Gwinnett Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024

The jubilant pursuit of health, wealth and happiness! MAGAZINE

HOME REPAIRS MINISTRIES

CHATEAU ELAN FROM GRAPES TO GLASS.

WISDOM, VALUES & COMMON SENSE.

GWINNETT

HEARTS, HAMMERS, AND HARVESTS!

Ah, summer! It’s just around the corner, and here at Gwinnett Magazine, we’re all buzzing with excitement. There’s something about the promise of sunny days and starlit evenings that feels like a fresh start, doesn’t it?

This season, we’re inspired by the incredible spirit of giving and growth in our community. Take, for instance, the heartwarming efforts of Home Repair Ministries. It’s not just about fixing leaks and patching roofs—it’s about building a stronger, more supportive community. Every swing of the hammer and turn of the wrench brings someone a safer, happier home. We’re grateful for Heather Loveridge, the Executive Director of Home Repair Ministries. Her heart and leadership are making a difference. It’s stories like these that remind us when we reach out a helping hand, we lift up an entire community.

And speaking of lifting spirits, have you ever wondered about the journey of a Chateau Elan grape? It’s a story of transformation from simple grape to elegant wine, mirroring the dedication and passion that imbue every corner of our local culture. It’s a celebration of craft, care, and community—values that are truly worth toasting to this summer. Cheers!

As we look forward to the coming months, let’s also reflect on the rich tapestry of American wisdom, values, and common sense that shapes our way of life. These principles aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re part of our everyday actions and decisions, coloring our world with integrity and purpose.

Perhaps in our season of leisure, we can pause and reflect on the good fortune bestowed upon us. Maybe we can turn those thoughts into some goodwill and random acts of kindness. These days, we need all of that we can get.

So, here’s to stepping into summer with an open heart and a sense of adventure. Whether it’s through supporting a local cause, enjoying the fruits of our beautiful region, or simply sharing a moment of kindness, there’s no limit to the joy we can create together.

Here’s to a bright, beautiful summer ahead!

Warmly, David Greer, Publisher David@GwinnettMagazine.com

GWINNETT MAGAZINE SPRING/SUMMER 2024

CHATEAU ELAN

Discover Château Élan Winery in Braselton, Georgia, where each bottle tells a story of tradition and innovation. “From Grapes to Glass” explores the artful journey from vineyard to vintage, highlighting the passion and precision that define this celebrated winery. Join us for a taste of the exceptional. 6

BARBECUING

SAUCEY BBQ SIDEKICKS

GWINNETT BUSINESS PAGES

Heads up, entertainment buffs! Tim Minard, the gaming guru and CEO of Eclipse Gaming, just snagged the title of Georgia’s Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year. This accolade is dished out to a Georgian titan who’s not just playing games—he’s making them, along with boosting Georgia’s creative scene. The award ceremony was the hot ticket for April 23rd at Eagle Rock Studios in Gwinnett, spiced up by partnerships with Explore Gwinnett and Gateway 85 CID. The honors were handed over by Steve Cohen of UTA.

Minard isn’t just about gaming. He’s a job-creating powerhouse in design and development and a generous investor in film, music, and gaming ventures. He’s also the brains behind the Minard Wong Foundation, battling for human rights, mental health, and more.

“We are honored to highlight Tim as the first Georgian to receive the Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year honor,”

GAME CHANGER!

TIM MINARD CROWNED GEORGIA’S ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR!

said Randy Davidson, Founder and CEO of Georgia Entertainment. “His influence and work around the world has been under the radar as someone that does not need the accolades but is so deserving of them. We are grateful to honor him and appreciate the opportunity to share these successes that will elevate and promote many more.”

At the helm of Eclipse, Minard specializes in creating immersive gaming experiences that captivate diverse audiences. Not only does his focus extend to the Native American market, but Minard also influences family entertainment centers across Georgia, like Stars and Strikes and Roaring Social. And keep your eyes peeled: His latest film project starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp is set to dazzle at the Venice Film Festival this August. Don’t miss out on hearing all about Minard’s magic at the Georgia Entertainment Signature 100 event!

TRIPLE CROWN TRIUMPH FOR GWINNETT CLEAN & BEAUTIFUL!

Just when we thought the accolades couldn’t pile up any faster, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful (GC&B) has bagged not one, but three spectacular awards! After clinching the Best of Gwinnett title for Charitable Organizations—a thumbs up from both the readers and editors of Gwinnett Magazine back in February—this eco-savvy squad has just scooped up two more shiny trophies for their collection!

The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) awarded the prestigious Governor’s Circle Award at the state level, while Keep America Beautiful (KAB) gave the President’s Circle Recognition Award on the national stage. Both honors are a nod to GC&B’s stellar commitment to the missions, values, and visions of these organizations—a partnership that kicked off when the group was founded in 1980.

“From being named one of the best nonprofits by the neighbors in our big, beautiful backyard to being recognized at both the state and national level by two organizations we highly revere, I’d say 2024 is off to a great start for Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful,” said Schelly Marlatt, Executive Director for Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful.

Since 1953, Keep America Beautiful has been on a mission to squash littering, jazz up recycling efforts, and spruce up

communities across the nation. The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation followed suit in 1978, becoming the pioneer state affiliate. Today, it champions local initiatives stretching from Union County to Savannah—with Gwinnett County right at its bustling hub. The Governor’s Circle and President’s Circle Awards serve as gold stars for affiliates who not only stick to reporting norms but also shine as beacons of environmental stewardship and education.

“We are truly honored by all three recognitions and are thankful to Gwinnett Magazine, KGBF, and KAB for honoring the work we love. We’re busy maintaining our county’s stature as one of the cleanest, greenest, most livable, and most beautiful communities in the state,” said Marlatt.

With an army of over 100,000 volunteers each year, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Services, Inc. is a beacon of community-driven environmental action. Led by a Citizens Advisory Board that mirrors the diverse tapestry of Gwinnett County, this group is a national frontrunner in crafting cleaner, greener, more liveable communities. Through hands-on involvement, GC&B is not just cleaning up parks but cultivating tomorrow’s eco-champions.

OPELIKA CHAMBER VISIT!

When the Opelika Chamber gang hit the road to hang out with their pals at the Gwinnett Chamber, it wasn’t just another business meeting—it was an epic collaboration fest! Picture this: board members and staff trading secrets and swapping stories like old friends. They kicked off with some snazzy presentations and overviews, then broke bread (and maybe a few business cards) at a networking lunch that was anything but bland.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

DODSON was named Project Manager of Technology and Life Sciences at Partnership Gwinnett.

But wait, there’s more! After filling up on ideas (and sandwiches), they split into breakout sessions that were more breakout danceoffs than dreary discussions. Opelika, just like its buddy Gwinnett, is on a mission to be the local “champion of business.” They’re not playing small either—they’ve got a cool million bucks in their yearly kitty and are buddies with neighboring chambers and local bigwigs at all the right levels. So, next time you think chamber events are just a snooze fest, remember Opelika and Gwinnett— they know how to mix business with a hefty dose of pleasure!

AMANDA PHELPS was named Project Manager of Existing Industries at Partnership Gwinnett.

KATHY DUNCAN was named Partnership Gwinnett’s Communications Manager.

DANIEL GARNER was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer at Good Landing Recovery.

LAUREN

GWINNETT CHAMBER TAKES

D.C.

BY STORM!

Pack your briefcases and power ties—the Gwinnett Chamber just zoomed through Washington D.C. on their annual Fly-In, courtesy of Jackson EMC. This isn’t just any old business trip; it’s a chance for local moguls to rub elbows with the big wigs of Congress and get the lowdown on hot-button topics like international policy and the economy.

The adventure kicked off at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with a dive into federal policy, before the gang got a sneak peek at Amazon’s swanky HQ2 digs in Arlington. Talk about office envy!

Wednesday was chock-full of powwows with Gwinnett’s own Congressional squad, from Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to a lineup of U.S. Representatives ready to talk shop. And let’s not forget—the Gwinnett Chamber strutted into the Capitol with some serious swagger, flaunting their fresh ‘Chamber of the Year’ title from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Thanks to stellar leadership and killer partnerships, they’re not just making moves—they’re making history.

Big cheers to our Congressional comrades for their stellar support in pushing forward policies!

CHRIS CLAY was named Director of Lending at Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE).

JANIS JOHNSON was promoted to Chief Risk Officer / General Counsel at Georgia Credit Union.

FLOWERS was named Gwinnett County’s 2023 Most Valuable Person of the Year.

MONTGOMERY was named Snellville’s Assitant City Manager.

SHANE

MERCY

LICENSE PLATE READERS: CRIME’S NEW BANE

Big Brother just got a whole lot cooler. We’re decking out Gwinnett with automated license plate readers to make sure the only thing shady is the trees. Thanks to a slick $1.8 million deal with Flock Group, Inc., our cops get to play spy with 124 high-tech cameras. Watch out, villains, we’re watching you!

SUMMER MEAL SCOOP

When school’s out, we’re still in—feeding the future of Gwinnett! Starting May 28, hit up any of Gwinnett’s 20 convenient locales between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to snag free grub for the kiddos—and anyone over 19 with disabilities (because hunger doesn’t discriminate). Over 1 million meals served and counting, all thanks to a hearty $381,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act and our pals at JA Food Service Corporation. Spoiler alert: it’s tasty doing good.

MAKE WAVES AT WEST GWINNETT PARK

Ready for the wettest, wildest summer yet?

The West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center is getting a makeover that’s making even the tiles excited! Dive into renovations at the end of summer, when Smith Aquatics, Inc., takes the plunge on replastering and re-tiling three pools. Over 110,000 visitors can’t be wrong— this place is a splash hit!

CREATIVE CRUSH

GWINNETT STUDENTS DOMINATE ART SCENE

It’s official: Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students are painting the town—quite literally! These young Picassos and Kahlos have just scored some major kudos at the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE), held amidst the creative whirlwind of the 88th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. This isn’t just any art fest; it’s a battleground of brushes and palettes where metro Atlanta’s brightest young talents clash, offering up a visual feast.

With more than 80 schools throwing hundreds of stunning entries into the ring, the competition was as fierce as a palette knife duel! But our GCPS crew wasn’t just there to dab paint; they came to conquer. From breathtaking watercolors to

ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION WINNERS:

2ND PLACE

Eileen Lipan, “Apricity” Brookwood High School

3RD PLACE

Kylie Boyd, “Waiting for Service” Discovery High School

10TH PLACE

Shayda Torab, “Flowers at my Feet” Brookwood High School

HONORABLE MENTION

Ariyanna Smith, “Behind the Scenes” Mill Creek High School

HONORABLE MENTION

Xinyi Sun, “Flashback Memories” Brookwood High School

HONORABLE MENTION

Nayeishka Collado, “Ramen Bowl” Berkmar High School

bold mixed media pieces, these student artists not only showcased their incredible skills but also walked away with scholarships, heaps of art supplies, and some welldeserved bragging rights.

“Our students’ creativity and talent never cease to amaze,” says GCPS Director of Fine Arts David DuBose. “This festival provides a vital platform for these emerging young artists to showcase their creativity and gain recognition on a broader stage. It aligns perfectly with our mission to foster and celebrate artistic excellence across the district.”

Image: Ariyanna Smith, 2024, “Behind the Scenes” Acrylic

From Grape to Glass: UNCORK EXCELLENCE AT

WHO SAID YOU NEED TO BOARD

A PLANE and check a bag to experience the French countryside? If you’ve ever driven down 85, you might have seen the Provence-inspired roofs peeking through the treeline just off of the Braselton exit. Perhaps you’ve had the pleasure of driving down the winding path, glimpsing the lush vineyards, or dawning upon the fountain that sits at the front entrance. Chateau Elan Winery and Resort brings that undeniably charming ‘je nai sais quoi’

feeling to all who experience it. It transports you to a place beyond what you can describe. The destination combines a relaxing escape with tasteful opulence, saving you that airplane ticket cost and offering Gwinnett’s own little slice of French countryside.

And what is a winery without its titular drink? Chateau Elan Winery & Resort has grown to be an iconic site in Braselton, producing half a million bottles each year!

History of Chateau Elan

It began with a grape, as most wines do. In the Georgia countryside, where the air smells sweet and the grass grows thick, an idea came to fruition. The vision for a winery in the heart of Georgia was inspired by a few sips of sweet southern wine made from native muscadine grapes. It would be the first of its kind in the region since prohibition. The vineyard planting began in 1981, more than forty years ago, and Chateau Elan Winery & Resort was brought to life!

At first, the more classic wine grapes were planted. Merlot. Chardonnay. Pinot Noir. (Did you know that those are the names of the grapes themselves, not just the wines?) They attempted cultivating all types of Vitis vinifera, the common grape vine, which was difficult to do in the sticky southern heat. The foreign grapes didn’t grow well and were quickly overshadowed by the local Vitis rotundifolia, aka the muscadine.

Georgia locals have long

loved the muscadine, whether for snacking, making jams, or fermenting wines! The muscadine is different from the common standard grape, it’s far rounder with a thick skin and a sweet punch of tangy flavor. The thick skin of the southern native makes it resistant to the bugs, the heat, and the diseases – which were the issues the foreign-planted grapes were facing. It became clear that there was no better grape to grow than the one born to thrive in the area!

Modern Approach To Wine

When winemaker Simone Bergese arrived at Chateau Elan in 2013, he knew that there was still work to be done! Bergese, originally from Ceresole d’Alba, Italy, was not familiar with the muscadine upon his arrival. His background was in Oenology and Viticulture from the Turin University in Northern Italy, and he had previously worked with several wineries across Italy and Australia, but never the rounded southern grape. All it took was a healthy introduction and Bergese fell in love with its flavor! By embracing the native muscadine and expanding the wine program, Bergese elevated the winery to its current status as the largest wine producer in Georgia. Now, the muscadine grape is grown throughout the Braselton vineyards and beyond, in several locations throughout north and south Georgia. It makes up

70% of the Chateau’s current production, with the rest of the wines created from grapes grown in California. The Chateau Elan Winery now has barrels in abundance, offering a portfolio that features more than 30 delicious wines.

Bergese knows the value of focusing on grape caliber and quality. He works hard to make sure that the Chateau Elan Wines are low to absent in sulfites, the preservative used to keep wines fresh. Instead, he lets the antioxidant-rich grapes lead the way. Chateau Elan wines are never filtered or stabilized, making them just as healthy as they are delicious. There’s no need for extra components, keeping the juice-to-wine process as straightforward as possible. It truly is all about the grape!

IT AIN’T ALL GRAPES: FRUIT WINES AND FAR MORE

Wine is defined as the alcoholic usually fermented juice of a plant product (commonly grapes) used as a beverage. There are plenty of wines that aren’t grape-grown, and in some cases, there are wines that don’t even use fruit! Here are a few examples of what people are pouring into their glasses around the world.

Japanese Rice Wine - You might know this better as sake.

Cherry Wine – Not to be confused with Cheerwine.

Tanzanian Banana Wine – That’s bananas!

Korean Makgeolli – Rice wine, with an almost creamy flavor. Mead – This is fermented honey, but it gets its own category.

Tasting and Tours at the Chateau

For every bottle and blend, it’s a balancing act. Is this wine too sweet or too dry? Is this wine too astringent or does it resonate the way it should? Muscadine, merlot, red, white… if you’re new to wine, all of the terminology can be a little drowsy. That’s where wine tastings come in! If you’ve ever struggled to pick a bottle, wine tastings are created to help you navigate the world of reds and whites. It’s like dipping a toe in without taking a full swim, you can sip and see what you love the most.

Chateau Elan’s Bordeaux Tasting Room sets out to tell a tale of vineyards and history. There are a variety of tasting experiences, one fit for every palate. If you prefer sweet wines, they’ve got the Sweet Samples tasting, which includes sips of dessert blends (and chocolates!). Like a bit of bubbles? The Sparkling Flight will be for you. If you’re completely new to the game of vino, try the Sommelier Choice tasting (this one comes with tapas!). If you’ve yet to pick a favorite, then a general tasting will allow you to sip, sample, and savor, until you find the wine that makes you smile.

Bonus! Wine tastes even better when you know the work and passion that goes into each glass. Chateau Elan offers guided tours of its winery, vineyards, and production facilities. You can learn all about how a grape gets to glass.

THE VINEYARD

WINE SCIENCE 101:

If you know a bit about wines, then you have probably heard the term “tannins” at some point or another. We aren’t talking about that summer glow, but about the chemical compound in wine that gives it that astringent flavor. Tannins add bitterness that can be found in things like seeds, fruits, teas, and chocolates. Have you ever bitten into a fruit that just ain’t ripe yet? Yup! That cottony mouth feel comes from tannins.

Red wines have more tannins since they come mainly from the grape skin and seeds (which is what gives reds that signature bold color). It’s also why they run dryer. The fermentation process length is what affects the sugar content. Makes sense. Red wine ferments longer, which is why it is often not as sweet as the shorter fermenting white wines. To be considered a dry wine, the wine must have less than one percent residual sugar content. Sweet wines often have around three percent.

There’s no reason to limit your experience to the wine. Chateau Elan Winery & Resort is fully committed to a well-rounded experience, whatever flavor is for you. The resort has accommodated couples, families, professional golfers, and wedding guests alike. That’s a task that is easy to do across 3,500 acres.

The Chateau offers a wide selection of lodging across the property. Choices range from sweeping villas to spa suites, to the nearby Hampton Inn and Suites. The resort is a popular choice for couples looking to get away for a romantic weekend and families who want a vacation experience.

If you’re looking for relaxation, rejuvenation is quintessential at Chateau Elan's spa. The Chateau works hard to put Paris

to shame, offering treatments, group fitness classes, and serene spa experiences. Wellness means different things to everyone, but there are plenty of selections to fit your health bill (and of course, most can come with a glass of wine!).

Speaking of things that go well with wine, nothing suits it quite as much as a mouthwatering meal. There’s no shortage of dining options at the Chateau. The culinary destination has five chef-led restaurants, a speakeasy, a bourbon bar, tea services, a cafe, and a coffee spot. The Versailles Restaurant and Bar is within a glass-top atrium, serving new takes on classics, as well as an afternoon tea or two. Don’t worry, if French foodie picks aren’t your thing, there’s a whole spread of options. There’s the South-

ern-inspired steakhouse, Marc Restaurant, serving up the chophouse classics. Get a hearty or healthy brunch at Fleur de Lis, or lunch on the golf course facing porch at Sarazen’s Bar & Grille. From elegant fine dining experiences to casual al fresco lunches, you’ll never go hungry.

As always, if you want to venture beyond the basics, you can indulge in gourmet cooking classes, wine-pairing dinners, and seasonal culinary events! There is nothing as picturesque as vineyards, and there are few sports as relaxing as golf. Chateau Elan offers forty-five holes of championship golf. It’s an experience like no other, and it’s made for all levels of players. There are two 18-hole courses and an Executive Par 3 course, all on the property.

What makes a great Leader?

What sets apart the Legends from the rest?

What common sense values do these Influencers share?

The Leaders & Legends series from Gwinnett Magazine will set your soul on fire with answers to these questions and more! But first, why is it so important to learn about the successes and failures of those who have come before us?

BEAUTY BALDWIN

MELVIN EVERSON

WAYNE MASON MANFRED SANDLER

Recipes

HOT SRIRACHA HONEY

CHICKEN & WAFFLES

A Southern Breakfast with Some Spice!

What’s better than the Southern classic, chicken and waffles? Chicken and waffles with a kick!

Prep time: 30 MIN

CHICKEN

WHAT YOU NEED:

CHICKEN

8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1 egg

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Peanut oil, for frying

SRIRACHA

HONEY SAUCE

1/2 cup honey

1 tablespoon sriracha sauce

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

WAFFLES

2 eggs

2 cups self-rising flour

2 cups milk

1/3 cup canola oil

Cooking spray

Cook time: 30 MIN

Makes: 8 Servings

1. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Place the chicken in a gallonsize plastic bag and pour the buttermilk on top, making sure all thighs are coated. Seal the bag and stick it in the fridge for at least two hours.

2. Preheat oven to 275° F. Line parchment paper on two rimmed baking sheets. Strain the buttermilk from the plastic bag into a shallow bowl. Then, add the egg and whisk the mixture together.

3. In a separate shallow dish, mix the flour, panko, garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and pepper. This will be your dry mixture.

4. Dip each chicken thigh in the wet mixture, tap off the excess, and dredge in the dry mixture, again shaking off the excess. Place each chicken thigh on one of the prepped baking sheets.

5. Pull out your heavy cast iron skillet and place it over mediumhigh heat. Pour the peanut oil into the skillet until it’s one inch deep. Once it’s getting hot, test to make sure it’s at frying temperature by dropping a pinch of flour in the oil. If it immediately sizzles, you’re ready to get frying!

6. Fry the chicken in small batches, making sure to keep them spaced apart in the pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is crispy and the desired brown color. Once each chicken thigh is done frying, place it on the second clean baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Finally, put the baking sheet in the oven to keep the chicken warm as you prep the waffles.

SRIRACHA HONEY SAUCE

1. Place a small saucepan over medium heat and stir in the honey, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to keep warm until the waffles are ready.

WAFFLES

1. Grab your waffle maker and coat each iron with cooking spray. Then, preheat the waffle maker.

2. Next, crack both eggs and separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, pour the flour, milk, canola oil, and egg yolks. Mix with an electric mixer set to low speed until all ingredients are moistened. Then, bump up the mixer speed to medium and mix until smooth. Now, gently fold in the beaten egg whites.

4. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter on each hot waffle iron and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until waffle is golden.

5. Finally, serve the waffles topped with the fried chicken and drizzled with the warm sriracha honey sauce. Enjoy!

BACON, LETTUCE

& FRIED GREEN TOMATO SANDWICH

You can never go wrong with a classic BLT sandwich. Let’s kick it up a notch with a Southern comfort food twist.

Prep time: 20 MIN

WHAT YOU NEED

4 slices thick cut white bread

8 strips bacon

4 tbsp remoulade sauce or mayonnaise

2 or 3 green tomatoes sliced 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick

2 tbsp flour

1 egg (beaten) 1/4 cup cornmeal or breadcrumbs Dash salt & pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

A few pieces of lettuce, torn

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Cook time: 20 MIN

Makes: 2 Sandwiches

1. Place the flour, beaten egg, and cornmeal each in three separate bowls.

2. Season the green tomato slices with salt and pepper. Then, dust the slices lightly with flour.

3. Dip each slice in the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off. Coat well with the cornmeal or bread crumbs.

4. In a cast iron skillet (or regular frying pan), heat a few inches of vegetable oil to 375° F.

5. Fry the green tomatoes slices for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Set aside on a paper towel to help remove some excess grease.

6. Now it’s time to start on the bacon. Get a new pan (or clean the one you just used) and cook the bacon low and slow, making sure to reserve the grease.

7. Once the bacon is done, keep the bacon grease in the pan and begin toasting the bread in it. Toast for a few minutes on each side until it starts to get crispy and golden brown.

8. You’re almost done! Smear a tablespoon of remoulade or mayonnaise onto each slice of bread – and be careful, that bacon grease gets hot! To make each sandwich, take one slice of bread and add some fried green tomato slices – equally spaced apart – then some of the bacon strips.

9. Finally, add the lettuce and top with a second slice of bread. Slice it right down the middle and enjoy immediately!

IS A GREEN TOMATO JUST AN UNRIPE RED TOMATO ? OR IS IT A DIFFERENT VARIETY OF TOMATO?

Actually, both! Regular red tomatoes are pale green and very firm before they ripen. There are also many heirloom varieties that stay green and feel soft when fully ripe. Both taste delicious in a variety of recipes including salsas, relishes, and of course – fried green tomatoes! If you want your fried green tomatoes to have a tart bite and satisfying crunch, skip the heirloom variety and opt for a

EVERYONE LOVES WATERMELON:

Try

- Grilled Watermelon Salad.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Expand your summer grilling horizons with this refreshingly flavorful salad of the season! The juicy, caramelized watermelon and peppery arugula paired with zingy balsamic vinegar and blue cheese makes for a decadent (yet healthy) summer treat. So, fire up your grill and try it this weekend!

Watermelon, arugula, blue cheese, pistachios, lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt and pepper

WHAT YOU DO:

1. Add your arugula, blue cheese, pistachios, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper to a medium-sized bowl. Toss the ingredients together, then set aside.

2. Lay a disk of watermelon on cutting board and use a cookie cutter to cut out two circular pieces of watermelon. Use a paper towel to soak up excess moisture, then lightly brush both sides of each watermelon piece with olive oil.

3. Turn the heat up to high on your griddle pan and grill the two watermelon slices for a few minutes on each side, or until black grill marks appear.

4. Place each grilled watermelon slice on a plate and sprinkle with a dash of salt. Then top with a handful of your arugula salad and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

5. Serve and enjoy!

MAKE YOUR OWN PICKLES

Prep time: 15 MIN

Cook time: 5 MIN

Makes: 2 Jars

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

1 1/2 pounds Kirby or Persian cucumbers

4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

2 teaspoons dill seeds

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

1 1/2 tablespoons pickling salt or kosher salt

Equipment

Chef’s knife

Cutting board

2 wide-mouth pint jars with lids

Large pot, if canning

WHAT YOU’LL DO

1. PREPARE THE JARS: If you are planning to can your pickles for long-term storage, bring a large pot of water to a boil and sterilize 2 wide-mouth pint jars and their lids. If you are planning to make refrigerator pickles, simply washing the jars and lids is fine.

2. PREPARE THE CUCUMBERS: Wash and dry the cucumbers. Trim away the blossom or stem end of the cucumber, which contains enzymes that can lead to limp pickles. Leave the cucumbers whole, cut them into spears or slice them into coins, as desired

3. ADD THE SPICE TO THE JARS: Divide the garlic, dill seed and red pepper flakes between the pint jars: 2 smashed cloves, 1 teaspoon dill seed, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using) per jar.

4. PACK THE CUCUMBERS INTO THE JARS: Pack the cucumbers into the jars. Trim the ends if they stand more than 1/2 inch below the top of the jar. Pack them in as tightly as you can without smashing the cucumbers.

5. BRING THE PICKLING BRINE TO A BOIL: Place the vinegar, water and salt in a small saucepan over high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Pour the brine over the pickles, filling each jar to within 1/2-inch of the top. You may not use all the brine.

6. REMOVE ANY AIR BUBBLES: Gently tap the jars against the counter a few times to remove all the air bubbles. Top off with more pickling brine if necessary.

7. TIGHTEN THE LIDS: Place the lids over the jars and screw on the rings until tight.

8. COOL AND REFRIGERATE: Let the jars cool to room temperature. If you processed the jars, they can be stored unopened at room temperature. If unprocessed, refrigerate the pickles. The pickles will improve with flavor as they age — try to wait at least 48 hours before cracking them open.

9. STORING PICKLES: Canned pickles will keep for at least a year on the shelf and for several weeks in the refrigerator once opened; refrigerator pickles will keep for several weeks.

THE THRILL OF THE GRILL!

SAUCY SIDEKICKS OF BBQ BLISS

GRAB YOUR BIBS AND BRACE YOUR TASTE BUDS, y'all, because we're diving into the saucy symphony that makes barbecue more than just a meal—it's a way of life. From the sticky hands of Kansas City to the vinegar-splashed pits of Carolina, let's trot across the U.S. of A to uncover the tales and tastes of the sauciest sidekicks in BBQ lore.

Kansas City-Style Sauce: Sweet as a Smile on a Sunny Day

When it comes to Kansas City-style BBQ sauce, think of a melody so sweet it could charm the bark off a hickory tree. This thick, rich concoction is like the jazz music of sauces—complex, with layers of tomato, brown sugar, and a whisper of smoke. It's ready to jazz up anything from a slab of ribs to a lonely chicken drumstick.

Memphis-Style Sauce: A Squeeze of Spunk and Spirit

Memphis sauce struts that fine line between sweet and tangy like walking down Beale Street on a Saturday night. Not as thick as its Kansas cousin, this sauce mingles vinegar and tomato with a secret handshake of spices. It’s served on the side, playing it cool, letting the smoked meat do the talking with a zesty whisper in the ear.

Carolina-Style Sauce: A Vinegar-Verse of Twang and Tang

Head to Carolina, where the sauce is so vinegary, it'll tickle your nose and make your lips pucker with delight. In the East, it's a minimalist dream— vinegar, pepper, and a dash of attitude. Swing by South Carolina, and you'll find mustard has entered the chat, turning the sauce a shade of yellow that could light up a dark cellar, a nod to the state's German settlers with a taste for tang.

Texas-Style Sauce: A Beefy Ballad with a Kick

In the Lone Star State, where brisket reigns supreme, the BBQ sauce is as bold as a cowboy's glare. It's a lean, mean blend of tomato and vinegar with spices that'll kick you harder than a bucking bronco. And don't be surprised if it tastes a bit like it's been whispering sweet nothings to the beef drippings—it likely has.

Alabama White Sauce: The Mayonnaise Maverick

Buckle up for Alabama's curveball—white BBQ sauce, a concoction so out there, it could only come from a place where people fish with their hands. Born in 1925 from the culinary wizardry of Bob Gibson, this sauce mixes mayo, vinegar, and a sprinkle of magic (pepper, maybe mustard, or horseradish) to create something that's creamy, tangy, and downright audacious, especially slathered on chicken.

Hawaii’s Huli Huli Sauce: A Luau in a Bottle

Finally, let's catch a wave out to Hawaii, where Huli Huli sauce makes chicken and pork do the hula. Concocted for a fundraiser and sticking around for the flavor party, this sauce is a tropical storm of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger. It's sweet, it's tangy, and it'll make you want to put on a grass skirt and dance.

And there you have it, folks—we’ve just taken a mouthwatering tour across America’s BBQ sauce country, where each region’s got its own special blend of spices and sass. Whether you’re fixin’ to dance with the sweet notes of Kansas City, get down with the tangy tunes of Carolina, or wrangle up some Texassized boldness, there’s a sauce out there to tickle every taste bud. Remember, it ain’t just the meat that makes the meal—it’s the saucy sidekick that steals the show. Now, let’s fire up them grills and get cookin’!

SNACKS FOR YOUR SMILE

Don’t make the jump to veneers just yet. Your fridge and pantry hold the key to a bright and healthy bite. You are what you eat, and so are your teeth! Unlock the potential for a radiant grin with these foods.

An Apple a Day

An apple a day keeps the dentist away—and your teeth shining bright! These crunchy delights not only scrub away stains but also contain malic acid, a natural whitening agent. Bonus, the crunch is good for gums.

Berry Brightening

Strawberries are also up there on the malic acid list. These bright red berries might get tiny seeds in your smile, but they also whiten your grin. Careful though, they are acidic, and too much can be bad for the enamel!

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which work together to keep teeth strong by protecting enamel. Additionally, casein, a protein found in dairy, makes these minerals even mightier, making your teeth more resistant to decay.

Nature’s Floss

Dubbed as nature’s dental superhero, celery pulls double duty as both a crunchy surface scrub and a natural dental floss. With its high water content, it effortlessly rinses away debris, leaving your teeth feeling squeaky clean.

HEALTH IN A GLASS

ENTER THE SMOOTHIE ZONE—where mornings transform from drab to fab in a blend! These concoctions are like kitchen superheroes—quick, easy, and packed with goodness, ready to save the day one gulp at a time. So, buckle up, blender at the ready, and let’s blend some magic!

PROTIEN POTION

Choose your liquid base—almond milk, coconut water, or oat milk—then add greens and fruits to fuel your adventure.

MUSCLE MIX

Give your blend some muscle with Greek yogurt or protein powder, ensuring you’re ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way.

FLAVOR FIESTA

Sprinkle in chia seeds for a textural twist and an omega-3 boost, add ice for a refreshing kick, or spice it up with cinnamon or ginger for extra oomph!

FOODS FOR HEALTHY HAIR

WANT TO FLAUNT A CROWN OF HAIR THAT WOULD MAKE RAPUNZEL ENVIOUS? over, magic beans—because the real secret to luscious locks lies right on your plate! That’s right, folks, forget expensive serums and mystical oils; it’s time to dish out the goods on foods for fab hair.

First up: the almighty avocado. Creamy and packed with vitamin E, it stimulates growth and adds shine. Whether smashed on toast or blended into a smoothie, avocados are follicles’ best friends.

CRACK ‘N’ SHINE

Last but not least, spinach! Popeye’s superfood isn’t just for muscles—it’s a hair hero. Loaded with iron, folate, and vitamins A and C, spinach boosts scalp circulation and strengthens follicles. So, pile it high and let your mane flourish!

Next, let’s talk nuts—no, not those nutty relatives, but the edible kind! Walnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and zinc, crucial for scalp health and preventing hair loss.

EGG-CELLENT STRANDS

And the humble egg? A protein vitamins B12 and D, it promotes poach, or whip it into a mask for

Hairstyling

TOWEL ART 101

EVER WALKED INTO YOUR HOTEL ROOM AND FOUND A SWAN?! Oh wait, that’s not a bird. It’s a towel! Curious about how this fancy folding is done? Well, grab a clean towel, and let’s give it a try!

1. FEATHERED FOUNDATION

Smooth your towel on a clean surface, ensuring it’s as sleek as a swan’s glide. Fold one corner diagonally to the opposite edge, forming a perfect triangle. Think of it as setting the runway for your swan’s flight.

2. SWAN SWOOP

Roll your towel tightly from corner to corner, creating a sleek tube. Then, bend it in half with the folded corner as your swan’s posh head and neck. It’s the swan version of striking a pose!

3. WINGING IT

Unleash your creativity and flare out the ends of the towel tube to craft majestic wings. Spread them wide, and voila! Your towel swan is ready to make a splash.

4. ELEGANT EYES

Give your swan some personality by adding eyes. Use buttons, beads, or draw them on with fabric markers. Let your swan wink, blink, or dreamily gaze into the distance.

5. PLUSH PERCH

Find a fitting spot for your towel swan to shine. Whether it’s on your bed, in the bathroom, or as a centerpiece on the dining table, let your swan bask in its newfound glory. After all, every swan deserves a plush perch!

UNLOCK YOUR EARNINGS:

10 POWERFUL REASONS TO EMBRACE LIFELONG LEARNING

IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD, staying updated through local universities and technical schools isn’t just beneficial—it’s crucial. Lifelong learning builds a strong foundation for both personal and professional growth, keeping you agile in the dynamic job market and enriching your intellectual journey. Discover these ten inspiring benefits of continuous education:

1. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Education opens doors to promotions and leadership opportunities, empowering your career trajectory.

2. SKILL ENHANCEMENT

Stand out in the job market by acquiring new and relevant skills that increase your adaptability and attractiveness to employers.

3. HIGHER EARNINGS

Investing in your education often translates to a higher salary, as employers value continuous learning and proactive employees.

4. INTELLECTUAL CONFIDENCE

Tackle new challenges with confidence, enhancing your ability to manage complex projects and solve problems creatively.

5. BROADER NETWORKS

Educational programs connect you with peers, industry leaders, and mentors, expanding your professional circle and opportunities.

6. FLEXIBLE LEARNING

With options like online, part-time, and evening classes, you can learn at your own pace and on your schedule.

7. ENHANCED JOB SECURITY

Keeping your skills fresh makes you indispensable and versatile, securing your place in a fast-evolving workplace.

8. COGNITIVE VITALITY

Active learning keeps your mind sharp, crucial for maintaining mental health as you age.

9. GLOBAL INSIGHTS

Gain a broader understanding of the world through courses that explore global and cultural issues, preparing you for a diverse workplace.

10. PERSONAL SATISFACTION

Learning is intrinsically rewarding, offering personal fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment that enriches your life.

GEORGIA’S ROOF RODEO:

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

Living in Georgia means your roof’s doing more than just keeping the rain out. It’s battling the elements like a lone ranger in the Wild West. Let’s tip our hats to what keeps us dry and what tries to do it in.

Moisture Mayhem

Georgia's air is thicker than grandma's gravy, leading to a roof’s worst nightmare: moisture. This unwelcome guest can lead to a mold hoedown and wood rot quicker than you can say “bless your heart”.

Storm Shenanigans

Our weather throws more tantrums than a two-year-old with a nap deficit. From hurricanes throwing a hissy fit to own the place, our roofs have to stand leaks are just some of the battle scars.

Ventilation Vexations

A well-ventilated attic is like a good gossip—keeps the air moving. Without it, you’ve got yourself a sauna upstairs, making your AC work harder than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest and shortening your roof’s lifespan.

are your pants from last year still on par? For many of millennials and Gen-Xers, your skinny jean staple pants of choice have been dethroned. Baggy jeans are the popular choice once more, welcoming a new wave of washed denim in the form of mom jeans, dad jeans, and flare cuts. It doesn’t stop there, the baggier the better! Styles like cargo jeans and barrel cut are even making their way back into rotation.

There’s nothing wrong with any type of jeans, they’re all classic! It’s always great to wear what works for you, but if you’re looking to be wearing the current trends you may want to find a pair of pants that

ESCAPE FROM DEBT MOUNTAIN!

DEBT IS A REAL FINANCE KILLER, NO DOUBT! Sometimes life piles on the debt and it feels like you are staring at a snowcapped mountain! But fear not! There's a proven weapon to conquer this foe: the snowball! Okay, not an actual snowball. But the Debt Snowball method! The Debt Snowball method is a strategy for paying off debts by starting with the smallest balance first and gradually working up to larger balances.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

List your debts from smallest to largest based on the outstanding balance.

Make minimum payments on all debts except the smallest one.

Put any extra money you can toward paying off the smallest debt.

Once the smallest debt is paid off, move to the next smallest debt and apply the 5. money you were paying toward the first debt, plus any extra funds.

Repeat this process until all debts are paid off.

The Debt Snowball method provides a psychological boost by quickly eliminating smaller debts, motivating you to keep going. It's simple to follow, doesn't require complex calculations, and encourages positive financial habits like budgeting and saving.

While it may not always be the most efficient in terms of interest savings, its emotional and motivational benefits can outweigh this for many people.

FLOORING FIRST-AID

FROM SCRATCHES AND SPILLS TO WEAR AND TEAR, our floors face daily challenges. Protecting them is key to maintaining their beauty and longevity.

PUPPY PUDDLES

It happens to the best of us. If your puppy hasn’t made it outside in time, it’s best to use specialized cleaners to tackle pet stains on the carpet. For hardwoods, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then blot the area. Don’t over-saturate your floors! Do a little at a time!

SCRATCHES AND PATCHES

Between pets, kids, and life in general, your floors are going to take some damage. For smaller scrapes, invest in a good hardwood floor touch-up marker. Make sure you clean the area first, so as not to trap grime in the grooves.

CULINARY CRISIS

Did you make a food mess? Most spills on hardwoods can be cleaned with a mild soap and water mix. If it’s happened on the carpet, the type of spill makes a difference. For carpets, a bit of dishwashing liquid on a wet cloth is your best friend to scrub with.

PAWS FOR THOUGHT: IS A DOG RIGHT FOR YOU?

Listen, having a dog can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a decision that should be weighed more heavily than most of your late-night fast food choices. If your life feels like it’s constantly in fastforward, maybe put the dog plans on pause. There will be plenty of time for paw prints and puppy snuggles once your life has settled down a bit—or at least when you’re not living out of a suitcase!

In short, think twice, young wanderer. That doggo deserves more than a cameo appearance in the drama that is your roaring twenties.

CONSTANT MOBILITY: If you’re frequently moving for school, work, or

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT: Dogs can live 10-15 years or more, a long-term commitment that might not align with your current life plans and future uncertainties.

EMOTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY: The emotional bond with a dog is deep. The decision to rehome a dog if circumstances change can be emotionally taxing and guilt inducing.

TOP TEN THINGS TO

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.

"America the Beautiful" didn't start out as an American anthem. It was first a poem written in 1893 by a teacher, Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929), after a visit to Pike's Peak in Colorado. It first appeared in print in 1895. Since then, more than 60 musical settings have been made of its words.

I

George Washington

John Adams

Thomas Jefferson

James Madison

James Monroe

John Quincy Adams

Andrew Jackson

Martin Van Buren

William Henry Harrison

John Tyler

James K. Polk

Zachary Taylor

Millard Fillmore

Franklin Pierce

James Buchanan

Abraham Lincoln

Andrew Johnson

Ulysses S. Grant

Rutherford B. Hayes

James Garfield

Chester A. Arthur

Grover Cleveland

Benjamin Harrison

Grover Cleveland

William McKinley

Theodore Roosevelt

William Howard Taft

Woodrow Wilson

Warren G. Harding

Calvin Coolidge

Herbert Hoover

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Harry S. Truman

Dwight D. Eisenhower

John F. Kennedy

Lyndon B. Johnson

Richard M. Nixon

Gerald R. Ford

James Carter

Ronald Reagan

George H. W. Bush

William J. Clinton

George W. Bush

Barack Obama

Donald J. Trump

Joe Biden

Whoa!

STATES and capitals

Alabama - MONTGOMERY

Alaska - JUNEAU

Arizona - PHOENIX

Arkansas - LITTLE ROCK

California - SACRAMENTO

Colorado - DENVER

Connecticut - HARTFORD

Delaware - DOVER

Florida - TALLAHASSEE

Georgia - ATLANTA

Hawaii - HONOLULU

Idaho - BOISE

Illinois - SPRINGFIELD

Indiana - INDIANAPOLIS

Iowa - DES MOINES

Kansas - TOPEKA

Kentucky - FRANKFORT

Louisiana - BATON ROUGE

Maine - AUGUSTA

Maryland - ANNAPOLIS

Massachusetts - BOSTON

Michigan - LANSING

Minnesota - ST. PAUL

Mississippi - JACKSON

Missouri - JEFFERSON CITY

Montana - HELENA

Nebraska - LINCOLN

Nevada - CARSON CITY

New Hampshire - CONCORD

New Jersey - TRENTON

New Mexico - SANTA FE

New York - ALBANY

North Carolina - RALEIGH

North Dakota - BISMARCK

Ohio - COLUMBUS

Oklahoma - OKLAHOMA CITY

Oregon - SALEM

Pennsylvania - HARRISBURG

Rhode Island - PROVIDENCE

South Carolina - COLUMBIA

South Dakota - PIERRE

Tennessee - NASHVILLE

Texas - AUSTIN

Utah - SALT LAKE CITY

Vermont - MONTPELIER

Virginia - RICHMOND

Washington - OLYMPIA

West Virginia - CHARLESTON

Wisconsin - MADISON

Wyoming - CHEYENNE

DECLARATION INDEPENDENCE of the

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE by John Trumbull

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems

of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby

the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the

rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. They will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.