October is always a busy and exciting month in Carlsbad, with so much happening across our community. From family-friendly fall activities to our upcoming Energy Summit, there’s something for everyone to look forward to.
In this edition, you’ll find a special message from Mayor Lopez, including Halloween safety tips. Along with a spotlight on the Carlsbad Public Library. We’re also highlighting fun Halloween events for the whole family and sharing the latest news from around the city to help you stay connected.
We hope you enjoy all that October has to offer!
Instagram:
@keep.carlsbad.beautiful
@cityofcarlsbadnmgovernment
@keepcarlsbadbeautiful
LinkedIn:
Past Event Photos
Did you get snapped at our latest events? Check check our social media to see if you were snapped!
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Dear Neighbors & Friends:
October is always a special month in Carlsbad, filled with events that bring us together to celebrate, reflect, and support one another. We begin the month with the 19th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Kick-Off, hosted by the Carlsbad Recreation Center on October 1 at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center. The program will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with vendors open until 4 p.m. This event reminds us of the importance of early detection and community support, as we stand with survivors and honor those we have lost.
Later in the month, we will come together for the 2025 Mayor’s Energy Summit on October 23 at the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center Annex. This year ’ s theme is “Energy at Home,” and the program will feature discussions on healthcare in our region, workforce recruitment and retention, produced water, wildfire mitigation, and the future of trades and technical education at Southeast New Mexico College. We will also recognize outstanding community members through the Spirit of the Workforce Awards. I am especially excited to welcome our featured guest, Kenny Thomas, former NBA player and UNM Basketball Hall of Famer, who will share an inspiring message on leadership and the drive that fuels success. The Summit is free and open to the public, and I encourage you to join us for this important discussion about Carlsbad’s future. For more information, please visit www.carlsbadenergysummit.com.
October also gives us a chance to celebrate the return of the Cavern Theatre, which reopened earlier this year after being closed for decades. This historic venue has quickly become a centerpiece of our community once again, and throughout October, it will host a special Halloween movie series. Every Wednesday evening, families can enjoy $5 showings of classics such as Night of the Living Dead. There will also be reg-
ular showings on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Halloween night, the theatre will feature Hotel Transylvania at 6 p.m. and a late-night showing of The Exorcist at 11 p.m. For more information, please visit www.carlsbadcaverntheatre.com.
We’ll wrap up the month with one of our favorite traditions, the Spooky Streets and Carnival Treats Fall Festival, hosted by Carlsbad MainStreet on October 31 from 4–6 p m Downtown will be full of trick-or-treating, carnival games, and costume contests, providing a safe and fun environment for families to enjoy.
As Halloween approaches, I also want to encourage everyone to keep safety in mind. Parents should check all candy before it’s eaten and discard anything unwrapped or suspicious Costumes should include reflective materials, glow sticks, or flashlights to ensure visibility. Please remind children to walk on sidewalks, use crosswalks, and stay with a group while trick-or-treating. If you aren’t taking part in the trick-or-treat festivities, please make sure to drive extra safely on Halloween night and be aware of your surroundings.
October is a month full of opportunities to connect as a community. From honoring breast cancer awareness to discussing our future at the Energy Summit to enjoying movies at the newly reopened Cavern Theatre and celebrating downtown on Halloween. We hope you all take advantage of the ctivities being hosted in our community this month
I wish you all a happy and safe Halloween!
Sincerely,
CarlsbadMayorRickLopez
OCTOBER
For a million dollars, would you spend a night in a haunted house?
Best fall treat to show up in the breakroom?
Which fall movie vibe is the best?
Are you dressing up for Halloween this year?
Which classic candy would you never trade away?
What’s the best part of fall at work?
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
CARLSBAD PUBLIC LIBRARY: A CENTER FOR LEARNING, LITERACY, & COMMUNITY
The Carlsbad Public Library has been a cornerstone of our community since its founding in 1897 What began as the vision of a dedicated women’s group determined to bring education, culture, and opportunity to a small cattle town—has grown into a thriving institution serving all residents of Eddy County. For over a century, the library has evolved to meet the changing needs of its patrons while remaining true to its mission: providing access to information, fostering literacy, and enriching the lives of community members of all ages.
While the library’s roots were humble, its impact has been significant From its early days of curated book collections and reading programs, the library has expanded into a modern hub for knowledge and creativity. Our collection now spans thousands of titles across print, digital, and audio formats, offering resources for research, education, and leisure reading Whether you are seeking classic literature, the latest bestseller, local history documents, or educational resources for children, the Carlsbad Public Library has something to offer.
But we are much more than books The library serves as a center for information, literacy, and recreation, welcoming residents of all ages to learn, explore, and connect For children and teens, our programs foster a love of reading and learning through storytimes, summer reading challenges, STEAM activities, and after-school programs foster a love of reading and learning through storytimes, summer reading challenges, STEAM activities, and after-school programs Adults can participate in book clubs, computer and technology classes, craft workshops, and author events, providing both education and opportunities for social connection. Our public computers, Wi-Fi access, and digital resources ensure that all residents can stay connected in today’s increasingly digital world
The Carlsbad Public Library also serves as a community gathering place. We host events, lectures, and cultural programs that reflect the diversity and interests of our city. From career and resume workshops to genealogy research assistance, we are dedicated to providing services that empower our community members to grow both personally and professionally. Our library staff work diligently to create a wel-
coming and inclusive environment where every visitor feels valued, supported, and inspired to explore new ideas.
Over the years, the library has become a space where lifelong learning meets community engagement. Whether a resident is reading for pleasure, researching a family history project, or attending a library-hosted event, the Carlsbad Public Library is a place where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is shared, and relationships are built. Our mission continues to be guided by the same principles envisioned by the founding women over a century ago: to enrich the minds and lives of the people of Carlsbad.
As we look to the future, the Carlsbad Public Library remains committed to expanding services, embracing new technologies, and ensuring that our library remains a vital and accessible resource for everyone in Eddy County. We invite all residents to visit, explore, and become a part of our vibrant community. Here, at the Carlsbad Public Library, we don’t just provide books we provide a gateway to knowledge, culture, and community connection.
Sincerely,
SarahJones Library Director
PETS OF THE MONTH PETS OF THE MONTH
ity of Carlsbad employees!
Name: Nori
Pawrent: Susan Soules
Loves to hike, always has her tongue hanging out. She once fought a rattlesnake and won.
Name: Bubbles
Pawrent: Colin Mitchell
He is a deaf cat and was rescued at a shelter
Name: Rikishi
Pawrent: Robert Morton
Named after WWE Wrestler Rikishi. HE also loves to back his thang up, to eat, belly rubs & shred socks to pieces
Name: George
Pawrent: Nick Sullivan
Our new furry friend. His favorite thing is food.
All month:
OCTOBER EVENTS AND DATES
For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.
Tue. October 7th:
Free Language Classes at Carlsbad Literacy Program
Wed. October 1st:
Zia Quilting and Stitchery Guild Exhibit at Carlsbad Museum
19th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Kick-Off Event at the Civic Center
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Story Time
Carlsbad Public Library LEGO Time
Thurs. October 2nd:
SENMC Trail Group
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Carlsbad Farmers & Makers Market
Fri. October 3rd:
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company
Sat. October 4th:
Household Hazardous Waste Day
FallaPaLooza
Last Child at Cal’s Western Shade
Mon. October 6th:
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party at the Carlsbad
Public Library
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Wed. October 8th:
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Story Time
SENMC Railroad 101 Course
SENMC Paint Party Sessions
Thurs. October 9th:
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Carlsbad Farmers & Makers Market
Fri. October 10th:
Karaoke/Open Mic Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company
Sat. October 11th:
Inspired by Science STEM Experience
Mon. October 13th:
SENMC APA Citation Workshops
Tue. October 14th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Trivia Night at Milton’s Brewing
Spooky Book Vase Adult Program at Carlsbad Public Library
Wed. October 15th:
Carlsbad NM Franchise EXPO
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Story Time
Wed. October 15th Continued:
Carlsbad Public Library LEGO Time
Brews & Book at Milton’s Brewing
Thurs. October 16th:
SENMC Trail Group
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Carlsbad Farmers & Makers Market
Fri. October 17th:
SENMC Library Sensory Story time
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe Mountain
Brewing Company
Sat. October 18th:
“Chris Ruggiero” at PR Leyva
Tue. October 21st:
Sporting Clay Shoot Toys for Tots and Hunts 4
Vets
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
The Spanish Conversation Group
Wed. October 22nd:
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Story Time
Carlsbad Public Library LEGO Time
Support Group for Families with Disabilities
Thurs. October 23rd:
2025 Carlsbad Mayor’s Energy Summit: “At
Home with Energy”
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Thurs. October 23rd Continued:
Carlsbad Farmers & Makers Market
Fri. October 24th:
Story Time at the Living Desert Zoo
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe Mountain
Brewing Company
Sat. October 25th:
The Eddy County Health Council, Hallowellness Fair
Tue. October 28th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Trivia Night at Milton’s Brewing
Wed. October 29th:
SENMC Trail Group
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Story Time
Thurs. October 30th:
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Carlsbad Farmers Market
Fri. October 31st:
Carlsbad MainStreet 2025 Fall Festival
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company
For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.
DOWN: DOWN:
a marker found in a graveyard the scary creature from stories or movies a woman who practices magic and flies on a broomstick round orange squash carved into jack-o’-lanterns brainless creature that comes back to life creature that drinks blood and avoids the sunlight “ or treat” treats given out on Halloween
ACCROSS: what people wear to dress up on Halloween the spooky spirit of someone who has died used by witches for brewing potions body made up of bones when a place is full of ghosts or spirits flying animal linked to vampires creepy crawler that spins webs
ACCROSS:
NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:
J&H Services Inc. has completed the water and sewer line installation along West Derrick Road between Production Lane and US 62/180 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Barricades in this area will be removed by the end of September 29, 2025, and normal traffic flow will resume.
Beginning September 30, 2025, J&H Services Inc. will start removing the existing pavement on Production Lane. This work is expected to be completed by October 10, 2025. Access to businesses along Production Lane will remain open throughout the project.
The City of Carlsbad and J&H Services Inc. would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation throughout this project. Your observance of traffic control signs and detours helped ensure the safety of both construction crews and the traveling public.
For any additional questions regarding this project, please contact:
Note: Last Thursday Scramble for the season is: 10/2/2025 - Start time is at 4 PM
UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURES FOR 2025 UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSURES FOR 2025
Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 28, 2025
Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
CITY COUNCIL
Richard Lopez, Mayor mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 1
Edward Rodriguez | etrodriguez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Lisa Anaya-Flores | laflores@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 2
JJ Chavez | jochavez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Jeff Forrest | jjforrest@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 3
Karla Hamel Niemeier | kjniemeier@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Mary Garwood | msgarwood@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 4
Anthony Foreman | arforeman@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Mark Walterscheid | mewalterscheid@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
CITY ADMINISTRATION
Wendy Austin, City Administrator wdaustin@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ken Ahrens, Deputy City Administrator ksahrens@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
