Images Arizona (February 2023)

PETS IN PASTEL LINDA HOGG

PHOTOGRAPHY ESSAY WATERVERSE

From the Publisher

Publisher

Shelly Spence

Managing Editor

Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo

Amanda Christmann

Francine Coles

Rebecca L. Rhoades

Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

Carl Schultz

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari

860-966-3271

cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona

P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377

623-341-8221

imagesarizona.com Submission

AAll eyes are on Arizona this month as Super Bowl LVII touches down in the Valley, bringing with it tons of excitement, several star-studded parties and more foot traffic than our state has seen in eight years. However, the big game is just one of many events set to score extra points over the next few weeks.

The WM Phoenix Open is teed up for another weekend of fun in the sun while spring training is next up at bat, extending the excitement through the end of March.

Of course, with love in the air, February is also time for fairytales — and our state is home to quite a few of them. From live stage productions of some of the stories that have brought magic into our lives for generations to talented artists and caring individuals whose work reminds us that enchantment is all around us if we only look for it, reverie and whimsy are at their highest levels this month.

As always, this issue of Images Arizona is designed to showcase the very best in people, places, organizations and events that our state has to offer. However, this month, our spotlight is on the sports world as well as the world of wonder that art, kindness and imagination make possible in our anything-but-ordinary lives in the Valley.

Whether you are combing through these carefully curated pages as a full- or part-time resident of Arizona or visiting from out-ofstate to attend any — or all — of the thrilling activities hosted here, I hope that this magazine serves as a helpful guide to making the most of this month’s many events and encourages you to see your surroundings in a more vibrant, creative and fantastical way.

Cheers!

Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine

shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

Photography by Loralei Lazurek

Kathleen Hope & Jodi Walsh CONCRETE

AND CLAY

Meet artists Kathleen Hope and Jodi Walsh during an event that showcases each of their incredible collections. Hope overlays many layers of thin cement on wood panels, this creates a sculptural 3D effect. She also incorporates hand made papers, inks, wood and concrete stains to achieve unusual markings. Meanwhile, Walsh utilizes a process called Oritatami Nendo: folding clay — to create unique pieces that, inspired by nature, resonate across cultures and styles.

ARTIST RECEPTION

Thursday, February 16

Wine & appetizers

4–7 p.m.

Grace Renee Gallery

Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377

Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080

GraceReneeGallery.com

LEFT PAGE

Flower Power, Mixed Media on Wood Panel, 36” by 48”

Portrait of Kathleen Hope

ABOVE :

, Ceramic, 12” by 4”

Portrait of Jodi Walsh with Oritatami Nendo: folding clay cubes

Sunset Speculations

This past fall, Tucson resident Eric Jewett made the trek to Gates Pass — a scenic overlook along the crest of the Tucson Mountains that provides unparalleled desert views — to enjoy the cooler weather and the beautiful post-monsoon greenery.

“I hiked around looking for good vistas when I saw this rocky outcropping across the valley,” says Jewett, noting that Gates Pass looks out toward Old Tucson and the Sonoran Desert Museum.

“I made my way up there in a rush to catch the sunset and happened across this couple already sitting on the rock, enjoying the view. I considered asking them if they would like their picture taken, but I did not want to interrupt their moment; so I quietly snapped a few pictures and hiked back down.

“It was a really hazy day, which helped contribute a sense of scale to the view. I think what makes the picture special — aside from the great sunset — is the moment that I captured between these two. It was chilly, yet they sat apart from one another. Maybe it was their first date?”

MMention the name “Larry Fitzgerald” nearly anywhere in the country and people will smile in recognition. They might not know how many touchdowns he caught in his remarkable career as a Cardinals wide receiver (121), or how many times he was selected to Pro Bowl (11), but what they do know, and will tell you, is that he’s a really great guy.

At 39 years old, Fitzgerald has spent his entire pro career doggedly leading the Arizona Cardinals through victories and through losses. His dedication to the team, in good times and bad, has earned him respect among sports fans worldwide. It’s also earned him a figurative halo among Arizonans, whether they’ve stepped foot or not inside State Farm Stadium or any of its earlier iterations.

This year, fans were saddened, but no one was truly surprised, when Fitzgerald unofficially announced that he would not be on the Cardinals’ lineup this season.

Writer Amanda Christmann // Photography Courtesy of The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation

Former Arizona Cardinal, Larry Fitzgerald, is finding ways to turn his biggest struggles into opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Photo by Jessica Jameson

The average age of retirement for an NFL player is 27 years old, and the average career length for a wide receiver is just 2.8 years. Seventeen years and more than 40 franchise records in, Fitzgerald has not only exceeded the expectations of anyone who’s had them; he’s served as a beacon for an entire generation of youngsters who’ve looked to him as a role model and an inspiration.

The great thing about Fitzgerald, and what his fans all seem to notice, is that he isn’t just a one-skill wonder. His football career has been an important chapter in his life, but it’s only one aspect of a guy who’s far more complex than first meets the eye.

From a seat on the sidelines of his son’s football practice, Fitzgerald spoke about his continuing goals with conviction, and with the same focus that he brought to the playing field.

“I’m moving forward,” he said. “I’m raising my three sons and working to provide them with the structure, insight, and leadership they need. I’m heavily invested in the community as well. I’m continuing to look for ways to make the biggest impact and be a positive agent for change.”

That impact involves using his name and fame to raise awareness and funding for programs near to his heart.

“It was always my hope to utilize football as a way to create opportunities for others,” he explained.

BREAST BELIEVE

In 2003, Fitzgerald’s mother, Carol, lost her battle with breast cancer. Since then, Fitzgerald has made it his mission to do all he can to save lives.

In November, The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation created the Breast Believe campaign to educate women, particularly in underserved communities, about the importance of early detection, as well as breast cancer prevention, symptoms, treatments and access to resources.

“One in eight women, and even some men, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lives,” Fitzgerald explained. “African American women are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage of their cancer. Even though they’re less likely to get breast cancer, they’re more likely to die from it.

“It’s that fear of getting checkups and that fear of going to the doctor. To me, that’s unacceptable.

“I want to make sure that The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation is focused on the African American men and women who are dying at a disproportionate rate, so our outreach is focused on those communities in particular.”

The goal of his foundation is to provide free mobile and in-clinic mammograms, education and resources for as many people as possible. Those resources include support for families who are struggling with challenges he knows all too well.

He’s also growing his network of partnerships so that he can empower like-minded organizations to spread the word. Through grants and other help, he recognizes that teamwork isn’t just for sports.

NEW GOALS FOR EDUCATION

“Education is something that was emphasized by my dad when I was a youngster,” Fitzgerald said, “He always told me, ‘I don’t care how long you play sports, or if you play sports at all. It’s important that you get your education. It’s the one thing they can’t take away from you.’

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been to 108 countries around the world. It doesn’t matter if you grew up in East Baltimore, South Central LA or the South side of Chicago. You can come from the roughest area, but if you are willing to put the work in,

You can come from the roughest area, but if you are willing to put the work in, you can crawl your way out of that environment. Education is that one thing you can utilize to do that.

Larry Fitzgerald

you can crawl your way out of that environment. Education is that one thing you can utilize to do that.”

It’s difficult to comprehend the fact that, in the United States — one of the most prosperous countries in the world — a startling 31% of children are below proficiency in reading skills. Unfortunately, many of those children attend schools that are underfunded and overburdened and live in neighborhoods where families struggling struggle to survive.

A majority of these students are part of the racial and ethnic divide. Black and Brown communities are more likely to live in poverty, with little or no access to computers or Wi-Fi, fewer after-school programs, and less access to sports and other programs that teach children problem-solving skills, help them understand the value of hard work, and provide them with confidence and leadership skills that help them throughout their lives.

Fitzgerald is addressing all of these gaps with his youth education program.

“Technology is the bridge for the learning gap that I’ve seen,” he said. “I want to focus on providing for the needs of schools, especially those that serve minority populations.

“The last two to three years have created a massive gap due to the lack of availability of technology and internet for kids in these communities. My goal is to increase their math and reading test scores, their attendance — all the things that equate to the love for school and the desire to continue to be educated.

“I don’t have all the answers, but we continue to learn by trial and error. I know we’ll keep finding ways to be helpful by working with organizations and with school districts to fulfill those needs.”

TRANSCENDING THE GAME

It can’t be easy to be an icon. If Fitzgerald ever has moments of doubt about his larger-than-life role, it never shows publicly. He’s carried a great deal of responsibility on his shoulder pads. Now that he’s entered a new chapter, he may have switched hands, but he certainly hasn’t dropped the ball.

He’s a father, a friend and an activist, and he hasn’t lost his sense of purpose simply because he’s not putting on his No. 11 jersey each week. Instead, he’s finding ways to turn his biggest struggles into opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

He’s showing that his integrity, passion and drive transcend the game of football, and that who he is becoming is just as important as who he has been.

“People don’t remember how many touchdowns or Superbowl rings you have or how many yards you’ve run,” he said. “That stuff isn’t important. They judge you based on how you treat people.

“Hopefully, at the end of the day, they’ll say I treated people in a positive way.”

thelarryfitzgeraldfoundation.org

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

COMMUNITY February 2023

Through Feb. 26

‘MAME’

Arizona Broadway Theatre presents its production of “Mame,” which follows the madcap adventures of a woman who, surrounded by an eccentric cast of characters, celebrates the Roaring ‘20s, shamelessly spoils her “little love,” and perseveres through life with humor and style — all without missing a dance step. See website for price and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

Through March 12

‘AN AMERICAN IN PARIS’

The Phoenix Theatre Company presents its production of “An American in Paris,” a musical inspired by the 1951 film about a young American soldier and a French girl, each yearning for a new beginning in the most romantic city in the world. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Feb. 1–5

THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Maestro Robert Moody will lead the Festival Orchestra — comprised of musicians from the nation’s finest orchestras — in a series of concerts as part of Arizona Musicfest. See website for price, times and locations. azmusicfest.org

Feb 2–4

‘THE TABLE’

Feb. 10

GRIDIRON GREATS CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC

Former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion Jim McMahon will host a charity golf tournament to benefit The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund — a national nonprofit organization with a mission to assist retired NFL players and their families in dire need situations. $100+. 9 a.m. Anthem Golf and Country Club, 2708 W. Anthem Club Drive, Anthem. winningticket.com/gridiron-greats-celebrity-golf-classic

Scorpius Dance Theatre will present a unique series of chronicles and tales it calls “The Table” — a gathering for all to dream, laugh and be moved by the power of intimate, in-person performance. $35. 7:30 p.m. Metropolitan Arts Institute, 1700 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. scorpiusdance.com

Feb. 3–19

‘JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE’

Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” a moving work, set in 1911 Pittsburgh, that chronicles Black life of that time. $48+. See website for times. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-258-8128; blacktheatretroupe.org

Feb. 4

‘THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL’ AUDITIONS

Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “The Spongebob Musical,” based on the beloved animated series. Auditionees aged 6–adult should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an

extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 10:30 a.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Feb. 4 and 5

EXPERIENCE SPAIN

The Musical Instrument Museum will celebrate the music and culture of Spain. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Feb. 7

THE BLACK MARKET TRUST

The Black Market Trust will perform a concert of cool gypsy jazz music with a Rat Pack style as part of Arizona Musicfest. $39+. 7:30 p.m.

La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 9–12

‘GISELLE’

Ballet Arizona will present its performance of “Giselle” — a romantic ballet that tells the tragicyet-passionate tale of a young woman who dies of a broken heart. See website for price and times. The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-381-1096; balletaz.org

Feb. 14

ISN’T IT ROMANTIC? A SWINGIN' VALENTINE'S

Pianists Nicole Pesce, Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi will perform a concert, as part of Arizona Musicfest, that explores the romance of the Great American Songbook with unique and innovative interpretations of timeless classics. $59. 7:30 p.m.

La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 17–19

THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS IN CONCERT

The Phoenix Symphony will perform a retrospective of music composed by John Williams, including selections from some of his most powerful film scores — such as “Star Wars,” “E.T.,” “Harry Potter,” “Indiana Jones” and “Saving Private Ryan.” See website for price and times. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

Feb. 17–26

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ Starlight Community Theater will present its production of Alice in Wonderland. See website for price and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

Feb. 18

THE KAT AND DAVE SHOW

Grammy award-winning musician, composer and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee will perform a special intimate concert as part of Arizona Musicfest. $62+. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 21

JOHNNY MATHIS: THE VOICE OF ROMANCE

Celebrating his 67th year as a recording artist, legendary singer Johnny Mathis will perform a concert, as part of Arizona Musicfest, featuring music composed for stage and film to golden era jazz standards, contemporary pop hits and more. $87+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

COMMUNITY February 2023

Feb. 25

CASINO MUSICALE GALA

Photo by Greg Dalenberg

North Valley Symphony Orchestra will host its annual gala fundraiser, featuring live music, casino-style gaming, dinner, dancing, a silent auction and more. $35+. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Sheraton Phoenix Crescent, 2620 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix. northvalleysymphony.org

Feb. 25 and 26

NEIL BERG’S 50 YEARS OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Neil Berg will perform a concert of music from Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and more as part of Arizona Musicfest. $41+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 26

ALL THAT JAZZ

Salt River Brass will perform a concert of music from Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, George Gershwin, Chuck Mangione and more. $19+; youth, student and senior discounts available. 3 p.m. Ikeda Theater, One E. Main St., Mesa. saltriverbrass.org

March 3 and 4

M3F

March 11

FASHION & FIZZ

Ballet Arizona’s junior board, the Contemporary Council, will host its first-ever Fashion & Fizz fundraiser. Attendees will sip sparkling wine while dancers serve as models to showcase an array of curated costumes. A question and answer session will follow, along with a display of additional costumes for closer inspection. A VIP lounge and private bar with light hors d’oeuvres and even front-row seating is available with premium ticket options. $50+. 2–5 p.m. Ballet Arizona. 2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix. balletaz.org

M3F will host its annual nonprofit music festival. This year’s lineup includes Grammy-nominated vocalist Maggie Rogers, the off-kilter sounds of Toro y Moi, English beatmaker and producer Jamie xx, Detroit singer Quinn XCII, Mom + Pop signee Ashe, Nashville indie-rockers COIN, Connecticut pop and electronic singer Chelsea Cutler and French electronic duo Polo & Pan. Beyond the music, guests will also enjoy a variety of food and beverage offerings, art installations and activities. All proceeds will benefit charity. See website for price. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix. m3ffest.com

March 3–5

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’

Arizona Opera will present its production of “The Sound of Music.” See website for price. Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. azopera.org

March 5

CONTRASTS FOR STRINGS

MusicaNova Orchestra will perform a fascinating program that takes the audience on a journey of discovery, demonstrating the versatility of the string orchestra. $33.50+. 2 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. musicanovaaz.org

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

March 5

FEINSTEIN & THIBAUDET

Michael Feinstein and Jean-Yves Thibaudet will perform a concert of music from George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and more as part of Arizona Musicfest. $62+.

7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

March 7–11 THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Maestro Robert Moody will lead the Festival Orchestra — comprised of musicians from the nation’s finest orchestras — in a series of concerts as part of Arizona Musicfest. See website for price and times. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

DARLENE GONZALES RECEIVES SERVICE AWARD

The Anthem Community Council this past fall presented the Anthem Veterans Service Award to Navy Senior Chief Darlene Gonzales for her tireless dedication to helping at-risk and homeless women veterans and their children. Gonzales gave her time and talents to the Anthem Veterans Memorial planning committee’s communication team during the 2011 build and dedication ceremony planning. Since then, she has answered the call to serve at the memorial as a speaker or mistress of ceremonies, carry the Navy flag, dedicate the Navy pillar, present the Navy wreath, lay pavers for veterans unable to do so, consult on script elements and supervise pre-ceremony festivities. anthemcommunity.com

The (Damn) Kids are Alright

LLate last year, four Boulder Creek High School teens accomplished a major feat in the music scene, prevailing over more than 300 competitors to win Alice Cooper’s 20th Annual Proof is in the Pudding Music and Dance Competition.

Collectively known as The Damn Kids, 18-year-old guitarist Phil Mazzio, 15-year-old drummer Brock Hauser, 17-year-old guitarist and vocalist Jack Montesano and 17-year-old bassist and vocalist Luke Horton returned from the band’s runner-up finish in 2021 to win it all — a $1,000 cash prize and a featured spot on Cooper’s 2023 Christmas album.

The victory was made sweeter by the comeback. The prior year was personally devastating, but it lit a fire in the musicians to work harder and stay focused on their next chance.

“When I heard our name this [time], the initial feeling was great relief,” Mazzio recalls. “There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that we were deserving of first place and to be announced as the winners was just an assurance that all of our hard work had paid off.”

IDOLS AND INSPIRATION

The Damn Kids’ bluesy style and energetic stage performances have won the band — which performs regularly throughout the Valley — fans from the competition and beyond.

“We have a cult following of people ranging from our age to people our grandparents’ age,” Mazzio says. “There is support from every angle when it comes to being in The Damn Kids.”

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Dave Montesano

With a growing following, the members of The Damn Kids have also developed their own personal relationships with each other and among their families. Friendship has made their accomplishments even more meaningful.

Among the band’s musical heroes and inspiration are Jimmy Page, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jim Morrison, Eddie Vedder, David Gilmour, Keith Richards and, for Hauser — whose father is a professional musician — his own dad.

For the competition, the band performed cover songs, Christmas songs and its own original music. Mazzio and Montesano usually join forces to write the lyrics while Mazzio writes most of the music. They say that the best songs flow quickly from a common idea or story. Everyone in the band contributes to the music from their own talent and instruments. A single guitar riff often turns into an entire song.

Performing original work in the competition put the band in the spotlight for some very influential figures in the music industry.

“One of the best parts about Proof was being able to give such highly respected musicians a chance to listen to our music,” Mazzio says. “We gave almost everyone there a copy of our [soon-to-be-released] EP and I could tell they were genuinely excited to listen to it.

“Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie are incredibly kind people. They almost don’t seem like celebrities at times — but in a good way, as they were extremely kind and easy to talk to. I’ll never forget how, right before our set, Alice appeared and said, ‘You ready?!’ We took a picture backstage and I instantly felt at home. It was truly an honorable night to be a part of.”

Horton agrees and was inspired by Cooper’s encouragement to stay true to the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.

“All of the biggest rock stars are just normal guys,” he explains. “We forget that when they’re on stage. Alice told me and Jack, ‘Don’t ever let anyone put a suit on you;’ and that speaks for itself.”

“

Being in The Damn Kids is the best job a teenager could ever ask for. I get to work with three of my closest friends in order to achieve a mutual goal.

Jack Montesano

The competition was fierce, but it helped that Cooper was already a big fan of the band from its prior entry.

“Alice Cooper telling us that we were his favorite blues band was my favorite,” Hauser recalls.

The band members acknowledge how many doors have been opened for them to not only continue to learn and record, but also network in the industry.

“I was given the opportunity to meet so many influential people,” Montesano says. “I was mostly taken away by how passionate Alice Cooper is towards benefitting youth.”

With centers in both Phoenix and Mesa, Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that seeks to help teens find purpose in a safe and engaging environment that meets their spiritual, economic, physical and social needs with after-school programs in music, dance, video and sound production, self-expression and creativity.

Cooper’s competition spotlights local talent and is a precursor to his annual fundraiser for the centers — his Christmas Pudding Concert that featured The Damn Kids on stage with Zombie, the Gin Blossoms and comedian Jim Breuer.

“This helped them get a little taste of what could be,” says Hauser’s dad, Brian, who works as a manager for the band and has used his own music background and connections to book gigs, record an upcoming EP, post their music to Spotify and help them maintain the publicity momentum they’ve already earned.

“They have a hometown gig at Rosati’s [in Anthem] once a month. The owners are so great to them. The band played there two nights after they won and everyone was wearing their t-shirts. The merchandise has been a big seller.”

The Damn Kids’ bluesy style and energetic stage performances have won the band fans throughout the Valley.

A FUTURE SO BRIGHT

With a growing following, the band members have also developed their own personal relationships with each other and among their families. Hauser, the youngest of the guys, says that music is his escape and it has been a thrill to do what he loves with good friends. Mazzio and Horton note that their friendship has made their accomplishments even more meaningful.

“Being in The Damn Kids is the best job a teenager could ever ask for,” Montesano says. “I get to work with three of my closest friends in order to achieve a mutual goal.”

One of those goals, naturally, is to keep the band rolling, growing their fan base and continue making music.

“Someone has to be the next rockstar, after all,” Mazzio points out.

There’s also the balance they must strike as high school students. Three of the band members will be graduating this spring.

When they’re not practicing music, Mazzio is the captain of the wrestling team and enjoys competition shooting in shotgun, pistol and rifle. He also enjoys collecting vinyl records. Montesano is either playing music or listening to it, often while mountain biking all over the state. Horton is also an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking. For Hauser, if he’s not hitting the skins, he’s hitting the gym.

With this huge accomplishment under their belts and the future looming, every member of The Damn Kids hopes that careers in music will be in the cards.

Hauser sees himself following in his father’s footsteps.

“I would like to be a full-time musician,” he says. “With luck and hard work, I'd like to be able to support a family making music.”

Horton sees himself either flying high as a musician or perhaps becoming a pilot — something he has dreamed of since he was a child. Mazzio and Montesano absolutely see their future in playing music for the rest of their lives, at center stage or as studio or touring artists.

“I see myself having a career in music,” Mazzio says. “I know that if I don’t give it a shot, I will regret it for the rest of my life.”

thedamnkids.com

instagram.com/thedamnkidsband

Boulder Creek High School students Brock Hauser, Jack Montesano, Phil Mazzio and Luke Horton late last year won a $1,000 cash prize and a featured spot on Alice Cooper’s 2023 Christmas album.

AAt least once a month, photographer Karen Shaw sets out in her kayak early in the morning on days with low winds with the hope that she can capture reflective scenes in which the sky and landscape are perfectly mirrored in a body of water, creating what appears to be a peek into a parallel universe.

“I have to stop my kayak because even the smallest movement will make ripples,” says Shaw, noting that stillness in the water is key to getting the perfect shot. “Such scenes just happen. I will come out of a cove and say, ‘Woah, there it is!’ It is kind of otherworldly when you see that. It is sort of ethereal and just grabs your attention.”

She seizes the opportunity with her camera, then pauses to appreciate the sight.

“I have always been drawn to mirror images,” says Shaw, comparing such sights to the ones you might see when looking through a kaleidoscope. “They just have such a magical quality to them.”

The photographer often feels conflicted about sharing that magic with the world, wanting to keep it all for herself. After all, when others see through her work the ethereal beauty that is out there in nature, they are encouraged to explore — and over-populate — the spaces of solitude that have come to mean so much to her.

However, she also believes that said beauty exists to inspire us all to intentionally seek out such scenes, as you will discover that they are in fact all around in nature if you simply look for them.

This month, Images Arizona is showcasing a selection of Shaw’s photography, inviting its readers to gaze into what at first appears to be an alternate reality. It is important to remember, though, that this fairytale-like land that can be seen in the water is indeed a direct reflection of our own world; an exact replica of the scene above.

These parallel waterverses reveal that the true fairytale is the one we are living. All we need to do is open our eyes — and our minds — to the surreal moments when nature’s majesty is far too perfect to be merely a coincidence.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Karen Shaw

Photography has taught me to breathe, to be still and to take it all in; and to be patient. I love how I feel photography has brought out the artistic part of me. Karen Shaw

I see something different — or in a different way — every time I go out. I just adore my time outdoors and going into the darkroom on my iPad and seeing my images come to life.

Karen Shaw

About the Photographer

Born and raised in Southern California, Karen Shaw has always considered herself to be an avid outdoorswoman.

“I have been hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and rock climbing my whole life,” explains Shaw, who spent much of her adult life in Colorado before moving to Prescott six years ago — a move for which she credits her interest in photography.

Although she had always taken pictures of her amazing adventures, Shaw became even more enthralled with the many majestic settings that exist in and around the quaint Arizona city. Frequently finding herself “in the moment,” she aspired to bring those moments home with her through the artistic medium of photography.

“I like how it can give me a different perspective,” Shaw explains. “Photography has taught me to breathe, to be still and to take it all in; and to be patient. I love how I feel photography has brought out the artistic part of me.”

Drawn to photograph anything in nature, Shaw has been particularly fascinated by birds since acquiring a larger lens.

“I see something different — or in a different way — every time I go out,” she says. “I just adore my time outdoors and going into the darkroom on my iPad and seeing my images come to life.”

I will come out of a cove and say, ‘Woah, there it is!’ It is kind of otherworldly when you see that. It is sort of ethereal and just grabs your attention. Karen Shaw

LLinda Hogg’s love for art and animals began when she was just a child, growing up as the daughter of a multi-talented artist on a 5,000-acre horse ranch in Duluth, Georgia.

“We had 250 horses, 500 pigs and 600 chickens,” she says. “We even had pecan trees. And my mother was one of those people who could just sit down and play the piano having never even had a lesson. She painted with watercolors. Instead of coloring books, she would give me blank sheets of paper or a blank canvas to paint on. She used to take me to the zoo and I would sketch the gorillas when I was just 5 years old.”

Later in life, American model agency executive and co-founder of Ford Models Eileen Ford discovered Linda, resulting in a 20-year modeling career that took her all over the world. She never stopped sketching and painting as a hobby, though, and eventually began doing commissioned pieces.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

“I studied extensively with renowned artist Frances Poole in California,” says Linda, who prefers to work with acrylics and pastels. “I love pastels because they are kind of a lost art. You can't make mistakes because you can't erase them. I think that's why people do not like them. But I prefer them because they are quite beautiful.”

Linda’s fond memories of her childhood on the ranch never left her as she continued to have a strong affinity for domesticated animals — which became the central focus of her art.

“My husband, Peter, and I love our pets,” the artist explains. “They are certainly part of the family. And I know that my portraits make the perfect gifts for those who feel the same and want to keep their [pets’] memories alive.”

Linda works from not only reference photos — which Peter, a professional photographer, will take when feasible — but also from conversations she has with the owner of each subject so that she can get a feel for their pet’s unique personality.

“I like to learn about the animals and they like to discuss them,” Linda says. “I ask, ‘Does he love to play? Is he really athletic? Does he jump up and down? Or is he more quiet and laid back? Have you had him all your life?

“Our pets are our family and our friends. Having done a number of wonderful commissions throughout the United States as well as Europe gives me probably as much pleasure as those who receive my work. I love animals and I love what I do.”

Linda Hogg

Photography by Peter Hogg

Anthem resident Linda Hogg uses pastels to create beautiful commissioned portraits of her clients’ pets.

How did you get him?’ Those kinds of things.”

Linda recalls one commission she completed for a gentleman in Colorado.

“He had working cattle dogs and he told me about what they do and how fabulous they were at cutting back on his work hours,” she explains. “He said that he just sends them out there and they bring in the cattle or take them out or whatever.”

Because Linda has had commissions from as far away as Turkey, many of these conversations take place via phone or email. Having lived in Europe for five years, she is fluent in German and therefore especially enjoys her conversations with her clients in Germany.

“I have met some very nice people through my work and had some really delightful conversations,” Linda adds.

However, the artist still occasionally gets to travel when her husband’s photography assignments call for it.

The married couple moved to Anthem three years ago at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I did not really know anybody and met a gal out walking her dog,” Linda it says. “She told me about an art group that meets at the country club. I immediately checked that out and became a member.”

Finest Local Artists in Residence is a group of Anthem artists who offer advice, encouragement, critiques, ideas and general friendship to others with similar interests. Once a year, they organize an art show featuring subjects in a variety of mediums — including Linda’s pets in pastels.

Since moving to Arizona, Linda has painted more than a half dozen commissions from residents in Anthem and nearby Desert Mountain. Each portrait takes her about a month to complete. She takes her time to get each and every brushstroke absolutely perfect. After all, the subjects are often treasured members of her clients’ families.

Linda knows this from first-hand experience with her own “mon petit choux.”

“Chou Chou is my medical alert dog,” the artist explains. “She is a cairn terrier-poodle mix and is just a doll. And she is so darn smart. I used to take her to schools and teach dog safety classes.”

Linda has also taken Chou Chou into hospitals to visit with children, whose faces light up with glee when they see her.

“Our pets are our family and our friends,” the artist acknowledges. “Having done a number of wonderful commissions throughout the United States as well as Europe gives me probably as much pleasure as those who receive my work. I love animals and I love what I do.”

However, the part that brings Linda the most joy is the fact that she gets to donate all of the proceeds she receives from her commissions to various charities.

“It is just my way of giving back and makes me feel very good each December when I can write big checks to worthy nonprofits,” she explains. “I choose to donate to charities in which 5% or less [is allotted to] administrative fees.”

Locally, Linda has lent financial support to Youth for Troops. She typically selects charitable causes that benefit pets or veterans.

“Most recently I donated a significant amount of money to Whitney Elementary School in Las Vegas, which helps underprivileged children,” she adds. “This is such a good cause which I discovered on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’ Animal shelters are also on my list.”

From her life on her mother’s ranch to her trips to the zoo and her experiences with her beloved Chou Chou, Linda’s love for both animals and art has become a tremendous force for good in this world while simultaneously gifting pet-owners portraits of their own four-legged friends.

Speaking of legs, Linda recalls an exchange she had with the owner of a very peculiar pet that did not have any.

“I once received an email from someone who asked, ‘Can you do a portrait of my pet?’” she says. “I emailed back, ‘What kind of pet do you have?’ He responded, ‘A 20-foot boa constructor.’ I said, ‘No.’ He asked, ‘Why?’ And I responded, ‘Well, first of all, I have no desire to draw a fire hose. Second of all, it is going to kill you someday,’ He emailed me back and said, ‘It only tried once.’”

theladypetsketcher.com

Anthem artist Linda Hogg takes her beloved medical alert dog Chou Chou — a cairn terrierpoodle mix — to schools to teach dog safety classes as well as into hospitals to visit with children, whose faces light up with glee when they see her.

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OOn Sunday, Feb. 12, Arizonans will be glued to their TV sets — or cheering on their favorite team at State Farm Stadium in Glendale — as the Super Bowl returns to the Grand Canyon State.

The big game is one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the world. And whether they’re celebrating at home or partying it up in the stadium’s parking lot, for most fans, a football game — especially the biggest football game of the year — just isn’t the same without enjoying epic amounts of finger foods, dips, burgers and wings.

And while there will be no shortage of places to party, eat and drink in the weeks leading up to — and the day of — the Super Bowl, few events will pack as much star power — or do as much good for the community — as the Taste of the NFL.

This annual NFL-sanctioned event, which is in its 32nd year,

Writer Rebecca L. Rhoades

brings together celebrity chefs, NFL players and local culinary stars for an evening of cooking demonstrations, friendly food competitions, photo and autograph opportunities, and, of course, plenty of delicious dishes to sample. All proceeds benefit GENYOUth’s End Student Hunger fund, which provides schools with the resources and equipment to help feed food-insecure children.

A FOOTBALL AND FOODIE FESTIVAL

TSet for Saturday, Feb. 11, the Taste of the NFL is the largest purpose-driven event held in conjunction with the Super Bowl. This year’s theme is “Life on a Grander Scale.”

Five

“All of them are very high energy, and they have a strong commitment to ending hunger,” Krautheim notes.

celebrity chefs serve as hosts of the event: Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Tim Love, Mark Bucher and Lasheeda Perry.

Photography Courtesy of Taste of the NFL

Tailgating and at-home parties have gotten very sophisticated.

It used to be chips and salsa and maybe burgers and hot dogs because that was relatively easy.

Now it’s almost like a five-star caterer shows up.

Mark Bucher

Accompanying the famous foodies are 25 Arizona chefs who also will showcase their skills and flavors — including Beau MacMillan of Cala, Christopher Gross of Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion, Mark Tarbell of Tarbell’s, Rene Andrade of Bacanora, and Maria Mazon of BOCA Tacos y Tequila, among others.

“A lot of really well-known chefs in the community have stepped up to be a part of this event,” Krautheim adds.

Washington, D.C.-based Bucher is the owner of Medium Rare, a steakhouse in Bethesda, Maryland. He’s also a world burger champion. But his passion lies not just in feeding those who visit his restaurant but in ending childhood hunger.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bucher started Feed the Fridge — an effort to put refrigerators around the community and fill them with restaurant meals so that children and families could get a dignified, nutritious meal. One of the big underwriters of the effort is the NFL Players Association, which is how Bucher got connected with Taste of the NFL.

“We felt that together we can accomplish more, especially when we align each year for Super Bowl to raise awareness,” Bucher says. “We both have a very similar approach.”

This will be Bucher’s second appearance at Taste of the NFL, which will be the most interactive event of the past few years. 2021’s event was virtual due to the pandemic, while last year’s festivities were scaled back, as well.

“This year, we’ll be at stations around the area making food; giving hints, instructions and pro tips; and partnering with NFL players to make their favorite meals,” he explains. “Taste of the NFL has really become a foodie event and a foodie destination in and around the Super Bowl.”

Bucher will be making one of his award-winning burgers, which is topped with a quail egg and a mushroom, onion and bacon jam.

For Perry, 2023 marks her third year as a marquee chef at the event. The Philadelphia-raised pastry chef, known as the Queen of Flavor, relates to underprivileged students and families in need.

“I definitely had a tough upbringing,” she recalls. “We never went hungry, per se, but we lived in shelters. So I understand what it’s like to struggle. The fact that I get to use my passion to help others is beyond successful. It really hits home for me.”

As part of this year’s event, Perry will be working with students who have an interest in baking.

“Not only do I get to help end student hunger, but I’ll be teaching and mentoring students who want to become pastry chefs,” she says.

More than 60 students ages 15–16 will be participating in cooking classes during Taste of the NFL. The students are part of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program, also known as C-CAP, a nonprofit workforce development program that helps underserved teens find work in the food industry.

Perry got her start at C-CAP Philadelphia, and as a result was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to the prestigious Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, where she studied baking and pastry arts.

“It’s a full-circle moment,” Perry remarks.

Joining Bucher and Perry is James Beard Awardnominated Mazon, who will be bringing her Sonoran flavors from Tucson to the Valley and says that GENYOUth’s mission speaks right to her heart.

“When I opened my restaurant, I couldn’t volunteer like other moms do at school,” Mazon says. “So I cooked once a month at my son’s school, to teach other kids how to eat vegetables. Some kids are not blessed enough, whether you leave it to the budget or to whatever. And it’s inconceivable that there are kids whose only meal comes from their school.

“It’s not about race, it’s not about political views, it’s not about business. It’s about [feeding] America. I’m excited to be part of something so beautiful and that at least for a year or a semester, kids won’t be hungry here in Arizona.”

A quarter of the funds raised from Taste of the NFL will be earmarked for Phoenix schools. The balance will be distributed to schools across the country.

“The majority of the schools serve high-need communities,” Krautheim says. “And with that, most of these schools have a higher percentage of children who are Black, Hispanic or live in communities of color.”

The event, which will be held at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, will feature a variety of food and beverage stations. Guests will meet the chefs at each station. A mainstage will host the celebrity chefs who will put on cooking demonstrations, share with the audience about GENYOUth’s mission and get guests fired up for the big game.

“Our marquee chefs are all personally and professionally committed to the cause,” Krautheim says.

In addition to the food, 30 football players will be onhand to sign autographs and meet with guests.

GAME DAY GASTRONOMY

Can’t make it to Taste of the NFL? Don’t worry. Bucher, Perry and Mazon offer their tips for hosting your own tailgate or Super Bowl party that almost will make your guests forget there’s a game going on.

“Tailgating and at-home parties have gotten very sophisticated,” Bucher says. “It used to be chips and salsa and maybe burgers and hot dogs because that was relatively easy. Now it’s almost like a five-star caterer shows up.”

Even though he’s known for his burgers, Bucher prefers to go all out when it comes to tailgating.

“I love the idea of frying turkeys or grilling ribs,” he says. “Breakfast also is a big trend. People are making breakfast sandwiches on top of propane grills.”

For at-home parties, Bucher recommends meatballs, chicken wings, charcuterie and biscuit boards, and make-your-own grilled cheese sandwiches. Grilled

pizzas, meatball parm and chicken parm subs, and even pasta bars also top his list.

“Step away from burgers and do sloppy Joe’s,” he suggests. “They stay warm longer. You can also do barbecued pulled pork or pulled brisket. If you’re going to do burgers, do sliders. Make them ahead of time and keep them in your oven. Put them on the buns when you’re ready to bring them out so they won’t get soggy.”

For Mazon, the food you serve should be the food you like — even if it’s not considered game-day food.

“Cooking should not be stressful,” she notes. “It should be about what you like, and it should be fun.”

The Tucson-based chef says you’ll find her behind the grill on Super Bowl Sunday.

“I’ll put out a bowl of chips and some finger foods, but the main star is going to be more elevated,” she says. “I don’t like fried chicken wings, so last year I grilled wings and we roasted a bunch of vegetables. And a couple of years ago, I did hot dogs, but I made my own sausages. Whatever we’re in the mood for, that’s what I’m going to cook.”

tasteofthenfl.com

Taste of the NFL

Saturday, Feb. 11 | 4–8 p.m. | Chateau Luxe | 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix | $750+ | tasteofthenfl.com

OOnce upon a time, there lived a woman named Megan who loved animals so much that she regularly volunteered with nonprofit organizations dedicated to their care.

Megan and her partner Phil especially enjoyed volunteering at Better Piggies Rescue in the beautiful town of Cave Creek. It was not long until Phil fell madly in love with one of the residents at Better Piggies Rescue — a particularly adorable swine named Solange.

One day while recycling newspaper to wrap Christmas gifts, Megan and Phil came across a listing for a small piece of property in Peoria that looked like the perfect place to call home for themselves and Phil’s curlytailed friend. Because Solange had developed a strong bond with another Better Piggies Rescue resident, they invited him to join them as well.

“We thought, it will be them two and us two, we will live happily ever after and that will be it,” Megan says.

However, fate had bigger plans for them when a friend of Megan’s father called to ask if they would adopt a charming goat named Barb whom his daughter had raised as a member of Future Farmers of America — an organization

J.

dedicated to preparing youth for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

Megan and Phil happily invited Barb to join their clan and had the thought to open their home — and their hearts — to other four-legged individuals who might otherwise have no place to go.

“We felt really supported and encouraged by our friends, family and community,” Megan says. “We started building pens and setting up living structures and now we have 27 residents who live with us. I feel like a Disney princess because, every day when I walk outside, I have got all of these animals [saying in their own unique ways], ‘Hey Mom! Come play with us! We love you!’”

VEGAN VENUE

Megan Howell and Phil Walker founded Lamuella Animal Sanctuary in 2020, a few years after they had made the decision to go vegan. Having heard great things about the lifestyle from friends, Howell in 2016 cut out all foods derived from animals from her diet for 30 days. She felt so good after her trial period that she stuck with it. Walker followed suit shortly thereafter.

“Phil’s family is from Minnesota, so they are all about their cheese and dairy,” Howell says. “It was very surprising to them when he decided to go vegan after I introduced him to the individuals at Better Piggies Rescue. He did not do it all at once like I did, though. He took it in steps, cutting out one product at a time. Cheese was the last one to go and that was the hardest one for him.”

I feel like a Disney princess because, every day when I walk outside, I have got all of these animals [saying in their own unique ways], ‘Hey Mom!

Come play with us! We love you!’

Megan Howell

Writer Joseph

Airdo // Photography by Alexandra Buxbaum

The two have since learned how to make cashew cheese, thereby allowing Walker to still enjoy the creamy concoction that is deeply rooted in his family’s culture — albeit in a modified form.

Unlike non-vegan animal sanctuaries, Lamuella not only provides rescue, rehabilitation and enrichment to its residents but also respects their space, boundaries and circumstances.

“For example, we have chickens that lay eggs and we feed those eggs back to them because, in our view, they do not lay eggs for us,” Howell explains. “They lay them out of a natural thing. But it is actually very healthy for those chickens to eat those eggs and get those nutrients back. We also do not use any of their droppings as fertilizer or compost because they cannot enthusiastically consent to us taking those things away from them.”

Residents at Lamuella Animal Sanctuary are also discouraged from breeding with one another and no one is expected to be friendly or social if they do not choose to be.

“We have some individuals that have been very severely traumatized by humans in their lives,” Howell says. “So some of them do not want to hang out with people. They just want to hang out with their own friends that are in

the backyard. We just kind of let them do their thing. If and when they feel like blessing us with their attention, then they will. They follow their own rules. We are just the side characters in their movie.”

And there certainly are a lot of characters at Lamuella competing for the starring role, from Muchacho the cat, who casually strolls across Howell’s keyboard during Zoom interviews with journalists, to Paul the pig, who greets guests and excitedly invites them to see his little corner of the sanctuary.

“Paul is the friendliest and most remarkable pig that I have ever met in my entire life,” Howell says. “He is black and white and kind of looks like he is wearing a little tuxedo. He has the most commanding personality. He is always trying to help us out with our chores.

“He also loves to collect things in his room, which is made out of deconstructed pallets. Some of the wood makes little shelves and he collects rocks, sticks and other things that he finds around the yard. He even has a golf ball and a coconut shell on his shelves. The personalities of these animals are just mind-blowing.”

Speaking of personalities, you might say that Red the turkey is the resident diva.

“Red likes to put her big tail feathers on display,” Howell says. “She only does that for new people. She likes to show off and walk around as if she is saying, ‘I need you to think that I am gorgeous so I am going to show you everything that I have got.’”

BRIGHT-EYED & BUSHY-TAILED

In addition to Paul and Solange, Lamuella Animal Sanctuary is home to six other pigs. Red is the lone turkey of the bunch but shares the yard with three hens, one rooster and one currently hibernating tortoise as well as Babe and seven other goats.

“Some of our goats are a little bit shy,” Howell adds. “It takes a little bit for them to warm up to you. But if they see their other goat friends coming up and getting attention and pets from you, then they will know it is safe and come up to you as well.

“We are also home to some native cottontail bunnies that live beneath our barn and our neighbor's house.

They are frequently running around and we give them scraps and leftovers so they do not feel neglected. They like to hang out with all of the animals. We often see them sunbathing next to the pigs and playing around with the chickens. Everybody has a good time.”

Muchacho shares the house with one other rescue cat as well as a red-eared slider that was rescued from a nearby irrigation ditch. Oh, and Howell and Walker live there, too.

You might assume that with so many residents and therefore responsibilities, the pair would call Lamuella Animal Sanctuary their full-time job. However, Howell and Walker allot all money received from the nonprofit organization’s generous donors directly to the residents to pay for their food, medical care, enrichment toys and other supplies.

“We still have our normal 9-to-5 jobs,” Howell says. “Phil is a data scientist at a cancer research company and I work in DoorDash’s fraud department.”

Fortunately, their workplaces are very understanding and allow them to step away from their computers or work from home if they need to do so for the animal sanctuary. Howell and Walker also have plenty of help from volunteers who are more than happy to spend time with Lamuella’s bright-eyed and bushytailed residents.

“Our goal is to provide these individuals with a loving and respectful home,” Howell says. “One of our residents has mobility issues as well as PTSD because he was severely abused before he came to live with us. You can tell just by looking at him that something is a little off. But once you get to know him, he opens up and is just the biggest sweetheart.”

Additionally, Howell and Walker use Lamuella Animal Sanctuary as an educational tool, discouraging people from seeing animals as accessories or things that we can use or exploit.

“A lot of people see these animals as food sources,” Howell explains. “They think, ‘I could get milk from this goat or eggs from these chickens.’ But we want to teach people that they can instead

get companionship, love and mutual respect from them. That was one of the first things that I learned when I went vegan and started volunteering at animal sanctuaries.

“Once you see a pig flop down and ask for belly rubs, you make that connection and can never go back. That is very much what it was for us. And that is what it is for our volunteers and supporters as well.

“[Each animal] has a different personality and finds enjoyment in different things. Some of our residents even like a certain type of music. If you put music on a Bluetooth speaker, they will really get into it. Others really like storytime and will just sit next to you and listen as you read to them.”

BOOP YOUR SNOOT

To further spread that lesson, Lamuella Animal Sanctuary often welcomes groups of individuals — such as at-risk youth — who help with projects and chores or simply just hang out with the residents. Howell says that it is a great way for kids — or even adults — to learn a few skills that are not typically taught nowadays.

“Who has farm experience these days?” she asks. “It is all about, ‘Can you code?’ or ‘Can you crypto’ or ‘Can you make a TikTok?’ But do you know how to brush a goat? Do you know how to help a chicken get themselves clean? Have you ever mucked a stall before?

“Just spending time with animals is not something that a lot of people have the opportunity to do. But when they are here, they learn fun facts like where a chicken’s ears are and what certain body movements mean and what a turkey might be telling you when she does this or that. They get a lot of education. And they feel a sense of

accomplishment, as well, because they are helping these animals.”

Even Howell and Walker have discovered new skills and unearthed their own previously untapped potential through Lamuella Animal Sanctuary.

“We have learned how to build things safely and how to predator-proof pins,” Howell explains. “But we have also learned much more about ourselves. I am a small human. I am 5-foot-5 and weigh 115 pounds. But I have learned that I am so much stronger than I ever thought I was. I can lift heavy things. I can do physical labor.

“And we have had some hard times at the sanctuary. Individuals pass and we have to go through that process. We have learned that we are much more resilient than we thought when we were. We have also learned a lot about compassion when it comes to not just the animals but people as well.”

Three years after founding Lamuella Animal Sanctuary, Howell still pinches herself just to make sure that she has not fallen into a fairytale.

“It is very much that Disney princess, ‘Snow White’ vibe here,” she says. “You can sit in the grass, literally surrounded by pigs and goats who just want to hang out with you. Our pigs will nudge you and even give you kisses if you ask for them. They will come up and boop your snoot. That is my favorite. Then they will lead you toward one of the holes that they have been digging in the backyard as if to show off and say, ‘Look at what I have been working on all day!’ And it is literally just a hole in the ground. But they are very excited about it and love making friends.”

lamuellasanctuary.org

RECIPE

Iced Heart Cookies

Makes: 30 cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies:

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Royal Icing:

2-3/4 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 large egg white

Pink gel food coloring (optional)

Directions:

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl attached to a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Beat egg and vanilla into the butter mixture, then reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture. Beat until just combined. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap each in plastic and freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.

There is nothing that says “I love you” more than homemade iced heart cookies. They are easy to make, beautiful to look at and — of course delicious to eat. The way to anyone’s heart is through these cookies. Simply top cookies with sprinkles immediately after icing or let rest for two hours and apply a paint-stroke finish for an extra decorative look. Happy Valentine's Day!

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment. Remove one disk of dough, let stand for 5–10 minutes then roll out between two sheets of floured parchment, dusting with flour as needed, until 1/4-inch thick. Cut shapes with 2-1/2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutters. Using a spatula, transfer to prepared baking sheets. Re-roll scraps and cut more shapes. Repeat with remaining disk of dough.

Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are golden, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely on wire racks.

In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine confectioner’s sugar and egg white on low speed. Add 1/4 cup water, then increase speed to medium-high and mix until icing briefly holds a ribbon-like trail on the surface when you raise the paddle, about 10 minutes. Reduce speed to low and mix for an additional minute to eliminate air bubbles.

Dip the top side of each cooled cookie into the royal icing. Tilt the cookie so that excess icing drips off back into the bowl. Place the iced cookie on a rack set inside a baking pan or over aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

To create a paint-stroke finish, mix a few drops of pink gel food coloring into a small bowl of water to achieve preferred depth. Dip the tip of a brand-new paintbrush into the pink water and “paint” over the cookies. Repeat until all cookies are painted. Let rest until dry. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com