Let's make good use of the latest generous gift

Longtime McCook residents know the community has been the recipient of many generous gifts over the years, from the old Carnegie Library to several buildings around the McCook Community College campus to the Kiplinger Arena on the Red Willow County Fairgrounds.

But no gift really reaches its full potential until it is received, enjoyed and put to use.

The latest gift to the community is a good example of that principle.

The new Hormel Business and Technology Center is one of the showpieces of the MCC campus, and now, in recognition of a $36,000 gift, the Hormel name will be attached to part of the new McCook Community Trail System.

Ben Hormel was a well-known businessman who served McCook as a member of the school board, City Council, Chamber of Commerce, YMCA and McCook College Foundation. In addition, as a member of Rotary International, locally, nationally and internationally, it is fitting that the first part of the trail, first conceived and built as a McCook Rotary Club project, will be a memorial to Ben Hormel.

An appropriate gift indeed.

But it is up to us, citizens of McCook, to put the walking trail to use.

It shouldn't be hard to persuade us to do so.

If the price of gasoline isn't enough to get you to put on those walking shoes, consider the following.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say regular physical activity, such as walking 1 3/4 miles in 35 minutes, helps reduce the risk of dying prematurely, dying from heart disease, developing diabetes, developing high blood pressure, helps reduce high blood pressure, reduces the risk of developing colon cancer, reduces feelings of depression and anxiety, helps control weight, helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, helps older adults become stronger and better able to move around without falling and promotes psychological well-being.

Imagine how much better off all of us would be if we would just follow that advice?

Yes, it will be years before the entire McCook Community Trail System is complete, but the existing trail and neighborhood sidewalks are available now.

Walking together to keep ourselves fit is the best way to show our gratitude to the Hormel family and all those who are working to make this valuable form of exercise more inviting.