Bridges - Winter 2022

EDUCATION & HEALTHCARE An Overview of Our Local Schools & Medical Facilities

winter 2022

WELCOME

January has gotten off to an extremely fast start here at the Chamber! I am extremely excited to dig in and get to work, and I appreciate the board trusting me with this President position. The staff and I are working hard to make sure we’re serving our members the best we can, and I encourage each member to take advantage of all the programs we have to offer. We’d love to see you at all of our events, and please let us know if you’d like to host an event. (Just the highlights so far: job fairs, YP events, Annual Meeting in May, and Expo is November 3. We also have some very special guests coming up at our future committee meetings.)

A big thank you goes to past Chair Cassandra Wheeler for serving the Chamber and the Chamber staff so well last year. It was a busy year as well as one with some surprises, and we appreciate all her hard work and dedication to making sure this organization was safe and sound.

A big welcome goes to new Chair, Kenna Stock, as she takes over the reins from Cassandra. It will be another busy year with some changes, but I already know that she is ready. I appreciate her giving of her time, and I think we’re both excited to see what the year brings.

I would like to encourage any Chamber members or citizens to stop by and say hello anytime. I’d love to meet everyone and hear what’s going on with business and community affairs. Everyone is welcome to reach out to let me know how we can help.

Here’s to a great 2022!

Pam Powers-Smith Pam Powers-Smith President, Rome Floyd Chamber

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contents

Bridges magazine is created, written, and published by Advertising Dynamics, Inc. in collaboration with the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce. Bridges magazine reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity or space availability, and to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the consent of the Publisher. ©Copyright 2022 by ADI Georgia. All rights reserved.

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A Bright Future Shorter University

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One of The Nation's Best Berry College

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Remaining True to Its Mission Georgia Highlands College

12 Increasing Skills & Opportunities Georgia Northwestern Technical College

14 Proud to Be A Part of The Pack Rome City Schools

16 Laser Focused on Academic Achievement Floyd County Schools

18 A Long Tradition of Education Georgia School for the Deaf

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Contact Advertising Dynamics, Inc. for information and advertising.

706.290.0202 or goodideas@adigeorgia.com

20 Our Private Schools

Unity Christian, St. Mary's and Darlington

24 A Plan for The Future Atrium Health Floyd

26 New Year, New Name AdventHealth Redmond

28 A Legacy of Caring Completely The Harbin Clinic

30 Dedication and Innovation Carney Family Dental

34 Continuing Care The Spires at Berry College

36 Adding to Rome's Cultural Richness The Three Rivers Singers

38 Thank You from Cassandra Wheeler

40 Networking 42 State Senate Summary Senator Chuck Hufstetler

32 No One Faces the Journey Alone Cancer Navigators 1 Riverside Parkway Rome, GA 30161 706.291.7663 adigeorgia.com

The future of healthcare

star ts here

Atrium Health Floyd — where the brightest minds in healthcare have come together to bring award-winning care to you — will elevate and strengthen the health and wellness of our community like never before.

s hort e r u n i v e rs i t y

A Bright Future Rapidly approaching its 150th academic year, Shorter University is moving forward toward an exciting future.

“In August 2022, Shorter will open our 150th year of offering an engaging academic experience,” said University President Dr. Don Dowless. “Degrees have been granted; lives have been changed; and we have the privilege of looking back over that time and celebrating many memories. This significant milestone is also important because it challenges us to look to the future.”

Learning Spaces Transformed Central to the University’s future-focus is its SUForward Campaign, which is raising support for student scholarships and transforming learning spaces on campus.

The most recent example is Shorter’s General Chemistry Lab, which was renovated this summer. The upgraded lab space features state-of-the-art fume hoods and equipment, hospital-grade floors with University branding, and dry erase walls for instruction. “The renovations resulted in a brand 4

new facility equal to any other facility at any other school,” Dr. Dowless said.

“It’s amazing to see the growth and the changes happening here,” said senior Ecology and Field Biology major and Chemistry minor Chip Williams. “The renovations give us a sense of pride in Shorter University and in the Science Department. The improved space helps us want to come to lab every day.”

The General Chemistry Lab is the fourth science lab Shorter has renovated since 2015. “The investment of donors is allowing us to build a new science building from the inside out while preserving the historic nature of Rome Hall,” Dr. Dowless said.

Another priority of the SUForward Campaign was the renovation of the University’s on-campus theatre, and Shorter celebrated the renovation and renaming of that space in 2019.

The renovated space is now the J.W. Tiscornia Studio Theatre adigeorgia.com

and is home to Shorter’s theatre, musical theatre and opera productions.

Athletic Facilities Upgraded The fall of 2021 also marked the completion of a trio of upgrades to facilities serving Shorter Athletics. Most notable is the installation of new turf at Shorter’s on-campus Ben Brady Field. The facility serves as home field for the men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s lacrosse teams as well as the practice facility for the football team.

“This is my fourth year playing soccer at Shorter,” senior Chemistry major Jackson Wheatley said. “The turf now is incredible. When you turn, you can feel the give that helps prevent injuries.”

“The new turf was very exciting for the women’s lacrosse team,” said senior Communication Studies major Cat Bloedow.

“We got to see firsthand how it helps us in game. With the new field, it’s able to bounce pass more easily. It just makes the game a lot better to play. Plus, the new design just looks cooler so we’re excited.” That new design features alternating shades of green every five yards, leading into Shorter blue end zones.

The University also completed a renovation of the athletic weight room and installed a new court in the Winthrop-King Centre, which serves as home court for volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball.

Hawks on Mission Businesses, churches, nonprofits, and families in Rome and Floyd County saw the impact of this focus through Shorter’s first-ever Hawks on Mission Day held in April 2021. Two Shorter University students had a vision to impact their community and worked with Shorter’s Christian Studies Department to organize a day of service.

The volunteers served at organizations including Open Door Home, Salvation Army, Ruth and Naomi House, Deeper Living Ministries, Unity Christian School, William S. Davies Homeless Shelter, Fellowship Baptist Church, and Sherwood Baptist Church. Some students also engaged in conversations with businesses on Broad Street, offering encouragement and prayer for business owners and employees impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Students commented that one of the most impactful service projects was painting a room for a single parent who attends one of the partner churches; the mom asked for more men to come to her house, so that her son could see some godly men who were willing and excited to serve.

Bloedow said, “Hawks on Mission was a day of sharing and living out the gospel! I wanted to be a part of this day because I believe that we students have a lot to offer this community physically and spiritually. I wanted to help put ‘Transforming Lives through Christ’ into action.”

Focus on the Future As Shorter University is preparing to celebrate a century and a half of academic excellence, its focus is on the future.

A Christ-Centered, Student-Focused Campus “We are excited because these SUForward projects enhance the student experience both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. We are making progress, and we are changing the face of the campus, and because of that students’ lives are being changed,” Dr. Dowless said.

“Our SUForward Campaign is about serving the students God has entrusted to us. Our motto is Transforming Lives through Jesus Christ. That transformation begins with the knowledge that we are made through the hands of a loving God. Each of our students is important, and we craft an academic experience that brings out their God-given talents so they can go and be a part of God’s work in transforming our world.” adigeorgia.com

“The 150th year of Shorter University is important,” Dr. Dowless said. “This milestone is important because it challenges us to look to the future. We have been the beneficiaries of people who were able to cast a vision and see that vision come to fruition. And now it is up to us. The next 150 years are significant because the opportunities are unknown. What the world will be is unknown, but we know that our God never changes, and this is His University.”

“We are proud to be this community’s longest-serving college or university, and we look forward to the next 150 years. We invite our community to join us as we move forward toward the future. If we continue to build a strong foundation, that which follows will be glorious.”

For more information visit shorter.edu.

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berry college

One of The Nation’s Best Welcoming record enrollment in 2021, Berry College continues to be ranked top in the nation for undergraduates.

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This year has welcomed a number of exciting changes at Berry College. Berry’s new $15.7 million state-of-the-art animal science building, funded entirely by donor support, opened its doors to students in the fall of 2021.

“The animal science major has been a nationally recognized, topperforming program for many years,” said Berry College President Steve Briggs, “and this remarkable facility provides a home that is comparable in excellence.” With animal science being the largest and most distinctive major at Berry, the 23,000-square-foot facility enhances teaching and research in animal health and production, including genetics, microbiology, and physiology.

Berry also welcomed record enrollment in 2021 and purchased a motel adjacent to Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum as a new housing complex for upper-level students. The Oak Hill Residences house 80 male and female students in 2-person units that each include a private bathroom and ample living space.

In 2022, Berry will open the new 80-room Fairfield Inn & Suites

by Marriott hotel adjacent to the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College. The hotel development aligns with the college’s focus on creating new revenue streams to support its educational mission, provide opportunities for student learning and employment, and contribute to the economic vitality of Rome.

“We’re excited for all the ways our community continues to grow,” said Berry President Dr. Steve Briggs, noting the opening of the Mount Berry Trail, the indoor tennis courts, and The Spires (retirement community). “When people come to Rome, we want them to have a memorable experience. We are excited to see how this project builds momentum for the tennis center and community.”

U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Princeton Review, and WSJ/Times Higher Education continued to rank Berry among the top colleges and universities. Berry’s service-learning programs are among the top 20 in the nation, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released today. U.S. News also named Berry #1 for best value, #1 for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, #5 most innovative schools, and #4 overall for regional universities in the South.

Princeton Review named Berry one of the 387 nation’s best institutions for undergraduates to earn their college degree. In addition, Berry appears on the following lists: “Best Southeastern” and “Green Colleges.”

And the 2021 Governor’s Honors Program, designed for gifted and talented high school students who are rising juniors and seniors, returned to Berry College for the fifth year in 2021. This 4-week program is the longest continuously running Governor’s Honors Program in the nation (57 years.)

For more information visit, berry.edu. adigeorgia.com

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Remaining True To Its Mission GEORGIA HIGHLANDS COLLEGE

Floyd Junior College, Floyd College, Georgia Highlands College – although the name has changed over the years, the mission of the college has remained true to its formation over 50 years ago: access to an affordable college degree geared toward a career.

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When David B. McCorkle was appointed as the first college president in 1970, the college had 19 faculty members who taught 545 students on a single 233-acre campus in Rome on U.S. Highway 27.

Decades later, GHC holds the second-highest enrollment among state colleges in Georgia, with more than 100 faculty members teaching more than 5,000 students across northwest Georgia at multiple sites. GHC also holds the second-highest economic impact among state colleges in Georgia, with a regional impact of nearly $170 million.

GHC has championship athletic teams in basketball, baseball, and softball. GHC continues to provide quality of excellence in all of its programs and pathways. And each year, the college expands its course offerings and degree offerings to ensure students in the surrounding communities have access to rapidly growing fields and careers at a low-cost rate that allows them to graduate with little to no debt after completion.

Four presidents have led the college over the last 50 years, and it’s currently headed by Interim President Dana Nichols.

The GHC motto for many years has stressed to students, faculty, and staff to “take charge.”

Throughout its 50-year history, GHC has done just that.

In the early 70s, the community called upon the college to create degree programs specific to area career needs. Programs including training paraprofessionals seeking careers in the nearby Georgia School for the Deaf, establishing a Regional Police Academy, and training the next generation of writers, publishers, and journalists with a direct link to the Georgia Press Association.

In the late 80s, GHC was chosen by the University System of Georgia to be one of the first colleges in the state to implement technology as a foundation for higher education learning with one of the very first computer literacy programs.

The college soon after added a dental hygiene program in the 90s to add to its healthcare offerings alongside nursing. In 1991, every nursing program graduate passed their licensure exam on the first attempt, starting a trajectory of near-perfect pass rates for nursing graduates for state exams for many years to come.

During the early 2000s, GHC expanded to multiple new sites and an ever-growing list of programs and paths for sought-after degrees.

(Continued on page 10)

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need for proficiency in digital skills in the building and construction industry – one of the fast-growing sectors with high-paying careers.

As a part of GHC’s collaboration with industry leaders, GHC will offer training on various software platforms at no additional cost to the students. Graduates will also complete their degree with several sought-after industry certificates, such as the SDS2 Estimator Certification, which teaches model-based estimating for realistic cost expectations.

In a recent Forbes article, it was estimated that “65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that don’t yet exist.”

Forbes also noted that GHC’s new program is one of the few in the country helping to “solve the construction labor shortage through ingenuity.”

Additional recent bachelor’s programs at GHC also aim to meet rising career needs with a career-focused curriculum, like GHC’s bachelor’s in logistics and supply chain management.

Vendors and purchasing, materials and warehousing, production and inventory control management – the business behind the business has become one of the most important aspects of nearly every type of company in the country.

The logistics and supply chain management bachelor’s takes a multifaceted approach in giving graduates of GHC’s program the skills they need to excel in the quickly expanding world of efficient logistics and supply chain operations.

At GHC, faculty are mindful of the skills employers need – such as time management, critical thinking, problemsolving, communication, leadership, and collaboration – but the faculty also work to “bridge the gap between textbook concepts and real-world practice.”

(Continued from page 9)

Today, the college continues to innovate and expand students’ options for “taking charge” of their future at GHC. The college now has over 40 areas of study with associate degree and bachelor’s degree options both in the classroom and online.

Building information modeling management is one of the newest bachelor’s degrees at GHC and is set to begin in spring 2022.

After working with business leaders and partnering with local industry leaders, GHC is working to meet the 10

Other programs in rising fields include film, healthcare management, entrepreneurship, and many more.

In an effort to provide more programs like this, GHC reorganized its academic areas into schools with a clear focus on innovative curriculum and local workforce needs. Those areas are the School of Business and Professional Studies, School of Health Sciences, School of Humanities, School of Social Sciences and Education, and School of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

To learn more about GHC, please visit highlands.edu for more information about any of GHC’s programs.

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RIGHT TIME. RIGHT PLACE. RIGHT PRICE. Now is your chance to take charge of your future at Georgia Highlands College! Find classes that work for your schedule, including remote, hybrid, and in-person options. Plus, GHC is one of the best and most affordable paths toward earning your college degree today!

Charge up your future or recharge your career by choosing from twoyear and four-year degrees in more than 40 areas of study including: • Business Administration • Education • Graphic Design • Sport Management • Building Information Modeling Management • and so much more!

n r a Le ! e r Mo

go.highlands.edu 706.802.5000

Increasing Skills & Opportunities

georgia northwestern technical college

The mission of Georgia Northwestern Technical College is to provide accessible, high-quality technical education and workforce development.

Since 1962, GNTC has done just that. The school has been instrumental in increasing the skills and opportunities for the citizens of northwest Georgia.

GNTC has six convenient campus locations in Catoosa, Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. These campuses serve nine counties, including Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield.

Programs of study include business, health, industrial, and public service. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma, or certificate for their studies.

This past year, 11,820 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit 12

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enrollment of 8,591 students. In addition, GNTC has an additional 3,229 people enrolled through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start.

Among the programs available at GNTC is the opportunity for high school students to participate in dual enrollment.

While still attending high school, students can take college courses taught by a GNTC instructor at any Georgia Northwestern Technical College campus or their high school.

Dual enrolled students receive credits toward both their high school graduation and a college degree at the same time.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College also has various noncredit options available through the Office of Economic Development, including continuing education courses, professional development courses, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start. Through GNTC’s Office of Adult Education, instructional areas include preparation for the high school equivalency test, adult secondary education, adult basic education, and English as a second language.

For more information regarding Georgia Northwestern Technical College, visit www.GNTC.edu or call 1-866-983-GNTC (4682).

GNTC Campus locations Catoosa County Campus 120 College Park Drive · Ringgold, Georgia 30736 706-965-1120 Floyd County Campus One Maurice Culberson Drive · Rome, Georgia 30161 706-295-6963 Gordon County Campus 1151 Hwy. 53 Spur · Calhoun, Georgia 30701 706-624-1100 Polk County Campus 466 Brock Road · Rockmart, Georgia 30153 770-684-5696 Walker County Campus 265 Bicentennial Trail · Rock Spring, Georgia 30739 706-764-3510 Whitfield Murray Campus 2310 Maddox Chapel Rd. · Dalton, Georgia 30721 706-272-2966

B e the f ir st r e s ponder.

B E E SSENTIAL. GNTC.edu

866-983 -4 682

GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an EOI.

rome cit y schools

Proud to Be A Part of The Pack Expanding horizons and discovering new paths are integral parts of an educational experience, an experience that not only lends the resources to learn but also lends the opportunity to transcend.

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The Wolves of Rome City Schools belong to a Pack that doesn’t just survive – they thrive. Fiercely dedicated to excellence and motivated by an unwavering sense of solidarity, for each other and their community, the RCS experience is packed with opportunity, support, and pride.

The RCS system consists of six elementary schools, one middle, one high school, and the Phoenix Performance Learning Center (PLC). The PLC offers students a blended learning environment, early graduation, mentorship, and assistance in getting ready for college, the military, or work. Completing the other pieces of the Pack are Rome High School’s state of the art College and Career Academy, and a Virtual Learning Academy that has extended educational options for all RCS students, K-12, during an unprecedented time.

Quality academics, athletics, and arts are the solid foundation from which the system builds an award-winning educational curriculum for the 6,500 students enrolled.

Throughout the system there are three STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) certified schools, over 25 AP (Advanced Placement) course offerings, and 30+ Career, Technical, and Agricultural (CTAE) pathways that offer students countless opportunities to explore new subjects and skills and discover new interests. These offerings are continuously growing as well, providing numerous opportunities to students, no matter the interest. RCS also offers 1:1 K-12 technology, ensuring that all students are given top-notch resources to work efficiently and effectively.

RCS has recently achieved high scoring in accordance with the Cognia Accreditation Process. This process, reviewing performance and engagement, examines the whole institution to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of students. Results are reported on a scale of 100 to 400, and RCS earned a system IEQ (Index of Education Quality) Cognia score of 381.6 out of 400; the highest possible score in 30 out of 31 standards.

The state of Georgia recorded an increase in SAT scores for 2021 despite the impact of a pandemic. While Georgia’s mean score of 1077 exceeded the nation’s average, Rome High School students took excellence a step further, exceeding the state’s average as well. The mean SAT score for RHS was 1100. RHS’s mean score for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) portion of the test was 555 - nine points above Georgia’s average, and their mean for the Math portion was 545 - 14 points above state average. adigeorgia.com

As of 2021, RCS boasts a 92.9 percent graduation rate and a student body that is as diverse as it is dedicated.

The RCS system strives to engage and embrace community partnerships; maintaining engagement and collaboration with a number of organizations that benefit the development and assess the needs (both academic and nonacademic) of students and their families. Partners include Atrium Health Floyd, Communities in Schools, and Helping Hands Ending Hunger, to name a few. The CCA houses altruistic missions on site with a stocked food pantry and a medical clinic; advised by Floyd professionals, operated by students.

This particular Pack is always aspiring to be the best versions of themselves that they can possibly be. Incentivized initiatives are practiced throughout the elementary schools to encourage and celebrate positive behavior, kindness, and compassion among the students.

All Rome City elementary schools have created Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) programs in which each grade level earns school-specific points when demonstrating good behavior and each nine weeks faculty and staff celebrate those efforts with special movie nights, inflatables, extra recess time and other fun activities.

The faculty, staff, administration and students of RCS are proud to be part of the Pack. The signature red and gold colors are worn with immense pride, not just when Friday night lights illuminate the night sky, but in every hallway of every school, every day.

There is no greater testament to the impact of RCS than when their investment in a student comes full circle. Within the system, there are a great number of faculty, staff, and administrators who were brought up Wolves, and to Wolf nation they have returned. They return to give back, to pay respect, and to become a part of that influential impact that embraces and empowers students.

The diligent team of faculty, staff, and administration at RCS never stop preparing for the future. As a system, they are in a constant state of forward focus, with the utmost determination to always be improving, for the sake of the students, the faculty and staff, and the Rome-Floyd community as a whole.

For more information, visit rcs.rome.ga.us.

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floyd count y schools

Laser Focused on Academic Achievement

The Floyd County School system is laser-focused on academic achievement. Superintendent Dr. Glenn White said the pain the system has experienced with the need to close four elementary schools has been vindicated, at least in part, but the system continues to experience success in the classroom.

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shift to remote learning, which White said is not nearly as effective as face-to-face in-person classroom instruction.

Superintendent White said the data from Milestones, end of course and end of grade tests are all improving steadily.

The graduation rate has been climbing in recent years, and the Class of ’21 rate was 94.1%, but White and the Floyd County Board of Education won’t be satisfied until it reaches 100%.

If there is a silver lining to the pandemic, it is the massive amount of money, nearly $30 million, that the federal government has pumped into the schools through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Our objective is not to be good, but to be great,” White said. He believes the future is looking brighter every day. The superintendent points to that 94.1% rate that comes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the system to

“We’ve invested in instructional coaches to ensure that our students are caught up,” White said. The instructional coaches will be in all of the schools. Some of the schools in lower-income areas have had additional instructional coaches adigeorgia.com

in the past, but now the system is devoting the lion’s share of its federal aid money to enhancing classroom instruction.

Late in October, the system announced that teachers would receive a $1,000 supplement to their November check from the CARES Act money.

Each year 15 Floyd County students compete to represent the school system at the Governor's Honors program. This special summer program is for students who have shown special interest in fields of study ranging from biology and chemistry to communicative arts and social studies.

The school system also features a dual enrollment program which allows eligible students to take college classes while still enrolled in high school. These classes count for both high school and college credit. Generally, high school students who complete dual enrollment classes take fewer classes in college and save money on total college costs. Floyd County Schools currently has approximately 376 students enrolled in 159 unique dual enrollment courses, some also doubling as AP courses, saving parents over a million dollars in future college tuition this year alone. These courses are being taken online and on FCS and local college campuses.

By 2026, White suspects the system will fall below 8,000. At one point, not too many years ago, enrollment was over 10,000. That has forced the Board of Education to make tough decisions to close Midway and McHenry Elementary Schools.

In addition, Glenwood and Cave Spring will close next year.

Those decisions were not made lightly. White is acutely aware of the importance of community but believes the decisions have been made in the best interest of the entire school system over the long term.

“The most expensive schools to run are high schools, but I do not favor closing any high school,” White said. He fully understands that generations of families have come through the schools across the Pepperell, Coosa, Model, and Armuchee school districts.

“We’re going to have to look at more decisions as far as the number of schools we have,” White said.

A new instructional framework is being implemented across the system as well. That framework involves the creation of learning targets that relate specifically to individual lesson plans.

The system has made some adjustments to maximize the use of facilities, including a decision to house students from grades 7-12 at Armuchee High School. Armuchee Elementary will house pre-K through second grade. The current Armuchee Middle will house grades 3-6.

“We expect to see some high academic gains in the next couple of years,” White said.

Alto Park, Garden Lakes, Johnson, and Model Elementary Schools will be pre-K through fourth grade.

Another key objective for the system as it looks to the future is the desire to create a connection to school for that increasingly small percentage of students who are not graduating with the rest of their classmates.

The Pepperell district will see pre-K-first grade at Pepperell Primary. Pepperell Elementary School will be grades 2-4.

Coosa, Pepperell, and Model Middle Schools will house grades 5-7.

“If they didn’t participate in athletics, if they weren’t in the band, if they didn’t do some sort of extracurricular activity of some kind, chorus, drama, whatever, then we tend to lose those kids,” White said. “If you connect to a kid, have a relationship with them, generally speaking, more than likely that child is going to graduate from school.”

White and the school board are also hoping to increase teacher pay. “We ought to be able to compete with everybody across Northwest Georgia. My goal would be to be THE top paying school system across Northwest Georgia,” White said.

However, tough decisions like school closures are going to continue to confront system leadership.

The connection needs to start in pre-K and continue throughout the youngster’s school career.

“We’ve got to take the money we’ve got and invest it in our staff, in our teachers and in our students instead of investing money in a roof or HVAC system and invest it in people which in my opinion are more important than buildings.”

The number of children in the Floyd County School System has declined over the last five to eight years. The 2021-2022 eighth and ninth graders are healthy in numbers, but when you look down through the elementary schools, the numbers are falling off. adigeorgia.com

For more information visit, floydboe.net.

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A Long Tradition of Education georgia school for the deaf

Tucked away in picturesque Vann’s Valley in Cave Spring is one of the most unique schools in Georgia. The Georgia School for the Deaf (GSD) is the state’s only residential school for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

Established in 1846, GSD is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year! When GSD opened its doors, there were four students and one teacher, Mr. O.P. Fannin. Fannin and his students didn’t know they were the first step in what has become a long tradition of education, but we look back on them with gratitude.

Any school that’s been around for 175 years has experienced many changes—and has seen some things come full circle.

GSD is a bilingual school; our two languages are American Sign Language (ASL) and English. You might think this makes GSD classes function like what you might see in a world language class such as Spanish. But that’s not quite the case. In a Spanish class, you hear Spanish spoken, and you see Spanish written—all the same language. In GSD’s classes, you see ASL signed and English written—two different languages! American Sign Language is a natural language with its own grammar and vocabulary that is different than English. GSD students learn both languages while taking all their required courses.

Classes taught in ASL haven’t always been the case, however.

In the late 1800s-early 1900s, signed languages were looked 18

down upon by educators, and most schools for deaf children, including GSD, banned signing. Instead, students were taught in the oral method, which focuses on speechreading (lipreading) and the use of speech and listening. While some people with hearing loss can successfully learn via speaking and listening/speechreading, others struggle. Fortunately, we know today that a “one size fits all” approach to education is ineffective and that Deaf culture, which includes ASL, is a rich and valued tradition. GSD’s mission statement reflects our belief in the value of ASL and Deaf culture: “All GSD students will graduate with a positive Deaf identity as bilinguals in American Sign language and English and will be prepared for successful life choices.”

Deaf identity? Deaf culture? These terms might be unfamiliar, but they are of great importance at GSD. Like most cultures, language plays a central role in Deaf culture.

We live in an auditory world and being deaf can be isolating due to language barriers. Deaf culture arose in residential schools where deaf people were finally able to be fully included without barriers. As such, Deaf culture continues to value educating deaf children in ASL and English. Deaf culture includes the arts, history, films, organizations, and adigeorgia.com

unique visual communication features. Many deaf and hard of hearing people identify proudly with Deaf culture and consider being Deaf a key element of who they are—those who do, use the capitalized D in Deaf to show they are proud to be Deaf and value their culture.

GSD is special in many ways, but in other ways, we are just like other schools across the state. GSD serves students in grades Pre-K to 12. We are one of three schools run by the Division of State Schools of the Georgia Department of Education. We are a public school for a specialized population—there are no tuition costs or fees for educational services, lodging, or meals. Local school systems provide transportation from a student’s home to GSD or to Macon, where a charter bus furnished by GSD transports students who live south of Atlanta to and from the GSD campus.

GSD follows the same state-mandated learning standards as other public schools and students take state-mandated assessments, as well as some local assessments.

GSD has dorms that allow us to educate students from across the state. Most of our students live on campus in dorms during the week and return home on weekends to be adigeorgia.com

with their families. Some students who live locally travel to and from school daily. We have enrichment activities such as robotics and our own print shop, GSD Apparel, which makes GSD-branded clothing and many other items. We recently opened a student-run café. GSD offers after-school activities, such as sports and other fun activities, like eating out or seeing a movie. We have chapters of national organizations such as Beta Club and Jr. National Association of the Deaf. Students can compete in Deaf-friendly events such as Academic Bowl and Battle of the Books. Residential life serves to continue and strengthen Deaf culture, help students develop a positive Deaf identity, promote language development, leadership, and independence.

GSD is proud of our long history and the work we do to help GSD students have good, successful lives after graduation.

If you want more information about GSD, you can contact GSD Superintendent Leslie Jackson at lejackson@doe.k12.ga.us or Family & Community Engagement Coordinator Marie Dickinson at mdickinson@doe.k12.ga.us or 706.331.6314.

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unit y christian school

Unity Christian School is a private, co-educational, college preparatory school that serves approximately 350 students in grades Pre-K3 through 12.

Partnering with families in shaping the hearts and minds of their children is at the core of Unity’s mission. Unity provides a holistic education focusing on four pillars: academics, arts, athletics, and spiritual formation. Students are challenged to achieve their potential in a rigorous but caring environment from the court to the classroom.

Unity’s curriculum focuses on educating the whole child, providing early literacy and numeracy instruction, as well as physical education, art, music, Spanish, and sign language for preschool and elementary students. Middle and high school students are challenged to develop critical thinking skills through engagement with foundational texts and ideas. With both AP and Dual Enrollment offerings, Unity’s curriculum prepares students for college and beyond. Most importantly, throughout each class, students are reminded that they are made with a purpose by a God who loves them.

Enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year is already underway. For more information about Unity Christian School, visit www.unitychristianschool.org.

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s a i n t m a r y ’s c at h o l i c s c h o o l

Since 1945, Saint Mary’s Catholic School has provided excellence in education, together with a loving Christian environment, for students in PreK 3 through 8th grade. Children thrive in our atmosphere that nurtures their faith and instills cherished values such as respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness, and self-confidence. Within the halls of Saint Mary’s, you will find enthusiastic students supported by loving, certified teachers and staff serving as their scholastic and spiritual guides.

While Saint Mary’s is not quite a century old, the model of Catholic education is rooted in 2000 years of Catholic tradition, where Jesus Christ is the model teacher.

At the forefront of our rigorous curriculum is the acclaimed Orton-Gillingham reading method, rounded out with a complete academic program that includes music, art, Spanish, technology, physical education, and library for every student.

A wide variety of extracurriculars fulfill our mission to educate the mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, Saint Mary’s has a 13:1 student to teacher ratio and is fully accredited through Cognia, formerly Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Our outstanding preschool program has been recognized for the past three years as the “Best of Rome” As a full-day program, with optional before and after school care, preschool at Saint Mary’s is a great fit for working parents and a wonderful introduction to the school.

Saint Mary’s is pleased to offer financial aid, and the aid application process begins on the school website at www.smsrome.org on January 1, 2022, with a deadline of February 18. All faiths are welcome at Saint Mary’s, and personal tours are encouraged to give families a true picture of the ways in which students live the school motto: “Show Courage, Seek Wisdom, and Share the Love of God.” For more information, visit smsrome.org.

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DARLINGTON school

Here at Darlington, every student’s path is different. We think that’s a good thing.

Our college-preparatory, skills-based curriculum focuses on active learning inside and outside the classroom, providing an individualized learning experience for every student in our care. We offer academic and extracurricular explorations designed to stretch you and these are led by teachers who are exceptionally accessible.

Starting in our earliest grades, our artists bloom, mathematicians power up, athletes excel, makers create, leaders inspire, writers express, and musicians rock! Whether we are conducting experiments, learning to code, speaking a new language, building a set, scoring a goal, or mentoring a younger student, we are applying the skills we are learning so that we can all be confident contributors to our school, our community, and our world.

Day and boarding students alike experience what it’s like to be part of a global community where they can make their mark. Live and learn alongside classmates from around the country and the world who welcome you, respect you and value your friendship.

Choose Darlington, and you’ll graduate with the confidence, connections, and compassion you need to succeed in college and in life.

Learn more about the admission process, and our recent tuition rebalance by requesting a personal campus tour at www.darlingtonschool.org/visit or contacting admission@darlingtonschool.org.

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at r i u m h e a lt h f l o y d

A HISTORY OF CARING AND

A Plan for The Future

Floyd Medical Center has been Rome’s birthplace for almost 80 years, since 1942.

Since then, more than 150,000 babies have been born at the hospital – more than 75 percent of the population of the hospital’s four-county primary service area.

Kurt Stuenkel, President and CEO of Atrium Health Floyd, has guided the organization’s culture and strategy for the past 25 years, since 1996. Under his leadership, Floyd Medical Center has grown from a single county hospital to a medical hub with three hospitals totaling 389 beds that also includes a behavioral health center, primary care physician offices, eight urgent care centers and numerous outpatient services. Atrium 24

Health Floyd also is an economic force in the community and is the region’s largest employer with more than 3,400 teammates, and has an economic impact approaching $1 billion.

Most recently, Stuenkel facilitated the merger of Floyd with Atrium Health, a Charlotte, N.C.-based not-for-profit system of 40 hospitals and more than 70,000 employees. That adigeorgia.com

decision, Stuenkel said, was important to ensure and assure the communities Atrium Health Floyd serves will have access to quality health care for future generations.

Asked what he considers the most notable change in his 25 years at the helm, he replied that it is difficult to name just one.

“When you drive by you see the facilities change,” Stuenkel said. “but we have achieved much more than new facilities.

But, speaking of facilities, we reoriented the whole campus.

When I came here in 1981, this was not an attractive corner and area. At that time, we had lots of properties all around us that were run-down buildings and older houses. We transformed the entire area and played a leading role in the vision for even more development.”

“There is a lot of interest in the whole area around us. We started that renaissance by acquiring properties, taking down old structures, and putting this good-looking campus here.

We have wonderful facilities. Visitors and people who walk in our facilities and on our campus regularly tell us that. And, we reply, ‘Thank you! We worked hard to make it happen.”

An Expanding Footprint When the doors to Floyd County Hospital first opened on July 4, 1942, the hospital was located exactly where it sits today–at the corner of Turner McCall Boulevard and North Second Avenue. Over the next decade the five-wing, pavilion-style structure grew to seven wings with 121 beds, five operating rooms, two delivery rooms and a nursery. And, by 1956, a four-story addition brought the total number of patient beds to 180.

Since then, Floyd Medical Center’s main hospital campus has expanded to cover two city blocks that now includes the 304-bed hospital, two parking decks, 330 Physicians Center, the Medical Office Building that houses administrative offices, a Floyd Primary Care practice, the Preoperative Evaluation Clinic and specialty nursing services; the northeast wing, originally built to house a long-term acute care hospital, and the Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren M.D., Cancer Center, which also houses The Breast Center at Floyd and Cancer Navigators.

An important change as the main hospital campus grew was the reorientation of the main entrance to Floyd Medical Center. For more than 60 years, the hospital’s main entrance faced Turner McCall Boulevard, but the facility was landlocked on that side and parking was limited. In 2004, a new main entrance opened, facing West Fifth Street, a 180-degree switch that served as a physical representation of a culture shift that had happened under Stuenkel’s direction. adigeorgia.com

The Atrium Health Floyd footprint also has expanded far beyond the main campus in Rome. Atrium Health Floyd operates and constructed a new hospital, Polk Medical Center in Cedartown. The system also operates Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Ala. The organization has primary care offices or urgent care centers in Adairsville, Armuchee, Calhoun, Cartersville, Cedartown, Centre, Ala., Piedmont, Ala., Rockmart and Summerville. Floyd Corporate Health oversees the school nurse programs for the Rome City, Floyd County and Polk County school systems, and Floyd Physical Therapy and Rehab has placed athletic trainers in high schools across the region.

In addition, Atrium Health Floyd just announced its latest service that will improve care and outcomes for residents of the area. “If approved by the State of Georgia, we plan to construct a free-standing emergency department in Chattooga County.

This new service will provide around the clock emergency room services for residents who currently have to travel many miles to an emergency room.

The new freestanding emergency department will be located next to Walmart on U.S. Highway 27. This will provide convenient and easy access to residents traveling from any point in the county. An option to purchase this property has been signed. The facility will provide emergency care services and include six treatment rooms along with onsite laboratory and imaging services, including x-ray and a computed tomography (CT) scanner. The new facility is projected to cost $18.5 million and create 40 jobs for the community.

A Unique Culture Internally, under Stuenkel’s leadership, Atrium Health Floyd is focused on service behaviors that engender an environment of care that is people-focused and supportive of employees.

An indication of the strength of that culture is employee engagement results that have regularly scored the organization in the top 10% in the nation. Fifteen years ago, Atrium Health Floyd also introduced Lean Six Sigma, a process improvement and waste elimination effort that has positioned the system as an organization that embraces change, looks for synergies and efficiencies and shares responsibility for improvement across the organization.

The Atrium Health Floyd culture served the organization well when one of the first identified COVID-19 positive patients east of the Mississippi River came to the emergency room in February 2020. Atrium Health Floyd was among the first in the nation to tackle the new and emerging methods to face the pandemic. As the number of positive patients rose, the hospital quickly converted the bottom floor of a two(Continued on page 44)

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a d v e n t h e a lt h r e d m o n d

New Year, New Name Redmond Regional Medical Center will turn the calendar in 2022 as AdventHealth Redmond.

It’s not the first time the name has been tweaked since the hospital joined the Rome healthcare community years ago.

First, in the summer of 1972 as Redmond Park Hospital, then it became Redmond Regional Medical Center in the late 1980s.

One of the early objectives for the new administration at Redmond involves planning for a 50th anniversary celebration in 2022. Mike Murrill, president and CEO for the AdventHealth Southeast Region, will also lead Redmond 26

as president and CEO. Murrill has been a part of the AdventHealth leadership team for nearly 20 years in markets ranging from Denver to Chicago, Florida, and Georgia. He says that the core of AdventHealth is the desire to serve the physical needs of patients and their emotional and spiritual needs. “That probably sounds jargony, but it’s not,’ Murrill said, ‘I’ve seen it play out in a lot of ways uniquely with patients that come through our doors. When you think about somebody as beyond just as a patient, but as a human being adigeorgia.com

and a person who has a family and connections and needs that far exceeds their physical needs, we have an opportunity to connect to them in a much greater way.’”

Murrill said he’s already witnessed the values of the AdventHealth system in the employees at Redmond after just a few weeks in his new post. “The team has embraced those elements of AdventHealth readily,” Murrill said. As part of the Florida-based AdventHealth system, the Rome hospital is the largest facility in the AdventHealth Southeast Region, including Calhoun, Chatsworth, Hendersonville, N.C., and Manchester, KY. The 230-bed hospital and related facilities in the Rome area will add approximately 1,500 employees to the AdventHealth system.

Redmond has been listed among the top 100 hospitals in the nation based on outcomes in health care reported data.

It has been a leader in healthcare throughout its long history.

The region’s first total knee replacement was performed in 1974. The area’s first open-heart surgery was performed at Redmond in 1986. In 1990, Redmond was selected as the pilot hospital in Georgia to administer the clot-busting drug Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the pre-hospital setting. tPA is now commonly used as part of rapid stroke intervention protocols offering a much greater chance for a positive outcome following a stroke. The hospital has received Joint Commission accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center of Excellence.

medical situations that need to leave our community unless it is something very specific that would go to a children's hospital or a burn unit in another part of the state," Murriell said.

However, he considers mental health as an opportunity for Redmond to play an increased role in the future. “I don’t know if I have the right answer today, but I know it’s a challenge for our community like it is for every community,” he said.

Improved access to health care is also an objective for AdventHealth in the future. With a regional health care system with nearby hospitals in Calhoun and Chatsworth, Murrill believes there is an opportunity for synergy between physicians and the different facilities across the region. “It goes even beyond physicians. It’s how do we work together to provide the support services that we need? What’s the best practice that is working in one facility and how can we leverage that (across the system)?” Murrill said. Being wise and thoughtful about the desire to keep care in the community where people are and reduce the need to drive long ways to get the best care is also a priority.

Each year the hospital recognizes people who have gone the extra mile to make Rome and Floyd County a better community through the Heart of the Community Awards program. “I’ve already been meeting with folks involved in that planning for this year’s event and planning toward an in-person event again instead of virtual,” Murrill said. He wants to make sure that the hospital team shows up wherever the community needs surface. "I know the health of the community is bigger than the hospital," Murrill said.

Early on in the AdventHealth acquisition of Redmond, the new leadership has been working to make sure that clinical facilities are up to date and technology on the cutting edge, whether that relates to orthopedics, cardiology, or any other specialty services offered at Redmond. “The infrastructure of the hospital continues to be updated and then building out the technology for our clinicians, surgeons, and other providers,” Murrill said.

Looking to the future, AdventHealth plans to build on services already available at Redmond, both at the clinical level and the latest in state-of-the-art technology. The new administration at Redmond understands that Rome is a very strong medical community already. "There aren't many adigeorgia.com

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harbin clinic

A Legacy of Caring Completely Celebrating Harbin Clinic's Past & Looking Ahead to the Future

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The roots of Rome’s Harbin Clinic were planted in the Coosa Valley 150 years ago. Dr. Wylie Harbin moved his family from South Carolina to Northwest Georgia in 1871 and set up a medical practice in Gordon County, near Calhoun.

In 1908, the Harbin Hospital was organized in Rome by two of his sons, Dr. Robert M. Harbin and Dr. William P. Harbin. Less than a decade later, a new four-story hospital was built adjacent to the original building near the First Presbyterian Church.

Fast forward more than a century, and not to overstate the obvious, but the Harbin Clinic, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ed McBride, doesn’t look anything like it did when it was founded. "As we continue to grow, it's a priority that we remain good stewards of the legacy established before us. It's important that we carry the clinic's founding principles with us into the future and yet, continue to innovate so we can best care for our patients."

If there is a silver lining to the pandemic of the last two years, it has furthered the use of telemedicine as a tool for providing care to patients. “I think that there are other ways that healthcare is likely to evolve that we can’t even fathom right now based on where technology is,” McBride said.

However, many of the physicians in the clinic have latched on to technologies to provide care that better met both their needs and their patient’s needs.

“I don’t think in any way telemedicine will supplant the provision of care face to face, it's a great tool to have in our toolbox,” Dr. McBride said.

Harbin CEO Kenna Stock said that the pandemic has accentuated a lot of innovation operationally. She said that other administrators have done a lot of work around how the clinic operates most effectively, not only with technology or other tools, but also caring for their people, who she considers the most important resource at the Harbin Clinic.

new physicians in 2021. These physicians care for patients at multiple locations throughout Northwest Georgia in primary care and specialty practices. "The next generation is coming along to care for people and it's evident that they have a heart for service," said Stock. "These talented new physicians have the opportunity to work in an advanced and collaborative medical community while simultaneously experiencing the benefits and joys of a small town." Additionally, she shared that the clinic plans to continue office renovations and expansions to provide more enhanced and seamless visits for their patients.

McBride said the way patients experience healthcare is more collaborative and he shared that the longstanding partnerships with regional healthcare systems will continue to be an important benefit for patients.

“We’ll always be trying to keep pace with technology, making sure that the equipment that we have in place is best in class and providing the best equipment to take care of our patients,” said Stock.

Harbin Clinic is a unique entity in the healthcare industry today in that it is physician-owned, physician-led, physiciangoverned, and professionally managed. Stock shared that this operational model allow physicians to be engaged with the clinic's daily decisions and direction and helps them recruit outstanding young physicians to take the clinic into its next 150 years.

The day-to-day decisions about patient care and long-term decisions related to the clinic’s future are vested in the physicians who are involved in every aspect of the clinic’s operations.

The Board of Directors includes nine primary care and specialty physicians and President and Chairman of the Board, Ken Davis, M.D. Physicians lead much of the managerial leadership from technology to finance and hospital relationships supported by a professional administrative staff.

“I think that there are some new and novel ways, even new job descriptions that are emerging out of the issues that have surfaced during the pandemic,” Stock said. McBride added that some of the new emerging positions provide an opportunity for some folks who didn’t have a background in healthcare education or advanced degrees to get into healthcare and maybe a launching point for a healthcare career.

The Greater Rome community gives new medical professionals proximity to many of the benefits of city life. Whether that’s Atlanta, Chattanooga, or even Birmingham to a lesser degree, it is attractive to people. “Most of these individuals have trained in big cities and have decided that they want to establish new roots in a smaller town like Rome. That is the one thing that Dr. McBride and I hear over and over again,” Stock said.

CEO Stock said that she feels employees at the clinic’s main office at 1825 Martha Berry Boulevard probably feel like there is always something going on to make the facility a better experience for both employees and patients.

The clinic, which has more than 250 healthcare providers spread across more than 40 specialties at 21 locations, has added 11 new physicians this year, almost twice as many as they do in a typical year.

Discussing growth, Stock shared that the clinic welcomed 11 adigeorgia.com

For more information, visit harbinclinic.com 29

Dedication and Innovation CARNEY family DENTAL

Carney Family Dental is steeped in history and blazing a trail to the future.

In the mid-50s, the first dental practice opened at 15 Professional Court. Through the years, the practitioners and owners may have changed; however, the dedication of those who serve has remained steadfast.

The practice is owned and operated by Dr. Kyle Carney. He is a native Roman and graduated from Model High School and Shorter University. Carney received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia. After joining the practice in 2006, he purchased the business from the previous owner in 2017.

In 2020, Dr. Stephan Drescher joined the practice. He is a native of Atlanta and is a graduate of Georgia Tech. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY Good dental health is vital to a person’s overall health.

Doctors Carney and Drescher recognize how technology leads to better dentistry and, as a result, improves one’s quality of life. “There have been tremendous advances in the field in the last three to four years that impact the quality of services and results.” So, in addition to traditional dentistry, they are committed to bringing their patients state-of-theart procedures and services.

At Carney Family Dental, they employ three-dimensional panoramic x-ray. These advanced x-rays enable the development of precise treatment protocols. The detailed images also help the patient understand the diagnoses and treatments.

Another technological advancement utilized is digital intraoral scanners that have replaced traditional impressions used for procedures like crowns and bridges. The measurements and images are remarkably fast and accurate resulting in more comfort for the patient and a more precise fit.

One of the most impactful changes in dentistry has been the advancement of dental implants. Missing or damaged teeth affect a person’s appearance and ability to eat and lead to bone loss. At Carney Family Dental, dental implant techniques are available for single or multiple tooth replacements. They are also used to stabilize bridges, crowns, and even dentures.

For those who feel fear and anxiety, at Carney Dental, they can employ sedation dentistry options to comfort the patient. The options include Nitrous Oxide, a mild form of sedation that offers an anxiety reduction and has a quick

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recovery time. For patients requiring moderate or conscious sedation, IV Sedation is available. Medication is administered intravenously for the fastest onset and is a very safe procedure with vital signs continuously monitored.

For patients looking for teeth straightening options, SureSmile® aligners are a wonderful solution. These clear aligners offer improved, healthier smiles with treatment times ranging from under one year to three years. Made in America, SureSmile® provides a confidence boost many patients are looking for.

In early 2022, they will open a Dental Spa Room for innovative skin treatments. One of the latest skin tightening treatments they will offer is TempSure ENVI. With highfrequency ultrasound technology, existing collagen is broken down, and the generation of new collagen is created. The new collagen features tight, dense, and neatly organized, resulting in tighter, younger-looking skin. In addition, the treatment is described as pain-free by 99% of patients and results in little to no downtime. In addition, they will be offering Botox treatments.

KEY TO SUCCESS The practice features three general dental rooms, two surgical suites, and four hygiene rooms. Even with all of the investment in both the facility and technology, the company’s number one asset is the 15 employees. The staff currently serves approximately 3500 patients aged from under 4-years old to over 100. Since services may continue throughout a person’s life, a relationship is built and friendships formed. This dedication by the staff ensures a warm, friendly environment where patients can feel comfortable and confident in the care they receive.

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C A N C E R N AV IG ATOR S

No One Faces The Journey Alone When a patient faces a cancer diagnosis, not only will they find superior treatment at the Harbin Clinic Tony E. Warren, M.D. Cancer Center, they will find a magnitude of support for themselves and their families that will help bring peace to their journey. Cancer Navigators is a community-based nonprofit organization that works to help patients understand their diagnosis and treatment while providing needed resources.

Established in 2006, Cancer Navigators serves patients in the six-county northwest Georgia counties, including Floyd, Chattooga, Polk, Bartow, Whitfield, and Gordon and Cherokee County in northeast Alabama. As each case is different, a patient’s needs are assessed, and a personalized plan is created.

Fundraising and Outreach Coordinator, Sarah Husser, says, “Many of the challenges patients face are addressed through the services provided by Cancer Navigators. For example, two of the most common issues are transportation and nutrition. Cancer Navigators has assistance for both.” One of the greatest barriers to cancer care is transportation. As a result, the organization provides gas cards and bus vouchers to help patients get to their appointments. Patients facing treatment also have access to a fully stocked supply room.

The room includes liquid nutrition, which is vital to keeping patients healthy throughout their treatments. They will also find personal care items, medical supplies for illness-related care, scarfs, blankets, hats, and even wigs. All available at no charge. In addition to liquid nutrition from the patient care room, referrals are made to local food pantries and resources 32

are available for one-on-one nutrition counseling with a registered dietitian for patients undergoing treatment.

Other services include Social Support Services, which assist patients with insurance and financial services, helping patients navigate and understand insurance, healthcare, and financial support programs. A Complementary Care Program uses massage, acupressure, music therapy, and stress management techniques to benefit the patient.

A licensed clinical social worker is available for individual counseling services to support the whole patient. In 2021, over 1,000 sessions were held with patients. In addition, there are opportunities for day and multi-day retreats offered through the Transformational Retreat Series. Weekly, there are patient support group meetings dedicated to Stress Management.

There is also Caregiver Support to help those who care for those undergoing treatment. Recently, these have been offered virtually and in-person as conditions have allowed.

Many citizens and businesses of Rome and Floyd County generously donate to the group. Cancer Navigators has been an affiliate of Atrium Health Floyd since 2016 as they recognized the positive impact of the organization, and due to their support, monetary donations from supporters go directly to patient care and provide relief and hope to patients and their caregivers. They also accept in-kind donations, including products used in the patient supply room. Husser shares, “The community support is overwhelming, allowing us to serve more individuals. While many of the items we receive are purchased, some talented artists supply us with crocheted or knitted hats and blankets. Our patients love those items. They help them feel the love and support of the community at large.”

For more information regarding the services of Cancer Navigators, visit CancerNavigatorsGA.org or call 706.509.5040.

“Cancer navigators was founded with the goal of addressing the whole person— body, mind, heart— as they face the cancer journey. Each patient has unique challenges. Some will need help with their physical and financial needs, especially while undergoing therapy. Some will need an emotional outlet and support from others who have walked the path before. Some will seek ways to transform their lives toward better health in order to move forward. Cancer Navigators is dedicated to meeting each individual where they are, such that no one has to journey alone.”

Matt Mumber, Harbin Clinic Radiation Oncologist and Cancer Navigators Board Member adigeorgia.com

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t h e s p i r e s at b e r r y c o l l e g e

Continuing Care An idea conceived years before and put into action in 2016, The Spires at Berry College is one of Rome’s newest additions that brings beauty and a wonderful residence to the area.

In 2005, the board members at Berry College began to consider constructing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) on the college’s campus. A few colleges have a CCRC associated with the school, but Berry leads the forefront of having a CCRC on the campus grounds. From the very beginning, the goal of The Spires at Berry College was to unite the atmosphere of college life with those who are retired and give college students the opportunity to work while attending the university. When asked about the vision of The Spires, Jill Trapp, Director of Sales and Marketing, said, “It was the vision of Berry College, they wanted a place for alumni to come, but, of course, you don’t have to be alumni, most of our residents aren’t alumni. They wanted our residents, who are professionals, who had great careers and fun and interesting lives to be able to mentor the college students.” She praised the relationship that the Spires staff has, which, during the school year, consist of around 70% Berry students, “It has been a blessing to watch the residents with the students. You see the engineering student, who finds the engineer and they bond over, what did you do for a living? How did you know what type of engineering to do?”

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Also located within The Spires at Berry College is Magnolia Place, a Healthcare Center comprised of Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing & Short-Term Rehabilitation. Designed to reflect The Spires’ resort-style life and culture, Magnolia Place consists of selections of private living spaces. It offers the same caliber of amenities, services, and social spaces offered at The Spires.

Magnolia Place completes the CCRC structure, as the continuum of care can be fulfilled no matter what health concerns arise. Additionally, Magnolia Place is structured to serve as an excellent learning opportunity for nursing students at Berry College, who can complete a multitude of rotations and credits by directly caring for and serving their residents.

Not only is the goal of The Spires amiable and good for the community, but the CCRC adds another beautiful and economic zone for the Rome-Floyd area. Located on the remnants of the old limestone quarry, the Spires overlooks the gorgeous Eagle Lake and Lavender Mountain. It is a sublime and relaxing environment that is not lacking in activities. The Spires offers an array of clubs, events, and activities to satisfy the needs of the residents. The community features a fitness program, salon, salt-water heated pool, art studio, and even a fishing dock!

In addition, they have hosted a murder-mystery dinner theater, talent shows, and even Rome Little Theatre performances. For those who enjoy learning new things, professors from Berry come to the Spires and deliver talks on various subjects. Nor are these activities limited to the Spires. Residents are welcomed and encouraged to start their own clubs. Residents have started card clubs, book clubs, Bible studies, and the Spires Singers!

The future is bright for the Spires, and now that the Covid-19 pandemic is steadily ending, the community is ready to take their residents outside the grounds.

The Spires have their buses and have begun to transport their residents to ball games, shows, and many other off-ground events. Mrs. Trapp is hopeful of the future without Covid, saying, “We have had some great performances and events, it is amazing to think of what we were able to do during the pandemic, so it’s exciting to see what we are going to do once we are running on full force.” adigeorgia.com

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Adding to Rome’s Cultural Richness the three rivers singers

Rome’s community chorus was organized in the spring of 2000, under the direction of Dr. Brian Horne, to provide the Rome area with opportunities for local singers to participate in choral music and add to the community’s cultural richness.

In addition to regular fall, winter, and spring concerts, the chorus has performed with other groups such as the Northwest Georgia Winds and the Rome Symphony Orchestra. In addition, they are committed to reaching out to the community by involving school groups in their concerts and performing for local assisted living facilities.

Len Willingham, music director, is a Rome native with a Bachelor of Music degree from Berry College and a Masters in Church Music degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. After serving in Georgia, Kentucky, and Virginia, he retired as Minister of Music from First United Methodist Church in Rome in 2010. Len has served as Adjunct Music Faculty at Georgia Highlands 36

College and directed the Shorter University Chorus in 20102011. In addition, he has performed bass solos in numerous works, worked with singers of all ages, prepared soloists for works by Handel, Bach, Menotti, Rutter, Britten, and Schwartz, and for All-State auditions at various levels. He also has taught private voice lessons and has received numerous awards and honors related to his musical endeavors.

Joan Hill, accompanist, is a graduate of Shorter College with a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance. She also earned a Master of Music degree in organ performance from East Carolina University and did additional graduate study, including performance concert, at Southern Baptist Seminary. Joan has been an organist at churches in Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina and accompanist for choirs, ensembles, and soloists in churches, schools, and communities. She is currently the organist at First Baptist Church in Rome. She retired in 2010 after 24 years of teaching public school music. adigeorgia.com

“You can’t ever go wrong with pearls. Perhaps pearls are a girl’s best friend after all.”

- Ki Hackney

Serving Our Community Since 1948

328 Broad St. Rome, Ga. 30161 • 706-291-7236 • GreenesJewelers.com

Think Big.

Shop Small.

Shop Rome - Shop Floyd www.romega.com

thank you - jeanne krueger

Jeanne Krueger's service as President and CEO of the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce leaves a legacy.

The past 18 months have been filled with a significant amount of change and transition due to the pandemic. Rome Floyd Chamber has demonstrated a great deal of resilience and perseverance during this challenging time.

While we were surprised by Jeanne Krueger’s decision to resign, we are excited for her as she prepares to enter a new chapter of her life. Jeanne’s service as President and CEO of the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce leaves a legacy. She began her tenure with the restructuring and to some degree the rebranding of the chamber. She led a capital campaign which resulted in raising over $1.5 million dollars thanks to her work with a host of community partners.

During the pandemic the chamber doors remained open to our members providing them with information and opportunities to survive the pandemic. She was responsible for putting over $30,000 back into the community with the matching gift card initiative that literally sold out in five minutes. The event helped to spotlight our small business community.

During her time as President and CEO, the chamber had a 44% increase in African American and Hispanic owned businesses. That’s only a few of the accomplishments achieved during her leadership.

As the chamber moves forward with new leadership, the goal is to maintain the momentum that Jeanne began when she transitioned into the role a little more than two years ago. We look forward to serving our new members and working with our community partners as we return to our new normal.

Sincerely,

Cassandra Wheeler Rome Floyd Chamber 2021 Chairperson of the Board

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Networking

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State Senate

Summary

CHUCK HUFSTETLER Finance Chair

Looking back at last year, there were many happenings of note, such as Georgia’s selection, for the eighth year in a row, as the number one state to do business—and I am proud to be a small part of it.

Economically, Georgia has done very well during the health crisis. We received $10 billion in new company investments in Georgia. Our state revenue far exceeded the previous level, and we have the highest fund balance by far with over 40 days of revenue in the bank. (During the recession, before I was in the senate, the revenue was down to only one day of state revenue in the bank.)

Through good management and a good market, our teacher’s retirement system has gone from being 76% funded to 92% funded. Some states have only 17% funding—and could regrettably create a deficient that will require significant cuts in benefits in future years.

Our Savannah port has been at a record level and is the second busiest port on the east coast. It continues to set new records. However, in the last year, I saw 22 massive cargo ships eleven miles out at sea waiting to unload. Georgia-made goods were piled up, waiting to be exported. We have seen shipping charges for cargo containers go from $2,000 each to $20,000 per container—whether exporting or importing.

Our biggest challenges will be the supply chain which is preventing companies from receiving needed supplies and equipment and exporting their finished goods. The second

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most important challenge is for companies to find qualified workers that their businesses need in a thriving economy.

As Finance Chair, it is my committee’s responsibility to bring in revenue to the State of Georgia. And, to approve or disapprove various tax incentives for Georgia companies or those considering a move to Georgia. While I don’t always get my way, I believe Georgia is doing a much better job of evaluating tax incentives.

There has also been much interest in the redistricting and redrawing of the district maps for Georgia’s House of Representatives, State Senate, and the US House of Congress.

By law, this must be done every ten years.

The senate districts have the same population requirements.

For the 56 Georgia Senate districts, this means we need about 200,000 residents per district. The new congressional district map was signed on December 30th, with the majority of senate district 52 remaining much of the same.

As the 2022 session begins, it is a great time to be in the legislature and I am honored that you have trusted me to represent you in the process and look forward to a prosperous new year.

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story physicians’ parking deck into a 100-bed field hospital and opened two floors of the vacant northeast wing, which previously had housed a long-term acute care hospital. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency also placed a 20bed mobile COVID-19 unit in the hospital’s main parking lot. In the span of a few months, Floyd Medical Center had added capacity for up to 165 additional patients, giving the hospital the ability to be a resource for both its service area and overtaxed hospitals in other regions.

“We innovated during COVID,” Stuenkel said. “In addition to being one of the first to face the pandemic, we were one of the first facilities in the Southeast to administer monoclonal antibodies. Dr. Daniel Valancius, head of the hospitalist program, made it his personal mission to lead the way with this ground-breaking treatment. For over 3,500 patients, outcomes have been so much better because of it.

“To lead Atrium Health Floyd’s efforts during these recent troubling times and work with all our talented people has been my privilege,” Stuenkel continued. “Seeing and experiencing 44

how everyone stepped up to deal with the challenges has been awe inspiring.”

A Bright Future A little more than three months before the first COVID-19 patient was diagnosed at Atrium Health Floyd, the hospital system announced its intention to strategically combine with North Carolina’s Atrium Health.

“I have been working on setting the stage for the strategic combination for three years,” Stuenkel said. “It is an outgrowth of envisioning the future. It is part of my job to lead us to examine what we must do to ensure and assure the communities we serve that Atrium Health Floyd will be here for generations to come. We were at the strongest point we have ever been—facilities-wise, financially, strategically, and operationally. We were at a high point and still are, but the question loomed before us, what does the future hold?

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“Most hospital organizations our size either already have or should go through this reflective process, and ask, ‘What does the future look like?’ I believe most hospitals our size will have to ask and answer this question at some point.

“While strong, Atrium Health Floyd still had strategic vulnerabilities. Our boards spent a lot of time thinking about those issues and through a very thoughtful process, we all recognized the need to find a larger regional partner.”

“We reviewed a dozen organizations that we invited to talk with us confidentially,” Stuenkel said. “We began to see what it might look like to combine with another organization, and our board of directors saw that it was the way to go. Atrium Health has a compelling vision that presented the right fit.

And, Atrium wants to expand into Georgia and has already associated with Atrium Health Navicent Health in Macon.”

With a promise of $570 million in capital over the next eleven years, Floyd Medical Center officially became part of Atrium Health in July of 2021. In addition to the capital promise, the definitive agreements allow much of the historically accumulated cash to be transferred to a healthcare foundation that will focus on addressing disparities of care

in the communities served by Atrium Health Floyd. This foundation has an initial $141 million in assets that will grow to over $160 million in the next few years. The foundation will seek to preserve its capital while spending investment proceeds on important projects to address those disparities of care that are identified. “As time goes by,” Stuenkel said, “I believe that the new Floyd-Polk Healthcare Foundation will be transformational.”

Stuenkel is proud of the culture at Atrium Health Floyd.

“We work as a team,” Stuenkel said. “Our very heartbeat is our mission, and we do our jobs for the love of our patients and the communities we serve. The Atrium mission statement encapsulates it beautifully: To improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing — for all.

“In addition, I am proud that we have and will continue to make things better. Not only do we care for hundreds of thousands of patients a year in our facilities, we constantly improve. We have expanded our service capabilities, including having facilities in every county we serve. We are recognized by our own employees as a top employer. We have a new foundation that will be transformational. Finally, by joining an outstanding organization, Atrium Health, we will all take Atrium Health Floyd to even new heights in service to our communities in the decades to come.”

November 3, 2022 Forum River Center

Sponsors:

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The jobs all range in requirements, skills, and salaries.

1,000 + Over 1,000 companies have access to post jobs at romega.com/jobs.

Find Your Opportunity: WWW.ROMEGA.COM/JOBS

Updated New jobs are added to the website daily. Currently, there are over 100 jobs listed.

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