The importance of being thankful.
Our magazine theme for November is "Thankful".
Being thankful is essential for fostering emotional well-being and enhancing our overall outlook on life. When we express gratitude, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, creating a more positive and content mindset. This practice helps us appreciate the small, everyday moments and strengthens our sense of fulfillment. Thankfulness has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thinking, while boosting feelings of happiness and satisfaction. It also plays a key role in building stronger relationships, as expressing appreciation deepens connections with others by recognizing their contributions and support. Moreover, being thankful promotes resilience, helping us navigate challenges with a more optimistic perspective. By acknowledging what we’re grateful for, we can better cope with setbacks and maintain a positive outlook in difficult times. Ultimately, practicing thankfulness enriches both our personal and social lives, allowing us to experience greater peace, joy, and connection.
Albuquerque City Lifestyle is honored and thankful for the people and organizations that do so much for our community and all over the world.
Please read about them.
• Impact Nations and Tim Stewart, CEO.
• Airman of the year, Rachel Heath.
• Veterans Integration Center and Brock Wolff, CEO
• The Montezuma Ball and R4 Creating Founder, Shelly Grueling
With thankfulness and gratitude,
RICH RINGROSE, PUBLISHER @ABQCITYLIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrea Jacquin, Alex Nicolette, Richard Lakin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fermin Ortega, Ray Lopez, Richard Lakin
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Enchanted Mechanical has quickly become a cornerstone in the HVAC industry. With a focus on small and large heating and cooling units, we serve a range of industries and homes, ensuring comfort and efficiency in every environment. Our HVAC Manager Antonio Romero, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, brings expertise and dedication to every project.
At Enchanted Mechanical, we pride ourselves on our core values—Integrity, Teamwork, Pride, Attitude, and Loyalty. These values are not just words; they guide every decision we make, every project we take on, and every relationship we build. Being locally owned and operated, we understand the unique needs of our community and are committed to delivering high-quality service with a personal touch.
We are also proud to work hand-in-hand with our sister company, Enchanted Roofing. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, the owner (David Baca) of Enchanted Roofing and Enchanted Mechanical brings an unmatched level of expertise to the table. Together, we offer comprehensive solutions that cover both mechanical and roofing needs, ensuring that our clients receive the best of both worlds.
Whether it’s HVAC repairs, installation, or maintenance, our team is ready to meet your needs with professionalism and care. With Enchanted Mechanical, you’re not just getting a service provider; you’re getting a partner dedicated to your comfort and success.
inside the issue
New Mexico State Fair: Samuel Moir and Kimberly Espinoza 2: Opera Southwest at the Albuquerque Museum: Melangll Whittaker and Amos King
New Mexico State Fair: Valerie Alicia
Santa Fe Renaissance Faire: Matt Menefee, Jacqui Hargraves, Lauren Hargraves, and Megan Heald
5: New Mexico State Fair: Abbey Gold 6: Bands of Enchantment: Chris Kill, Rain Russell, Marjorie Klein, Joel Hebert 7: New Mexico State Fair: Kelly O’Brien
IMPACT NATIONS
Tim Stewart (L)
GLOBAL COMMUNITY SERVICE
Impact Nations, based in Albuquerque, practices global community service. CEO Tim Stewart tells us,” We’ve been around for about 20 years now and the bottom line is we exist to rescue lives from dangerous and exploitive situations in the developing world…and get them out of trouble and into safety, but then also provide them with what they’re going to need to be able to stand on their own two feet and flourish long-term so that they can provide for themselves and their families without being dependent on an outside source.”
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF IMPACT NATIONS
“WE’RE TEACHING YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN PRACTICAL MARKETABLE SKILLS THAT THEY CAN FIND WORK WITH OR START THEIR OWN BUSINESS WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITY.”
Impact Nations works mostly in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia. When they start a project, the first thing they do is get people into a safe and stable local situation. Tim says,” We tend to the immediate needs of the poor through food and clean water. We’ve provided over three million meals to people in crisis situations and provided permanent access to clean water for over 600,000 people. That is really part of it…just helping people get out of danger initially but also it’s about helping people become self-sustained as well, so one of the things we do is community gardening …teaching how to
garden but also having large scale gardens that become training centers and also become a source of revenue and a source of produce for those in crisis.” So, Impact Nations employs the “teach a man to fish” philosophy to encourage long-term solutions to the problems they encounter.
Once the program participants are in a safe environment, Impact Nations provides vocational training as a way to break the cycle of poverty. Tim said,” We’ve got four different nations with vocational schools, and we’ll have probably close to 2000 graduates this year with about 16 different subjects being taught across those
various schools. We’re teaching young men and women practical marketable skills that they can find work with or start their own business within their community.”
The organization also works with local government and community leaders to encourage women’s rights. Tim told us,” We try to shift the mindset for the protection of women because in many of these locations it’s not a part of their culture… it’s not a priority, but we’re seeing these community leaders buying in and beginning to actually create their own programs and in some cases we’re able to come alongside and partner with them.”
Impact Nations has seen tangible results from their efforts. In just one school in Pakistan, they have 550 students where 90% of graduates either became self-sustaining through entrepreneurship or through finding work. The organization is seeing multi-generational improvements for families who have always previously lived in poverty.
Impact Nations gets a lot done with a modest budget. Tim told us, “We can get a lot done with very very little money…we’re very very effective with what we get done.”
Impact Nations has the numbers in lives changed for the better to back that up…over 100,000+ participants receiving medication, 3500+ graduates of skills and business programs, 3,000,000+ meals provided, and 600,000+ people have permanent access to clean water.
To contribute to Impact Nations’ efforts in global community service, go to their website: https://www.impactnations.com/
Woodworking training
Skills and business graduates
VETERANS Integration Centers
HELPING THE LIVES OF VETERANS
ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FERMIN ORTEGA, RAY LOPEZ
Hotel-like rooms for veterans and their families
The new Veterans Integration Centers on Mulberry Street
Although the numbers have been going down, in the US there are still about 33,000 homeless veterans out on the street on any given night. In 2005, the non-profit Veterans Integration Centers (VIC) was founded to address this problem. We talked to the CEO, Brock Wollf, about how the VIC is making lives better for veterans and their families. He told us, “We do rapid rehousing. We get a call that someone just got evicted…we can help get them into a home…we can help with a rental. We try to make sure that they don’t end up on the streets homeless. We also do outreach on the streets to determine who the veterans are.”
Brock continued. “Once we identify a veteran, they can come into our transitional housing facility. We have case workers who then offer daily or weekly assistance with legal services, financial aid, and employment support. Eighty one percent that come into our support services are permanently housed within a year. That’s better than the national average for transitional housing.”
Food pantry at 13032
Central Avenue, SE
“Eighty one percent that come into our support services are permanently housed within a year. That’s better than the national average for transitional housing.”
In September, Veterans Integration Centers opened a new transitional housing facility on Mulberry Street in southeast Albuquerque. It can house 42 veterans and 46 family members. The rooms are set up like a hotel building with a TV and a refrigerator in each room. Shortly, there’ll be a pickleball court, a dog park for service animals, a basketball court, a walking trail, gardens, a computer lab, and spaces for therapy. There are communal kitchens where the families cook their own meals. Everyone staying at the facility must make a commitment to do the hard work of getting their life back on track in order to continue to reside there. Brock says, “We don’t make judgements here. We provide a place where they can find dignity. You served this country but got off track somewhere. You come in here we’re going to help you and we’re going to put our resources around you.”
The VIC receives funding from federal, state, and local sources. Notably, Bernalillo County has been one of the biggest financial supporters
- Brock Wollf
of the organization. Brock says, “I think there’s a lot of pride in the county commissioners. I know they are very proud to have this here the city. Also, there are a lot of donations from businesses and individuals of appliances and furniture for the apartments.”
One of the problems that the center often sees is that veterans previously worked in high-adrenaline situations where they had a clear sense of purpose and mission. Readjusting to a civilian mindset is sometimes a big challenge. Brock told us that there is no cookie-cutter approach to addressing this. “There is no one-size-fits-all. We must be able to be creative and adaptive and meet these men and women where they are. That takes a little bit of time to get to know them and to know what their issues are and how we can help get rid of those for them.”
To contribute or volunteer to the Veterans Integration Centers, go to https://www.nmvic. org/ VIC also has a food distribution center on Central Avenue.
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
THE
BALL Montezuma
BENEFITTING THE COMMUNITY
ARTICLE BY ANDREA JACQUIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY R4 CREATING
The Montezuma Ball will be held on November 23rd at The Hotel Albuquerque. The annual Ball is a fundraiser that benefits local nonprofit organizations. This year the Montezuma Ball’s focus is on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics). Two beneficiaries were chosen this year: Mandy’s Farm and R4 Creating. R4 Creating’s mission is to provide support to organizations to increase STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities for local students. R4Creating provides a place for
Guests at garden, Hotel Albuquerque
kids to learn, belong, and grow into successful leaders. Mandy’s Farm is a nonprofit that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in the community.
The Montezuma Ball began in 1902 and was part of the New Mexico Territorial Fair. Over the years, the Montezuma Ball has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits across New Mexico. The Creating Opportunity Fine Art Auction is a fundraiser for the Montezuma Ball with specialty curated art items from galleries and private collections. The online art auction was held in August. The collection included paintings, jewelry, pottery, and sculptures.
Now, a second in-person art auction will be held during the Montezuma Ball. R4 Creating founder Shelly Gruenig says , “There’s a really good variety of different kinds of art. A lot of art collectors have donated their art.” The upcoming Montezuma Ball includes a gourmet dinner and an inspiring program with dancing, cocktails, and entertainment. Gruenig says, “The in-person auction will include “incredible pieces by some really known artists.”
R4 Creating hosts drone and robot competitions. They also support and train educators in bringing STEAM projects into the classroom. The nonprofit teaches 3D printing and other hands-on emerging technology to youth. Gruenig says , “R4 Creating was started by myself as a mom for my own kids and has grown over the last 20 years.” Mandy’s Farm was started by David and Ruthie Robbins to support their daughter Mandy. Today, Mandy’s Farm serves over 200 adults with developmental disabilities in Albuquerque. The Farm provides a lifeline for these
Mandy’s Farm serves over 200 adults with developmental disabilities in Albuquerque.
adults to work and participate in their community. Individuals learn how to plant, cultivate, and incorporate healthy food and produce into their meals. Mandy’s Farm also offers an adaptive horsemanship program for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Gruening says, “Some of the past beneficiaries have been larger organizations, but this year they are homegrown nonprofits. To me, that’s a really special part of this story.” Tables can be purchased for guests wanting to attend the Ball. Corporate sponsors have also helped support the event and its beneficiaries. For more information, visit www.r4creating.org and click on the Montezuma Ball link. To learn more about Mandy’s Farm, visit www.mandysfarm.org
R4Creating Students
Jill Sivage, Jane Bradley, Pamela Zanios
ARTICLE BY ANDREA JACQUIN
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
OUTSTANDING AIRMAN OF THE YEAR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRTLAND AFB AND RICHARD LAKIN
Senior Airman Rachel Heath of the 377th Medical Group at Kirtland AFB has received an Outstanding Airmen of the Year award. This honor makes her one of twelve airmen nationwide to
duty, military, and civilians. Her father suggested she would be great in a medical administrator role like this. Heath says, “I am very thankful. I love numbers, excel sheets, and data.”
HEATH SAYS SHE WAS “DEFINITELY SHOCKED AND
SUPER EXCITED! THIS AWARD IS WHERE THEY PICK THEIR TWELVE FROM ALL ACROSS THE AIR FORCE.”
receive the coveted award. Airmen are chosen based on their exceptional job performance and leadership skills.
Heath says she was “definitely shocked and super excited! This award is where they pick their twelve from all across the Air Force. It was a little nerve-wracking. I didn’t realize the full scope of the award. There are multiple levels to compete in at your squadron.”
In her new ambassador role, she will assist with recruiting and retention in the Air Force. She will also work with Chief Master Sergeant David Slosi. She can elevate lower- level issues up the ranks and relay policies and information to lower- level airmen. Heath will also get to work with Major Air Command, which is made up of eleven different Air Force Bases.
Heath enlisted in the Air Force when she was 23 years old. She began her work in medical records, moved to budgeting, and now works in the resource management office tracking data for employees, including active
She was raised in a military family and both sides of her family served in various branches. When it came time to decide, Heath felt the Air Force was the best fit for her. “I wanted to meet that family legacy.” Another big draw for her was having a stable career with job security and good benefits.
Heath received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Georgia Southern University. This past summer, she completed her MBA from the American Military University. One of her biggest challenges was juggling school and work. “Toward the end of last year there was a lot going on in the work world. I was running a 20-million dollar budget by myself. I had to teach myself a lot. I doubled up my class load to finish my MBA earlier and was elected to Council President for Airmen all in a threemonth span. It was very stressful.” Even though it was intense, she was grateful for the learning experience. She learned about time management, delegating, and asking others for help.
The airman will celebrate her fourth year at Kirtland and her fourth year in the Air Force in November. She says, “Coming to Kirtland in Albuquerque, I have absolutely loved my time here. The people are great, and there is a lot going on in town.” Heath was accepted to the Department of the Air Force Officer Training School and will train at Maxwell Airforce Base in Alabama this summer. Heath says she will miss Albuquerque but is excited to become a commissioned officer. She says, “I want to make sure I do it well, do it right, and lead the people under me well.”
Heath already has leadership experience as Council President for ACE or Airmen Committed to Excellence. In her leadership role, she works with lower-enlisted airmen and mentors them. Heath is also the Med Group Booster Club President and is involved in event planning and activities to boost morale.
Growing up in a military lifestyle was something Heath wanted to continue. She says, “I thought I wouldn’t be good enough and I would just marry another person in the military to stay in the military lifestyle.” Now her advice to other women who want a military career is to seek out women in the military with plenty of experience, get their point of view, and learn from them. She says, “Don’t feel like you are doing it on your own. Just do it. Trust yourself and your abilities. Basic training will prepare you. So take the step and just do it.”
Robert’s
SPEAKEASIES
ARTICLE BY ALEX NICOLETTE | PHOTOGRAPHY CURATED BY ALEX NICOLETTE
Hidden in plain sight
The days of prohibition are long gone, but modern-day speakeasies have become a staple in the Albuquerque bar and restaurant scene. Each speakeasy has kept to the historic allure of secrecy and exclusivity. You won’t see any flashy signs displaying the business’s names, which then requires you to put in some effort to figure out how to gain access to each establishment. Once you locate these speakeasies, you’ll be met with comforting environments behind each of their ostentatious entrances. However, each has established their own style giving guests a unique experience they won’t find elsewhere.
The most well-known and true to theme Prohibition Era speakeasy is Vernon’s located in the Village of Los Ranchos. You’re required to make reservations and from there, you’ll be given a password and instructions on how to enter. Upon entering an unmarked door, you’ll be greeted by a doorman who looks like he was plucked directly from a 1920s mobster film. Once seated, you can enjoy mouth-watering steak while sipping on classic cocktails.
If you’re in downtown Albuquerque, you can find Founders Speakeasy under a liquor store. You’ll be required to provide a password before being led through a freezer door and down a narrow staircase that leads to a small, dim-lit, cozy bar. Founders
Music at Teddy Roes
is known for its unique infusions such as their Banana Bread Old Fashioned and Green Chile Enchilada Tequila. When asked about their unique atmosphere, Founders manager Brandon, said that their goal is to tell stories through their cocktails, while creating an environment that feels inclusive, not exclusive, a space where people feel like it’s their getaway with people they can trust.
In the heart of Nob Hill, there’s a bakery tucked down an alley that doubles as the entrance to Teddy Roe’s, a Chicago-themed speakeasy. As you’re led through a hidden doorway, you’ll step foot into a quaint bar where guests are surrounded by dark walls and gold accent décor and furniture. The Teddy Roe’s crew prides themselves on their hands-on crafting experience which enables them to provide their customers with delicious classic cocktails, house libations, and food. Arcy, a partner at Teddy Roe’s, explained that they want to create an intimate environment where they can get to know customers, ultimately creating meaningful friendships.
You may have passed by the Z Lounge in Nob Hill without realizing that it exists. To gain access to this retro-themed speakeasy, guests need to tap on a banana statue located in the Hotel Zazz lobby. From there, a hidden door will open allowing you entry into the bar. Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by uniquely
thrifted furniture and art from local artists, which all lend to the casual environment that the Z Lounge aims to create. Sherri, Z Lounge’s manager, said the team strives to “create a safe space where people can come and be whoever they are.”
Albuquerque’s newest speakeasy, Fat Frank’s, can be found down a Nob Hill alley. Owner Matthew Bernabe has made his speakeasy more charitable-driven. When making a reservation, you’re scheduling a “delivery” to drop off a donation for a local nonprofit. Once the “delivery” is made, you’re led past the kitchen, down a hallway, and through blue velvet curtains where you’ll be met with funky 70s-inspired music, furniture, and décor. Expect a cocktail menu filled with fun and innovative ingredients such as mozzarella-infused vodka or cantaloupe syrup. Upon picking your drink, you’ll choose a hot dog to pair best with your drink.
While speakeasies may have first popped up during the Prohibition Era to circumvent alcohol laws, the alluring concepts are thriving in Albuquerque. These hidden in plain sight local businesses offer their customers a refuge from the outside world, a place where they can go and feel like it’s their home away from home, a place where they can find a unique experience, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, delicious food, and top-tier customer service.
Z Lounge Margarita
