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Investing in Albuquerque brings a wealth of economic, social, and environmental benefits.
As a city rich in culture, history, and innovation, Albuquerque thrives when residents and businesses invest in its growth.
One of the most significant benefits of investing locally is economic development.
Albuquerque has a diverse economy, with strong sectors in technology, healthcare, tourism, and film production. Supporting local businesses helps create jobs, boost entrepreneurship, and keep money circulating within the community. When local businesses succeed, they contribute to city infrastructure, public services, and educational programs, enhancing overall quality of life.
Beyond financial growth, investing in Albuquerque strengthens its unique cultural and social fabric. The city has a deep-rooted artistic and culinary scene, from Old Town’s historic shops to vibrant festivals like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Supporting local artisans, farmers, and small business owners preserves the city's identity while fostering community pride.
Environmental sustainability is another major advantage. Albuquerque’s proximity to nature makes conservation efforts essential. Investing in local agriculture, renewable energy projects, and green initiatives reduces the city’s carbon footprint. Supporting farmers' markets and sustainable businesses encourages responsible environmental practices while ensuring residents have access to fresh, locally sourced goods.
Additionally, local investment improves infrastructure and public services. Funding community projects, parks, and educational programs benefits everyone, creating safer neighborhoods and better opportunities for youth. Charitable giving and volunteerism also help strengthen support networks for those in need.
Albuquerque City Lifestyle Magazine is a perfect example of local businesses investing. The issue you're holding in your hands right now is the first 44 page issue we've ever launched. We started out at 36 pages and by more local businesses investing their advertising dollars, we've been able to expand the magazine to 44 pages.
Ultimately, investing in Albuquerque means strengthening its economy, preserving its culture, and promoting sustainability. Whether through supporting local businesses, engaging in community initiatives, or advocating for responsible development, residents can help shape a thriving, inclusive city for future generations.
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Andrea Jacquin
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Autumn Oglesby
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Alexandria Gonzalez
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrea Jacquin, Richard Lakin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Autumn Oglesby, City of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College, Richard Lakin
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
Hannah Leimkuhler
QUALITY
World-Class Retinal Care With An Exceptional Patient Experience
C. Nathaniel Roybal, MD PhD is a vitreoretinal surgeon and native New Mexican who specializes in treating complex retinal disease. He and his team of specialists aim to provide timely, world-class surgical and medical retinal care to the people of New Mexico. Don’t let retinal disease rob you or a loved one of vision. Come visit our team so that we can work together to preserve and restore your vision.
city scene
1: ABQ City Lifestyle Mixer: Kendall Weingardt, Claire Weingardt, Mark Tobiassen 2: ABQ City Lifestyle Mixer: Bill McConnell, Ritamarie Theiler, Colonel Susana Corona, Joe Sierra 3: ABQ City Lifestyle Mixer: Cassandra Morrison, Jason Litherland 4: ABQ City Lifestyle Mixer: Karol Rodriguez, Barbara Franklin 5: La Noche Encantada 2025: Shelbe Snell 6: ABQ City Lifestyle Mixer: Jukka Jumisko, Rick Shubert, Manny Santos, Duanna Santos 7: La Noche Encantada 2025: Misha Harris and Erin Muffoletto
8: La Noche Encantada 2025: Robert and Alyssa Wilkinson 9: La Noche Encantada 2025: Nicole Abreu, Erin Gandara, Molly Thomas, and Justina Grant 10: La Noche Encantada 2025: Logan Rader 11: La Noche Encantada 2025: Nicole Abreu and Eddie Valentin 12: La Noche Encantada 2025: Celina Westervelt 13: La Noche Encantada 2025: Lt Col Nathan Greenwood and Jennifer Maldonado Greenwood 14: La Noche Encantada 2025: Erik Contreras
TAX SEASON GOT
ARTICLE BY ANDREA JACQUIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD LAKIN
THE PETRIFIED FOREST-A GREAT DAY TRIP FROM ALBUQUERQUE
THE FOREST FROZEN IN TIME
Between Flagstaff and Albuquerque is an ancient forest frozen in time.
way. Hikers can explore the park on their own or with a ranger-guided tour.
Blue Mesa and Giant Logs are shorter trails in the park, perfect for families with young children. The winding Blue Mesa Trail is a one-mile loop just off the main park road.
“TRAVELERS CAN SEE DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS IN THE LANDSCAPE.”
Petrified Forest National Park encompasses 220,000 acres in Arizona. The trees of the once-dense forest collapsed due to natural occurrences. 225 million years ago, the forest became buried and covered in groundwater and volcanic ash. The ash and water began seeping into the logs. This process turned the wood into stone or “petrified wood.” Elements like iron and manganese seeped into the logs, depositing metals and leaving distinct colors in the wood.
Today, the national park averages over 640,000 visitors each year. Mild temperatures make spring an optimal time to visit the park and see the petrified trees and vivid colors. Visitors often stay overnight in Holbrook, about twenty minutes from the national park.
Tourists can drive along the 28-mile road within the park to get an overview of the area with viewpoints along the
Petrified wood and dazzling colors fill the Blue Mesa section of the Painted Desert. The area is known for its vast overlook, fossil-filled layers, and blue bentonite clay. A paved trail takes visitors through the blue, purple, gray, and peach-banded badlands.
The Giant Logs Trail features the highest concentration of petrified logs, including “Old Faithful,” the largest petrified tree in the area.
The park also has plenty of long wilderness trails for avid hikers, including “Devil’s Playground” and “Pilot Rock.”
The “Giant Forest” Trail has the largest petrified wood logs, while the crystal forest sparkles. The Crystal Forest is a ¾ mile trail. Clear quartz
CONTINUED >
and amethyst crystals in the trees create the sparkle.
Travelers can see dinosaur footprints and other numerous fossils of plants and animals in the landscape. The park restricts hiking in some fragile regions, but visitors still have plenty of options to explore. There are more than 800 archaeological sites at the park, including petroglyphs and ancestral pueblo ruins. The "Puerco Pueblo" site displays the remnants of a 100-room pueblo that dates back over 600 years.
The historic Painted Desert Inn, built in 1924, now operates as a museum
“PETRIFIED WOOD AND DAZZLING COLORS FILL THE PAINTED DESERT.”
within the park. There are also two visitor centers at the park: one in the north and one in the south. Both centers have restrooms, exhibits, gifts, and snacks.
While Arizona has three national parks, Petrified Forest offers visitors a unique landscape to explore. It’s also an easy day trip from Albuquerque.
There are two entrances to the Park. The north entrance is off of I-40 at exit 311. The south entrance is off of Highway 180, south of Holbrook. The park is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. The entrance fee is $25 or $80 for the “America The Beautiful” pass. For more information, visit www.nps.gov.
The Painted Desert
Lots of Old West "Kitsch" in Holbrook, AZ
Menaul School
An investment in education
Menaul School is truly an international school with a campus in Albuquerque, as well as Qingdao, China. Dr. Julie Bean, President and Head of School, told us, “It's truly a global community because we have kids from 30 different countries and all over New Mexico as well so it's just a really special place. We also have students from Native American nations and pueblos. We’re a co-educational college preparatory school with both day and boarding school students, 6th through 12 grades. There are about 80 boarding students here now.”
Menaul School was established by the Presbyterian Church in 1896 as a training school for Spanish-speaking boys. The school became co-educational in 1934, and after WWII, began serving a more diverse demographic, including international students.
Dr. Bean tells us that, “We offer a really diverse curriculum. We have over 14 Advanced Placement courses that we provide to students. We have incredible fine arts programs. We have theater and music. We have an incredible athletic program as well, so our kids here really have the ability to be academics, artists, or athletes. Many students compete in regional and national competitions in fine arts, science and athletics. So, our kids really have the opportunity to partake in any kind of activities. We want our kids to be well-rounded. We have 14 Advance Program courses.”
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN OGLESBY
The sports programs are very remarkable, with a history of winning championships that goes back over one hundred years.
Dr. Bean says, “We are truly a college preparatory school in all senses of the word. We have 14 Advance Placement courses. When our students start here in middle school, we're starting them on a college preparatory track learning how to properly write...not necessarily using computers all the time. We've also implemented some strategies for our students where they have to sometimes take real time tests using an old-fashioned composition notebook... so our kids are really prepared, learning how to write and not just relying on AI and ChatGPT, so we get an opportunity to grade them based on truly what they can do...not what they can generate off of a computer.”
Campus with mission buildings
The school’s 28-acre campus features many historic structures and is New Mexico’s largest collection of Mission Revival buildings. Allison Hall, built in 1934, contains the Menaul Historical Library which is a repository of Presbyterian Heritage in the southwest. It is available to researchers and is visited by historians from all over the world. It is currently being refurbished with an archival-grade system for better historical document preservation.
Despite the school’s faith-based origins, Dr. Bean tells us, “We have students from all over the world, so we welcome all religions. We encourage students to discuss their different faiths. I really think that the students that we're putting forth into the world after coming to Menaul School are educated not only in the classroom but we're making sure that they're ready for college and for the workforce, as well as have the opportunity to live and grow and learn with students from all over the world.” Menaul School is located at 301 Menaul Blvd NE. Their phone number is 505.343.7480.
YOUR GO-TO HANDYMAN FOR EVERYDAY FIXES
For years, Albuquerque Handyman LLC has been your go-to for top-notch handyman services. With 20 years of construction experience, we handle everything from yard work to home repairs. Just hand us your manchores list!
Our Services: Just to name a few...
• Tenant Improvement Projects
•Property Preservation
• Clean up/Haul off
•General Maintenance
• TV Mounting
•Drywall Repair
•Painting
•Honey do lists
“WE HAVE STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, SO WE WELCOME ALL RELIGIONS. WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DISCUSS THEIR DIFFERENT FAITHS.”
Large African beetle in entomology class
THE WORKFORCE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE WORKFORCE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
A community investment in promoting leadership skills within the local workforce is being offered under a new program called the Workforce Leadership Academy.
Rachel Snyder, senior workforce adviser for the city’s Economic Development Department, told us. “The city and Central New Mexico Community College are really excited because we're one of only three organizations nationwide to be selected to host this Academy. It's a workforce leader leadership Academy and it's in partnership with the Aspen Institute. The theme of the Academy is to strengthen local workforce ecosystems
by bringing together leaders who are committed to advancing equitable economic opportunity.”
Rachel elaborated, “The Academy is going to equip local leaders with tools that let them create better job opportunities...you know, apprenticeships and career pathways that will lead to family-sustaining wages. We believe this will result in stronger businesses and a more resilient local economy. The Academy is aimed at the local leaders, who will be recognized as Academy fellows, and will come from across the Albuquerque workforce ecosystem for
Justin Hillard, workforce development liason
An
a year-long series of retreats, workshops and action learning projects. We are supported by a $50,000 grant from the Aspen Institute, which is very exciting, and then we also have five community partners who each pledged $10,000 to support the Academy over the one year.”
“The model is a train-the-trainer model, so CNM Community College, and the city are going to be facilitating the Academy and will host these retreats and workshops over the course of the year with the idea that fellows are then empowered to go back into their places of work bringing these ideas with them to really address workforce challenges.”
The Academy is currently in the recruitment stage of fellowships and will be fully launched in May. For more information contact the Workforce Leadership University online at https://abqedd.com/wla/.
Staff Members
Other staff includes Mary Silentwalker, facilitator, CNM Community College, and Justin Hillard, workforce development liaison, City of Albuquerque.
investment in community workforce leadership
Rachel Snyder, senior workforce adviser for the city’s Economic Development Department
Mary Silentwalker, facilitator, CNM Community College
Construction
We are passionate about creating a space that allows everyone to love where they live while feeling good about starting and ending the day in their bathroom. Better days begin in a better, cleaner, and more beautiful bathroom that is suited for your routine.
That Work as Hard as You Do
Free bearing repack 1 year from purchase of trailer
505-294-3586 | nmtrailerdepot.com 11500 Central Ave SE
Insider Tips for Tax Season
AN ACCOUNTANT PROVIDES SOME TAX INSIGHTS
ARTICLE BY ANDREA JACQUIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN OGLESBY
Donna Peace Scott Peck
“Anyone in this industry who says they know everything, I would be leery.”
MP Group Inc. CPA has been in business since 2013. Owner and Managing Partner Scott Peck started his company in 2011 and later merged to form MP Group Inc. in 2013. His staff has years of experience in accounting and audit services. The essence of Peck’s job lies in crunching numbers and mastering the intricacies of tax law, but his clients truly make his work fulfilling. Peck says,” I just enjoy working with the clients and trying to help them. It becomes a personal relationship.”
Peck grew up in the Pacific Northwest but completed his CPA degree at the University of New Mexico in 1990. Donna Peace is also a partner at MP Group and has been a CPA since 1997. Donna and Scott have been coworkers and good friends for over twenty years. They’ve also run several marathons together.
Peace says, “Every day, we are bouncing ideas off each other, and it’s good because we give each other different angles to consider." Peace says, “Anyone in this industry who says they know everything, I would be leery.” Tax laws are constantly changing and “a lot of times, the answer is not cut and dry.” MP Group provides tax services for businesses and individuals.
Many of MP Group’s clients are New Mexico small businesses that are not publicly traded. Having worked for some larger firms, Peace knows firsthand the benefits of a local firm. She says, “Decisions are made locally without a chain of command that you get at large firms.” The benefit is you can “pick up the phone and talk to someone locally,” says Peck. A vital tip for tax season is choosing a firm you can trust.
HERE ARE MORE TAX TIPS FROM MP GROUP:
• 529 Plans are a great way to save for your child’s college education tax-free. Contributions up to $19,000 per year per person are allowed without triggering a federal gift tax. The New Mexico plans
“Decisions are made locally without a chain of command that you get at large firms.” The benefit is you can “pick up the phone and talk to someone locally.”
- Scott Peck
Chad Smith
Jim Van Der Geest Devin Van Der Geest
“I just enjoy working with the clients and trying to help them.”
allow for a state tax deduction. A 529 plan can be used for K-12 tuition expenses, up to $10,000 per year, tax-free. Unused 529 funds that have been in place for at least 15 years can be rolled over into a Roth IRA up to a limit of $35,000.
• Individuals who frequently donate to charities can benefit from a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). If you are 70 ½ years old, you can donate through your IRA account (traditional, inherited, SIMPLE, and SEPs) and receive the charitable deduction whether or not you itemize. The distribution must be made directly from your IRA account to the charity. This method allows individuals to donate to charities, receive deductions, and meet minimum distributions from their IRAs.
• Offsetting investment gains with losses can be a strategic approach for clients. If you sell stocks that performed well and have gains, you can sell stocks that may not be performing well to offset the gain. Up to $3,000 of losses can be deducted annually. Any excess losses beyond this amount carry over into the next tax year.
• With the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (assuming Congress does not extend it), the top individual income tax rate will jump from 37% to 39.6%. If there are ways to accelerate some income in 2025, it would be beneficial. If the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lapses, business and individual rates would increase. Peck advises consulting with a tax attorney to safeguard your income and assets. Clients can also reach out to MP Group, where Scott and Donna can be found in the office or out on audits. By June, they plan to run the Slacker Half Marathon but promise to be back in time for tax season. Peace says they would miss the camaraderie if they ever left. "It's like our second family." For more information, visit mpgroup-cpa.com or call 505.340.2020.
Why
QUALITY, CUSTOMIZED SERVICE
All World Travel clients decide the level of involvement that’s right for them. If you enjoy research and planning, you’ll have a professional partner. If you prefer having your advisor handle all the details, they can do that, too.
A TRUSTED RESOURCE
Our advisors have years of industry knowledge, global relationships, and personal experience. A great advisor offers insightful recommendations to tailor each trip to your interests and budget.
ACCESS TO SPECIAL OFFERS & VIP BENEFITS
Advisors have access to the same (and often better) pricing that is available online, and can secure VIP amenities and extras that you can’t get on your own.
PEACE OF MIND
Rely on our advisors to make planning your trip more efficient and enjoyable, to save time and money, and to lend expertise that makes a world of difference. We work on your behalf before, during, and after every trip.
6BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital— whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement— doing some of your own research is often helpful. We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
ONE UP ON WALL STREET
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
THE WEALTH DECISION THE WOLF OF INVESTING
The Wolf of Investing: My Insider’s Playbook for Making a Fortune on Wall Street by Jordan Belfort. From the investment guru and author of The Wolf of Wall Street, this is a witty and clear-eyed guide for anyone who wants to play the stock market to their advantage and learn the secrets of a top Wall Street investor.
HOW TO INVEST
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
From counteroffers to contingencies, negotiations are an opportunity to secure the best possible terms for your purchase. Whether it’s addressing repairs, adjusting the price, or including specific items in the sale, Juliana Sallee, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Legacy will advocate for you while maintaining a collaborative approach with the seller. Professionalism & dedication to your real estate wants and needs is upmost priority from start to finish. Buying a home should be exciting not stressful. I’ll manage the stress, so you don’t have too. Give me a call!
jsallee.cblegacy.com | Juliana@NMBrokersGroup.com
Direct (505) 496-8101 | Office (505) 898-2700
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1. Squeeze your OJ.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
3. Shake.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
6. Garnish.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies. The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
INVEST IN
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
YOUR GREENS
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
