Duchess with the King and Queen of the Ball.  Jerry and Jane Michel of Victoria celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary with a large gathering of friends and family at the Lakeside Ball-room at Waconia.  Guests were treated to a delicious dinner, wedding cake, and an evening of music and dance.  The honored couple led the way down the dance floor with long-time companion, Duchess. 
Thank you, Michels, for a wonderful evening.  ~Sue

On the Highway of Life.  The notorious '84 blue Chevy Classic that was much remembered driving around Victoria by the sharp-minded, very witty Ovid Northrop of Victoria will now have a new life, with its 130,000 miles, most of them Victoria miles.  It was only two weeks ago at a wedding that Kenny and Mary Erickson of Victoria mentioned that Ovid (Mary's father) gave up driving his car at 95 years of age and that Ovid is now looking for someone to take care of his treasured car.
A little bit about Ovid might be in order.  He has a passion for sports.  He knows every game play and all the stats that go along with them.  He has a zest for life that many people would love to have at any age.  He golfed at Deer Run for years and actually shot his age at 82.
After a couple of phone calls, I shared this with a dear friend of mine, Sue Strand, who said the story is an answered prayer since she has a 17-year old son Tom who desperately needs a car.  Tom's older brother has the extra family car while at the college.  Tom, who is a very busy high school student, loves sports, especially hockey.
The appointment was set for Tom Strand and Ovid Northrop to meet the very next day.  Matt Strand, Tom's father, came along to take the car for a spin.  After exchanging stories (Ovid has many), the car was a sealed deal.  Ovid's eyes twinkled knowing that this young lad appreciated his car.
Tom said that he would drive this car until he finished medical school, and then he would invest in a BMW!  He also said that he would keep the sticker of the Sacred Heart on the dashboard.
So when you see the '84 blue Chevy on the highway of life, just wave.
Louise Lehner
Hutchinson, Minnesota
(formerly of Victoria)

Back from Washington D.C.  Our daughter Elise Vadnais gave an over-view of her trip to Washington D.C. this summer, to Victoria Fire Chief Tim Walsh and the Victoria Firefighters at their October meeting.  The firefighters helped support youth leadership in Carver County, as Elise was part of this year's delegation of 50 students from Minnesota who attended the 4-H Citizen Washington Focus Conference in our nation's capitol in July.  Elise has been president of the Pleasant Valley 4-H Club this past year and is active in several areas of 4-H in Carver County.  The second photo is of Elise visiting Senator John Kline's office.
Carol Vadnais
Victoria, Minnesota

Adelaide Elise Hisey was born on August 28^th, 2007.  She weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz.  Her parents are Tanya and Drew Hisey of Katy, Texas.  Adelaide's grandparents are Al and Louise Lehner of Hutchinson and Mike and Barbara Hisey of Ardmore, Oklahoma.  Her great grandmother (mother of Louise) is Adella Skudlarek of Holdingford, Minnesota, for whom she was named.  Adelaide was baptized on Saturday, October 13^th, 2007, at the St. Victoria Catholic Church in Victoria by Father William Skudlarek, her great uncle.  That's Father Bill in the photo with my mom and dad.
Thank you so much, Sue.  I just loved the visit with you and the banter between you and Mom.  So fun.  Thank you for putting the article and photo in the paper.  I'll show Mom the Gazette online.  She'll love to see all of your pictures from Nick's wedding.  I know I did.  Best regards.
Tanya (Lehner) Hisey
Katy, Texas  (formerly Victoria)

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