Victoria news and events: Donuts series, Citizens Academy, lending library, art vote and public-health update

City of Victoria staff and a Carver County public-health representative used the meeting to publicize upcoming community events and to provide a brief health update for area residents.

City events and programs

Staff highlighted the Donuts in Victoria series of community conversations: a March session with the community development team on Downtown West development and an April session focused on transportation projects including Highway 5 and Arboretum-area planning. Staff encouraged residents to attend to meet project staff and ask questions and said event details will be posted on the city website.

The city also promoted Victoria Citizens Academy, a multiweek program that tours city facilities and explains how local government works; registrations were open. Staff described the Arboretum, water-treatment plant, public works and other sites as likely stops on future sessions.

Other community items announced included:

- A Carver County lending library (tool-lending model based in Chaska) that loans equipment such as tools, grills and yard games to residents for short-term use; staff said brochures are available at City Hall.

- A Community Builders nomination period running through the end of the month to recognize individuals, groups or businesses that have shown "an extraordinary commitment to Victoria."

- A display of new local artwork by Victoria resident Deb Zeller (Deb Zeller Studio in Hopkins) with ballots and pens available at the meeting for members to vote on favorites.

- A Victoria Library 10th-anniversary celebration scheduled for Saturday, May 3. A committee member described opening remarks from commissioners and the mayor, live music at the bandstand and cake; the event will open to the public at about 9:30 a.m. with program activities starting at 10 a.m.

Public-health update

Kara Cassidy of the Carver County Public Health Office of Aging gave a brief situational update, saying, "we believe the flu has peaked, and RSV is declining." She added that norovirus trends are decreasing nationwide but increasing in Minnesota. On measles she advised that people with uncertain vaccination history or who were vaccinated before 1968 "may need to have a booster" and urged residents to consult their health-care providers.

Other items

Staff announced an emerald ash borer and tree-care presentation planned for May and encouraged residents to watch the city website for program dates and registration information.

Ending: Staff repeatedly reminded residents that event details and registration are posted on the City of Victoria website and that printed brochures are available at City Hall.