A FANTASTIC EVENING.  I was on our deck reading the Gazette on Thursday, September 1st, a fantastic evening, weatherwise, surrounded by deck plants -- peppers and cherry tomatoes.  I had no idea my husband took this picture until he showed it to me.  And, yes, the 78th Street renovation is next to our property.  I salute the workers so far -- courteous, friendly, and very professional.

         Bill and Bonnie Johnson

         Victoria, Minnesota

 

THE GRAND OPENING of the Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center on September 18th celebrated a new era in the history of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.  The Center will serve as a hub of community outreach and education that is grounded in the world-renowned bee research of University of Minnesota Scientist Marla Spivak, Ph.D.

         The 6,700 square foot center houses technologically advanced systems in the Learning Lab for classes, events, and conferences combined with interactive displays designed for all ages.  Located on the Arboretum's 28-acre Farm Garden Campus, the Center is next to the Arboretum's iconic Red Barn.

         The Interactive Exhibit Gallery features amazing macro-photography of flowers and pollinators, videos, and hands-on experiences that offer insights into honey bees, wild bees, Monarch butterflies, and other pollinators.

         Interesting and engaging for visitors of all ages, the Bee Center offers amazing opportunities to engage with pollinators, to understand their role in food crops and with flowers, how to nurture and create habitats for them, and to realize their challenges in today's environment.  Photo by Don Olson.

         Susie Eaton Hopper, Media Specialist

         University of MN Landscape Arboretum

         Chanhassen, Minnesota

 

AN ELITE GROUP!  For the 4th consecutive year, Cornerstone Insurance Agency, located in Victoria, is part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States that has been named "Best Practices." 

         More than 1,800 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study; only 254 agencies qualified for the honor.  To be chosen, the agency had to be among the top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories.  The agency was nominated by either an IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company and qualified based on its operational excellence.

         The Best Practices Study was initiated by IIABA in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance.  The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the highest performing agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.

         Cornerstone Insurance Agency was founded in 2001 by Dave Barsness and Laura O'Neill, both local Victoria residents, and can offer competitive insurance products from a number of different companies including Travelers Insurance, Hartford AARP Insurance, Progressive Insurance, Nationwide Insurance, and eight other top A-rated insurance companies. 

         In the photo, l-r: Dave Barsness, Erin Robbins, Laura O'Neill, Teresa O'Neill, Doug Panner.  Teresa and Erin are licensed Customer Service Reps.  Doug and Dave are salesmen.

         Laura O'Neill, Cornerstone Insurance

         Victoria, Minnesota

 

TWO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. Emily Pate, 17 of Victoria won two Canadian National Championships at the Arabian Canadian Nationals on August 14th, 2016.  The Arabian Canadian Nationals were held in Brandon, Manitoba, at the Keystone Centre.  Canadian Nationals brings people from the U.S. and Canada.  Roughly 85% of the competitors are from the U.S.

         Emily and Brass Setar competed in the Arabian English Pleasure JTR (Junior to Ride) 18 & Under and the Arabian English Pleasure JOTR (Junior Owner to Ride) 18 & Under.

         With three judges in the ring, Emily and Brass won Unanimous Champion in the Arabian English Pleasure JOTR 18 & Under class.  They also competed in the Purebred Park class and placed 3rd in the class.  Brass Star is a purebred Arabian and is 16 years old.  Congratulations, Emily and Brass Star!

         Jane Pate

         Victoria, Minnesota

 

LUTEFISK TOSS.  On Saturday, September 10th, there was a Nordic Music Festival held at Victoria Lions Park in Victoria.  It was a beautiful day for the Nordic singers, dancers, and musicians, all surrounded with Scandinavian foods and crafts.  A very large auction provided many shopping opportunities.  The grand finale was the Lutefisk Toss competition between the Swedish and Norwegian teams.  We Norwegians have dominated this field for many years, but due to the uncanny throwing ability of a female member of the Swedish team, we went down to defeat, 3 to 2.  When asked what her secret was, the lady champion (who shall remain anonymous), replied, "We Swedish women know how to put one in the bucket."

         Kurt Zuppke

         Laketown Township, Minnesota

 

MORE VICTORIA MOMENTS IN PAPER EDITION.

Catholic United Financial

JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME

Waconia  952-442-2121

Victoria’s Corner Bar.  Nightly Specials and Menus.  952-443-9944

Metropolitan Ford

Jerry Chapman  952-943-9000

Island View Dining

Waconia.  952-442-2956

Lake Auburn

Moravian

Church

Victoria 952-443-2051

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October 2016

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