By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

Happy New Year!

It’s hard to believe we are starting a new year again. I find it exciting to flip the calendar to January and then think of all that is ahead in the coming months. It’s kind of like having a clean slate and getting to fill in all the blanks.

As my husband and I just went for a walk we talked about how fast 2012 had flown by and all the fun things we had done; and then it hit us that by this time next year we will have a teenager. Yikes!

In his autobiography, George A. Hormel reflects on 1892, a significant year of his life:

“For me, the next year was unique.  It ushered in three new partnerships with life, which were to test and endow whatever is a man.  The little building by the Cedar River took on life and became a going business about January first.  My marriage to Lillian Belle Gleason took place shortly after, and we set up our home in a rented house on Saint Paul Street where, before the year’s end, our son was born.”

Jan. 1 was significant to George’s parents, John and Susanna, as well, as it was their wedding anniversary.  It also became special in 1933 when George’s third grandson, James, was born on this day.  I can imagine that there were some fun family memories made as each New Year came for the Hormel’s.

It’s a new beginning, a starting place and I embrace it with periods of reflection and with great anticipation.

In the next twelve months the Hormel Historic Home will host a Wedding Showcase, a Valentine’s Day dinner, a Best of the Best Cooking Competition, nearly 20 weddings, nine Social Concerns presentations, countless business meetings, programming for families affected by autism, a variety of musical offerings and a new holiday event with high tea, just to mention a few things.

Our staff and volunteers will work hard to ensure that 2013 is another positive year when the Hormel Historic Home has served Austin through hospitality, education, and outreach.

We hope you will be a part of our 2013 memories.

 What’s Happening at the HHH

Social Concerns: Mower Refreshed presentation by Sandy Anderson

Come learn about the positive lifestyle options existing in Mower County from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15.    Please call 433-4243 to sign up for this free program.

 Board of Directors Meeting

8:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 21.

 Austin Wedding Showcase

If you are planning a wedding, stop by to meet with local wedding vendors to discuss the wedding of your dreams from 12 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27. There will be a fashion show by Belles & Beaus and ViDeyo Arts beginning at 2 p.m. featuring 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.