By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home

I am a little late but my intent is good.

April 21-27 was National Volunteer week, and although I intended to send a note of gratitude to all those who help us out here at the Hormel Historic Home, I didn’t get it done in time. Perhaps I needed the help of a volunteer.

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and is celebrated all over our country in many different ways.

According to handsonnetwork.org: “It is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.”

Volunteers are very important to the HHH, and I would like to recognize those who have chosen to share a little of their imaginative and caring ways with us.

Over the years the HHH Board of Directors has spent countless hours planning events to benefit the Home.  They offer tours to remind guests of our history; they serve treats or meals to represent the spirit of hospitality that the Hormels were known for, and they consider ways in which the Home can continue to serve our community.

In the office we have people with great organizational and people skills who help keep things running smoothly.  From scheduling tour guides, to arranging historical documents, to answering phone calls and selling tickets to events, they are priceless in helping us maintain a healthy organization.  We also have friends who just like being here and will often tidy up and water the plants.

Another regular group of volunteers is the Y’s Women.  This group has met at the Home for 20 years, and they often volunteer at events such as our Holiday Open House and German cookie bake. They even set tables for our Sweetheart Dinner. You will soon see a bit of their gardening work as they fill the window boxes on the west side of the Home.

Our volunteer Board of Trustees oversees the financial position of the HHH and develops long-range goals to help us remain vital to Austin. They oversee the administrative processes and ensure that positive business decisions are being made.

Although I am late in saying it, I am extremely grateful for those who have chosen to make the HHH their outlet for volunteer work.  They do it because they recognize the value of a facility such as ours and they want to see it preserved. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we do without them.

Social Concerns: Patient-Centered Health Care

Join us on May 21 for an informative session about PCMH, team based care provided to all patients at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin. Presentation will also include discussion on the Care Coordinated patient care they provide (the RN working closely with those patients who have high complexity health care needs).

Please call 433-4243 to register for this free Program.  Coffee and Snack provided.