Community Connection Column
I have had the privilege of being on various Zoom calls with people from across the country as we make our way through these trying times. And one theme continues to emerge on a regular basis: People are turning to the outdoors to deal with this crisis.
When someone is stressed out by yet another conference call, they go out for a walk. When they need the kids to take a break from endless homework, they head to a state park. When they don’t have enough frustration in their life, they go fishing or golfing.
Fortunately, we live in an area where there are countless ways to get outside and enjoy nature.
An idea the Nebraska Community Foundation champions is ABCD-thinking or Asset-Based Community Development. In other words, focus on abundance rather than scarcity by using “what’s strong to fix what’s wrong.”
Just one area where we are strong is that we are blessed with ample opportunities to get outside. Of course, everyone’s ideas are different when it comes to what they enjoy outside.
Some people are making plans to put in a garden, whereas the thought of spending hours this summer pulling weeds makes me want to pull out my hair. On the flip-side, some people can’t wrap their head around my desire to spend hours sitting on a rock-hard bicycle seat, peddling just for the fun of it.
And I still can’t fully explain the joy of camping, when we have a perfectly good house waiting for us without all the bugs biting us in our sleep and hot dogs dropped into the campfire. But when the Nebraska Games and Parks took away overnight camping earlier this month, many of us were distraught. Thankfully, state parks are scheduled to reopen May 8 and we’ll be there with bells on and s’more sticks ready.
As for those who say that there is nothing do, they simply aren’t trying.
One of my boys took the kayak down the Republican River this week and only had to get out and push off a sandbar three times. Walk around Norris Park - while maintaining safe social distancing - 3 times and you’ve got a mile done. Or simply sit in your backyard, enjoying this chance to slow down and take a moment to be thankful for the little things.
***
If you need a specific reason to get outside, there is the Community Hospital Virtual 5K Wellness Run/Walk. Because of the current situation, there really isn’t a race but thanks to the generosity of Community Hospital, there is no cost for the race. The race is pretty simple: Sign up online at republicanriverfitnessseries.com and then complete a 3.1 mile run or walk sometime between now and May 14 at 10 p.m. Participants are asked to submit a picture of their watch or themselves out on the run. We really love the pictures of those taken in front of Community Hospital’s sign or any health care facility…again keeping a safe social distance…to show our appreciation for all they are doing during this pandemic.
Of course, the run could be accomplished on a treadmill while binge-watching yet another Netflix show, but this a great time to get outside and enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer, even the bugs and wind.
***
Lastly, the McCook Community Foundation Fund granted another $10,000 on Friday toward the McCook Stimulus Spending Program … or as it is better known, COVID Cash. There was such tremendous support from the community the first week that the funds ran out in less than four days, which left some people unable to benefit from the program.
But thanks to a quick turn-around by Acme Printing to create additional certificates, COVID Cash is back up and running this week.
With dedicated volunteers from McCook Christian Church, the COVID Cash certificates are available for purchase during the week from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. in the Norris Alley Office in the Keystone Business Center.
You can also follow the program on Facebook, where a complete list of businesses which are accepting the certificates can be found. The program is a great way to stretch those dollars since $100 is turned into $120 while supporting our local businesses.
And even if you don’t have COVID Cash, it is more important than ever to try and shop local during this crisis. Personally, I want as many local restaurants to choose from when this is over, even if all my pants are starting to shrink - or I’m putting on weight - the verdict is still out.
Jeremy Shaw named April 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
While the Bison Alumni Newsletter will still be available digitally, a new printed service is available.
During a recent performance at the Fox Theater by the Lied's Arts Across Nebraska, there was one group who was not thanked: those who showed up for the event, which is a big deal.
Mark Friehe named March McCook Volunteer of the Month.
Although the Bodensteiners no longer live in Southwest Nebraska, they are still connected and wanted to see if prosper and thrive.
From long-term projects to weekly events, you cannot say "there is nothing to do" or "nothing is happening."
With the goal of reaching 200 subscriptions, the Bison Alumni Newsletter is launching a subscription service.
Long-time volunteer Don Harpst was recognized as the first McCook Volunteer of the Month in March 2025.
McCook's youth survey shows that young people now value safety in their community, something McCook provides.
Building Connections in McCook Matters June in McCook will be abuzz with fun events including a Youth Summit, hosted by McCook Community Foundation Fund. Our young people in Youth Change Reaction will host the first Nebraska Community Foundation gathering for youth, which will bring youth from across Nebraska to McCook. While still in the planning stages, our students identified that McCook is great because of connections . Our young people easily recognize how critical this factor is to people attraction, to people retention, and to improve their futures. What I miss most about my high school classroom is connections with students and colleagues. In education, I taught first, second, and sometimes third generations in families. My husband, Greg, and I are not McCook natives, but I eventually knew who was related to whom and usually where the parent(s) were employed. Going to the grocery store meant greetings from students and sometimes their family members. I officially retired from my high school classroom nine years ago in May. When you retire, the most-asked question becomes “What do you do with your time?” I try to maintain those connections and make new ones by belonging. For the past seven years, Sharon Bohling and I have volunteered to help plan and organize Bison Days for our high school students, which took place February 10 and 11. It would not happen without the financial support of McCook Community Foundation Fund, plus the McCook High School, local businesses, and the talented people of Southwest Nebraska who say “yes” when one of us reaches out to ask for the donation of time and talent. I would venture that they allow us to be on the Bison Days’ committee because we both have connections within our community—it’s certainly not our computer savvy. Connections can also solve a problem. Recently, I signed up to help a local family in crisis. My morning plan revolved around delivering my donation at a designated drop-off place. That didn’t work out. Fortunately, I still work with youth in various capacities, so I know that Keri Wilkinson works for Camy Bradley. Keri was an organizer for the family fundraiser, so I walked in Camy’s office hoping to find Keri. She was not there, so Camy and I visited briefly. She knew someone (who I did not know) who could possibly give me further direction. Only in a town with connections are you able to interrupt someone’s business, have her reach out for you using her connections , and offer to keep the donations for me until Keri’s return. Another great example of connecting can be found over coffee. Dee Friehe and I are longtime teacher friends. During a chance meeting at the grocery store a few weeks ago, she shared how she was there following a funeral service and was gathering supplies to deliver supper to the grieving family that night. She also updated me on her group of adults who meet for coffee on Thursdays at Ember’s, which varies from 8-28 depending on the day. She recognized the need for adults moving to McCook or folks just wanting to get out to make connections . Dee’s husband, Mark, also hosts his own group of men who are new(er) to McCook. She regaled me with stories of their Christmas party and other special gatherings. Wanting to call McCook your home is solidified by building connections . Ronda Graff has written about McCook Connects which matches a McCook person with someone new to the community of similar interests. I earned my McCook Connects’ T-shirt welcoming a young family with children. We have since spent many hot summer days sitting on bleachers together cheering on our 4-H horse kids while they show their horses. Warning: I connected them with a “free” new-to-them horse. Be careful connecting with me or you’ll probably own a horse. You do not have to be retired to connect in this community. Volunteering is a surefire way to meet people. McCook has many civic groups looking for new faces. Attend a church here; we have many welcoming congregations. Go to ball games or school concerts, attend concerts in the park, learn a new skill through the college, show up at a Third Thursday event or invite the neighbors for a BBQ. Take your youngsters to story hour or Move and Groove at the library. Go watch an event at the Kiplinger Arena. You can even take it a step further: Make a friend or call a friend and invite him/her to go with you. It is human connection that keeps us healthy and happy. If McCook Community Foundation Fund can help you connect in some meaningful way, please reach out for advice or support. *** While Pam Wolford may be retired, she is just as busy serving on the McCook Community Foundation Fund committee and started a new Learn and Return Scholarship with MCFF, while stepping up to grandparent whenever the call comes in.
