Victoria MN Newspaper-Victoria Moments

Sign of Fall. The delicious crunch, the tantalizing blend of tart and sweet, the distinctive hues of speckled red and gold are undeniable signs of fall. The Arboretum Apple House is located in Victoria, about two miles from the downtown district, on Hwy5 at the intersection with Rolling Acres Road and Bavaria Road.

Every morning its old mechanical apple sorter roars to life and a stream of juicy freshly picked fruit rolls down the assembly line to be sorted for purchase by apple-loving Minnesotans.

The U of MN Horticultural Research Center's apple researcher David Bedford said the fruit is high quality, and about ten days later than normal due to the late spring.

The Apple House also offers other freshly picked produce such as watermelon, cucumber, zucchini, corn, beans, onions, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes. It also sells U of MN meats, cheese, and ice cream plus locally made fudge, maple syrup, baked goods, jams, and more. Proceeds from sales benefit the apple-research program.

Barb DeGroot, PR Specialist

MN Landscape Arboretum

Nation Merit Recognition. Four students at Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria were selected as National Merit Commended Students. They are Kathryn Galioto, Greg Helmer, Carl Stone, and Connor Herd. Two Holy Family students have qualified as National Merit Semifinalists: Will Farner and Kevin Monahan.

L-r: Connor Herd of Cologne, Greg Helmer of Chanhassen, Kathryn Galioto of Chanhassen, Will Farner of Victoria, Kevin Monahan of Woodland, and Carl Stone of Minnetrista.

Laura Podergois, Holy Family Catholic High School

Victoria, Minnesota

Skaters at State Games of America. Congratulations to the members of the Chaska Figure Skating Club who competed in the State Games of America! The State Games of America is a biennial Olympic-style event that was held in Hershey-Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in August. To participate in this competition, the skaters must have placed first, second, or third in the State Games competition held in Minnesota in 2011 or 2012, or at the 2011 State Games of America. The Chaska Figure Skating Club had 19 skaters who qualified, and 11 of them made the trip to Pennsylvania to compete. Over 8,000 athletes, including nearly 1,000 figure skaters, competed at the State Games of America, representing 45 different states.

The Chaska Figure Skating Club had a great showing at the competition, taking a 1st place medal (Duet by Carson Gisel and Lauren Gizinski), a 2nd place medal (Grace Potenza), and a 3rd place medal (Paula Nagengast). Most of the other skaters placed in the top half of their group.

Front (l-r): Erin Swanson (Coach), Kate Johnson, Paige Strigel of Victoria, Brianna Gasterland, Morgan Simon of Victoria, Kristie Mitchell (Coach). Back: Lauren Gizinski, Paula Nagengast, Paige Niesche, Grace Potenza, Carson Gisel, Katie Allen. Not pictured. Claire Katchur.

Mollie Simon, Victoria, Minnesota

Johannah Lokhorst, left, and Megan Carver, both of Victoria, were National Champions for their Teen Lyrical Duet at the 2013 Dance America National Finals held July 1st to 5th in Chicago. Johannah was also National Champion for her Teen Jazz Solo, finalist for Best Technical Execution, and top 13 finisher for Dance of the Year.

Previously at the Regional DANCE AMERICA Competition, Johannah and Megan's duet placed 1st for Teen Lyrical Duets, was 1st runner up for all duets, and won the Teacher's Choice and Best Technical Execution awards. Johannah's solo was 1st place for Teen Jazz Solos and she was the Soloist High Score award winner. Johannah and Megan dance at River Valley Dance Academy in Chaska.

Brenda Carver

Victoria, Minnesota

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