Durango, CO May 2026

The Ladies Issue GRIT, GRACE & GROW TH

M AY 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

To the Women Who Shape Our World

May 2026 PUBLISHER

Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com

This month’s issue is centered on a simple idea— taking a moment to recognize the women who shape our lives and our communities in both visible and quiet ways.

You’ll find stories of women in motion—athletes whose strength carries them forward, leaders creating space for others to rise, a chef bringing people together through the shared language of food, and a group of women whose care for the wilderness reflects something deeper about connection and responsibility.

May naturally invites this reflection. For some, it holds Mother’s Day. For others, it’s simply a season of renewal. Either way, it feels like a fitting time to pause and acknowledge the many ways women show up—with determination, creativity, compassion, and a sense of purpose that often extends far beyond themselves.

In my role as Publications Director, I’m grateful to be part of a publication that tells these stories with intention and care. It’s not about spotlighting any one path, but about honoring the many ways women lead, contribute, and inspire—often all at once.

Here’s to the women in this issue, and the ones in your own life who make a lasting impact.

D E N I S E L E S L I E , P U B L I C AT I O N D I R E C T O R @DURANGOCITYLIFESTYLE

P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com SAL E S S U P P O RT AS S I STAN T

Carley Ridley | carley.ridley@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

jen.michelle.mason@gmail.com Kalista Pena | kalista.pena11@gmail.com C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Andy Wingerd, Tori Latham, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, Dalton Ranch, Kelsy Peabody, FLC@Work

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Durango City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Durango area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/DURANGO

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Durango City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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MAY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / D UR A N G O

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inside the issue MAY 2 0 2 6 | L A DI ES

22 12

26

Featured

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16 22 26 6

You Play Like a Girl

How Impossible Existence of Women Athletes Nearly Fouled Active Lifestyles for Three Local Champs

16 On the Cover

Departments

Cover by Ignited Imagery, Andy Wingerd, Flowers

by April Garden from page 20

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

12

Athlete Life FITNESS

16

Chef ’s Selection FOOD + BEVERAGE

20

Local Limelight LOCAL SERVICES

22

Inspired By EDUCATION

26

Outdoor Living LIFE + CULTURE

28

Trend Setter STYLE + BEAUTY

30

Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

32

Events

A Seat at the Table

Chef Kelsy Peabody’s Story of Craft, Confidence, and Community

Leading Together

Women, Community, and the Power of Showing Up

Caring for the Wild

Community, connection, and care for the wild

Photography: Andy Wingerd

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M AY 2 0 2 6

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1

COURTESY OF MARIA’S BOOKSHOP

2

COURTESY DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

3

COURTESY OF MANNA DURANGO

1: Maria’s Literary Foundation’s 2nd Annual Read-a-Thon Supporters! 2: Energy in Southwest Colorado panelists — Jeff Robbins, George Sharpe, Chris Hansen and Kyle Kerr 3: Manna Durango prepared delicious and nutritious lunches for Bach Festival musicians, staff, and volunteers

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TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ D U R A N G O C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

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C I T Y SC E N E

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M AY 2 0 2 6

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Wild New Way Women's Collective

Mountain Luxe Interiors Christine Heartsill

Wild New Way invites women to gather, reflect, and reconnect through its Women’s Collective, led by Cindy Schmidt, certified master Jungian life coach and spiritual teacher. Rooted in depth work, dream exploration, and honest conversation, these weekly sessions offer a meaningful pause from daily noise. Participants can expect guided practices, thoughtful discussion, and supportive community.

Gatherings take place on Wednesdays at 8:30 am at The Durango Collective.

Learn more at wildnewway.com.

Mountain Luxe Interiors brings a seamless, full-service design experience to Southwest Colorado’s mountain communities. Under the direction of Christine Heartsill, the studio handles every detail from initial concepts to final installation. Her process creates spaces that feel both elevated and personal. This Mother’s Day, let’s design a space that’s entirely your own, starting with the perfect she shed. Visit mountainluxeinteriors.com Photography Courtesy of Christine Heartsill

Four Leaves Winery Tucked along Main Avenue, Four Leaves Winery offers more than a tasting—it’s a welcoming experience shaped by owners Dean and Melinda Fagner. Since opening in 2012, this boutique winery has become a local favorite, known for small-batch wines crafted onsite and a relaxed, community-centered atmosphere. From custom wine blending to showcasing regional artists, Four Leaves invites guests to slow down, sip, and stay awhile.

Photography Courtesy of Four Leaves Winery

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YOU Play LIKE A Girl How The Almost Impossible Existence of Women Athletes Nearly Fouled Active Lifestyles for Three Local Champs ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD, DALTON RANCH

On any given morning in Durango, women runners slip into the high country before the sun crests the San Juans. Female anglers wade gingerly into the river’s cold currents. On courts across town, the soft pop of a pickleball struck between ladies’ teams punctuates birdsongs. Here, it is easy to take for granted the sight of women moving with strength, purpose, and unapologetic focus. Nationally, it was not always so.

For centuries, women’s bodies were treated as fragile instruments, incapable of exertion. Athletic ambition was coded as unfeminine and inappropriate for public display. Medical myths warned that physical strain could deplete a woman’s limited reserves of energy. And yet, even as these constraints held, women labored in textile mills, bore children, and daily tested the boundaries of endurance.

A decisive shift came in 1972 with Title IX—a subsection of a landmark education rights act—which mandated women’s equal access to sports. The law’s legacy has been astounding. Girls’ participation in high school sports swelled from a few hundred thousand in 1971 to 2.8 million by 2003. Collegiate sports participation boomed from 15% in 1972 to 43% by 2001. And, that legacy also echoes through the miraculously athletic lives of Shelley Walchak, Laura Lynne Ehlers, and Becca Bramley.

SHE’S SO FLY

Shelley Walchak did not discover fly fishing until very late in life. “I fell in love with the sport,” she says, “like you do when you’re a teenager, and you meet your first love.” She was nearly 60 at the time, working a demanding statewide role overseeing Colorado’s public libraries, when a trip to Montana’s Bighorn River altered the course of her life.

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AT H LE T E LIF E | FI TNES S

Shelley Walchak

Becca Bramley

Laura Lynne Ehlers

After falling head-over-heals for angling, Walchak left her job and embarked on an ambitious project: fishing a different river each week for a year across the Rocky Mountain West, later chronicled in her memoir, 52 Rivers. The undertaking demanded more than romantic wanderlust. Fly fishing, she insists, is both art and science. “There’s so many different aspects that you have to learn…where the fish are in the river, what different stages of flies. The art of it—just learning how to cast so that you can put your fly down in a place that literally fools the fish.”

At 76, Walchak remains active—walking, biking, and of course, fishing. Her life is enlarged rather than narrowed by age. “It’s a gift that keeps on giving.”

CONTINUED >

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A FATED COURTSHIP

Becca Bramley

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AT H LE T E LIF E | FI TNESS

Where Walchak’s story is one of late discovery, Ehlers’ traces a lifelong, evolving relationship with movement. Growing up in Ohio in the 1960s, just before the passage of Title IX, she learned to play by necessity.

“I grew up with boys,” she recalls, “and I think I had to play… pretty much like a guy.”

Ehlers captained her high school tennis team. Years later, after stepping away from a corporate career, she found herself at a local YMCA, first taking fitness classes before being asked to teach them. That decision launched a second career in fitness instruction, and eventually, a return to tennis, which would profoundly reshape her sense of self. After hitting with the club’s pro trainer, she was offered a spot on the league team.

“That was super inspiring…It was life-changing,” Ehlers says.

Now, she coaches and—perhaps most importantly— connects. “I resonate with women as a coach. I feel like I can empower them.”

Ehlers sees her role as corrective and catalyst.

“Getting that connection and igniting that for someone else—that’s really rewarding.” On the court, she encourages fierceness—a quality women have long been discouraged from claiming. “We don’t necessarily get that opportunity to be fierce without feeling bad about it.”

IN THE LONG RUN

For Becca Bramley, athleticism is neither rediscovered nor reclaimed, but inherited. The daughter of an elite runner, she came to the sport through grief. After her father’s death when she was 13, running became a means of connection. “That was my motive…for a really long time,” she says. “Just being connected to my dad.”

At first, the sport was punishing. “Running isn’t that fun…when you have to get into shape.” But it offered structure and a place to channel loss. Her trajectory since has been marked by both grit and evolution. Bramley initially walked away from collegiate competition, only to return months later, drawn by an unshakable need to move. Over time, she pushed into ultrarunning—50Ks, then 100Ks, and eventually a 100-mile race.

Where once she ran to hold on—to memory, to identity—she now practices letting go, or, as a philosophical concept, non-attachment. Bramley polishes her non-attachment skills through her longtime yoga practice, but she finds that running puts them to the ultimate test.

For instance, in a recent competition, she fell and broke her arm mid-race. “I was like, is there any way I can keep going? Can we just put my arm in a sling?” she recalls. The answer, ultimately, was no. Only by letting go of her attachment to winning could she evolve into a better athlete with greater mental fortitude.

SETTLING THE SCORE

Across generations and disciplines, these women converge in their patience learned through repetition, in confidence forged through effort, in the stubborn, sustaining belief that the body is not a limitation but a terrain to be explored.

Half a century after Title IX, the level playing field it promised is still unfolding—not just in numbers or access, but in the interior lives of women who cast, run, and rally their way into fuller versions of themselves.

On the Shelf: 52 Rivers After discovering fly fishing later in life, Shelley Walchak set out to fish a new river every week for a year. Her memoir captures the discipline, wonder, and deep connection found along the way—revealing how curiosity can open the door to an entirely new chapter.

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A SEAT AT the Table

CHEF KELSY PEABODY’S STORY OF CRAFT, CONFIDENCE, AND COMMUNITY ARTICLE BY DENISE LESLIE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MILL STREET BISTRO

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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

There’s a feeling when you walk into Mill Street Bistro that it was built with purpose — not just as a place to eat but as a space to gather. Located inside a Mill Street home reimagined for gathering, the space carries a warmth that feels natural and genuine — more like being welcomed in than dining out. That feeling begins in the kitchen, with Chef Kelsy Peabody, whose journey to owning her own restaurant reflects a kind of leadership that doesn’t seek attention — but earns it.

Kelsy’s journey comes full circle.

After earning her culinary degree from the Art Institute of Colorado in 2008 and honing her skills as a stagiaire at Boulder’s Flagstaff House, she returned to Birmingham, Michigan, where food was already a significant part of her background. At Peabody’s Restaurant, her family-owned restaurant, she stepped into the role of Head Chef. Managing the kitchen of a 277-seat historic space required more than just technique. It demanded leadership, resilience, and the ability to combine tradition with innovation—all while working alongside family.

CONTINUED >

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It’s where her approach took shape—rooted in instinct, timing, and a quiet confidence in doing things well. By 2015, the pull of the West drew her back to Southwest Colorado, where she launched Bounty for the Belly, a food truck and catering business known for its elevated approach to comfort food.

There—serving meals across the region—her culinary voice became unmistakably her own: thoughtful, satisfying, and rooted in quality ingredients.

In the summer of 2019, Kelsy opened Mill Street Bistro in the heart of Bayfield, creating something that reflects both her training and her point of view.

The concept is simple, but intentional: farm-to-table cuisine, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re stopping in for a casual happy hour, celebrating a special occasion, or bringing the whole family.

What stands out isn’t a single dish, but the consistency behind everything she delivers. Whether it’s a carefully prepared fish or a perfectly cooked steak, there’s a clarity in her cooking—thoughtful, restrained, and rooted in doing things well. That approach runs through the menu, from seasonal dishes to the elevated comfort food that originally defined her style. It’s less about highlighting any one dish and more about crafting something people trust—an experience that feels stable, thoughtful, and worth coming back to.

That sense of care extends to how the menu is crafted. It changes weekly, guided by what’s fresh and

what’s inspiring now—an approach that reflects both her creativity and her connection to the region.

The restaurant’s rhythm maintains the same deliberate pace. Mill Street Bistro is open Wednesday through Saturday, providing time for preparation and creativity behind the scenes. It’s a schedule that emphasizes quality over quantity— ensuring that everything that comes to the table has been carefully thought through.

That connection to place extends beyond the kitchen. Whether she’s playing hockey, riding a bike, or casting a line, Kelsy remains closely linked to the rhythms of this region—something that quietly influences both how she cooks and how she leads.

And that balance— between refinement and approachability—is what defines her work.

Kelsy’s leadership isn’t flashy. It shines through consistency, high standards, and the environment she nurtures—one where people feel cared for, both in the dining room and behind the scenes. Her “fancy comfort” approach continues to define her work, providing food that feels familiar yet thoughtfully refined.

Mill Street Bistro isn’t just a career achievement—it’s the fulfillment of a long-standing vision.

One molded by family, reinforced by experience, and now completely her own.

And in that, there’s something worth recognizing—not just the place she’s created, but the woman behind it—building something steady, meaningful, and entirely her own.

“She’s building something steady, meaningful, and entirely her own.”

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C HE F ’S SE LE CT ION | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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A New Season at

April’s Garden Meet Julia Foran, the newest owner of April’s Garden. After acquiring the beloved local shop in the fall of 2025, Julia is stepping into her first business with energy, intention, and a deep appreciation for the role flowers play in everyday life. I had the opportunity to sit down with her as she prepares for the busy spring and summer season here in Durango.

A graduate of Fort Lewis College, Julia spent time moving around the West before being pulled back to Durango by what many describe

as the town’s gravitational pull. Now, she’s ready to put down roots and help the community celebrate life’s moments through flowers and plants for every occasion.

Following a successful Valentine’s Day, Julia and her team are gearing up for the next big rush: Mother’s Day and graduation season. As Julia puts it, “more people have a mother than a lover,” and she is excited to help customers create something truly special this May. April’s Garden sources many of its plants from regional growers in New Mexico and is in the process of bringing in dozens of hanging baskets for yards and patios this summer. The flowers are fresh, healthy, and sourced from a mix of regional growers and trusted domestic and international farms, ensuring both quality and variety. For those feeling creative, the shop also offers a hands-on experience. Customers can bring in their own pots to the store to mix and match plants, creating their own custom planted arrangements.

In other words, bring the whole family in this May and design a one-of-a-kind gift for the special person in your life. And flowers do not have to be short-lived. In addition to traditional bouquets, April’s Garden offers rooted, living plants that can last through the entire growing season and beyond.

Of course, the shop still carries a wide variety of fresh flower bouquets perfect for any occasion. With colors that span the spectrum, there is something for everyone. As Julia explains, “A lot of moms are big gardeners, so we’ll put together gift baskets for gardening moms, but we also have plenty of traditional fresh flower bouquets for people who want something classic.”

Between Julia and her team, there is a wealth of knowledge built on years of experience. Whether you are planting perennials that will last year after year or experimenting with annuals that may reseed on their own, the team can guide you. They are especially skilled at helping customers navigate Durango’s

Rooted in community, Julia Foran brings new life to a local favorite ARTICLE BY JAMES LEONARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD

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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

unique microclimates. If your yard is shaded by trees or exposed to full sun, they can recommend plants that will thrive in your specific environment.

This year, April’s Garden is also introducing something new for Mother’s Day. Instead of offering dozens of mixed arrangements, Julia and her team are focusing on curated color palettes. “If your mom loves hot pink, you can choose a hot pink bouquet. If she prefers yellow, green, or softer tones, we’ll have those options too. It makes the process simpler while still feeling personal.”

With a fresh perspective and a strong connection to the community, Julia Foran and her team at April’s Garden are ready for a vibrant season ahead.

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LEADING TOGETHER Women, Community, and the Power of Showing Up

There’s something powerful that occurs when women come together — not because of a specific job or title, but because of the basic act of supporting one another. In Durango, that idea has come to life through the Durango Women’s Leadership Conference, brought to life by Sandy Lane in partnership with Fort Lewis College Athletics.

At first glance, it may seem that the conference focuses on women in athletics. After all, it benefits women student-athletes.

But that’s only part of the story—and it doesn’t start there. The concept itself originated from something much larger.

In a room full of community leaders, a simple observation emerged: Durango lacked a women’s leadership conference. That moment stayed with Sandy. Coming from a larger city where such spaces were common, she understood what was missing— a place where women from all backgrounds could gather, learn from each other, and form connections that went beyond industry boundaries.

ARTICLE BY DENISE LESLIE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLC@WORK, TORI LATHAM

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I NSP IR E D BY | EDUCATI ON

What followed was a decision that set the tone for the entire event: this would be a conference for women leaders in every sense of the word. Not just those with official titles, but those leading in classrooms, businesses, nonprofits, healthcare settings, creative practices, public service—and in everyday life. It’s this broader view of leadership that gives the conference its scope and impact.

The partnership with Fort Lewis College athletics aligns with that vision, providing a meaningful way to give the conference purpose beyond just the event itself. Proceeds support women student-athletes, establishing a tangible link between today’s leaders and those beginning their journeys. But within the conference, the focus remains clear: this is a space for women across the community to gather, learn, and lead together.

But once you’re in the room, you notice it immediately. What makes the conference resonate is its dedication to local voices.

Early in the planning, the idea of bringing in outside keynote speakers was set aside in favor of something more authentic: women from this community sharing their own stories, insights, and lived experiences.

That decision completely changed everything.

CONTINUED >

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In its first year, over 300 women gathered—many unsure of what to expect. What they discovered wasn’t a typical conference but something more personal. Conversations that felt meaningful. Stories that reflected their own journeys. A sense of recognition that leadership isn’t reserved for a chosen few. It belongs to all of us. And just that was only the start.

By the second year, the conference had grown—not just in size, but in depth. More space for conversation. More opportunities to choose your own path through the day. Breakout sessions that invited smaller, more meaningful exchanges. The structure shifted in response to the women in the room, creating an experience that felt both intentional and responsive.

Panels showcased the diversity of leadership across the region—from first responders to outdoor professionals—while emerging voices stood alongside established leaders, each contributing something valuable to the conversation. The mix of perspectives reinforced what the conference aimed to do from the start: create a space where every woman could see herself reflected in the experience.

And something else started to unfold. Women who had never spoken on stage before stepped forward. Not perfectly, but bravely. Many returned the next year, not just to speak again, but to mentor others—moving from sharing their stories to helping others shape their own.

That ripple effect is where the impact really exists.

The conference has already sparked ongoing leadership programs and new collaborations across the community. But its influence shows up in quieter ways too—through conversations that continue long after the event ends, connections that turn into partnerships, and the growing confidence of women who realize their voice matters.

At its core, this conference isn’t centered on one focus or industry. It’s characterized by its openness. A space where emerging leaders sit alongside experienced ones. Where students, professionals, creatives, and community members come together in the same room.

Where the question isn’t “What do you do?” but “What can we learn from each other?”

The support for women’s athletics provides the conference with a meaningful foundation. However, the experience itself extends to a much broader community.

Because when women come together—not in competition, but in connection—they don’t just share ideas. They broaden the definition of leadership for everyone.

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I NSP IR E D BY | EDUCATI ON

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C A R ING F OR T HE W IL D COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, AND CARE FOR THE WILD

ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREAT OLD BROADS FOR WILDERNESS

Members of the Aldo's Silver City Broadband in New Mexico gather in Gila National Forest

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O UT D OOR LIV IN G | L I FE + CU LT U RE

In 1989, on the 25th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch opposed wilderness designation, arguing that roads were necessary for the “aged and infirm” to have access to these areas.

An adventurous group of older women was offended by such a preposterous claim. As older women, they believed they didn’t need roads in the wilderness. They didn’t want to be used as an excuse to destroy public lands.

And from this strong belief and passion to protect wild places, Great Old Broads for Wilderness was born.

For nearly 40 years, Great Old Broads for Wilderness have banded together, bolstering their voices to advocate for and protect the wilderness we all love and cherish. As a national grassroots organization, they have built their service upon four foundational pillars: Stewardship, Advocacy, Education, and Fun. “Everybody cares about wild places in their own way. Some people want to build trails and plant native plants. Some people want to educate, inform, and inspire their communities. Others want to change the policies that underlie all of the public lands; they want to talk to legislators and write letters to decision makers,” said Reba Elliott, the current Executive Director, adding, “All of these gifts are needed, all of these approaches are necessary.”

At the heart of it all is love and fun. “We always have fun,” said Elliott.

“We’re laughing, we’re joking, we’re being active.” And through this work, they have created a delightful community that thrives on integrity and the pursuit of common goals.

Local chapters known as Broadbands span across 18 states and continue to grow with new regions and leadership every day.

Last year, these Broadbands and the organization itself collaborated with 150 partner organizations. Elliott said, “Partnerships are essential! We are so much more together than we are alone,” a sentiment that is carried in all the Broads’ work.

It’s important to highlight that older women are the backbone of this organization. “[They] have this lifetime of experience. Some of the women in our network are retired real estate agents, teachers, and doctors, and over the course of their careers and raising families, they gained these incredibly

valuable skills. They know how to network, plan projects, and review policies. Older women have this fount of good things to share. Their knowledge and expertise are essential,” said Elliott.

Durango is home to the South San Juan Broadband and has a leadership team of 12 people. They are currently focused on four areas: the protection of local trails, cattle grazing, wolf reintroduction, and the impact of mining on water quality. These areas directly affect our community not only through recreational use and tourism but also through our local wildlife and water supply. “Public lands are not just for us, they are for future generations and a host of wildlife that depends on them,” said Louise Van Vanno, a co-leader of the local Broadband.

“Public lands are a treasure. They’re a treasure of spiritual connection. They’re a treasure of beauty.

They’re a treasure that provides clean water, air, and soil for communities all across the country,” said Elliott. Good Old Broads for Wilderness is a steadfast group of individuals driven to protect our wildlands.

To connect with a local Broadband and learn more, visit their website at www.greatoldbroads.org.

Members of the Sonoran Broadband in Arizona prepare to hike out into the wild

Members of the North San Juan Broadband in Colorado perform bighorn sheep monitoring work in the San Juan Mountains

Members of the Aldo's Silver City Broadband in New Mexico do livestock monitoring work in Gila National Forest MAY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / D UR A N G O

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ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

BECKY HILLYARD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From Side Hustle to Style Empire The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY? A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

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T R E N D SE T T E R | STYL E + BE AU T Y

Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection

Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND? A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING? A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strat-

website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

egy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED? A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust.

People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE? A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off.

After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them.

I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today.

Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

F E AT U R I N G B E C K Y H I L LYA R D The brand millions follow. Hear how it really star ted. Scan for the full conversation.

MAY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / D UR A N G O

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Mother’s Day BREAKFAST 30

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE BY MATTHEW SOUSA

DELIGHT MOM WITH HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.

CLASSIC BELGIAN WAFFLE RECIPE Ingredients: • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tbsp sugar • 1 tbsp baking powder • ½ tsp salt • 2 eggs, separated • 1¾ cups milk • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted • 1 tsp vanilla extract Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.

5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour in enough batter to cover the surface and cook until golden brown and crisp.

Serving Suggestions: Top the waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

This simple yet elegant breakfast is a heartfelt way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

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M AY 2 0 2 6

events

Willow Tree Kennels Dog Daycare and Boarding

Now Booking

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S MAY 8TH

Durango Spring Gallery Walk Downtown Durango, Durango, CO 81301 | 5:00 PM Durango’s Spring Gallery Walk invites an evening of art, connection, and discovery. Stroll through downtown galleries and creative spaces, meet local artists, and experience new exhibitions, demonstrations, and receptions.

This self-guided event offers a relaxed way to explore the region’s creative energy and connect with the people shaping Durango’s vibrant arts community. DurangoartGalleries.com

Planning your summer vacation?

Don’t forget to plan your pet’s stay!

We are now accepting bookings for Summer 2026. www.willowtreedurango.com 970-259-0018 willowtreedurango@gmail.com

MAY 9 TH

Durango Farmers Market on Main Downtown Durango, Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301 | 8:00 AM

PINO NUCHE

INDIGENOUS

ARTIST MARKET & JURIED SHOW

SAVE THE DATE

AUGUST 7 • 8 • 9, 2026

at the Sky Ute Casino Resort

2nd Saturdays on Main brings the Durango Farmers Market downtown, transforming Main Avenue into a walkable market filled with local produce, artisan goods, food vendors, and live music. With expanded space and community programming, it creates a lively gathering that celebrates connection, creativity, and the region’s local food system. DurangoFarmersMarket.com MAY 15TH

Tico Time Bluegrass Music Festival Tico Time Resort, 20 Road 2050, Aztec, NM, 87410

SOUTHERN UTE

CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM 503 Ouray Drive • PO Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137 • 970.563.9583 EMAIL | museum@southernute-nsn.gov IG | southern ute museum_sum WEB | southernutemuseum.org

Join the 6th annual Tico Time Bluegrass Music Festival, May 15–17, 2026, at Tico Time River Resort near Durango. Enjoy live music, riverside camping, outdoor recreation, workshops, and family-friendly activities in a relaxed, Costa Rica–inspired setting filled with community, connection, and the sounds of bluegrass. TicoTimeBluegrass.com CONTINUED >

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33

events

CONTINUED

Fifty years never ordinary

MAY 20 TH

Great Garden Series Durango Public LIbrary, 1900 E. 3rd Ave., Durango, CO 81301 | 4:30 PM Part of the Great Garden Series, this program on the 3rd Wednesday each month, April–September, brings together local experts from Durango Botanic Gardens and CSU Extension for engaging talks on gardening in our region. Held every fourth Wednesday, it offers practical tips, seasonal insight, and a chance to connect with fellow gardeners. durangoco.gov/library MAY 23 R D

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Race Buckley Park, 1250 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 | 8:00 AM The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic is a Memorial Day weekend tradition in Durango, bringing cyclists together for a multiday festival of road, gravel, and mountain bike races. Riders tackle high-alpine passes from Durango to Silverton, celebrating endurance, community, and the region’s stunning mountain landscape. IronHorseBicycleClassic.com MAY 28TH

Durango Bluegrass Train

Sotheby's International Realty® celebrates fifty years

743 Main Avenue, Durango | 970.624.0444 legacypropertieswestsir.com © 2026 SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK AND USED WITH PERMISSION. EACH SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED, EXCEPT THOSE OPERATED BY SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY, INC. ALL OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES INCLUDING PRICE OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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EVE N TS

DSNGR, 479 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 | 6:30 PM All aboard the Durango Bluegrass Train, May 28–30, 2026, for a one-ofa-kind musical journey through the San Juan Mountains. Enjoy live bluegrass performances in every railcar as you ride the historic train, moving between coaches, dancing, and taking in breathtaking scenery along the way. DurangoBluegrasstrain.com

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