Our people: Familiar face

She's been a familiar face at the checkout of an area supermarket for the past 35 years. Familiar, but you may not know her name; she's June Gallo.

Thursday she stood under a shade tree in front of her home and shared some things about her life with The News.

Q: What is the story of you and Clovis?

A: I was born in Clovis in a little clinic on Second Street, I think it was at Second and Reid streets. I was one of my family's ten girls and three boys. I went to La Casita Elementary, Marshall Junior High and Clovis High School.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: My significant other of 53 years is Ernest Hall. I originally had five children. I have two daughters now, they both live here in Clovis. Christine works at Cannon Air Force Base and Tammy works at Retirement Ranch. I have 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. There's another great-grandchild 'in the oven.'

Q: So how did you come to be a checkout clerk at Albertson's?

A: In the early 80s I worked in housekeeping at Retirement Ranch. I left there to go work at the Levi's plant, it used to be on Norris Street across from the county fairgrounds. That didn't last long because I didn't like sewing.

I went to Albertson's looking for a better job. I was going to be there just temporarily.

I guess I liked it.

I've been there 35 years.

Q: Do you have a personal philosophy about dealing with customers?

A: We have many great customers.

Once in a while you'll run into a someone who's not happy and can ruin your whole day. It happens. But I smile and wish them a nice day. That's all you can do.

Don't get me wrong, we have many very nice customers that make your day.

Q: What's your favorite food?

A: My red chile enchiladas. They're just like my mother used to make, at least that's what my sisters Priscilla and Dolores tell me.

The secret is in the spices. It's mom's recipe but I added a little something to it.

Q: Do you have a favorite supermarket deli food?

A: Our fried chicken, it's better than 'The Colonel's.'

Q: Do you have a favorite saying?

A: It is what it is.

Q: You want to make a point about Clovis living?

A: I do. A lot of people come to Clovis and say, "There's nothing here."

But I say there is plenty to do here.

It's what you make of it.

I love Clovis. I'll never leave. It's home.