Here's a couple of events to brighten up your day

In the midst of one of the mildest winters on record, Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas are finally getting a sprinkling of snow and temperatures which are dipping below freezing levels. But don't get the blues. Grab your coat and cap and get out of the house. Two events are planned Tuesday, Feb. 7, which will brighten your day.

First, be sure to stop by the McCook Daily Gazette office between noon and 3 p.m. Tuesday for some delightful treats. The goodies are compliments of Gazette staff members, who are preparing recipes featured in the first issue of "Relish." The occasion is in honor of the first edition of the food and entertainment publication, which will make its debut as an insert in Tuesday's newspapers.

In months to come, the Relish edition will be included with Gazette issues printed on the first Tuesday of the month.

Several tasty recipe samples will await guests, including Bittersweet Chocolate Brownies, Sour Cherry Shortbread, Ginger and Molasses Cookies and Black Bean and Rice Burritos.

Then, later in the day, you're invited to join the crowd which will gather at McCook Community College for the dedication of the college's restored chime system.

For long-time residents of the college neighborhood, the late afternoon dedication will have special significance. That's because the college chimes are a nostalgic part of McCook's heritage, playing regularly during the early part of the 1940s and parts of the 1950s.

The Tuesday afternoon chime reception will begin at 5 p.m. at McMillen Hall and continue until 7 p.m.

The restoration of the chimes was made possible by a gift from the McCook College Foundation, which has played an instrumental role in the growth and quality of McCook Community College.

The melodic sounding of the chimes will be an uplifting experience for both the college and the community. They will serve as a reminder of the college's key role and will be a soothing symbol of a treasured community tradition.

So get out of the house and stop by the Gazette and the college Tuesday afternoon. The events offer a fun and friendly way to connect with your community.