Mr. Wilson’s letter of Nov. 22 calls for a response that I am eager to share.  He believes that the value of the community is in the number of stores it has.  I beg to differ!

The value of any community is in the people who live there.  The people of Austin demonstrate the value of their town in countless ways.

Its churches and their outreach and support provide food, companionship, transportation, and many other services that never get mentioned or noticed.  I also want to brag about our students who step up for the Red Cross blood drive, sleep outdoors in cardboard boxes to experience the nightly conditions for many homeless.  This generous giving of themselves is a tribute to their parents.

Austin is noted for its many cultural experiences.  I challenge any community of comparable size to claim their music opportunities exceed Austin’s.  Our theater offerings are to brag about.  Our schools have graduated many who have gone on the distinguish themselves in their professions and their vocations.

The youth of Austin have a variety of activities they may choose for their participation.  Among these are music, drama, dance and supports.

I would be remiss if I didn’t include our Hormel Institute and its cancer research.  It puts us on the cutting edge of new discoveries and their quest to find cures for cancer.

I am proud to state as the world comes to Austin, we are a welcoming community.

So my point is, if you only count our stores, you are missing the real value of Austin.

Larry and Sherry Andersen

The Proud Residents of Austin