It seems like everything we talk about these days are big and audacious, whether it is building a new aquatic facility for our community or the lack of affordable housing.
And while these larger issues do need to be addressed, we sometimes forget that the little things matter. Small decisions we make everyday add up to create how our community feels to both us and to others. Daily actions determine the future of our community and ultimately, the quality of life for ourselves, our families, our friends, and our neighbors.
In “This Is Where You Belong,” Melody Warnick offers up advice about finding and creating the place you want to call home. And these are not grand, sweeping gestures but rather small, daily actions which really can make a difference:
- Walk more
- Buy local
- Get to know your neighbors
- Do fun stuff
- Explore nature
- Volunteer
- Eat local
- Become more political
- Create something new
- Stay loyal through hard times
None of these concepts are earth-shattering but are rather common sense. Nor are they hard to do but are rather doable if you make a conscious decision to do them.
Attend a government meeting and find out where your taxes are going. Explore nature by strolling along the walking trail or visiting one of the many nearby lakes. Reach out to volunteer in something that interests you or could benefit from your expertise and enthusiasm.
Your actions don’t even have to be that big. Do you pick up trash if you see it laying on the sidewalk even though you didn’t drop it? Do you smile and say “Hi” to people as you are walking down the street? Do you plant flowers in your yard?
All of these actions add up to create a welcoming and inviting community that people want to call home.
But the first item - walk more - may be the easiest yet the most important item on the list. Why? Because by simply getting out of your vehicle and walking helps you to get to know your community. You see things you won’t see whizzing by at 30 mph. You meet people you wouldn’t meet if you are behind a windshield. You see up close and personal what needs fixing in your community but more likely, you see what is already great in your community.
While the weather is soon going to be taking a turn toward colder temperatures, don’t let that deter you from taking a nightly stroll or getting up early to walk to work.
I came across a quote about time travel the other day. While not word for word, the gist was that people are afraid to travel back in time because they are afraid some small change they might do may alter the course of history. And that may be true.
But it’s also just as true moving forward. Some small change you may do may alter the course of the future.
Each of us has the opportunity to take the small actions which add up to make our community what we want it to be. Can you imagine what would happen if each and every one of us did one small thing every day to make our community better than it was the day before? I am betting we would make McCook an even better place to call home.
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
