Smiles at Salon Spatoria.  The new shop in downtown Vic-toria is open for business in the Clocktower Building.  The large staff of trained technicians com-pliment the large and well decor-ated spaces of the Salon.  The public is invited to come for style, color, manicure, pedicure, massage therapy, and a large assortment of retail product.  Find coupons for Salon Spatoria in this issue of the Gazette!
Top (l-r):  Melissa Hanson, Kathryn Paradise, Robin Robey (owners).  Middle:  Liza Lavaty, Elissa Crown, Christi Unlenhake, Penny Burau.  Front:  Karen Ellenson, Lacey Rademacher-Sand, Christine Ottum, J.T., Beth Zimmerman.
Not pictured:  Dawn Krause and Laramee Paradise.

Come to Uganda.  Last Thursday, September 16th, Monsignor Matthew Odong of Uganda spoke to the students of Holy Family about his ministry and mission with the Archdiocese of Gulu.  Throughout the 45-minute assembly, Msgr. Odong referred to the war that continues to rage in the country, and asked the students to pray for peace.  After about 30 minutes of presenting, the floor was opened up for questions, and to the question, "What can we do to help?" he replied, "God has given you wonderful gifts to share.  Come to Uganda to open the eyes of other people like you.  Help even one person.  Some of you will become presidents.  You are the future of the country of tomorrow!"
Msgr. Odong summed up his appeal for help in three ways:  praying, visiting Uganda, and supporting through financial dollars.  The students of Holy Family then began a collection of funds to send home with Msgr. Odong, who visits the school each year.  After his presentation, Msgr. Odong took a few minutes to sing and play a Ugandan instrument for the students.  He chose to focus on the topic of ice cream, his favorite "American" food.
Msgr. Matthew Odong is the rector of Sacred Heart Seminary in Uganda and is the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Gulu.  The collection of money to be sent back with Msgr. totaled $375. 35.
Katie Burke
Director of Communications
Holy Family Catholic High School
Victoria, Minnesota


Greetings from Montreal.  Took a boat trip on the St. Laurence River today.  Most lovely day.  Found a great restaurant across the street from our Bed and Break-fast in the older part of Montreal.  Owner an server is a most lovely person!
Harriet and Uncle Ron Holtmeier
Victoria, Minnesota


Best Bus Driver.  Victoria resident Nikie Ehlen is First Student's School Bus Driver of the Year, the top pick among the company's 1,600 drivers in Minnesota.  Nikie drives a 40-foot long big diesel vehicle while watching more than 70 children at the same time.  She was selected from a pool of nine finalists from the various First Student terminals in Minnesota.  First Student is the largest school bus operator in Minnesota and the second largest nationwide.
Drivers of the Year must be accident free, have excellent attendance and good rapport with parents, the school district, and students.  Nikie is an astute driver, very conscientious, enthusiastic, helpful, supports other drivers, maintains a team atmosphere, patient.
Nikie became a driver in 2000.  Outside of work, she is an avid volunteer, enjoys off-road motorcycling with her family, and oversees three smaller side businesses from her home in Victoria.  She is married and the mother of two children.
Aaron Hustedde
Eagan, Minnesota


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Sue@VictoriaGazette.com