Letter to the Editor

Mt. McCookmore and other thoughts on 125th

Thursday, April 12, 2007

I would like to thank Gene Morris for his column on Monday, April 9, 2007, titled "More Ideas for McCook's 125th." I do believe that he has been either a mouse in the corner quietly attending our 125th Celebration Committee meetings, he has psychic powers, or perhaps it is just that he and I have similar ideas in this subject area! I thank you for your column, Mr. Morris, because perhaps this is an appropriate time to publicly unveil an idea I have had.

Since mid-year 2006, when I called the first meeting to make plans for the 125th Birthday Celebration, the concept of "Mount McCookmore" was born. It all started when I quietly mentioned my idea for a "Mount McCookmore" to a person here and a person there, just to test the concept to see how such a "strange" idea might be received. Of course, there was always the chuckle, and then much to my relief, an acknowledgment that perhaps it was a good idea!

As time went on, I became more confident and presented the idea to the various committees making plans for the events of the 125th with similar results.

As the idea was embraced, we developed the look of our "Historical Statesmen" sketched by McCook Art Guild contest winners, Michelle Lytle and Connie Kleckner, and computer generated in "Mt. McCookmore" fashion by ACME Touch Printing, for use on our 125th commemorative items. (Reference: McCook Gazette, Front Page, Wednesday, March 28, 2007, titled "Design Winners".)

In addition, because the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce has agreed that the Quasquicentennial Celebration would be "revenue neutral" for the Chamber, there has also been a continuing discussion regarding what should be done if there were any funds remaining at the close of 2007. As Chairperson of the 125th Committee, it has been my desire to utilize any funds remaining from sponsorships, events and/or the sale of memorabilia, to leave a legacy of our 125th for the community to enjoy in years to come.

I have researched the idea of a brick mural depicting "Mt. McCookmore" featuring our "Historical Statesmen" and have also investigated the possibility of one or perhaps two brick murals. My thoughts have been that two murals could be developed: one at each intersection of Highway 6 & 34 and Highway 83 (North & South).

If sufficient funds are not available and the balance needed could not be raised for two murals (they are quite expensive), my next suggestion has been that we place one mural at the corner of George Norris Avenue and B Street. I personally feel that a brick mural would be a great project of which McCook could be proud. However, there have been no definitive plans made and the discussion will continue throughout this year as we celebrate 125 years of heritage!

Your column, Mr. Morris, has prompted me to publicly describe my thoughts and ideas so that we can begin to draw feedback on them or perhaps learn of even better ideas for such a legacy. I invite your readers to provide input on this concept or any others that they feel would be worthy of consideration.

The actual decision of what should be done with any remaining funds will rest primarily with the 125th Committee and the respective celebration sponsors. However, I am certain that they will welcome input from your readers so the decision will best represent the desire of the community-at-large.

Please respond to this concept or describe your ideas by either writing the Open Forum or contacting me at the Chamber office, 308-345-3200. Our e-mail address is info@aboutmccook.com.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in planning, or helping with the 125th Celebration in any way, is also invited to contact me at the Chamber. I would love to involve more people in the activities being planned ... it is an exciting time in McCook!

-- Pam Harsh also is executive director of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce.

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