Opinion

Celebrate May by sprucing up our surroundings

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Hear the doorbell ring tonight, and it might not be some youngster selling something to help finance youth activities. It's May Day, May 1st, the second full month of spring, the day for delivering May baskets.

Thanks to the calendar, as well as the first of what we hope is a string of much-needed rains, today is also a good day to think about our summer gardening plans and outdoor projects. It's also a good time to think about cleaning up and fixing up our surroundings. How about that pile of junk in the back yard? Those weeds along the fence? When will we give up on that old car and call the junk yard -- er, automotive recycling center?

Does that fence need straightening, or that house trim need scraping and painting? Maybe it's time to consider a major facelift of our property.

Don't get us wrong, McCook is an attractive place, for the most part. Most residents take pride in the appearance of their homes and property. The same can be said for the many surrounding towns in the Golden Plains.

But that does not mean there isn't room for improvement. It might take a little time, but we wouldn't have to look far to find an old house in need of much TLC, if not the attention of a demolition crew. Young weeds are already sprouting, ready to spread their branches as the growing season arrives in ernest. Rusting cars on blocks or flattened tires are all too visible to passers-by. Blowing trash collects on fence lines and in road ditches.

Yes, there is always time for improvement. But now is an especially appropriate time to take our tidying-up energies outdoors.

Those weeds will be much easier to clear before they grow tall, sturdy stems. That trash will be easier to find before it is overgrown with weeds. Any type of outdoor work will be easier now, with moderate temperatures and pleasant weather. Remember last summer's many 100-plus days? That should be enough to drive us outdoors before the oppressive heat returns.

McCook is fortunate to have a limited amount of "free" labor available in the form of Work Ethic Camp offenders, but they can't do everything.

A number of local groups have gotten involved with the Nebraska Department of Roads "Adopt A Highway" program, cleaning up their stretch of road twice a year. If your group is interested, call Denise Wallman in Lincoln at (402) 479-4843 for more information.

But you don't have to belong to a service club to do your part. Why not take a few minutes, hours or days to celebrate the month of May by sprucing up where you live and work?

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