I’m not a huge fan of comedian Steven Wright, but I do appreciate his humor. Several years ago my wife, Linda, and I had the pleasure of attending a Steven Wright show, who is most famous for his one-liners. The line which most resonated with me was: “I want to live forever – so far, so good.”
Now we all know that we don’t physically live forever – even Steven Wright. However, I think maybe Steven is on to something here as I contemplate the lives of three friends of mine and my Mom who passed away within the last year – Andy Anderson, Cloyd Clark, Tor Olson and Dolores Graff. What they accomplished during their time on earth and the positive impact they had on our community will live well beyond their physical existence.
We are all gifted with certain talents or assets. What made Andy, Cloyd, Tor and Dolores so special was they used their talents and resources to benefit others more than themselves.
As William Shakespeare so eloquently said, “The meaning of life is finding your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
My dad, Peter Graff, lived his life knowing that what he did for himself would die with him, but that what he did for others would live on long after he was gone.
Now seven years after his passing, the lives of our friends and neighbors in Southwest Nebraska are better because Peter Graff called McCook home. And years from now, the lives of Andy, Cloyd, Tor and Dolores will have the same profound effect on our community.
So, how can we best show our appreciation for those who came before us? For those who invested so heavily in our community, whether that be with their time, talent or treasures?
To start with, we can show our gratitude by how we invest our own time, our own talent and our own treasures into Southwest Nebraska. Consider giving back to your community, whether that be through volunteer efforts, financial donations or just showing up.
For example, each of us involved with the McCook Community Foundation Fund has made a pledge – the investments made by those who came before us will continue to prosper on our watch, whether those investments are an idea, an asset or just their spirit of giving.
Remember that giving not only helps others, but is good for our soul. H. Jackson Brown Jr. (the author, not the musician) wrote, “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”
Thank you Andy, Cloyd, Tor and Mom for the gifts of your lives - your spirits are still alive and well in Southwest Nebraska. You leave legacies of love and community that continue to live deeply in those of us touched in some manner by your lives. We will do our best to honor each of you in everything we do for our community.
As Mae West once said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” And you all did it so right.
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
