This picture of Cowboy Tom playing fetch with Kramer has nothing to do with the  jottings about his family reunion in this issue of the Gazette.  The Cowboy here was showing off in front of a few friends from the choir loft on a recent warm and perfect summer's eve.

Annual Neighborhood Parade.  We had quite the turnout for the July 3^rd evening parade (about 200).  The boys in the flight suits are Austin and Brandon Downs.  They won Most Patriotic!  They are sons of Mark and Lorri Downs of Victoria.  The large gathering is the family of Gene and Lori Ernst of Victoria.  Notice the five-week old grandbabies!  Judy Black, our neighborhood president, did a great job coordinating this year's event with moonwalks, face painting, brats, and snow cones.  It was one of the best parades we've had for the Fourth.  Hope yours was too. 
Nan Emmer
Victoria, Minnesota

Recognizing Judge Fahey.  Michael Fahey, right, former Carver County Attorney and now First Judicial District Judge, received the William H. Spurgeon Award on June 25^th during the Northern Star Council's Community Builder Award Celebration in St. Paul.  This public forum honors professional and volunteer contributions of our area's finest men and women whose career excellence and community service makes them role models for young people.
Mike, a resident of Carver, MN, has provided a program in seven local high schools since 1999 that shares his knowledge and experience in criminal justice.  His delivery approach carries a message of personal accountability, civic responsibility, and a call to action.  He has been recognized by Governor Pawlenty who appointed him to the MN State High School League Board of Directors and recently named him to the bench.
Mike is a founding member of the Chaska Area Youth Center.  He created the C.A.S.E. program for senior citizens that brings information about identity theft and other scams.  Along with Carver County Sheriff Bud Olson and Chaska Police Chief Scott Knight, he writes letters to graduating seniors regarding issues of underage drinking and the harm it causes.  Presenting Judge Fahey's award is Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.
Melinda Inman, Northern Star Council Boy Scouts of America, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Great Tournament. 
The CC United U14 C3 Boys Soccer Team played four games this summer and placed second in the Lakeville tourna-ment.  The team is made up of players from Chaska, Chanhas-sen, Carver, and Victoria.  They won their first game (2-1) against Northfield, their second game (3-1) against New Ulm, and their fourth game (3-1) against West-tonka.  They lost their third game (3-0) to Waseca who went on to win the tournament. 
Front (l-r):  Zack Lindquist, Schafer Olson of Victoria, CJ Camerson, Tyler Maule, Justin Singalness, Noah Johnston.  Middle:  Danny Barlentos, Drew Bohleen of Victoria, Daniel Baxter, Sam Berry, Ben Keyport, Zack Lindquist.  Back:  Coach John Henderson, Simon McCurry, Michael Childers, Chris Scanlon, Daniel Riskey, Matt Maenke, Coach Joe Beard.
Lori Childers, Chaska, Minnesota

Still At It.  Some say obsessive, but it's just the love of the racing experience.  Considered a veteran in the triathlon circuit, with almost 20 years of training, Joe Kandiko, left, was named Minnesota's Most Prolific Triathlete for completing a whopping 27 races during last season alone.  He was recently featured in Inside Triathlon Magazine as a dedicated endurance athlete.
Georgia Kandiko
St. Victoria, Minnesota

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