By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

Happy New Year.

There are so many ways to view this time of year.

Do you see yourself at the starting line of a race with a long journey ahead of you, maybe with a few hurdles along the way? Or do you visualize yourself standing at the top (or bottom) of a mountain getting ready to weave through unknown terrain to make it down (or up) to the bottom (or top)? Or maybe you don’t look too far ahead and just take things one month at a time. Depending on the year, I have had all these outlooks, but mostly I view a new year filled with hope.

Many new years have begun in the Hormel Historic Home and I wish the walls could share stories with me. I imagine New Years filled with hope for continued success for a growing, yet all-consuming company. As a mother I can imagine that there was great hope for positive growth and development for an only child who had an energetic and creative spirit. I am confident that there were years filled with hope for time to spend with family and friends. After reading the family history I am sure there was much hope that help would come when it was needed.

During the YWCA years I am guessing that hope was strong for a year with few repairs needed on the aging home. The leaders of the Y hoped to continue offering services, programs and rental rooms to area women. And above all I bet they hoped for revenue to keep the facility operating.

My hopes for the Hormel Historic Home in 2014 are similar to those of the Y of the past. I hope for a year of low maintenance, much traffic, happy guests, and history that continues to inspire and educate. I hope to continue fulfilling our mission of preserving the Hormel family legacy of hospitality, education, music appreciation and community service. I see this year as a long period of time in which to fill blanks and provide opportunities for you to enjoy our facility.

2013 was a great year for the HHH. I have reflected on all I have learned and the successful calendar of events we have had. Now it is time to look, with hope, to 2014 and to fill in those blanks.

 Social Concerns: Owl Talk

Presented by Larry Dolphin

of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Jan. 21

Come meet Guka the barred owl and hear Larry tell us all about this Nature Center resident.

Event is free. Coffee and treats will be served.

Please call 507-433-4243 to register.

Austin Wedding Showcase

12-3 p.m., Jan. 26, 2014

Area wedding specialists will be showcasing their unique products and services. Fashion show presented by Belles and Beaus at 2 p.m. Admission is $3 per person.