Rome Life Magazine May 2019

ROME Life Published By Rome News-Tribune May/June 2019

Twenty U N D E R

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_001.indd 1

forty

4/15/2019 10:45:42 AM

ER

“Maybe I pulled a chest muscle?”

— Lorenzo Rome, GA

Emergency symptoms are good at hiding.

Not all signs of an emergency are obvious.

Lorenzo realized he hadn’t pulled a chest muscle and that his difficulty breathing was actually a heart attack in disguise. Fortunately, his wife took him to Redmond’s ER. With dedicated cardiac experts and faster wait times, you can trust us for even better care. We’re here 24/7 to help you through an emergency – even the tricky ones.

There’s more to Lorenzo’s story. Visit RedmondRegional.com/Lorenzo

2

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_002.indd 2

4/15/2019 10:46:27 AM

Blooming Ideas... ...to grow, maintain & enjoy the perfect yard from

Our team of professionals plan your perfect lawn literally from the ground up using the latest in top of the line graphics and applied lawncare techniques. We will prepare a Master Plan based on your individual needs and preferences.

Watters & Associates Landscape offers a variety of services from landscape design, installation, pool renovation, pool installation, seasonal maintenance, and weekly maintenance to spruce up any outdoor space.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN • MAINTENANCE • POOLS • OUTDOOR KITCHENS • AND MORE

www.watterslandscape.com • (706) 234-5482 May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_003.indd 3

3

4/15/2019 10:49:27 AM

ROME Life MAY/JUNE 2019 Volume 5, Issue 2

Rome Life is published quarterly by the Rome News-Tribune.

To advertise, call 706-290-5220

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Doug Crow

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tona Deaton, Lee Field Erin Barkwell, Beth Poirier

ROME LIFE EDITOR Severo Avila

ADVERTISING STAFF Renee Blankenship Jamie Bennett Thomas Wegner Zac Carnill Kelcie Davis Billy Steele

EDITORIAL STAFF Blake Silvers, Jeremy Stewart Doug Walker, Diane Wagner, John Popham, John Bailey, Jonathan Blaylock

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS AHHAS......................................................................................7 AR Workshop..........................................................................7 Brinson Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis, LLP.................................................57 Cartersville Pawn-N-Shop..................................................18 DiPrima’s.................................................................................41 Floyd Medical Center.............................................................5 Floyd County Board of Eduation......................................36 Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers..........................................53 Forum River Center...................................................... 52, 59 Georgia Highlands College.................................................34 Greater Community Bank..................................................52 Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton.......................................36 Hanging Around Rome .........................................................7 Harbin Clinic.........................................................................60 Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham..........................................34 Henderson & Sons Funeral Home...................................42 Honeymoon Bakery.............................................................36 It’s About Time Boutique....................................................18 Kawasaki of Rome................................................................36 Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant........................................ 44 Lavender Mountain Hardware and Garden....................44 Line-X of Rome.....................................................................15 The Lodge...............................................................................53 Merle Norman Cosmetics..................................................46

4

North Georgia Equipment Heating & Air Conditioning.......46 Over The Moon Antiques....................................................41 Pick O’ Deli Cafeteria..........................................................14 Rabbit’s Nest of Rome.........................................................41 Redmond Regional Medical Center....................................2 Riverwood Senior Living.....................................................16 Riverside Oral & Facial Surgery, P.C.................................. 41 River City Bank.......................................................................45 Rome Braves.............................................................................8 Rome City Schools / Board of Education........................45 Rome Tennis Academy............................................................7 Salmon Funeral Home...........................................................31 Sew Knot Serious..................................................................18 Sherold Salmon Auto Superstore......................................40 Shrimp Boat............................................................................14 Swerve off the Path.................................................................7 The Gravy Boat....................................................................14 The Season Events..................................................................35 The Riverpoint Luxury Apartments..................................40 The Herb Shop on Broad....................................................41 Trinity Motorcar.....................................................................17 Troy’s BARBQ........................................................................14 Watters & Associates Landscape.........................................3 Walker’s Landscaping & Fence...........................................30

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_004.indd 4

4/17/2019 9:01:03 AM

breath.

The birth of your baby is one of life’s most important moments. It’s a time filled with hope and promise. At The Family Birth Center at Floyd, we understand. After all, we’ve been welcoming life’s first breath for almost 80 years. Today, our expert and caring team continues our commitment to provide the best experience possible, from family education to childbirth to newborn care and beyond. And, it’s all delivered in a safe, family-centered, state-of-the-art environment. Plus, you can take comfort in knowing the area’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stands ready right here, 24/7. The Family Birth Center at Floyd, where mothers and babies always come first.

• Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit • Expert medical team • Education and support classes • Lactation consultation

floyd.org/baby

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_005.indd 5

5

4/15/2019 10:53:53 AM

Inside This Issue Index to Advertisers

4

Inside This Issue

6

Small Spaces, Big Ideas

9

Kids Corner

15

20 Under 40

20

Container Gardening

32

Factory Trained

37

Good Neighbor Ministries

42

Travel Northwest Georgia

47

A Sign of Big Things to Come

54

The Social Scene

56

32

15

47

9 6

37

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_006.indd 6

4/15/2019 10:55:21 AM

ARt EXpLorER

AR

SUmMer CAmPs

Youth DIY Summer ART 411 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161 706-728-3456

Three sessions to choose from: June 10-13 9:30-12:00 June 24-27 9:30-12:00 July 8-11 9:30-12:00

JUne 10-14 & 17-21 JUlY 8 -12 & 15-19

Register at www.arworkshop.com/rome USE DISCOUNT CODE: CAMP20

H eritage a rts s ummer C amp $120 per student Ages 10 and up

JUNE 17-20, 2019

Annex Building 30 Alabama St., Cave Spring, GA

Each student picks 2 classes to take during the session.

T aTTing • P oTTery • P ine n eedle B askeTs • l eaTher B owls

Sign Up Now for Swerve Summer Art Camp!

Register early to reserve your spot!

June 3 - 7, June 10 - 14, June 17 - 21 9am - 12pm • Ages 6 - 12 (ish) Each Session is dedicated to a Global Arts Theme and Includes all materials to make an exciting variety of Awesome Art!

$150 ($50 deposit to reserve your spot) For more information or to register, visit www.ahhas.org, email jkapustay@gmail.com, or call 706-331-2725

Classes taught by certified art teachers. • Daily snack provided Friday Art Show for families

To register: 706-346-5429 or toswerve@gmail.com

THE

AGES 6 - 9 JUNE 3 - 7, JUNE 17-21, JULY 15 - 19 AGES 10 - 12 JUNE 10 - 14, JUNE 24 - 28

8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_007.indd 7

7

4/15/2019 10:56:43 AM

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_008.indd 8

4/15/2019 10:57:59 AM

Small Spaces and

Big Ideas

Krista and Mark Huckaby turn a little Celanese house into the home of their dreams

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_013.indd 9

9

4/15/2019 10:59:01 AM

Story and photos by Severo Avila

K

rista and Mark Huckaby were ready for a change.

After their girls had left home, they were ready to downsize. And downsize they did, going from almost 3,000 square feet to 638.

But it’s how they did it that’s remarkable.

The Huckabys bought a cute little house in the Celanese neighborhood and transformed it into something uniquely theirs.

“I think we chose this neighborhood for its history and the fact that it’s centrally located,” Mark says of their decision to buy in the Celanese / Riverside community. “We saw that there were a lot of houses that were being renovated or restored or improved and we liked that.”

That interest in the Celanese revival was what drew them to the neighborhood. But they had to find a house that would work for them. Mark owns A1 Quality Inspection and Consulting and knew that the houses in the Celanese neighborhood come in a handful of different floor plans. There was one in particular they liked so they started hunting for a house for sale with that particular floor plan. There was one they liked but it wasn’t available. So one day last April, while simply driving around the neighborhood looking at houses, Krista noticed one on a corner lot with a “For Sale By Owner” sign.

The little house was on one of the bigger lots in the neighborhood and was built in 1931.

“I immediately told Krista ‘this is the one we’re buying’,” Mark said. “I knew it was the one.”

As it turns out, the Huckabys knew the home’s owner and they bought the house.

But then the real work began.

“We wanted to mature in a low-maintenance, easy to clean house,” Krista said. “This suits our needs perfectly. We don’t need a lot of space. A house this size is easy to keep up.”

The first thing people see when they look at the Huckabys’ house from the street, is that it’s painted grey and has a beautiful yellow-gold door.

It certainly stands out from other houses around it which are predominantly red brick. But what really surprises people is that the inside of the house looks nothing like any other Celanese house.

That’s because the Huckabys gutted the house completely and essentially started from scratch on the inside.

“Everything is new,” Mark said of the house’s interior. “My brother, Scott Huckaby, is a master carpenter and he really helped us out with this. He decided it would be best to take the ceiling out and gut the house.”

10

On the advice of his brother, Mark Huckaby and wife Krista completely gutted a Celanese house they’d just bought and essentially rebuilt the house all over again. They put in new floors, a new ceiling, new walls and even a loft above the living room.

If the Huckabys need a little more room when family visit, they’ve got a cool loft overlooking the living room. It’s accessed by a ladder Mark crafted himself from the timbers of the original interior. He also used those timbers to build an island for the kitchen and a mantle for the living room wall. It was important to him to keep some of the history of the house’s interior so this was a good way to do that. He also used the old doors to make new doors for the attic.

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_013.indd 10

4/15/2019 10:59:23 AM

So they gutted the house. All that remained was the brick fireplace. But one night, on a whim, Mark decided that needed to go as well so brick by brick he took it down. It made room for a closet.

The floors are new LVP flooring and the Huckabys essentially built a new house inside the existing house, insulating against the cold and the heat. Now their power bill averages $70 per month which is impressive for the notoriously hard to heat old brick houses.

The original rafters of the house were all uneven. So Scott leveled it all out and the new ceiling is beautiful and somehow magically all comes together perfectly thanks to his carpentry skills.

They put up new walls, built custom cabinets and even made a huge switch in which rooms went where. Originally, the bedroom at one corner of the house was next to the kitchen, with the bathroom at the opposite corner. But since they were basically starting from scratch, the Huckabys remedied that by moving the kitchen to the corner and putting

the bathroom next to the bedroom.

The home even features a loft, accessed by a ladder Mark built using the timbers from the gutted interior.

“That way if our kids come over, someone can sleep up there,” Krista said. “And our couch is a pull-out bed as well, so we’ve got more room that it seems.”

Krista wanted an island in the house so Mark built her one using the old wall timbers. And they used the original corner post of the house for their rustic mantle.

The house blends new amenities such as a wall-mounted electric fireplace, and attic doors that were made from the house’s original doors.

“And we took out the issue of having moisture and fungal growth by putting in mini-split heaters,” Mark said. “They’re incredibly efficient and don’t make any noise. So there’s no ducts in this house.”

Since they gutted the house and essentially started from scratch, the Huckabys used the kitchen space from the old interior for a beautiful bathroom in the new interior, allowing easy access from the bedroom and letting lots of natural light from two windows flood the new bathroom.

Space-saving measures were essential for the new interior so the Huckabys got a stackable washer/dryer as well as an 18-inch dishwasher and a sleek new refrigerator. Everything in the house was custom built and the Huckabys did much of the work themselves.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_013.indd 11

11

4/15/2019 10:59:59 AM

But with custom everything in the house, the Huckabys couldn’t buy your standard appliances. Traditional appliances wouldn’t fit the available space.

Their stove is a full-size one, but they’ve got an 18-inch dishwasher and their refrigerator is slimmer than normal but still has the ice and water dispenser in the door like they wanted. And of course they have a stackable washer and dryer.

And while some could never limit themselves to the space the Huckabys have, the couple is absolutely happy with their new home, mainly because they built it just the way they wanted. They have plans to live here for a long time and eventually to build a driveway and an outdoor entertainment space.

From the outside, the house is charming and sweet. Passersby often slow down or even stop to look at it since its exterior is different from most of the other houses in the neighborhood. And many people have asked the Huckabys if they can see the inside. Realtors have shown potential buyers the house as an example of how a Celanese house can be updated.

But that’s not why the Huckabys did what they did to this little house.

“We just really wanted a house that suited our needs and the Lord allowed us to have that,” Mark said. “We are very grateful to live here and to be in this house. Everything inside it is a testament to God.”

12

Since they moved the new bathroom to where the kitchen used to be, the new kitchen counter now sits where a tub and sink once were. By gutting the old interior, the Huckabys allowed themselves a clean slate from which to design the house exactly as they wanted it.

The kitchen features custom cabinets, smaller appliances and this gorgeous island Mark built for Krista. He used timbers that had been torn down when the interior was gutted, so that the island - like many other features throughout the house - still contain little pieces of history. The house was built in 1931 and although much of the interior has changed, it was important to the Huckabys to preserve some of its original beauty.

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_013.indd 12

4/15/2019 11:00:16 AM

Many people couldn’t believe Krista and Mark could comfortably move from a 3,000 square foot house to one that’s 638 square feet. But they’ve got all the amenities they need and they’re enjoying living in a space that’s charming, cozy and so easy to maintain.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_013.indd 13

13

4/17/2019 8:26:25 AM

EAT.DRINK.ENJOY

Troy s Savory BAR

’

BQ

Smokin’ for over 90 years!

SMOKED

MEATS

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 1024 North Broad Street • Rome, GA 706-235-8288 www.troysbbqrome.com

Like us on Free

Mumm! Good Eatin’ Tasty Fried Chicken Creamy Mac & Cheese Homemade Meatloaf Fried Catfish Biscuits & Cornbread Homemade Pie Plus many more choices

1403 Dean Ave. Rome • 706-235-4131

Nominate Us Best Biscuit for 2019!

Nominate Us for Best of Rome’s Best Seafood 2019 Let us cater your next party!

With over 50 years of great food, let us help make your party the best of the season!

Best of

Rome 2018

1413 Dean Avenue • Rome, Ga • (706)235-4242 Untitled-4 1

14

8/1/2018 12:16:13 PM

402 E Second Ave Rome, GA 30161 • 706-291-7500

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_014.indd 14

4/15/2019 11:01:56 AM

KIDS CORNER Student Sanaa Ragland North Heights Elementary

What job would you like to do when you grow up?

Work at Dairy Queen becaused her mom worked there

Where do you think your house will be when you grow up? It can be anywhere you want to live.

What’s the most important thing grownups have to do?

If you were principal at your school, what’s the first change you would make?

If you were president of the United Sates, what would you do to make Rome a better place?

60

Marietta so I can walk to my cousin’s house if I want too

They have to take care of their babies and kids

I’ll be Principle Fun and bring all the toys and just let everyone play in my office

Fix all the car wrecks

20

Atlanta

Watch out for their kids

Work

What age is best to move out of your parents’ house and get a job?

Dante Greene North Heights Elementary

Work at McDonald’s

Enzo Natale North Heights Elementary

Race car driver and a Builder

39

New York City

Marceete Wade Jr. North Heights Elementary

Be a Builder and an artist

28

Atlanta

Work to get some more money

Alabama

Save their kids from danger

Rome

Having their kids do stuff

Kamryn Heard North Heights Elementary

Gymnastics

30

Tamia Smith North Heights Elementary

Cook and build buildings

13, Gonna get out of my house with my little brother and make some money

Make everyone be good

Fix all the cars if they are broken

Walk on the second square in the hall

Make people be good

Walk on the fourth square in the hall

Make everybody love God

Watch the cameras and if someone is being bad, call them to my office

Visit everyone’s house to see if they need anything

If I see kids being bad I would embarrass them in front of their friends

Call all of the houses and check on people while I’m in my bed

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_015.indd 15

15

4/15/2019 11:02:47 AM

KIDS CORNER What job would you like to do when you grow up?

What age is best to move out of your parents’ house and get a job?

Ari Waters Darlington School

Be a chef

20

Knox Merritt Darlington School

Work at a restaurant as a waiter

16-19 ... or when you can drive a car

Jay Watters Darlington School

The new crocodile hunter

18

Molly Ledbetter Darlington School

A veterinarian

20

Guru Raiyani Darlington School

A doctor of some sort

21

Student

Emma Frances A Cromartie pediatrician Darlington We’ve got a spot for you...

School

21

Short term or long term, let us help you help your loved one.

20 Under 40: Congratulations Bethani Champion!

What’s the most important thing grownups have to do?

If you were principal at your school, what’s the first change you would make?

If you were president of the United Sates, what would you do to make Rome a better place?

Florida

Feed their kids

Make it Tiger Day everyday

No littering

Georgia

Treat their kids well

Have a break after every period

I would live in Rome as president

Have children

No uniforms

No guns in downtown Rome but you can have them in the county

Just in Rome

Look after their children

No uniforms

More churches

Indiana. I used to live there and I liked it

Taking care of children. If you don’t have children then work

I wouldn’t change anything. I like the way things are

Working if you don’t have kids ... and pay bills

No dress code

Where do you think your house will be when you grow up? It can be anywhere you want to live.

Somewhere in Rome on a farm

In Rome. I want to work at Redmond

Make sure every neighborhood has sidewalks

Build more houses for homeless people

Join us for lunch and a tour. Call today!

Nominate Us Best Assisted Senior Living 2019

Senior Living

&

Remembrance Pathways Village

Premier Memory

Care Community Premiere Memory Care Community

706-235-0807 • 511 West 10th Street • Rome, GA

Don’t Miss Our Next Edition of Rome Life Deadline: July 8 Call to reserve your space today!

706-290-5220

www.riverwoodretirement.com 706-235-0807 • 511 West 10th Street • Rome, GA www.riverwoodretirement.com

16

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_015.indd 16

4/15/2019 11:03:10 AM

KIDS CORNER Student Mary Hames Powell Johnson Elementary Evan David Hattaway Johnson Elementary

What job would you like to do when you grow up?

A hair stylist A veterinarian for all animals except cats because I’m allergic to cats

Where do you think your house will be when you grow up? It can be anywhere you want to live.

What’s the most important thing grownups have to do?

If you were principal at your school, what’s the first change you would make?

If you were president of the United Sates, what would you do to make Rome a better place?

Near where the Orlando Magics play

Working as a doctor in a hospital

Every class pet would be a llama

Everyone would have a pet llama

30

Disney World

Working as a police officer

You can do whatever you want unless it’s something bad

Make the world a better place full of pugs

Somewhere in the United States where there are lots of animals

Working as a doctor or a veterinarian

No homework

Take care of their children

No homework

No one should have homework

Georgia

Take care of the world

No people being rude

Make the world a better place

Spain

Take care of their children

Everyone has P.E. for activity

What age is best to move out of your parents’ house and get a job?

30

Westin Benny Robinson Johnson Elementary

A veterinarian

32

Brody Skinner Johnson Elementary

A lawyer

19

Anna Kay Bridges Johnson Elementary Matias Selle Johnson Elementary

A zookeeper

A soccer player

Alabama

26.

I don’t want to leave my parents!

18

You can go get money from the bank whenever you want

Let everyone who is not allergic to dogs or not like dogs have a dog

Congratulations

Chad Smith

On Being Named One Of Rome’s Top 20 Under 40!

1300 Dean Ave, Rome, GA 706-237-7668 www.honestcardeal.com May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_015.indd 17

17

4/15/2019 11:03:39 AM

Visit

CARTERSVILLE, GA Open Since 1997 Largest selection in Cartersville!

• Jewelry • Electronics • • Tools • Guns / Ammo • TVs • • Musical instruments • Amazing • & Much, Much More • Prices & Great Weekdays 9-6 Sat 10-5 Selection $ p o T n a We Lo a

www.cartersvillepawnnshop.com

Closed Sunday

134 W. MAIN ST. • 770-383-3080

One of a Kind Inspired Clothing & Home Décor 139 W Main St. • Downtown Cartersville Next door to Agan’s Bakery • 770-547-2011

18

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_018.indd 18

4/15/2019 11:04:44 AM

20Under40

Rome Life Magazine’s picks for this year’s 20 Under 40 are fantasic examples of the talent, skill and compassion that exists in our community.

Each person contributes something very special to Rome and Floyd County.

They are educators, doctors, lawyers, business owners, administrators and activists.

We are proud to present the 20 Under 40 Class of 2019...

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_019.indd 19

19

4/15/2019 11:06:04 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Bethani Champion, 39 Bethani Champion changed her life in four short years and is nearing her childhood goal of becoming a registered nurse.

Along the way, she’s picking up rewards and awards, such as Employee of the Year for Regency Senior Living. The company has over 750 employees at seven locations, including Riverwood retirement community in Rome.

She started work there in 2015 as a certified nursing assistant, but they found a new position for her when she earned her licensed practical nurse diploma from Georgia Northwestern Technical College last year.

“I was a CNA for about 9 or 10 years, doing mostly home health, when I decided I wanted to work in a facility,” she said. “Riverwood was the first facility I worked in and I just fit right in. Things took off for me.”

She was going through a divorce when she started the LPN program and had two children at home, Taylor, 20, and Skyler, who was 9 at the time.

They all went through it together, she said.

“They were really good. I told them, ‘Just give me one year and life will be better,’ and it paid off,” Champion said. “It was rough, but it was doable.

Anything worth having is worth working for.”

Now they’re in for one more round as Champion finishes three more semesters of core classes before starting the RN program. The dream was dormant for a while, she said, but now it’s revived.

“My oldest daughter has spina bifida and she didn’t really start school until she was 7. When she did, I was lost,” Champion said. “She was becoming an individual and I had to find my place. I always wanted to be a nurse but I couldn’t start there. I started as a CNA.” And while her new role at Riverwood puts her in less contact with the residents, one of the reasons she was recognized is because she makes time to see them.

“I didn’t realize until I came here but geriatrics and Alzheimer’s patients ... they’re my heart,” she said. “These people are the most loving. It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’re having, you can get a hug from someone. Nobody remembers, so they’re never mad at you from something the day before and you can always get a smile with a compliment. I love working with them. They make my day.”

Whatever the circumstance, Bethani always falls back on the staple that got her through the LPN program to continue her RN studies.

“I prayed a lot,” she said. “I still do.”

Dennis Drummond, 36 “Anything good you see in me is Christ in me,” Dennis Drummond says.

This principal of West End Elementary credits his Savior in all his accomplishments throughout his career as an educator.

A Cedartown native, Dennis has spent his life pursuing a career in education receiving his PhD in educational leadership from Mercer University. He began his teaching career in Milledgeville instructing third and fifth grade. From there he took an assistant principal position at T.J. Elder Middle School in Washington County.

Dennis completed his Master’s Degree at Georgia College and State University and then commuted to Mercer for his doctorate all while working as an assistant principal. Dennis and his wife Rena decided to move back to Rome to take care of family and it was in Rome he first started working for Rome City Schools. Dennis served as assistant principal at East Central Elementary for two years before moving to West End where he held the same position for a year. Last May, when Principal Buffi Murphy became the professional learning specialist for the school system, Dennis was made principal of West End Elementary.

“I love working with kids,” he says. “West End has high expectations of its students so students can be successful and productive citizens of Rome,” Dennis said.

20

The school has started a new program this school year called Core Essentials that focuses on teaching students key character education traits. Dennis says he and his staff are not only trying to teach the kids to be intelligent but to also be people of character with a strong moral foundation and social responsibility. West End staff is also trying to prepare students for a future job market that will be heavy on science, technology, engineering and math he says. He wants his students to be problem solvers and students work in groups to learn how to collaborate because those are skills they will use as adults.

Dennis says his wife is extremely supportive of his role as principal of West End and he couldn’t do what he does without the support of his family.

“In this job, I couldn’t do it without continual wisdom from God,” he says. “I also couldn’t do it without my wife.”

Together they have two children, Benji, 9 and Mary Grace, 6.

Dennis and Rena attend Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church where they teach a young married couple Sunday school class. When he isn’t in school Drummond says teaching others about the word of God is his passion. He also coaches his son Benji in Upward basketball at Dykes Creek Baptist Church.

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 20

4/15/2019 11:20:03 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Sylvia Washington, 37 Dr. Sylvia Washington, 37, is planning her next mission.

The Floyd Medical Center pediatrician took her first trip to Ghana to assist Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu about five years ago. Now she’s a committed supporter.

“It was life-changing,” she said. “Malaria, malnutrition ... practicing medicine overseas, you see a lot of things we don’t see here.”

Washington was named FMC’s Physician of the Year in January – a big step in a few short years.

Originally from New Jersey, Washington did her residency in Macon and came to Rome about six years ago with her husband, Marcus. He’s a Marietta-born math teacher at Rome Middle School and the couple has three children at Garden Lakes Elementary: Christian, 10, Daniel, 8, and Stephanie,6.

They’re active in their church, the Church at Northside in Armuchee, and she and her husband co-coach their daughter’s soccer team. And they run.

“My husband and I are both active runners; we do a lot of 5Ks,” Washington said.

It was her participation in the 5K Tumor Trooper Run that led to another life-changing event.

Founded by Charlie Henderson after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009, the annual event raises money for the Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation serving families with kids in treatment.

Henderson died in 2016 and his parents were struggling to maintain the momentum.

Washington picked up the banner and now chairs the committee formed to keep it going.

“We’re doing this for the patient we got into the race to support and for every other family who needs help,” she said.

On top of her busy practice and active home life, Washington also writes papers and speaks to pediatricians – especially young ones – about her approach to patient care. It’s an empathetic relationship built on a foundation of family, faith and community.

In June, she’ll be a featured speaker at the American Academy of Pediatrics Georgia Chapter’s 2019 conference in Florida. Her topic is part of her many missions: Tips On Achieving Work Life Balance.

“I’ll talk about healthy ways to be active in communities and help their patients,” Washington said. “Things like family comes before career, eating good food, exercising ... Practicing what we preach.”

Wesley Styles, 40 Wesley Styles believes the foundation of an effective education begins in elementary school and if education is done right with younger students it makes it easier for teachers at the high school and middle school level.

“If we get it right at this level we can really make a difference for kids,” Wesley says.

A native of Waco, Georgia, Wesley moved to Rome to attend Shorter University in 1997 where he met his wife and also first began working with Rome City Schools. In 2001 he began teaching Chemistry and Physics at Rome High School and in his second year he started coaching wrestling.

Wesley said he wanted to be a different kind of coach that commanded respect as a teacher first and then as a coach.

“I always prided myself as being a teacher first,” he says. “I was a bit of an odd bird because I taught chemistry and physics and coached.”

Wesley left Rome High School in 2011 to pursue his Master’s Degree in leadership through a specialist program at Berry College.

He taught at Darlington School for a year and also had an internship at Elm Street Elementary while attending Berry. It was here Wesley saw the importance of an elementary education, and realized if he wanted to work in administration it

would need to be at that level. If it wasn’t for his internship with Elm Street he never would have been able to see the elementary school side of things, he says. Having kids of his own also helped him make the switch to elementary school education.

After earning his Master’s Degree, Wesley got the opportunity to work with the Polk County school system where he worked for six years and at one point worked in the central office as the director of curriculum and instruction for the system. Wesley says he received a phone call about becoming the principal at North Heights Elementary in March of 2018. He felt disconnected from the students when he was working at a central office and couldn’t see himself doing central office work for the next 12 years of his career so he accepted the job and became the new principal of North Heights Elementary for the 2018-2019 school year.

Wesley says he likes interacting with the students and being where the action is. He likes affecting change in the schools at the principal level more than when he worked in a central office.

Now, Wesley will be moving again to fill the role of principal of East Central Elementary School and will begin that role in July.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 21

21

4/15/2019 11:20:23 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Amy Easterwood Young, 35 Amy Easterwood Young serves on the board of Living Proof Recovery Inc., a nonprofit formed nearly three years ago to support local residents breaking free of addiction.

She’s also putting the last touches on the organization’s Next Door program, a transitional home for women that she will run when it opens later this month. And she helped found Ladies Table Night, a monthly worship gathering open to all women in the county.

Her community work is balanced nicely with family life now: her husband, Robbie Young, 12-year-old daughter Merra-Lee and son Robbie Jr., who’s 5. But Amy said she wasn’t always so focused.

Born and raised in Rome, she spent a number of years in various retail jobs, rising to the level of store manager, and most recently working for Aspen Dental.

She also struggled with addiction until, 13 years ago, she decided she’d had enough.

“It wasn’t something I wanted to do,” Amy said.

“One day I woke up and said ‘This is not productive.’

From there I went home and decided I was going to do something with my time.”

She’s been with Living Proof since it opened its doors at 408 Shorter Ave. The organization – born out of a Christian recovery group – offers advocacy, training, peer support and spiritual guidance.

Fellowship is a staple, along with activities such as artistic reflection time, Crossfit activities, fundraisers and family Bingo nights. There’s also a computer

lab, tutoring, 12-step and Bible study programs, counseling, free haircuts, childcare and more.

Young will be linking those resources with their new Next Door program for women who are coming out of jail or prison.

“We house them, help them find jobs, work through case plans, just integrate them back into society” she said. “We want to break the cycle of what has caused their incarceration and help them gain a new cycle.”

The home will be for Rome and Floyd County women only, she said, and is community-funded through donations from local individuals and organizations.

Her Ladies Table Night women’s ministry is broader based, with more than 200 followers on Facebook.

Young said it started at her church, The Church At Rome, as a way to unify the congregation.

“But the Lord told me this is bigger than that. ‘This is my church, not your church,’” Young said. “Now we go from church to church, just trying to spread the love.”

Her team is made up of women from different congregations who plan a special speaker each month. Young said she’s enjoying her life of purpose and her commitment to helping others find their own footing.

“I am a person in long-term recovery, so it’s not so different for me. I made it through and it’s time for me to give back so other people can make it through,” she said.

Jamie Foster, 29 Jamie Foster is one of those rare individuals who actually has made a successful career in the field for which she went to college.

Foster is a native Roman, graduate of Armuchee High School, Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia for her undergraduate degree and got a Masters from Florida Institute of Technology in marketing.

Her work career started off with eight years at Duffy’s Deli in Rome where she honed (and perfected) her people skills.

Prior to taking the marketing post with Greater Community, she worked with a local title pawn shop where her work was so detail oriented and management was able to discern the ease with which she communicated with customers that they offered her the opportunity to lead their marketing department.

She left the title pawn shop for what she considered a greater opportunity with Greater Community Bank.

“I enjoy that I have multiple hats and work closely with our board of directors but also utilize my skills

22

in marketing at the same time,” Jamie says.

Foster said the challenge in working for a small community bank also presents tremendous opportunities.

“In a small town like Rome you still have people who like that face-to face contact and that’s what you’ll get at a community bank,” Jamie says.

She loves to point out that when someone pulls through the drive-through window at the bank, they are likely to see the same person on Friday that they saw on Monday.

“It’s relationship banking,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity to show folks my age that that matters.”

She has been with Greater Community Bank in Rome for three years and says that social media and the digital realm is changing the way she works almost daily.

“I just turned 29 and I have folks telling me I’m young all day but I can hardly keep up. The digital revolution has aged me,” she says.

Foster says she believes marketing is a great field for anyone her age because the success of any business boils down to the marketing.

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 22

4/15/2019 11:20:51 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Collin Doss, 31 Collin Doss is Vice President and Qualifying Broker for one of the oldest real estate companies in the area. It’s a big responsibility. And maintaining the integrity of the company deeply personal to him.

Collin’s had his real estate license for about six years but he’s been in or around the real estate business ever since he can remember.

“My granddad took over Harvey-Given Company in the late 40s/early 50s,” he says. “He and my dad have run the company since then. A pretty cool fact about my granddad was that his real estate license number was number 10, meaning that his license was the 10th one the real estate commission issued in their history. We believed, prior to his death, that he was the longest running active Real Estate Broker in Georgia.”

And if you think Collin was simply handed a position in his grandfather’s company (a company that was founded in 1886 and has operated continuously since) you’d be wrong. He had to work for it.

“I had to work my way through the ranks,” he says. “ I started out cutting yards, fixed toilets, all the fun stuff you get to do in maintenance to now being the broker for a company that has been open since 1886. It’s an outstanding honor and privilege to be able to carry on my granddad’s legacy in real estate as well as still be able to work with and learn from my dad.”

Collin takes his responsibilities very seriously.

He estimates that they manage somewhere in the ballpark of 500 properties in Rome, Adairsville and

Rockmart. That ranges from single family dwellings to multifamily properties as well as commercial buildings.

“Our staff is small,” he says. “It’s my dad, Gay Green (bookkeeper) and myself working full time in the office and Glenda Hobgood comes in daily working a part time schedule.”

He’s quick to point out that the support staff at Harvey-Given Company makes it possible to do what he does.

“Gay and Glenda play a huge roll in our success,” he says. “We also have an outstanding maintenance worker, Ronnie Erwin, who helps keep all of our tenants happy with repairs.”

“We pride ourselves on being diligent in our tenant screening process in order to find the right fit for possible tenants as well as the property owners, who trust us with their investments,” he added.

Collin also serves on the Alcohol Control Commission for the City of Rome, which he’s done for the last 4 years and is currently serving on the membership committee at Coosa Country Club. And for the last six years he’s coached youth basketball teams for the rec department, an activity he says is both rewarding and highly entertaining.

We believe Collin is among the next generation of Rome’s leaders.

“My advice to anybody thinking about getting into real estate is to focus not on the results but rather the process it takes to be successful, if you do, you have the potential to be great in this business,” Collin says. “The part that have enjoyed the most is that I have had clients turn into really great friends.”

Juliette Baue, 30 Sit in on one of Juliette Baue’s fitness classes and you’d never know your instructor has suffered for the last decade from chronic pain issues. Baue, the regional manager for The Rock Fitness Center with locations in Rome, Adairsville, Calhoun and Cartersville, teaches a variety of classes at all four centers, 15 times a week while fighting CRPS, Complex regional pain syndrome.

Baue, who turned 30 on April 3, suffered a dance-related injury 11 years ago, but has not let that stop her from promoting physical exercise and wellness, putting her degree in Outdoor Recreation from Southern Illinois University to good use.

“You’re never promised another day so I believe that staying active puts you in the best position to maintain an active,” she said She has been in her post as regional manager for The Rock for the past three years. In a recent post on her own Facebook page, Baue summed up her love for her job and opportunity to work with clients saying, “My job is rewarding on so many levels, getting to watch a dream become reality is one of

my most favorite...I can’t wait to help everyone on their journeys and watch them crush their goals!”

Baue believes there is no better place than Northwest Georgia to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, from it’s mountains to it lakes and rivers.

When she is not promoting health and wellness, Baue is likely to be found helping Paw Angels Inc. a rescue organization based in Calhoun which promotes fostering and adoption for dogs who are most in need in the community. She unabashedly calls herself a “puppy loving adventure seeker.”

Baue also owns a professional photography studio in Adairsville. “I love to do lifestyle photographs, wedding photos, birthdays, family shots and portraits,” Baue said.

Some of her favorite memories are looking through his boxes of old family photos or going on random car rides to photograph old barns and fields.

“I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to have their own boxes of memories,” Baue said.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 23

23

4/17/2019 8:27:04 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Lindsey Wilson, 39 Lindsey is Assistant Director of the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging. Essentially, the Shorter grad focuses on older adults as well as adults with disabilities with the mission of linking community resources and in-home services so elderly people can remain in their communities or in their own homes and help to keep those people from nursing home placement if at all possible.

Though her work often goes unheralded, Lindsey’s job provides a vital link between valuable community resources and the people who need them most. Her office also partners with local law enforcement, adult protective services and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to educate the public on financial fraud and other forms of elder abuse.

And while her job allows Lindsey to help a valuable and often underserved sector of the community, she takes it a step farther by being involved in other groups and organizations that help others. She’s involved with the Diabetes Advisory Council as well as Kinship Care Advisory

Council. She serves on the Senior Hunger Coalition and on the Dementia Friendly team.”

“The Senior Hunger Coalition is helping put an end to senior hunger,” she said. “Unfortunately, lots of our older adults go hungry. And the Dementia Friendly Action Team is a team that’s designed to get the community of Rome involved to make our city more dementia-friendly. So far we’re partnering with the county police department to implement a program to help find someone quicker who may have wandered off or gotten lost due to dementia.”

Lindsey’s also certified to teach a Diabetes Self Management Class, Chronic Disease Self Management class and A Matter if Balance class — which is all about preventing falls.

“We bring these classes to the community groups for anyone 18 and up,” she says.

And when she’s not doing all that, Lindsey makes time for her 4-year-old daughter Sawyer and her husband (who she says is just as much of a child) Ghee.

Nic Hann, 30 When Nic Hann arrived at Coosa High School, he had a passion for making an impact on the lives of young people and helping introduce them to the sport he loved. What he couldn’t have known at the time is just how much impact the sport would have on him and the community.

A native of Cordova, Alabama, Nic pursued an associate degree in secondary education from Bevill State Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Shorter University and a Masters in Christian ministry leadership from Liberty University.

He’s been a part of Coosa’s volleyball program since its inception in 2011, first as the junior varsity coach and a varsity assistant for two seasons and then as the varsity head coach starting in 2013.

“Just figuring out the teaching side of it was crazy in and of itself, but then adding not just coaching a sport but one that was brand new,” Nic says. “We were starting from just the very basics of, ‘here’s a ball and it’s got to go over the net.’ But we were trying to teach the girls a game that I loved and help them work their way up.”

Since then, Nic has led the Lady Eagles to backto-back Georgia High School Association state championships in the last two seasons, making them the first volleyball team from a public school in the state to win either the Class A/AA or Class AA title.

24

“To see it evolve each year, to what these girls are doing today, it really started with those first couple of seasons,” Nic says. “Those girls we had really laid a solid foundation. We wanted to be a program known for working hard and overcoming the odds. Each set of girls have bought into that, and we really just want to put our school on the map.”

Add to that Coosa’s five straight area titles as well as being named the Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association 2017 Class AA Coach of the Year and 2018 AA/A Public Coach of the Year. Over his six seasons as the head coach, Hann has amassed a record of 222-74, surpassing 200 wins last season when Coosa went 38-10. He was also selected Coosa’s Teacher of the Year for the 2018-2019 school year.

Nic said it’s the relationships he has been able to create with his students and players that has been the best part of his time as a coach.

“That’s my favorite part, to just be involved in these kids’ lives and hopefully try to make some kind of difference in their lives or influence them to be the best person that they can be,” he says.

Nic and his wife, Marissa, have a 15-month-old son, Eli, and like to travel as much as they are able to, mostly to see national parks.

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 24

4/15/2019 11:21:29 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Luke Martin, 32 / Sarah Martin, 30 We don’t often feature couples for our 20-under-40 spotlights, but Luke and Sarah Martin are a pretty remarkable pair. The two local attorneys are certainly driven.

Luke is from Armuchee and Sarah is, well, kind of from New York. Since she’s lived here from the age of seven and graduated from Rome High School we’ll go ahead and claim her as our own. They’re both Berry College graduates — she graduated with a double major in Spanish and International studies.

While they also both went to the University of Alabama School of Law, only one of them had a full-tuition academic scholarship. We’ll let you figure out who had to pay for college...we’ll talk about his law career first.

Luke interned at the Floyd County District Attorney’s Office and went through the Dalton and Cartersville offices before coming home to Floyd County three years ago. Joining the U.S. Army reserves Judge Advocate General Corps helped when dealing with other attorneys and criminal defendants.

“The military let me grow a thick skin,” Luke says, recounting several times he’d been chewed out while attempting to find a resolution in a criminal case.

Although, he’s in the trenches at the D.A.’s office, he describes his wife Sarah as the real lawyer in the family. She has worked as an attorney for Jenkins, Bowen & Walker, PC in Cartersville mostly doing civil litigation but also served as an assistant solicitor for the Bartow County Probate Court and the Adairsville Municipal Court.

But soon she’ll be coming back home.

“I will start as an attorney at Brinson Askew when I finish my maternity leave,” she says.

The couple has recently been blessed with a newborn daughter, Claire who joins their family in addition to 2-year-old son Henry.

Sarah and Luke are both active in the community. She’s a member of the Junior Service League of Rome and he’s a member of Rome Rotary. This is a couple to watch as they do big things for our community.

Kelsey Scoggins Mitchell, 30 Kelsey Scoggins Mitchell is a relative newcomer to Rome, but has immersed herself in the community over the course of the past two years.

Mitchell, a Floridian at the time, got to Rome after meeting — and marrying — her husband, Bruce Wayne Mitchell while doing volunteer clean-up work after a hurricane in 2017.

“He was born and raised in Calhoun but he lived in Rome so I moved up here to be with him,” Kelsey says.

Both Kelsey and Bruce are real estate agents with Keller Williams. Her background is in information technology and marketing and she has put both of those to good use in service to the community.

Kelsey wasted not time in getting involved, with Rotary and the United Way in particular. She is a board member at the United Way and will be secretary for the Rotary Club next year. She is the zone public image coordinator for Rotary all across the state of Georgia.

“Moving to a new place, that’s the first thing to do, get involved in the community.

“That’s how you get to know people,” she says. “When I moved here I wanted to put down roots and I couldn’t think of any better way than joining Rotary and start getting involved. That’s ingrained in me, you help out in the community, you help those around you and you get to know people.”

Mitchell brought the Floyd Fights Hunger event to Rome last year. She had been exposed to something similar in Florida and thinks he event, which packaged meals for the hungry.

“It went over really well for the first year.

The fact that we doubled our goal was so surprising to me. I’m so glad the community stepped up and supported us in that initiative,” she says.

Kelsey and Bruce have a blended family, with three children, and live on a mini-farm in Silver Creek with 26 animals.

“It’s a lifestyle. We wanted to teach our children about responsibility and taking care of animals and taking care of the land,” Kelsey says.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 25

25

4/17/2019 8:27:26 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Monika Wesolowski, 38 Monika is in her 12th year at Synovus Bank and is a Licensed Relationship Banker. But what makes her stand out for us is an endeavor she started in July of 2016. She’d been doing community outreach to help animals in need even before that, but in 2016 she officially established Helping Pawz Inc. She and her good friend Rachel Meier kept finding animals in their neighborhood and work that were in great need of a variety of things including food, shelter and medication.

“As we started knocking on doors, talking to people, we ended up with so many animals in need that were living in terrible and often inhumane conditions. We had to start a 501c3 for donations,” Monika says.

And that was how Helping Pawz was born. It’s not a shelter or a rescue. Every 8 to 12 weeks, Monika and a crew of volunteers go out into the community to talk to people about the conditions their pets are in. They sign the animals up to be spayed or neutered, they provide better shelters, they build kennels, buy flea medication and food.

They help people take care of their animals. And in some cases they persuade those who have too many animals to give some over to rescues.

“We educate families on the need for improved conditions and try to come up with affordable solutions to give them a better life,” Monika says. “We work to get dogs off massive logging

chains and provide better collars and tie outside or runners for pets.”

Before starting Helping Pawz, Monika spent years doing community outreach mainly for women and children through the Junior Service League of Rome. And she’s worked several other pet groups and rescues over the years.

“I took on a horrifically abused pit bull named Braveheart and he sealed the deal for me,” she says. “I devoted my time to work with the animals since our city and county ordinances don’t do much to protect pets or allow much recourse on individuals that abuse or neglect their pets. We all know animals don’t have a voice and are basically treated as property or yard ornaments. I, along with a really great group of animal advocates, am trying and will continue to try and change Rome one pet at a time.”

When the new Floyd County PAWS shelter opened near where Monika lives, she began spending holidays, vacations and weekends working with dogs there focusing on the quarantined dogs that get little or no attention and often tend to be deemed unadoptable. She bathes and groom dogs, temperament test them and photographs them to share on social media.

Monika has worked tireless and thanklessly to help people in our community take better care of their animals.

David Herren, 34 Dr. David Herren is a man on the go.

At 34, the board-certified ophthalmologist – who provides medical and surgical eye care – is approaching his one-year anniversary as a member at Harbin Clinic, after practicing there since June 2016.

His return to Rome for the Harbin post marked the first time he’d been home in 13 years.

“I grew up here,” Herren said. “I lived in Saddle Mountain, went to East Central, Rome Middle, Rome High.”

He took off after that, for undergraduate and graduate studies at Georgia Tech in Atlanta where he captained the Yellow Jackets’ varsity track team and earned Academic All-America honors in cross country.

Then he zipped over to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta for his doctor of medicine degree, and went on to Nashville, Tennessee.

It was there Herren completed his internal medicine residency at Baptist Hospital and his ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt University.

It was also in Tennessee where he met and

26

married Jessie Fox Herren. The couple’s two children, Andrew, 6, and Thomas, 5, were barely walking when they came to Floyd County. Now all four run as a family in the many races held in the area.

“Even our 5-year-old ran the Leprechaun-athon,” he said, referring to the annual 5K Harbin sponsored in March as a fundraiser for RomeFloyd Parks and Recreation programs.

They’re also active in their church, where former teacher Jessie runs the children’s ministry “and I help out where I can,” Herren said. He also coaches his son’s baseball team and was leaving the country on a mission trip as this issue of Rome Life went to press.

Rome’s an active place, “good for our family,” Herren said, and this time he expects to stay.

Although his wife is from Nashville, born and bred, her parents grew up here and she has extended family in the area.

“It was a big decision for us when this opportunity came up,” Herren said. “But I asked God to make it obvious, and he made it obvious Rome was where we needed to be.”

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 26

4/17/2019 8:27:45 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Chris Butler, 39 Chris Butler has been working in Rome long enough now that he calls himself a local. The Chattooga County native is the director of corporate health for Floyd Medical Center.

Like so many others who are featured in this year’s 20-under-40 edition of Rome Life Magazine, Butler’s job is all about developing relationships and he loves the idea that his role is helps make people live a healthier lifestyle.

“It allows me to do what I like to do, not be stuck in an office, it’s out communicating to people, educating people, building relationships and once you build those relationships it’s meeting the needs of customers,” he says. “It’s a need that is driven by healthcare which requires you to be in the hospital, or the ER but may be something that prevents you from needing that level of care.”

Butler says social networking is critical to

gaining loyalty from customers.

He has been with Floyd Medical Center for 15 years as a discharge planner and moved up through on-the-job training and going back to school to get his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky.

“I went up there on a wrestling scholarship out of high school,” he says.

Butler says he hopes to make a long career at Floyd Medical Center and looks forward to professional growth and new opportunities.

When he’s not spending time in the community or at home with his wife and girls, Charlee, who is soon to be 10, Reese who is 8 and Alex who is soon to be 5, Chris serves as the “community” wrestling coach at Darlington School. He’s particularly proud of the strong showing several of the grapplers from Darlington have made in state competition over the last several years.

Erin Elrod, 39 Erin has been Floyd County’s County Clerk since 2016 (after more than 16 years with the Atlanta Braves organization) and in that time she has proved her value to the county in various ways, not just through the execution of her her day-to-day duties, but also through the creativity and innovation she brings to her position.

As County Clerk, Erin serves as the record keeper for Floyd County. She’s responsible for maintaining official documents for public inspection. This includes contracts, minutes, agendas and proclamations. She and her office staff also serve as the administrative staff for both the County Commissioners and County Management. They also handle the duties of a Public Information Officer for Floyd County and oversee the county’s social media and video production. Erin serves as member of the county’s management team.

As a member of the Braves staff, the thing Erin’s most proud of is her help in creating the Braves Miracle Field of Rome.

“This project serves members of our community with physical, mental and emotional challenges and allows them to play the game of baseball in a safe environment,” she said. “It still warms my heart to run into some of the families that I had the pleasure of working with and know they are still enjoying baseball every spring and fall.”

As County Clerk, Erin has been able to put her communication and marketing background to use by bolstering the county’s social media presence to better inform citizens of the happenings of local government.

“We kicked off our social media push in 2017 which helped us better inform citizens on the SPLOST projects that were presented and those chosen to be on the ballot that fall,” she said. “This informational campaign helped clear up the misinformation that usually comes when SPLOST is on the ballot.”

Since then, Erin and her staff have continued to use their social media presence to update citizens on projects throughout the county, recognize hardworking employees and inform more people on the services the county provides.

Erin also developed a new pilot citizens academy, Focused on Floyd 101. The program is currently underway to give local citizens a behind-thescenes look at how our county functions. It includes informative sessions from department heads, tours of our facilities, and question-and-answers sessions.

“I’m excited to see where this program leads in developing a better sense in our community of who we are as Floyd County,” Erin said.

Her community involvement extends into education as well. Erin and her husband are actively involved and volunteer at their kids’ school – St. Mary’s School.

They also support other charitable organizations through local fundraising events and Erin is a member of Seven Hills Rotary Club.

We chose to highlight Erin in this issue of Rome Life not just for her position as County Clerk. But since her time with the Braves and now with the county she has demonstrated an incredible work ethic as well as the creativity and innovation that will take Floyd County into the future.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 27

27

4/17/2019 8:29:16 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Chad Smith, 39 One doesn’t generally think of church leaders and used car salesman in the same sentence. That’s a big part of what makes Trinity Motorcar Company owner Chad Smith such a special individual. When he’s not trying to convince someone to love one of his used cars during the week, he’s convincing people to love the Lord in his role as associate pastor of the Glade Road Baptist Church on the weekend.

“That’s why I’ve been successful. My business model has nothing to do with the car business. It has everything to do with honesty and integrity and treating people right,” Chad says. “In fact, the URL for Trinity Motorcar website is www.honestcardeal.com. Other dealers have you sign an ‘As is’ form and if it breaks in half when you cross the line, well, you own both halves. I stand behind every car that we sell and make sure that they get a good vehicle.”

Honesty and integrity are key to the message he and his wife of 20 years want to convey not just to the public, but most importantly to their two children, a son, age 17, and a daughter who is five.

He got his start in the business world working with People’s Finance almost 20 years ago. He decided to open the used car business about three years ago after learning from others he had worked for until he was convinced he was ready to go out on his own.

“I actually felt the Lord leading me to do it,” Chad says. “I felt real good about taking the leap.”

He says once the decision was made he was all in. His leap of faith has paid off nicely, growing the lot from about ten cars when he first opened to around 170 at this time. His goal is to sell about 150 cars a month and he’s well on his way to reaching that goal. In March, he turned over 76 vehicles.

Raising the capital was tough a first.

“I was very fortunate in some people that I had run into before in the business who decided that I was worth the chance,” he says.

Smith believes the relationships that the was able to cultivate over a long career in the finance industry have been immeasurably helpful no.

“Nobody is successful without help,” he says.

Elizabeth Powell, 24 At 24, Elizabeth was voted Best Realtor in the 2018 Rome News-Tribune’s Best Of Awards. That’s a pretty big deal considering all the talented real estate professionals in Rome. The 2013 Pepperell High grad grew up in a family of realtors. So she knew exactly what career path she’d choose.

Immediately after graduating from high school, she began the real estate course with Jason Free School of Realty after high school and passed her state exam that year. She’s now a realtor with Keller Williams Realty.

“As a realtor, the ultimate goal is to provide your clients with their dream house,” Elizabeth said. “When you think about it, this is their life line, and largest purchase. When a client trusts me entirely with the transaction of their home, it truly humbles me. The plus to my career is the amount of friendships that are created within every transaction. My clients are not just clients. They’re part of my family.”

Elizabeth said being voted Best Realtor in Rome was a humbling experience, saying she is blessed to know that her hard work pays off. But she also wants to give back to the community that has given her so much. She’s joining the Junior Service League this year which she’s pretty excited about.

And as a member of the Keller Williams family,

28

she participates each year in an event called Red Day. As a company they get out in the community and work. Last year they helped one family get a remodeled kitchen and a wheelchair ramp and another family had their entire house painted.

From time to time she also volunteers at the Community Kitchen.”

When she’s not working, Elizabeth spends time with her family — husband Colin and daughter Annistyn. She and her husband work together which Elizabeth says is a great working relationship.

“Colin and I actually work great together,” she said. “My weakness is his strength, and we complement each other very well. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are days where we want to strangle one another, but for the most part, we work pretty well together. As far as being a parent in my career, there are definite perks. With me being my own boss, I am able to bring my little munchkin along with me if need be. My clients are understanding if that’s the case. Colin and I are blessed to have family who help with Annistyn if our schedules clash. If I had the choice, I don’t think I could ever change our hectic lifestyle. I’d say it’s easier rather than tougher.”

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 28

4/15/2019 11:22:49 AM

CLASS OF 2019

Matt Schieffer, 23 Matthew Schieffer started out at the University of Florida with an eye on a career in healthcare. A little over four years later, he’s making people feel good in an entirely different way, through good coffee as one of the owners of Rome’s newest coffee shop, Lumina.

“I really had a passion for innovation, for entrepreneurship,” Matt says. “I decided I wanted to start my own business.”

The first decision showing signs of good business acumen was consulting with his father, Mike Schieffer, who had a long career with Starbucks.

“He started when there was 163 stores, he left when there was 18,000,” Matt says. “He had an amazing 18-year career with them. So after about six months I decided the answer was really right in front of my face and that was the coffee business.”

The idea for Lumina came out of Matt’s desire to be different.

“I divided it into four parts — the product, the people, the environment and customer service,” Matt says. “Lumina is the plural of lumen being a measurement of light. Our whole vision is to lighten people’s day.”

The shop at 640 Braves Boulevard has just been open since late January but Matt says it has already exceeded expectations.

“It’s been a huge learning experience but I really can say I’ve enjoyed it. I’m honored and blessed to be part of such an amazing organization,” Matt says.

He expected to see a lot of college students, and does get a lot of Berry students, but sees a tremendous variation in the demographics, particularly in the afternoon.

Matt has lived in Rome for about a year and a half. Definitely different from Gainesville, the University of Florida where he got a degree in finance, and the Fort Lauderdale Miami area where he lived for about seven years before going off to college.

“Rome is such a unique town and such a friendly place as well,” he says.

The Lumina coffee is sourced primarily from South America, Africa and Indonesia.

“We source a lot of organic rain-forest, fair trade coffee’s, a lot of it gives a lot more money back to the farmer which helps a lot of these (developing countries),” Matt says.

Like many young entrepreneurs, being very socially conscious and environmentally friendly is high on Matt’s list of priorities. He’s very concerned about a higher transparency to the farmer, to ethics and how coffee is sourced and produced.

Andrew Ballantine, 39 “We’re a wild traveling circus,” says Andrew Ballantine about his family.

The 39-year-old director of food and nutrition services at Redmond Regional Medical Center and his wife, Courtney – a teacher at Rome Middle School – have four young boys ranging in age from 6 to 14.

Vacations are riotous and at home they’re off in all different directions.

“The world of sports and band and all that took over,” he says. “I tell my wife I’m a father and a glorified taxi driver.”

Born and raised in Rome, Ballentine left for culinary school in Charleston and started a career as a chef, working in restaurants and country clubs including a stint at the famed Reynolds Plantation luxury resort.

But when the chance to come to Redmond opened up about a decade ago, he jumped at it.

“Further on down the road I was trying to promote more of a family life,” Andrew says “The hospitality industry isn’t too kind with that sometimes.”

Since then, he’s taken the opportunity to help other local families through his volunteer work with Summit Quest, a local nonprofit cancer support

organization. Andrew says Redmond’s chaplain, Billy Murdoch, asked if he’d be willing to teach healthy cooking classes to the kids in the program and it turned out to be a perfect fit.

“That’s my heart and soul,” he says. “Often, with a cancer diagnosis, things get really hairy and fall through the cracks. I wanted to empower some of those kids to help mom get dinner on the table.”

This year, Ballentine is serving as president of the organization’s board of directors. Their mission is based around family activities, including adventure trips, art programs, rural retreats that give children and their parents battling the disease a sense of normalcy.

Ballentine says his own father passed away from cancer about seven years ago. The experience in his own family, he says, is the basis of his commitment to helping Summit Quest with everything from catering to fundraising.

“It helps kids get on a path, to gain control over something, when they have little-to-no-control over other aspects of their lives,” he says.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_020.indd 29

29

4/15/2019 11:23:08 AM

BEST FENCING COMPANY

WINNER!

5 Years in a Row! Products & Services

We are personally committed to ensuring you the highest level of service possible that only a locally owned and operated company can provide.

SERVICES: • Lawn Maintenance • Irrigation • Tree Work & Removal • Swimming Pool Installment • Patios & Outcroppings • Walls & Sidewalks • Mulch & Decorative Rock

• Water Features • Trees & Perennials • Landscape Lighting Systems • Landscape Design PRODUCTS: • Vinyl & PVC Fencing • Ornamental Fencing • Chain Link Fences • Wood Fences

136 Mathis Rd NE, Rome, GA

www.walkerlandscapingandfence.com

706-936-8175

30

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_030.indd 30

4/15/2019 11:23:41 AM

Please Nominate Us Best Funeral Home in 2019!

If the beauty on the outside of our home impresses you, imagine how impressed you’ll be by the care we offer on the inside.

At Salmon Funeral Home, we’re dedicated to giving you personalized, affordable service in a warm and caring environment. With our understanding staff and soothing decor you’ll feel the comfort of your own home when you take your first step inside ours.

Sherold Salmon

Trey Salmon

2516 New Calhoun Hwy. NE • Rome, Georgia 30161

706-291-9472

Best of

Rome 2018

www.salmonfuneralhome.com Silver - Indesign File.indd 1

8/1/2018 12:19:16 PM

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_031.indd 31

31

4/15/2019 11:24:08 AM

Container Gardening A quick guide to get you started this spring

by Blake Silvers

Y

ou don’t need several acres or a tractor to grow a garden. Container gardening has become a very popular hobby because it allows nearly anyone to grow plants nearly anywhere, from apartment balconies to vacant lots.

“Vegetables, herbs, flowering annuals, perennials, shrubs and even small trees can be planted in containers,” said Virginia Brewer, owner of Lavender Mountain Hardware & Garden, 4065 Martha Berry Highway. “Container gardening has always been popular but even more so since it allows anyone to grow beautiful flowers or edibles regardless of their expertise with minimal effort.”

She says we should be well out of the frost threat period of mid-April and now is a good time to start cleaning out last year’s containers, or obtaining new ones.

“Even though the last frost date in our zone is April 15th, as soon as there are a few days of warm weather, we’re ready to clean out our old pots and put in some spring color,” Virginia said.

Here are a few of Virginia’s tips for successful container gardening: Check out how much sun 1 your pot will be receiving – this determines your plant selection

2

3

32

4 Consult your local garden center for plant selection – they can give you suggestions for your location and are up to date on the newest varieties.

Always use a light weight container mix when planting, we recommend Fafard Container Mix.

Fertilize consistently with a balanced watersoluble fertilizer – we recommend Fertilome 20-20-20

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_032.indd 32

4/15/2019 11:26:21 AM

5

BEGONIA

Some of the basic tried and true annuals for summer are: Begonias, Petunias, Geraniums, Vinca, and Impatiens. Our picks for flowering summer containers: Angelonia, Calibrachoa, Supertunias (no deadheading), Dragon Wing Begonias, Heuchera and Diamond Frost Euphorbia. Our favorite for sun locations is the new trailing Vinca; it can take full sun and blooms constantly all summer to frost.

IMPATIENS

VINCA

6 A simple rule of thumb for designing a container is to use three different heights, commonly referred to as a thriller, filler and spiller.

A plant for height such as a grass or Angelonia, a mid-range plant and a trailing plant such as sweet potato vine. The combinations are endless depending on color preference and texture.

You can even combine herbs and edibles with flowering annuals. Sometimes simple is best, you can’t go wrong with a traditional Boston Fern for shade or a Kimberly Queen Fern for a sunny location.

For tips and tricks for your existing container garden, or to get all of the materials to set up a brand new one, Virginia and the staff at Lavender Mountain are there to help from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The staff can also be reached at 706-295-0299.

“There are lots of us who love getting our hands dirty and working with plants is great therapy but for anyone who likes beautiful containers but hasn’t the time or inclination we offer a Design and Planting Service,” Virginia said. “Customers can bring their own pots or choose from our wide selection. Our garden center staff will discuss your preferences and come up with a beautiful container planting to last all season.”

TRAILING VINCA

ANGELONIA

Thriller

Filler

Spiller

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_032.indd 33

33

4/15/2019 11:26:39 AM

HAWTHORN

®

SUITES BY WYNDHAM

ROME'S UPSCALE BOUTIQUE HOTEL 706.378.4837

BE A TAKE CHARGER. Students at GHC are Take Chargers. They know that compared to other colleges, they won’t find a better education with

a better value anywhere. They come to GHC to succeed and you can, too. Choose from two-year and four-year degrees to charge up your future or recharge your career.

Apply by May 15th for summer semester Apply by July 15th for fall semester

ur

yo Find path

706-802-5000 34

University System of Georgia

highlands.edu

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_034.indd 34

4/15/2019 11:27:13 AM

Thank s GIVING

yes

IT STARTED WITH A

TO OUR HOMETOWN

WE BROUGHT IT

TO LIFE

Photo Courtesy of Katherine Birkbeck Photography

CATERING

PLANNING

DESIGN

(706) 234-2244 • www.theseasonevents.com

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR VOTES! May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_035.indd 35

35

4/15/2019 11:27:41 AM

2019 Model

®

$9,699 msrp

Discerning watercraft enthusiasts will find the ultimate combination of abundant power, with a naturally aspirated engine, precise handling and all day riding comfort in the 2019 Kawasaki Jet Ski® BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST BEST 2018 20 1 094 20 114 20 124 20 144 20 154 20 17 watercraft. ®

KAWASAKI OF ROME

Hours: Tues-Fri 9-6 2853 Alabama Hwy SW | Rome 706.235.3454 | KawasakiOfRome.com Saturday 9-4

Downtown Rome Where making you happy makes us happy!

Floyd County Board of Education congratulates Nic Hann, featured in Rome Life Magazine 20 under 40.

Nic is committed to impacting the lives of his students and players! Nic is a remarkable coach and teacher!

875 West 1st ST NW • Rome, GA 30161 www.hamptonrome.hamptonbyhilton.com 706.622.5631 fax 706.295.1210

36

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_036.indd 36

4/15/2019 11:30:44 AM

Factory Trained

By Jeremy Stewart

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_037.indd 37

37

4/15/2019 11:36:48 AM

Most of the floor of this long room is covered wall-to-wall with padded wrestling mats.

It’s not dimly lit, but there’s no mistaking it for a company’s sales department.

In one spot near the edge, a small speaker blasts a mix of upbeat music, something to keep the energy up during one of this evening’s five-minute one-on-one drills.

The whole time Lonnie Honore is watching the students work on takedowns, shouting out critiques and cheering them on when one of them gets it right, his voice reverberating off of the metal walls.

This is The Factory Wrestling Club, where Honore and his fellow coaches and volunteers hope to help youth wrestling reach the next level in Rome, Floyd County and the surrounding areas. And they’ve got a good start.

In just over a year, the facility has grown a stable of volunteer coaches who help train around 20 members who can come in for classes or open gym on five days on most weeks.

It’s members have won state middle school and freshman state titles and competed in tournaments across the southeast and nationally.

“We’re doing really good, but we want the numbers to grow.

Not just to have numbers, but to have more opportunities for the kids to learn and to work with other wrestlers whom they’ve never worked with before,” said Honore, director of The Factory Wrestling Club.

“We’re not really concerned with how we look when we walk into a gym. We’re more concerned with the quality of wrestling, whether it’s two kids or 30 kids.”

The USA Wrestling chartered club is headquartered in a red metal spec building that most drivers along U.S. 27 between Rome and Cedartown likely pass without a second thought to what’s inside it. Honore said the idea for it originated with Bryce Wood, a longtime supporter of Pepperell High

38

School sports and the head of the Dragon Wrestling Club for several years.

“He wanted something that was not labeled as just Pepperell,” Honore said. “He wanted something that was for everybody in the Floyd County, Polk County and Bartow County area to have a place to practice without putting a school’s name behind it.”

It’s an idea that has been implemented in a few other Northwest Georgia areas.

Places like Dalton, Carrollton, Hiram and Marietta have community-based clubs who train and wrestle as part of USA Wrestling separate from programs at separate schools.

“Now, sports has grown and a lot of times you have to be specialized in one thing to get any recognition. But this was created because there was a hole in local wrestling as far as putting in the time and effort of teaching girls and boys how to wrestle,” Honore said. “We have a lot of good wrestlers coming out of this area, but it’s inconsistent. It depends on the year and level of competition they are facing. We want everybody to be well-rounded so it’s nice, fair competition; good, healthy competition.”

Practicing and training for wrestling is closely akin to boxing. With wrestlers divided into weight classes, it’s best to have a sparring partner across from you who can make you better. That means being similar build, weight and experience level. That’s where Honore’s desire to have more members comes into play. But he also wants to maintain that one-on-one instruction that he and his coaches have built.

Originally from New Orleans, Honore came to Georgia following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

He attended South Cobb High School in Austell where he played football, wrestled and was in advanced chorus.

“Believe it or not,” Honore added with a laugh. “We were very good.”

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_037.indd 38

4/15/2019 11:37:05 AM

He went to Shorter University where he majored in early childhood education and played football for the Hawks. He graduated in 2011 and began teaching fourth, fifth and sixth grade at Unity Christian School while coaching football and wrestling.

After moving around to a few other school systems, Honore returned to Rome where he worked as a paraprofessional and behavioral special education teacher for Rome City Schools. For a while he was the Rome Middle School head wrestling coach and started a USA Wrestling team there.

Honore was going to stop coaching when Wood asked him to develop The Factory.

“I was still kind of the odd man out and wanted to shy away from it. I was just kind of burned out with coaching.

But it’s been great because it’s a family,” Honore said.

“The kids need someone to help them improve, and the parents need someone to make sure their kids are being treated right, both on the mat and off the mat.”

Factory wrestlers are taught the different styles of wrestling, from folkstyle — the type common to high school and college teams — to freestyle — the version seen in Olympic competition — and Greco-Roman. The club is in the beginning of the freestyle/ Greco season right now. The club offers classes for novice wrestlers as well as those at the advanced, middle school and high school levels.

Through all of it, Honore wants to make sure to keep a positive environment.

When he is working with the members he is on the mat with them, showing them the right hand placement for a hold or where their feet should be at a specific moment during a turn or a takedown. He said it’s about treating the kids right and with respect, love and dignity.

“We want to make sure we’re working and we’re not just messing around,” Honore said. “We’re serious about what we do. We want to make sure that every time a kid walks in here they come away with something new. They’ve made a friend. They’ve learned something new from a coach and they can take that with them and apply it to when they get on the mat, whether at their home school or in a tournament with The Factory Wrestling Club.”

Honore makes it very clear that the group isn’t meant to replace the coaching or competition students receive with their school teams.

The work that they do at The Factory is in addition to that, helping kids get more time on the mats to either improve their understanding of the sport or improve their abilities.

“A lot of times in high school and middle school practices, most coaches have to get through certain material. And a lot of times kids, whether they’re new or experienced, may not get all of the things they need at that practice. So the idea was to have this as an addition to that practice, not to take anything away from what they school teams are doing, but to add another dimension to it,” Honore said.

“I believe that kids need to learn from multiple quality people. Wrestling is a growing sport and you always learn.

There are a lot of different ways you can do one thing, and you’ve got to pick what works for you. A lot of times I may teach something and it may work for one person and not for someone else. And that’s OK.” The future of wrestling is coming through Northwest Georgia. Honore understands that and wants to make sure that future is given the best possible chance to flourish here. And The Factory is up and running.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_037.indd 39

39

4/15/2019 11:37:23 AM

Celebrating 50 Years of Service Let us put you in your next vehicle!

Vehicles come and go.

We’ve been here for years!

506 Turner McCall Blvd, Rome, GA • (706) 291-0601 • www.sheroldsalmon.com

Nominate Us Best Apartment Community 2019

the

RIVERP O I NT luxury apartments e s t.

2 0 1 8

Contact us today to reserve your new home

706-290-0020

riverpoint@cwreic.com 40

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_040.indd 40

4/15/2019 11:38:01 AM

SHOP ROME & FLOYD COUNTY “Please Nominate Us Best Health/Nutrition Store for 2019!”

The

Wisdom Teeth Dental Implants Extractions Bone Grafting General Anesthesia IV Sedation Surgery Teeth-in-a-day Oral & Facial Trauma Orthodontic Surgery Facial Cosmetic Surgery Skin Care & Facial Enhancements

HERB SHOP ON BROAD

Alternative & Holistic Health Services 706-232-4447 103 Broad Street Rome Ga 30161

Best of

Rome 2018

Mon - Sat 9am-6pm • Sunday 12pm-6pm Untitled-4 1

8/1/2018 12:16:13 PM

“Nominate Us Best Antiques 2019”

Antiques, Upcycled Furniture, Home Accessories & Gifts 706-784-4509 • Mon-Sat 10-6pm

We’re Growing with Rome!

Come see us in our new building!

2918 Martha Berry Hwy 706-234-7463

215 Broad Street Rome, Ga 30161 (706)767-1110

Nominate Us

Best Children’s Boutique May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_041.indd 41

41

4/15/2019 11:41:25 AM

In your time of need, let our family take care of yours

South Chapel 3002 Maple Road Rome, GA 30161 • 706-234-5302

North Chapel and Crematory 4900 Martha Berry Highway Rome, GA 30165 • 706-291-9855

Oaknoll Chapel 2542 Shorter Avenue Rome, GA 30165 • 706-291-0073

www.hendersonandsons.com 42

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_042.indd 42

4/15/2019 11:42:03 AM

Good Neighbor Ministries Helping Hands in the Community

By Blake Silvers

G

ood Neighbor Ministries has been helping local folks through the small struggles of daily life for around thirty years, but director Pam Clarke has noticed locals don’t know about the role the organization fills here in the community.

When Clarke moved back to Rome a few years back, she admits even she didn’t know a lot about the organization she now oversees. She hopes to change that in the future and is starting with a universal appeal — food.

Clarke and the volunteers at Good Neighbor help those experiencing temporary hard times stay afloat with the small needs of daily life until they can get back on their feet. She hopes to give the community a glimpse into what the organization does at an upcoming open house and food truck event set for today.

There will be two food trucks — Timbo’s Smokehouse and Don Neo — as well as Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt on hand in the parking log behind the Good Neighbor office, 208 East 2nd Street from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the organization and donations will be accepted

on sight as well.

“This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” said Clarke. “It’s sort of small scale, since we don’t know what to expect yet.”

“A lot of the people in the community that are less fortunate would come to the churches for help. Good Neighbor was established as a one stop shop for those in need, originally under the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rome,” said Clarke.

“We are totally supported by members of the community and local churches. We don’t use any government funding or grant writing.”

Good Neighbor opens up shop at their small office every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and help people with rent, utilities, work clothes, medications and even simple household items such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and even toilet paper.

“We might help 10 or 100 people at a time depending on the time of year,” Clarke said.

“We thought the food trucks would help bring people in,” said Clarke. “People will be able to walk through and see what

we do. We’re trying to get the word out in the community more so we’re not so dependent on just the churches that have been supporting us for 30 years.”

Good Neighbor isn’t meant to be used as more of a temporary band-aid than a permanent crutch for those in need, according to Clarke. There are limits to how much one individual can receive at a time and within a certain period of time.

This is partially due to policy, but also helps keep the organization within its budget constraints so more individuals can be helped. ”Except the director, everyone is a volunteer,” Clarke said. “We are a bare bones organization.”

Other than opportunities to volunteer and the always welcomed cash donation, Good Neighbor always has a need for basic household items such as cleaners and soaps, and also accept diapers for those in need with babies and toddlers.

For more information about the upcoming open house, or to find out more about how to help Good Neighbor Ministries, contact Pam Clarke at 706-2910556.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_042.indd 43

43

4/15/2019 11:42:20 AM

Celebrate

Mother’s Day with us!

ROME, GA 246 SHORTER AVE NW 706-291-9788

ROME, GA 311 RIVERSIDE PKWY NE 706-235-0555

CARTERSVILLE, GA 140 MAIN STREET MARKET PL SE 770-386-2977

DALTON, GA 1331 W. WALNUT AVE. 706-529-8477

Make your summer containers beautiful with our help...

 Leave the dirty work to us. We design and plant containers  Bring your own containers in or choose from our great selection of pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes  We stock all the newest annuals and perennials

We’re really good at this!

4065 Martha Berry Hwy NW, Rome, GA • 706-295-0299 • www.lavendermountainhardware.com

44

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_044.indd 44

4/15/2019 11:43:03 AM

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S !

ROME LIFE MAGAZINE’S 20 UNDER 40

WESLEY STYLES

NORTH HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

BestBank_Large_RCB_1.indd 1

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_045.indd 45

DENNIS DRUMMOND WEST END ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

AM May/June 20 19 | Ro3/30/19 me Life9:51 45

4/15/2019 11:54:44 AM

STAY STUNNING WITH THIS TRAVEL-SIZE SET OF SUMMER BEAUTY MUST-HAVES!

MOTHER’S

DAY

IS SUNDAY, MAY 12

Revitalizing Eye Gel Liquid Lipcolor Happily Ever

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

© 2019 Merle Norman Cosmetics Inc.

4 Central Plaza, Rome, Ga 30161 706-291-6444

MerleNorman.com

Monday-Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

* FREE in the U.S. and available for one cent in Canada with the purchase of two or more Merle Norman cosmetic products. Cosmetic accessories not included. Offer valid while

supplies last at participating Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios beginning May 1, 2019. Limit one per customer. We reserve the right to substitute individual components of gift.

Summer 2019 GWP Ad Slick 73-1 S.A.U. system: 3 columns x 7" (6-7/16" x 7")

Monday-Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Foundation Primer Plus SPF 15 Mother's Day Ad Slick 19-4 S.A.U. system: 3 columns x 7" (6-7/16" x 7")

4 Central Plaza, Rome, Ga 30161 • 706-291-6444

© 2019 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.

Moisture Rich Facial Treatment

Merle Norman products are the perfect way to say “I love you.” Stop by to shop Mother’s Day gifts that will pamper and please.

Please Nominate Us Best Heating and Air Service in 2019! merlenorman.com

* FREE in the U.S. and available for one cent in Canada with the purchase of two or more Merle Norman cosmetic products.

R E S I Z I N G A N D C U S TO M I Z I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S Cosmetic accessories not included. Offer valid while supplies last at participating Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios beginning

R E S I Z I N G A N D C U S TO M I Z I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S 1, 2017.

Limit one perascustomer.

We reserve the right to substitute individual components of gift.

A clear zone of 1/2 the height of May the logo must be maintained shown below.

No text or graphic elements can appear in this clear zone. Logo and tagline may not be stretched or manipulated in any way.

A clear zone of 1/2 the height of the logo must be maintained as shown below.

No text or graphic elements can appear in this clear zone. Logo and tagline may not be stretched or manipulated in any way.

Best of

Rome 2018

RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL

&& &

Untitled-4 1

8/1/2018 12:16:13 PM

1743 Calhoun Rd. NE • Rome, GA 30161-8972• •Visit 706-232-8930 •| Visit us online | www.ngec.net 1743 Calhoun Rd. NE •Rd. Rome, 30161-8972 • 706-232-8930 us• online www.ngec.net 1743 Calhoun NE •GA Rome, GA 30161-8972 • 706-232-8930 Visit us online | www.ngec.net 46

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_046.indd 46

4/15/2019 11:55:32 AM

If you’re looking for relatively easy and inexpensive getaways for your family, there are several wonderful outdoor options within a 2-hour drive from Rome. Cloudland Canyon State Park is around an hour and a half away and has great camping area as well and hiking, biking and horse riding areas and some of the best views you’ll see in this part of the world. The Waterfalls Trail drops into the canyon itself and offers amazing views of both the Cherokee and Hemlock waterfalls. The flow of water over the falls varies significantly from week to week and from month to month, but in general, winter and early spring offer the strongest and most constant flow. / Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Travel IN NORTHWEST GEORGIA

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_047.indd 47

47

4/15/2019 12:17:53 PM

There are a plethora of trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking or just taking a stroll in and around Cloudland Canyon State Park in Walker County. There are approximately 30 miles of trails for biking of all levels as well as 64 miles of hikingtrails and 16 miles of horseback trails. / Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Cloudland Canyon State Park in Walker County features many trails into the canyon as well as raised wooden walkways over the various waterfalls. / Georgia Department of Natural Resources

48

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_047.indd 48

4/15/2019 12:18:37 PM

If you’d like to get outside as well as delve into our area’s history you could visit the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site in Cartersville or the elegant Chief Vann house - home to one of the Cherokee’s leaders James Vann - prior to his family being forced to relocate in Arizona on the infamous Trail of Tears. The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic site is located in Cartersville and admission is $6 for adults and $4.50 for kids over 6 years old. The site is also now open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 54-acre site has six earthen mounds, a plaza, village site, borrow pits and defensive ditch and is considered the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast. / Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The old marble mine at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County. / Georgia Department of Natural Resources

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_047.indd 49

49

4/15/2019 12:18:26 PM

You can’t beat the spring views from the top of Cloudland Canyon from the Overlook Trail or West Rim Loop Trail.

Cloudland Canyon State Park is around an hour and a half away and has great camping area as well and hiking, biking and horse riding areas and some of the best views you’ll see in this part of the world. / Georgia Department of Natural Resources

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Chattooga County has many fun things for families to do including kayaking, canoeing as well as fishing. Sloppy Floyd State Park is located between Rome and Summerville on Highway 27, around 20 minutes away. The site includes, camping, fishing, kayaking as well as hiking, horse riding and biking trails. A portion of the Pinhoti Trail crosses Taylor’s Ridge overlooking the camp site. / Georgia Department of Natural Resources

50

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_047.indd 50

4/15/2019 12:18:50 PM

Amenities like hiking, camping and roasting marshmallows are all available at Red Top Mountain State Park just 30 minutes from Rome. Red Top Mountain State Park is located on Lake Allatoona in Bartow County and contains locations for camping, hiking, tennis, swimming (and all the other things you can do on a lake) as well as some biking trails. Remember there is a $5 parking fee at any Georgia State Park - or you can purchase an annual park pass for $45 which covers parking as well as exempts up to four visitors from admission fees at state historic sites. The state parks are just some of the attractions around our area. / Georgia Department of Natural Resources

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_047.indd 51

51

4/15/2019 12:19:06 PM

A couple of years ago we did a full-page ad featuring Matt Robbins for the 20 Under 40.

This year I have been selected as one of the 20 Under 40 folks and the bank will be purchasing a ½ page vertical ad for this (4.1” x 10.25”).

Can you create something that we could use for this? I can provide a headshot if you would like to use one, or if you would rather do something with just text that’s fine, too.

I’d love to still plug in our “Best of Rome” emblem on there somewhere just to milk it.

It feels weird ordering artwork featuring myself, so I’m not really sure what instructions to give. Let me know if you have any thoughts for this.

Congrats Jamie!

LOG ON NOW TO NOMINATE!

wwwBestOfRomega.com Best of

Rome 2018

Nomination Period: 4/28 through 5/25 Voting Starts July 2nd through July 27th Untitled-4 1

8/1/2018 12:16:13 PM

Kudos to our own Jamie Foster on being

selected for Rome Life’s “20 Under 40.” She, like so many others, is making a difference in our community.

We couldn’t be more proud to have her on our team.

GreaterCB.com

52

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_052.indd 52

4/15/2019 2:30:19 PM

Nominate Now!!!

Your favorite businesses in

Floyd County

Nomation Period: 4/28 through 5/25 One Nomination Submission per email address, per day.

Best of

Rome 2018

Categories: 12:16:13 PM Shopping • Services • Real Estate & Finance • Kids8/1/2018 & Education • Health & Wellness • Beauty • Food & Drinks • Auto & Recreational Vehicles • Arts, Entertainment & Recreation

Untitled-4 1

The 210 East 2nd Ave.

Lodge

MENSWEAR

706.506.4643

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_053.indd 53

53

4/15/2019 2:33:36 PM

A Sign of Big Things To Come: A few Rome-grown athletes are making us proud with their performances and their signings with bigtime colleges. While we’re proud of all our local athletes no matter where they decide to pursue their collegiate careers, these young men are standouts for their exceptional performances during their high school careers as well as the big colleges they’ve signed with... compiled by Jonathan Blaylock

Rome High’s Knox Kadum, Virginia Tech

At the quarterback position, Knox Kadum helped guide the Rome High Wolves to back-to-back Class 5A state championships in the 2016 and 2017 seasons and a state semifinal appearances this past season.

This year, Kadum will have the opportunity to continue his career at the college level.

The Rome News-Tribune All-Area first teamer saw his recruitment process pick up speed in the weeks before National Signing Day when an official visit to Blacksburg ended with an offer for the quarterback spot on the Virginia Tech roster.

“I’m just excited about getting another opportunity to compete in the game I love,” Kadum said. “Being in the ACC, I know I’m going to see some of the best competition, so I know it’s going to be tough.

I’m just excited to play at Blacksburg.”

Kadum said the similarities between Rome’s offense and Virginia Tech’s offense is encouraging and will hopefully make the process an easier one.

“The way they do the offense is really similar to ours,” Kadum said.

“The pass concepts are a lot like ours, so I feel like it’s not going to be as hard of a transition in that aspect. I’ll have to study and learn.

That will be the big thing.”

Kadum has received many well-wishes from the community and says knowing Rome is supporting him will help him down the road.

“Everybody who’s had a chance to congratulate me, they’ll have my back, and they want to see the best for me,” Kadum said. “It’s a warm feeling around here in the community. I’m going to be far from home, but it’ll be nice to have that support from back home.”

54

Rome High’s Xavier RobertsDonaldson Florida Atlantic

Another potent weapon in the Rome High offense was wide receiver Xavier Roberts-Donaldson. The multi-sport athlete plagued opponents all season with his speed and ability to get open and make plays.

The receiver will get his shot at the college level this season after signing to play for the Florida Atlantic Owls.

Roberts-Donaldson caught 56 passes for 1,118 yards and 16 touchdowns and helped lead the Wolves to a 13-1 record and their third straight Region 7-5A title.

Roberts-Donaldson, who also plays baseball and runs track, has listed Florida Atlantic head coach Lane Kiffin as an influence on his decision to attend the university.

Roberts-Donaldson will help bolster an offense that went 5-7 last season and 3-5 in Conference USA action.

Roberts-Donaldson had been committed to Kennesaw State before decommitting and signing with Florida Atlantic.

Local football stars in the spotlight with big signings

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_054.indd 54

4/15/2019 12:21:20 PM

Coosa’s Sean Brown Tennessee

Despite missing six games of this past season with an injury, Coosa’s Sean Brown played a big role in the team’s success after a slow start to the year.

Brown’s determination after coming back from injury helped the Eagles overcome a five-game skid to start the year and finish out the season strong, eventually earning a spot in the first round of the Class AA playoffs.

That strength as a leader on the field will be big for Brown as the tight end and defensive lineman continues his college career with the Southeastern Conference’s Tennessee Volunteers.

The Rome News-Tribune All-Area first teamer announced his commitment at the Eagles’ spring game before the start of the season, and he maintained that choice throughout his senior year with Coosa.

Even though Brown missed more than half the regular season, he still amassed 41 tackles and six sacks, including 10 tackles for a loss. He also had three fumble recoveries.

Coosa’s Gavin Hughes Mercer

Hard work has been Gavin Hughes’ bread and butter throughout his high school career. The Coosa linebacker will get a chance to put his work ethic to an even bigger test soon when he begins his college career at Mercer.

“I pretty much worked my tail off to get a starting position at Coosa,” Hughes said. “That itself should help me out at the next level.

Hard work, patience and persistence — those will help me at the next level.”

Finishing the season as the Region 7-AA and RN-T All-Area Defensive Player of the Year, Hughes finished with 127 total tackles after moving from outside linebacker to inside linebacker while getting nine sacks and three tackles for a loss. He also had four fumble recoveries and an interception, as well as a defensive touchdown.

As the first person in his family to go to college, Hughes takes a lot of pride into stepping out onto the football field.

“My family and my mom are the most excited,” Hughes said. “We’re just excited that I got this opportunity. I’m kind of nervous, but that’s to be expected going to a new place. I’m excited to meet new coaches and get to know new players — just to do something new.”

Rome High’s Jamious Griffin Georgia Tech

Few players in the state of Georgia can claim to have as successful a season as Jamious Griffin in his senior year with the Rome High Wolves.

The Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year and four-star recruit stepped into the spotlight this past season after sharing time at the running back position for most of his high school career.

As the Wolves’ featured back, the senior led his team to the Class 5A state semifinals and will continue his career at Georgia Tech under new head coach Geoff Collins.

The Rome News-Tribune All-Area Offensive Player of the Year broke loose for 2,815 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns in his final year with the Wolves, helping his team reach a recordbreaking 40-game winning streak which dated back to September 2016.

With the Yellow Jackets, Griffin has the opportunity to play on the field with his older brother Ja’Quon Griffin, who plays defensive line for Georgia Tech.

Griffin started the season as a two-star recruit and an N.C. State commit before reaching four-star status by the end of the season and receiving a visit from Collins in early December.

Griffin amassed 6,400 yards in his career with the Wolves and scored 104 touchdowns, which places him fifth all time in career touchdowns for Georgia running backs. Both his yardage and rushing touchdown total eclipse Herschel Walker from his time playing for Johnson County.

He earned several awards throughout the season, including being named first-team all-state, the Gatorade Georgia Football Player of the Year, the Region 7-5A MVP and a USA Today firstteam All-American.

Local football stars in the spotlight with big signings May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_054.indd 55

55

4/15/2019 12:21:40 PM

The Social Scene

Model Middle teacher Alice Stephens with her family at Berry College’s House O’ Dreams in March.

Artagus Newell, Thomas Kislat and Randy Quick at the Floyd Against Drugs Murder Mystery fundraiser in March.

Wes Peschel, Kelsey Peschel, Tannika King, Lorri-Anna Tate, Carrie Watterson and Chase Watterson at this year’s Heart of the Community gala. King was one of this year’s honorees.

Michele, Dustin and Avery Rikard at this year’s Harbin Clinic Leprechaun-athon.

Your photos could end up on the Social Scene pages of the next issue of Rome Life Magazine.

Email high-res images of Rome and Floyd County residents socializing at local events to SAvila@RN-T.com and be sure to include names and locations.

56

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_056.indd 56

4/15/2019 12:22:15 PM

The Social Scene

Brandon Elrod, Erin Elrod, Severo Avila, Tannika King, Tina Brinson and Dave Roberson at St. Mary’s Catholic School auction gala.

Tini Kastis and her law partner, Randy Carver, of Bournakis and Mitchell, P.C. at St. Mary’s Catholic School auction gala.

Karen Smith and Fr. Akoh Valery at the St. Mary’s Catholic School auction gala at Georgia Highlands College in April.

Super Lawyers Honorees: (left to right)

C. King Askew, Robert L. Berry, J. Anderson Davis & Robert M. Brinson

We Are All Business.

Karen Smith and Becky Motes

Business Litigation Team selected to 2019 Georgia Super Lawyers

Northwest Georgia’s leading regional and statewide law firm.

Brinson-Askew.com | 706.291.8853 | Rome, Georgia May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life BAB-0124 Super Lawyers ad_Rome Life.indd 1 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_057.indd 57

57

4/8/19 2:49 PM 4/15/2019 12:25:34 PM

The Social Scene

Dr. Frank Russo Alessi, Robin Hice, Kimsie Kendrick and John Kendrick at this year’s Heart of the Community after-party.

Dr. Joel Todino celebrated his 80th birthday at a surprise party thrown by his daughter Christine and hosted at The Spires Info Center.

Honorees at this year’s Heart of the Community gala were Nancy Knight, Barb Beninato, Chantz McClinic, The Ball Corporation, Bill and Faith Collins, Jeff and Mary Margaret Mauer, Tannika King, Mark Webb and Harry Brock.

Gwen Mathis, Cathy Mathis, Brooks Mathis, David Mathis, Ryan Mathis and Rachel Rogers at David’s induction in the RomeFloyd Sports Hall of Fame.

58

Members of the Kids GoGo Running Club.

From left, Rebecca, Ellie and Heidi Perkins, and Avery and Michele Rikard.

Rome Life | May/June 20 19

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_058.indd 58

4/15/2019 12:24:35 PM

The Social Scene

Participants in the 2019 Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge along with board members of the Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia for which the event is a fundraiser.

Chris Mauer enjoying dinner at Yummy Thai on Broad Street.

Debbie Law, Thomas Kislat, Selena Tilly, Ginny Kibler, Savannah White, Ann Hortman and Lisa Smith volunteered together at the Community Kitchen.

Scotty Hancock, Severo Avila and Sammy Rich in costume as cast members in the Floyd Against Drugs Murder Mystery.

May/June 20 19 | Ro me Life 2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_059.indd 59

59

4/15/2019 12:26:07 PM

It’s time to

Spring Into Health This spring, Harbin Clinic challenges you to start fresh and prioritize preventive health measures.

For proactive health management, men and women of all ages should see their primary care physician yearly for these routine evaluations:

Blood pressure

Cholesterol and triglycerides

Blood sugar/glucose

Healthy weight ranges

Visit harbinclinic.com/screenings to see which screenings may apply to you. Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician to spring-clean your health today!

2019_05_05_RNT_RLM_A_060.indd 60

4/15/2019 12:26:49 PM