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.
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.
