Hidden Paradise
Country living with all the amenities awaits, just a short drive from Rome in Lindale.
There are so many reasons to love living at The Spires, a stunning lakeside senior living community immersed in the vibrant campus culture of Berry College. A 27,000-acre backyard full of walking paths, wildlife and breathtaking views. A state-of-the-art fitness center offering everything from cardio drumming to water fitness. A bustling music scene where you can sing, dance or jam to your heart’s content. And the peace of mind of a full continuum of care if further assistance is ever needed.
What our residents are saying:
“I’ve enjoyed making new friends and the staff is unbelievable from top to bottom.” — Dr. Woody Davis, Resident
“People here have been intensely supportive, and they mean it. It’s been a happy serendipity.” — Ann Marie Hollomon, Resident
“I think the best way I can describe the experience here is ‘community’ and I just give thanks. The opportunities are just endless for people to connect.” — Dr. Jennifer Barbieri, Daughter of Resident
“For social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing — everything I need is here. It’s just been amazing the way our community loves each other.” — Julie Wahtola, Resident
Come see for yourself — we think you’ll love it here, too. Call 706-607-5322 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.
OCTOBER 2025 COLUMNS FEATURES
8
Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. This month, Nero generates inexpensive costume ideas, discovers the origins of the government shutdown, and reveals an inside joke.
This October, Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd share Tammie McConnell's story and how it serves as an inspiration to schedule a mammogram.
Holly Lynch discusses how death is the great equalizer (much like airport security lines!) What happens to you after death may not matter to you, but it does matter to the people who love you.
This Marion Dairy Road Hardy Home offers quiet luxury and quality craftsmanship.
The Renaissance Marquis’s administrative team is eager to be a part of their residents’ lives and to foster a community of love and support.
Publisher's Note
There is something about the ocean that causes a person to reflect. The sound of the waves lapping against the sand, the gulls calling out as they hunt for food gliding over the waves, and for those that don't live on the coast, the escape from everyday life.
No matter how much you love or hate what you do, everyone deserves a break from the day to day stresses of life. Not that vacations can't be stressful, but it's a different kind at least...and when you're done dealing with it...there is that ocean waiting to calm you down.
Beach goers all have their favorite spots and while I've enjoyed stints at different wonderful beaches, my family spot growing up was Amelia Island. My parents have reached an age where getting there requires my sister or I to take them and organize the trip, and life just hasn't allowed that to happen the last few years, but it was made a priority in 2025 and as the southeast transitioned to fall, generations of Griffins made our way back for a week at the beach.
OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin
The trip started with some heavy stress that worked out in the end. I was informed about 12 hours before departure that the rental car I needed to transport 6 people and all the stuff needed for the trip had been recalled and another vehicle that large was not available. After a spirited conversation and some debate I ended up with a luxury sprinter van that could have toted a volleyball team to Florida. All's well that ends well...I became the bus driver and we traveled in style.
Budget Busting Ideas For All Hallows’ Eve
Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky, the unqualified descendant of Julius Caesar, answers his letters from his less-than-loyal subjects. It’s like the moment where you discover you can carve a jack-o-lantern in less than 90 seconds with a reciprocating saw, if you don’t care about cleaning pumpkin sludge out of the motor of your power tools.
First Question.
MR. NERO SUR,
“What r u dresin up 4 halowen? This year I Rumi from kpop demon huntrz. R u gonan be Rumi 2?”
— Brandi Beautfort, Jr. | 2nd grader, Johnson Elementary School
DEAR BRANDI,
A pop princess with a magical sword is a solid choice, but ole’ Nero doesn’t want to show off his 14-pack midriff to overworked moms handing out candy. What should the divine and sovereign ruler of Rome and Floyd County dress as for Halloween? He’s already immortal, omnipotent, blessed by the arrow of Apollo, and eats at The Shrimp Boat for free. Is there a costume that carries the gravitas and magnanimatude of my awesomeness? Yes.
This year, Nero will be the Cave Spring Bacon Festival for Halloween.
DEAR EMPEROR NERO,
“I am a mother of four, and Halloween is our favorite holiday. Unfortunately, we want to be festive, but times are tough financially, and we have a limited budget. Can you suggest some inexpensive decorations and costume ideas?”
— Lucia Torres | Chattooga High School, Class of 2002
DEAR LUCIA,
You don’t need to waste your gold and silver at Spirit Halloween or Ollie's Bargain Outlet. Here are some homespun alternative costume ideas:
Dump a bucket of water on your son’s head. And poof! He’s Aquaman. After an hour of trick-or-treating, he’s next year’s costume. Aquaman, But With Hypothermia.
Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is the Chief Ambassador of Fun at WorkPlay Solutions, the author of Forever Sisters, and the Vice President of the Children’s Museum of Rome. He hopes you pity laugh at his humor and satire stories, especially the ones that aren’t funny.
Does your daughter want to be Katniss Everdeen, but you don’t have the bow and arrows? Remember the scene in the third Hunger Games movie where she was captured and President Snow confiscated her weapons? “I’m Katniss, one hour and seventeen minutes into Mockingjay.” This costume idea also works with the first Thor movie, when he becomes mortal, and loses his hammer.
Need a skeleton for the front porch? Don’t pay a radius and a femur for store-bought skeletons that pollute the Coosa River with microplastics. Instead, grab a flashlight and shovel and head to Myrtle Hill for organic, locally sourced skeletons free of charge!
With a bit of creativity and criminal trespassing, the sky is the limit on low-cost costume ideas.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
EMPEROR ZERO,
“Here’s a softball toss of a political question you are sure to get wrong:
The Federal Government shut down on October 1st after the spending bill failed to get the necessary votes. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson blames the Democrats. But the Republicans control the Congress and the Executive Branch. Who then is really to blame for the shutdown?”
— Dr. Humbert R. Tuffleson, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Ancient History at Georgia Highlands College
DEAR PROFESSOR HUFFLEPUFF,
Aren’t you a professor of ancient history? Shouldn’t your “gotcha” political question be something more like “Did ancient Aztec priests violate the legal principle of habeas corpus when they made human sacrifices to the sun god?” No matter.
Based on what Nero saw on social media this month, your government riddle has an obvious solution. There is only one modern tyrant who made grandiose claims that 2025 would be big, bold, and beautiful. A man who once filled his people with hope, only to fall featherless from the sky like a reverse phoenix dying in the ashes of mismanagement and personal incompetence. Who is truly responsible for the shutdown of the United States government? You guessed it—it’s James Franklin, former head coach of Penn State football.*
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
NERO,
“Why do you write Me Vexat Pede as your salutation after every answer? What does it mean?”
— Allegria Mae Jontomplocyz | Unity Christian School, Class of 2027
DEAR ALLEGRIA MAE,
To quote the Emperor’s fourth-favorite cartoon bear, “Oh, bother.” Explaining jokes is as annoying as an irritating pebble in my shoe.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
Disclaimer: Emperor Nero Romansky is a satirical character written and created by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed. All people and quotations are fictional, invented by the limited imagination of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of the author, editors, or V3 Magazine. *Mark graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Football Sadness.
WHEN A COMMUNITY PILLAR NEEDS SUPPORT
A family history
For Tammie McConnell, a lifelong Rome resident and dedicated Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) employee, ringing the bell almost a year ago in November marked more than the end of breast cancer treatment. It was a celebration of resilience and the power of community.
Tammie has spent over 30 years helping families through DFCS, earning a reputation as a community connector. “If I can’t find it, I’ll find somebody who can help,” she said with a laugh.
After losing her mom to breast cancer in 2013, she has kept up with her mammograms consistently. In 2018, she experienced a scare with a benign tumor and began twiceyearly screenings. Then, when her nurse practitioner retired, the schedule slipped her mind.
“I realized I hadn’t had my mammogram, so I called and made an appointment,” said Tammie.
After her mammogram at Atrium Health Floyd Medical The Breast Center in August of 2024, she got the call: abnormal results. “They asked when I could come back,” said Tammie. “And I replied, ‘Tomorrow?’ Once there, I also needed a biopsy and wanted to do it right then. They were able to get it all done the same day.”
By Aug.14, Tammie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Receiving the news, she remembers crying in her car and asking God, “Why me?” Then, she says it hit her, “Why not me?” She called two devoted prayer partners right away, who came and met her in the parking lot.
Tammie McConnell
“We prayed right then and there,” said Tammie. "I gave the situation to God.”
A week later, she met Harbin Clinic surgeon Dr. Paul Brock Sr. for more details. “We have good news. It’s small. We can take it out with surgery,” he said.
Tammie told Brock she had a trip to Miami planned and asked if she could still go.
“I went and had a ball,” said Tammie. “It fueled my determination to beat it.” She wanted to enjoy herself and wait to share the news with friends and family until after she returned.
Another, more difficult, journey
When she arrived home from her trip, she went in for her lumpectomy and stayed home from work for two weeks. “Staying home was the hardest part!” said Tammie. “I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
From there, she began radiation but was able to easily go back to work. “The hardest part of radiation was getting there by 8 a.m.,” she joked, “It was only 20 sessions, each just 15 minutes.”
Her care team included Harbin Clinic oncologist Dr. Melissa Dillmon, who prescribed a five-year oral medication to reduce recurrence risk. “The medicine can impact your bones, so I’m exercising and eating better,” Tammie said.
A
community
pillar receives support
Tammie kept her diagnosis mostly private at first, but when she finally shared, her community was there for the woman who had consistently served so many others for years.
“Friends brought groceries, sent flowers and even money. My advice for people diagnosed with cancer? Accept the help. It’s hard when you’re used to being independent, but you will need a village,” said Tammie.
Tammie’s joy and sense of humor also entertained the care team at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center. She famously asked the front desk, "Now when do I get to be on a billboard?” every time she came for radiation.
On Nov. 15, 2024, just four months after her diagnosis, Tammie rang the bell, marking her final treatment. To her surprise, a peer in her Cancer Navigators group had called in a professional photographer for her celebration.
“I loved it. My family was so happy. It was a great day,” said Tammie.
Life after cancer
Post-treatment, Tammie dove into support programs like Vital Grace and Livestrong at the YMCA and stayed connected with those she had met through Cancer Navigators at the Cancer Center. She is doing everything she can to live life to the fullest. She admits that the hardest part is the unknown.
"I try not to think about recurrence,” said Tammie. “My friends remind me to stay in today.” Next up on her bucket list? A trip to Turks and Caicos. “I really enjoy life,” she said with a
smile. “I’m a lot of fun.”
Tammie said she is grateful that she could receive all the care she needed close to home.
“People think they have to go to Atlanta sometimes, but everything I needed was right here,” she said. “Dr. Brock and his team, the radiation teammates, the cancer navigators — they were all phenomenal.”
“Cancer care is truly a team effort,” said Brock. “From detection to treatment and survivorship, every specialist plays an important role.”
Dillmon agreed, “We’re all working toward the same goal of helping our patients live full, healthy lives beyond cancer.”
This October, let Tammie’s story be an inspiration and a motivation to schedule a mammogram. Visit Atrium Health Floyd’s Breast Center or Harbin Clinic Cancer Center online to learn more about cancer support services.
Stop All the Clocks
Text: Holly D. Lynch
Death is the only event in life that we are all guaranteed (after our own birth, that is) and I’m in the event business. Unfortunately, I’ve had a few too many personal experiences in this area over the last several years. I have attended funerals or helped plan funerals in two different states for loved ones from young people to the elderly. I’ve also witnessed lives wither away from disease and the decline of an aging body. Watching death happen and living with the aftermath does not get easier, but it does give me a better understanding of it. As an event planner, and someone who studies traditions in life, I’ve had a number of thoughts on this industry lately.
The “business” of death is a fascinating industry. Lawyers, courts, funeral homes, and cemeteries are all businesses. It’s a type of business that is 100 percent necessary but not updated
very often. I would also venture to say that many people do not fully appreciate or understand all of the details of planning for death until they’re in the middle of the process. Whether it’s the decision making before a person passes or the decisions after, none of it is easy. However, I do think the industry needs a bit of an overhaul, starting with very blunt, bold conversations. Let’s begin that conversation here.
I hope this topic isn’t too sad for some of you. Death is an inevitable end for all of us, no matter our age, income, sexual orientation, political party, geography, or any other line that we would like to believe defines us. Death is the great equalizer (much like airport security lines!) Frankly, what happens to you after death may not matter to you, but it does matter to the people who love you. I have two specific areas of the death business that I would love to see updated
with the times – what you plan and what the funeral homes can do to help.
For you, the friends and family: Plan your funeral. Plan everything about the end of your life just as if you were planning for a wedding or some other celebration. If you do not, you leave these decisions to people who knew you maybe not as well as you thought they did. Like planning any party, start with the location for your service. Are you religious? Is there a place of worship you prefer? Are you fine with the chapel at a funeral home? Which funeral home? This is literally the first question the hospital asks you when your loved one dies – which funeral home do you want to use? Do you want religious elements included in your service? Not very religious? That’s fine too – choose a pub or the library or some other public venue so your family and friends can gather to share stories of your life. Maybe give them some options since restaurants and venues often change over time. Will there be music? A hymn from your growing up days? Great. Which hymn do you want? Should someone sing it? If you don’t choose ahead of time, you’re going to end up with the Alan Jackson version of “How Great Thou Art” when you really wanted Carrie Underwood’s rendition. Do you want there to be a time for people to gather and greet your family before the service? Where do you want that to take place?
One of the most important questions is having a burial vs. a cremation. Do you want to be seen when you’re dead (i.e. an open casket)? I’ve always been amused at a visitation when greeters comment on how good someone looks in the casket. I can assure you this is the worst they’ve ever looked. Maybe the make-up artist and hair stylist did a fabulous job (kudos to that industry, by the way). I guess saying how good someone looks is a comforting comment for those grieving. Frankly, I do not want anyone looking at me when I’m dead. I barely want people looking at me while I’m alive!
Do you want to be cremated? I think the stigma of cremation has waned over the years. With our youngest generation, I don’t think they’re going to visit their dead loved ones at cemeteries like my parents’ generation did. I personally would rather be remembered in places that I shared with my friends and family. For me, cremation makes the most sense. I do not have children. Instead, I would love for a little bit of me to travel with anyone who outlives me to a place of they’re choosing. I love to travel so please, take me with you. Sprinkle a little bit of me when you cross the state line or when you head across the pond. I realize there may be laws and rules about such, but that’s not the gist of this article.
Friends, WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO HAPPEN. I promise that I wish some of my loved ones had written more things down. Write down what you want to be dressed in or if you want shoes. Literally, every detail will be one less decision your grieving family will need to make. It’s a gift you can give them. The other part of this gift is having all the legal papers in order for the end of your life. [Disclaimer: this is not legal advice.] I’ve been advised to have an advanced medical directive (sometimes called a ‘living will’), a power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, and a will. Designate what is supposed to happen to you and your stuff ahead of time so there’s not a whole bunch of squabbling after you’re gone. Also, no one wants your fine china or your rare collection of ceramic hummingbirds. My entire royal memorabilia collection will likely be sold at a yard sale or donated to Goodwill. I’ve had to accept that reality.
In the second category of overhauling this industry, my comments are to the funeral homes. Please, for the love of God and all that is holy, update your interior décor. No matter the funeral home I’ve been to recently - whether it’s in the metro Atlanta area, here in Northwest Georgia, or in a bucolic New England community in Connecticut, I have yet to walk into a funeral home that looked good. Either the décor is a cast off from Liberace‘s garage sale or there’s furniture from the set of The Brady Bunch. Random sculptures, tacky candelabra, ugly wall décor: I’ve seen it all. Fake flowers with an inch of dust on them do not inspire me to honor my loved one. They definitely do not inspire me to spend a lot of money on a casket. Can we please speak of caskets? I do not want to walk past an embalming room or down into the creepy basement of the funeral home to go look at a casket. This is the least exciting purchase I’ve ever made in my life (and I love shopping). Did you know you can order a casket on Amazon? I would love for someone to explain how that could work. I know funeral directors work hard, but I do wish there was more spelled out to us. Tell us where to stand and when to walk. Figure out who sits in the front row of the service (how many people will fit in the front row – these are literally the same questions we figure out for wedding ceremonies and it matters to families). If your client is not having a traditional funeral, it’s still important to figure out the flow of the event. It is a celebration, after all, and the best parties have some rhythm to them – when to sing, give tributes, share photos, and raise a glass.
I hope this column has inspired some thought and some conversation with you and your family. Start writing things down. An envelope labeled “Open first when I die” in a logical place would be a gift for your family and friends who want to celebrate you and your life. You may be 22 and just starting out in life or slap in the middle of middle-age or late into your 80’s. It doesn’t matter. We are not guaranteed any number of days, so please, write it down.
A Slice of Heaven
A Hardy Home like no other, 185 Marion Dairy Road is a little slice of heaven.
text
CURRY TEEMS | photo KEITH BEAUCHAMP
185
Marion Dairy Road is more than just a home peeking out from behind Lindale’s rolling hills. It’s a retreat where timeless craftsmanship meets serene living to create a lifestyle of comfort, elegance, and relaxation.
Built in 2021 by the highly respected Brooks Building Group, this custom-built home is all about quality and restraint. “It’s an understated, comfortable house where everything is done so well and nothing is over-the-top,” said Molly Steeves of Hardy Realty. From the custom ironand-glass arched front door to the professionally landscaped grounds, every inch is thoughtfully curated.
Tucked away on 12.45 private, wooded acres in Beaver Creek Plantation, this 3-bedroom and 2.5-bathroom home offers an open main level,
designed for both everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. You’ll find charactergrade white oak floors, 10-foot ceilings, thick cove molding, and designer lighting that add warmth and open the space even more.
The chef’s kitchen is a true centerpiece, with custom cabinetry, solid quartz countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances including a builtin refrigerator, 6-burner gas cooktop, double ovens, warming drawer, and beverage fridge.
“The kitchen is my favorite room in the house, because it’s so open,” said homeowner Carol Knies. “The ability to customize every cabinet and drawer for exactly what I need makes the design stand out. And because it’s so open, it is great for entertaining. We can’t get
people out of the kitchen when we’re putting on an event.” It’s a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful, and the oversized walk-in pantry is a dream for anyone who loves to cook or entertain.
The primary suite features a spa-like bathroom with heated marble floors and a fully customized California closet. A spacious laundry room adds convenience, while the screened-in porch with a gas fireplace offers a cozy spot to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Downstairs, there are two additional bedrooms and a beautifully finished full bath, as well as a large unfinished space that’s perfect for a future home theater, gym, workshop, hobby room, or whatever fits your lifestyle.
The home itself was built with high-quality natural materials like thick natural stone and solid wood, including Marvin windows, spray foam installation, three HVAC units, two tankless water heaters, and a dehumidifier.
Though technically located within a neighborhood, this area is unlike any other with properties boasting 10 to 20 acres and giving residents the rare combination of community and solitude. Surrounded by 12.45 acres of land, this home offers that same rarity.
“It’s so quiet and peaceful out here, especially watching sunsets from the screened-in porch,” said homeowner David Knies. “This time of the year is perfect with the cool fall mornings and evenings. People always point it out the first time they drive up and say the view at the back of the
house is like a slice of heaven. They ask how we ever leave here.”
And while the home feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle, it’s just a short drive to downtown Rome, offering easy access to dining, shopping, and cultural events.
“A rare retreat, this home offers pure tranquility and seclusion—an effortless invitation to simply exhale,” said Steeves.
For those craving a peaceful neighborhood with a special feeling of community, 185 Marion Dairy Road is a home worth discovering.
If you’re interested in exploring this home, you can contact Molly Steeves at: (706) 291-4321 for more information. You can also visit HardyRealty.com to view the listing.
P illars of the Community
Building on the legacy of the Renaissance Marquis, the new administrative team members share a love for their community and a passion for its betterment. Long-time employees reflect on their memories of the Renaissance, and new additions share their enthusiasm to be a part of its next steps forward.
text: Lauren Bachman
photos: Ivan Felipe
“Life, love, and legacy” are the pillars of the Renaissance Marquis.
They inspire their staff to work towards greater heights for their community, always in effort to better the lives of their residents and their families. With the addition of five new administrative team members, the Renaissance continues to build a legacy of love, support, and care.
Catie Mason
Catie Mason is being promoted to Executive Director. Catie is married to Doug Mason, and they have two children. They live on a farm that’s been in her family for over 150 years, and they have a dog, three cats, and chickens.
Catie’s initial working relationship with the Renaissance was through one of their residents. When she first delved into the field of health care, she knew working in a hospital wasn’t the right fit for her and opted for a sitting company instead. She was assigned to care for a resident from the Renaissance Marquis. During their work together, the Renaissance finished developing their memory care facility and Catie decided to apply for a position there.
She has been at the Renaissance for thirteen years, taking on positions as a caregiver, the resident care director, and now executive director. Her favorite part of her work is learning about the residents and hearing about their experiences. The residents inspire Catie to aim for greater heights in her work with them—in some cases, quite literally.
In her interview, Catie shared a story of how she and her coworker
arranged a flight for one of their residents. But this was not a run-of-themill flight. The resident they arranged the flight for was a fighter pilot in the second World War.
During his time at the Renaissance, he has told Catie stories about his P-51 flights, which unfortunately ended when he was shot down and taken as a prisoner of war. Catie and her coworker commemorated his service and his love of flight by arranging a P-51 to come to Rome. “Being able to bring a plane like this to Rome so he could see and hear it fly again was one of the best moments in my life,” Catie says. She even had the chance to fly in the plane herself.
“We have some incredible residents with amazing stories. I love to hear about their life and all of their experiences.”
Britni Bagwell
Britni Bagwell is being promoted to Resident Services Director.
Britni is also a loving wife and a mother of three “boys that are [her] pride and joy.” She sings in her church’s choir, loves to play bingo, and her favorite food is Mexican food.
Being a caregiver is a part of who Britni is. She first recognized that when she was a child, playing a “little mama” for her siblings and cousins. Now, at the Renaissance Marquis, she fuels that same care into her relationships with her residents.
Britni joined the community’s team in her senior year of high school, at the recommendation of her CNA teacher. An old soul herself, retirement care was an easy choice: “The older population will always have my heart.” She has been with the Renaissance Marquis for 12 years coming up on 13, and during her time there, she earned a certification as an LPN. She is currently working toward her certification as an RN.
Starting as a caregiver, she has taken on roles as the activities director, the memory care unit director, and now, the resident care director. Her time at the Renaissance Marquis extends beyond her work, though; Britni has also found comfort in the faith-based, loving community of her coworkers and the residents, who have returned all the kindness and support she has given them.
“Renaissance is my home away from home and I am blessed beyond measure. I thank GOD for all of my many blessings in life.”
Qurbe Moore
Qurbe Moore is being promoted to Harbor Resident Service Director. First inspired by her mother and grandmother, who are both nurses themselves, Qurbe knew she wanted to be a nurse her whole life. Her first step was becoming a CNA in her twenties, which is also when she discovered her passion for care in the aging community.
Since 2017, she has worked as a caregiver, the lead caregiver of the harbor, and now the harbor resident service director. Providing care to the residents and their families is one of her greatest joys. Her work is only made better by the residents she gets to care for: “What I enjoy about working at Renaissance is our residents. They are always so jovial and smiling and make my day brighter!”
Qurbe is a Rome, Georgia native. In addition to her work, she has continued her studies in nursing and acts as a stay-at-home mom to her five children. She shares a wonderful life with them and with her husband, Nicholas. Outside of her work, she loves to travel with her family.
Savannah Jones
Savannah Jones is joining the Renaissance Marquis as Director of Marketing and Sales, where she will be working alongside Director Cyndi Brannon.
Savannah is engaged to Jonathan Cordell and has one son and two
goldendoodles. Outside of her work in senior living, she also runs a lemonade truck. She enjoys spending time with her family and shopping at Hobby Lobby.
Savannah is a new member of the Renaissance Marquis administrative team, beginning on July 14th, 2025. However, she is not new to senior living care. Over the last twelve years, Savannah has worked as a caregiver, an office manager, a memory care manager, a sales and marketing associate, and now a director of sales and marketing.
As she becomes a part of the Renaissance community, she is grateful she's been "blessed enough to meet all of the amazing residents [she's] had over the years and" had the chance to listen "to their life stories, as [she's] learned a lot from several of them that [she] will forever cherish."
Her former residents have instilled her with a love for her work and for the connection she has with residents and coworkers, which she has carried into her new position at the Renaissance.
Since she arrived, the residents and staff of the Renaissance Marquis have welcomed her with open arms. Connecting with them and helping new residents do the same is her favorite part of her job.
Ty Calhoun
Ty Calhoun is joining the Renaissance Marquis as Maintenance Director. Ty is the newest member of the administrative team, beginning on September 12, 2025. His work as a maintenance director is, in many ways, the culmination of his career interests. From a young age, Ty has been interested in the impact healthcare systems have on society and the work that goes into everyday utilities. Ty first noticed the impact “healthcare positions are to a community” when he was a child visiting these facilities.
Beyond the impact of the staff themselves, he also had a curiosity for the process of building and repairing everyday utilities and began to experiment
with these processes when he was young. His interests allowed him to adopt a variety of skills in “the fundamentals of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.” He eventually took on these skills in a professional capacity, which developed his curiosity about the field of maintenance into a passion for leadership, organization, and problem-solving. Going back to his interest in healthcare systems, he decided they would be the optimal settings to bring his services to.
Ty has quickly established meaningful relationships with the residents and his fellow staff members at the Renaissance Marquis. It has given him a great opportunity to “fulfill [his] aspiration of providing effective leadership in a stable work environment” and to be a part of the impact he first appreciated in the healthcare community.
“My favorite experience is by far the satisfaction of being the hero in someone’s story whether it be a blown light bulb or just being a listening ear, I gain satisfaction knowing that I can brighten residents' day by communicating or providing a solution to their needs to make their living environment less stressful.”
Ty was born and raised in Rome, Georgia. In addition to his work in facilities maintenance, he has also worked in manufacturing operating, troubleshooting machinery, and preventative maintenance of various systems. He enjoys the hands-on, fast-paced, multitasking nature of his work; moreover, he loves helping people by “providing solutions to troublesome events.”
The Renaissance Marquis is thrilled to commemorate the work of their new administrative team. As they take the Renaissance Marquis to new heights, they will continue fostering a community of “love, life, and legacy.”
To learn more about the Renaissance Marquis, visit their website at https://www.renaissancemarquis.com/ or call them at (706)-295-0014
WHEN THE ANSWERS YOU GET ARE THE ANSWERS YOU NEED
When two of the region’s best cancer-fighting teams join forces, it brings a new level of hope for cancer patients in and around Northwest Georgia. That means more leading-edge technologies. More advanced clinical trials. And more quality time to spend with the ones you love.
