Close to eight and a half years ago, my family of four moved to McCook for my job at McCook Community College. Now, as our family of six prepares to move to a new opportunity in Arizona, it has given me a chance to reflect on my time here. 

There are a lot of great things about McCook. The people are amazing; we have many thriving local independent businesses; there is a strong foundation of pioneers from the community; and there are local institutions leading the community forward.

Plans are underway to transform parts of the community. Discussions around a new aquatics facility, athletic fields, walking trails, and Y upgrades show promise of significant improvements. At the same time, plans to add new residential neighborhoods are moving forward. And local childcare centers continue to grow to meet a large local demand. These are all critical pieces in providing what families in the workforce need to move here.

At the same time, there are improvements that can and need to be made, both logistically and physically. 

Too often we look at certain items as expenses when they can be classified as investments. Additionally, the return on investment may not be financial but may provide the amenities that attract and keep families here.

We already have a tight labor market - just look at the help wanted signs. And with our aging population, it will become more difficult in the future. We need to invest in the features that will both attract and retain young families, starting with what is already in place.

The library staff does a fantastic job, but they have limited resources in which they are able to provide services. We have plenty of park space and a good foundation of playgrounds, but upgrades to playground equipment and our existing facilities are few. 

Our Chamber of Commerce has had two outstanding directors while I have led the McCook Economic Development Corp. But lack of resources makes it difficult to keep someone long-term, allowing them time to make impactful changes in the community. 

And after a lot of work, there are great plans for a Children’s Discovery Center, but additional funding will probably be needed.

These organizations, projects and ideas need our support. They need us to use these resources on a regular basis, they need us to promote the resources to others, and when we are able, they need us to contribute financially. And perhaps most importantly, we need to share our time and talents with these institutions. 

While it may be difficult for some to see a positive financial return on investment on any of these, the investment helps improve the quality of life for people who live here and who may consider living here in the future.

This is challenging because it does cause a sacrifice. We may have to pay higher taxes. We may have to take on a few more roles in the community. We may have to give up a bit of leisure time. But all of this is what creates community, a community people want to be part of.

The main factor driving my family’s move was more opportunities for not only myself, but my wife and children. The warm weather in the winter and a chance to get back into higher education were also draws.

But it has been exciting to be a part of this community and we have developed a lot of meaningful relationships. I will be watching from a distance to see the progress the community makes. And I get excited when I imagine the future victories McCook could - and should - accomplish. 

This will only happen, if we are willing to sacrifice some of our individual resources to help create community. When this happens, your bank account may not increase, but your quality of life will and McCook will be an even better place to call home.

Andy Long is (was) treasurer of the McCook Community Foundation Fund. Andy is the epitome of what it is to be involved in the community, to have passion for where he is planted and to have a desire to make those around him better. He and his family will be missed…but we are hoping they’ll be back soon.