In this week’s column we pay tribute to a very special man...our friend Mark Dickens. Mark was a true Valley Home boy who grew up to be one of the kindest and most generous friends a person could wish for. One could write pages and pages trying to describe the effect Mark had on the people of Valley Home, Oakdale, and the many places he visited. He was a special man who made a difference in so many lives. You could meet Mark one time and realize he would forever be your friend. He had a firm, but gentle handshake, a handshake that with words unspoken expressed “I am a man of my word.” Mark cherished his wife Mila and his sons Erickson and Soren. He dearly loved his extended family and friends, of which he had many! Tomorrow, April 17th, will mark five years since his passing. Mark was the devoted son of Marcel and Kathy Dickens, and the much-loved brother of Keith, Brian, and Kevin Dickens. We miss you dear friend...
*****
Today is a busy day in Valley Home. Our Valley Home students will be showing their Science Fair projects in the school gym. The doors to the gym will be open from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the community, parents, and friends to come check out our students’ hard work. Awards will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. An exciting addition to this special event will be “On the Scene Cuisine” catering service. They will be offering a delicious dinner of sliders for $2.50 each or 3 for $6.00...much more menu items to choose from! Come out and enjoy!
This evening will be the Valley Home MAC meeting. The meeting is held in the school library and starts at 6:30 p.m. Lots of great information about our community will be shared. Come share your thoughts and get answers to your questions. Everyone is welcome!
*****
Mark your calendar for this Saturday, April 19th. Our 4-H sponsored community Easter egg hunt will be held on the Pioneer campus instead of the Texas campus. Please note, this is a change from the past. The 4-Hers will hard-boil and color over 500 eggs and will hide them early Saturday morning. Bring your Easter baskets to collect eggs and wear your decorative Easter hats! There will be lots of great prizes awarded to Easter egg hunters and the winning decorated Easter hats. Bring your friends and family and come have wonderful Easter fun! We send out a heartfelt thank you to our Valley Home 4-Hers for sponsoring this special event!
*****
Valley Home School students are looking forward to Spring Break which will start on Friday, April 18th, with school resuming on Monday, April 28th. Happy vacation everyone!
*****
The last few days of March and the entire month of April has us sending out many Happy Birthday wishes to some very special people! Top of the Birthday list are Ray Weaver, Kevin Dickens, and Richard Mullins, who are all turning 29 again...or maybe not! You are all special to us in Valley Home. On to all the many birthdays being celebrated by more special people in Valley Home. Happy Birthday to John Persononi, T.J. Verdegaal, Ashley Barreto, Aislinn Finn, Gracie Verdegaal, Linzi Fondse, Jessica Hatfield, Mary Beth Carpenter, Luke Pouncey, Jordan McCain, Gunter Brisi, and Cody Bartholomew. Many happy returns of the day to all!
*****
You may reach me at Winniemullins51@gmail.com. Until next time...Happy Trails to all!
