Editorial

New Events Center name is fitting tribute to generous family

Thursday, October 9, 2014

The MCC Events Center is a clean, no-nonsense modern facility that quietly goes about the business of supporting McCook Community College and the students it prepares for the future.

It's only fitting that it now bears the name of Peter and Dolores Graff, who have quietly gone about the business of improving the community they and their family call home.

The newly-named Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center is only the latest sign of a spirit of giving that has manifested itself in St. Patrick Church and School, Walsh Brady Hall and numerous other civic improvements.

Speaking at the renaming ceremony Wednesday, Mark Graff said his late father would have poo-hoo'd the attention, preferring to credit those around him, including the staff of McCook National Bank, customers, families and many others working together for the common good.

But there's no question the recognition is deserved, and reading the name on the building will be a continuing reminder.

It's gratifying to see local families and businesses that give back to the community that has made their success possible.

Generations of students to come will benefit from their generosity.

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  • The challenge is that ALL need to give back to the community to help make this even a better place to live, work and play. Thanks to the Graffs and the college.

    -- Posted by dennis on Thu, Oct 9, 2014, at 4:18 PM
  • I knew Mr. Graff and his son is right this is not why they worked so hard and built a legacy, just to have a name on a building. To work hard and not look for recognition for the good you have done is the ultimate form of public service. I respect the Graff family for that. This is an example of one not being forced to contribute to the public good but doing it freely because it was right.

    Contrast that to the politician that posts on these blogs all of the time to draw attention to himself. He is constantly attaching his name to things he had nothing to do with but just happened to be the latest politician in office to take credit for what the real economy made possible. If you don't "give" to the community in a way that is approved by him then it doesn't count. I am only speaking from experience here.

    -- Posted by Todd Cappel on Fri, Oct 10, 2014, at 6:24 AM
  • Then by all means Todd, move to McCook and run for mayor. That way you have some credibility, as opposed to someone who just doesn't like Dennis.

    -- Posted by Hugh Jassle on Sun, Oct 12, 2014, at 12:16 AM
  • So the only way to have any credibility and to criticize the government and taxes is to hold public office? I don't think so.

    I disagree with dennis on policy matters and how he works certain groups against each other such as the residents of McCook versus those outside the city limits when he says that those that travel to shop in McCook don't pay their fair share for the privilege to shop in McCook. "dennis' has taken plenty of shots at my business because I exist outside city limits and don't pay the local sales tax but I do when I come to McCook to buy products and services. Those businesses that I do purchase products from appreciate our patronage. The sad thing is that what we sell is exempt from sales taxes due to Nebraska laws on the sale of agricultural products so for "dennis" to attack my business and state that I exist outside city limits to avoid the city sales tax, is completely baseless.

    -- Posted by Todd Cappel on Sun, Oct 12, 2014, at 10:44 AM
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