August 31 marked the fiscal year-end for the Hormel Historic Home. It is a time to reflect on both past accomplishments and plans for the future. That reflection is heightened because I will be leaving the HHH as Executive Director in October. I am taking a new position with the Vision 2020 project. (Applications are being accepted for a new Executive Director. See the HHH web site for more information.)

Plans are already underway for 2012-2013. We will continue to serve the community by preserving the home of the Hormel family and sharing their story. In 2011-2012, we hosted 30 tours and over 600 walk-in visitors.

We will continue to offer educational programs including Social Concerns, Story Time, Circle of Friends Day Camp and All Access Community Explorations for students with autism. This year, we will begin working with the Mower County Historical Society on projects to bring local history to K-12 classrooms. In 2011-2012, we hosted eight Social Concerns, two Story Time events, seven ASD Family Respite Nights and four other educational programs. We served 49 students in our two autism programs.

We will continue to offer music programs including summer concerts in the garden. This fall we are putting on the first Harris Piano Competition on Nov. 17. We will also be hosting a Dueling Pianos Sweetheart Dinner on Feb. 14, 2013. In 2011-2012, we hosted three music events and collaborated with the Historic Paramount Theatre to put on a concert to celebrate our new Mason & Hamlin piano.

We will continue to offer special events including the New Austin’s Best Bartender BBQ on Oct. 19, Home for the Holidays in November, Austin Wedding Showcase in January and Foodie Throw Down in the spring.

We will continue to honor our history of hospitality by hosting a variety of events for local businesses, non profits and private individuals. In 2011-2012, we hosted 381 such events which represents a 20 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.

The next 12 months will bring changes to the Hormel Historic Home. Our values and mission will not change. Thanks to everyone in our community that has been supporting the HHH in past years. I hope you will continue to support the work of this great organization.

Coming soon to the HHH

•Social Concerns: Simple, Swift & Sweet — Desserts by Jack Erwin, Chef at the Cedars of Austin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18. Free and open to the public. Please register at 433-4243 to attend.

•Curious George Story Time: 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at the Hormel Historic Home. Enjoy crafts, games and stories about everyone’s favorite monkey. Offered by the Austin Public Library and the HHH.

•Austin’s Best Bartender BBQ: 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. Call for details.