Recognizing her “heart of service” Carrie Forbear has been chosen as Crestline’s 2025 Citizen of the Year. She does so many things for various organizations that make the Crestline community a wonderful place to live. She was greatly surprised at this recognition because her actions are not done for praise or acknowledgement, but for the benefit of others and her community and the unexpected joy it brings to all.
Carrie was born into a military family in Fullerton, Calif. By frequently moving, she learned how to make friends quickly and how to make her time useful.
“I always learn something every time I do anything and often from the most unexpected places,” Carrie said.
She began her adulthood early as her father died while she was a teen and she began working for an Alpha Beta grocery store as a clerk at age 18. She was soon recognized for her abilities, as she wanted more than a job – she needed a career. She became a trainer of others, moving up through the corporate structure.
As a young mother of a handicapped daughter, Carrie faced many realities and taught her daughter, through sports and life, the skills to become an independent business owner when she grew up.
For over 14 years, Carrie was on the board of directors for Possibilities Unlimited, Inc., which assists those who have birth defects through Ability First; she remained on their board a full decade after her daughter died. Through that organization, she met Arnold Schwartzeneggar for whom her daughter worked. She built a handicapped-accessible home here in Crestline, so her daughter could experience nature. She was able to retire at age 58 and moved to the mountain to get out of the city. She got involved in the community to fill what had been her working hours.
First, she got involved in Woodlands Church, where she became the youth director for teen girls, and became the face of the welcome desk, meeting so many people in town.
Carrie learned from Oprah that, once you hit 60 years of age, you’ve probably lived 75 percent of your life. Oprah challenged folks to consider what they plan to do with the last 25 percent of their lives. Carrie formed an informal group of friends she calls the 25-Percenters; they are involved in the community, learning, supporting nonprofits, attending local functions and helping where they can.
Carrie joined and got involved in the Crest Forest Seniors and is their fundraising chair, coordinating activities such as the Spring Fling, the Memorial Day ceremony and getting speakers for their monthly membership luncheons and more, which she does with enthusiasm and charm.
Carrie is well-rounded, helping other groups, too, as she helps with the trout derby, reads to kids at the library, helped raise funds for Noah for his heart transplant expenses and supports numerous nonprofits and activities on the mountain. During the Rotary Community Awards evening, Carrie was honored for all the positive things she has done and does for the community.
She is funny, generous, intelligent, knowledgeable, hardworking, persistent and brings joy to those who work with her and loves living in Crestline. Carrie Forbear, as the Crestline Citizen of the Year is the perfect example of Crestline Vibes-2025.
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