A R E S D C N L U O H COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER UB COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2026
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2026
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2026
Hound Ears Community News
Table of Contents Front Cover Photo: Snow Day
Hound Ears Club Board of Directors:
Club News From the COO/GM 2026 Board of Directors Security Foscoe Fire Department Membership Employee Highlight Golf Fitness Winter Excursions Calendar At A Glance Member Memories Contact Us Fun Facts
Richard Morrow, President 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 13 15 16 18
Larry Tilson, Vice President Peter Brennan, Treasurer Kelly Propst, Secretary Danny Young, Member at Large April Bowers Libba Gaither Carolyn Green Diane Miller Charlie Murray Jason White
Editor: Sarah Peppel Director of Membership & Marketing
From the COO/GM
By Joseph McGuire, CCM, CCE COO/GM
A Welcoming Atmosphere & Genuine Hospitality
As we begin 2026, I’m dedicating this year’s newsletter articles to exploring our recently adopted Mission, Vision, and Value Statements. These guiding statements capture what makes Hound Ears unique and outline the principles that will shape our decisions, culture, and service in the years ahead. Our mission is clear: Enrich the Mountain Experience of Members and Deepen Their Sense of Community. Our vision sets our direction: To be a leading destination in the High Country for connection, tranquility, and recreation, distinguished by our culture, asset management, and service delivery. To bring these ideas to life, we rely on seven Value Statements, each reflecting an essential part of who we are as a club. Throughout the year, I will highlight one value at a time and share how it appears in our daily work and how we plan to deepen our commitment to it. In this first issue, I have chosen Value Statement 2: Welcoming Atmosphere and Genuine Hospitality. A welcoming atmosphere and genuine hospitality have long been at the heart of Hound Ears. These qualities aren’t rooted in formality or ceremony - they come from authentic relationships, integrity, camaraderie, and the subtle, grounded prestige that grows from shared traditions and genuine connection. Over my first years here, I have witnessed many moments that reflect this value, but none more profoundly than during Hurricane Helene and the uncertain days that followed. With power, water, and communications out, and emotions running high, our members and staff showed what true community looks like. People checked on neighbors, shared food and other resources, offered helping hands, and met each challenge with patience and grace. It was during that week that I came to fully understand the depth of heart that defines this club. Hospitality here isn’t simply good service - it is the instinct we have to take care of one another. Our team is committed to strengthening this value in purposeful ways. We will continue reinforcing our hospitality culture across all departments, emphasizing personal connection, communication, and consistency. We will focus on elevating the arrival and first-impression experience so that every member and guest feels welcomed the moment they step on property. We will continue developing experiences that appeal to multiple generations while staying true to the character and traditions that make Hound Ears feel like home. Most importantly, we will lead by example - remaining present, accessible, and engaged with you, because hospitality begins with leadership. Hound Ears is defined by the warmth of its people, and I am grateful to be part of such a remarkable community. As we enter the new year, I look forward to working together to deepen the welcoming spirit that distinguishes our club and strengthens our collective sense of belonging. “If we don’t have each other, then we don’t have anything at all.” — John Moreland -2-
2026 HOUND EARS CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Larry Tilson* Vice President Committees: Club Dining, Real Estate & Rental Oversight, Long Range Planning
Peter Brennan* Treasurer Committees: Finance
Kelly Propst* Secretary Committees: By-Laws, Rules, Governance, & Member Standards, Club Events, Real Estate & Rental Oversight
Danny Young* April Bowers Member At Large Committees: Club Dining; Committees: Golf Events & Club Events; Strategic & Policy, Golf Greens & Grounds Long Range Planning
Libba Gaither Committees: Membership, Sports
Carolyn Green Committees: Finance, House Infrastructure & Decor, Membership, Long-Range Planning
Diane Miller Committees: ARC, House Infrastructure & Decor
Jason White Committees: Golf Events & Policy, Golf Greens & Grounds, Nominating, Sports
Richard Morrow* President Committees: All
Charlie Murray Committees: ARC, ByLaws, Rules, Governance, & Member Standards
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*Executive Committee
Security
By Wes Green Director of Security
Security & Safety
Balancing Warm Hospitality with Strong Security in a Gated Community Living in a gated community often means enjoying the best of both worlds: a peaceful, welcoming neighborhood atmosphere paired with the comfort of added protection. However, achieving that balance isn’t always easy. The most successful communities intentionally cultivate a culture where hospitality and security reinforce, rather than compete with, each other. Why Balance Matters Security is often one of the reasons residents choose a gated community, but proper security is more than gate guards and uniforms. Professional security thrives on friendliness, communication, and community involvement. When measures edge too near rigidity, the neighborhood can begin to feel impersonal or uninviting. I’d wager you’ve never been invited to anyone’s summer home at Fort Knox. Conversely, a community that prioritizes openness without structure will unintentionally create vulnerabilities. Our goal in Security at Hound Ears is simple: keep our residents protected without sacrificing the warmth and welcome that makes this a place where people dream of living. The gatehouse is often a resident’s, member’s, or guest’s first impression. In the coming year, we will continue to work on strengthening our security team: providing policies, training, and guidance to ensure that we are courteous and consistent. Our entrance policies will continue to develop to reinforce three recurring priorities. First, our guards will greet visitors and vendors warmly while still confirming authorization. A pleasant demeanor and greeting will always be an accompaniment to the systems we have put in place for entry. Second, we will continue to build our access control systems, encouraging residents to utilize Proptia or call and email security for visitors and vendors. This ensures that residents and members enjoy smoother access for their guests and vendors, and that our security staff are accurate and efficient. Lastly, by enacting fair, predictable gate protocols, we will prevent confusion and ensure every visitor receives the same level of attention. We are going to be calling residents and confirming any vendors or visitors who haven’t been documented via Proptia or prior communication with Security personnel. A large part of our ability to process people without friction comes from communication with our members and residents. Please ensure that you continue to inform us of visitors and vendors, so they aren’t subjected to long waits at the guard house while we attempt to contact you via phone. -404 (Security, continued on next page) --14 -- - - -
Security (Security, continued from previous page)
Proptia can also be used to bypass the wait altogether, issuing them a QR code or registering them in the system so that they can pass through with a smile and a wave from someone on the Security team. We also maintain a permanent visitor and vendor list for all residents. If you’d like to review your current list, or add or remove anyone going forward, please reach out to Security and we will handle that for you. The Heart of the Balance Hospitality and security are not opposite; in fact, they’re complementary qualities when approached with intention. I have always considered security to be a customer service role, and I would encourage every member or resident to reach out with anything that my team or I might be able to do for you in furtherance of our security goals. A community that greets guests warmly, respects resident comfort, and maintains strong safety standards creates an environment where people feel both welcome and protected. In the end, the real security for our community comes from the coordination between residents, staff, and leadership. Thank you, Wes Green
Foscoe Fire Department Dinner We are so grateful to our local fire department for all the ways they help us and to our members (including our very own Buddy the Elf and Santa) and our dining staff who helped organize and serve the dinner to honor them!
Membership
Introducing Sarah Peppel, Director of Membership and Marketing Previously our Director of Communications, Sarah Peppel has been promoted to the role of Director of Membership & Marketing at Hound Ears Club. Bringing more than three decades of professional experience in marketing, communications, and organizational leadership, Sarah will oversee all membership inquiries and onboarding, and guide prospective members through their introduction to the club to ensure a smooth, welcoming process. As Director of Membership & Marketing, Sarah will continue to manage the club’s internal and external communications, including member newsletters, website content, the member app, print materials, photography, and video content, supporting the consistent flow of accurate, timely, and engaging information to the membership. Her focus remains on helping members stay connected to the many activities, events, and amenities available at Hound Ears. Prior to joining Hound Ears, Sarah served as Marketing Specialist and Webmaster at Beech Mountain Club. Her broader career includes leadership roles in marketing, social media strategy, higher education, and nonprofit development, providing her with extensive experience in strategic planning, digital tools, and community engagement. For a short stretch, she enjoyed being an extra in movies and TV shows filmed in the Philadelphia area, including Lovely Bones, Avatar the Last Airbender, Law Abiding Citizen, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and more before assisting in the start-up of a boutique media-centric digital marketing firm. Sarah holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Urban Economic Development from Eastern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Communications from Appalachian State University. As an adjunct professor, she has also taught graduate and undergraduate level courses in business, communication, and digital media for more than fifteen years. During her stint as Director of Marketing & Communications for an international non-profit, she championed the creation and launch of an online learning alternative for proprietary training used with healthcare professionals in India, Africa, Hungary and around the world. Originally from Charlotte, NC followed by a thirty-year detour in Pennsylvania where two daughters were born and raised, Sarah now resides in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, with her husband, Brian. Outside of work, she enjoys her church community, beekeeping, quilting, and managing a small mountainside glamping retreat. She is honored to serve the Hound Ears community and is committed to supporting a strong, informed, and connected membership.
Questions? Please contact Sarah Peppel at speppel@houndears.com or call 828-963-2130. 04 - - --6-
Membership 2025 New Member Round-Up! Join us in welcoming our new members from 2025! Fred & Kathy Black Keith & Christy Bowman Robert & Rachel Bridgeman Bonnie & Asa Candler Dave & Sara Doeren Jeremy & Jennie Douglas Richard & Linda Dunn Stanley & Sherry Dyl Dr. Andy & Melanie Eskew Peter & Julia Harlan Jeff & Courtney Hallock Jay & Marisra Harrill Robert & Christina Hudson Bruce & Pam Keene
Herb Martens Beth Murray Paul & Kamela Niemyski Stan & Laura Park Lacy & Sydnor Presnell John & Kelly Reeves Jared & Audrey Rorrer Charles & Nancy Rosenblatt Bill & Jenna Schmitt Doug & Angela Schuster Patrick Sessions & Sheila Daniels Jeff & Caroline Sikorske Todd & Regina Slawter Bill Spreen & Nancy Schubert
In Memoriam
Barbara Whitton December 23, 2025
Employee Highlight Congratulations to Sheila Sheppard on 40 Years at Hound Ears! We are thrilled to celebrate Sheila Sheppard and her 40 years of dedicated service to Hound Ears in the Accounting Department! Sheila grew up in Concord, NC, and came to Appalachian State University to earn her degree in Accounting. While in the High Country, she met and married her husband, Farrell, a talented homebuilder. Together they raised two daughters, both of whom still live in the area with their spouses and children. Sheila’s passions include church events, ASU sports, bluegrass festivals, traveling, and spending time with her four grandsons and granddaughter. Sheila first joined the Hound Ears team when the property was owned by Harry and Spencer Robbins as Elk River Development. Over the years, Hound Ears Club transitioned to ownership by Ed Claughton, and later to the equity members who proudly own the Club today. Through every chapter, Sheila has been a steadfast and reliable presence, serving in payroll, accounts payable, condo management, and now as Controller for the Club. Please join us in congratulating Sheila on this truly remarkable milestone! 04 - - --7-
Golf
By Peter Rucker, PGA, Director of Golf
Winter Greetings!
Winter greetings from the Golf Shop! Great progress continues on the golf course. The restorations on #4, #5, #6, and #8 are spectacular. Many thanks to Allen Storie and his amazing team and to Danny Young and his collaboration with Chris Spence for their detailed efforts. Congratulations to our Head Golf Professional, Spencer King, as he recently achieved his Class A status with the PGA of America. Spencer’s continued passion to serve and grow as leader is much valued and appreciated. As we begin a new year, we are reminded of our club’s Mission Statement, “Enrich the Mountain Experience of Members and Deepen their Sense of Community.” With this, our team is always focused on providing authentic and caring service. It is important that we consistently provide a welcoming atmosphere with thoughtful attention to every detail. It’s truly one of the features that makes Hound Ears an outstanding club. On November 18, 2025, Mac Parrott made a Hole in One on the 13th hole at the Virginian Golf Club in Bristol, Virginia. Playing alongside him were Grant Cully, Collin Daniel, and Peter Rucker. Congratulations on the “Shot Heard Around the World”. Please see our major golf events for 2026 on the next page. Have a warm and healthy winter and please let me know if I can be of any assistance before your arrival. Warmest regards, Peter A. Rucker Director of Golf 828-963-2176 prucker@houndears.com
Way to Go! Mac Parrot – Hole-in-One! -8-
Congratulations, Mac, on an incredible shot!
Golf (Golf Updates, continued from previous page)
Hound Ears Golf 2026 Opening Days April 24: Golf Shop Opens June 2: HEWGA Opening Day & Lunch June 5: HEMGA Opening Day & Lunch
Jr. Golf Jr. Golf Session 1: June 15-19 (June 15: 12:30-2:30pm; June 16-17: 1-3pm) Jr. Golf Session 2: August 3-5 (August 3: 12:30-2:30pm; August 4-5: 1-3pm)
Family Events July 4: Firecracker Open Scramble
Clinics Golf Clinics (Mondays 10-11am): May 25, June 1 – Tentative pending Men’s Interclub, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29 (back-up for June 1) Hound Ears Challenge (Mondays 3-5pm): Session 1: June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29 Session 3: August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24
Nine & Dine Thursday Events (Open to all, not exclusively mixed couples events) May 21 @ 3 pm Crazy Cobb June 18 @ 3 pm Nine & Dine August 27 @ 3 pm Calamity Jane Couples Sunday (Not a Mixed Couples only event - Open to all Twosomes); Golf & Dinner May 31: Shotgun Tee Times @1:30 Dinner @ 6:00 Sept. 20: Shotgun Tee Times @1:30 Dinner @ 6:00 Major Tournaments June 12 & 13: Hound Ears Cup (Pairing Party on the 11th) July 9, 10, 11: Men’s Member Guest July 16: Couples Member-Member July 20 -22: Women’s Member Guest July 30-August 1: Club Championship Aug. 20, 21 & 22: Couples Member Guest Sept. 1-2: Women’s Member-Member Sept. 11-12: Men’s Member-Member (Pending App State Football schedule) Other Notable June 17: HEMGA Guest Day June 23: HEWGA Guest Day August 15: Hound Ears Open (Charity Event) August 26: HEMGA Guest Day with breakfast Sept. 16: Veteran’s Guest Day September 30: NC Golf Panel October 5: Hospitality House
Ladies’ Interclub Events (Mondays) June 8 @ Blowing Rock June 22 @ Linville Ridge July 13 @ Grandfather July 27 @ Hound Ears August 10 @ Beech Mountain (Combined) August 17@ Linville TBD @ Elk River Men’s Interclub Events June 1 @ Hound Ears August 10 @ Beech Mountain (Combined) TBD @ Blowing Rock TBD @ Elk River Demo Days Callaway – Saturday, June 13: Friday, Aug 28 Mizuno – June 6, July 18 (probably 10am-3pm) Ping – July 3, August 8 (12-4pm) Taylor Made – June 26, July 25 (10am-2:30pm) Titleist – June 19 (10am-3pm) XXIO – June 20, July 17, August 14, September 18 (10am-3pm)
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Fitness
By Michael Darling Director of Fitness
Staying Active in 2026:
As we welcome the new year, I’m excited to share our 2026 fitness lineup—a full season of classes, hikes, and programs designed to help every member stay active, engaged, and feeling their best. Peloton Fitness Sessions – Continuing Through April To help everyone stay active until our regular class schedule resumes in May, we’ll continue offering our Peloton-based group workouts through the end of April. These sessions are open to all levels and a great way to maintain consistency early in the year: • Monday: Strength Training • Wednesday: Yoga • Friday: Strength Training All classes at 9am. Monthly Group Hikes Our guided hikes return this year and are a great way to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and enjoy time with fellow members. Mark your calendars—this year’s hike dates are: • May 21 • June 18 • July 23
Below is our current plan for the 2026 class season. As always, schedules may adjust slightly as we get closer, but this gives you a full look at what's ahead: Pilates Mondays & Wednesdays, 4–5pm May – October Thursdays, 9–10am June – September Yoga Tuesdays, 9–10am May – October Water Aerobics Tuesdays & Saturdays, 9–10am June – September Strength & Stretch Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:30–9:30am May – October Sip & Stretch First Tuesday of each month, 4–6pm June – October Kids Camps Back by popular demand—our action-packed summer camps will run on the following weeks: • June 22–25 • July 13–16
• August 20 • September 17 • October 15 More details on locations and difficulty levels will be shared as each date approaches. - 10 -
Sign up for classes on the online calendar or call the Fitness Center at 828.355.3360 or 1-855-432-1964 (opt. 8) to register.
Upcoming Events
Hop on the bus!
Hound Ears Winter Excursions - January Register through the event calendar. View prices and additional details on the calendar as well. January 10, 5-10pm: Bowling in Boone: Join us for bowling at High Country Lanes in Boone! Cost $94 (includes transportation, bowling, shoes, pizza and snacks; bar available for drink purchases.); Limit of 32. Schedule: 5pm - Leave Hound Ears 6pm-9pm: Bowling, pizza & snacks at High Country Lanes 9pm: Leave for Hound Ears.
January 23, 2-8pm: Blowing Rock Winterfest: Hop on the bus to enjoy this festive Blowing Rock event. View amazing ice sculptures, shop late in your favorite stores and stop in local restaurants for festive holiday refreshments. Schedule: 2pm: Bus picks up at Hound Ears 3pm: Docent led tour of BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art & History Museum) 4-6pm: Free time to enjoy a self-guided walk-through Blowing Rock’s ice sculptures and visit local restaurants for refreshments. All food and beverage costs are the responsibility of participants and are not covered by the event fee. For seated dinner plans, please call ahead to make reservations at local Blowing Rock restaurants. 6-7pm: “Jazz Democracy” by the Todd Wright Quintet at BRAHM. Complimentary refreshments follow event. 7:30pm: Bus departs BRAHM for return to Hound Ears. Cost: $40 includes transportation, BRAHM tour, BRAHM jazz event. Transportation departs Hound Ears at 2pm and departs Blowing Rock Art History Museum at 7:30pm. Event limited to 32 participants.
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Hound Ears Winter Excursions - February Register through the event calendar. View prices and additional details on the calendar as well.
February 7, 2-4pm: The Pottery Lot: Come on over to The Pottery Lot for a fun time personalizing your very own Berry Bowl. Enjoy wine and charcuterie as you create! ($70, includes class and refreshments. Does NOT include transportation.)
February 19, 4:30pm-game finale: App State Basketball: Enjoy appetizers and pre-game drinks at the McKinney Center before walking over to the game. Schedule: 4:30pm: Pick-up from Hound Ears. 5:00pm: Pre-game drinks & appetizers at the McKinney Center 6:30pm: App State vs. Marshall in the Holmes Convocation Center After game: Bus will pick-up at the McKinney Center following the game. ($60 includes pre-game refreshments, game ticket and transportation)
Enjoy All Year Long (weather permitting, of course!)
Pickleball Pickleball Courts OPEN DAILY 8am - 8pm Pickleball Court Reservations are required and available through the online reservation system or by calling the Front Desk at 828-963-4321. *NOTE: In the online system, it is important to select "All Times" under "Times to Display" to see everything that is available. Please list the names of all the players when reserving your court (not just one name). - 12 -
Fly-Fishing Watauga River Beats 1-7 Open sunrise to sunset. With any questions about reserving a beat or to receive HEFFC credentialing to fish one of the seven beats along with Watauga River, contact Hound Ears Fly Fishing Club (HEFFC) Manager Allen Storie at 828.963.2105 (or 1-855-432-1964 opt. 9) or email flyfishing@houndears.com
Upcoming Events
JANUARY SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Please check the online calendar for times and registration!
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Upcoming Events
FEBRUARY SUNDAY
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2pm: The Pottery Lot
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Please check the online calendar for times and registration!
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Member Memories
Santa Brunch
Gingerbread House Making
Main Number: 1-855-HEC(432)-1964 Hound Ears Club Staff
Departments
Joseph McGuire, CCM, CCE, COO/GM jmcguire@houndears.com Steve Morris, Chief Financial Officer smorris@houndears.com Staci Vestal, Executive Assistant svestal@houndears.com Mikalla Presnell, Human Resources Dir. mpresnell@houndears.com Sheila Sheppard, Dir. of Accounting ssheppard@houndears.com Katarina Sechrist, Accounting ksechrist@houndears.com Sarah Peppel, Dir. of Membership & Marketing speppel@houndears.com
ext. 2107
ext. 2116
dine
Rhys Williams, Clubhouse Manager rwilliams@houndears.com Nick Davis, Executive Chef nick@houndears.com
Peter Rucker, PGA, Director of Golf prucker@houndears.com Spencer King, Head Golf Professional sking@houndears.com Eri Latimer, PTR, PPR, Racquet Sports Dir. eri@houndears.com Michael Darling, Director of Fitness mdarling@houndears.com
ext. 2176
play
Mailroom | Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday - Closed
Darryl Eggers, Director of Facilities darryl@houndears.com Tom O'Neil, Property Services Manager toneil@houndears.com Wes Green, Director of Security wgreen@houndears.com Angela Nuzzi, Front Office Manager anuzzi@houndears.com Hannah Fredrick, Rental Oversight Officer hfredrick@houndears.com Allen Storie, Golf Course Superintendent & Fly Fishing astorie@houndears.com
ext. 2162
828.963.4321 (or Main # + Option 2, then Option #1)
administration
Golf Shop | Closed for the Season 828.963.5831 (or Main # + Option 3) Racquet Sports Pro Shop & Tennis Courts Pro Shop: Closed for the Season Tennis Courts: Closed for the Season 828-963-6441 (or Main # + Option 7) Pickleball Courts | Daily, 8am - 8pm Please make reservations online or call the Front Desk at 828963-4321 (or Main # + Opt. 2, then Opt. #1)
ext. 2133 ext. 2100 ext. 2138 ext. 2136 ext. 2141 ext. 2130
Fitness Center | Daily, 5am - 9pm (Main Number + Option #8) Swimming Pool & Cascades Grill Closed for the season.
ext. 2109
Fly Fishing | Daily, sunrise to sunset, annually except when indicated due to temperature, etc. Reservations and fly fishing credentials or day passes are required.
Closed Saturdays & Sundays 828.963.6879
clublife
Property Services | Monday-Friday 7:30am - 4pm
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ext. 2177 ext. 2441 ext, 2218
ext. 2163 828-963-4555 ext. 2121 ext. 2137 ext. 2105
328 SHULLS MILL ROAD BOONE, NC 28607 855-432-1964 HOUNDEARS.COM
Follow us at @HoundEarsClub
#HoundEarsClub HOUND EARS CLUB’S
MISSION
Enrich the Mountain Experience of Members and Deepen their Sense of Community.
VISION
To be a leading destination in the High Country for connection, tranquility and recreation, distinguished by our culture, asset management, and service delivery.
Celebrating 250 years!! In honor of our country celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, here are some fun facts: The United States turns 250 in 2026, marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776—making this a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. The official name for the 250th celebration is the Semiquincentennial (yes, it’s a mouthful—most people just say America 250). When America was founded, the population was about 2.5 million people—today it’s more than 330 million. Only 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence, and their average age was just 44. The youngest signer was 26 years old. The Liberty Bell didn’t get its famous crack until decades after independence—and it wasn’t even called the Liberty Bell at first. There have only been two previous major milestone celebrations like this: the Centennial in 1876 and the Bicentennial in 1976. During the Bicentennial, every MLB team wore patriotic uniforms, and the White House was lit in red, white, and blue for the first time. The U.S. Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use in the world. For the 250th anniversary, all 50 states are planning their own unique celebrations, highlighting local history, culture, and contributions to the nation. America’s story spans 13 original colonies to 50 states, multiple centuries, countless inventions, and generations of change— making the 250th not just a birthday, but a celebration of resilience, diversity, and progress.