My column last week ran alongside a wonderful article about a regional artist who continues to advance her musical career.  Prior to the publishing of this article I had been in contact with the artist’s agent in hopes of securing her for an appearance at the Hormel Historic Home. I am now thrilled to report that Sena Ehrhardt and Cole Allen will be performing at the HHH on Valentine’s Day in 2015.

The acoustic show of Sena and Cole will present another side of this talented Austin native. More details about the event will be released soon, but make a date with your special Valentine now. You can find out more about Sena at www.senaehrhardt.com.

Another huge musical opportunity is happening well before Valentine’s Day. Davina and the Vagabonds will be here in two weeks, Saturday, Nov. 1.

Davina and her band have made a name for themselves throughout the country. In fact between now and mid-November they will perform in 12 states. The group’s high energy shows combine “New Orleans charm with Memphis soul swagger and dark theatrical moments,” according to their website, www.davinaandthevagabonds.com. We wanted to bring something unique and special to the HHH to celebrate the five year anniversary of the Carriage Hall Event Center Expansion. Thanks to many generous donors, the expansion, which opened in November, 2009, helped to secure the future of the Hormel Historic Home. Tickets are available at the HHH or www.hormelhistorichome.org.

Without a doubt the event center is a beautiful and comfortable space for events. However, creating that space served a greater purpose — to build something that would support the maintenance of a home that has an incredible story to tell. From 1871-1901 the home was a private residence to the prominent John Cook family.  George, Lillian, and Jay Hormel called it home from 1901-1927, and the YWCA was blessed to occupy the space from 1927-1995.

The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The approval letter stated that “By recognizing the significance of your property and planning of its preservation you are participating in a national movement which aims to preserve, for the benefit of future generations, our cultural heritage.

What was home life like when the Cooks lived here? How did the Hormels use and share the space? How many women benefitted from their association with the YWCA? Those are the questions we hope we answer when guests visit the HHH.

I am excited to share the event center with visitors, but I am more excited that, because of the event center, we can share the past with the present and thankfully, the future.

Board of Directors meeting

4 p.m., Oct. 20

 Veldman and Friends VIP

Pre-matinee champagne brunch

Tickets are on sale now for the Veldman VIP Pre-Matinee Champagne Brunch to be held at the HHH on Dec. 6, 2014. Contact the Paramount Theatre to purchase your tickets today.

 Social Concerns

10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 21

Presented by Jeff Baldus, Executive Director of the Austin Area Foundation. Join us to hear how the Foundation continues its mission of enhancing our community through charitable giving.

Free event, coffee and snack provided. Please call to let us know you plan to attend.

 Antiques Appraisal event at the Austin Public Library

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 23

Antiques expert Mark F. Moran will be at the Library to evaluate your treasures. He has been active as an appraiser of antiques and fine art for more than 20 years. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $15 per item for members of the Mower County Historical Society, the Austin Public Library and the Hormel Historic Home and $25 for non-members. Register at the Mower County Historical Society Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited.