To the Editor:
The City of Victoria will have a brief but very nice presentation for our new downtown U.S. flags.  We would appreci-ate your coverage of this event.  The mayor will be inviting local veterans to participate.
The city has purchased 40 U.S. flags to be placed on most downtown light poles in Victoria during the major holidays including Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veterans Day.
This initiative was taken to honor our veterans and to show pride and support for our troops and our country in a most prominent way, in our downtown.  On Thursday, May 24^th, at 6 p.m. we will place the first two flags out in front of City Hall.  Then on Friday the Public Works crew will install the remainder around downtown Victoria in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
We thank you for your coverage of this exciting and important ceremony.
David Urbia
Victoria City Administrator

To the Editor:
I'd like to answer the query about Toastmasters that appeared in the May issue of the Gazette.  "Carver County Communicators" is the name of the Toast-masters Club in the Victoria area. 
It serves a wider area than Victoria, and also includes members from Chaska, Waconia, Mayer, Norwood Young Amer-ica, and Watertown. 
Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of every month at 7:00 p.m. for about an hour, at the Lake Auburn Moravian Church in Victoria.  Guests are welcome any time, and we're always happy to welcome new, transfer-ring, or dual members.
For those who are unfamiliar with the club and its goals, Toastmasters Inter-national is the leading organization devot-ed to effective communication and leader-ship development.
Through its member clubs, Toastmas-ters helps men and women practice com-munication and leadership skills with others who are there for the same reason, using a workshop approach at meetings.
The organization's official mission statement is " ... to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environ-ment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth."
What's in it for members?  Lots!  Toastmasters helps you gain control of those butterflies in the stomach if you have to speak in front of a group of people.  Toastmasters helps you express your thoughts and ideas clearly, eliminat-ing those "ahs" and "ums."  And Toast-masters helps you learn how to run a business meeting, handle motions, and give reports.
No experience is necessary to join, and the club attracts members of all ages and from varied walks of life. 
Cost of membership is modest.  There's a one-time $20 membership fee to join, and dues of $27 semi-annually there-after.  Anyone who would like more infor-mation about Carver County Communica-tors, contact club officers Lynne John at 952-442-2623 or Rick Holtmeier at 952-657-1105 or visit our web site at http://carvercounty.freetoasthost.us.
Nancy Pickering
Watertown, Minnesota

To the Editor:
I hope it isn't too late to get my letter in the Gazette before it goes to press.  I've had too many brain fogs lately and I don't even have Alzheimer's, and I don't need that. 
Just recently, while washing clothes here at the place, I went "fishing" through three washers looking for my nearly empty soap bottle.  Up to my elbows in water and looking like I used a wringer washer getting myself wet, I suddenly unfogged the brain.  I used up that last bottle and I didn't drop it into one of the laundry loads!  Like the grannies here at Talheim Apartments say, "It's tough getting old." 
I saw your fishhook on page 45 in the May Gazette.
Kay Meuwissen
Chaska, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Attached is information about Camp Noah, a unique and specialized camp that will be offered in five major Minnesota communities, including Bloomington, for children who have military parents de-ployed in Iraq via the Minnesota National Guard and will be returning home soon.
This camp, which is free to these families, is designed to give kids impor-tant emotional and spiritual tools to cope with the losses and worry they feel about having a parent away at war.  Plus the camp will be fun, filled with meaningful activities, and provide a nice break for parents who have sole responsibility for their children's daily activities.
Unfortunately, few families know about Camp Noah, which is a program of Lutheran Social Services.  You could be of great assistance by including news about this special camp in your news-paper.  Transportation assistance may be available.  Call 1-800-987-0061 or visit www.campnoah.org for more dates, times, and locations.
Jackie Nelson
Lutheran Social Services of MN
St. Paul, Minnesota