In the heart of our Winona community lies a treasure trove of summertime delights, beckoning both locals and visitors alike to savor the season’s offerings. The simple joy of enjoying an ice cream cone takes on a magical quality against the backdrop of summer’s warmth and Sugar Loaf’s shadow.
But as we relish these seemingly small moments, let’s not forget the vast strides we’ve made as a community over the past half-century. Just fifty years ago, individuals with developmental disabilities were often confined to institutional settings outside of our Winona community, away from their families and with little opportunity to enjoy life’s simple pleasures that we sometimes take for granted.
Today, however, the landscape is vastly different. Here in Winona, individuals with developmental disabilities are not only integrated into our community but are thriving amidst the abundance of opportunities it offers. During the fleeting months of summer, those supported by Home and Community Options actively participate in the richness of experiences our area has to offer.
They soak in the serenity of lakeside walks, tap their feet to the tunes at band shell concerts, and browse the stalls of the farmers markets. The joy on their faces as they cheer on the passing floats during the Steamboat Days parade is infectious. And, of course, there’s the timeless summer tradition of enjoying an ice cream cone from the Lakeview Drive Inn, Nate & Ally’s, or Penguin Zesto.
Parks dot our landscape, where both the individuals we serve and our staff spend time walking the trails of Holzinger Lodge Trail, enjoying the views from Garvin Heights, gathering at Wincrest Park, and spending time with friends and family at the many other parks nestled in our community. Several state parks are just a short drive away, some of which now offer handicapped accessible equipment for easier accessibility. It’s a testament to our progress, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can partake in the joys of nature and outdoor recreation.
As we bask in the warmth of summer and revel in the abundance of opportunities that surround us, let us pause to acknowledge the profound significance of this progress. Let us cherish not only the delights of the present but also the journey that has brought us here. For in honoring our past and embracing our present, we pave the way for an even brighter future—one where inclusivity and opportunity know no bounds.
