So far in 2021, at least two or three of these columns have been tributes to those who have passed, including Cloyd Clark and Tor Olson. Hopefully, their families and friends found those words comforting, uplifting or at least brought back a few fond memories.
While I will continue to occasionally reflect on those who have had a tremendous impact but are no longer with us, I want to offer up an alternative: highlighting those who have had a tremendous impact but continue to influence our community in positive ways because they are still here.
Last night to kick of McCook’s Heritage Days Celebration, several well-deserving people were recognized for their roles in McCook including Bill Elliot as parade marshal; Jody and Richie Crocker as honor family; and king and queen Matthew Pochop and Karragan Shaw, as well as all of the Heritage Days royalty.
And finally, there was Mark Graff, who received the Grand Marshall award for his years of service nationally, statewide and locally.
While many people know Mark because of his role leading MNB Bank, his influence can be found in countless other areas. Had Trevor Taylor listed everything Mark has been or is currently involved in during Wednesday’s celebration at the MNB Mixer, we would have been there for a long time…way past Mark’s bedtime.
While Mark is involved in many organizations including serving as a founder and current treasurer for the McCook Community Foundation Fund, the public may not notice it. As a certified public accountant, he steadfastly does what is needed, what is expected, what is right. He isn’t out there show-boating or grand-standing unless he is showing off his two new grandchildren.
And Mark is quick to shift the attention from himself to those around him or give credit to those who came before him. There is one person who he cites for helping him become the man he is today: his dad, Pete Graff.
Pete and Mark have many similarities - from their height to their hairline - but there is yet another attribute they have in common. When they speak, people listen. Pete was not one for many words. He didn’t have to orate long to get his point across. There are countless stories of people sitting in Pete’s office in McCook National Bank, now MNB Bank, as the customer or friend told a story or asked for advice with Pete sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed across his chest, just listening most of the time.
The same holds true for Mark as people reach out for advice, assistance, or just a friendly ear to talk to. Because Mark acknowledges that the other thing he learned from his dad is that we can never give back to our community too much and that we will never be able repay all the people who also work so hard day after day but we’ll try.
And for full transparency, I must clarify my relationship with Mark. I am married to Mark’s brother, Jon, the youngest of Pete and Dolores Graff’s 11 children. When meeting someone new who knows the Graff name, I am often asked if I am Mark’s wife, but that title belongs to Mark’s wonderful wife, Linda.
Occasionally, I am asked if I am one of Mark’s five sisters, but McCook is home to four Graff-Thomas boys: Mark, Mike, Chad and Jon. But my favorite question is when people ask if I’m Mark’s daughter. Not sure how Mark feels about that, but it makes my day.
Congratulations to all the Heritage Days Royalty, who continue to make McCook an even better place to call home.
***
As if he wasn’t involved enough, Mark is spearheading the Timberline Concert next Thursday, Sept 30 at the Alice Building on the Red Willow County Fairgrounds, which is being held in memory of Tor Olson. Thanks to many generous sponsors, all ticket proceeds will go toward a project in Tor’s name, something that showcases one of Tor’s many interests.
While you can get tickets at the door, it’s going to be $5 more. So stop by MNB Bank or Sehnert’s Bakery before next Thursday to get a ticket. Tickets are also available at the Imperial City Offices. Or visit www.jimsalestrom.com to order online.
The concert is going to be a fun evening with great music by Timberline, honoring a great man in Tor Olson and organized by a tremendous local leader in Mark Graff.
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.
