Victoria MN Newspaper-Victoria Moments

THE SINGING SCOOPER. Abigail Bjorlin, age 15, who has lived in Victoria "all her life," is the Singing Scooper at The Social Ice Cream Shop in downtown Victoria. On Labor Day Weekend, I found Abby there when we stopped once again for dessert and asked if she'd sing a song for tips, as her sign suggested. She obliged without fear or trepidation.

Abby sang "The Cup Song", a clever captivating ditty with a more accurate name of "Pitch Perfect." Does Abby sing the same song for everyone who asks her to sing? "If I know the song, I will take requests," she replied, "but otherwise my favorite songs are 'The Cup Song,' 'Royals,' 'Lean on Me,' and 'I'm a Believer.' Little kids like Disney songs, and around the holidays I sing holiday songs. Around Independence Day, I sang patriotic songs."

Abby started working at The Social in April 2015 and started singing for tips in June. She is the daughter of Mark and Karen Bjorlin of Victoria and has an older brother Josh and two older sisters, Alayna and Katie. Abby likes working at The Social because, "It is close to my home and co-workers. There are nice owners and managers. They hire at age 15, and I can earn money for dance at River Valley Dance Academy, which is one of my passions. I also enjoy working with the general public."

Abby is home schooled and technically in the 10th grade, but skipping a year so is in the 11th grade. She hopes to go to beauty school so she can support herself while pursuing professional theater and maybe eventually one day perform on Broadway.

Sue Orsen/The Victoria Gazette

Victoria, Minnesota

POPE FRANCIS. Hi, Sue. Hope everything is going well back home in Minnesota. I seriously miss the fall weather there. My grandma [Mary Moore of Victoria] texted me and asked me to send you some pictures that I got when I went to Pope Francis' parade on the National Mall last week. We woke up around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23rd, to get this great spot, only three rows back from the fence. I went with a fellow Minnesotan friend, Simone Haugen from Eagan, and a few other girls on my lacrosse team who are from Maryland and Virginia. Pope Francis blessed the crowd and even personally blessed a brave little girl who ran through security to get closer to the pope. This was truly an amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity. He was in D.C. from September 22nd to the 24th. Maybe I'll see you when I come home for Thanksgiving.

Bailey Forcier, Class of 2017

The George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

SHOOTING 88 AT AGE 88. When you meet Bev Naab of Minnetonka, you realize very quickly that she loves golf. A member at the Island View Country Club since 1968, Bev usually plays every Wednesday with her trusty friends. This particular Wednesday, September 18th, 2015, she was golfing with Kay Kvevelen, Darlene Chiles, and Jane Ann Goltz when, on the last hole, number 18, Bev stated, “I believe if I drop this putt, I will score my age." And she did! She shot an 88! Congratulations on your wonderful game, Bev.

When most can’t bend over to pick up the newspaper, Bev is scooping up the golf balls. I once heard that motion is potion and Bev proves the fact. Bev has been golfing for 68 years.

Louise Lehner

Victoria, Minnesota

MORE VICTORIA MOMENTS IN PAPER EDITION.

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