Appreciating the Beauty Around Us

A few weeks ago, residents and some members of the McCook Community Foundation Fund met to discuss how to attract people to McCook. To break the ice, those in attendance each had to name two positive attributes about McCook. Interestingly, none of the 15-20 people in attendance repeated ideas. And we all realized there really are a lot of positive things to list about our hometown.

When it was my turn, I noted that McCook is a beautiful town. I have lived in a small town, a medium-sized city, and a large metropolitan area. I have traveled some in the U.S. and Europe, and there are undoubtedly other places that are beautiful. But those places have actually helped me see the natural and man-made beauty right here at home.

Before retiring, one of my favorite things to do over my lunch hour was to walk up Norris Avenue. Under the canopy of the mature trees, with sunlight flickering through the leaves, my walk was a mixture of light and color that was at the same time relaxing and exhilarating.

We have many tree-lined streets in McCook – maybe you live on one of them – and it is something to enjoy throughout the year. It is obvious that many residents take a lot of pride in their homes with beautiful yards and lavish gardens that are a treat for all of us.

McCook has a rolling topography, which lends to beautiful parks built in the natural hills and valleys. Visitors comment on the beauty of downtown and the design of many of our buildings.

I live 15 miles southeast of McCook and am often delighted with the beauty of the valley. Coming into town over the hills, the valley south and east of McCook opens up. Depending on the season, it may be emerald green from growing crops; shades of oranges, reds and browns in autumn; or a white wonderland when covered in a fresh snowfall.

Have you recently come into town from the south on Highway 83 at night and marveled at how beautiful McCook looks with all of the glimmering lights? Driving in from the east on Highway 6/34 gives an ever-changing view along the Republican River. Even in the winter with the “naked trees,” the river valley has a serene look from the highway to the south hills. I am sure people coming in from the north and west of town have their own experiences of this ever-changing beauty.

We live in an area of the country where the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular and the stary night sky will leave you marveling at the beauty of the Milky Way and the wonder of the stars and planets. Although we have no hand in this natural beauty, it is a gift to us to enjoy that many people never see.

Are there improvements we can make? Sure. That will always be true.

But therein lies one of the most beautiful parts of McCook - our residents. There are people - your neighbors and friends - who are actively working to add beauty. If you have suggestions, pass those ideas on to groups like Beautify McCook, the McCook Garden Club, or the McCook Mural Project – or better yet, ask how you can help and how you can get involved.

Then slow down a little as you go through your day of work, errands, and activities to appreciate the beauty of our community, provided both by nature and by those working to make McCook an even better place to call home.

***

Peggy Been is a member of the McCook Community Foundation Fund, as well as an avid notetaker, busy volunteer and community cheerleader for McCook and Southwest Nebraska.

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By Ronda Graff • January 22, 2026

To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.