It’s a big year for anniversaries for some of Carlsbad’s most famous institutions. In the past, we’ve talked about Carlsbad Caverns National Park celebrating its 100th anniversary. Additionally, CARC Inc. is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a wide variety of activities.
CARC, which provides services to adults and children with developmental disabilities and special needs, has already received the Nonprofit of the Year Award at the Albuquerque First Philanthropy Awards program earlier in March. This is very well deserved recognition for this outstanding program, which was originally started by Bob, Barbara and Gary Forrest. Congratulations to CEO Mark Schinnerer and everyone with CARC.
CARC Will be opening its Country Store & Greenhouse on April 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’ve never been out there, the facility is located off of Cherry Lane. Many residents enjoy visiting the greenhouse annually to pick out flowers and plants.
CARC also owns and operates the Washington Ranch facility, south of town. On May 6, CARC will be hosting a Free Family Fun Day at Washington Ranch (18 Rattlesnake Springs Road). There will be food trucks, live entertainment, a fishing derby, cornhole tournament, axe-throwing and much more all day. Similar events at Washington Ranch held in the past have been extremely successful.
There will also be a five mile run or walk as part of the celebration – the CARC/Washington Ranch 50th Anniversary 5 Miler will take place from 8-10 a.m. The cost is $35 and you can register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NM/Carlsbad/CARCWashingtonRanch50thAnniversary5Miler.
The City of Carlsbad will be joining in on the celebration of CARC’s 50th anniversary by honoring Gary Forrest, who helped inspire the creation of CARC. Gary passed away last year, but his life was an inspiration to so many. He will be inducted into the Carlsbad Hall of Fame in a special ceremony at 11 a.m. April 29 at the Carlsbad Museum. We hope you’ll be able to join us. Gary has been added to the exhibit with his parents, Bob and Barbara. During his induction ceremony, we look forward to hearing from his family and friends.
Finally, Many CARC Inc. clients will be participating in a very special event scheduled on April 15. “Night to Shine,” a prom for people with special needs, is planned for that evening. For more information on how you could volunteer or support this effort, please visit https://www.shinecarlsbad.com/.
We’re very proud to have a community that strives to recognize its citizens with special needs, and we wish CARC Inc. a very happy 50th anniversary.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway