Can’t think of a nicer way to start off the New Year than with a delicious pancake breakfast and that is just what our PTC members have put together for us on January 7th. Breakfast is priced at $3 for children through 8 years with adults at $7, and served from 6-11 a.m.
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We take time now to reminisce on some of the activities that we have enjoyed participating in during the 2011 year here in Valley Home. January 2011 starts the year with Christina Barreto being able to assume the position of Valley Home 4-H Sewing Project leader, thanks to the generosity of ‘Pat from Ripon’ who donated two sewing machines to the project.
In February, Gunther Brisi did a super job of organizing the Annual 4-H Box Social for the club. Valley Home residents bid a sad farewell to long- time resident, Hans Boggs who passed away on January 31st. His loss was keenly felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.
March found the members of the Valley Home PTC hosting their 3rd annual “Let it Roll” Bunko Night, raising more than $2,100 for our students and the school. In addition this month Valley Home 4-H members hosted a chicken dinner and silent auction to raise funds for the club’s Disneyland trip in April.
April found our 4-H members pitching in to help the Easter Bunny, and doing a great job dying and decorating eggs under chairperson Jenna Heaton in the barn at Cody Bartholomew’s ranch. Bunny helpers enjoyed a marshmallow roasting afterwards.
Laughter filled the air in May, as residents enjoyed four short silent films in the latest showing of silent films offered by the members of St. John’s Lutheran Church as a fundraiser. Dave Moreno offered musical accompaniment for the films at the historic church organ and Matias Bombal was emcee and serenaded the crowd with musical tunes of the era.
Valley Home history was made on June 18th with the dedication of the newly completed Valley Home Community Park. A large crowd turned out in attendance and pride in our Valley Home community was evident with Joe Perez presenting a history of the work involved and Glenn Burghardt offering the history of the area leading up to the park. Among special guests attending the event were Sheriff Adam Christianson, County District One Supervisor Bill O’Brien and Oakdale Mayor Pat Paul. Valley Home MAC Safety Chairman Nancy Osmundson and Safety Committee Winnie Mullins and Kate Hart made two special presentations and announced the planting of two trees and plaques in honor of Laura Burghardt and Joe and Linda Perez for their work on the project. Special recognition was given to others who had also helped in completing the project. A delicious barbeque by Valley Home resident Mike Jerome was enjoyed by all. Lisa Jones’ daughters, Mickala, Maddie and Meghan were honored to be included in the Portuguese Festa parade for St. Francis of Rome in Riverbank and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oakdale.
We all cheered on hearing that Garret Bryhni won Supreme Champion Hog at the Stanislaus County Fair for his entry, “All that” which also came away with the title of Supreme Champion Market Hog at the July event.
August found Jenna Heaton traveling down to Hollister to the Surf-N-Turf Jackpot Show to enter her meat goats. Jenna was the Reserve Champion Showmanship winner and she also won Champion Prospective Goat with her goat, Nacho.
Phew! Many Valley Home residents were startled by the September high winds that came through on an early Saturday evening. Christina Barreto and her mom watched as the sky grew darker and had to take cover as umbrellas and lawn chairs were blown around. Clare Taro sat on her front porch as the winds roared and also had a clear view of the windswept flames as they came across the fields out on Milton Road.
PTC and 4-H members sponsored Halloween fun for all in October. One of the attractions was the building of a mausoleum with haunting displays inside at the new Community Park.
November found our students K-3, busy planting red tulips as part of their Red Ribbon Week activities.
December featured the 4-H Lighted Christmas Parade, the lighting of a live Christmas tree in our park, which will be planted in the spring and a delicious 4-H sponsored Christmas pot luck dinner.
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Happy New Year to All!