It’s that time of the year when people start thinking about each other a little more. Fall dinners, fundraisers and school functions are picking up momentum, and people are offering their gratitude. Some of that gratitude starts tonight.

1. Parents know how busy fall is for kids. So Friday night, the YMCA is thinking about those moms and dads. The club is holding its parents’ night out from 5 to 9 p.m. Kids ages 6 months to 12 years can play games and enjoy the Y, while parents can go out on the town. Kids should bring a bag lunch, and a snack will be provided. Pre-registration is encouraged; log on to www.ymca-austin.org.
2. If Friday night is about getting away from the kids, Saturday will be about getting closer to family — family history. The Mower County Historical Society is holding its Genealogy Detectives workshop from 9 am. to 2:30 p.m., at its offices at the Mower County Fairgrounds, when attendants can learn how to search archives and discover more about their families. Registration is $30 for MCHS members and $40 for non-members.
3. Austin will be thinking about one local on Saturday night: Mike. Braaten was injured in a motorcycle accident two months ago, and now he is on the road to recovery. His family members have scheduled a benefit for him from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Austin VFW, 300 Fourth Ave. NE, where a silent and live auction, karaoke and many other events will raise money to bring Braaten home.
4. I would say more about this next event, but I don’t know about it, and neither do others. That’s because it’s “10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Hormel Family,” 7 p.m. Monday at the Hormel Historic Home. Members get in free, and non-members pay $5. Register by calling 433-4243.
5. Lastly, it’s never too late to trick-or-treat, especially if it’s for a good cause. Trick-or-treating for the Salvation Army food shelf will start 5 p.m. Wednesday and will kick off from St. Olaf Lutheran Church.

As long as Halloween is near, it’s worth mentioning another trick-or-treating fundraiser will take place Oct. 31, when people will hit the streets, asking for change for the Austin Rotoract. Before that, however, another big event is coming up. But to join, participants better have talent. Find out more about that event at paramounttheatre.org.

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and online.