On behalf of the City of Carlsbad and Carlsbad City Council, I wish to offer my condolences to the family of Gary Don Forrest, especially Gary’s parents, Bob and Barbara. Gary passed away on Oct. 12, and everyone who ever met him loved him. Thank you to everyone who assisted with Monday’s funeral services at First United Methodist Church and to the hundreds of people who have offered condolences online. The church was filled with CARC Inc. residents during Gary’s service, and every one of them received so many outstanding opportunities and excellent care because of Gary and his family.
Gary was a hard worker at CNB Bank and CARC Inc. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and participating in Special Olympics. He attended First United Methodist Church and always looked forward to summer vacations with his family. According to his obituary, he also enjoyed stopping at Allsup’s with his dad for a Dr. Pepper. He was also a catalyst for change in Carlsbad, because, without him, CARC Inc. would not exist. Family members have asked that memorial contributions be made to CARC Inc., which is a world-class facility that will continue to serve this and other communities. Gary will be dearly missed.
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In addition to this week’s energy summit, Desert Willow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is once again holding a benefit dinner on October 20that the civic center. The center takes in approximately 600 sick and injured animals a year. They also provide education programs with their wildlife ambassadors at events and schools throughout the area. Many of you have seen ambassadors of the Center (such as the pelicans) present at the Farmer’s Market and other events.
The benefit dinner is family friendly and vital to the continuing operation of the center in the years to come. The event will feature a performance by the Beer Cousins, educational booths and games, and both live and silent auctions. Tickets are available through the center’s website at www.dwwrc.org/benefit. Thank you for supporting this event.
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The Carlsbad Community Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition is celebrating a Red Ribbon Week community wide campaign for drug prevention awareness the week of Oct. 24-2. The Coalition is asking businesses, organizations, schools and individuals to wear red, tie red ribbons around town and pledge to promote a Drug Free community. This year’s theme is “Celebrate Life: Live Drug Free.”
Awareness campaigns such as this help remind everyone that drug prevention efforts are ongoing. The Coalition is working closely with the schools throughout this event. For more information, please contact executive director Joana Wells at (575) 256-0565 or coalition.wells@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway