Page Title

Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Highway 5 * 952-442-2010

Jay Swenson

Chanhassen 952-906-2405

Sue’s Album

A symphony of photos

and fewer than a thousand words

at www.VictoriaGazette.com

What would have been the proper and correct way to handle this situation? Keep the school board election this fall as is, but change the terms to one-time five-year terms to move them to an even year!

Then do the same in two years, when the remainder of the board is up for re-election. In doing this, the public would have been informed, retained their right to vote, and the elections would eventually move to even years.

I’m amazed and appalled that our school board has done such a thing. I’ve yet to meet anyone who, upon hearing of these actions taken, hasn’t been shocked as well.

Keep your eyes open, school board members, as you are being watched by the citizens of Eastern Carver County. Fall 2010 is not far away. The public will remember the actions you took on Thursday, April 23rd, 2009. Taxpayers have very good memories.

Mary Schoen

Chaska, Minnesota

To the Editor:

My mother Patty Dehn died at Emerald Crest on Saturday, April 11th, 2009. She had lived in Emerald Crest Victoria for over three years. The purpose of this letter is to formally express my appreciation for Sue Weinzierl and her remarkable staff for their loving care of my mother, especially during her final days.

As a professional, compassionate, and well managed team, Sue, Colleen, Laura, Kristy, Jess, Mercy, and Stephanie collaborated with tenderness and respect to help Mom through the most difficult time of her life. For this, I have immeasurable and unending gratitude.

Sue Weinzierl and her staff did everything possible to accommodate Mom’s family as well, so we could comfortably stay at her side during her last days. Mattresses, chairs, and a small table were set up in Mom’s room. Fresh coffee was brewed just for us by 6:00 a.m.. Pastries were purchased personally by staff. A delicious lunch was provided, and even fresh towels and a shower were made available.

The love and understanding with which we were treated was critical in helping us endure this most heartbreaking time.

Sue’s management style, that I call “Leadership with a Heart,” permeates the Victoria Emerald Crest, among the staff and even among the residents. The feeling of warmth and strength created by Sue’s genuine commitment can be sensed immediately when entering the front door. Residents support each other, and staff members are inspired to collaborate as a team. Surely this improves the quality of life for residents and their families.

I cannot close without singling out Colleen Nustad as well. Colleen is an exceptional nurse who brought a level of professionalism and dedication that exceeded our expectations. She effectively partnered with hospice staff to ensure that Mom was comfortable and pain free, while taking time to communicate with the entire family to help us understand every step of the way.

With gratitude, I highly recommend Emerald Crest Victoria to anyone in need.

Scott Dehn

Victoria, Minnesota

To the Editor:

Happy Mom’s Day and Happy Birthday to my Mom on May 13th, 1927. Happy Birthday to Marcy Jaspers, same day, May 13th, and Happy B-day to Loretta Diethelm. Mom had her 60th on May 13th, 1987 on Mom’s Day. Mom had ten kids in 21 years. I was a flood kid. I was born after the 1965 flood, in July of 1965 (the 24th). By then the streets were dry.

I’ve seen the mess that a flood is, water gushing through any opening in the house, sink drains, bathtubs, toilets backing up, black smelly water. Water from floods will come through electrical outlets as well.

Mom, with me inside her, six months along, 38 years old, ran around catering food at the Chaska Legion as the Red Cross had a canteen there. She used to say it was the worst time ever.

Mom’s sister Frannie Schmieg had 13 kids. Three of the Schmieg kids are in your April 2009 Victoria Gazette -- JoJo, Barb, and Cindy. Mom had fraternal twin boys, Dave and Dan, born 20 minutes apart.

As ever,

Kay Meuwissen

Chaska, Minnesota

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