Valley Bugler “knows how to party”!

The evening had arrived, and anticipation was high! Miracle One Events owner and Event Coordinator, Angela Hoseney was scurrying to and fro putting the finishing touches on decorations.

RSVP’s were still pouring in the day of the event, along with regrets and heartfelt “I wish I could be there! The Valley Bugler knows how to party!” from those not able to attend.

Left Coast Jazz Ensemble had toes tapping and voices humming familiar ‘40’s jazz tunes, and the warm atmosphere lent itself to chatting with friends and meeting new acquaintances - over 100 attended!!

The new advertising representative, Karen Gidderon, was greeting everyone at the front entrance, handing out drink tickets and directing over to the raffle table where Toni Reich was selling raffle tickets. (Part of the raffle proceeds are being donated to CAP Food Warehouse).

Karen is well known among many business owners and community members alike, and she is a wonderful addition to our team. You may have seen her on Channel 11 or heard her on the radio doing the Chamber Connection.

“I’m just so excited to be a part of the Valley Bugler Newspaper! I love its focus on positive things, and have really enjoyed my first few weeks! I look forward to serving our clients with an upbeat attitude and some giggles, too”, said Karen later that evening.

The food was delicious, soups from Hattie’s, potatoes au gratin from Judy’s, meatballs, veggies, salads and rolls provided by Miracle One Events and the Valley Bugler.

The pumpkin cheesecake was a great hit, sponsored by Columbia Ford Hyundai, of which Phil Sari was able to stop by and hang for a while at the party!

Many many readers had positive comments to say about the Bugler, with heartfelt thanks and gratitude for this publication that hits the streets each month.

One such reader held my hands and looked at me with a direct gaze and said, “I want you to know how much we appreciate what you do with the Valley Bugler each month. This world needs good news and uplifting stories, especially in such a dark time. You are doing a great job, and thank you again!”.

I wasn’t able to catch her name in the hubbub of the evening, but I want her to know that it truly touched and warmed my heart. Encouragement is always a good thing for those of us in the media industry - especially if you like what we are doing!

One example of a physical appreciation for what the Valley Bugler means to the community came in the form of donated doorprizes and raffle items.

Over 15 donations poured in! Special thank you’s are given to: Quaife’s Insurance, omOriginals Marketing!, The Dog Zone, PeaceHealth, Kathy’s Flowers, Island Sun Tanning, Absolute Massage, Koelsch Communities, BiCoastal Media, InterCo Print, Miracle One Events, and Country Village!

Some organizations even provided two donations - wow!!

The time then came for me to perform my two little ditties with the Jazz Combo - and although we hadn’t rehearsed beforehand, the songs came out just fine.

Singing and music is in my blood, one of my gifts from God, and it is just one little way that I could thank my readers and advertisers for helping keep this publication going each month.

I’m going to be honest in saying that it hasn’t been easy these past eighteen months or so, as the recession has hit wallets hard - just as the need for this good news publication has increased.

But what has made it easier is knowing that our efforts are appreciated by you! It was absolutely fantastic to meet those of you who were able to attend, and be able to thank you in person. And if  you weren’t able to come - I’d like to thank you now! Thank you, our dear readers and advertisers, for keeping The Valley Bugler alive!

It’s only our readers and our advertisers that keep us in the racks each month, and so here’s to another spectacular ten years of The Valley Bugler!!

Photo Captions: Upper left: Larry Cowan, Ray Miles, Wayne Modine, Janet Kolk, Gary Herold, Brandon Kolk paying close attention to the winning ticket numbers for the raffle; Top: from left - Retha Porter, Brenda Courser and Shirley Nelson enjoy a giggle over the snowmen on the table; Bottom left: the Myre family (Publishers  & Editors) form the team to deliver the doorprizes and raffle gifts; Above: Michelle Myre, Publisher, chats it up with a reader, Shirley Nelson. Photos by Jill Myre