Last Saturday was a beautiful day for a walk.

Every year, as we plan the annual Stepping Out for Autism Walk, the potential weather conditions are discussed. We have had rain, wind and a few flurries in the past, but this year we had blue skies, warm sunshine and many smiling participants ranging in age from 1 to 85.

With the help of over 20 volunteers, the Hormel Historic Home Peace Garden welcomed 13 teams and 195 individuals as they registered to walk and gave donations to support the Autism programming held throughout the year.

We could not have pulled it off without their help. We are also indebted to the many corporate sponsors who helped make the event profitable. Donations came from Bollingberg Chiropractic, Coffee House on Main, Community Response Center, The Fawver Agency, Freeborn County Co-Op Oil, Games People Play, Hormel Foods, Hy-Vee, Kwik Trip, Mayo Clinic Health System, McFarland Truck Lines Inc., MidTown Auto Clinic, Miller Legal Strategies, Precision Signs, Quality Pork Processors, Rolling Green Fencing, SEMA, Worlein Funeral Home, YMCA, and the Yoga Studio of Austin.

Austin is so fortunate to have a generous corporate community that supports worthy causes. The walkers, the sponsors, donors, and the volunteers helped us raise over $6,000, and we can’t say thank you enough.

Registration has begun for the 2015 Autism summer camps and we are looking forward to another great year of programming.

Speaking of camps, it seems the sponsorship of summer programming for youth is not new to the HHH (formerly YWCA). I just found reference to a four-week day camp sponsored by the YWCA that was held at Todd Park in 1956. I am still looking for more information regarding this camp so if you remember the program please give me a call 507-433-4243. I also found some information regarding the annual Swim Camp for girls that was sponsored by the YWCA. In 1957, Mrs. Arthur Haas was announced as the Director of the camp for girls aged 8 and up.  Classes were offered at the municipal pool.

Summer camps offer fun and educational experiences for young people, and the Hormel Historic Home continues the tradition that started many years ago.

Ladies Floral Club Book Luncheon at the HHH

Wednesday, April 29

Tickets available only in advance for $25

 History Happy Hour

5:30 p.m. social, 6 p.m. presentation, Monday, May 11

Chuck Keller will present the history of the Austin Medical Center. Steve Waldhoff from Mayo Clinic Health System will also discuss the integration of the Medical Center with Mayo. Program is free to members of the HHH, the Mower County Historical Society, and the Friends of the Library.  $5 for non members.