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Oktoberfest 2018

Family Financial Disputes

By Allison Harvey, Attorney, A. L. Harvey Law

Arguing over money is complicated, stressful, and at times saddening. However, family financial disputes do happen whether or not it is under your control. Below, we discuss the top reasons families may have a dispute over finances and when an attorney's assistance or intervention is necessary.
Divorce & Spousal Support - When a couple divorces, one of the top concerns is how their assets will be divided and if spousal support will be awarded. It is possible that divorce proceedings will be prolonged due to parties arguing about what he/ she brought into the marriage financially and what is communal property. It can also turn into a major dispute if the parties disagree on the spousal support payment amount and what standard of living they maintained during the marriage. If parties can agree they can create a marital settlement agreement and resolve their disputes outside of court.
Child Support - If you're a parent, you're legally obligated to support your child financially, whether you're married, separated or divorced from the child's other parent. The custodial parent is required to pay for the child's needs directly, and the noncustodial parent is required to make child support payments. Even though it this is the law, this does not stop some individuals in disputing child support payments.  If a couple is unable to agree on a fair child support payment outside of court, then a family law attorney's assistance is necessary, whether just for mediation or to the extreme of family court.
Death in the Family & Inheritances - When there is a death in the family, it is an emotionally tolling time, but it is also an opportunity for a family financial dispute to arise if there were no financial, life-planning decisions made prior to the death. If one dies without a will or trust, money and property will be distributed according to California law. This is why we recommend that all individuals create a very detailed estate plan, a document that designates who will receive your assets upon your death, so there can be no dispute between family members, such as who will inherit the assets or how they will be divided.
Incapacitated Family Member - When a family member is unable to make financial decisions for himself/ herself due to being incapacitated, financial disputes among other family members can easily arise. We recommend estate planning, specifically creating a Power of Attorney document to provide an authorized individual with the power to manage your financial affairs if you are incapacitated and can't do it yourself. This leaves little room for family financial disputes to arise given sickness, injury or disability.
This article is made available by both the lawyer or law firm is for educational purposes and only to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using article you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the lawyer or law firm. The article should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Meadow Vista Community Center - Oct 2018 Update

Recipe - Cream of Pumpkin Soup

From Christine Schlittenhart’s Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup chopped white or yellow onion
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 (14.5) ounce cans of chicken broth
1 (15) ounce can pumpkin puree
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 cup heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS:
1. Sauté onion in butter in a medium saucepan until tender. Add 1 can chicken broth; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Transfer cooled broth mixture into the container of a blender or processor. Process until smooth.
2. Return mixture to saucepan. Add remaining can of broth, pumpkin, brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground pepper & cayenne; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in whipping cream and heat through. Do not boil. Ladle into individual soup bowls.

Placer Artists Studio Tour 2018

From the Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors

Submitted by Judith Whitman, MV Friendly Neighbors

The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors participated in the PHEF BBQ on August 25, 2018 by serving the delicious barbequed chicken, tri-tip, and sides prepared by the Meadow Vista Lions Club.  Our community turned out in droves – it was wonderful to see such great support for our schools.  Thanks Meadow Vista!!
At our meeting on August 25, 2018, we were honored to receive a presentation by Janine Dexter, the Director of the After-School Community Music Program in Meadow Vista.  Ms. Dexter explained how vital this program is for our youngsters because music education in grades K through 8 has been eliminated and students who want to participate in high school band must have some preliminary music education in order to do so.  The music program is open to all students in the Meadow Vista area and is offered at no cost to the students.  The facilities for the program are provided by the Faith Lutheran Church but the program is not affiliated with the church or with any other religious organization.  We are grateful for the hard work and dedication Ms. Dexter brings to this endeavor. 
We are now gearing up for our most important project of the year – the Christmas Basket food and toy program.  There will be food drives at our local schools, a toy drive at Wells Fargo Bank and requests for monetary gifts to support this program.  We hope our entire community will find a way to get involved in this effort.  We will be assembling the food boxes on the evening of Friday, December 14, 2018.  Mark your calendar to save the date as this is always a fun event and every member of our community is warmly invited to participate as we fill the boxes full of healthy, nutritious food for members of our community who need a helping hand.
Our October meeting will be on October 24, 2018 also at the Faith Lutheran Church with social time at 11:30 and lunch at Noon.
Community members interested in learning more about the worthy work we do are invited and encouraged to attend our meetings which are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.  We will enthusiastically welcome each of you to join us as we serve our wonderful community.  If you would like to participate in the many projects we sponsor but are not able to attend all (or any) of our week-day meetings, you are still very welcome to become a member and lend a hand when you can.  Please visit our website (noted below) and let us know if we can send you a membership invitation.  We would love to have you join us!
The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club, www.meadowvistafriendlyneighbors.com

Real Estate Report

By Fred Eichenhofer, Sierra Pacific Real Estate

A quick over view of the real estate market in Meadow Vista, obtaining data from Metrolist our Multiple Listing Service.
I receive a newsletter that tracks real estate in the Southern California area but he states it reflects the whole state of California.  In his latest news letter he feels the market is still good for the next 3 to 6 months, but feels the market has slowed down, and prices are not going up at the rate in the past.  Our Multiple Listing service is showing more price reductions now than in the past, which indicates to me the real estate market has reached a plateau for now, and the rate of sales has also slowed.  Is this a lull in the market or does this indicate a new trend, only time will tell.
As of September 21st 2018 there are 26 active listings ranging in price from $364,950 to $2,990,000, for an average listing price of $1,039,994.  The average price per square foot is $289.37, the low is $364,950, the Median is $887,450, and the high is $2,999,000. There are 2 listings that have an active release clause, they range in price from $499,950 to $525,000. The average cumulative days on the market are 133 days for the actives.  The average cumulative days on the market for the listings with active release clauses are 25 days.
There are currently 2 pending escrows.  The High is $839,000, the Median is $587,000 the low is $335,000, and the average is $607,000.  The average price per square foot is $219, and average time on the market is 32 days.  One pending listing with bring back up offers is listed at $289,000, with an average time on the market of 57 days.
From March 25, 2018 to September 21, 2018 there have been 59 sold homes in Meadow Vista ranging in price from $290,000 to $1,200,000 with a cumulative average time on the market of 46 days, and an average price per square foot of $270.  The average square foot of the sold listings are 2,284 square feet.
The market has changed but I feel that if you are planning or thinking of selling, now is still be a good time to put your home on the market, and if priced appropriately will sell relative quickly.

Local Business Award

By Craig Forrey, Auburn Public Cemetery District

While attending the annual Public Cemetery Alliance meeting in Grass Valley this past August, the Auburn Public Cemetery District walked away as recipient of the 2018 “Cemetery of The Year”.  This award is voted on by fellow members of the Public Cemetery Alliance which includes around 80 Cemetery Districts from all over California. It is based on transparency, operations and appearance of the grounds and is an amazing team award and I couldn’t be prouder of the staff and trustees for what we have accomplished over this last year.
Customer service, maintaining the beauty of both cemeteries and providing future generations with dignified burial grounds will continue to be our primary focus.

Dessert & a Movie 2018

Learn more at http://www.meadowvista.com/dessert-and-a-movie.html

Pioneer Day Schedule 2018

Teaching Children to Save

By Natalie Litchfield, Integrated Financial Concepts and Insurance Marketing

This is something I always get excited about. Children are a relatively blank canvas and most haven’t had any real experience with money yet. We also know that kids learn most of their habits from the adults in their lives. This could be a good thing or a huge problem.
Unfortunately, here are some statistics of adults today:
• Americans owe $1.1 Trillion in student loans debt and $845 Billion in Credit Card debt.*
• 1 in 4 Baby Boomers has nothing saved for retirement.*
• 52% of Generation X expect a decrease in their standard of living when they retire.**
• 39% of Millennials worry that they will not have enough money to retire when they are ready.**
Fortunately, this gives us an opportunity to create those financial habits in our kids that we wished came easier to us. Giving children a basic foundation to understand how to properly budget and save for the future is extremely powerful.
One of the best and most impactful lessons is the importance and the value of delayed
gratification. You can teach this with simple and easy to understand concepts. Here are two ideas to get started:
1. Offer your child one M&M right now, two M&M’s if they wait for five minutes, or five M&M’s if they wait ten minutes. This is a simple way to teach your child about savings and compound interest that can be earned the longer they wait.
2. Do they have that one game or toy that they really want? Help them set a goal to earn enough money to buy that toy or game. Then create a way for them to earn that money through a chore chart or activity chart or let them be creative with ways to work to earn money towards their goal.
Guiding this learning at at young age can help them to build a solid foundation for good money management habits when they grow up. Here are some simple concepts that can kickstart your child’s early learning.
1. Do you need it or want it? What is the difference?
2. Wait! Some things are worth it. Or they may realize they don’t want or need it as badly as they thought.
3. Share what you have earned.
Taking these simple actions is a great way to set a positive example for your children about how to properly save for the future.

*ACL Retirement Survey, 2016
**”The Five Most Important Money Lessons to teach Your Kids” by Laura Shin, Forbes.com
Natalie Litchfield and her firm IFC are State Registered Investment Advisors. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This is not a solicitation for the sale of securities.

Remembering Leslye Ann Vodden

By Stewart Feldman

Leslye recently left us after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She would not let her illness define her and was determined to be mindful of every moment and remain happy. She was a warrior all the way, traveling regularly to Stanford for clinical trials, helping establish a nonprofit community Cancer Support Group, and enjoying the outdoors almost to her final day.

Leslye loved the little things, like hearing a song bird or seeing Sandhill Cranes flying in a perfect “V” formation. Above all, she adored experiencing nature and being outside. She was a passionate adventurer, hiking trails throughout the region, riding her Tennessee Walker Johnny Cash, kayaking lakes and rivers, and tracking the Turkey Vulture migration in Auburn. Her keen powers of observation translated into beautiful acrylic paintings of landscapes and portraits of dogs, which were exquisite depictions of the personality and character of these animals.

Her long teaching career gave her great satisfaction by making a difference for so many kids, those with special needs and learning disabilities as well as her sweet kindergartners. She was especially close to the English learners and loved their families and the culture they shared.

Leslye is survived by her husband Stewart Feldman, partner for over 45 years, their children Amber Vodden and Evan Feldman, and her brother Ryan Vodden. To reflect on Leslye's rich life, full of unique experiences, deep friendships and so much love, we plan a “Celebration of her Impact on Our Community” for July 28 in Auburn. For details, visit www.lvodden.com

From the MV Lions Club

Submitted by Etta Gross

Please stop by to view the car show from 8 to 2 p.m. on June 3, 2018 at Meadow Vista Park.  Spectators are FREE, All vehicles/bikes are welcome to participate.  Registration for a vehicle is $20.  Breakfast and Lunch will be available. 
We were pleased to see all those youngsters for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.  There were 4,000 eggs out in the field for tots to 10 year olds to find.  Thank you to the Cub/Boy and Girl Scouts along with the LEOs for their assistance with stuffing and hiding all those eggs.   The wonderful Easter Bunny even made a guest appearance.  Thank you Easter Bunny!
It was great seeing you on Mother's Day for our Annual Mother's Day Breakfast! We sure do appreciate our local moms!
Please visit our website at www.meadowvistalions.com or visit a meeting the 2nd or 4th Wednesday of the month at the Community Center.  Starting time is 7 p.m.   Our email address is meadowvistalionsclub@gmail.com

From the Friendly Neighbors

Submitted by Judith Whitman

The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club (the Friendly Neighbors) (a non-profit organization) installed our 2018 officers at the beginning of the year.  Our officers are:  President, Dana Johnson; Vice President, Margo Lambert; Recording Secretary, Rhoda Martin; Corresponding Secretary, Carrie Pitta; and Treasurer, Sharon Bradford.  We are grateful to these ladies for their service and wish them well as they guide our club this year.
The Friendly Neighbors held our annual Easter See's Candy Sale in March.  This is an important fundraiser for our club and we are very grateful to our wonderful community for the support we received – thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by and bought some delicious Easter candy.  Thanks, too to Holiday Market and its manager, Joel, for allowing us to use this space and for being so supportive of our efforts throughout the year!
On June 3rd, the Friendly Neighbors will be participating in Pioneer Day.  This is a wonderful community event and a great way for us to let our community know how much we appreciate it.  We'll march in the parade and hold a free raffle for gas at our booth in the park.  So, stop by our booth to say “Hello” and enter this fun, free raffle.
 We are excited to be able to offer five free swim days at the Community Pool this Summer.  The exact dates will be announced shortly.  These free swim days are open to everyone so please come and enjoy the pool during one of the swim days – it's our treat!
The Friendly Neighbors meet at the Faith Lutheran Church on Combie Road in Meadow Vista on the fourth Wednesday of each month (with a few exceptions).  We meet in April on the 25th and in May on the 23rd.  In June and August, we will meet for a brown bag lunch at the Community Park (there will be no meeting in July).  Social time begins at 11:30 AM; a complementary lunch is served at Noon (except during brown bag lunch meetings); our meeting follows lunch.  Community members interested in our work are invited and encouraged to attend and join us in our efforts to serve our wonderful community.
The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club, www.meadowvistafriendly neighbors.com

Happy Summer Birthday Baby Boomers

By Charity Young, Lawson & Young Insurance Services LLC

Do you turn 65 this summer? While planning your summer celebrations and vacations, you'll also want to plan your Medicare Enrollment.
You've been receiving endless postcards and fliers for months now...but what do they all mean?  The whole subject may be overwhelming but with help you can ease into the transition and make an educated choice that is right for you.
If you're still working, you may not need to make any changes. You should speak with your company's HR department regarding your current insurance and how they work with Medicare. If you are receiving coverage through a union or retirement plan, check with that plan's representative for your options.
If you're retired and/or don't have employer sponsored coverage you'll need to make sure you are enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B. If you are already accepting your Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled. You'll receive your red, white and blue Medicare card in the mail. Not accepting your benefits yet? No problem. You'll simply call up Social Security and request to be enrolled. They'll verify your eligibility and send out your card.
But is Original Medicare enough coverage for you? This is where things can get a little confusing. Original Medicare alone will only cover 80% of your medical costs and does not include coverage for Prescription Drugs. This leaves you responsible for significant costs.
To protect yourself against these additional expenses you may enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan and a Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Or maybe a Medicare Advantage Plan will suit your needs better.

When considering which type of plan to enroll in you'll want to review the monthly premium for each option as well as the monthly and yearly out of pocket costs you may accrue. It is important to make sure your Doctors accept the plan you intend to enroll in, that your drug plan covers all your medications and that your pharmacy will fill those prescriptions at the optimum rate.
Reach out to friends and family that have already made the transition to see what they have done and what they recommend. You may also find it valuable to work with a licensed Medicare Broker that can present all of your options and review costs and doctor and pharmacy availability.
With reliable information, your Medicare Enrollment can be smooth and worry free leaving you time to enjoy your birthday celebrations and a wonderful Meadow Vista summer!

Meadow Vista Community Center Update

Vaccine Breakthrough

By Richard L. Peatman, Pharm.D., Meadow Vista Pharmacy

Finally, a highly effective shingles vaccine called Shingrix® is now available and will prevent over 90% of shingles outbreaks.  The previously administered vaccine, Zostivax®, was frequently not effective.  There are typically no health restrictions on receiving the vaccine because, unlike the previous vaccine, which was a modified live virus, Shingrex® is an inactivated vaccine.  This means the shot does not cause an active infection, but instead just builds up a strong immune response.  A person receiving the new vaccine may be in close contact with children or immunocompromised adults without concern that they will spread the virus. 
The virus that causes chicken pox and herpes zoster is called varicella and people usually become infected as children and develop a case of chicken pox.  Once their immune system suppresses the virus, it lays dormant in neural ganglia.  A weakened immune system allows the virus to reactivate and spread along nerves and cause herpes zoster.  Unfortunately, zoster outbreaks can be serious and cause a very painful syndrome know as post-herpetic neuralgia.  While outbreaks typically involve the skin, other more dangerous infections involving the eye and central nervous system can occur.  As we age, our immune system may weaken to the point where the virus reactivates and causes herpes zoster.
Shingrix® is recommended for those who are 50 years of age or older and may be given to a person who has received the older vaccine or has had previous herpes zoster outbreaks.  The new vaccine comes as a 2 injection series.  The second immunization is given between 2 and 6 months after the first shot.  It is very important to receive the second injection at the proper time to maximize the effectiveness of the vaccine.  Individuals should check with their health insurance company to see if the vaccine is covered.  Unfortunately, basic Medicare does not cover the shots, but an individual's separate Medicare drug plan may cover part of the cost.  For those who want to pay for the vaccine themselves, the cost is about $150 for each shot and $300 for the full series.  Although Shingrix® is very safe, it frequently causes side effects:  pain (78%), redness (38.1%), swelling (25.9%), myalgia (44.7%), fatigue (44.5%), headache (37.7%), shivering (26.8%), fever (20.5%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (17.3%).  Symptoms typically last for 24 hours but may continue for 48 to 72 hours.
Shingrix® is truly a breakthrough vaccine and promises to end the scourge of herpes zoster.  Check with your healthcare professional for more information.

What is the Difference Between a Trust and a Will?

By Allison Harvey, Attorney, A. L. Harvey Law, PLC

Everyone has heard of a will or a trust but many times the terms are used interchangeably as if they are the same. They are not. Both are tools that can be used when creating an estate plan however, both have different purposes and are used at different times.
One of the biggest differences between a will and a trust is that the will only comes into effect after you die. A trust is used both during your life and after your death. A will designates who you want to receive your estate after your death and designates an individual to carry out those wishes. A trust allows distribution of your estate during your lifetime, at your death or even at a later time. A trust is an agreement between the person who creates the trust (you) and the person who manages the trust assets upon your passing, or you while you are alive.

Another big difference between a will and a trust is the will passes through probate. This means that the court will oversee the distribution of property upon your death even if those wishes are written in a will. The probate process is costly, time consuming and public and the will becomes public record. Unlike a will, a trust passes outside of probate which means it does not need the court to oversee the process and the distribution of your estate does not become public record. This generally saves time and money.
In many cases a will is used in conjunction with a trust. All property is held by the trust and a “pour over will” is used to ensure that anything which was mistakenly left out of the trust pours into the trust at the time of death. The “pour over will” also can be used to designate guardianship of minor children. If the will is used this way and set up properly it will not pass property through probate.
Every individual’s estate planning needs are different. For some a will is the correct tool, while for others a trust is necessary. This article should not be construed as legal advice. If you have questions about which is best for you contact an attorney that can assist you to make that decision.

2018 Family Movie Nights

Real Estate Pulse: What You Should Know Now

By Maggie Francis, Sierra Pacific Real Estate CalBRE#01992548

There are questions on the minds of everyone looking to buy or sell real estate right now. Are rates rising? Is this a good time to buy or will I pay too much? Is it a good time to sell and will I make a good profit? There are many variables in real estate and no one agent, lender, or economist has a crystal ball, but good experience, trends, and statistics help us to get a pulse on what is happening now.
Rates are still historically low according to Freddie Mac, but they have risen nearly half a percent in the last year. They have gone from close to 4.00% to around 4.40% for a 30 year fixed mortgage, and from around 3.25% to just under 4.00% for a 15 year fixed rate mortgage. Freddie Mac also projects that we may see 2 or 3 more rate hikes this year.
Because rates are still fair but are projected to go up it is a good time to buy. Though, in some cases buyers looking to purchase a home under $500,000 may expect to go out a bit further, “drive until they qualify”, or invest in a home that needs a bit of work to stay within their price range. There is a supply shortage, especially for homes in the lower end of the market, under $500,000.
Sellers should know that while rate increases may be causing a sense of urgency, there is not enough inventory to sell. A recent Credit Suisse survey reported an ongoing increase in buyer traffic. Their survey showed a “pent-up demand, especially in more affordable price points, given the persistent inventory shortage”.  Sellers may want to take advantage of the buyer frenzy.
Here's to a great year in real estate! Let's get it done!

Local Historians Seeking Meadow Vista Photos

Local historian and former Meadow Vista Volunteer of the Year, George Lay is teaming up with former Colfax High School Publications instructor Rick Brown in preparing a history photo book of Meadow Vista, Clipper Gap and Christian Valley.  Both men are hoping local residents will donation historic photographs and documents to make their goal a reality. 

The pair have been able to form a working relationship with Placer County Archivist Bryanna Ryan who is helping organize files and research the county’s data base. Additionally, she is providing a release form that makes it easy for everyone to submit photos and documents, scan them digitally and return the originals to the owners. 

If residents would like to help out, contact George Lay at 530-878-1927 or glaymy@sbcglobal.net.

Lay and Brown are looking for well-preserved photos that can be scanned and returned to the owners. Even better, one might submit a photo that has been digitized. Some major topics might include schools, Native Americans, commerce, transportation, celebrations, churches and early families.

Meadow Vista True Value Spring Sale

The Child Custody Mediation Process

By Sue McCurnin, Attorney, A. L. Harvey Law, PLC

If you are going through a divorce, and you and your partner have children under the age of eighteen, then child custody is most likely one of the issues you are most concerned with. In California, custody mediation is required by most courts before a court order is made. Mediation has many advantages: it is less threatening, parties are usually willing to compromise more frequently, the mediator is an unbiased third-party, it is less expensive and finally it offers a quicker solution than going to court.  Prior to mediation you should take the following actions in order to be fully prepared:

• Write out your current daily schedules for you and your child(ren).
• Write out a custody and visitation proposal that you would like to present at the mediation session.
• Put together a folder or binder of your child’s records.
• Consider getting professional legal advice from an attorney who can advise you on relative legal matters.

The child custody mediation process can be broken down into five steps. This five step process will take significantly less time depending on the intricacy of custody issues and the parents ability to reach an agreement.

Step 1: Meet With The Mediator:  At this initial meeting, the mediator will cover the rules of the
process and the confidentiality factors.

Step 2: Identify and Organize Issues: After making a list of all issues that need to be covered through mediation, it is necessary to prioritize those issues with the mediator.
Below, are some issues and topics to discuss during mediation:

• Custody and visitation scheduleand exceptions such as holidays and vacations 
• Parental communication
• How will you communicate with your ex-partner regarding your child? Ie: face-to-face during drop-offs, text, email, call and/ or video chat.
• Religion
• Medical and/or healthcare
• Extracurricular activities
• Education
• Future changes agreement

Step 3: Discuss Solutions to Issues: Each party should provide solutions to the issues at stake. It is
essential to honestly discuss what you believe is fair and you must be willing to work in your child’s best interest.

Step 4: Draft A Custody Agreement: After the issues are presented and solutions are provided, the mediator will prepare the custody agreement. It is advised you have your attorney review this agreement since it is a legally binding contract.

Step 5: Sign The Custody Agreement: Coming to a custody agreement through the mediation process will
avoid the stressful and heart-wrenching child custody battle in court.
Through all of this, it is most important to put your child(ren) first and give them the best childhood as possible.  This should not be construed as legal advice.

Recipe: Honey Glazed Easter Ham

Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Update

Submitted by Etta Gross

The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club says THANK YOU Meadow Vista Community for another successful Christmas Basket Project in 2017.  It would have not been possible without your financial and physical support.  Special Thank You to all those that purchased the $5 Brown Bags at Holiday Market in the month of November.  Those we EXTREMELY helpful to the Christmas Basket Food Program.  And for those that donated toys through Wells Fargo Bank in Meadow Vista, we are greatly appreciative of you all too!  Those toys provide a smile to the children’s face on Christmas.  Not to forget all those that came to Sierra Hills School on Friday night to assist with the packing of the food boxes. We say THANK YOU everyone did a great job.  The Colfax Ladies Soccer Team and the Colfax Baseball Team did an excellent job at assisting us with the physical part of this project! 
We had a special donation this year from Ms. Jones who teaches at Sierra Hills.  Ms. Jones wanted to recognize her wonderful group of volunteers who are Beverly Bell, Brooke Stuart, Anthony Grady, Jessica Keller, Kristin Kolster, Jeanette Mentas, Lorey Moore, and Molly Richardson.  We are thankful that Ms. Jones made a special generous donation to the Christmas Basket in her volunteer’s names to honor their outstanding volunteerism.
Please look for us in front of Holiday Market the second and third weekend in March this year selling See’s Easter Egg Candies.  All proceeds will be used for the many projects we do throughout the year!
Any questions please visit our website at www.meadowvistafriendlyneighbors.com

Meadow Vista Lions Club News

Submitted by Lions Club Secretary, Etta Gross

For all those attendees at our Meadow Vista Lions Annual Crab Feed held on February 3, 2018, we want to say THANK YOU for your support.  This event is our annual community account fundraiser.  This fund is used for School Hot Dogs, the Tablet Reading Program, School Sport Support, Mother’s Day Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt and many more projects.  We say THANK YOU so these events and projects may continue in our community.
Thank you to all those See’s Candies purchasers at Christmas.  Those proceeds went directly to Sierra Reach Ministries Food Closet and Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club Christmas Basket program.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, March 31, 2018, EASTER EGG HUNT  (Ages tots to 10)

10: AM SHARP!   It is over at 10:05 so PLEASE BE EARLY!

Placer Hills Campus Soccer Field in Meadow Vista

Remember to bring a basket to collect eggs in!

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Sierra Hills School on Mother’s Day (May 13, 2018)

Starts at 8 a.m. – ALL MOMS are free.  Everyone else is charged a very small amount.

Come see what being a Lion is about by visiting a meeting on the second or fourth Wednesday, starting time is 7 pm at Meadow Vista Community Center.

Any questions please visit our website at www.meadowvistalions.com or our email address is meadowvistalionsclub@gmail.com.

Meadow Vista Community Center Update

2018 Meadow Vista Community Service Award Nominations

Attention Sellers: Take Advantage of the Spring-Summer Real Estate Market!

By Christine Schlittenhart, Vista Realty Group DRE#01704242

Spring to early Summer marks the beginning of the busiest home-selling and home-buying season in our area. With the warmer weather, more daylight, and the impetus to get a new house in order before the next school calendar begins, buyers are more likely to shop during this time of year, with home buying peaking in June. 
Below are a few reasons why you should take advantage and list during this “On-Season”:

• Higher Exposure: There’s no doubt spring is when properties shine. The flowers are in bloom and buyers are out. Daylight saving time also gives buyers more time to look at houses, which means your property can be seen by more buyers during the day, leading to more exposure. More exposure means a bigger chance for more interested buyers.
• Advantage of Bidding Wars: Bidding wars are a headache for buyers but a big plus for sellers. Bidding wars mean more money in your pocket. They also usually mean buyers are less likely to make repair requests or other demands. Additionally, cash buyers are some of the more aggressive bidders, so you might find a buyer with a fistful of dollars with a fast lane to closing day.
• Higher Sales Price: Unlike other markets, where more inventory means lower prices, the housing market works the opposite way: Prices are highest in the prime season, when most homes are listed.

It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s a function of demand being very seasonal, driven by weather and school year. There are also more buyers in spring and summer, as this is the most convenient time for most people to move. So relative to demand, the supply of homes is actually tighter in spring and summer than in fall and winter.

• Stronger Appraisals: When your house is being valued, the appraiser will look into data for comparable homes sold in your neighborhood. But if the most recent data is from a home that sold for cheap in the winter, it can hurt your valuation. With more homes selling in the On-Season, the comparable data (or "comps") are more accurate. 

Call one of your local Real Estate professionals today to take advantage of selling during our most marketable real estate season.  Spring + Summer = SOLD!

350 Placer Helping the Planet, One Question (and One Beer) at a Time

On Thursday, March 8th from 6-7:30pm, the group 350 Placer will be holding its third “Hot Climate, Cold Beer” trivia night at the Moonraker Brewing Company in Auburn. The night will be a great time for old and new friends to support a local business and enjoy some beer, while learning about climate change. Admission is free and there is a suggested donation of $5 to participate in the trivia game. Funds raised will help with the group’s future efforts.
350 Placer is a group of residents who joined together to promote clean, sustainable living in Placer County. Since its formation in early 2017, its focus has been on educating residents about climate change. It also holds small gatherings at local venues to promote the consumption of food from local farmers. The group is inspired by the international group 350.org, a grassroots organization dedicated to reducing carbon levels to no more than 350 parts per million. The number 350 is the level of carbon believed to be safe and sustainable for life on our planet.
One of 350 Placer’s primary goals is to help educate the community about small things we all can do today to make a big difference.
As current science states, it is not too late to change our course if we act now. “Hot Climate, Cold Beer” will address ways we can help. 350 Placer can be found on Facebook and at www.350Placer.org. Questions about the “Hot Climate, Cold Beer” or the group can be directed to Danielle at 916-320-7584. “Hot Climate, Cold Beer” will be held at the Moonraker Brewing Company located at 12970 Earhart Ave in Auburn.