Being thankful this holiday season
As the holiday season arrives in Albuquerque, it’s a time to pause and reflect on the blessings that surround us. In the midst of the crisp desert air, twinkling luminarias, and gatherings with loved ones, gratitude and thankfulness take on an even deeper meaning. The holidays remind us to slow down, appreciate the beauty of our community, and honor the connections that bring joy and warmth to our lives.
Living in Albuquerque offers unique opportunities to be thankful. The Sandia Mountains glow in vibrant colors at sunset, reminding us daily of the natural beauty that surrounds our city. Our neighborhoods light up with traditions that are uniquely Southwestern, from hot air balloons floating across the sky to luminarias lining streets and plazas. These traditions symbolize more than just beauty; they reflect togetherness, heritage, and the spirit of community that makes Albuquerque so special.
This season is also a chance to express gratitude for the people who enrich our lives. Family, friends, and neighbors remind us that no matter how busy life becomes, relationships are what truly matter. It’s a time to gather around tables, share stories, and celebrate the love and generosity that strengthens our bonds. Beyond personal circles, Albuquerque’s culture of giving shines during the holidays. From local charities to small businesses supporting one another, the city comes alive with acts of kindness that uplift those in need.
Being grateful and thankful this holiday season means embracing both the small and grand blessings—whether it’s the warmth of a shared meal, the glow of a holiday tradition, or the simple joy of living in a place filled with history, culture, and heart. Gratitude reminds us that even in challenging times, we have much to celebrate and cherish.
With sincere gratitude,
RINGROSE, PUBLISHER
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Reagan Bervar, Rudy Carrillo, Keri Bridgwater
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Alexandria Gonzalez
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Keri Bridgwater, Rudy Carillo, Regan Bervar, Richard Lakin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Caiden Stone, G.Greco, Sean Farrell, Richard Lakin
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
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Framed by sweeping high-desert vistas and featuring an earth and sky inspired design, Green Reed Spa offers a transformative experience where nature, luxury, and wellness converge.
Upon entering, soothing earth tones and soft lighting invite you to let go of the outside world. Green Reed Spa draws deeply from the Southwest’s natural elements where custom massages and rejuvenating facials are infused with desert botanicals and tailored to your skin’s unique needs.
Couples can retreat to an exclusive suite for side-by-side therapies enhanced with champagne toasts, a secluded outdoor hot tub, and a private steam shower creating an unforgettable journey of connection and renewal.
Every detail speaks of indulgence. Fourteen distinctive treatment rooms, soak tubs, and tranquil indoor-outdoor areas invite deep unwinding. Men’s and women’s amenities feature hot and cold plunge pools, steam rooms, dry saunas, and private lockers. At Green Reed Spa, salon services go beyond beauty—with luxurious manicures and pedicures to enhance your outward radiance as well as restore balance and rejuvenation from within.
Under the directive of manager Melanie Hentschel, a seasoned professional with 15 years of expertise in the spa & wellness industry, Green Reed Spa has evolved into the destination spa of the Southwest. Melanie’s curation of a full-service menu, signature product line and luxurious spa experiences, such as the exclusive “Journey for Two,” are just a few items which distinguish Green Reed Spa in a class by itself.
Give the gift of luxury. Perfect for a personal wellness reset, a romantic escape or a girlfriends’ getaway, Green Reed Spa redefines the ultimate in Albuquerque luxury. Whether you’re a guest of Sandia Resort & Casino or visiting for the day, seasonal specials and innovative treatments await to help you relax, restore, renew, and rediscover yourself.
1: Jonas Brothers Concert: Cathleen Daly 2: Jonas Brothers Concert: Julie and Sarah 3: Rising Stars Gala: The Uballez Family 4: Teriyaki Maddness Grand Reopening: Tristan from Teriyaki Madness and Renee Ruybal from Meals on Wheels 5: The Ball: A Fundraising Gala for the Somos Unidos Foundation: Megan Burdock 6: The Ball: A Fundraising Gala for the Somos Unidos Foundation: The Ryden Family 7: UNM Football Game: Dr. Robert Melendez
ARTICLE BY KERI BRIGWATER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SEAN FARRELL
HEALING WATERS AND SOUTHWEST ADVENTURE ON THE RIO GRANDE
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
Sierra Grande Resort Casita
“T
Two hours south of Albuquerque, Truth or Consequences sits on the Rio Grande, framed by desert mountains and big New Mexico skies. The mineral springs here have drawn visitors for
been slow but steady, marked by an influx of independent businesses and the thoughtful renovation of vintage motor courts and hot spring resorts in recent years. Its boldest reinvention
OR C OFFERS MORE THAN A DOZEN WAYS TO SOAK, FROM VINTAGE BATHHOUSES TO BOUTIQUE RETREATS.”
centuries—from Pueblo and Apache peoples to Spanish settlers, who called it Ojo Caliente de Las Palomas. By the 1880s, cowboys were soaking in the first adobe bathhouse, and by the 1920s, it had become a thriving spa destination, then known as Hot Springs. Today, called “T or C” by locals, this desert town of just 6,000 residents remains small in size but big in character, where healing traditions and reinvention are benchmarks. “People come here and love how unique it is,” says Gina Kelley, Executive Director of the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway Visitor Center, who relocated two decades ago, “for the hot springs and affordable real estate,” and has watched the small desert town evolve while holding fast to its roots.
Popular with road trippers in summer and snowbirds in winter, Kelley notes T or C’s renaissance has
came in 1950, when Hot Springs agreed to rename itself after the popular NBC radio show Truth or Consequences
Host Ralph Edwards, a champion of polio research, fulfilled his promise to broadcast from the newly christened town—a fitting link for a community once home to a polio hospital. What began as a publicity stunt soon became part of its identity, celebrated each May with parades, rodeos, and live music during the Truth or Consequences Fiesta. Despite the new name, Kelley adds the town has never strayed far from its wellness roots. “Recreating at Elephant Butte Reservoir and driving the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway to explore the ghost towns are popular with visitors, but our mineral springs are the star attraction,” she says.
Today, T or C offers more than a dozen ways to soak, from vintage bathhouses
CONTINUED >
to boutique retreats, and although among the nation’s most mineral-rich, the waters are notably free of the sulfur odor often associated with geothermal springs. At Riverbend Hot Springs, the only spa on the Rio Grande, communal and private pools reward with river and desert views. Hot Springs Glamp Camppairs its private tubs with yurts and retro trailers, while the newly renovated, adults-only Hoosier Hot Springs caters to those craving quiet. Sierra Grande, a mission-style brick lodge built in 1929, holds a special place in Truth or Consequences’ story. “The property featured the first registered hot mineral water well in town, anchoring a tradition that continues to define the community,” says Eva Mendoza, Ted Turner Reserves’ general manager of southern New Mexico guest operations. Turner purchased Sierra Grande in 2013 as an overnight retreat for Ladder and Armendaris ranch guests; today, it offers a restorative hot springs and spa experience. “We welcome visitors from across the Southwest, as well as travelers who stumble upon us and are always delighted to discover this unexpected jewel,” Mendoza says. “Many arrive seeking rest and renewal and leave with a deeper appreciation for T or C’s healing waters, rich history, and local spirit.”
Barrel Sauna
“FRAMED BY DESERT MOUNTAINS AND BIG NEW MEXICO SKIES.”
Beyond its storied hot springs, Truth or Consequences has grown into an arts hub, with galleries, murals, and the Second Saturday Art Hop (now in its 20th year) energizing downtown. The historic El Cortez Theater, which screens films and hosts live music, and Truth or Consequences Brewing Company anchor Main Street. Kelley calls the Healing Waters Trail, winding from the Veterans’ Home to the river, a must-do. Cultural highlights include the Geronimo Museum and the Hamilton Military Museum, curated by local veterans who also built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Veterans’ Memorial Park . But T or C isn’t only about looking back. As Virgin Galactic edges closer to regular spaceflights at the nearby Spaceport America, Final Frontier Tours from the visitor center offer a glimpse of T or C’s future. For now, Truth or Consequences is precisely what its name suggests: surprising and spirited: a place to spend days soaking in thermal waters, and evenings stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the Southwest.
Riverbend Hot Springs
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW MEXICO VETERANS MEMORIAL & RICHARD LAKIN
The New Mexico Veterans Memorial
Thankful for the valor
New Mexicans have a long history of participation in military service, so it’s appropriate that there be a local monument to honor the generations that have answered the call. To that end, a non-profit organization of volunteers has created the New Mexico Veterans Memorial on Louisiana Blvd near Kirtland Air Force Base.
Women in the military memorial
We talked to JoAnn Hudson, who is on the board of directors, about the Memorial. “A group of people that were a combination of veterans and the community had gotten together and decided that they would like to have something that could be built to honor the veterans, especially the veterans of New Mexico, so they had started planning in the late 1990s and the first part of 2000. They created the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Foundation and acquired 25 acres for a park and a visitor center. There was enthusiastic support from the community in the form of donations and volunteers.”
The park has a variety of monuments that honor specific segments of veterans and their families.
JoAnn says, “We work with different organizations that want to put individual memorials up. We have a tribute to women in the military who have their own memorial. We have memorials for Blue Star Mothers, Gold Star Mothers, Submariners, Buffalo Soldiers, War Correspondents, Code Talkers...we
have about 43 total now in the park. We have memorials for all conflicts from the Colonial War to the War on Terror. We have monuments to different facets of service...The Call, The Preparation, The Battle, The Word from Home, The Homecoming, and The Fallen Friend.”
The Memorial has event facilities for rent that help to raise funds to retain and improve the park. JoAnn tells us, “We have indoor space that can accommodate 153 guests, a full kitchen, a private courtyard that can host 400, and outdoor grounds that can seat 3,500 visitors. People hold reunions, conferences, banquets, weddings, retirements, family gatherings, and receptions...and we also have plenty of parking. We let some veteran groups, like the American Legion, use the space for meetings without charge. We also have an amphitheater for concerts and a parade ground for ceremonies.”
Visitors can also support the park with inscriptions and plaques. You can sponsor an engraved CONTINUED >
“We have memorials for all conflicts from the Colonial War to the War on Terror.”
Tuskegee Airmen memorial
memorial brick, a memorial rose bush or tree with a plaque, or a bench with a memorial plaque. Sponsorship purchases are tax-deductible.
The New Mexico Veterans Memorial also supports other veterans’ groups. JoAnn tells us, “We just did a donation to the Fisher house, which is on the Air Force base. There are a lot of veterans who are in
the hospital at Kirtland, and they come from Taos to Las Cruces, and their families can stay there and not have to pay for hotels.”
The Memorial has a library of over 6,000 books and hundreds of VHS tapes and DVDs pertaining to military history.
We found that a surprising number of local residents are not aware of the Memorial. We hope
that our editorial will help to change that, and we encourage our readers to visit the New Mexico Veterans Memorial to experience its quiet and contemplative grounds.
The park is open 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Sunday. It is located at 1100 Louisiana Blvd, SE. Their phone number is 505.768.4495, and their website is https://www.nmvetsmemorial.org .
The Call
HOME CLEAN HEROES OF HIGH DESERT
ARTICLE BY RUDY CARRILLO | PHOTOGRAPHY
COURTESY OF HOME CLEAN HEROES OF HIGH DESERT
HOME CLEANING WITH A CAUSE
We all need heroes in our lives. And heroes can be found anywhere in America these days. Whether they’re first responders heading toward an emergency, or entrepreneurs providing necessary services to the people that live in our shared urban glory, we count on such citizens to help out and make things right.
Such heroes do the work of making our days better by bringing their expertise directly into our lives. In the case of Michael Torres Franco and Home Clean Heroes of High Desert, heroes are just a click away.
Torres Franco is the man behind this Albuquerque business dedicated to making the lives and homes of city residents better and cleaner. The company’s ‘Heroes First’ initiative guarantees that first responders are recognized and rewarded for their valiant efforts as well.
Torres Franco told us the story of Home Clean Heroes of High Desert, recounting his own history as he looked forward to helping others.
“After 20 years in the Air Force, I decided to retire. As I was making that transition, I met a business coach. He asked if anyone was interested in opening a business.”
The Home Clean Heroes of High Desert crew
The teacher then offered specific instruction in that area, Torres Franco recalls. “I was the only one who took him up on the offer. He did some testing with me and my husband, Ricardo. We learned a lot about ourselves. We also learned what might be a good fit for us. After discussing many different business models, we decided on starting a cleaning company.”
Torres Franco offers residential and small business cleaning services. He understands that there is no shortage of such businesses in the Albuquerque area. But he’s sure that Home Clean Heroes of High Desert is different, and makes that difference clear in the work they do, as well as in the heroic enterprises that they help support.
“We had been consumers of similar services, but we had walked away disappointed. We were sure we could do better; military-style clean is a whole different order of clean, in my opinion. Ricardo and I both agreed that we could do a great job at this while helping our community. We’re in the middle of our first year, and we are excited to know that our customers feel the same way we do.
Torres Franco maintains that the success they’ve seen so far is based on their business model. They don’t pay staff via commission. Besides maintaining an attitude of excellence in the services they provide, the company pays a respectable hourly wage, provides benefits like 24/7 telehealth services, and makes use of company vehicles to ensure their workers are safe and can work efficiently in homes throughout Albuquerque.
The most important aspect of this unique business model, however, may be Home Clean Heroes’ work with first responders. Supporting such heroes is the goal of the company’s “Heroes First” involvement.
Torres Franco told us that this aspect of their small business works wonders. “‘Heroes First’ is a national organization; we’re one of their partners. Our focus is called the ‘First Responders Children's Foundation’. That’s in conjunction with the ‘Heroes First Initiative’; they’ve been around for about 20 years, and I’ve known about them since I was in the Air Force. Their mission is to support the children and families of first responders, of heroes. They support families who’ve experienced the catastrophic loss of a first responder. They also provide scholarships and financial assistance for the children of those heroes. What’s really cool is that they provide mental health services for first responders and their families, too. Services like those are very easy for me and Ricardo to get behind. For instance, money from each cleaning mission we engage goes to support the program; our customers can also opt in, and they can contribute too. Many do just that. I just love that we’re able to work with our community on this essential service.”
Michael Torres Franco and Michael Torres Franco
Getting in touch with these hometown Home Clean Heroes of High Desert — and helping first responders and their families all over New Mexico while getting superlative cleaning services — is as easy as pointing your browser to homecleanheroes.com. There, you’ll find a licensed and bonded cleaning company with a difference, as well as a heart beating for all the people who work day and night to help us build a better city. We count on such heroes every day, and you can count on Home Clean Heroes to honor that heroic ideal.
Business Phone (Call/Text): 505.831.8636
Website: www.homecleanheroes.com/highdesert
General Inquiries: highdesert@homecleanheroes.com
Joel Esquibel, Financial Advisor
CYCLE KIDS
Thankful for the confidence
ARTICLE BY REGAN BERVAR PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CYCLE KIDS
Cycle Kids is rolling into Albuquerque schools, giving students the chance to build confidence and community from the seat of a bike. More than just teaching kids how to ride, the program fosters peer mentorship, focus and resilience; skills that extend far beyond the playground. By providing
“Cycle Kids’ mission at its core is to empower children around health and wellness and give them the skills they need to feel more confident in whatever they do.”
bikes and a thoughtfully designed curriculum, Cycle Kids empowers children, particularly in low-income communities, to embrace healthy habits and discover lifelong confidence through cycling and nutrition education.
Julianne Idlet is the CEO of Cycle Kids, and she founded the organization in 2004, starting in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The program has grown to reach 10,000 children across the U.S., with another 14,000 on the waitlist. Idlet believes in the importance of bike education to broaden the perspectives of children while they are still in their formative years.
“For me, it was important as a child,” Idlet said. “It was my transportation, it was my play, it was my confidence. It gave me freedom.”
Idlet said that through her cycling coaching at Harvard, she realized that a lot of kids didn’t have the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike, either because a bike or a teacher wasn’t accessible. “I wanted to bring them that opportunity, because biking is confidence,” Idlet said. “It's not just pushing pedals and getting from place A to place B, but it's that confidence, it's that freedom. It's that sense of, I can do anything ; it's resilience. If you have a flat tire, you have to know how to fix it and change it. It’s knowing that you can take care of yourself.”
Ashley Wedelich is the Southwest Program Director and an avid cyclist herself. She has seen firsthand how cycling has changed her life, and now, working with schools, how it is changing lives for the kids participating. “One of the biggest skills they learn is peer mentorship, and the kids are actually working together,” Wedelich said. “ And another big skill is their ability to concentrate. Concentration and cycling is super important, whether you're on the road or you're on a mountain bike, and it teaches you to be present in the moment, instead of on a screen or whatever a lot of kids are doing these days.”
Together, Wedelich and Idlet work to get this program in schools, but their biggest blockade is finding funding to get the bikes and the curriculum instituted. Cycle Kids is run by a small team, but they work to partner with schools rather than just dropping off a handbook. And once the program is initiated into the school’s curriculum, it lasts for years.
“Bikes don't wear out,” Idlet said. “You might need new tires, but they're just being used as part of a gym curriculum. So once we put a program into a school, a funder can know this is going to impact children for years. It's not a one-and-done thing; it's going into that school, and it's going to impact generations.”
Cycle Kids’ mission at its core is to empower children around health and wellness and give them the skills they need to feel more confident in whatever they do. “What Cycle Kids is doing is just giving them the tools in their little mental toolbox to be confident in themselves and to feel good about the things that they're doing,” Wedelich said.
This program teaches kids the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise, showing how these habits can positively shape their daily lives. Beyond physical health, the impact reaches further, from improved academic performance to reduced stress and sharper focus in the classroom. “And that's what cycling did for me,” Wedelich said.
“The power of Cycle Kids is that it plants a seed.”
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“I think at that age you are able to give the kids that little piece of knowledge that is in the back of their brain to take with them when they're adults; to be healthy, happy, and functioning people in our society.”
The Cycle Kids team may be small, but their impact is mighty, reaching more than 10,000 children across the country. In communities nationwide, thousands of kids are building confidence, strengthening peer connections, and developing skills that will stay with them for life. “The power of Cycle Kids is that it plants a seed,” Idlet said. “And it's that little kernel of hope that you can plant in a child that really can grow into something and help make a change.”
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THANKFUL FOR THE ADVENTURE
New Mexico Trails
Field Institute of Taos
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAIDEN STONE, G.GRECO
Nature Niños New Mexico archery class
“We offer experiential education, teach outdoor skills, and encourage inclusive and accessible, thoughtful exploration.”
We here at Albuquerque City Lifestyle magazine regularly cover the outdoor recreation industry in New Mexico. It is a vital part of the state’s culture and one of the reasons we all love to live here. Recently, there were grants awarded to organizations that work to provide access to the outdoor recreation areas of the state under the Trails+ initiative. The state Outdoor Recreation Division characterizes this initiative as “To grow outdoor access for both residents and visitors, as well as preserve these wild places within our state, the legislature, through the ORD, has created the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant. This grant invests in conservation-minded shovel-ready projects that are open to the public, increase access to outdoor opportunities, and demonstrate a clear economic benefit to the community through improved quality of life, better public health outcomes, and/or increased eco-tourism.”
We’ll take a look at some of the organizations and projects that were awarded grants throughout New Mexico to create and improve trail systems.
Nature Niños New Mexico says that their goal is “We are here to be your outdoor learning team. We take the guesswork out of getting outside so families can access and explore the outdoors alongside a family-focused, professional team.” We talked to Sarah Candelaria, the executive director of the group. She told us, “We're a local nonprofit entity that focuses on
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“It’s a great way to promote the enjoyment and sustainability of the outdoors.” “
engaging with youth and families that are facing barriers to access to the outdoors, and so we work in sometimes larger communities and sometimes school communities. We help communities identify what barriers they are facing, and we help to mitigate those barriers to make sure that youth are having the opportunities to spend meaningful time outside focusing on their social-emotional health and well-being.”
Sarah tells us, “Some kids who are living in city environments are what we call ‘nature nervous.’ We don’t want to immediately expose them to ‘big nature’, so we start with projects that are within walking distance in or near the city. We just recently did a cleanup and tree distribution hike where we spent some time cleaning up the Bosque. Anyone who was part of our project was able to take a tree home for that day to be able to plant in their yard. Most of these kids were from the South Valley community. We do ‘big nature’ as well, with rafting and fishing in more remote parts of the state. We’re seeing kids who are exploring a career path in outdoor recreation. We want kids outside, but in its core foundation, we want our youth to be happy and healthy, and if they can include nature, all the better.”
The Field Institute of Taos describes their program as “To provide hands-on, nature-based outdoor experiences promoting connection, healthy, active lifestyles, and focusing on adventure, natural sciences, community, and culture. We offer experiential education, teach outdoor skills, and encourage inclusive and accessible, thoughtful exploration.”
Elizabeth S. LeBlanc, Executive Director, says, “The Field Institute of Taos is an outdoor education nonprofit. Our primary mission is to get local kids into the outdoors, so we run summer camps and school programs. We have a bike team. Pretty much anything that involves getting kids outdoors, having fun, and involving health and wellness is in our wheelhouse.”
“We run a couple of different kinds of camps. Our signature camp is what we call a mountain camp. We do team building activities, get them prepared, and then
head out to explore different areas of Taos, so the activities involved in those include things like hiking and learning navigation. We often do rides up the ski valley chairlift to explore all the different areas of Taos. We also do a neighborhood camp at the Quail Ridge Resort Center, and that's more outdoor activities like swimming, tennis, and crafts. We have a competitive high school and middle school bike team, so they are out in New Mexico and Colorado competing on the weekends. We are also a certified snow school. We strive to grow our community of engaged, resilient, and inquisitive children and families with opportunities for ALL children to experience the beauty, connection, and wonder of nature while developing a healthy, active lifestyle.”
The Heart of the Gila director, Patrice Mutchnick, tells us their goal is to “Conserve our watersheds and educate children, adults, and decision-makers about the ecological, social, economic, and cultural values of rivers in New Mexico and the bioregions of the greater Southwest.”
She says, “We do stewardship work on the forest, such as trail maintenance, non-native species removal, and restoration of degraded recreation sites. We do a lot of that stewardship as a mechanism for bringing people into the outdoors, getting needed work done, and then connecting them to these places in the hopes of instilling love of this place and then the motivation to protect them.”
“We have programs that are specifically for children. We do a watershed education program that brings families into the local watersheds and do activities to learn about the ecological principles and basically to have fun and enjoy the area and learn about why it's special and why it needs to be protected and to develop a sense of conservation and stewardship.”
Patrice says, “Our role is to try to create better corridors and ways that people can move a little bit further into the backcountry of the Gila, the nation's first designated wilderness area, and to experience it more deeply.”
Loren Bell, director of the Enchanted Circle Trails Association , says the aim of his organization is “To develop, maintain, and promote trails in the
Enchanted Circle region of Northern New Mexico. We are dedicated to the creation of a regional trail system as envisioned by the community-developed Enchanted Circle Trails Plan to positively affect community health and increase economic development through recreation — all to help improve the quality of life in the region for local residents.”
Loren says that there is a lot of community involvement. “We're excited that we currently work with 22 businesses and organizations within the region that regularly put in a couple thousand volunteer hours a year to help maintain our trails. For example, we engage with the Taos Trail Runners, a volunteer group of folks that get together and do trail running, and they put a couple of days a year into going out and helping us cut out trees and work on drainage.”
Like many of the trail groups, they see trail development as a community health benefit. Loren tells us, “There have been studies that have shown that people who live within a reasonable distance of a trail tend to have lower rates of health problems, lower rates of diabetes, lower rates of obesity, so providing outdoor access and just making it convenient is positively correlated with health.”
Darien Fernandez, Executive Director of the Taos Land Trust, told us that his organization has a somewhat different approach to conservation. “We work with property owners to put lands into permanent conservation easements where they give up their development rights, and they typically get a tax break in return, and we get to preserve open space. We've also done some advocacy work over the
years around conservation policy, clean water, and clean lands. We’ve helped other organizations acquire and give to the BLM and permanently protect some of the most iconic landscapes in northern New Mexico. It preserves open space, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats, and it prevents subdivision of the land. It also prevents...and this is important for New Mexico... it prevents water rights on a property from ever being sold off.”
The Taos Land Trust appears before legislatures, planning sessions, and water policy meetings. Darian says, “The past 10 years, we've also put together a community conservation plan, which mapped out different areas where folks felt that it was important to protect open space, and that's been used as a guiding document by the town of Taos. We've also worked on mapping out the potential regional trail systems that can connect one park space to another neighborhood park space.”
“We get a New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps grant that pays for us to have a summer crew of 14- to 25-year-olds who some of them are at their first job experience. Others are freshly out of school, and they want to work in conservation or outdoor recreation, and they help us maintain our parks. They also get skills such as first aid, CPR, how to build a resume, and how to show up and conduct oneself in a job interview.”
The Taos Land Trust does the complicated work of advocacy and influencing policy that makes long-range conservation efforts possible.
The Cibola Trail Alliance defines its organization as “A passionate group of outdoor enthusiasts in Cibola County, New Mexico, dedicated to promoting and maintaining multi-use trails for a variety of outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, running, ATV riding, horseback riding, and more. The organization brings together individuals who share a love for outdoor recreation and focuses on building a stronger recreational community.”
President Chad Gaines told us, “We were set up by a group of volunteers out of Grants, NM, and we set it up to advocate for multi-use trails in our community to help build trails to increase tourism in Cibola County. We’re actively involved in the preservation and development of trails in the Mt. Taylor Ranger District of Cibola County. Our group’s mission is to foster a community of trail enthusiasts, including hikers, cyclists, ATV riders, runners, and horseback riders. It’s a great way to promote the enjoyment and sustainability of the outdoors.”
“We believe that creating and maintaining successful trail systems relies on collaboration and partnership. By bringing together land managers, volunteer groups, businesses, landowners, environmental organizations, and local leaders, we can establish trails that serve everyone.”
The benefits of state economic development, healthy activity, youth participation, and enjoyment of New Mexico’s abundant natural features make these grant resources money well spent. All of these organizations have a web presence. Contact them if you want to volunteer, contribute, or enjoy the trails.
CONTINUED >
Fishing trip
“The past 10 years, we’ve also put together a community conservation plan, which mapped out different areas where folks felt that it was important to protect open space, and that’s been used as a guiding document by the town of Taos.”
Taos Land Trust
We believe that creating and maintaining successful trail systems relies on collaboration and partnership. “ ”
Enchanted Circle Trails restoration work
Heart of the Gila
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H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
SEASONAL
a simpler
RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN
HONEY
ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL
Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mind-reader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”
Ingredients
• 10 carrots
• ½ cup fresh dill
• 3 sprigs of thyme
Directions
• 1 cup labneh
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.
3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.
4. Add salt and pepper
5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes
6. Take them out of the oven and set aside
7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik.
8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top
9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing
FLAVORS
SEASONAL
HONEYNUT SQUASH
Ingredients
• 3 honeynut squash
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• smoked paprika
• pomegranates
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds
3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes
4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
Cooking tip:
CRISPY POTATOES
“I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”
Ingredients
• 10 small yellow gold potatoes
• 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
• olive oil
• salt
• rosemary, garlic, chives (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to a baking dish. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.
4. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy
5. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives
FLAVORS
FLAVORS
“A Thanksgiving Meal: The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing. Remember to keep the meal simple so you will have time to cherish your love ones and the blessings that come with.”
CARAMEL CHEESECAKE
Ingredients
Crust
• 12 graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
Filling
• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)
• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temp)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F
Crust
• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• zest of whole lemon
Caramel
• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1-1⁄3 cup water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.
2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides
3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base
4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes
Filling
1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!
2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.
3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.
Caramel
1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.
2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk
3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes
4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top
unique GIFTING
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
SEASON
The holiday season is officially on, and gifting is top of mind. We’re all used to scrolling online, browsing the malls or hitting the local boutiques, but sometimes it’s fun and unexpected to switch it up. If looking to surprise and delight recipients this year and to bring a new tradition to the season, offbeat gifting can be a great way to turn a new leaf on stale routines.
1) PRE-HOLIDAY SURPRISE. For those traveling, send gifts early, such as cheeses, fruit or pies.
2) FUTURE FUN. Browse winter or spring events; snag tickets to enjoy with recipients.
3) GENEROSITY. Donations make heartfelt, thoughtful ideas.
4) TRAVEL. Gift a loved one with a trip.
5) TIME. Is a recipient busy, overloaded and overworked? Treat them to a whole home cleaning before or after the holiday.
6) LOVE OF LEARNING. If a loved one is planning international travel, grab them a gift card for a language learning app.
7) THOUGHTFUL MESSAGES. Ask friends and family to record loving messages on cellphones; combine recordings using a video app for meaningful holiday greeting.
8) BON APPÉTIT. Sign up special someone for cooking class regarding favorite cuisine, or cuisine they struggle to make.
9) RECIPE BOOK. Gather traditional family recipes and create printed books for guests as priceless keepsakes.
Coro Lux Chamber Chorus’s Handel’s Messiah
December December 19 & 21 19 & 21
December 19 & 21
Maestro Bradley Ellingboe
Experience highlights from Handel's Messiah the way it was meant to be heard with a chamber chorus of 20 of the finest vocalists in the state and a professional orchestra of 16 musicians, all set against the stunning backdrop of Albuquerque’s premier winery.
Cozy Autumn Cookbooks
After a sizzling summer, when the last thing we wanted to do was turn on our ovens or stovetops, autumn has finally arrived. Shorter days and cooler temperatures draw us back into our kitchens to create our favorite comfort foods, but we often find ourselves stuck when it comes to new ideas. Whether you’re the family chef, an entertainer who loves to feed a crowd or a solo cook, you’re likely looking for some seasonal cooking and baking inspiration.
Filled with perfectly curated recipes, mouth-watering photos, cooking tips, and personal insights, the following four new releases are here to help. They offer solutions to your daily dinner dilemmas, celebrate our nation’s vast culinary history, teach you how to bake the best biscuits and satisfy your sweet tooth. Add these amazing cookbooks to your personal collection and you will add hundreds of new recipes to your repertoire, creating an endless array of delicious dinners and desserts. Spend a chilly night expanding your cooking talents or learning a few new baking tricks and watch how a quiet evening at home can quickly transform into something truly special. It’s time to celebrate the season, so put down that delivery app and pick up these tasty new cookbook releases, filled with recipes to keep you happy and cozy all season long.
Warm up your kitchen and celebrate the season
ARTICLE BY RHIANNON JOHNSON
Still We Rise: A Love Letter to the Southern Biscuit with Over 70 Sweet and Savory Recipes
BY ERIKA COUNCIL
Bomb Biscuit Company’s founder and head baker Erika Council pairs her heritage (she’s the granddaughter of legendary soul food chef Mildred Council aka “Mama Dip”) and immense skill set to deliver a heartfelt and tasty tribute to the Southern biscuit. Featuring classics and new favorites, this recipe collection is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Sweet Little Cakes from Mrs. Zabar’s Bakeshop: Perfect Desserts for Sharing
BY TRACEY ZABAR
Smaller size, same big flavor! Tracey Zabar has edited her famous recipes to allow home bakers the opportunity to create their own smaller versions of her famous cakes in the comfort of their own kitchens. Each seasonally organized recipe serves two to six people—perfect for creating a tiny treat to share or to satisfy your own sweet tooth.
The Great American Recipe Cookbook Season 2 Edition:
100 Memorable Recipes to Celebrate the Diversity and Flavors of American Food
There’s something for everyone in this companion cookbook to the second season of The Great American Recipe . The fun, feel-good cooking competition highlights some of our country’s most talented home cooks and captures the rich culinary history of America. From generational family treasures to regional cuisines, this recipe collection exemplifies how food represents and unifies our communities and cultures.
Skinnytaste
Simple: Easy, Healthy Recipes with 7 Ingredients or Fewer
BY GINA HOMOLKA, HEATHER K. JONES, R.D.
Streamline your dinnertime routine with these easy, delicious, and healthy recipes, each requiring seven ingredients or fewer. Featuring 105 original recipes plus 15 beloved fan-favorites from the website, Skinnytaste Simple focuses on using minimum ingredients while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.
“I
- Allie M.
