The Southeast New Mexico Community Action Corporation will be re-opening its meal site at the San Jose Senior Center, effective July 6. This is a state-run program that utilizes the city-owned senior center for meals. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, meals were only available for drive-thru pickup or for delivery. SNMCAC is also looking to re-open its respite care center (near the Cascades) in July.
These state-run programs will still be following rigorous protocols to minimize the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. At this time, they will be open at 75% capacity. Everyone who participates in these services is supposed to wear a mask (even those with vaccinations) and follow proper hand hygiene rules. There are limited health-related exemptions to the mask requirement. To maintain social distancing, seating capacity is limited and may be re-arranged. There may also be some impact on the schedule as they try to work things out.
SNMCAC Program Director Belinda Lopez and her staff worked very hard throughout the pandemic to make sure that some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens received grab and go meals or home delivery five days a week. On some occasions, these were the only meals that some of our seniors received. We also know that everyone is very eager to have the meal site and respite care center back open. These chances for engagement are just as important as the meals. Belinda and her staff are not responsible for the COVID-19 policies they have been asked to enforce – they are just following instructions aimed at protecting a vulnerable population. Please help them make this re-opening a success. We also believe that most remaining restrictions may be lifted in a matter of weeks. There was an excellent turnout at our weekly COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the civic center Monday and we will continue to provide these opportunities.
If you have any questions, please contact Belinda Lopez at 887-3939 or b.lopez@snmcac.com
Another Carlsbad standout is in the news. Sean Allen, an assistant coach with the University of Texas baseball program, helped the Longhorns reach the 2021 College World Series. Allen, a pitching coach and recruiting coordinator and Carlsbad High School graduate, has been an assistant coach with Texas since 2016. The Longhorns have advanced to the College World Series for the 37th time in history, the most in college baseball history. Congratulations to Coach Allen and everyone with the program.
We have a great ceremony planned for Independence Day weekend in honor of our remaining World War 2 veterans, but we want to make sure we don’t miss anyone. If you know of any Eddy County residents who served in World War 2 and who are still with us, please let us know right away.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway