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.
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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.
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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.
Most likely, we aren't going to be good at something at the start. But that shouldn't stop us from trying.
August 2025 Volunteer of the Month Bruce McDowell can be found walking around McCook for his health, to be helpful or maybe even attend a meeting.
It takes work and effort to be social but its vital to our community.
McCook's young people are shaping their hometown through a various projects.
MCFF Summer Hometown Intern Natalie Roberts shares how her perspective on McCook changed over the past few months.
With the McCook Aquatic Center closing soon for the season, another tradition - Mr. Bill and his 25-cent snow-cones - will likely be coming to an end soon too.
McCook among five Nebraska communities in Revitalize and Thrive Program
Getting Outside of National Night Out Nearly everyone can tell you their last interaction with the police or the fire department. And unfortunately because of the nature of the organizations, it is usually not at a positive moment. My last contact with the McCook Police Department was just a few weeks ago, when I was pulled over on B Street in McCook…on my scooter. I pulled into the wrong lane when making a turn, which is illegal. But in my defense, it was an act of self-defense to just get through the intersection of East B and Sixth streets alive. Since the drivers haven’t seen a stop-light since Holdrege, cars and semis regularly run the traffic light, which makes me a wee bit vulnerable as I pass through the lanes. I got off with a warning but the true punishment were the texts throughout the day from everyone who saw me with my scooter and the police officer. Since most exchanges with police and fire are not on good terms, National Night Out was created to have an evening of positive interactions, to remind the public that the police and fire departments are just normal people, doing their jobs, looking out for their friends and neighbors, trying to create a safe community for everyone. National Night Out is designed to simply join your friends and neighbors for an evening of fellowship and fun. It is an opportunity to meet local law enforcement, creating safer and more caring neighborhoods. McCook is joining thousands of other communities across the country in hosting National Night Out, which typically takes place on the first Tuesday of August every year. Planned for Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. in and around Norris Park in McCook, the night includes a bike parade, a walk, awards for bike decorating, desserts and more. In other words, it is simply a block party to hang out. Numerous organizations have come together to make the evening possible. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the McCook Rotary Club are hosting a bike parade that starts at 6 p.m. Linda Maiden with State Farm, a bicycle helmet advocate, will also be in Norris Park. The streets around Norris Park will be shut down to provide a safe area to ride, as well as more space to cruise around the block. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bike, scooter, roller skates or anything on wheels. This could mean streamers, pompom balls, markers or even the old classic - playing cards in the spokes of your wheels. Some supplies will be available at the park for use if you show up and realize you are the most underdressed person at the party. If your bike has an inch of dust on it, this is a great time to get it out, wipe it off and get it rolling. And if your bike needs minimal fixes like a flat tire or a brake adjustment, bike tools will be on hand along with myself and my hubbie, who know just enough about bike repair to be dangerous but did manage a 300-plus mile bike ride last week so we must be doing something right. But let’s say you don’t have a bike or biking isn’t your cup of tea? Then you are still encouraged to join the “Walk in the Park,” hosted by Community Hospital. Designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle, walkers will stroll around the park and the neighborhood at whatever pace you feel like with strollers and dogs on leashes welcomed. And perhaps most importantly, there will be a chance to meet members of the McCook Police and Fire Department, getting to see police cars and fire engines close-up in a non-emergency manner, always the best way to see them. And if the weather cooperates, there may be a fire hose, water and spraying involved. If you have been at the Culbertson Fourth of July parade, you know it is up to you to stay out of the line of fire if you want to remain dry. We all have excuses for why we don’t want to go out at night, especially after a long day at work. But National Night Out in McCook on Aug. 5 is a great reason to get out your bicycle and lace up your walking shoes. Hang out with your friends, get to know your neighbors and meet your first responders. That is what makes our communities just a little bit better.
Judy McCune named July 2025 McCook volunteer of the month
Joyce Anderson named June 2025 McCook Volunteer of the Month
