Approximately 95 people were spotted at Art and Tami Tharpe’s ranch on Pioneer Avenue where they had gathered to enjoy an evening of good food and succulent lobster just arrived from Maine for the special occasion. Threatening rain clouds scudded across the evening sky but failed to dampen the spirits of the group, all of whom enjoyed great food and the opportunity to visit with old friends. Dinner was eaten at tables that covered the back lawn of the home. Youngest member of those attending the festivities was the newest addition to the Tharpe family tree, Katelynn Ann Tharpe who made her grand entry into the world on August 14, 2010. Katelynn Ann is the third child for the Tharpe’s son, Chuck and his lovely wife. Needless to say everyone present for the festivities had a great time!
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Valley Home students were treated to a wonderful afternoon of theater at Oakdale High School on October 7, when the drama class presented their first production of the 2010-11 school semester, Alice in Wonderland. Valley Home students Kindergarten through 8th grade attended the event and had a great time. Sixth grade classes were unable to attend the event as they were scheduled to attend Outdoor Education class.
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We have received word that the deadline for entering the Scarecrow contest portion of the Annual Valley Home Fall Harvest Festival will be the evening of October 18th. Two Scarecrows have all ready made their appearance on Pioneer Avenue and on Valley Home Road.
Those Valley Home artists demonstrating their pumpkin carving and decorating artistry are invited to bring their pumpkins to the Festival. The deadline for entering their artistic endeavor is 4:30 p.m. the night of the event, October 23.
Those persons who have grown their own pumpkins for entry in the size contest, should have their entry at the Festival prior to 4:30 p.m. Who will be the person whose Green Thumb grew the largest pumpkin?
There will be lots of fun in store for everyone at the Harvest Festival! The event is being held on the grounds of the Pioneer Avenue school campus and will begin at 4 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. Following the close of this event, Valley Home 4-H reporter, Garret Bryhni invites everyone to take a stroll through the “Valley Home Haunted Cemetery” from 8:30-9:30 p.m. which is located at 4149 Pleasant Valley Road. To enjoy a romp through the tombstones, visitors are requested to bring a donation of one non-perishable food item. The item will be included in the Valley Home 4-H Holiday Food Baskets, which are donated to local families. Visitors are warned to be aware that “You just might run into some of the graveyard inhabitants — past and present!
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Your reporter was among the group of artists displaying their paintings and handiwork at the Third Annual “Down by the River” event held on Saturday afternoon at the home of Pat Paul and her husband, Phil Stanwood. Valley Home residents, Beverley Berridge and Glenn Burghardt were also in attendance and Beverley was seen preparing apple samples at the food table. Oakdale Garden Club members were among the large crowd attending the event.