Hi everyone. I hope you are all doing well. I hope these hot days are just about over for all of us.

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This week I would like to share the great fun we had last week at our National Night Celebration in Valley Home.

It was a very pleasant evening. The weather cooperated perfectly. Folks brought their lawn chairs and enjoyed a wonderful evening together. It was a special evening visiting with old friends and making new friends.

We were excited to have our Modesto Fire Department with us. Our firefighters opened every compartment of that beautiful red fire engine … they showed what each tool was used for and answered questions from young and old alike. It was a special time and we appreciate them very much for coming to Valley Home. We send a special “Thank You” to Firefighter Shane Stroller, Captain/Paramedic Will Caldwell, Deputy Chief Jesse Nicasio, and Engineer/Paramedic Bryan Riedeman. We appreciate each of you very much.

We were so grateful to our California Highway Patrol officer Tom Olsen. Officer Olsen had spent most of the day on a very serious and heartbreaking situation at the California aqueduct. We deeply appreciated him still coming to be with us. It was a special joy to watch him interact with our Valley Home young people. Officer Olsen especially bonded with Tyler Bianchi and that big white truck of Tyler’s; the two enjoyed time together going over the truck. Tyler even showed him the amazing sound system by turning it up … and then turning it up again … Let’s just say Officer Olsen sure loves his Valley Home kids.

We were excited to have Sheriff’s Deputy John Bauman come out to our National Night Out Celebration. Deputy Bauman set up an amazing display of powerful weapons and tools used by our sheriff’s department. He explained the purpose behind each of them and the use of every one of them. Officer Bauman is our Valley Home resource officer and is very deeply appreciated and loved here in our community.

We were thrilled to have our Stanislaus County Public Works bring out a massive piece of equipment to share with us. They welcomed kids and adults like to climb aboard and check it out. Everyone took lots of pictures and enjoyed that huge piece of equipment so much. It was an amazing experience for all. Valley Home appreciates the tremendous effort it took to bring that gigantic grader to National Night Out!

Our Stanislaus County Supervisor Buck Condit and his beautiful wife Kim came to be with us here in Valley Home for the evening. It was a wonderful surprise when Supervisor Buck presented our Valley Home National Night Out chairperson Alicia Osmundson with a very special certificate of appreciation. Alicia did an amazing job of organizing this year’s Valley Home National Night Out Celebration. We would like to thank Alicia’s mom for the very special treat. She brought delicious ice cream to share with all. I think every Valley Home kid lined up for those sweet treats. Thank you so much.

We were all excited and delighted when we heard that very distinctive roar in the sky and looking up; yes, there it was, the life-saving Air 101. It was piloted by our Stanislaus County Sheriff’s pilot and crew. What a special treat it was for Valley Home. Air 101 circled several times dropping down low above the crowd with sirens blaring. We were thrilled to see them.

A huge “Thank You” to our 2025 National Night Out chairperson, Oakdale High school student Alicia Osmundson. Thank you for all that you did, including organizing the amazing car show. We are grateful to each person who brought out their rides to share with us. It was very special to have you all here.

Our Valley Home folks provided a delicious potluck dinner with ice cold drinks and also popcorn for all. It was a special night in Valley Home.

We were blessed before dinner to have Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Brock Condit say the prayer over our shared meal. Lieutenant Condit brought a special and heartfelt blessing to Valley Home and to our National Night Out Celebration. To each of you that made those delicious dishes and shared, you are very much appreciated. It was a wonderful night for all of us in Valley Home.

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Please remember we are all encouraged to attend our Fire Board Meeting on Thursday, August 14th.

The meeting will start at 10am and will be held at our Valley Home Fire Station.

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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.

Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!”