The Oldest.  When the editor's mom and dad recently returned to Minnesota from their winter home in Texas, they were finally within reach of their newest great grandchild.   The four generations above include Great Grandmother Betty Ann (the oldest of seven), Grandma Sue (the oldest of seven), Mama Jenny (the oldest of two), and Sweet Adeline (the oldest of a yet unknown number).  Happy Mothers Day.  --Editor Sue

To the Editor:  Hennepin Technical College is proud to announce that Jarrod Christiansen of Victoria is a recipient of the Roger Bruellman Scholarship.  Jarrod is enrolled in the Fluid Power Program.  To enhance the college's ability to award student scholarships, the HTC Foundation was established in 1999 to raise scholarship funds and promote the mission of providing excellence in technical education.
Jeanne Morphew
Hennepin Technical College

To the Editor:  Carver County Fire Departments were recognized recently at the 11th annual Emergency Medical Services Quality Awards program.  The program provides an opportunity for honoring and sharing "best practices" used within the fire departments.  There has been tremendous energy, growth, and change within the volunteer first responders agencies in the 11 years the pro-gram has been in place.  Among the many fire departments, the Victoria Fire Department was recognized for excellence in comprehensive organization. 
Accepting the award on behalf of the Victoria Firefighters were (l-r):  Chief Gary Sohns, Tim Walsh, Steve Dahl, and Sheldon LaGaard.
The concern, caring, and compassion of the Carver County EMS Work Group is continually impressed with the first responder agencies' commitment to their community.  Thank you.
Doug Kayser, Norwood Young America, Minnesota

Engaged.  Randy and Kim Arlt of Victoria, MN, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Rebecca Arlt, to Kyle Jay Lingenberg, son of Ken and Sue Klingenbuerg of Chaska, MN.  The wedding is planned for June, 2003.

To the Editor:  Along with our daughter Emma, we announce the birth of our second child, Sarah Jane.  We'd like to say a special thank you to our nurse midwives Terry Englemann and Lori Waldera for their never-ending support and guidance during the pregnancy and delivery.  And thanks to our friends, relatives, and neighbors for watching Emma and helping Paul while I was on bed rest.  And my deepest gratitude to my husband Paul for being the
most supportive partner in life that any woman could ever dream of.  I love you with all my heart.
Sarah Jane was born at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia on April 11th, 2003, at 10:45 a.m.  She weighed 6 lbs. 3 oz. and was 18 ¼ inches long.  --Michelle Aspelin, Victoria, Minnesota

Sandbox Beads.  They may not be fighting in Iraq, but students at Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria still played a role in the Middle East.  On Holy Thursday, the school's theology classes set aside their usual
Sandbox Beads is a Catholic Apostolate recently founded with the mission of providing spiritual support to Catholics in the military.  The term "sandbox" comes from the nickname used by soldiers for desert deployments.  "Beads" refer to the Rosary.   --Katie Burke, HFCHS

To the Editor:  These 2003 Champs are members of the third grade boys basketball team that took first place in the Chanhassen Athletic Association Tournament.  They are:  Front (l-r):  Mark Revier, Thomas Krause, Drake Kilber, Billy Gregory, and Zack Brandt.  Back:  Coach Mike Gitzen, Ryan Spense, Coach Earl Spense, and Steve Gitzen.  Missing:  Jacob Milhalko.  Please return the photo.  Thanks.

Michael Gitzen, Victoria, Minnesota