Gazette Readers Start Young.  Ava, 2 years old, is an avid reader of the Victoria Gazette.  Proud parents John and Michelle Kunze welcome her choice in reading material.  Other pastimes for Ava include chasing her beloved dog Sadie, playing at the park, and walks on trails
John and Michell Kunze
Victoria, Minnesota

George Schmieg's Home.  Darryl Wrolson of Victoria happened to see some big flames on Victoria Drive a couple weeks ago -- Saturday, September 13th, to be exact -- and he also happened to have his camera along.  The former home of the late George Schmieg was being burned by the Victoria Fire Department to make way for new parking space as the St. Victoria Catholic Church begins construction.   Was Jerry Schmieg, son of George, watching the memories go up in smoke?  Replied Darryl, "I didn't see Jerry.  He's 6'6", 295 pounds, with red hair, and 45 years old, isn't he?  Nobody with that description was there." 
Was the  fire hot?  Replied Darryl, "Da fire was hot.  How hot?  You could roast a marshmallow from across the street."
Thanks, Mr. Wrolson, for the photos.

A Leading Lady.  Kim Roden, resident of Victoria and Vice Chair of the Victoria Planning Commission, has been selected for the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute, which is the flagship executive leader-ship program of Women in Cable and Telecommunications.  The Betsy Magness Leadership Institute provides intensive year-long training to prepare senior-level women to take on significant leadership responsi-bilities.  The year marks the 10th anniversary of the nationally recog-nized award-winning leadership program. 
Kim is the Vice President of Public Affairs and Programming of Women in Cable and Telecommunications.  She is also Vice Chair of the Victoria Planning Commission.

On the QE II.  That's short for Queen Elizabeth II, the name of a popular ship docked at Excelsior.  The long of it is a dinner cruise on Lake Minnetonka sponsored by the Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Chaska Chamber of Commerce.  Enjoying a perfect evening on September 16th are (l-r):  Tricia and Mike Drazan of Victoria, Julianne Wartman, Germaine Jesberg, and Mary Moore of Victoria, and Jean Moore of Waconia.

Nice and Romantic.  I don't know if you heard, but at the Victoria Lions Softball Tournaments this summer, my brother Daryl Schmieg proposed to his girlfriend Trina Flatebo.  He had my nephews and brothers wear shirts that said, "Trina Will You Marry."  And Daryl wore a shirt that said, "Me?"  Then Daryl gave Trina a shirt that said, "Yes."  It was very nice and romantic.  I was thinking that it could maybe be a Victoria Moment.  The other photos include Dana Schmieg, Aaron Worm, Nick Worm, and Phil Worm.  Thanks.

Dawn (Schmieg) Dammann
Victoria, Minnesota