The Dangers of Overpricing Your Home to Sell

By Christine Schlittenhart, Vista Realty Group

When the average seller sits down to interview real estate agents, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement over choosing a sales price. More money means more financial opportunities for the homeowner. Perhaps it means the seller can afford to buy a more expensive home, help pay for her child's college education or take that greatly overdue vacation. Unfortunately, uninformed sellers often choose the listing agent who suggests the highest list price, which is the worst mistake a seller can make.
  The truth is it doesn't really matter how much money you think your home is worth. The person whose opinion matters is the buyer who makes an offer. Pricing homes is part art and part science. It involves comparing similar properties, making adjustments for the differences among them, tracking market movements and taking stock of present inventory, all in an attempt to come up with a range of value, an educated opinion. This method is the same way an appraiser evaluates a home. And no two appraisals are ever exactly the same; however, they are generally close to each other. In other words, there is no hard and fast price tag to slap on your home. It's only an educated guess and the market will dictate the price.
Homes sell at a price a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept. If a home is priced too low, priced under the competition, the seller should receive multiple offers to drive up the price to market value. So, there is little danger in pricing a home too low. The danger lies in pricing it too high and selecting an agent solely on opinion of value. 
Remember to take the emotion out of the equation, and look at selling your home as a business opportunity.  The right time to sell your home is when you need it sold!!

Free Instrumental Band Program in Meadow Vista

By Janine Dexter, Faith Lutheran Church

Would you like to help the children in your life thrive? Children that thrive are supported in every area of their lives. What if there was a way to incorporate all four of these areas into one activity? Music is often dismissed as unnecessary or an “extra” activity that is fun but not really missed if it doesn’t make the cut of after-school activities. The reality is that music participation is one of the ways that a child is positively impacted in every one of these four crucial areas: physical,  emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.
• Intellectual:  Music impacts language development, increases spatial-temporal skills, and is known to raise IQ points. It is the only activity that lights up every area of the brain simultaneously.
• Emotional:  Music provides an outlet for a wide-range of emotions. Children can learn to be aware of and express how they feel through the language of sound. 
• Spiritual:  Music impacts every journey in life including one’s chosen spiritual path.
• Physical:  Music helps children develop both small and large motor skills through movement, singing, and instrumental practice.

In Meadow Vista there is a unique opportunity  for children to begin a journey in music that will enhance their brain development and help them thrive throughout their lives. Faith Lutheran Church hosts a free music program for children ages TK-8th grade. Preschool through third grade youth are invited to join an Exploring Music class—levels I, II and III—that incorporates rhythm instruments, music reading, Orff, singing and ukulele. Grades 4-8 have an opportunity to be in a band program that meets each week after school; families are asked to provide an instrument and purchase a lesson book. Classes are taught in a friendly and safe atmosphere by professional musicians and are funded by the Lutheran Development Society of Sacramento, the Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors and by community donations. New classes begin in January and children can join classes at anytime through the end of February. Contact Ms Janine Dexter for more information: 530-389-8889, musicforall.mv@gmail.com.

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.

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.

2018 Meadow Vista Community Service Award Nominations

Investing for Growth

By Natalie Litchfield, Financial Advisor, IFC Insurance

You’ve worked hard and saved your money, now all you want is for your hard earned cash to start working for you. While we all want our investments to grow the ultimate goal may be different for each person. Some may want to protect their savings while taking little to no risk. While others want to make sure their investments keep growing even if that means they take on a little more risk to do so. Regardless of your specific goals here are 3 tips that will help you make wise decisions when investing.
What have you done for me lately? While this is what most people look at when choosing an investment; it is actually the potential for growth that is more important. It grew twice as much as anything else last year you say? I think I will pass. Look for quality investments and buy them when they are are on sale or undervalued. Hard to find in this market environment but there are still some out there, keep looking.

How far is the fall? All investments include some risk. Whether it is the risk of loss, volatility or liquidity make sure you are aware and comfortable with the level of risk. Even cash has inflation risk. The risk that it won’t keep pace with inflation and will have less buying power in the future.
Oops, I didn’t see that coming. Focus on what you can control. You can’t control politics, new laws or the economy. But you can control how much you spend, save and the quality of the investments you hold.
Do you have that one friend or family member who always seem to have the good stock pick or investment idea that is sure to make millions? Remember this; the most successful investors made their money the long way, on a good quality, well diversified portfolio they held for the long-term.

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.

Meadow Vista Community Center Update

MV Community Center Update

Pioneer Day 5K Run

Sunday, June 5, 2016 • 9 am Start 

Meadow Vista Park - 1101 Meadow Vista Rd.

Pre Registration Fee: $20. ($15. If Under Age 14)

Race Day Registration: Begins At 7:30 Am Until 15 Minutes Before Race Start at Meadow Vista Park 

Race Day Registration Fee: $25.00 (race Shirt Not Guaranteed)

Awards: Overall Male And Female Finisher And The Top Three Finishers In Eight Age Groups

Course: Accurate, Fast with Rolling Hills. Starts and Finishes Near the Meadowvista Park.

Walkers Welcome!

For More Information: Call Shana Brown (530)368-6506 Or Email Shana.met.brown@gmail.com.

Register Online: Https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pioneer-day-5k-run-tickets-24425981769

All Proceeds Benefit: Colfax High School Cross Country

We Appreciate Our Sponsors:  

Oshetski Orthodontics • Mother Lode Realty • Sierra Pacific Real Estate • Triton Construction Service • Hydros Consulting • Lippert Construction • Colfax Dental Center • Dr. Dan Zendner • Dr. Chad Jensen • Oliver's Gas Station • Casey Spencer Realtor • Hansen Mgmt and Maintenance • Anytime Fitness • Meritage Automotive Center

Faith Lutheran Summer Day Camp

Adult Pneumonia Vaccines

By Richard Peatman, PharmD., Meadow Vista Pharmacy

There's a big change in recommended adult vaccinations.  It's about pneumococcal pneumonia, which hospitalizes over 300,000 people a year, most of whom are over the age of 50, and is a frequent cause of death.  It is an illness caused by the common bacteria Streptococcus pneumonia.
Symptoms often appear quickly and can be very severe.  Recovery from infection can take weeks or longer and can leave patients with cough and fatigue.  You can contract bacterial pneumonia from infected people who cough or sneeze around you.  And unfortunately, some of the bacteria that cause the disease have become resistant to antibiotics.  The illness can sometimes lead to blood infections, deafness, brain damage and meningitis.
Fortunately, immunizations can significantly decrease the incidence of the disease.  A vaccine call Pneumovax® covers 23 strains of pneumonia and has been available for years.  Recently, a vaccine covering 13 more strains of pneumonia has been approved for use in individuals over the age of 50.  It's called Prevnar® and if you have Medicare, it will probably be completely covered.  If you are between 50 and 64, check with your insurance provider to determine your cost.
Both types of pneumonia vaccines are given by injection and can cause pain and swelling at the injection site.  Sometimes there are body-wide reactions including headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain.  Usually the reactions are mild and last only a few days. The new recommendation is for individuals 65 and older to receive both types of vaccines.  If someone has not received either vaccine, they should start with Prevnar® and then receive Pneumovax® at least 6 to 12 months later.  For those who have already received Pneumovax®, they should receive Prevnar® after 12 months.
Although it is common to think of pneumonia as a disease of the very elderly or those in the hospital, it frequently occurs in otherwise healthy people.  The risk goes up after the age of 50.  Talk to your healthcare provider about getting immunized.  It's important.  For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pneumo/default.htm.

Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors: 2014 Christmas Baskets

Submitted by Etta Gross

Do you want to help those in our community that are having difficulties at Christmas this year?  The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club is in need of donation of canned foods and toys along with monetary donations for the Community Christmas Baskets.  This is our 70th year at assisting those in need in the community and in the surrounding areas (Applegate, Clipper Gap, Christian Valley and Weimar) at Christmas.  Last year, the community helped 135 families, and supplied toys to 78 families for our residents in need. Help us help even more families this year!

Please make checks payable to The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club or TMVFN, and mail them to P.O. Box 764, Meadow Vista CA  95722.

The club will also need physical help on Friday, December 19 for assembling the food baskets at Sierra Hills School, 16505 Placer Hills Road starting at 5 p.m.  For more information regarding the Christmas Basket Program, please contact Etta at (530) 637-5359 or Gerry at (530) 878-6117.

Our annual Christmas Basket Breakfast will be on Saturday, November 8, 2014, starting at 8 a.m.  The location will be Placer Hills Cafeteria.

Recipes: Gnocci & Black Bean Corn Salad

"Neighbors Helping Neighbors"

By Gerry Hinkle, Club Secretary

The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbor Club would like to thank all those who helped celebrate their 70th Anniversary during a luncheon held at the Auburn Valley Country Club on June 25, 2014.

In addition to many members and their guests, we were thrilled to have some long-time club and community members in attendance, which shared many wonderful stories of the past. We were even treated to a happy song sung by our local celebrity, Ms. Joni Roth.

Mr. George Lay, local historian, was Master of Ceremonies, and he took us down memory lane with lots of funny stories.  He acknowledged some past recipients of “The Friendly Neighbor of The Year Awards” and “Community Service Awards,” as well as past and present Club Presidents.

The MVFN Club is now on summer break, but will resume meetings at the Meadow Vista Grange Hall on the 4the Wednesday of each month, beginning September 24th, 11:30 a.m. (Social), 12 Noon (Lunch), followed by an informative speaker and general meeting.  We would love to have you join us!
Please call Gerry Hinkle, 878-6117, or Cathy Williams, 878-6843, for any questions.

MV Community Service Award Recipient: Gerry Hinkle

By Laurie Sweeney, Community Service Award Committee

Gerry Hinkle has been selected as the recipient of the Meadow Vista Community Service Award for 2014.    Gerry Hinkle is a native Meadow Vistan. She was born and raised in Meadow Vista and has been a resident for over 70 years.    Mrs. Hinkle has volunteered her time across many non-profit organizations that service the Meadow Vista community.   Mrs. Hinkle’s mother founded the Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors group in 1944.   She has been a volunteer for this organization since her youth.      
As an adult she has served on the board of the Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors in most of the officer positions, President, Treasurer, Secretary – some more than once.     Her projects and volunteer activities include:
 · The Holiday Food Basket and Toy Program for local families in need.
·  Annual Pancake Breakfast volunteer which supports the Food Basket Program.
· Assisted with the Meadow Vista Family Movie Night which benefited the Meadow Vista Pool and Community Center.
· Participated as a food server for the Octoberfest event with proceeds going towards the Meadow Vista Community Center.
·  Worked as a volunteer for Pioneer Day, which benefits many local charities and the Fire Department.
· Assisted with Skeet Reese’s Fishing Derby, a fundraiser for the Community Center.
·  Serves Hot Beverages for the Easter Sunrise Service.
· Serves as a consistent volunteer for the Meadow Vista Lions Club's charitable projects.
· Volunteers as a driver for those needing transportation for medical treatment and other services.
  Please join us in congratulating and honoring Gerry Hinkle for her many years of service to the Meadow Vista community.

Meadow Vista Almanac from 1965

Originally published in 1965, The Foothill Folks Newsletter

Holiday Activities & Light Displays in Meadow Vista, Auburn, Nevada City, Grass Valley & Sacramento

Submitted by the View Committee

Fun for the family  light displays, crafts, tree lightings, caroling, bonfires and more..

• Christmas in the Village - Meadow Vista. -  12.14.2013   Enjoy a scavenger hunt for goodies from 4 to 6 pm with the businesses in downtown Meadow Vista.  Santa arrives at 6:30 pm and the bon fire is lit while children express wishes to jolly St. Nick.
• Old Town Auburn Country Christmas - Sat. Dec. 14 and 21st 5 to 9 pm  crafts, food and fun. www.oldtownauburnca.com
• Grass Valley Cornish Christmas - Friday nights beginning Nov. 29th thru Dec. 20th - Enjoy the traditions of the earlier immigrants to this area from 6-9 pm
• Nevada City Victorian Christmas - Wednesdays Dec. 4th thru 18th from 5-9pm and Sunday Dec 15 & 22 from 1:30-6pm -  Enjoy turn of the century theme with costumed merchants, caroling and much more. Visit nevadacountythingstodo.com/christmas for more info.
• Sacramento Region - Check out the website for light displays in the surrounding area, then map your route and have fun.  The site adds new locations daily.   www.lightsofthevalley.com
• Light Display in Walgra Meadows - Ryan Home - Starting December 1st thru 31st this home & yard is decorated with wooden figures including a Nativity, Santa & Nutcracker. Drive by & See!

Prepare Your HCAC Unit for Winter

By Jeff Spoor, Spoor's Heating & AC

As winter approaches and temperatures drop, you’ll find that your utility bills will increase, mostly because of heating costs. However, if you prepare your HVAC system in advance and maintain it properly, you can cut your electricity usage and add to the life of your HVAC system.

1. Examine Your HVAC Unit

Many HVAC systems can last as long as 20 years before they need to be replaced. Examine your unit to see if it is still functioning efficiently and properly. If not, contact a professional HVAC contractor to replace it and provide you with an HVAC system fit for your home’s needs. While this may be a large initial cost, it will save you money in the long run and make your house warmer and safer. Be sure to check your HVAC system long before the onset of winter. If you only discover that you need to install a new unit during the winter, you may be stuck for a number of days in freezing weather, especially if you live in an area like Minneapolis.

2. Change Your Filter

Sometime the only repair that needs to be done is to replace an old filter. When purchasing a new one, consider a reusable filter. These can be rinsed and reused like new. Be sure to replace or clean your filter every month for optimal efficiency.

3. Update Your Thermostat

Older thermostats that use mercury can be very inaccurate. This means that you can set the temperature to what you think is adequate, but in reality the heat will exceed your desired temperature, causing you unnecessary usage of electricity. Consider updating your thermostat to a digital one to ensure accurate temperature levels. In addition, digital thermostats can be programmed so you can set your heating to go on before you wake up or return home, and automatically turned off when you leave to work so you don’t forget to turn it off.

4. Clean Your Heating Ducts

Your HVAC system’s heating ducts should be cleaned periodically to allow efficient heating and provide fresh, clean air. Be sure to routinely inspect your heating ducts to make sure there are no punctures, dents or disconnected parts. Damaged ducts can raise your heating bills by blowing wasted warm air. In addition, check to make sure the ducts are properly insulated so air won’t seep out of them. While you may be able to inspect your ducts on your own, if it’s difficult or you don’t know what to look for, consider contacting an HVAC contractor. In addition to your ducts, a professional can also inspect your heating system’s belts, motors and electrical switches, as well as thermostats and gas pressure.

Other Tips

One of the easiest ways to cut electricity costs is to make sure your home has proper insulation. In addition, ventilation is important as well. During the winter, if your home is not properly ventilated, moisture can build up. If it doesn’t have a way to escape, your roof can rot, and you’ll need to hire a roofing contractor to repair the damage.

Proper maintenance and inspection is the best way to keep your HVAC system operating as its best.

Meadow Vista Community Center Update

Small Business Tip: Be 'Easy' to Do Business With

By Ashlei Jackson, Qlixite

It’s spring which means it’s time to evaluate and renew your customer’s love of your products and services. How do you rank...on quality...on professionalism...on easiness? Did you know that people are 50% more likely to buy from a business that is easy to deal with even if it costs more? Here are 3 tips to up your ‘easy’ factor so your customers will choose you over the big guy every time!

• Limit the SPAM filters on your general business email - We all hate junk mail but unfortunately, sometimes legitimate emails fall through the cracks (usually because they are from a new sender...as in a new customer). Create a general email - like info@yourdomain.com - and post this on your website and advertising. It may be annoying to sift through the spam but you are less likely to miss the emails you really want.

• Post Contact Info at the Top and Bottom of Your Website - Web visitors move fast and don’t want to have to hunt for ways to get in touch with you. By putting your info in both places, people will have less scrolling to do.

• Create a Professional Voicemail - Hearing the mechanical voice recite, “Please leave a message,” does not instill any kind of confidence in your business’ professionalism. In fact it can make people believe you aren’t a real business. Create a clear and concise message that informs people of your hours or other ways to get connected. “Sorry we missed you! Leave a message or find us online at [insert website] which has a full list of prices & specials!”

Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your customers for ideas and ways to make their experience easier.