Hi everyone, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
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This week I would like to share the amazing talent of Oakdale High School wrestler Matt Cooley. Matt has been very busy … in fact, he is busy most all the time. Recently, Matt competed in the Reno Tournament of Champions, facing elite wrestlers from Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona and California, many of whom are top ranked athletes in their own states. In this highly competitive tournament, Matthew earned an impressive seventh place finish. He has an amazing work ethic and is a tremendous young man. Matt, Valley Home is so proud of you.
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I would like to say thank you to each of you who came out for our Valley Home Lighted Christmas Parade. It was a very special evening. Our Grand Marshal, Mrs. Karen Bianchi, who owns Bianchi Club Lambs with her son Chris and daughter-in-law Kim, was driven through the parade by grandson Tyler Bianchi. They were also accompanied by Karen’s grandsons Troy and Trevor. The boys had worked hard to create the most amazing ride for Karen. It was covered with beautiful sparkling Christmas lights from top to bottom and as they made their way along the parade route, folks waved and cheered. The boys had taken special care to make sure that their grandma was comfortable and had a great seat as they rolled through the parade. One of the huge Bianchi Ranch tractors served as our Grand Marshal’s Christmas Parade ride. It was a special evening for all of us as we honored Karen as our Valley Home 2025 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal. A very special thank you to the entire Bianchi family for all they do for our community. Our parade was amazing; entries brought so much joy to parade onlookers. Dennis and Donna even brought out their gorgeous ride … it was definitely a special night in Valley Home.
The crowd enjoyed hot cocoa as they gathered to light the town Christmas Tree. Our Grand Marshal Karen and 14-year-old Jett Trunnell shared the lighting of our beautiful Christmas tree. The night air was crisp and cool as the lights came on and the little tree came to life. Hundreds of sparkling lights lit up the night sky in our Valley Home. What a joyful sight. The crowd shared a delicious array of Christmas cookies in honor of the memory of our sweet Bonnie; our former Valley Home school bus driver who was deeply loved by all who knew her. Our hot chocolate toast was a tribute to all those who have passed, but will forever be with us.
As the parade and activities at the park ended, the crowd walked the short distance to the beautiful historic Lutheran Church just around the corner. It was an amazing sight; the night was so peaceful, the doors of the little church were open wide, welcoming all to come inside. Stars from heaven above created a soft glow on the church bells high in the night sky. I watched as folks walked together … I was humbled and thankful as I watched Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Lauren Romero and Jett round the corner in the Sheriff’s pickup, then came Sheriff’s Lieutenant and Pastor Brock Condit and his daughter Averie. Our firefighters were already waiting inside the church; we gathered together for a non-denominational prayer for Jett and all who are fighting a battle of any kind. It was indeed a very special evening. The church was beautifully decorated, lights from the tall evergreen Christmas tree glistened against the historic stained-glass windows. Together we sang Christmas carols led by Pastor Brock. Claire and Audie kneeled close together in the peaceful manger scene. Together we prayed. A special thank you to all who made this night so special. May God bless each of us in the coming year.
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As always, you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.
Happy New Year to All!
