While this year’s Christmas celebration may be different for many than it has been in the past, the true meaning of the holiday season has not diminished one bit. The Christmas season will always be a time of hope and thanks.
Thank you most of all to our health care workers, some of who probably haven’t had a day off in months. Thank you to our nurses, doctors and support staff, and to those working in hospices and at nursing homes. Please continue to help these wonderful people out by following COVID-safe procedures such as wearing a face covering and keeping gatherings limited. Thank you as well to our first responders, who will remain busy throughout the holiday break and, of course, our deepest thanks to the members of our military stationed across the world.
Thanks again to the many other people who have inspired us throughout the year with special food and charity programs: Linda Dodd and everyone with the United Way of Eddy County, Robert and Patricia Jacquez at the Community of Hope, Alana and the Gregory Family with Faith, Hope & Love, the Carlsbad Community Foundation, Christmas Anonymous, Carlsbad Transitional Housing, Carol and Wayne Worley and everyone with Packs for Hunger, Belinda Lopez and everyone with the Southeast New Mexico Community Action Corporation, Jonah’s House, our hard working school lunch program, Oasis Christian Church and Calvary Assembly of God.
Special thanks to all of Carlsbad’s many wonderful churches, who provided much-needed spiritual comfort to so many residents throughout this past year. Our church leaders and church volunteers also donated food and clothing and gave hope when it was needed the most. As everyone else has had to do, Carlsbad’s churches have been forced to adjust their worship services throughout the COVID outbreak. We bet many of our church leaders didn’t know they’d have to become experts on online broadcasts.
Thanks again to everyone who has stepped up to make a difference this year and Merry Christmas to everyone.
COVID news: free, at-home COVID-19 tests are now available, with results returned within two days of receipt of the sample, according to a press release by the state. These tests are available to all New Mexico residents who have access to video-conferencing through Zoom. This project was put together through a public-private partnership with Vault Health. You can obtain more information by visiting learn.vaulthealth.com/nm.
According to the state, individuals requesting a test will be required to share basic identifying information, like a date of birth, phone number and name. Individuals will be asked for insurance information, as well, but the testing will not cost you. According to the state, the test will be sent free of charge even if a requester does not have insurance. Other testing options will continue to take place.
Merry Christmas and hope for a very happy and better New Year.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway