I know it is not April, but I have been spending a lot of time focused on the Autism programming at the Hormel Historic Home, and I feel like it must be getting close. Plus, the weather in April has to be better than what we’ve had recently, so it is nice to look ahead.

April is Autism Awareness Month, and the HHH recognizes it in various ways.

Three seminars are scheduled that will inform the community about different issues that affect those diagnosed with Autism. The first presentation will be offered April 8 by Sara Gilberg and Erin Dilley-Jones, both special education professionals, who will discuss the various transition resources available for families and older students with ASD in our area.

On April 15, Dan Marreel will present Story Grammar Marker, which is an educational strategy used to help students improve comprehension, speaking skills, social, and thinking skills. This class is designed to help professionals working with students in third through eighth-grades.

Karianne Bachmeier will present strategies for including and embracing individuals with Autism on April 22. Participants will learn simple and effective strategies for serving individuals with Autism in community settings such as Sunday schools, classrooms, childcare facilities, and retail stores.

You may register for these seminars through Austin Community Education at http://austin.revtrak.net or by calling 507-460-1706. The cost is $10 per person per session.

Stepping Out for Autism, our annual fundraising walk, will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 26 at Bandshell Community Park. All money raised supports the summer camp opportunities offered for youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Austin community has generously supported our programming in the past and we hope you will join us again this year. New to the event in 2014 will be a performance by Minneapolis based kids’ duo, Koo Koo Kanga Roo. For more information or to register for the walk please visit www.hormelhistorichome.org.

April will be here before we know it.

Winter Arts Triathlon

Monday, February 17, 2014

Free activities will be offered for kids pre-K-fifth-grade by the Hormel Historic Home and the Paramount Theatre to provide a fun way to spend this No School Day.

No registration required. Parent supervision required.

Visit the Paramount from 2 to 3 p.m. and the HHH from 3 to 4 p.m. for fun games, activities, and treats.

 Social Concerns: Digging Into Clutter

Presented by April Strand of Simply Organized,

10 a.m., Feb. 18

April is a professional organizer who will share ideas to help you organize your home and life …one room at a time. Please call to register and let us know what is the most troublesome spot in your home or office to keep organized.

The event is free.