Great fun set for Family Home Run Weekend

It's free, it's fun and you're invited! We're talking about "MCC's Family Home Run Weekend," which will take place Saturday at two sites: Jaycees Field and the McCook Community College campus.

"Please join us," said Stephanie Gunter, the director of the McCook College Foundation, which is spearheading arrangements with the assistance of the MCC Student Senate; the dean of student life, Michele Hill; and the director of housing and student activities, Andy Pfipsen

Activities will begin with a baseball game matching the men's baseball team from MCC against the Trinidad (Colo.) team. There is no admission for the game, which will be at Jaycees Field.

Shortly after the game ends, the festivities will move to the McCook Community College campus between True Hall and McMillen Hall.

The picnic supper, free to all, will begin at 5 p.m. and last until 6. "We will be serving sloppy joes, cole slaw, baked beans, lemonade and iced tea, with brownies for dessert," Gunter said. Following the picnic, the crowd is invited to stay around for a two-hour show featuring "The New Old-Timers Band" from Hill City, Kan. The five-member group, which some may remember from "Hot Summer Nights," play both bluegrass and "new grass" music with a mixture of instruments, including a mandolin, guitar, banjo, fiddle and bass.

The "Homerun Weekend" is part of the college foundation's continuing effort to have the community connect with the college students and staff, the foundation director said, adding: "Through this and similar events, we are hoping to show the heritage and vitality of the college."

Last fall during McCook's Heritage Days celebration, the foundation joined the college in dedication of the new outdoor clock. Then, next fall, the college and foundation will dedicate the renovated chimes.

"These are exciting times for the college and the foundation," Gunter said. The McCook College Foundation, with assets of close to $4 million, has just awarded 29 scholarships to western Nebraska high school seniors, and is preparing to award five scholarships to business administration and technical studies' enrollees in the Bellevue University program offered though McCook Community College.

The latest grants are part of more than $100,000 in scholarships awarded annually by the foundation. The college and the foundation make great contributions to the community and the area. Let's join them Saturday for food, fun and the feeling of good fortune which comes from having a vibrant college in our midst.