By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

During the time while I was interviewing for the job of Executive Director of the Hormel Historic Home, it was explained to me the Home had many functions, but the three main missions were hospitality, music, and education.

These areas of focus were important to George and Lillian Hormel and they wanted to see them continue for the community after they retired to California.  Lillian said to the YWCA Board of Directors on the day she handed over possession of the home, “We could get no more pleasure out of it than to see it made use of by the girls of the city … and have the satisfaction of knowing that through this home, you women of the Board of the YWCA are planting the ideals of higher living in the hearts of the girls of Austin.”

The YWCA did a fantastic job in the years they occupied the building in offering a place for fun events and educational programs, and they seemed to have music at every occasion.  Benefit galas were held, Christmas parties were had, and themed events were frequent to the delight of many. Various speakers were engaged to enlighten Austinites on literature, housekeeping, and nutrition to mention a few topics.  The Hormel’s vision for the Home was definitely carried on through the Y.

The HHH of today strives to ensure that everything we do falls into one of the three focus areas.  We recently received verification that we are fulfilling an educational need by coordinating and hosting various Autism programs.  The Rehabilitation Department at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin took a collection from its employees during the Christmas season and recently presented us with a donation toward the Circle of Friends Day Camp which serves children entering first through fifth grades.

Why did they choose to support this? “We picked the HHH Circle of Friends Autism camp because myself as a speech pathologist, the other speech pathologist, Michelle Soukup, and one of our occupational therapists, Janet Sparrow, have all volunteered at the camp through the years. We usually do it as community outreach hours from the hospital. We do it every year because we see many of the kids that go to the camp as outpatients in the pediatric rehab department. It is a very fun to see our patients having fun and learning at camp and see their skills in a different environment than our therapy room!”  These are the words of Julia Meverden and we are so grateful for the support of her work group.  The work the Autism staff does for the community is priceless and we are thrilled the Hormel Historic Home is a part of it.

  January Social Concerns Mower Refreshed

10 a.m., Jan. 15, Sandy Anderson will offer us the opportunity to learn about the initiative’s history, wellness challenges that are being focused on and updates on how citizens can become involved and stay informed on the ever-evolving efforts of Mower Refreshed.

 Austin Wedding Showcase

The premiere wedding resource for all those busy planning brides will be held at the HHH from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 27. The fashion show presented by Belles & Beaus and VeDeyo Arts will begin at 2 and will once again feature the Austin Bruins players.  Admission is $3.

 Valentine’s Day

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at 5:30 p.m. with a Gourmet dinner by Hy-Vee catering and Dueling Pianos by the River Rats from Minneapolis. Tickets are limited so call 433-4243 today.  Cost is $50 per person.