[Editor's Note: The date was incorrect for the monthly luncheon. It took place today. The luncheons are usually on the first Thursday of each month]

Rural communities have a reputation for being one step behind. It's very rare to see a positive view of rural life in today's entertainment. Those who reside in cities perceive rural people as backward, slow, or naive. It doesn't matter if those cities are entirely dependent on rural areas for their very survival. The truth is that perception is far more powerful than reality when it comes to shaping opinions and making policy.

What the city folk don't see, or perhaps choose not to see, is the vibrant, resilient communities that exist outside the cities, where a slower pace encourages a deeper enjoyment of the simpler things, where people take care of one another, but depend mostly on their own skill and hard work to make it through the day.

Rural life is not only good, but necessary, if we want to maintain a peaceful, productive country. But sadly, rural populations across the nation are in decline, as the older generation passes away and the younger generations flock to the excitement and economic opportunity offered in the big cities. If we want to maintain our community, it is imperative that we make our communities attractive enough to entice our young people to stay and make their lives here. We need to find a way to inspire today's youth.

Today Cobre High School held a career fair for their students. There were representatives from many industries including Freeport, PNM, Grant County, and several law enforcement agencies to name a few. The gym was filled with bright-eyed individuals curiously wondering what their future could be. Today, I witnessed the future of Grant County and can proudly say that I feel that we are in good hands. This is the type of inspiration that we need. Thank you, Judy Cruz, for planning a wonderful career fair and thank you Dr. Spaletta for bringing back school spirit and enthusiasm to the Cobre district.

The Grant County Silver City Chamber of Commerce would also like to invite the community to our monthly chamber luncheon, August 4 2022, at 11:45am to 1:00pm. Our speaker will be the new superintendent of Cobre Schools, Dr. Spaletta, and we will also have an energy efficiency award handed out by PNM. Lunch will be provided by Duck Creek Smoke House. Admission is $15.00.