To the Editor:
I read your August edition (Thanks, Tom, for sending the Gazette) yesterday and saw that Mayor Bohn has decided not to run again for mayor.  I wanted to write a short note of thanks to Jerry for all that he has done, and to his wife Marlene because I know that public service is often harder on the spouse.
I hope that the citizens of Victoria appreciate the many, many years of hard work that Jerry has put in on behalf of the city.  Though we didn't always agree on every single subject, I've always admired his ability to crunch numbers and stay on course despite the daily events that tend to interrupt city government.
I know firsthand the hard work and dedication Jerry put into the "part time" job.  The folks at home should be aware of his effort to understand the impacts of growth, and the many steps he and the council took to make growth pay for it-self.
I trust that he will take great pride in the things accomplished since he first joined the council and later became the mayor.  Once again, thanks for everything you've done, Jerry, and I hope you and your family are blessed with many years of relaxation.  You've earned it.
Stephen T. Sarvi, Victoria City Administrator
Still in Iraq

To the Editor:
Today was my 76^th birthday and I celebrated part of it by having my teeth cleaned - No cavities!  Then we saw Minnehaha Falls which were flowing very nicely. 
As the Minnesota Veterans Home was very close, we visited Marvin Heut-maker who is a guest there.  Marvin had been a classmate at Chaska High School and the Heutmaker family had lived on Stieger Lake, as did the Holtmeier family.  Marvin's dad had rented boats during the Depression to make some extra money, as did my dad.  In later years, one of our dogs got lost and Marvin found him tied up in weeds near Stieger Lake.
We were lucky as Marvin's room was in the first building that we asked.  As we were approaching his room, he was walk-ing towards us and I recognized him.  He was on his way to the garden.  I helped the Aid by pushing a veteran in a wheel-chair to the garden.  We were served fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.  The corn was not yet ripe. 
Anyway, I thought it was a neat way to spend part of one's birthday!
Ron Holtmeier
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
A total of 100 pints were donated at the July 24^th Victoria Bloodmobile.  A special thanks to recruitment callers, staff at the City of Victoria, those who helped the day of the drawn, and the Victoria Lions for their continued sponsorship and support.
All donors are special, but the Ameri-can Red Cross likes to recognize first time donors and those who continually donate.  Congratulations to first time donor Doria Cobb.  Congratulations to Donald Tim-mers who is up to 4 gallons. 
Thanks to everyone who made this blood drive a success.  Your time is greatly appreciated.
Wendy Amundsen, Kathy Sether
Co-Chairs, Victoria Blood Drive, Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Thank you for giving our ad such a nice placement in the Gazette.  We have received many calls from it.  I will be sending you the September ad in a few days.  Best regards.
Maryann Porter, Rising Star Dance Academy
Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:
My brother Denny directed us to your website and Sue's Album, where we followed along on our trip to Fatima and Lourdes.  Your pictures and remarks were outstanding.  We have good pictures, but without all the remarks they don't mean as much.  Thanks for being on the trip and keeping such good notes.
Sincerely,
Leo and Diane Oas, Mound, Minnesota

To the Editor:
Hi, Sue.  How are you?  Doing well?  I hope so.  It was a pleasure to hear from you again and to check those beautiful pictures taken by you for Sue's Album at your website.  You had said something on the trip about a newsletter but I was taken by surprise with the Gazette, because of its contents.  Congratulations.
I wish I could have gone to your Fatima-Lourdes reunion at LaBore's home, and I hope you all had a good time.  Who knows, one day I may get to meet you all again, right?  May God bless you and please send my regards to anyone that you meet from the group.
Best regards.
Marcus Magalhaes, Lumartrip Tour Guide
Caparica, Portugal

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