By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

July is the busiest month for community outreach programs at the Hormel Historic Home. With three free garden concerts, a private concert for Kids Korner students, a percussion workshop for youth, and the Autism camps — Circle of Friends and All Access Community Explorations — the HHH serves many parts of our community this month.

Our music grant has allowed us to bring Mick laBriola to town to offer a Rhythm Roots Percussion workshop for young people in firstthrough eighth grades from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 25.

The workshop will provide kids access to many types of percussion instruments with a short performance at the end.  Mick’s website, www.micklabriola.com, describes him this way: “As a Percussionist, Mick laBriola has dedicated his life work to Cultural Music that has encompassed Dance, Theater, Ensembles, Workshops and Residencies.”  Registration is required for the workshop and the cost is $10 per student.  Please call the Community Learning Center at 507-460-1700 to register.

Mick will also perform a free concert with his African quartet Karibuni in the Peace Garden the same evening at 6:30 p.m.

Many people support our Autism programming but you may not know what really goes on during the sessions.  The Circle of Friends Day Camp is a five-day program that focuses on helping youth in grades 1 through 5 who have been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum to gain the skills necessary to succeed both socially and academically.

The youth are divided into five “cabins” each with a dedicated leader.  They work in both small and large group settings in disciplines such as science, construction, music/theater and arts & crafts.

The participants also receive exposure to different parts of our community by visiting places such as the Justice Center, the YMCA, the bowling alley and the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

All Access Community Explorations serves young adults in sixth grade through high school seniors and strives to prepare the participants for success in their homes, their schools, and in their communities.

These kids spend one day learning the skills necessary for a planned outing on another day.  Tasks such as handling and spending money and asking meaningful questions are practiced, and then the kids utilize the skills when visiting places such as an automotive center, the Nature Center, stores in the mall, and the Fire Department.  The camp directors also discuss possible job opportunities with the participants.

Education in the community is an important part of the HHH mission.  It’s a pleasure to offer these programs.

Circle of Friends Day Camp,

July 15-19

Tours of the home may be limited.  Please call ahead for the schedule. 507-433-4243.

Free garden concert,

July 25 6:30 p.m.

Karibuni, an African Quartet will feature music from the Congo and the Ivory Coast.  Rain site is inside the banquet facility.

All Access Community Explorations,

July 22-Aug. 21

Tours of the Home may be limited on Mondays during the program.  Please call ahead for schedule.