Don't be so hard on yourself, Clovis

I’ve been in Clovis three months. I love it. The people of Clovis have been welcoming.

BUT ...

I’ve realized the town has a serious self-esteem problem. Without fail, almost everyone has been apologetic with an Eyoreian since of sadness:

“Welcome to Clovis, so sorry you had to come here, there’s nothing to do.”

Having just spent 10 years in a small south Texas town, (population 880) I think I am an expert in “nothing to do.” We had no mall, no movie theater, no bowling alley. In fact, when a large hamburger chain opened people were so excited I thought the town would explode.

Clovis has a lot to offer. There are 15 city parks. We have a zoo. The public library is huge. Multiple gyms to choose from including a rock-climbing gym. There’s a dance studio, a spa, an aquatic center, public pool, water park, golf course and an ATV course/park.

The downtown area with its unique shops, and a rock-and-roll museum is eclectic.

Let’s not forget the traffic situation. Oh wait. There isn’t one. At any given point you are usually 10 minutes or less from everything. Obviously, some people have never driven 45 minutes one way to Wal-Mart or the closest hospital.

Clovis also has an award-winning newspaper and a great high school. After touring the high school and dropping off items at the school board office, it impressed me with the staff. They easily anticipated my needs as a new resident and were very helpful. Positive vibes all around.

There is a local community college and a four-year university less than 30 minutes away.

Is Clovis perfect? No. No place is perfect.

Clovis is changing and it has a small-town feel with growing amenities.

So get creative, explore, pack a picnic and take the kids to a park, enjoy the wonderful weather. Look around, be thankful for what you have.

Clovis is going to keep growing. People are what make a place. Get your chin up, Clovis. Stop criticizing my new home town.

Kim Sullivan can be contacted at: [email protected]