People love Clovis

Project: Reader Reaction

A recent Project: Reader Reaction question asked, “What do you like about Clovis?” Some responses:

“I have lived in small villages and large cities and all have unique feels about them. Some are friendly some are not. What I like about Clovis can be summed up in two words: the people.”

— Jim Sitterly, Clovis

“I have left Clovis three times, each time vowing never to return. After living in Amarillo, San Antonio and Houston, I much prefer the slower pace of Clovis and the lower cost of living and the proximity to the big spaces.”

— Frank Dalton, Clovis

“What I like about Clovis is that it is my home. Having been brought up in a military family, moving to a new home every two years or so, I never felt like I had roots. Now I do. The people in Clovis are caring, friendly folks, ready to help whenever it is needed. I believe the people in Clovis are the best!”

— Kay Arvizu, Clovis

“The friendly camaraderie of people you meet on the street ... Having a military base nearby, as most people are either active/retired military or retired railroad people ... a community of growth potential, which has good leadership, security and friendliness for all who live here.”

— Gerald Majewski, Clovis

“I would have to simply say it’s the small-town atmosphere. I was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in 1993 and retired in 1998. During those five years, my family and I have grown to like the area and make many friends. ...

“In general, people are friendly and willing to help you if you need it. Even with the growth, I think Clovis will keep that small-town atmosphere for a long time.”

— Steve Deleon, Clovis

Clovis: There is no better place to live

By Don Reid

I was born and raised in Clovis and have never lived anywhere else other than the time I was drafted into the Army. Clovis will always be home to me and I never had a desire to leave.

Our weather is absolutely magnificent. We don’t have too much flooding, not many tornadoes, no earthquakes, no hurricanes and really not much snow or cold weather. We do however have our share of the wind. Seems minor to me compared to what happens in other parts of the country.

I hear people say we don’t have any trees. Have you ever come back from Portales on U.S. 70 and looked out at the community when you were on top of the overpass at Prince and Mabry? If you haven’t, try it. You may be suprised at how many trees we have.

I love to listen to people talk when they first arrive in Clovis. Lots of them are very disappointed for one reason or another and don’t like Clovis. But after they have been here awhile, they seem to soften or completely change their minds and become one of us.

They have even gone so far as to be offended when other new people come into town and say something derogatory about Clovis.

Clovis is not too big, but it is also not too small. You can be anywhere in town in 10 minutes or less.

You can purchse everything you need locally and if a merchant doesn’t carry what you need, he or she is willing to get it for you.

You have many choices of churches, ballparks, theaters, schools and, yes, we have a wonderful zoo. If you haven’t seen it you should.

Most importantly, we have the greatest people in the world. As newcomers stay awhile, they begin to notice they are waved at while driving down the street. Many times our local merchants remember your name after you have come in a few times to do business with them.

We have the most dedicated teachers in our school system, the most dedicated people possible running the affairs of our city, and yes, our clergy even work together for the betterment of our community.

Clovis is a great place to raise a family and instill in our children the true nature of caring for our fellow man. You can see it every day. Many times in Clovis you will see neighbor helping neighbor, friend helping friend, and you will see ordinary people helping strangers.

We do have our share of disagreements and problems, but we always seem to emerge doing what is right for our community. I am always amazed when I see how many people graduate high school here and choose to stay or go off to college and then return to make Clovis their home.

Some can’t wait to get away from Clovis and then can’t wait to come home after they have been gone for a while.

I love to go to the mountains for vacation, but when my vacation days are over, I am always ready to come home and that, for me, is Clovis.

Don Reid has been a Clovis resident for 53 years. He can be contacted at: [email protected]