World-Class Retinal Care With An Exceptional Patient Experience
C. Nathaniel Roybal, MD PhD is a vitreoretinal surgeon and native New Mexican who specializes in treating complex retinal disease. He and his team of specialists aim to provide timely, world-class surgical and medical retinal care to the people of New Mexico. Don’t let retinal disease rob you or a loved one of vision. Come visit our team so that we can work together to preserve and restore your vision.
Our issue for March is all about "Home."
The Meaning of Home
Home is more than just a place—it is a feeling, a sense of belonging, and a refuge from the world. While the physical structure of a house provides shelter, it is the emotions, memories, and connections within that truly define a home. It is where laughter fills the air, where loved ones gather, and where one finds comfort after a long day.
For some, home is tied to a specific location—a childhood house, a city, or a country that holds deep sentimental value. For others, home is not a fixed place but rather the presence of certain people, relationships, or even a sense of inner peace. The phrase "home is where the heart is" reflects this idea, emphasizing that home is not merely a physical space but an emotional anchor.
Home represents safety and stability, but it can also be a space for growth and self-discovery. It is where individuals develop their identities, explore their dreams, and form bonds that shape their lives. Even when people move away, the memories of home stay with them, serving as a foundation for their journey.
Ultimately, home is a deeply personal concept, shaped by experiences, culture, and individual values. Whether it is a cozy apartment, a sprawling house, a community, or simply being with loved ones, home is where one feels most at ease, accepted, and truly themselves.
We truly hope you enjoy this issue and the articles that are all about "Home".
Cheers,
RICH RINGROSE, PUBLISHER
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Andrea Jacquin
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Alexandria Gonzalez
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Autumn Oglesby
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrea Jacquin, Richard Lakin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dakota Cleveland Photography, Jesse Deubel, Richard Lakin, Autumn Oglesby
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Proverbs 3:5-6
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KITCHENS
THE CRITTERS IN your backyard
APPRECIATING THE BIODIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
BY
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN
PHOTOGRAPHY
JESSE DEUBEL AND RICHARD LAKIN
If you wander out into your backyard or one of the mountain trails nearby you may run into a diverse group of indigenous New Mexico wildlife. Coyotes, raccoons, foxes, skunks, and all manner of birds are common in the city of Albuquerque. If you live just outside the city in the Sandia Heights area, you may encounter the occasional bobcat, mountain lion, or even a black bear. Fortunately, attacks by these animals on humans are rare, although they can be dangerous to pets.
We talked to Jesse Deubel, the Executive Director of the NM Wildlife Federation. Jesse has been an avid hunter since he was six, growing up in the Village of La Puebla near Espanola. As a teenager, he became active in the Sandia Crest Bowhunter’s Association. These days he spends a lot of time working with legislation to sustain the biodiversity of New Mexico wildlife.
Jesse told us, “If you’re if you're anywhere in the Sandia Ranger district in
this central NM area you're going to be prone to see a lot of coyotes. Obviously, we have strong coyote populations. Also, Bobcats and foxes are prevalent. As far as large ungulates (hoofed animals) we have primarily mule deer although there are some eastern whitetailed deer starting to move in and I've got some trail cam documentation of some of those. On rare occasions, you'll even find an elk. They’re generally coming from the Jemez mountains.”
Of course, being on the Southwest High Desert, there’s bound to be an occasional encounter with a rattlesnake. Jesse told us obviously the ones that a lot of people are concerned about are rattlesnakes and we have no shortage of those in central NM, the two primary species you're going to find here are western diamondback rattlesnakes which can grow very large and Prairie rattlesnakes which tend to be a little bit smaller. The western Diamondbacks are easy to identify
“On rare occasions, you’ll even find an elk. They’re generally coming from the Jemez mountains.”
because of the diamond pattern on the back of their skin giving them their name right and they also have kind of a raccoon tail patterning as you come to the end of the snake just before the rattles begin, there are alternating bands of red and black stripes now one of the most beautiful reptiles I've ever seen. They're pretty common here but they're also fairly elusive, I mean rattlesnake bites are pretty rare most of the time. When someone gets bit by a rattlesnake it's usually because they're trying to handle it ...they're being irresponsible, for a hiker to get bit is a very rare occurrence.
There is also a great deal of big game hunting in New Mexico, with hunting license fees contributing to the funding of programs that encourage the state’s biodiversity. Some big game species include deer, elk, bear, cougar, pronghorn antelope, Barbary sheep, bighorn sheep, javelina, oryx, and ibex.
To contact the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, call 505.299.5404.
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Serving Greater Albuquerque since 2007
Robert’s Tree Service is a full-service professional tree company dedicated to meeting all of the Albuquerque community’s needs for exceptional tree service at reasonable prices. Our team has over 15 years of experience and brings decades of combined experience to each job. That expertise translates into the best possible care for your trees and the greatest possible return on your investment in professional tree services.
MAKE-A-WISH
NEW MEXICO HOPE TO
ARTICLE BY ANDREA JACQUIN AND RICHARD LAKIN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAKE-A-WISH
Make-A-Wish New Mexico will grant more than 100 wishes to children in our state this year.
Make-A-Wish New Mexico will grant more than 100 wishes to children in our state this year. Last year, the local organization helped 110 children who faced health challenges meet celebrities, go to Disney World, or visit the beach with their families.
Sara Lister, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish New Mexico, says, “The mission for Make-A-Wish is to grant life-changing wishes to children who battle critical illnesses.” Each local chapter is a 501c3 but part of the Make-A-Wish America Federated model. Lister says, “We are responsible for raising money in New Mexico to grant the wishes of New Mexico kids. Our chapter does cover our entire state of New Mexico, and it’s obviously a large territory.”
A child can be referred to Make-A-Wish by their medical provider or someone on their medical team. Family members, parents, and wish children can also self-refer at the organization’s website.
After a child qualifies, Make-A-Wish contacts them to start the wish journey process. Lister says, “We try to make it as special as we can for each child.”
Every child gets a wish discovery visit, and the Make-A-Wish staff learn more about them and what they love to find their ideal wish. Lister says, “It’s really just a chance for us to get to know the child because so much of their lives is dictated by their diagnosis. What we want to do is not talk about that for a while and talk about things that are just fun that they dream about, that they think might not be possible. We ultimately get down to what their wish is.”
A child can wish to meet someone, such as their favorite celebrity or sports star. Children can also use their wish to visit a specific destination. Lister says, “The chance to see things they haven’t seen before is high on the list.”
Children can wish to have something, like a new puppy or a bedroom makeover. Some children choose to use their wish to help others. One local child donated supplies to medical workers “because he loved his nurses so much throughout his cancer
journey and wanted to do something to give back to the people who treated him. Those are always really beautiful wishes to watch,” says Lister.
A young man from Las Cruces wished to meet Dwayne Johnson. Lister says, “He wrote us the most beautiful, heartfelt letter.” The letter explained how meeting “The Rock” changed his life and outlook. He was frustrated with his limitations from his diagnosis. During his time with Johnson, he learned ways to continue being active, giving him the hope and joy to move on.
Disney vacations and celebrity visits are popular local requests. Actor Jon Cena is the number one celebrity wish granter. He has generously granted more than 600 wishes for children across the nation. Lister says, “He goes above and beyond for every wish kid he meets.”
Some wishes are practical, like visiting family in another state, while others are creative.
“Five years ago, a 7-year-old girl had a very specific wish to ride a horse on the beach in a wedding dress. “That is what she wanted, and that’s ultimately what we did for her,” says Lister. “We always want to find out what is at the heart of a child’s wish.”
“A wish touches more than just that one child. It affects their whole family, their community, and medical providers...”
“We truly believe that a wish is more than just that one singular moment in time; we know it’s the gift of hope to a child.” Lister says that hope gives the children the drive they need to keep fighting.
"What we are told time and time again by medical providers and families and even wish kids themselves is that when they’re going through the wish journey process, oftentimes they participate more in their treatment. They have a much more optimistic outlook because there is something they are looking forward to. There is something they are concentrating on that isn’t just their diagnosis,” says Lister.
To refer a child, visit https://wish.org/ medical-referral. For more information, visit https://wish.org/nm for Make-AWish New Mexico.
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SCHRIBER DESIGNS
Joshua Schriber is truly a craftsman. At a young age, he started working with his hands, cutting hair in his aunt’s salon. Joshua earned his barber’s license at the age of 19. He became popular with clients when he learned to give a perfect fade. The artisan worked mornings in his uncle’s woodshop and afternoons at his aunt’s salon. Along the way, he learned about customer service and growing a client base. Today, he uses those same skills at Schriber Designs, his metal fabrication shop in Albuquerque.
Schriber’s background taught him how to develop personal relationships and understand what the client is trying to achieve. To this day, he works hard to fulfill his clients’ wishes using the ideal materials and budget.
Schriber learned woodworking in his 20s, working with his stepfather. Since then, he’s created furniture for his home and many local restaurants.
His metalwork company began in his garage and has been open since 2016. “Metalworking has been in our family for years and years.” Since 1902, his great-grandfather worked with sheet metal for roofing. His grandfather learned the trade, and eventually, his father and uncles.
CONTINUED >
Sparking Innovation
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN AND ANDREA JACQUIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAKOTA CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHY
Today, Schriber creates exterior and interior doors, furniture, railing, plantar boxes, and more. His company aims to build one-of-a-kind metal works for artistically minded homeowners, builders, and architects. Schriber says, “I’ve been an entrepreneur my entire life.”
You can find his custom touch on work in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, and Scottsdale. He attributes his values to his background in woodworking, metalworking, and haircutting. Mastering these trades gave Schriber his fierce determination and taught him about ownership and creative problem-solving.
Locally, Schriber Designs created the bar, kitchen divider, shelving units, and railings at Vara in Santa Fe.
At Dorothea, the reception desk, exterior façade, and bar back all have his special touch. He also created the restaurant’s large community table using Costa Rican Hardwood.
Schriber credits his father, Mike, for teaching him to weld and giving him his passion for work. Mike worked as a home builder and metal worker in Santa Fe. Schriber says, “He is the best designer and metal fabricator I know.”
Now Joshua has passed that passion on to his son Isaiah, who runs the local shop as project manager. As the owner of Schriber Designs, Joshua takes great care and detailed attention to every piece created. Always asking, “What would Grandpa Mike do?” His father’s standard for quality craftsmanship has set the bar high.
“Being able to take something from a concept to a physical reality that serves people functionally and aesthetically and will last for generations is the fulfillment…it’s so rewarding,” says Schriber.
Next, Schriber plans to create a separate manufacturing company that will focus solely on a customizable line of doors, designed for easy production to serve more people. It will be called Sol Door. The ultimate goal is to be able to serve more people since there is a huge demand for interior and exterior doors. “I’ve always been all about serving my customers. Giving the best quality service,” says Schriber. “Our why is so strong. The why is partially because we can and want to offer something you can’t find anywhere else.”
www.schriberdesigns.com www.soldoor.co instagram.com/schriberdesigns
“Being able to take something from a concept to a physical reality that serves people functionally and aesthetically and will last for generations is the fulfillment…it’s so rewarding.”
- Joshua Schriber
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BILL MCCONNELL
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUTUMN OGELSBY
Bill McConnell, of Window Fashions in Albuquerque, has operated his business locally for over 30 years. A native of ABQ, he graduated from Manzano High School, eventually taking a job at his sister-in-law’s blinds and window treatments business. It turns out he had an affinity and a passion for this work. Bill told us, “She asked me to go to work for her and just try it and see how I liked it, and I began installing window
coverings and just fell in love with seeing the before and after and things went from there and that's when my wife and I went out on our own in 1993.”
Together, they substantially increased their business over the years, including some high-end commercial work. They’ve provided window treatments for Los Alamos Labs, LAX Airport, and recently the Clyde Hotel in downtown ABQ. Bill handled the design and
installation, while his wife was more involved in the business end, connecting with interior designers, builders, and homeowners to incorporate their window treatments into upcoming projects. Sadly, his wife passed away in December of 2023 and Bill continued, assuming both of their roles.
Bill truly loves the design process. He told us, “When I go into a house it's like the house speaks to me and I look at their needs, their sun issues, privacy issues, protecting furniture, protecting art... things like that. It's not always what the shades or the window coverings are going to look like but how is the homeowner going to
“She asked me to go to work for her and just try it and see how I liked it, and I began installing window coverings and just fell in love with seeing the before and after and things went from there and that’s when my wife and I went out on our own in 1993.”
Window Fashions
use them, what their needs are as far as the use of the window covering for a particular space. The design must be functional to make the space more applicable to the client.”
Bill keeps most of his installations motorized, so forethought into the home’s electrical wiring is important. The company has long maintained connections with custom builders to have adequate wiring configurations at the start of construction.
His business continues to be robust, with about 90% of his work coming from referrals and repeat customers. A man of deep faith, Bill attributes his success to not only his expertise but also to Divine Gifts. He says, “My work is Godcentered, and He provides for me every day.”
Bill’s other interest is the restoration of a classic American muscle car...a 1968 GTO.
You can reach Window Fashions at 505.298.7405. The website is windowfashionsnm.com .
“My work is God-centered, and He provides for me every day.”
Clean Water Saves Lives
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
THE HEART OF THE HOME
designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting
compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
Elicia Aragon PA-C, MEP-C
Barbara Franklin, FNP-C, MEP-C
Marisa Escobar, FNP-C, MEP-C
Karol Rodriguez RN, MEP-C
HOUSEPLANTSThe Perfect Roommate
AN INDOOR GARDEN SANCTUARY
The ubiquitous houseplant has long been a cautious curiosity for many. Comments such as “I don’t have a green thumb,” or “I can’t keep anything alive,” have echoed through the rooms and hallways of almost every home in America. Well, it’s time to dispel all the mistruths about whether houseplants are beneficial and to lay the foundation for a little oasis of green happiness in the corner of every home!
By the way, you don’t really need a green thumb as there are plenty of hard-to-kill houseplants that can survive any level of neglect! And remember not only do houseplants look pretty, they also decrease stress and anxiety, increase happiness, and bring a sense of joy and relaxation to every room.
Houseplants make us feel better about ourselves in many ways because they allow us to care for them and we reap the rewards of that love. No one is alone when you have a houseplant, as they are our forever listeners. Yes, some people actually do talk with their houseplants all day long! There are many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment. Aside from reducing indoor air pollutants and increasing humidity in the home, house
plants have been shown to reduce mental fatigue, accelerate the healing process, as well as improve productivity and focus.
Pothos, spider plants, lady palms, yucca, and succulents are so pretty and easy to grow. It is no wonder that we have seen a revival of indoor gardening trends. Instagram is teeming with photos of incredible indoor “living green” vignettes that show us all how clever we can be when decorating with house plants! All you really need is to a pick a place in the home that has the best light and pick your plants.
ARTICLE BY SEAN O’KEEFE
Think outside of the box when it comes to decorating with houseplants. Look for underused spaces. Use mixed and matched pots of different sizes and shapes. Turn a shelf into a plant display. Go vertical with some hanging plants or an antique ladder. You can even group some of your favorite plants together into a single large decorative pot.
Signature large plant displays anchor the most well-designed rooms in America and it’s all there for us to look at, learn from, and bring into our own home. Whether combined into a single large decorative pot or clustered together in a corner, always remember the key to any house plant décor is to have a thriller, a tall plant usually with a strong color and form; filler plants that literally will fill the pot covering all the soil; and a spiller plant that trails over the edge of the pot. Try any combination of your favorite plants or a tried and true combination of a fiddle-leaf fig, a prayer plant, and a string of pearls. No matter how you look at it, houseplants improve our lives in many ways. Indoor gardens provide us an alternative way to commune with nature and to reconnect with the living world. We all benefit from the additional life that houseplants bring into our homes. In this crazy world of ours, wouldn’t be it nice to return home to your own personal indoor greenspace.
Happy gardening!
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