It was reminiscent of the many good times enjoyed by residents of Valley Home/Thalheim in days past as friends and neighbors celebrated an old fashioned Fourth of July. There were lots of oohs and aahs as friends and relatives of Joe and Linda Perez enjoyed a special fireworks display on the front lawn of the couple’s home on Pleasant Valley Road. Guests enjoyed servings of ice cream and apple pie during the dazzling display. Special guests attending the evening festivities were Joe’s son and his family and Linda’s daughter and her family in addition to Valley Home friends and neighbors. ***** Among those gathering for dinner and swim party at Larry and Gina’s house on Lambuth Road were Gina’s long time friend, former Valley Home resident Kathy Burghardt-Cobb and family. Everyone had a great time and settled back to relax and watch the aerial fireworks display held at Woodward Reservoir, from the comfort of their patio garden area. ***** Hmmm! Who was that we spotted in the early evening on the Fourth, driving through Valley Home in their new magnificent, shiny red Pontiac sport coupe convertible? WOW! ***** Adding sparkle to this week in Valley Home are birthday celebrations for Tami Tharpe, Chuck Fleischer, Arne Knudsen, John Bergstrom, Olivia Smith and Tom Wilson. Happy Birthday to all! ***** Time is now! There are 3 positions on the Valley Home Municipal Advisory Committee to be decided by Consolidated District Election on November 3, 2009. The time period for candidate nomination period is from Monday, July 13, 2009 through Friday, August 7, 2009. Get in touch with the Registrar of Voters in the County Clerk’s Office at 1021 “I” St., Modesto 95354, call the office at 525-5200 or visit website at www.stanvote.com. Get your Stanislaus County Candidate’s Guide and start work on the papers now. The Valley Home MAC needs to fill the board with residents who are interested in what is happening or needs to happen in our area. Don’t delay and later wish you had done something. ***** The celebration of National Night Out will be next month in August so even though it is always time to be thinking of Valley Home Neighborhood Watch, now is the time to think a bit further and get involved in the upcoming national celebration. This gathering can be what we want to make it, so get going now and call Joe Perez at 847-1162 if you would like to help in National Night Out. Joe is only the coordinator for our event but the time is now for all of us to get involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program and the National Night Out is the time to learn how much your participation can help our community. Without your help, nothing will get done. More information will be forthcoming in this column. ***** Valley Home history was made Tuesday evening, June 30th, the first meeting was held by the board of directors in the Valley Home Community Center Park pavilion now under construction. It was a warm evening but the atmosphere was wonderful. The pavilion is completed enough for a meeting and plans were discussed for what is being planned next – electric lines, sprinkler lines, cement base for pavilion and pathways and more. Now it is up to our volunteer residents to join the board in constructing a memorial park for the “Heart of Valley Home,” the clubhouse, which has joined other historic buildings of our community. Needed are trenchers, plumbers, electricians and those needed for cement work. Check www.valleyhomecenter.org for what is happening and contact park@valleyhomecenter.org to volunteer your services. Remember, this is your park being built with your funds! ***** Valley Home PTC summer meeting on Tuesday, July 21st, more information next week.