Albuquerque, NM July 2024

LIFE + CULTURE

EXPLORE THE PAST, THE SKIES, LAVENDER FIELDS, AND THE COSMOS

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Readers are sending us their stories.

This month’s issue features some stories that readers asked us to tell. We were pitched an article about the Albuquerque Aviation Academy and found it to be a story about (as they put it) "awesome pilots and awesome human beings." We were amazed at the level of aviation instruction being offered. Olivia Thomsen, Executive Director of the Chaco Culture Conservancy, wrote us an article about the organization’s efforts in pre serving the ruins at the Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the Aztec Ruins National Monument. Our theme for the July issue is Explore, and these mysterious sites should be on your shortlist of New Mexico exploration. Olivia Thomsen tells us the personal story of the artistic journey that brought her to lavender fields, flowers, and unique decor at Jo’s Farms.

We encourage our readers to tell us their stories about their art, music, and community organizations. Please contact our editor Richard Lakin at  richard. lakin@citylifestyle.com directly to pitch a story or to submit content.

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Rich Ringrose | rich.ringrose@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Richard Lakin | richard.lakin@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cecily Sullivan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Andrea Jacquin, Linda Fontanarosa, Olivia Thomsen, Richard Lakin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alexandria Gonzalez, Dr. Lauren Chavez, Alex Carothers, Carri Carothers, Caroline Mendoza, Gabriella Marks, Vanessa Vassar, Stephanie Roberston, Richard Lakin, Sacred Sage, Flora Koller

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

inside the issue

Exploring

Exploring

city scene

kids

Robert’s Tree Service is a

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.

Jeebs and Zuzu

When it comes to transforming your architectural dreams into reality, Jeebs & Zuzu, a leading general contracting and building company in the Albuquerque Metro Area, is your trusted partner. Our commitment to quality and skilled craftsmanship in every project ensures that your vision is not just met, but exceeded. 5924 Anaheim Ave, Suite A, Albuquerque, NM 87113    504.210.7999

John Thomas Jewelers

Customers can expect only the best when shopping with John Thomas Jewelers. John and Janelle hand-select diamonds from the oldest diamond trading center in the world, located in Antwerp, Belgium. 2440 Louisiana Blvd NE #310, Albuquerque, NM 87110.  505.342.9200

Enchanted Mechanical

Living in a place with extreme temperatures, like the Albuquerque, NM region, makes it crucial for your comfort to have a heating and cooling system in good working order. At Enchanted Mechanical, LLC, our team of highly qualified experts is dedicated to taking care of all your heating and cooling needs. 5801 McLeod RD NE Suite A,  Albuquerque   505.659.5485

John Woods is a native New Mexican who has been a full-time REALTOR® since 2015, helping clients buy and sell over 230 properties worth over $55M. He founded the PHOCUS Real Estate team in 2018 and has extensive experience with various property types in and around the metro Albuquerque area.

He has earned the Master Certified Negotiations Expert (MCNE) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®) designations. John is a Certified Mentor with eXp Realty and is on the NM Agent Advisory Council, and he is passionate about helping people with their real estate needs through integrity and professionalism.

THE VERY LARGE ARRAY

In the movie Contact, Jodie Foster’s character, Dr. Eleanor Arroway, is captivated by a celestial light show. She remarks, “No words to describe it. Poetry! They should’ve sent a poet. So beautiful. So beautiful... I had no idea.”

Foster portrays a scientist who discovers evidence of extraterrestrial life and is chosen to make the first contact.

The VLA, or Very Large Array, is shown in the 1997 film.

The VLA is not attempting “contact.” The large antennas near Soccoro are not sending communication but instead receiving data from the skies above.

The VLA, or Very Large Array, is just two hours away from Albuquerque and 50 miles west of Soccoro. This group of 27 satellite dishes is used together like one giant telescope.

The VLA has been functioning in New Mexico since the site’s formal dedication in 1980. There are actually  28 VLA

EXPLORING THE COSMOS

ARTICLE BY ANDREA JACQUIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD LAKIN AND WARNER BROS.

antennas at the site, but one antennae is always serviced to allow continual usage and nonstop data. The isolated, quiet area near Socorro has little noise interference and is also at a high altitude. This makes it an ideal spot for receiving precise radio frequencies.

Many important discoveries have been made using New Mexico’s VLA data. These include the physics of gamma-ray bursts, jets of galaxies, and the discovery of water and ice on the planet Mercury.

The VLA has also been featured in movies like “Armageddon” and “Terminator Salvation” and in Bon Jovi’s video “Everyday.”

Visitors are often surprised to see the impressive display of antennas scattered across the open desert. The large antennas look more like giant satellite dishes.

Corrina Feldman is the public information officer for the VLA, Very Long Baseline Array, and the new next-generation VLA. She says, “I have a passion for astronomy. I studied it as a hobby in college and I get to combine this thing that I love with communicating to my community about how awesome it is.” Feldman says, “There is a misconception that we are a big secret government military facility when, in fact, we are education and astronomy focused and open to the public.”

Today, cutting-edge scientists and astronomers visit and research the data from the synchronized antennas that show “invisible light. Each dish-shaped antenna is 94 feet tall and 82 feet in diameter. Every four months, the telescopes are moved

“THERE IS A MISCONCEPTION THAT WE ARE A BIG SECRET GOVERNMENT MILITARY FACILITY WHEN, IN FACT, WE ARE EDUCATION AND ASTRONOMY FOCUSED AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.”

into different configurations in order to get ideal angles to compile comprehensive data. Each “dish” has ten receivers within it that can receive data from a different band within a different megahertz range.

Feldman says, “VLA is unique in our structure and is still the premiere radio instrument in the world.” These high-tech antennas can see a form of light or radio frequency that is just outside the visible light spectrum. Using these radio frequencies helps produce images of the vast skies above. Feldman says, “The VLA is taking a photo of the sky and can take a really big picture to see the fine details better.” 24/7, these antennas are working in conjunction to photograph the skies.

The government and universities use the data collected from the VLA receivers. The VLA also has an open skies policy that allows anyone in the world to submit a proposal to

Ellie (Jodie Foster) listens for aliens

in “Contact”

use the telescope. “The best science is prioritized,” says Feldman. The site is known as an important scientific landmark.

Scientists, astronomers, and educators frequently use the radio technology gathered from the VLA. Feldman says, “Most students and postdocs are from New Mexico Tech and use it often.” Other universities like UNM can utilize the VLA’s radio instruments. People come from around the world to use New Mexico’s Very Large Array.

The VLA visitors’ center showcases an interactive video and displays photos of historical and scientific discoveries. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and visit the gift shop. Guests can also walk around the area and witness the widespread antennas with the whole array from a distance. Guests are only allowed to walk up close to the visitor antenna. The center also features a documentary voiced by actress Jodie Foster.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is now funding a new project to upgrade the VLA to the “Next-Generation VLA.” Feldman says, “We will be able to see things with such detail, and so far back in time, we’ll be able to see things that we’ve never seen before.” The hope is to answer the big scientific questions like how solar systems and planets are formed.

The “Next-generation VLA” will be in the same spot as the current array. The “ngVLA” will have ten times the sensitivity and resolution with 30 times longer baselines. The ng VLA is currently in the design and development phase, and the prototype is being built.

The goal is for the ngVLA to replace the current VLA. Feldman says, “It needs an upgrade, and the two will be integrated, and then slowly, the VLA will be phased out. There will be a new antenna design. Feldman says, “The new instrument will be a much larger instrument. The final product will have only one core array with arms that spiral out and 263 antennas (as opposed to the current 28 antennas). Operations are set to commence in 2039.”

The current array is in a “y” formation. Eventually, ngVLA will be one giant spiral that extends into Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. Feldman says, “It will be a much more dynamic telescope.” She is excited about the site’s future. Feldman says, “With the construction of the nextgen VLA, New Mexico will have the flagship radio instrument in the world in its own backyard, like a radio version of the James Webb Space Telescope.”

The clearest radio instruments avoid radio frequency interference. The middle of the New Mexico desert seems to be an ideal spot for current and future VLA’S.

For more details and directions to the VLA, visit public.nrao.edu

Lisa Fontanarosa

Exploring the lavender fields

My name is Lisa Fontanarosa and my shop at Jo’s Farms showcases my floral creations as well as the creations of the artists I have represented from Europe since 1997. It is here where I showcase my deep and worldly mix of passions. A place to discover unique décor, as well as lavender and flowers—a  celebration of that perfect moment of home happiness! In 2018, a search for a property with meandering gardens led me to find my 2 acre property which at the time was a blank canvas.

CONTINUED >

Now beautifully planted with a lavender field, lovely meandering flower gardens and paths where scented flowers unfold and perfume.

I am an interior stylist and floral creator.  During my career as an interior stylist, I’ve traveled all over the world working with A-list designers and style makers and collecting the beautiful objects that I surround myself with in my shop and in my home.

I am a curator and creator of a world filled with poetic pieces. My choices are guided by Paris, where the mix of antique and modern complement each other like a favorite old shirt and shiny new shoes.

A keen editorial eye, a love of design, floral artistry, color and all that blooms inspired my journey. The first time I visited France in my early 20’s it was clear it was going to be a life-long love affair. My floral obsession began in Paris when I walked into a little flower shop and was instantly taken with the French style. A trip to Provence inspired my lavender field. My gardens inspired my floral storytelling of my creations.

My interest in design started at age 14 when my mother, who was born in Sicily, and my dad, who was from Naples, took me on a trip to the Mediterranean.

It left an indelible mark on my heart and led me to France and the lavender fields of Provence, where my passion for design, art and flowers became the inspiration for my styling business in which I source unique objects, lighting and textiles to incorporate into the rooms I style.

I spent my early career in the New York fashion scene working for magazines such as Vogue. It was a job styling the window displays for the Henri Bendel department store that solidified my love of interior design and styling and ultimately led to an international design career and the founding of my business, The Lisa Fontanarosa Collection www.lisafontanarosa.com in 1997.

My success means that I have one foot in Europe and especially France – a culture and lifestyle for which I have a particular fondness. A favorite point in my career was in 2009, when the Paris boutique, Colette, asked me to style an exhibition from three different artists.

Jo’s Farms is the farm that I share with my husband, Joe Ornelas. It is our home and garden. But it’s more than that, too.  It’s the story of beautiful gardens, a lavender field, my little light filled shop which showcases the works of artists around the world, a lovely A-frame flower shed, an apple and fruit orchard, pleasure gardens and our newly built greenhouse.

The gardens we planted  became the inspiration for my latest floral pursuit, my flower mannequins.  My floral fashions are made of dried flower arrangements fashioned  on the vintage dressmaker’s models from France.

I love to create beautiful sculptures from dried blooms I’ve collected from my field.  My runway-ready sculptures are inspired by all things Femme and French.

“I am a curator and creator of a world filled with poetic pieces.”

From still-life depictions to blooming landscapes, flowers have been a tried and true inspiration for nature-loving artists throughout the course of art history.  I take a more avant-garde approach to the floral craft by creating works of art made out of real flowers that I dried in flower shed. They celebrate my love of fashion and flowers.

Jo’s Farms houses my floral creations as well as an ever-changing collection of coveted accessories and  unique and unusually beautiful furnishings from Europe and beyond. Situated near my lavender farmland next to my flower shed, it is also a place that I can indulge my signature decorating aesthetic — It’s truly a curated collection . . . a chic shop where you can discover my dried floral sculptures and one-off collections from the artists I have represented From France, Sweden, Scotland and the Netherlands.

The French know how to shop.  They take their time until they find that “ coup de coeur” falling for something. You’ll find that “coup de coeur” at my shop. Conceiving, creating, styling, arranging is always my visual pleasure.

I like to mix and match my finds to create unique, beautiful, whimsical, inviting spaces  Creating a story for oneself from these objects and my floral creations, is the most beautiful way of expressing yourself in your home

Gardens are such special places. They never fail to delight, inspire or calm me.  A garden, as with all the natural world, is a constant miracle that unfolds before one’s eyes.

This property inspired us to add the lavender  field and surrounding gardens and meadows. My love of flowers inspired my own creative projects.  Living with flowers everyday infuses beauty to our spaces and enriches our lives with nature’s grace.

Flowers are deeply rooted in my soul. There is no greater freedom of expression than working with flowers. At Jo’s Farms we want everyone to be carried away by the intoxicating scent of lavender and the sweetness of life surrounded by lavender.

We are hosting lavender picking at our lavender farm July 5th, July 6th and July 7th.  www.josfarms.com www.lisafontanarosa.com

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CHACO CANYON

EXPLORING THE PAST, PRESERVING THE CENTER OF AN ANCIENT WORLD

“Archaeologists cannot say exactly what took place here.”

From A.D. 850–1150, roughly 1,000 years ago, Chaco Canyon was the center of a community that extended throughout the modern Four Corners region. Over the span of several hundred years, Ancestral Pueblo peoples constructed 13 great houses and hundreds of small houses in the canyon. Archaeologists cannot say exactly what took place here, but evidence of trade, ceremony, and farming points towards a thriving cultural center and pilgrimage site.

Around A.D. 1050, inhabitants of Chaco Canyon began to move north to build the Aztec community. Aztec West, East, and North are a group of great houses constructed along the Animas River that archaeologists believe Ancestral Pueblo peoples intended to be the next “center” of Chacoan culture.

Just a short drive from Albuquerque, two national parks now encompass parts of these Ancestral communities and much more.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park was dedicated in 1907, and Aztec Ruins National Monument in 1923, to ensure the preservation of these places for generations to come. These national parks are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites that safeguard thousands of archaeological resources. Ensuring the preservation of these parks means securing an enormous amount of support, and the Chaco Culture Conservancy (CCC) is on a mission to do just that.

The Chaco Culture Conservancy was formed in 2020 to provide philanthropic support to Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument. We work to inspire people to support, connect with, and learn about these parks- through philanthropy and volunteer activities – thus ensuring the preservation of the Chacoan architectural landscapes, natural resources, and cultural heritage for present and future generations.

“Ancestral peoples built extensive road systems throughout the Southwest, many of which led back to Chaco Canyon.”

Philanthropic support is much more than a donation to supporting park projects; it strengthens the bonds between parks and their advocates. The legacy of philanthropy in national parks began even before the National Park Service was formed in 1916. Today, you have an opportunity to be a part of that legacy. Congress funds the parks’ budget, and your support stretches those dollars further. Gifts made to the CCC contribute to park projects and programs in three categories: Trails, Preservation, and Access.

TRAILS

Ancestral peoples built extensive road systems throughout the Southwest, many of which led back to Chaco Canyon. Visiting Chaco Culture National Historical Park today, you may even see original road segments and stairways built by Ancestral Pueblo peoples. During your visit to both parks, you’ll also access over 30 miles of modern trails that can connect you to the past. Whether taking a walk through Aztec West or scaling the side of a mesa to see the iconic Pueblo Bonito viewpoint, hiking trails are an important part of your national park experiences.

With over 65,000 visitors each year, the effects of visitor use, natural degradations, and climate change mean that the dedicated staff at these parks must work hard to ensure trails stay safe and accessible. These trails require routine maintenance, resurfacing, invasive plant removal, and realignment. Since 2021, the CCC has invested over $20,000 in projects to improve and enhance trails around both parks.

PRESERVATION

Over a thousand years ago the individuals tasked with building Pueblo Bonito, Casa Rinconada, and Chetro Ketl did not use metals, plastics, or polyester fibers. They constructed these massive structures using sandstone, natural mortar, and wooden beams. Today the National Park Service is dedicated to preserve these places.

The CCC has supported their work by funding analysis when sites have been

backfilled for protection purposes, preservation interns to learn the craft of generations before, and Lidar scanning to map structures at risk of being lost to climate change. By investing nearly $30,000 in projects that ensure the preservation of objects, historical documents, and architecture at both parks, the CCC and our donors are helping ensure the lasting legacy of preservation.

ACCESS

Once a year the beat of a drum and the jingle of bells can again be heard in the East Plaza of Pueblo Bonito. On the Summer Solstice, the National Park Service often hosts Indigenous dance groups to perform on the same sacred ground as their ancestors. Throughout the year, both parks host many diverse Indigenous communities into the parks to share their cultural heritage and knowledge through lectures, dances, and demonstrations.

For the last four years, the CCC has funded over $46,000 in projects that promote access to these national parks. This includes visitor access to WiFi at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, access to educational audio tours at Aztec Ruins National Monument, and the access of Indigenous speakers, demonstrators, and lecturers to these national parks. By funding projects that focus on access the CCC is proud to support the safety, education, and cultural experiences of visitors.

The CCC is committed to supporting the National Park Service at Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park. By investing in trails, preservation, and access projects, we help our donors build their lasting legacy as stewards of their public lands.

To learn more about how you can be a part of our philanthropic community or to make a contribution, visit chacoculture.org

If you are interested in speaking with us about funding specific projects that you are passionate about, please reach out to our Executive Director, Olivia Thomsen at director@chacoculture.org

ALBUQUERQUE AVIATION ACADEMY

ARTICLE BY RICHARD LAKIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DR. LAUREN CHAVEZ, ALEX

EXPLORING THE SKIES

With the aerospace industry showing a promising future in New Mexico, an education in aviation technology can be a valuable career asset. The Albuquerque Aviation Academy (formerly the SAMS Academy) prepares 6th-12th grade students for college and professional futures in the aviation industry. They currently have 306 students and are a state-chartered school.

The Academy provides a blended learning curriculum combining online instruction and classroom sessions. There is a robust emphasis on flight instruction along with usual school electives. Students are, within reason, able to move at their own pace, so only highly motivated kids would find this appealing. The inspiration comes from the dream to pilot an aircraft, so there is impetus to work hard. The dedication and commitment required to complete their courses helps students to develop an adult character and level of responsibility that is important when you’re flying passengers in a plane.

“BEING A

PILOT

ISN’T SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN JUST BE OK AT BECAUSE YOU’LL BE A DANGER TO EVERYONE.”

Dr. Lauren Chavez, Director of Operations and Chief Flight Instructor (also known by her call sign “Doc”) told us “We’re not interested in speed. We’re aiming for good safe pilots.”

Students can test for their pilot’s license on their 17th birthday. Before taking the FAA pilot’s test, they must put in 40 hours minimum flying time with a flight instructor. They are evaluated and given a score. Federal regulations require a score of 70%, but Dr. Chavez requires scores consistently in the 90s to pass the Academy’s requirements. She says, “Being a pilot isn’t something that you can just be OK at because you’ll be a danger to everyone.”

The Academy has a great deal of simulated flight technology for instruction. Bridget Barrett, Principal and Head Administrator told us,” We have a commercial grade simulator for the students to learn on and we have a virtual flight SIM, so it’s where you put the goggles on and feel like you’re in a plane. Students learn realistic simulations of maneuvers before they ever fly in an aircraft.”

The school also has a drone license program where students can take on flying drones for local customers and earn an income. Currently, they are also developing a balloon pilot program… something very useful in New Mexico.

The efficiency of their training becomes apparent when looking at their results. Ten students from the graduating class this year received their pilot license, including twin sisters on their 17th birthday, the youngest African American to get certified as a pilot in New Mexico, and a student who completed the flight instruction in exactly 40 hours because of his flight proficiency.

When we asked the staff at Albuquerque Aviation Academy what their mission statement is, we first got the lengthy one from their website, but then they laughed and said,” We create great pilots and great human beings.”

Albuquerque Aviation Academy is located at 6441 Ventana Rd NW, Albuquerque. Their phone number is 505.608.6441 and their website is https://www.samsacademy.com

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