A new and wonderful tradition took place on Thanksgiving Day in Valley Home! Emmit Caudle along with his family and friends held their second annual “Turkey Trot”. The first “Turkey Trot” was held just as the pandemic hit ... so Thanksgiving 2021 was the first time Emmit could continue this fun new tradition. He was a busy young man; he visited the Valley Home Parent Club at both their October and November meetings and shared his plans; he worked tirelessly to create this new tradition in downtown Valley Home! On Thanksgiving Day an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Valley Home Community Park to take part in the 2021 Annual “Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.” Refreshments were provided to all who attended. Family members and friends looked on as the excited youngsters were divided into various age groups. Then the fun began: the first challenge was to eat a gummy worm ... no hands, then dash quickly through a tire obstacle course. Several other obstacles were waiting and had to be conquered before a winner was crowned in each age group. The day ended with many folks donating funds that Emmit passed on to the Valley Home Parents Club.

Plans are in the works for a spring clean-up day in Valley Home. We were so happy to see two very special moms pose for a fun picture under the beautiful Thanksgiving Balloon Arch. These two Moms always work so hard to make great things happen in Valley Home. Thank you, Jessica Caudle and Amanda Beltrami! We also noticed a very busy Dad, Chance Caudle as he welcomed everyone and made sure the activities ran smoothly. We are so grateful to the Caudle and Beltrami families and to all those who came out for our new Valley Home Tradition ... “The Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot”!

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We are excited as we move closer to the date for our Valley Home Lighted Christmas Parade! The old fashioned parade, a gathering of friends and families, will pay tribute to an amazing long time Valley Home resident, our 2021 Grand Marshal, Mr. Jerry Benedix. The parade will start at 6 pm on Saturday, December 18 in front of our Community Park and School. Bring your lighted parade entry; no sign-ups, just show up with a safe entry and get in line before 6 pm! We will go three times around the block, then to the park for a tree lighting, Christmas story, nativity, two Christmas carols and a visit from Santa! This year we invite everyone to participate (if they wish) in a remembrance to our sweet Bonnie. For those who would like to, we invite you to bring a dozen cookies to share (homemade or purchased) and take home a dozen cookies to share. Bonnie loved to bake; we will remember her “giving and sharing spirit” this Christmas! There will be plenty of extra cookies for all to munch on during the tree lighting. Delicious hot Christmas chocolate will also be served during the tree lighting. Best viewing will be in front of the old school on Texas Avenue. Hopefully next year our 4-H Community Christmas potluck dinner will be able to happen.

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Please remember; our Valley Home School Board will meet on Tuesday evening, December 14 at 6 pm.

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As always you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com.

Until next time, “Happy Trails and a very Merry Christmas to All!”