Hello to each of you. I hope your past week has been a really good one. Please, let’s all continue to pray for Jett and each of those who are fighting … all those who are fighting a battle of any kind. Thank you to each of you who donated to Jett during our Fall Harvest Festival fundraising dinner. Our school superintendent, Mr. Bill Slikker, presented your very thoughtful donations to Jett’s family at the close of the Harvest Festival on Saturday evening, October 25th. Jett and his family are very grateful to each of you.
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This past week, I was very happy to receive a call from former Valley Home resident Bruce Gellerman. Bruce is doing well and has been spending a lot of time hunting. He loves to hunt near his own home and especially loves to hunt in central Idaho. Bruce was excited and so proud to tell me that he and good friend Franze Fletcher had been hunting once again in central Idaho. Franze, a local resident who was very close to both Bonnie and Bruce, enjoys these hunts almost as much as Bruce. The two recently returned from an 11-day hunt in Grandjean, Idaho. They had a great time. Bruce has always liked to backpack in the mountains, something that he and Bonnie used to do during the fall of every year. For the last few years, Bruce and Franze have taken that yearly trip together. This year Franze brought home a bull elk from the Sawtooth Mountain Range. Hearing that Franze got his amazing bull elk reminds me of the many times Bruce and Bonnie would go hunting together. I remember the stories of flat tires along the way with a trailer loaded full of horses. Bruce and Bonnie loved to take those hunting trips and looked forward to them every year. It was always special to hear their hunting stories. It was also always special that they shared their delicious bounty with so many. One of the many fun times we had in Valley Home was when Bonnie decorated her school bus for our annual Christmas parade. She literally had hundreds of lights all over the bus. On the very front of the bus she proudly displayed her huge elk horns. She had had a very successful hunt that fall. I can still remember seeing her come through the parade, honking that horn, those Christmas lights glistening, and all those Valley Home kids so excited to see their beloved Miss Bonnie. It’s so nice that Franze and Bruce continue the tradition of those Idaho hunting trips.
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This week thousands of young people made their way to Indianapolis, including several students from our own Oakdale High School FFA. Our very own Amanda Osmundson, who has had an amazing journey within FFA, is feeling some very bittersweet emotions. Lifelong memories will go with Amanda as she prepares to hang up that very special blue jacket. FFA has provided so many opportunities for this amazing young lady. She has been honored as a national beef proficiency winner in 2023, and an American degree recipient and an American star finalist and placement in 2025. We are so proud of you, Amanda. May your next journey be filled with great success and many adventures.
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We are excited to report that Valley Home resident Steve Knudsen has experienced his first day of retirement. Steve enjoyed his first day of retirement in the mountains, reflecting and being thankful. Steve, we wish you a very happy retirement.
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We were very thankful to have our Modesto CHP, our Stanislaus County Sheriff, and our Modesto Fire Department here on Halloween. It’s always special to have them come to be with us in Valley Home.
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Please remember, I am always happy to put your event or activity in our Valley Home News … just let me know exactly what you would like to say. You may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.
Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!”
