We wish to express our condolences to the family and friends of Willard Blair, a World War II veteran who passed away earlier this week at the age of 97. Services are scheduled for Friday (1-28) at West Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Blair was one of the World War II veterans we honored this past summer during our Independence Day celebration. Here’s what was read then:
Willard Blair was in the Merchant Marines during World War II. They were instrumental in maintaining the supply chain for the U.S. armed forces and their Allies. It was extremely dangerous due to the German U boat torpedoes and they sustained the highest casualties of any service. Willard was on two different ships that were torpedoed, but he managed to be picked up. During the first wave of the “D day invasion” on Utah beachhead, Willard was one of the volunteers to sail on one of the 22 block ships to be sunk as artificial harbors to facilitate battle operations. He recalls taking heavy fire from German machine gun nests perched above the beach and remembers taking cover behind a large anchor. Many didn’t make it up the beach, but he was one of the lucky ones and the rest is history.
Congratulations sir, and thank you for your service.
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Three P.R. Leyva seventh graders had a chance to participate in the legislative process directly on Wednesday. Anthony Timchenko, Ashtyn Olivas and Sarah Bennett all took turns presenting in a discussion with the Senate Education Committee in the morning. You can listen to them directly here: https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00293/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20220127/-1/68405. Carlsbad’s students speak at around the 10:45 mark.
The Bill in discussion, Senate Bill 32, is sponsored by Senator Siah Correa Hemphill. It seeks to establish funding for an Outdoor Learning Program in New Mexico. During the hearing, students said such a program would take advantage of New Mexico’s wonderful climate and allow students to focus a little bit better. Carlsbad’s students all did an excellent job in their presentation. The committee recommended the Bill, and it is now moving on to the Senate Finance Committee. Speaking to legislative committee is an important skill, and it’s great that Carlsbad residents are getting started at a young age.
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If you are looking for fun activities for kids, don’t forget the Carlsbad Museum. The museum has developed an Art Classes and Spring Art Academy for grades four through twelve. There are three classes in February (on Saturday) for $10 a class and a week long class over Spring Break (for $25). Classes deal with composition of shapes, self-portraits and self-expression. For more information, please call (575) 887-0726 or visit www.carlsbadmuseum.org.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway