As human beings, we’re hardwired to put things into categories. For prehistoric humans, such thinking was the basis for survival. We divided what was safe to eat from what was poisonous; we separated what we were hunting from what was hunting us. We drew distinctions between our tribe and neighboring tribes. For paleolithic people with stone tools, it was a necessity. However, to become the dominant species on the planet, we had to follow a different path. Instead of making decisions by separating one thing from another, we learned to see how those things were connected. Connections are everywhere, between people and nature, across regions and oceans, and even across time. Everything is connected, even two things as different as S’Mores and ancient Egypt. Believe it or not, the S’More has its origins in the time of the Pharaohs, thanks to the gooey, sweet confection we know today as the marshmallow.

It started out as food for the gods, found a new purpose as a remedy for sore throats, and is now one of the most popular sweet treats in the world. The Marshmallow has its roots in ancient Egypt, where the sweet sap of the marsh mallow, a flowering plant that grows primarily in areas adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, was combined with honey and other ingredients, producing a confection so delicious that it was reserved for the Pharaoh.

In the 19th Century, herbal remedies remained the primary method for treating common ailments. The French produced one such remedy, again using juice from the root of the marsh mallow. The juice was mixed with egg whites and sugar and whipped into a meringue, when it hardened, doctors used the confection to soothe sore throats in children. Eventually, manufacturers replaced the marsh mallow juice with gelatin, which was much more accessible. But the name stuck, and the confection became immensely popular, making its way to the United States in the 19th century. In 1927, a recipe titled “Some More” was included in the Girl Scout Handbook. That recipe directed scouts to cook down marshmallows until they were gooey, and then sandwich them, along with a bit of chocolate, between two graham crackers. And thus, what started out as food for royalty, found a new life as a remedy for sore throats and finally emerged as an immensely popular candy confection. Today’s Marshmallow bears little resemblance to its forbears, but the soft, sweet goodness can still be found around campfires and in Rice Krispie treats. Thanks to the marshmallow, girl scouts enjoying a snack around a campfire can, in some small way, dine with the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Connection is the lifeblood of business. As businesspeople, we are most successful when we cultivate connections – between ourselves and our customers, our suppliers, our co-workers, and even our competitors. It is through cooperation and connection that we build a vibrant, inclusive, sustainable economy, in which everyone has the opportunity to build a life of purpose and dignity.

On behalf of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce, we would like to congratulate the 2023 Grant County Community Award Winners:

• Citizen of the Year – Laura Phelps

• Employee of the Year – Belinda Castillo

• Small Business of the Year – Melinda’s Medical Supply

• Business of the Year – The County of Grant

• Linda K. Jones Humanitarian Award – Annette Toney

• Non-Profit of the Year – Center for Health Innovation

• Lifelong Service to the Community – Morris Chiropractic Center

• Volunteer of the Year – Vicki D. Galindo

Awards will be presented at the 2023 Grant County Community Awards Banquet on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center.