Jenna Stoff

Holiday Time: Gift program brings cheer to those in need this season

Kalei Heartland greets the volunteers who walk into the UNM Continuing Education building with homemade cards, wrapping paper and a desire to do something positive for the community. As families enjoy free pizza and each other’s company, she smiles at the rows of tote bags filled with the presents she is going to hand out come Christmastime. What Heartland really wanted to do was inspire people to pay it forward, so she founded Gift Givers Anonymous six years ago. The program began as a small project and has since gone viral.

Holiday Time: Local food banks, churches serve Thanksgiving meals

With Thanksgiving just a day away, the Roadrunner Food Bank is working to distribute food to a variety of organizations around Albuquerque in the hope that no one goes hungry. Here are some places welcoming the homeless and anyone else in need of a meal.

UNM student works to help the homeless through photography

Every morning before school, 20-year-old Ariane Crummer walks past Golden Pride and sees the same woman stationed outside the restaurant without food. She has an oversized coat that appears too hot to wear, as well as a collection of dirt beneath her fingernails. To Crummer, a junior psychology major, these features are just a handful of many that indicate homelessness. “Her name is Linda ... she is the sweetest old lady,” Crummer said.

Halloween: Team prefers hunting ghosts over dressing like them

While trick-or-treaters may be dressing up as ghosts this Halloween, the Duke City Paranormal Research Society will be hunting for actual ghosts. The trio has investigated local businesses and homes believed to be haunted since February 2014. This is the time of year the team reflects on past experiences and plans for future trips in and out of New Mexico. Team cameraman Ed Sather and his wife, Sara, moved to Albuquerque from Seabrook, Texas in 2009. With a shared interest in the paranormal, they met lead investigator Phillip Ray, who has conducted investigations for 14 years. Together they formed The Duke City Paranormal Research Society.

Five and Why: with Marisa Gomez

Marisa Gomez, a senior visual arts major, said she likes both clean and messy art. From printmaking and drawing to photography and digital design, Gomez has a wide range of experience in fine and visual arts. After spending her freshman year studying at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, Gomez transferred to UNM. To add to her portfolio, she is working as the marketing director for the ASUNM Southwest Film Center, where she spends time creating fliers and movie posters. Here are five of her favorite projects in the arts.

Contemporary works inspire spook in 'Crypt' opera scenes

UNM Opera Theatre students are getting into the Halloween spirit as they rehearse a variety of opera scenes for three performances in Keller Hall that start Friday. “Tales from the Opera Crypt,” directed by Sam Shepperson and Leslie Umphrey, explores a range of historical and contemporary influences. The opera scenes are inspired by work from Shakespeare and Mozart, as well as Broadway musicals, “Sweeney Todd” and “Into the Woods.”

Advocacy groups seek to stop coyote-killing contests

Annual coyote-killing contests are sparking controversy across the state, leading the Southwest Environmental Center and Animal Protection Voters to continue their efforts in banning them for good. “Killing animals for fun and prizes is reprehensible and gives ethical hunters a black eye,” Kevin Bixby, executive director of the Southwest Environmental Center in Las Cruces, said in a press release. “Unfortunately, these activities are still legal in New Mexico, and put everyone in danger who wants to get outdoors and enjoy our great fall weather.”

Five and why with Eva Encinias

Eva Encinias-Sandoval, a UNM dance instructor and recipient of the Life Achievement Award, said she has worn “many different hats in the flamenco world.” None, however, have compared to the pleasure of teaching, she said.

Sports Edition: Student, athlete, volunteer, father: UNM football's Eden Mahina does it all

Eden Mahina, a 23-year-old Lobo football player, has a lot to juggle this year. Between sports, charity work and a new baby on the way, it seems there’s hardly time for anything else. But despite a hectic schedule, Mahina had a few words to say of the challenges that lie ahead: “bring it on.”

Eva Encinias-Sandoval