This May will mark four years since my return to McCook after graduating from college and I am glad every day that I did.
Since returning, I have been able to immerse myself in community initiatives by joining local groups, such as the McCook Communities of Excellence 2026 initiative and the McCook Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee. These groups are filled with community members, residents, and leaders who believe in the future of McCook and who are working tirelessly to make McCook better.
It is through these groups that I have been able to share my dreams for McCook and watch as they begin to morph into reality. With my background in public health and wellness, as well as eight summers spent working at the McCook City Pool, projects such as a new and improved city pool, the expansion of the walking trails, and the addition of a children’s museum have always been important to me. Not only would the completion of these projects lead to a better quality of life for McCook residents, they would also help to increase physical activity in our community, they would offer entertainment and educational opportunities for our youth and they would be an added incentive for young families interested in moving to or remaining in McCook.
I have always been passionate about McCook and any project to improve the quality of life in our community, but that passion took on added importance this past year. My husband Chandler and I are expecting our first child this summer, which has immensely increased my desire for more family and youth-oriented community projects.
Chandler and I always knew we wanted to be back in McCook before starting a family. We also agree that we want to live in a progressive McCook that will provide ample opportunities for our family to spend quality time together, a desire held by many young families.
When I think of the family Chandler and I are starting, I envision evenings spent together taking our goldendoodle Frankie to the dog park, going for a stroll on the walking trail or spending our summers at the local waterpark. I can picture us splashing around during swim lessons on a sun-soaked day and playing at the children’s museum on a gloomy afternoon.
What I don’t envision is piling our family into a vehicle on our way to yet another town to find those amenities. And, unfortunately, that out-migration is already happening in our community.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
I know these projects are large dreams, but dreams become reality every day. If projects like these are important to you, make your voice heard. Reach out to the city council which controls our tax dollars and stay informed on their progress. Reach out to the community groups which are working to get projects like these completed and ask to be involved.
These large community projects will not be cheap nor will they be resolved quickly. But if we - the parents of the next generation - want our children to lead happy, healthy lives, then every ounce of effort is worth it.
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.
