Our deepest sympathy to the Tony Taro family on the loss of the family matriarch, Claire Taro. Claire was devoted to her family and her home. Many of her friends referred to her as a truly grand lady. Claire made her family and home her priority. She could always be found cooking, cleaning or working in her garden. Claire was also known for her hospitality to friends and family. Valley Home will miss Claire very much.
Viewing will be on Wednesday (today) at the Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 West F St., from 3 to 7 p.m. and the service will be at the Burwood Cemetery, 28320 E. River Road, Escalon on Thursday at 1 p.m. Immediately after the service folks are invited to Henry Road for a potluck reception in Claire’s honor.
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Our Valley Home 4-H members deserve a big round of applause for the great work that they did in pulling up weeds around the edge of our Valley Home park and getting the area sparkling to welcome in the spring! Thanks to Ralph Damante for getting our sprinkler system fixed and working well once again. Big thank you is in order also to Don Taro, who keeps the lawn mowed and looking great.
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We received word that Regional Presentation day has been scheduled for Saturday, April 13 at Madera High School. Valley Home 4-H Public Speaking Project members competing are Samuel Fletcher, Heidi Schaefle and Hallie Smith. We know they will do a great job!
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Congratulations and best wishes are in order for Jordan McCain! Jordan applied and was accepted to, and will be attending Chico State University. Jordan will also celebrate his 18th birthday on April 26th, and we take this opportunity to wish him a Happy Birthday too!
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Speaking of birthdays, we take this opportunity to wish Cody Soares a very Happy Birthday who celebrated the occasion and turned 6 years old on Sunday, April 7th. Happy Birthday from all your Valley Home friends, Cody!
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We received word that our Valley Home 4-H members are looking forward to manning their food booth at the Oakdale Rodeo again this year on April 13-14th. In addition to getting an opportunity to get in the Rodeo for free, a $50 camp credit for next year and some leadership or event attendance credit for their record book, there is the fun of getting to watch the rodeo activities between their work shifts at the booth. Members should contact Tammie Smith to volunteer to help at the food booth.
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Our community came alive with excitement as the chartered luxury bus came rolling into Valley Home at midnight. It was a cold April night this past week as 4-Hers, parents, grandparents, friends and family were anxiously waiting to head to Disneyland. The 4-Hers had a great time in Disneyland and had a blast staying in the castle hotel. Early Sunday morning they returned to Valley Home. They would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make this trip possible.
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Valley Home is especially proud of our past 4-H president Jenna Heaton. Jenna and six of her fellow Oakdale high FFA members received the State Farmers Degree at a March 26 ceremony held at Modesto Junior College. Congratulations to you Jenna!
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A star is born! Fresh back from Disneyland is our own Katelyn Lignowski who visited the park with her OHS drama class. Katelyn is an accomplished actress and we are proud to have a star from Valley Home.
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Oakdale High baseball is in full swing. Two Valley Home boys are enjoying playing time on this winning team. Over Easter break the team travelled to Santa Clara and again came home winners. Great job Austin Dickens and Garrett Bryhni.
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On the Mustang softball team we are excited to report that Valley Home’s own Melinda Koppinger is having a terrific season. Way to go Melinda!
