Gratitude burns brightest when courage meets community
Give Thanks
As we turn the clocks back and settle into shorter days, life seems to slow just enough to give us room for reflection. Before the holiday whirlwind sweeps us up, it’s worth pausing to ask: What am I truly thankful for?
Maybe it’s something simple—like crisp mountain air that wakes you up better than coffee. Or maybe it’s more personal—like that long-overdue raise you’ve been eyeing at year’s end.
At Durango City Lifestyle, our gratitude begins with community. This month, we’re shining a light on some of Durango’s finest first responders and the countless ways they show up for us. We also asked our readers and local organizations to share stories of random acts of kindness—moments that sparked gratitude and reminded us how deeply interconnected our little mountain town really is.
Here, kindness travels fast. Small gestures ripple outward, magnifying into something greater—one neighbor lending a hand, one stranger offering a smile, one spark catching light across the whole community. That’s what makes Durango special: we lean on each other, lift each other up, and build something vibrant together. So before you dig into turkey and trot out the same tired toasts, take a moment. Really ask yourself: What am I grateful for this season? The answers might surprise you. Cheers to gratitude, and to all the ways it connects us.
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jennifer Mason | jennifer.mason@citylifestyle.com
Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com
Kalista Pena | kalista.pena11@gmail.com
Rachel Rosenthal | rachel.rosenthal@citylifestyle.com
Ahdon Ridenour
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andy Wingerd, Janis Conell
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
Exploring
Protected From The Elements
Nurturing Hearts: Homegrown Compassion
Founded just a year ago by Kara Weese, Nurturing Hearts offers compassionate, non-medical home care to Durango families who require a little extra support at home. Kara started the company after realizing how many local families needed help beyond what she could give alone. With guidance from the **Southwest Colorado SBDC**, Nurturing Hearts has grown steadily—offering companionship, daily assistance, and heartfelt care rooted in community connection.
Kareena Guerrero: Grateful for Financial Clarity
This season of gratitude reminds us of the gratitude we can feel for guidance that genuinely makes a difference. At Foundational Wealth Partners, Kareena Guerrero helps individuals and families find peace of mind through thoughtful, compassionate financial planning. From eliminating debt to protecting assets and ensuring lasting retirement income, Kareena’s mission is rooted in care and trust. Her clients are thankful for the confidence and clarity she brings to every step of their financial journey.
Sober Water: Purpose in Every Bottle
Sober Water, founded by Ryan Whittaker in Durango, Colorado, is redefining what it means to do business with purpose. In just nine months, the company has blended sustainability and social impact, packaging premium spring and sparkling water in eco-friendly aluminum and glass while dedicating profits to support addiction recovery and homelessness solutions. With help from the Southwest Colorado SBDC, Whittaker’s bold vision proves that business can truly change lives—one bottle at a time.
Photography Courtesy of Southwest Small Business Development Center
Photography Courtesy of Foundation Wealth Partners
Photography Courtesy of Sober Water
GR ATITUDEATTHEHEART
In Durango, gratitude often shows in simple yet impactful ways — a neighbor lending a hand, a friend sharing a meal, or a community coming together around what matters most. This spirit of thankfulness lies at the heart of three nonprofits whose work touches lives every day: Community Connections, The Hive, and Maria’s Literary Foundation. Though each addresses different needs, they collectively represent the best of living in a place where people truly care for one another.
THREE DURANGO NONPROFITS SHOW HOW CARE, CREATIVITY, AND CONNECTION BUILD A STRONGER DURANGO
ARTICLE BY DENISE LESLIE
For over thirty years, Community Connections has been a vital resource for families navigating the challenges of disability services. Whether parents are seeking support for a child with developmental delays or adults are working through the complexities of Medicaid waivers to achieve independence, the organization offers both expertise and compassion. Its case managers guide families through confusing systems, ensuring no one faces these challenges alone. Community Connections provides early intervention for toddlers, family support programs that build resilience, and coordination services that help people focus on living rather than paperwork.
When state policy changes required the organization to restructure, Community Connections embraced the challenge. They established a partner organization, Our Own Lives, to handle direct services, while refocusing their mission as the region’s primary case management agency. This transition has sharpened their purpose and strengthened their commitment to supporting families with dignity and choice. “We are excited to announce these important advances as we begin this new chapter for Community Connections,” said President and CEO Tara Kiene. Her leadership is guided by the belief that people deserve not just services, but respect, independence, and opportunity. In a season of gratitude, it’s hard not to feel thankful for the countless unseen ways this organization stands beside people at their most vulnerable.
Photo courtesy of Community Connections
Across town, gratitude sounds like skateboards hitting ramps and laughter spilling out from a building along the Animas River. This is The Hive, Durango’s youth-focused community center. Inside its 7,800-square-foot space, you’ll find an indoor skatepark, a music venue, and colorful art rooms where young people from all walks of life gather each afternoon after school. For them, The Hive isn’t just a place to hang out — it’s a place to belong.
Every day, kids as young as five participate in skate lessons, while others dive into art classes or join expression sessions where poetry, music, and stories flow freely. During summer, the programs expand to include outdoor trips and workshops that challenge youth to test their confidence and creativity in new ways. Executive Director and co-founder Kelsie Borland often shares how, growing up in Durango, she longed for a space like this.
“In the ’90s, we didn’t really have anywhere to go,” she recalled. That memory fuels her passion to ensure today’s youth have not only a safe space but one filled with mentors, opportunity, and joy. Parents express their gratitude, knowing their children are in a place that nurtures confidence and responsibility. The Hive is more than a skatepark — it’s a community investment in the future.
Photo courtesy of The Hive
And in the heart of downtown, gratitude finds quieter expression in the turning of pages. Maria’s Literary Foundation , the newest of the three organizations, was born from the beloved Maria’s Bookshop with a vision to expand access to books and storytelling. Still in its early stages, the foundation is already uniting the community through author talks, book clubs, and storytelling events. Its most ambitious goal is the creation of a Reading Room — a warm, welcoming space where anyone can gather to discover stories, ideas, and one another.
Fundraising campaigns are underway, and already the response shows how much Durango values the written word. The foundation is committed to removing barriers — whether financial or social — that prevent people from accessing books, ensuring that stories remain a shared treasure for all. In a world so often dominated by screens, Maria’s Literary Foundation serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that books are still gateways to empathy, curiosity, and imagination. It’s hard not to feel grateful for such a gift taking root in our community.
Photo courtesy of Maria's Literary Foundation
The Mountain LUXE HOME
From Empty House to Finished Home
Moving to the mountains should be an exciting, not overwhelming, experience.
That’s why Mountain Luxe Interiors offers full-service furnishing and decor, including VIP white-glove delivery and installation.
From your first consultation to the final styling session, they handle everything.
You won’t need to search for furniture, coordinate deliveries, or figure out what works together. They will curate, source, track, install, and style every piece so your mountain home is move-in ready and beautifully layered from day one. All you have to do is arrive.
The New Mountain Style: Cozy Meets Curated
Mountain homes are evolving, and so is mountain style. Today’s elevated look blends warmth and texture with tailored furnishings, clean lines, and refined details. Think: heirloom-quality woods, layered textiles, stone accents, and custom upholstery that feels both lived-in and luxurious.
At Mountain Luxe Interiors, we design homes that strike a balance between rustic charm and modern comfort. The result? Spaces that feel grounded in nature yet effortlessly polished, made for hosting, relaxing, and truly living.
DOWN TO EARTH
EXPLORING XERISCAPING AND DURANGO’S CHANGING CULTURE
ARTICLE BY A.C.E. RIDENOUR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIS CONNELL
There’s a lot of talk these days about going to Mars. The first trip is tentatively planned for the late 2030s (they do keep pushing back the date), and whoever goes will likely have no choice but to stay there forever.
Josh Muzzy, owner and operator of True Blue Landscaping, believes in making the places we already have more beautiful — especially Durango. “It’s what we work for every day,” he explains.
“I could have moved to Steamboat and done the same stuff. Durango has always been pretty homegrown, down to earth, and more working class. You know — way cooler.”
Still, Durango has changed in the last ten years. Its population shifted as people moved away from the bigger cities during the pandemic.
“Everybody found us,” Josh laughs with some sincerity. “There’s not too many of us OG Durango guys left.”
“When people come here from the city, I like to help them shake the city off of them and get on Durango time.”
Muzzy is grateful to Durango, his home of twenty-five years. He’s also grateful for his 15-person team at True Blue Landscaping. “They’re a bunch of rad guys, and I’m really lucky to have them all.”
For Josh, business is about more than money. “I pay them double what everyone else pays,” he says, describing the vibe of his company. “I want them to learn and grow and take pride in what they’re doing.”
One look at truebluelandscape.com and it’s obvious Josh cares about stewardship of the Earth. His company focuses on water-wise landscaping and the proper selection of native xeric plants such as cacti, shrubs, trees, and succulents. They plant over 1,000 trees a year.
If Durango is going to change, Josh wants it to change with the community — which is why he worked with Durango Parks and Recreation to help create the town’s first skate bowls in the late ’90s and continues supporting local movements such as the Tico Time Harvest Music Festival.
“I want them to learn and grow and take pride in what they’re doing.”
—JOSH MUZZY
For Muzzy, his business is literally built on dirt — and he loves it. Earth = Dirt. “I’m not getting rich, but I do love what I do. So I’m lucky.”
Maybe if more businesses operated like Muzzy’s, we’d be less obsessed with going to Mars. But who knows? They might need some expert xeriscaping out there come 2045.
Offering support, mentorship, and donations make a world of a difference in our community!
Acts of Kindness Create Ripples of Joy
ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE DURANGO, THE HIVE, BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF SOUTHWEST COLORADO
Selena Lapaz, Dance Instructor of Ballet Folklórico de Durango
“Ballet Folklórico de Durango is our local dance group, we accept all ages and no prior experience is necessary! A big act of kindness for our group is when a family member offers to help with wardrobe changes. It helps so much. In between dances, when the girls have to run and get dressed to have somebody there to help them and say, ‘Hey, let me help you, let’s get you dressed for this next song,’ helps the girls not to worry and get back on stage. Another big thing to mention is having any of the friends or siblings cheer us on, it gives the girls such confidence to have someone in the audience.”
Alex Vick, Creative Director and Co-Founder of The HIVE DGO
“We are a non-profit that caters to skateboarders, rock-n-rollers, and alternative artists. We didn’t have too much coin jingling in the purse. But this year, a local community member reached out to Kelsey, our Executive Director, and donated $100,000. She came over to my house with tears in her eyes and told me that someone had donated this huge sum of money and that we were given this second chance. I believe second chances in a general way are a huge show of kindness!”
Gyana Bundy Gomar, Program Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado
“One of the things that BBBS does in a really profound way is allowing the youth through, their mentors, to really expand their horizons. A match that I can think of, the Big is in real estate, and her little, after seeing her do her job, she’s like, ‘I want to do real estate!’ The options that she saw for herself were so small, and now she is like, ‘Oh, I can do that!’ Individuals can have such a powerful impact in our lives, whether they know that or not, right? And I think that’s what’s so cool about BBBS and mentorship, it ripples! Those random acts really ripple out to support our communities.”
Stay Calm— It’s Crew-cial
WHEN RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES, THREE LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS REVEAL HOW THEY MAINTAIN COOL HEADS IN A HOT JAM
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD
“I want to be a firefighter!” Plenty of kiddos supply this response when asked what they want to do when they grow up. Christy Harrington, Craig Wood, and Michael Roundy are certain they listed other occupations, and yet all three now work for Durango Fire & Rescue. They’ve made it their profession to run toward that which most of us run away from.
“I initially went to college for art,” says Harrington. Wood remembers wanting to pursue any and every job possible so that every day could be different. When he moved to Durango from Florida, he worked as a river guide and on ski patrol.
Following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps, Roundy originally pursued the trades and construction.
Hoping to connect to the community more fully, both Wood and Roundy began as volunteer or reservist firefighters—meaning they subbed for full-time firefighters.
Harrington felt compelled to serve after witnessing a car strike a pedestrian. “I’d never seen anything like that before,” she says. And yet, she felt calm as she hurried to help the victim. “That was what made me recognize that perhaps I could be good at that role.”
Wood and Roundy also noticed they tended to experience a sense of calm or equanimity at times when others typically panicked. “I’ve just always been even-keeled,” Wood confesses, adding that even his mother would swear to this fact. Whether guiding people on rafting or snowmobile excursions, Roundy had a knack for calmly communicating instructions.
Regardless of being born cucumber-cool, the firefighting job itself seems designed to cultivate calm under pressure. First off, crewmembers train and run drills—a lot.
“The idea is that most of the hands-on skills become muscle memory—second nature—so you’re not thinking about those little things, like: How do I pull the hose off the truck?” Wood explains.
CONTINUED >
This is Craig Wood, a Firefighter-Paramedic with five year's experience. He aspires to becoming an Engineer (or the person who drives and operates the fire engine
This is Christy Harrington, a Firefighter-Paramedic for the last five years.
Not only are the small tasks deeply ingrained, but they are also minutely delegated. One crewmember will secure the patient’s airway while another tracks vital signs. Or one will hook the fire hose to the hydrant while another focuses on erecting ladders.
Roundy likens the task-sharing to a NASCAR pit crew. Wood notes that organization minimizes stress. One person isn’t responsible for everything—and therefore not overwhelmed. The crew shares the massive weight of stress inherent in any crisis.
But it’s usually after responding to an emergency that the crew’s real work of shouldering a shared burden begins. Wood attests that certain calls leave a mark on a first responder, but because he and his crew carry the weight of that mark together, it helps lighten the load. “It creates a bond. It’s kind of a second family,” he says.
Harrington concurs, adding, “The best calming or recovery therapy is coming back to the station where the crew is and being able to talk about everything together. That’s the most healing thing after an intense call.”
Indeed, all three firefighters agree that what fires them up most is the camaraderie in the fire station. It is crucial—or crew-cial.
GRATITUDE IS AN ATTITUDE
Amidst this season of gratitude, we wondered what were these firefighters grateful for?
• Harrington: “Just to enter into chaos and provide stability brings me a lot of joy.”
• Roundy: “It’s my privilege to get to help out.”
• Wood: “To be able to show up…when it could be someone’s worst day and make a difference is pretty cool.”
Thanks, Durango Fire & Rescue. We’re grateful for you!
This is Michael Roundy, a Firefighter-EMT, working towards his Paramedic certification. He has been a full-time firefighter for two years.
handcraftedhouse.com 1323 East 2nd Ave · Durango 970-247-4046
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO
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.
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NOVEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 6TH
Powerhouse Trivia Night
The Power House, 1333 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301 | 6:30 PM
Check out The Powerhouse gallery on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month for Powerhouse Trivia Night! Four rounds of questions always including a science round and a music round. Teams of 5 are eligible for prizes. Please consider a $5 team donation. Food is available from Pupusaria Torogoz, and drinks are available at The Powerhouse bar.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Durango Comedy Presents Adult Swim
The Subterrain, 900 Main Ave F, Durango, CO 81301 | 8:00 PM
Durango Comedy is thrilled to present Adult Swim, a showcase of local talent featuring Andy Mathews, Andrea Rossi, Jason Balmforth, and many more! Geared towards crowds that sticks around when the jokes get darker, the stories get stranger, and the comics take the leash off. Come for smart, sharp, after-hours comedy. Stay because you know you’re not leaving early anyway!
NOVEMBER 12TH
The
Women’s
Resource Center Womenade
Cork and Larder, 120 W 8th St, Durango, CO 81301 | 5:30 PM
Womenade is a bi-monthly fundraising event created by The Women’s Resource Center. This financial aid program offers small grants to working individuals facing hardships. Grants have been used for auto repairs, childcare, and other expenses. This is a great event to mingle and expand your professional network whilst giving to a great cause. Great thanks to Cord-and-Lader for hosting!
20 Sage Hill Court | Durango, Co
3 Bed | 3 Bath | 1,826 SqFt
$899,000
MLS #827773
In-Town, La Plata Mountain Views, Low HOA
The Board of the Durango Arts Center (“DAC”) has unanimously voted to elevate Artistic Director, Jason Lythgoe as its new Executive Director Lythgoe’s background with the DAC over the past nine years, coupled with his wealth of theater experience in Durango and nationally, will advance the mission of the DAC to foster the arts in Durango. During Lythgoe’s tenure as Artistic Director, he impacted hundreds of young actors through innovative programs, plays, and summer camps Lythgoe was also the driving force behind the creation of the Durango Arts Repertory Theater in 2022
If you'd like to help contribute to the DAC and support the success of the Arts in the region, please consider donating, sponsoring or becoming a member of the DAC.
For Sponsorship Inquiries, please email Jason at jason@durangoarts.org
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When you book with Kerri, your time is yours—she values one-on-one
and ensures you leave feeling
You’re One Connection Away From Business Growth.
You’re great at what you do—but growth happens when the right people know your name. At PWN’s Monthly Networking Event, you’ll build beneficial connections, gain referrals, and open doors to new possibilities. PWN 2nd Thursdays Women’s Networking info@pwndurango.org pwndurango.org
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Home is a sense of inclusion Home is a sense of place It is where you can be yourself It is where our dreams begin and where we celebrate when they come true From all of us at Legacy Properties West Sotheby's International Realty, we'd like to thank all of the families across Southwest Colorado who trust us daily with the places they call home LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. GLOBAL NETWORK
Nothing compares
NOVEMBER 14TH
Ballet Folklórico de Durango Showcase
Fort Lewis College Ballroom, Student Union, Room 164, 1000 Rim Drive Durango, CO 81301 | 6:00 PM Ballet Folklórico de Durango is proud to present their annual showcase with performances from multiple different regions of Mexico including, Sinaloa, Chiapas, Veracruz, and Nayarit! Celebrate the beauty of Mexican culture with bountiful music, magnificent dances, and gorgeous dresses. Located in the Student Union Ballroom, there will be light refreshments and ecstatic energy!
NOVEMBER 21ST-JANUARY 3RD
Durango & Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad
Presents
The
Polar Express!
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
Climb aboard a vintage steam train as it departs the Durango Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself and experience the magic this holiday season! This train ride is truly unforgettable! Embark upon an immersive theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story The Polar Express! Pajamas are encouraged and hot chocolate will be provided!
NOVEMBER 28TH
Singing with Santa
Buckley Park, 1250 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301 | 5:30 PM
Join Santa at Buckley Park for holiday fun, hot chocolate, and a reindeer scavenger hunt for the annual Christmas tradition, Singing with Santa. Take photos with Ole Saint Nick and tell him why you deserve to be on the nice list! Also, be sure to stick around for the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree!
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