Community Links event to connect local residents with special interests

Tuesday, February 26, 2019
McCook residents have taken up the sport of pickle ball. Pickle ball representatives will be available at the first-ever "Southwest Nebraska Community Links" activities fair Thursday.
Shary Skiles

McCOOK, Neb. — Fight off the winter doldrums, beat cabin fever, and shake off the cold weather woes.

Get out of the house and learn about activities that will brighten your spring and summer and fall, and yes, even your winter next year, by attending the first-ever "Southwest Nebraska Community Links" activities fair Thursday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., in McCook's Memorial Auditorium at the corner of West Fifth and C.

Nearly 40 booths and tables will be set up by people who want to share their passion for their organization, hobby or activity and invite others to get involved in something new or expand a current interest.

The activities fair is hosted by the Southwest Nebraska Leadership Institute and is free to attend. Organizers plan door prize giveaways every 15 minutes (must be present to win) and refreshments. "Come mingle," coordinators say. "Visit over hors d'oeuvres."

It's an "open house" concept: Come when you can, leave when you must.

———

Co-coordinators Roxie Roth and Holly Olson explain that the fair has a triple mission:

— Organizations can "toot their own horns," and tell residents all about their activities.

— The activities fair will give residents — long-timers, newcomers, and those moving to, or contemplating a move to McCook or the McCook area — "links" to organizations and activities in which they can become involved, and invest and volunteer their time and talent.

— Organizers will develop a list of contacts for each activity, group or organization.

Holly said organizers are hoping to connect people with activities so that McCook and its surrounding communities can feel like "home" … that they can become "family."

———

Booths will be manned by representatives of:

— Service organizations that would like to encourage new members and/or volunteers. "But 'volunteering' doesn't always mean 'work'," Roxie said. "If you have, say, a passion for children, you can volunteer to help with Head Start or TeamMates, or volunteer to help at the library."

— Recreational groups, such as sports clubs, health/fitness, hunting/fishing enthusiasts, pickleball players, a men's dart league, cycling and running.

— Musicians and performing artists.

— Hobby groups, such as china painters, quilters, knitters and crocheters, card players, china painters.

Some groups will offer interactive opportunities.

Roxie said the organizations and activities are geared toward participants of every age and every stage of life. "There is so much to do in our own backyards, all over Southwest Nebraska. Indoors and outdoors … " she said.

"I am in awe of the phenomenal number of activities and opportunities we have to offer."

Holly said, "These are wonderful opportunities to try something new … a new adventure.

There are opportunities for newcomers to Southwest Nebraska, long-time residents, someone who's children are 'suddenly' all in school … empty-nesters … retirees. There is so much talent in our area. We want to share it."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: