I went ahead and authorized the repair. I probably won't get the car back until sometime next week.

To be repaired:

Coolant valley pipe replacement
Water pump replacement and gaskets / O-rings
Thermostat replacement and gaskets / O-rings
Valley pan
Low oil sensor replacement and oil change
New coolant reservoir cap
Brake fluid flush
Coolant flush
Install new front pads (Akebono), sensor, and rotors that I had purchased but hadn't installed yet

Total estimate: $2750

It should be like new and hopefully I won't have any further issues until at least 100k (currently at 79k).

One other item:

I asked the shop about the valve stem seals and how much that would cost. They told me that since I had all the upper engine oils seals replaced during the last major repair when the alternator bracket let loose, that I may not end up with the valve stem seal issue. I was told that the valve stem seal issue is often exacerbated by the upper engine leaks that cause issues with the oiling to the valve stems, and that repairing those leaks prior to the valve stem seal issue showing up can often delay the onset of the valve stem seal issue. Seems a bit far fetched. Any thoughts?