One thing we don't do nearly enough of in this confusing, fast-paced world is listen to our elders.

I was reminded of that Thursday morning when I sat down for an hour's visit with a dozen residents of the Willow Ridge Retirement Community. I was invited by Jack Rogers, who worked side-by-side with me at the Gazette for many years.

I didn't know what to expect. Jack said only, "We have started getting together every week to talk about current events and whatever other subject comes up. Why don't you join us?"

I readily accepted and I'm glad I did. My birthday buddy, Ann Trail, introduced me and the group embarked on an hour-long discussion. In the process, I learned some things.

First of all, younger people, what do you think the Willow Ridge group regards as the three major problems problems facing the McCook community? I bet you miss your guess, because it wasn't taxes, nor crime nor high gas prices.

No, none of those. Instead, the main things on the minds of the Willow Ridge residents are three conditions which they think detract from the good life in McCook, Nebraska.

Those things, in the order they were mentioned, are:

* The cloroxy-like taste and smell of McCook's newly treated water supply;

* The unsightly appearance of homes and businesses cluttered with debris;

* Weeds which are proliferating in untended locations throughout the town, especially vacant business places such as the two Gas 'n Shop locations.

In other words, what the elders were telling us is that we need to be concerned about how the town looks and how it takes care of the basics of life.

The points are well taken. Several of the residents talked about the impressions of first-time visitors to the community. Weeds, untended homesites and vacant business places leave the guests thinking that is the kind of town it is, even though community-wide drives will show them otherwise.

So, my hope is that the City Council and Planning Commission take heed of the elders' observations. The appearance of the community needs to be a priority. Ordinances governing dilapidated housing and weeds need to be enforced.

But, the problem should not all be placed on the shoulders of public officials. Citizens need to get involved, too. Some will remember the 1960s when beautification efforts were in vogue. Maybe it's time for a similar effort, with emphasis placed on improving the appearance of our hometown.

And, oh, what about the water taste and smell? I don't notice it because we have a reverse osmosis system in our home. But, if the taste and smell of the water is a problem for some residents, the situation needs to be addressed. McCook spent too much on the water system to put up with anything but the best.