Let It Snow, Let It Snow ... anyway, how are you, Sue?  Attached is a picture of the downtown tree lighting crew (l-r):  Terry and Monica Hartman, Jerry Hartman, Debby Hartman-Wrolson, Dave Speltz, Laura Wood and Marvin Hartman.  I took the picture so my mug is missing.  I couldn't find Jeff Wood for the picture either. 
Also, thanks to the Hartman Tree Farm for the additional work they did and for installing the large beautiful tree next to the Clocktower Building on Main Street.  Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, too.
Darryl Wrolson
Victoria, Minnesota

Thank You, Wayne.  Wayne Neubarth received a 30-year Outstanding Service Award at the Victoria Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party at Island View Country Club in December.  Wayne joined the Chamber in 1974 when it was known as the Victoria Commercial Club.  Since that time Wayne has served as President of the Chamber as well as almost all board positions except Secretary.  He served on many different committees and work groups that helped make successful the various Chamber events such as Touch of Bavaria.
Wayne is an outstanding citizen of Victoria, as he has also been very active in the Victoria Lions Club where he also served in many positions, including President.  He is recently completing a prestigious term as District Governor of Lions 5M2.
Over the years Wayne has been very good to the Victoria Senior Citizens, often playing Santa Claus and distributing gifts at Christmas time.  We know that Wayne has been good to every volunteer organization in Victoria including the Victoria Fire Department, the City of Victoria, and the many church groups in town.
Wayne's example as citizen, volunteer, and mentor has given Victoria a living legacy.  Congratulations, Wayne, on your recent retirement as President of the Victoria State Bank.  We will miss you in that position, but we will be happy to see you around town.  We wish you and Mary all the best.
Dave and Marlene Speltz,
Administrators, Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Victoria, Minnesota

Happy 60th, Roger!  A surprise birthday party on December 27th for Roger Oas brought out his grandson, his karoake skills, and a decorated birthday cake with six candles.  The birthday man is a friend of the Vic-toria House and local fishermen and others, too.

How 'Bout Them Apples!  So you think Miss Adeline is the apple of your eye!  Multiply that by 13.  What a special group we have!  Our oldest grandchild is a senior at Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria and our youngest grandchild is 2 years old.
Ron and Bonnie Fritz
Victoria, Minnesota

A Christmas Card.  The Victoria Gazette received a photo Christmas card from the Guardian Angels School Staff and Students.  Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School is located in nearby Chaska.  Thank you, GA, for thinking of me.    ~Sue

Happy Holtmeiers.  One of the regular contributors to the letter pages in the Gazette is Ron Holtmeier of Victoria, affectionately known far and wide as "Uncle Ron."  One of his grandchildren (Elissa, a photo-journalist major at Kent State in Ohio) emailed a photo this year and it included his best sidekick, wife Harriet.  Thanks, Elissa.  Thanks, Uncle Ron.  ~Sue

Ties That Bind.  Hi, Sue.  Hope you had a good Christmas.  Thought you might get a kick out of this old picture of Nick and me from the old days.  See ya.
Love, Matt Shaw
Rice, Minnesota

Night of Silence.  The downtown city streets of Victoria have never looked so good.  Tree lights gave a warm peaceful glow as everyone waited for Jolly Old St. Nicholas.  The long hot summer made our Christmas so cool!

At the Victoria Post Office.  Thank you, Postmaster Barb Hoffman, for all of your help in 2003.  Looking forward to 2004.  ~Sue