While COVID-19 vaccine outreach efforts seem to be working well, we have become aware of the fact that many Carlsbad residents have recently had trouble getting COVID-19 tests when they need one. Some local pharmacies are not doing testing due to staffing issues, and home tests sell out very quickly. Large institutions such as the school district have their own plan in place, and you can get a COVID-19 test at the hospital when a doctor or procedure requires it. But that doesn’t address everyone’s need.
Currently, COVID-19 tests are being offered at the front of the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center (4012 National Parks Highway) on Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tests are no longer being administered at the public health office. New Mexicans may also obtain free COVID-19 tests through a service known as Vault (https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/).
We are reaching out to the state to advocate for an increase in COVID-19 testing options, especially since it is a requirement by many. Anyone who is having trouble with the online COVID-19 testing system should call Curative at 1-888-702-9042.
We’re already getting some inquiries about the upcoming Halloween celebration this year. This year’s Halloween will fall on a Sunday, though Carlsbad MainStreet will be holding its downtown fall festival on Friday, Oct. 29. There have been some discussions about moving Halloween to Saturday. After consideration, we do not plan to move the designated “trick-or-treat day” from Oct. 31, however. It will certainly be a great weekend for holding multiple fall festivals and community events. People are already coming up with good ideas at Carlsbad’s “Hometown Holidays” Facebook page.
A free tennis clinic for elementary and middle school players will be held on Mondays from 5 to 6 pm at the Lake Carlsbad Municipal Tennis Complex beginning on Sept. 20th and running through Oct. 8th. For further infomation, contact Charlie Jurva at 575-887-1980
Our friend John Andrews is very busy. The former Carlsbad resident, and Shakespeare Guild President has an upcoming interview with Sir Ian McKellen, who will soon be playing the part of Hamlet. This interview is at noon on Sept. 19, and you can register to watch it here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hqw1ff5uSkOKhBBfacZg5Q
For more information about what Andrews – who is a member of Carlsbad’s Hall of Fame – has in the works, please visit https://www.shakesguild.org/
Members of the community are invited to participate in a meeting with the Higher Learning Commission, 5 p.m. Sept. 23 at Room 103 at NMSU-C. The focus of this meeting will be to discuss the conversion to an independent college – Southeast New Mexico College. There will also be an online option at https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/95374427255. Please come share your ideas of what you have in mind for the future of Carlsbad’s College.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway