves stocked and boxes full for the 350 households, on average, served each week. With pandemic restrictions, it became necessary to switch from in-person and corporate Drives to online fundraising to purchase food. Fortunately, the most popular and biggest in-person Food Drive is back! On July 17th, thousands of people have the opportunity to donate canned goods during the Symphony Under the Stars at Carroll College. Throughout last year, Helena Food Share continued its “Kid Packs” program providing about 1100 packs of food each week to area schools so that at-risk children have food to eat over the weekend. Senior Citizens in need can find additional food assistance through the “Senior Commodities” program. “The Helena area community stepped up this last year to help meet the need,” said Ms. White. “It made a big difference. We appreciate the adjustments they made and especially their ongoing support as the need for food in our community continues.” Helena Food Share welcomes volunteers to help them meet their mission to create a hunger-free community. To volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cathy Rainsier at 406-443-3663. To make a donation or if you are in need of food go to helenafoodshare.org to learn more.
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On Topic:
NEW HOUSING TRENDS
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New home sales rose during the pandemic with 2020 residential construction ending on a strong note. According to an article by Norada Real Estate Investments, housing starts rose 5.8% to 1.67 million annualized units in December with total starts 2.8% higher than 2019.
Higher building costs, longer delivery times, and general unpredictability in the construction supply chain are now having measurable impacts on new home prices. The median sales price of new houses sold in May 2021 was $374,400. The average sales price was $430,600. The seasonally‐adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of May was 330,000. This represents a supply of 5.1 months at the current sales rate.
The National Home Builders Association reports on builder confidence in the housing market based on buyer behavior, sales, and incorporates any forecasts as well. One year after home construction ground to a screeching halt due to the Covid pandemic, building permits have rebounded. Builders are facing strong demand from potential buyers because the existing home market continues to suffer from a record low number of listings. Despite growing concerns over the price and availability of building materials, including lumber, low interest rates continue to support housing affordability.
In 2021, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) forecast single-family housing starts to be around 1.134 million. And that could just be the beginning, as projections going forward are even rosier: 1.165 million single-family homes in 2022 and 1.210 million in 2023. New home builders will ramp up production to help relieve the shortage of inventory of homes for sale throughout the United States. The added inventory would no doubt aid buyers in their search to secure their dream home, while also helping to ease price increases throughout the country.
According to the Urban Land Institute, real estate market conditions and values in the U.S. are expected to rebound throughout 2021 and trend even higher in 2022, with single-family homes outperforming other sectors such as commercial, retail, hotel, and rental. The Urban Land Institute predicts that home prices will grow an average of 4.1% over the next three years, above the long-term average of 3.9% based on a survey of 43 economists at 37 leading real estate organizations.
The U.S. housing market continues to outpace the supply side, but Realtor.com’s weekly data for the week ending June 19, 2021 shows that the influx of new sellers over the last couple of months has helped slow price gains. If this continues, a more usual seasonal price trend is projected in the second half of 2021.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1. 4TH OF JULY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION SCHEDULE: Free and Open to the Public! Sponsored by Mountain View Meadows, LLC, the Mountain View Meadows HOA and Stahly Engineering.
2:00-4:00 PM: Chalk up the Block! Sign in at the Pavilion & pick up free chalk for your artwork. All ages!
5:00-7:00 PM: Fun Horseshoe Tournament. We have the Shoes – Play till You Lose! Walk-ups welcome!
6:00-7:00 PM: Kids Push, Pull & Pedal Parade. $100 Grand Prize. Entry Forms: risland05@yahoo.com.
6:00 PM-Dark: Food Vendors, Shaka Hawaiian Ice, Paparazzi Jewelry
7:00 PM-Dark: Live music by the North Hill Trio band
2. THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS: With the 4th of July event days away, we’d like to thank those who stepped up to lend a hand. Thank you Peg Holwick who lives in Craftsman Village and Mary and Pete Carparelli from The Uplands neighborhood. And while we’re at it, thank you Mary Lee Van Voast who volunteered to adopt the Craftsman Village Pergola Park. The weeds are gone from the planting beds thanks to Mary Lee!
3. LAWN MOWERS: As a policy, we cannot make recommendations, but we can give you information on young people willing to mow lawns for reasonable compensation. For lawn care and yard clean up:
Logan Nielson and Riley Schulte: 406-459-6971
Ryder Figler: Call Michelle Figler at 406-431-5161
Michael Fiedler: 406-438-7861
4. BE KIND/SHOW GRACE: No one likes to get a notice about weeds, landscaping overflowing into the streets, fence upkeep or a house that needs painted. Thank you to those homeowners who respond with kindness knowing the HOA Communications Coordinator is there to protect home values at Mountain View Meadows. A little bit of grace goes a long way.
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New Homes For 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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Condos at Mountain View Meadows |
2667 Jeannette Rankin: Bathe yourself in 2053 S.F. of comfort in your new 3BD/2BA upscale single-level condo. Features include a spacious 17’ x 18’ living room with a 10’ tray ceiling and gas fireplace, separate dining area off kitchen, huge walk-in pantry, raised breakfast bar, laundry room with sink and cabinets. The luxurious owners’ suite features a 10' tray ceiling, 2 closets (one walk-in), double vanity, private water closet, walk-in tiled shower and separate soaking tub. Along with central air, You'll enjoy design details like granite countertops, tiled wet areas, and lots of closets. 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. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street for additional information on this new condo ready for move in this summer. Priced at $424,900.
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2889 & 2891 Vista View Avenue: 1255 SF Vista View Condos under construction. This new single-level 2BD/2BA floorplan features a vaulted great room, kitchen peninsula and walk-in pantry, owners’ suite with double vanity, tiled shower and walk-in closet, and storage space off the attached 2-car garage. A 12’ x 14’ covered outdoor living space provides plenty of room for lounging, planters and hosting a BBQ. Drop by the office at 431 S. Alice St. for a tour of the location and find out how you can own your own home for only $319,900.
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2876 & 2878 Vista View Avenue: Two 3BD/2BA 1713 SF single-level condos just underway off Runkle Parkway and Twilight, but don’t wait too long or you’ll miss out! These Vista View Condos come with all the upscale features you expect in a beautiful Weatherall built home from tray ceilings to granite countertops, soft-close cabinets, and tiled walk-in shower. The kitchen comes complete with stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry and breakfast bar. But that’s not all! The laundry room has a sink and linen closet and there is a storage room right off the attached 2-car garage. Stake your claim now on one of these new floorplans and get ready to relax on your front porch or slip away onto your covered outdoor living space while you leave exterior maintenance behind!
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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows |
330 Rian Street: "THE ELK PARK". One gorgeous home! With over 2000 finished square feet, you’ll pamper yourself with upscale amenities including separate soaking tub and tiled walk-in shower, two walk-in closets in the primary bedroom suite, central air and a fireplace in the vaulted great room. Your kitchen features quartz countertops, a kitchen island, pantry cabinet and soft-close cabinets. Enjoy your morning coffee on your inviting front porch or relax on your covered rear patio off the dining nook. Need a getaway spot? The bonus room with two huge closets provide the privacy you need or the perfect place to set up your home office. Price is subject to change so call about the Elk Park today and lock it in at $429,900.
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315 Rian Street: This new 3BD/2BA 1647 SF Sierra Custom Home is one of the most awesome plans ever! The open concept features a huge kitchen island, tray ceilings in the great room and a café opening onto a covered deck. Although just getting started, Sierra homes, with all their upscale features and attention to details, get snatched up fast. So if you want in on the ground level, call 406-449-3301. Ask how you can get your foot in the front door before someone slips in behind you!
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335 Donna Street: Introducing Great Divide Home Builders’ new single-level home in The Uplands neighborhood. Just underway, this 1650 SF 3BD/2BA home features granite, tiled primary shower, kitchen island, covered rear deck, 2-car garage and exterior rock accents. For more info and pricing, contact Rob at 406-949-1681 or Tina at 406-439-0974.
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2656 Summers Crossing: "THE TETON". Awesome 1830 S.F. 2-story home with 3 beds, 2.5 baths and an upstairs TV room. The Owner's suite features both a walk-in tiled shower and separate soaking tub, double vanity, a big walk-in closet and vaulted ceiling. The front porch entry allows you to greet visitors before entering the main open living area while the owner's entry off the 2-car garage provides adequate space to add a bench and park your shoes. The plan includes a large kitchen island, walk-in pantry and concrete patio off sliding glass doors at the rear of the home. Sign a buy-sell now while there is still time to select interior colors and start planning what to do with all that room. Call 431-7680 for additional information.
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2663 Upland Avenue: 1977 S.F. Sierra Custom Home Going Up! Check out the 3-bay tandem garage on this exceptional floorplan featuring 3 bedrooms, an office, huge walk-in closets, a walk-in pantry and all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect from a Sierra Custom Home. Upland Ave. boasts awesome front porch views with tons of back yard privacy. Call 406-449-3301 today for details.
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows |
ASPEN PARK: Now is the time to take a drive through beautiful Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows to see for yourself if this upscale neighborhood is right for you. Homes in Aspen Park typically range from 2,000 SF to 5,000 SF with custom details inside and out. Stop by the office at 431 S. Alice Street to discuss the lots and your ideas. We’ll help you choose the perfect lot and connect you with the best builder to make your dream home a reality. Have your own builder? Let’s meet to work through the approval process.
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The Best in Our
Neighborhood:
Stepping Up
To Help Stamp
Out Hunger
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Vaughn Wruck working the counter at The Bagel Company on 11th Ave. So what happens to those unsold Bagels at closing time? The Bagel Company owners Kevin and Renae Schulte, who live in the Aspen Park neighborhood, knew exactly what to do with them. They contacted Helena Food Share where their delicious bagels find their way onto pantry shelves and into Grab-and-Go boxes to help stamp out hunger. Kevin said when the pandemic first hit, times were tough at the shops but they pushed through to keep their staff working while Renae took a second job at the Helena Area Community Foundation. He knew other businesses were struggling, too, but hoped more people would step up to donate to organizations serving those in need during the pandemic. He was surprised to hear, when he contacted Helena Food Share, that donations were down. He knew right then there was something he could do to help. When he offered to donate bagels every day to Helena Food Share, even during periods of time when the Bagel Company was closed due to COVID restrictions, Kevin said the woman on the other end of the line was so appreciative that she cried. As the pandemic wanes, Kevin and Renae continue to donate bagels every day. When we first approached Kevin and Renae about featuring them in “Best in Our Neighborhood”, they hesitated, not interested in “tooting their own horn.” But they finally agreed, thinking it might encourage others to give to or volunteer for Helena Food Share or to any of the other organizations in the area that look out for those needing a helping hand. Fortunately they are not alone. “The largest source of food donated to Helena Food Share comes through the Grocery Rescue program from over a dozen businesses in the Helena area,” said Patty White, Communications Director at Helena Food Share. “The Bagel Company is an important partner in this program, providing fresh products for those in need. We are thankful for their generosity.” And so are we! |
Welcome to the Neighborhood |
Bill & Danette Sprinkle
Are thrilled with their spacious brand new single level condo in the Uplands neighborhood.
Tricia & Tom Clemons
Have settled in and are enjoying the fun activities that come with purchasing a new home.
Brenda Rivers
Is loving her beautiful single level condo by Weatherall Builders.
Gary & Terri Keller
Have settled into their gorgeous new Sierra Custom Home.
Tina Morrison
Is enjoying her cozy condo with fantastic views of the Sleeping Giant.
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Congratulations! And Welcome
to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness
Before The Parade Passes By
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It’s just days away from 4th of July parades taking over streets across America. And as lyrics from “Hello Dolly” proclaim, “I’ve gotta get in step while there’s still time left!”--If you haven’t signed up yet to participate in the Kids Push, Pull & Pedal Parade, do it now! On July 4th, kids 12 & under along with their friends and older family members will parade down the Fun & Fitness Trail along Mountain View Park and then through the park past judges looking to award one colorful parade unit with a $100 Grand Prize! The Fun & Fitness Trail isn’t just for runners and walkers, it’s a place where kids ride their bikes, scooters and skateboards and where parents and grandparents wheel about their tiny tykes in strollers, wagons and baby carriages. Of course, that means they are also exercising, but let’s set exercise aside for a moment and just look at the fun side. All you need to do to participate in the Parade is to decorate any non-motorized mode of transportation that you can push, pull or pedal (see above for ideas), don a festive costume and join the parade around and through the park. This year’s parade theme is “Free to Be Me!” To register, email risland05@yahoo.com and then line up at 5:30 PM on the Fun & Fitness Trail on the west side of the park. And one other thing--Come ready to have fun!
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From
Mark & Rebecca
Thanks For Pitching In!
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Like many area businesses, it’s been difficult to find help this summer, so it’s been a challenge keeping up with weeding the pocket parks and medians, and maintaining all the beautiful landscaping that makes living at Mountain View Meadows special. William, who joined the team last year mowing the grass around the condos and in the pocket parks, has his hands full! To help keep things looking great, we reached out to you to find volunteers willing to “adopt a pocket park” in your neighborhood to weed around the flowers and plants in areas that can’t be sprayed. Thankfully both the Craftsman Village Pergola Park and the Antelope Trace Sunrise Park have been adopted! And several condo owners called to say they have helped out by pulling weeds around their buildings. Thank you! If you haven’t taken a drive down Runkle Parkway lately, you’ll want to go now to see the gorgeous yellow lilies in bloom. Hopefully by this fall the remaining medians will be planted, but even the nurseries are short on help and low on stock. While I was weeding the lilies the other day I wondered if others might be willing to step forward to pick up the slack if we find ourselves again, in the future, with a shortage of help keeping up with the work. We know everyone is busy and each household has its own challenges with the normal pressures of daily life and with the responsibilities of home ownership. And the season for working outside in Montana is way too short! But as Mountain View Meadows grows, we look forward to working together to improve and maintain the outstanding look and feel of the community that helps keep home values up. I know Mark will continue to spend after-hours and most weekends mowing the open fields and I’ll weed what I can between work at the office. But to all of you who pitched in--Thank you! It has been a tremendous help. |
Mary Lee Van Voast tackles
the weeds in the planting beds
at the Pergola Park
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Stunning yellow lilies
free of weeds!
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William keeping the condo
lawns looking great!
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Special thanks to Jennie & Charles Nemec who adopted the Sunrise Pocket Park at the corner of Runkle Parkway
and South Alice.
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