To the Editor:
Three years ago Holy Family Catho-lic High School opened its doors to 120 freshman and sophomore students living in the southwest metro area.  This month HFCHS held its first commencement ceremony as our first senior class gradu-ated.  These 32 seniors have been with us since sophomores and will set the bar for tradition and graduations to come.
The event took place on Thursday, May 29th, at 7 p.m. with a Mass, followed by a graduation ceremony at the school.  Holy Family is the first Catholic high school to be opened in over 30 years, and it has been making waves in the commu-nity.  Thank you for including so many of our events in the Gazette.
Katie Burke/Communications, HFCHS
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
As you may know, this legislative session we are dealing with the largest budget deficit that our state has ever had.  While some lawmakers are adamant about having a special session so they can tax you more and spend more of your money, we thought it would be a good time to dis-cuss legislation we are authoring to pre-vent such a huge deficit from ever happening again in our state.
Our legislation would limit overall state spending increases every two years to no more than the rate of inflation plus population growth.  Any revenue collect-ed by the state that exceeds the spending limit would be refunded to taxpayers.
During the budget surplus years of the 1990's, state spending skyrocketed.  It was just too easy for legislators to dis-pense more money to government pro-grams.  The thinking was, "We have the cash, so why not?"
Unfortunately, unlike the one-time tax rebates that were sent to Minnesotans, most of the spending increases in our cash-fat years were permanent.  Law-makers over-committed, and now we're in a crunch.
Limiting government spending in-creases would help the state weather the natural ups and downs in the economy.  The spending limit also would force legis-lators to set priorities when drafting each two-year state government budget.
This is an opportunity to make the state examine its budget like Minnesota families examine their budgets.  We simply cannot afford to be all things to all people any longer. 
Every worthy cause shouldn't have to be funded by taxpayers.  To avoid deficits like we are facing today, we have to show some fiscal restraint, and that's exactly what our bill requires.
Paul Kohls, Victoria, MN and Joe Hoppe, Chaska, MN
MN House Republican Caucus

To the Editor:
I am sending you a check for $20 for my two daughters, Mrs. Ann Norton in Idaho and Miss Kirstine Schueren in Oklahoma.  They look forward to getting all the Victoria news.  Thank you.
Mrs. Gladys Schueren
Chanhassen, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Thanks to the greatest customers a growing business could have, we are pleased to announce our 2003 expansion is nearly completed.  Our new greenhouse features total climate control, which helps keep the annual and perennial bedding plants healthier and provides shopping comfort for our customers.
Soon our new 80 by 40-foot shade cover will be added to further enhance the health of our flowers and shrubs that do not require greenhouse shelter.  Again, this will make outdoor browsing and shopping more comfortable and keep the plants healthier.
While at Nature's Bounty, say hello to Connie Eiesland, author of our new monthly newsletter, Green Thumb Prints.  It will provide gardening ideas and successful growing tips.
During the summer months, our under-the-tent cooking demonstrations on the Holland Grill have become a favorite stopping spot for many of our shoppers.  The grills are hot, and the samples of great tasting food are a weekend favorite.
Inside the store we have added new gardening accents and expanded our selection of supplies.  We have also en-larged our indoor plant area and brought in new coolers for fresh cut flowers.  The bird department provides a large selection of feeds, feeders, houses, hooks, and accessories. 
Do come in to celebrate our Fifth Anniversary with us.  Enter the weekly drawings.  Enjoy our large selection of concrete statuary, fountains, and yard decorations.
Again, thank you for already being our customers.  We hope you can visit us often in June to register for prizes.
Uncle Mike Hanlon
Nature's Bounty Garden/Gift Center
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Hi, Sue.  It was fun singing next to you at the Basilica.  Might I tell you about the audition schedule for West Side Story?  It's the summer production of the Chaska Valley Family Theater.
Auditions are June 11th and 12th from 6 to 8 pm. at the Chaska Community Center Theater, with callbacks on June 14th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
You must be at least 14 years of age.  Be prepared to sing your own song, not from West Side Story.  The song should show your range and be up-tempo.  Bring a copy of the music.  An accompanist will be provided.  Be prepared to dance.  You will read a scene from the show.  Bring a list of rehearsal conflicts you would have from June 16th through August 10th.
Our performances will run 7/31/03 to 8/10/03.  See our website at www.cvft.org for show times and ticket order forms, which are also available at the Chaska Community Center.  Thanks.
Meg Smith
Chaska, Minnesota        Click here to continue.