Music and education, two of the Hormel Historic Home mission areas, keep us busy and focused.

Last Saturday, we achieved music and education for little ones with our Music In Motion program. The Full Circle Bluegrass trio of Wendy and Josh Larson and Sylvia Davis performed while our young guests, ranging in age from new-born to 8, participated in movement activities that related to the music they were hearing. The kids were then invited to touch and play the bass, the fiddle, and guitar. Music In Motion is organized by our History for Half-Pints team and aims to provide interactive educational opportunities to children of all ages in a historic setting. More Music In Motion classes are in the planning stages

 In the afternoon, music provided an opportunity for our community to show support to our neighbors who are in the process of recovering from recent hurricane activity. Seven musical acts shared their craft and encouraged guests to make donations to the cause. We will be presenting $600 to the Red Cross to go directly to hurricane relief projects. The rain dampened the event, but it didn’t hinder the generosity of our community. Thanks to all who came and to the musicians for sharing their music.

 The autism education part of our mission will be increasing with the help of Mary Barinka, a local autism advocate. She has joined the HHH team as the community autism resource Specialist and her role is to further awareness, outreach and advocacy for those on the Autism spectrum within our community. Mary is actively making contact with families and with members of the service and business sectors to determine what Austin can do to better serve those with autism and other special needs.

 An outreach event is planned on Monday at the HHH that will feature the presentation of a young lady who lives with autism every day. Haley Moss will be the speaker at the 5th annual Peer Power Partners (PPP) community presentation. PPP serves as a mentoring program that pairs youth with special needs and same-aged peers to promote friendships, understanding and advocacy. Our new employee, Mary, also happens to be the creator of this initiative. The event will be from 6:30-8 p.m. and is free to all.

Moss’ presentation will cover the topics of the myths and truths of autism, neurodiversity, her own personal autism journey, and the importance of embracing differences. CEU’s are available for those interested.

 Music and education … they are good for us all.

Peer Power Partners Community Presentation

6:30-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16

This is an Autism Awareness event. Free.

Hearth & Home: History of Austin High School 

10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17

Presented by Wendy Larson, retired school employee. Hear stories and actions of the earliest school board starting in the 19th century. Reminisce as Wendy shares the highlights of student life into the early 20th century. Free.

Tour of Oakwood Cemetery

1:30 or 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22

$8 members of Mower County Historical Society or HHH, $10 nonmembers. Space is limited. Register at http://www.hormelhistorichome.org/calendarevent-tickets.html