V3 September 2020

NWGA'S PREMIER FEATURE MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER 2020

Pawsitively Perfect Bartow County's brand new dog park has sent packs gathering and tails wagging

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SEPTEMBER2020 COLUMNS

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Jim Alred reflects on the value of his mother's support throughout his life, and gives a glimpse into the value of their shared hobby

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Tammy Bar ron ponders the potential downfalls that can arise in a world focused on cancel culture

V3 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020 | READV3.COM

FEATURES 18

The opening of the new Harbin Clinic Pediatrics facility shows a dedication to the patient experience from every aspect

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The V3 takes a trip to a hidden gem on the Conasauga Riv er, and explores the many factors that separates this river from the three surrounding Rome

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Take a moment to meet some of the four-legged friends who frequent Bar tow County 's brand new dog park

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In a world that’s always changing, it’s comforting to know that some things never do

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Publisher's Note The year of weird continues and kids returning to school has been as surreal as I expected. With one in college, one in middle school and the youngest starting Pre-K, I feel like I’ve certainly gotten a broad perspective on the challenges children and parents are currently facing at all levels of the academic process.

I don’t envy those in charge either, though my sympathy doesn’t run as deep for universities trying to charge tuition for virtual learning that is nearly identical O W N E R & C E O Ian Griffin to what they are charging for in person learning…that is a bit of a head scratcher. Not to digress though, educators at all levels have their hands full and certainly seem to be doing everything they can to keep kids safe as they return to school during this soul crushing pandemic.

After watching our children finish the 2019/2020 school year at home, the extended summer most kids dream off, turned out to be a real drag. After five months at home, my middle schooler was begging to go back. Turns out sitting at home playing video games and watching Netflix does get boring, who’d have thunk it?

So back they’ve gone, in some form or fashion. And it’s been awkward. From meeting the teacher to the first day of school, things just don’t feel the same. Sending a four-yearold off to his first day wearing a surgical mask certainly wasn’t what I envisioned for that milestone, but he walked in like a champ and so far, so good.

I’m a sentimental parent so when I was told parents were not going to be allowed to walk their children in, I panicked. In my mind I was concerned about my son not being ok with that, but it turns out it was just his old man’s insecurities, he was just fine. For him, this is all he knows when it comes to “big boy school” so allowing myself to set my preconceived notions aside has helped me realize how resilient children can be.

As odd as it has been to hear about their days under the new social distancing and safety requirements, the return to some sort of a routine feels healthy. But, I think it’s safe to say parents aren’t allowing themselves to get comfortable. It’s hard to forget how quickly things shut down and some schools have had to shut back down already, so that apprehension is certainly warranted.

As divisive as this virus has unfortunately become, there isn’t a right or wrong decision when it comes to children’s education during this pandemic. They need to be at school, with their peers and teachers, but every household is different and that simply isn’t an option for some families for a multitude of reasons.

Be it a personal choice or a family member that is at risk, judgment should be withheld.

What we should all do, is thank educators and any worker in the school systems, because no matter their role, they are putting themselves at risk so children that have opted in, by choice or necessity, are able to return. Here’s hoping it can be sustained as safely as possible and one day sooner than later, a vaccine arrives and allows this cloud of fear and uncertainty to be lifted.

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OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin MANAGING PARTNER Chris Forino MAG DESIGN Elizabeth Childers WRITERS Jim Alred, Tammy Barron, DeMarcus Daniel, Ian Griffin, Cassie LaJeunesse, Nina Lovel, Christy Quinton PHOTOGRAPHERS Andy Calvert AD DESIGN Elizabeth Childers PUBLISHER V3 Publications, LLC CONTACT 417 Broad Street Rome Ga, 30161 Office Phone 706.235.0748 v3publications@gmail.com CREATOR Neal Howard V3MAGAZINE.COM

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Runs In The Family FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

With Jim Alred

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I CAN’T REMEMBER HOW OLD I WAS AT THE TIME, BUT I WAS YOUNG. A group of us decided to have a race at recess. I didn’t win, but placed better than most of the others over the short course. One particular kid not happy with his placement, responded by telling the people who finished in front of him that we all ran like girls.

As a kid, I remember watching my mom run. Her long legs flying and her arms pumping, she left my dad in the dust whenever she wanted to. So while I could beat my dad in a footrace at a younger age, I didn’t realize I might have a bit of speed in my legs until I finally managed to best my mom in one.

Growing up, my mom didn’t have the chance to run track or cross country. I still say to this day that she would have been a terror in both disciplines, and I often say that I believe I inherited a good bit of my distance running ability from her.

Thinking back, I’m not sure my mom missed a single cross country or track meet of mine. No matter the time or day or location, I could always count on her being there and cheering. As luck would have it, during my senior year a cross country meet fell on her 40th birthday. I had been running well all season and realized going into the meet that I had a solid chance to do place among the leaders.

When the race started, I sprinted to the front and never looked back, leading the race for its entirety and crossing the finish line with my first overall meet win. And in typical fashion, my mom stood cheering at the finish line with a beaming smile about the size of Texas.

Later that year, my Uncle Chuck, my mom’s younger brother who had won a few state track and cross country titles in his heyday, put together a training program for me to follow. It involved running countless quarters, or one lap for those uninitiated distance runners out there, a couple of times a week.

Crazily enough on each lap my mom stood at the 200-meter mark with a stopwatch to yell my time at me and then sprinted across the grass at Barron Stadium to be near the finish line when I crossed it to record my time there.

Honestly it’s kind of nuts, but that’s my mom. When our scholar’s bowl coach couldn’t take us to a tournament one weekend, she volunteered and drove us and watched over us, serving as a de facto coach. Of course the biggest task for our coach was trying to keep us in line.

Other times she would come to my debate tournaments and sit through five rounds of debate. I love debate as much as the next person, but that’s a lot for anyone to have to sit through. But she did, always wearing the smile on her face.

I can’t remember exactly how it all came together, but when my mom was in her early 50s she began running more competitively. I talked to her about her training and she did quite well. I did a bit of research and found a local road race that was happening the same weekend my parents were visiting us in Florida.

I pitched the idea to her, and she was down.

Our time didn’t set the world on fire, and she failed to place in her age group. But over the four-mile course I was treated to a display of strength and courage. No doubt, I pushed out a bit too fast. And while the course was flat and fast, it also featured the renowned Southwest Florida heat and humidity which borders on brutal, especially while traversing asphalt for four miles.

A few coaches and runners I recognized from local high schools passed by us as we were finishing the race, and I made sure to tell them all it was my mom’s first road race.

They all cheered her on. A few even reached out to me later, asking me how she did. When we crossed the finish line and hugged I can tell you my smile had to mimic the one my mom had on her 40th birthday.

My mom’s running days are in the past now, but it doesn’t mean she can’t come see me run. A few years back while my mom and dad were visiting us in Rome, I signed up for a 5K race. Much like the time I won the cross country race, I realized upon seeing the field that Saturday morning that I had a solid shot at winning.

I didn’t grab the lead from the start. Instead, I waited to make sure I had more than enough to win. When I did surge about midway through the race, I realized I had it.

And when I came around the corner to the finish line, my mom’s cheers were without a doubt the loudest around.

Mom turns 70 this month. Most likely I won’t be winning a race on her birthday, but that doesn’t really matter. I know she’s proud of me any way. And if for some reason one day someone decides to tell me I run like a girl. I’ll just smile and thank them for the compliment. *The views expressed in this column are those of the writer, and do not represent the opinions of V3 Magazine

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History has been on my mind lately, S P ECI F I CA L LY H OW I T I S TA UGH T A ND THROUGH WHAT LENSES WE EX AMINE THE PAST. I was struck by the parallels seen in current social trends of cancel culture and the long-term habits of mending history by deleting the undesirable.

For those who may be new to the term, cancel culture describes a form of boycott in which a person or business is thrust out of social or professional circles, generally due to an insensitive remark or action.

This may occur online – such as on social media – or in the real world. Often it encompasses both. The adage history is written by the winners is a callous reminder of the injustice we have built into the mortar of our most prized institutions. When those words were echoed by Attorney General William Barr last May in a televised interview, it hit home.

Cancel culture can most certainly be broadened to encompass ideology and historical facts. Here is the lead representative of our Department of Justice, an 14

V3 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020 | READV3.COM

agency responsible for blind justice, for equal justice for all people in the US, nonchalantly acknowledging that our story is tipped. Ignoring the plights of the weak and disenfranchised, our history books mute the voices of the minority. This cancel culture will have a disastrous outcome. It may continue to foster convenient ignorance, or worse, lead to a perpetual cycle of folly and violence.

Fabricated ignorance keeps the stories we tell ourselves gentle and justified. Such a history, full of heroes and American achievement, gives our youth a wistful understanding of the nature of progress and change. Canceling out all opposing rhetoric keeps the narrative narrow and easy to manipulate.

“Keep America great” denies that within our very foundation are cracks of inequity. Unbalanced distribution of wealth and infrastructure is far too great of an adversary to the narrative; it’s best to cancel its relevance. Youth not taught the dynamics of our history will be ignorant leaders of our future, navigating the country blind to so many of the persistent problems we face. Canceled.

On the other hand, investing in cancel culture threatens to lead our country down a path of cyclical oppression and brutality. There are lessons learned in the struggles for progress. I always tell my children “to never avoid trying for fear of failure. It is in our failures that we truly learn about ourselves and limitations.” If the winners write our histories, if our truths and limitations are all whitewashed, what do we learn about ourselves, or our soul and identity as a nation? Acknowledging and teaching the hurt and pain of revolution opens a gateway for empathy and its power to mend the schisms wrought by division, violence, and injustice. However, such a history is ugly, messy. Canceled.

States across the nation have been removing statues, monuments chiseled out of stone to honor, and in many cases, to glorify, agents of a bloody and oppressive past. Recently, tributes to Christopher Columbus have been toppled in Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Connecticut, Florida, and Missouri, following the national narrative to bring an end to racism.

Cities and communities want to celebrate themes

The Perils of Cancel Culture opened doors

By Tammy Barron

of diversity and inclusion. For some, the removal of these statues is a logical sequence, following the trend of abolishing Confederate flags and divisive statues. For others it is the erasure of history.

It is said that there are two sides to every story.

Insofar as this is true, is it not foolishness to choose to only tell one side? Is one person’s truth reliant on the dismantling of someone else’s? If we remove the evidence of our violent history, we risk forgetting and repeating the same offenses. What if these antiquated statues weren’t removed and sent away to another edited past, but rather resurrected with facts and context? Let these markers of history include the toll of brutality and oppression. Christopher Columbus: revered for his brave discovery of the new world, infamous for his exploitation of the Indigenous peoples of this land. Our history books need to take on such burdens. According to Mark Elliot, history professor at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, “The vast majority of [Confederate] monuments were built between the 1890’s and 1950’s, which matches up exactly with

the era of Jim Crow segregation. These statues were there to teach values to the people, that’s why they put them in city squares. That’s why they put them in front of state buildings” (Little, 2017). The values these monuments stood for include the glorification of the cause of the Civil War. They don’t belong, never did. However, their existence tells the story of the hurdles in the Restoration Era and Civil Rights Movement. With an inclusion of context, history can be seen as it was and not in its edited version.

What concerns me as I watch the news of toppling statues is the ineffectual impact it will have on the narrative of American history.

Upon hearing the words of John Lewis’ last essay written shortly before his death, I found myself saying aloud, “Yes!” An excerpt reads: “You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, though decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked

out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time.” As an icon of the Civil Rights Movement, Lewis’ words are poignant and earnest remembrances that history is in the making now. Those words offer a beacon of hope for the next generation continuing the fight for freedom and justice.

Will our legacy for future generations simply be the removal of complicated statues and symbols?

Ours is a powerful nation, capable of nursing the light of freedom to brightly shine around the world.

It is, however, our propensity to revise and edit our history that distorts the story of all those who have fought to keep that light of freedom burning here at home. It is imperative that we step beyond cancel culture and welcome discourse; we must choose to learn from our messy and convoluted past so that collectively we can continue to build a better America. *The views expressed in this column are those of the writer, and do not represent the opinions of V3 Magazine

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From parking lot to exam room, the new Harbin Clinic Pediatrics facility was created with the patient experience in mind.

Text: Cassie LaJeunesse | Photos: Andy Calvert

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FOR PATI

Harbin Clinic is a fixture in Northwest Georgia communities,

constantly working to uphold the motto, “We Care Completely.” All who were involved in planning Harbin Clinic’s new pediatric facility took this motto into account, and it shows. “All the physicians here today took part in helping design the space, which is a lot more patient-friendly,” Dr. Todd Kelley, department chair for pediatrics at Harbin Clinic, says. “We just want to make sure we have enough space to appropriately see and care for patients, and to provide a safe space for them to come see their pediatrician.”

The new facility, located at 85 John Maddox Connector, was designed with patients and their

families in mind. It will house two pediatric practices: Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Rome and Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Rome Davis Sabino (formerly Harbin Clinic Ansley Park Pediatrics).

With more exam rooms and centralized stations for doctors and nurses, this space will help to provide an excellent patient experience for patients of both practices.

“Our team provides excellent, cutting-edge service to our patients, and we wanted to make sure that we had the facility that could properly accommodate those patients,” Dr. Melissa Davis of Davis Sabino says. “We are excited about making it child-friendly.”

Drs. Kathryn F Carroll, Henaro Sabino and Robersteen Howard

R THE IENTS READV3.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 V3 MAGAZINE

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The design team considered ease of access from the moment patients arrive at the facility, making parking a major consideration in the design of this new space. It has a large parking area with easy access to the two-story, 40,900-squarefoot building, which welcomes patients with large windows and a bright, open entryway. Kelley explains that an accessible entrance is especially important for parents of children in strollers and wheelchairs. “Patients will have a much better experience in the parking lot and getting into the building,” he says.

Inside the building, waiting areas at each practice are divided into separate spaces for sick patients, well patients, and one for newborns. “If your child’s well, we want them to stay well, and if they’re sick, we want to get them to the back as promptly as possible,” Davis says.

According to Davis, this new space was designed with the goal of encouraging children to spend time in nature. “We wanted to bring nature into our practice, and the whole heart behind that is that we want children to be outside,” she says.

“It is good for our physical and mental health, whether we are young or old.”

This desire for a natural feel extended to building and décor choices throughout the facility. The Davis Sabino waiting room features glass dividers to represent water and mountains on the walls. Artwork throughout the practice will feature scenes of nature and children playing outside. “We want kids to get outside and really get that hour of exercise every day,” she says.

Designers incorporated improvements for the physicians and team members into the new facility as well. In each practice’s space, exam rooms surround a centralized workstation that will increase efficiency and improve each team’s ability to work collaboratively. “We wanted there to be an open environment so that the members of our team could really work together well,” Davis says.

“We needed enough room to get individual work done with good focus, but we wanted to have a very open environment, so that’s why our rooms are centered on a large open nursing and provider station.”

Given that most health records are now stored electronically, the planners took electronic access into account when designing exam rooms in the new building. Doctors and nurses now have the ability to view patient records and order labs or medications from the exam rooms, again adding to the efficiency of the office. Davis and Kelley agree that this increased efficiency further improves 20

V3 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020 | READV3.COM

the patient experience at Harbin Clinic Pediatrics. “This new office is not built for the doctors and nurses... It was really built for [the children]. I think the building is truly mirroring what they already know about our practice: that they are the priority,” she says.

For these pediatricians, it’s important to maintain a space where their patients feel comfortable. “It is important to me that we know each of our patients by name,” Davis says. She explains that they include pictures in patient records to get to know the patients better, and they change the pictures as children grow.

According to Davis and Kelley, patients and their families are already loving the new space. “All the feedback so far has been positive,” Kelley says. Davis adds that she has enjoyed seeing her patients make themselves at home in the space. “I had one little boy who brought his matchbox cars and had them lined up in the window ledge,” she says. “I was just glad he was moving in and making himself at home in his new doctor’s office.”

Davis is excited that this new facility gives the practices an opportunity for growth. In the future, she and Dr. Henaro Sabino hope to expand their hours even further. They currently open at 7 a.m., giving parents the option to bring children in before school or work. Davis says that they eventually hope to expand their hours in the evening as well to provide even more availability for patients.

After about a year of construction, the new facility opened for appointments on July 20, and Harbin team members and Rome community leaders gathered at the Harbin Clinic campus on August 18 for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Under a tent in the parking lot, community leaders spoke about Harbin Clinic’s importance in Rome and the benefits that this new pediatric facility will bring.

The Honorable Bill Collins, mayor of Rome, said that he couldn’t imagine a better time for this building to be opening, and the Honorable Scotty Hancock, chairman of the Floyd County Commission, called the facility’s opening “a bright spot in a tough year.” Harbin CEO Kenna Stock thanked the physicians who have put so much work into their practices.

“While the building is beautiful and we’re very proud of it, it’s really just the stage for the work that they do,” she says. “That’s where the heart of Harbin Clinic is.”

Drs. Henaro Sabino and Melissa Davis READV3.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 V3 MAGAZINE

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WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH,

misconceptions can lead to dangerous consequences. The providers, nurses and estheticians of Harbin Clinic Dermatology want to correct common misconceptions about skin health and show their patients the benefits of the many services that Harbin Clinic offers.

According to Couey and Johnson, the most important step to healthier skin is a basic one: wear sunscreen every day. “If you cannot afford any high-end product from your dermatologist’s office, you at least need to wear your sunscreen daily, and it needs to at least be an SPF of 30,” Couey says. “People just don’t realize how much that sun damage causes you to age.” Johnson adds that staying hydrated is another great way to keep skin healthy, and both Johnson and Couey recommend a Retin-A cream for anti-aging. Though the product must be purchased from a physician’s office, no appointment is necessary. Harbin Clinic Dermatology has even started doing curbside pick-up for these kinds of products.

Beyond these basic steps to keep skin healthy, Couey and Johnson are wellversed in Harbin Clinic’s many services to keep skin healthy and looking fresh.

Couey’s specialties include Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser hair removal. Johnson’s expertise is in laser hair removal, chemical and glycolic peels, and dermaplaning. These procedures can slow the effects of aging on skin, correct discoloration, and keep skin healthy.

Recent developments in laser technology have made many of these services more accessible and beneficial, Johnson says. Lasers can be used

for tightening, hair removal, pigment correction, or to enhance collagen production. A newer sublative laser at Harbin Clinic uses radiofrequency to create tiny micro-punctures in the skin to stimulate new skin cell production. This treatment leaves the skin red for about a week as new skin cells are produced, but after this recovery period, skin is left with improved tightness and texture.

“In a week, you can go from drab to fabulous,” Johnson says.

Johnson, who started at Harbin Clinic earlier this year, brought dermaplaning to the office. This treatment scrapes off the top layer of dead skin to improve texture.

“It’s real comfortable, no downtime, and it makes your make-up look amazing,” she says.

Fillers and Botox leave skin tighter and plumper to reduce age-related loss of volume. For Couey, working with these products is an art form. It is important to her to keep patients looking as natural as possible after these procedures.

"We want our patients to walk out feeling natural, refreshed and positive," Couey says.

Because of the recent pandemic, many people have been attempting treatments such as dermaplaning at home. Couey and Johnson want everyone to know that these services should be left to the professionals.

“We have to be certified to be able to do what we do,” Couey says. “We have to be trained by all of the companies, and we have to keep up that training.” Johnson agrees, saying that attempting any of these treatments at home is risky. “You don’t know if you’re getting the real product,” she says.

Harbin Clinic Dermatology offers free consultations, so anyone interested in these procedures can meet with a medical professional to discuss their options. More information is available at harbinclinic.com/dermatology.

Northwest Georgia’s Premier Furniture & Home Decor Store Specializing In:

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ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19: MAINTAINING THE SAFETY OF THE FLOWERING BRANCH CHILDREN’S SHELTER At FBCS, the children’s safety is of the utmost priority, but because of COVID-19, the program faces many new challenges. In March, the facility implemented a quarantine period of two weeks, per CDC guidelines. Upon arrival, staff members checked their temperature and were required to wear masks at all times for the duration of their shift. While assisting the children with their virtual learning, social distancing had to be maintained. After the initial two-week period, Governor Brian Kemp ordered a shelter in place for a month, extending the children’s isolation further.

The two-month period of isolation caused a massive disruption to the daily routine of the youth residing in the shelter. Emily Spruill, the shelter’s case manager, stated that “one of the biggest challenges was to keep children active and entertained while indoors. The shelter underwent a two-week quarantine period, and right after that, they had to shelter in place until May. This meant that staff had to come up with outlets for children all day, every day. Staff burnout was a big concern.”

Another concern is the financial impact that COVID-19 has had on FBCS. With the children out of school and at the shelter 24 hours a day, the cost for food, utilities, and program supplies have all increased. While the community stepped up in many ways, FBCS cannot currently accept “used items” as donations in an attempt to prevent contamination inside the facility. However, the facility can accept donations of meals and cleaning supplies, which will help keep the children fed and safe. When asked what else the community can do for FBCS, Dawn Landrum, the Shelter Manager responded, “It is our responsibility to keep residents safe. For this reason, we have continued to follow recommendations from the CDC, disinfecting our facility regularly and maintaining our children’s isolation for the most part. All these changes have come with unanticipated costs that were not budgeted for our shelter. Anyone who would like to help us overcome the effects of COVID-19 can make monetary donations, or visit our website to donate food and supplies for our shelter and learn which items are needed more urgently.”

Advocates for Children is a non-profit organization based in Cartersville that serves at-risk youth and families that have been abused, neglected, sexually exploited, or who have runaway and are homeless. In 1985, the Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter (FBCS) program was started with a goal “to provide safe and stable housing for these youth in the community by partnering with (non-abusive) parents, relatives, foster parents, and adoptive families, while maintaining community ties.”

Today, the shelter serves 13 children, ages 10 to 18 years old.

FBCS provides 24-hour care 365 days a year. Dedicated staff members provide youth with informed case management services, individual and family counseling, youth development activities, social and independent living skills, and assistance with achieving a high school diploma, GED, and college entrance.

TO DONATE VISIT ADVOCHILD.ORG

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SPECIALIZING IN Quartz • Granite • Marble • Silestone

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932 N. 2nd Ave NW Rome, GA 30165 • 706-512-0262

Get CREATIVE this Fall with our Upcoming Events!

September Fall Theme Sip n' Paint Thursday, September 24th 7pm

October Halloween Theme Artsi Saturday October 10th 10am-12pm

Fun Pet Portrait Saturday, October 17th

Halloween Theme Sip n' Paint Thursday, October 20th 7pm

November Holiday Shopping Open House Saturday Nov 7th 10am-4pm

Artsi Saturday Saturday Nov 14th 10am-12pm

Sip n' Paint Thursday Nov 19th 7pm

Abstract Painting Workshop Saturday, Nov 21st 10am-3pm

ART i SATURDAY

We love hosting private paint parties!

Contact Siri to schedule

December Sip n' Paint Thursday, December 3rd 7pm @ The Brewhouse

Christmas Artsi Saturday Saturday, December 12th 10am-12pm

Christmas Sip n' Paint Thursday, December 17th 7pm

WWW.STUDIOSIRI.COM 1205 DEAN AVE. ROME, GA 706.409.3022 READV3.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 V3 MAGAZINE

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Rollin' On The River 30

V3 MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2020 | READV3.COM

The V3 team takes a trip to the Conasauga River to unveil its unparalleled beauty and ecological significance for the region through an underwater adventure Text: Tammy Barron | Photos: Andy Calvert

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N

estled in the lush Cohutta Mountains lies the most unexpected gem.

Dense woodlands surround the Conasauga River flowing; ever pristine, from the Cherokee National Forest.

FOR THIS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE YOU WILL NEED SOME UNEXPECTED GEAR. A short walk from the Conasauga River trail head leads straight to the best snorkeling hole in northwest Georgia, where the abundance of tropically colored fish will leave you in awe of this unique outdoor treasure.

The V3 team arrives early to the gravel parking lot located an easy 90 minutes from Rome. The sun has not yet cleared the treetops, but the summer heat has already set its course for the mid-nineties. Armed with only masks, snorkels, and towels, the team sets out towards to the cool flowing current of the Conasauga.

The Conasauga River Trail offers a variety of activity options from hiking, biking, and horseback-riding. It is a 15-mile point-to-point trail with around 36 river crossings from Betty Gap to Bray Field and back. While the snorkeling spot is less than a mile downriver, the hike can be strenuous, making the cool water all the more refreshing upon arrival.

There is a bit of excitement as everyone gets into the water. This river is rather famous for its incredible biodiversity. In fact, there are 76 different species of fish in this one watershed.

Comparatively speaking, this is more fish than the Columbia and Colorado Watersheds combined.

The team jumps right in trying to identify the different fish swimming below. Several species of darters are the first seen. Navigating the currents to explore the deeper holes, Ian Griffin soon sees a spotted bass. Carp collect in schools amongst the rocks. Their preening of the stones make a symphony of clicks and ticks heard over the rushing water. Everyone calls out a new discovery, and a sense of disbelief overtakes the group.

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“I had no idea that something like this existed up here,” says Andy Calvert. “I never would have thought about snorkeling in north Georgia.” The Conasauga River is incredibly clean; downriver it feeds directly to the Oostanaula River. No one would dream of snorkeling the Oostanaula, with its waters murky with silt and sediment. Would it even be possible- with the strictest clean up efforts- to recreate the clear waters of today’s adventure back home in Rome?

To help answer this question, we spoke with Executive Director of Coosa River Basin Initiative, Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman. When asked about the significance of the Conasauga River, his voice reflects a childlike exuberance.

Demonbreun-Chapman leads CRBI’s efforts in coordination with other groups that make up the Partnership for the Upper Coosa. This environmental group is an alliance of state and federal agencies and non-profits with restoration goals. “What makes the Conasauga River special

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is that it tells a pretty clears story of our impact on our rivers. The upper Conasauga comes directly from the Cherokee National Forest in the Cohutta Mountains. The water is incredibly pristine and is home to more species than all of the rivers of Europe combined. That is really what makes the snorkeling so incredible. On any given day you can find dozens of different species of fish and mussels. Many of which are unique to the watershed and on National lists of endangered species. It is really unique,” he says.

The Conasauga River tells a story of the impact of land use on our waterways. In working with the Partnership for the Upper Coosa, there has been a collective increase in water monitoring. “This gives us the data pertaining to where the impacts begin. The river flows from the national forest into agricultural land use and from there winds through industrial areas. Each of these land uses makes its own impact on the water quality,” explains Demonbreun-Chapman. “From the samples, we can determine that agriculture adds a lot of sediment and many nutrients harmful for native species to the water. Further down river our water monitoring gives a clear and disturbing report of the impacts of industrialization and the chemical byproducts that make their way into the watershed. You are probably aware of the dangers of PFAS class of chemicals as it has been in the news nationally and locally here in Rome. There are over 4000 different variants of PFAS and these chemicals are considered forever chemicals as they never breakdown and tend to stay in the water column. These chemicals are used to make daily products stick proof, stain resistant such Teflon, scotch guard, and fast food wrappers.” These chemicals have been found to cause developmental effects to fetuses and infants, kidney and testicular cancer, and liver malfunction among other things.

Far from an abstract concern, the quality of surrounding waterways has a direct impact on many towns in north Georgia. Last year Summerville, Ga.

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had to truck in drinking water as their city source was deemed hazardous; and Rome, Ga. changed their city water source from the Oostanaula River to the Etowah River out of concern for the water quality. Subsequently, local municipalities have raised class action lawsuits against many large industries in north Georgia citing misuse and water pollution.

“CRBI works hard to lobby to protect our waterways,” says DemonbreunChapman “The Partnership for the Upper Coosa works together to create restoration projects on the ground that will improve water quality. Federal and state grants are optimized by the PUC by avoiding duplicate projects from smaller local restorative efforts. Just last year the group worked together pulling resources to work with farmers; helping them reduce runoff and improve fencing to keep cattle out of the creeks, which are a large source of sediments, nutrients, and bacteria in the water.

Will the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers ever be as clear and biodiverse as the Conasauga? “It’s unlikely,” says Demonbreun-Chapman. “It’s hard for downstream rivers to compete with the pristine nature of mountain streams surrounded by national forests. However, there has been a huge improvement in the Rivers of Rome in just the last fifty years, which is largely due to Federal regulations and local restoration efforts,” he explains.

As the day on the Conasauga River wraps up; members of the V3 team sit on its banks taking in the beautiful scene. The water is so clear you can see the fish as they nibble at your toes. This trip has served as a perfect repose for a hot summer day, and an inspiring adventure that promises to be repeated soon.

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don't stop Retrieving A much anticipated dog park has finally opened in Bartow County and its furry guests are in for a treat. Meet some of Cartersville’s most prominent pups as they make use of the new facilities.

Text: Tammy Barron | Photos: Andy Calvert

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TAILS ARE WAGGING AT THE NEW ADDITION TO HAMILTON CROSSING PARK. THE WIDELY ANTICIPATED DOG PARK OPENED WITH MUCH TO-DO on July 11th. Commissioner Steve Taylor; Brian Canty, Etowah Valley Humane Society Director; and Animal Control Director, Tommy Gentry, joined the staff of the Parks and Recreations Department for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Since its opening, the park has been the premiere place to take your pups. “It’s been very popular. We had a really big turnout for the opening. Dawn to dusk we have individuals bringing their pets to the park,” says Greg Hight, Director of Parks and Recreation at Bartow County.

“This is something the community has wanted for years. We have seen similar projects in neighboring counties. We had a couple hurdles to overcome, like finding the right space for the

expansion project. We needed the right space and lots of it. We brought in dirt and sod as well as additional fencing to ensure dogs will remain safe from traffic while off leash. There is ample shade with lots of thought put into the design; we have separate spaces for small and large breeds, plenty of accessible water, as well as shaded sitting for pet owners,” Hight explains. “The community has been really great, very helpful in keeping it clean. We are all so appreciative,” he adds.

Dog owner, Chasity Maney, is a first-time visitor of the dog park, “Love it. Absolutely love it. This is so nice to have because my mastiff, Pearl, doesn’t get much interaction. Now we have a shady place to go, that gives her a chance to socialize with other dogs.” Fellow park visitor Kelly Johnson chimes in, “The trees and shade make it a perfect spot. We have been waiting for a place to bring the dogs since 1996. We never had anywhere to go, someplace to take the dogs and let them explore off the leash.”

Lots of thought went into the design and location of the area, so be sure to bring your fur baby out for some fun. Brian Canty of Etowah Valley Humane Society reminds everyone to keep your dogs up to date on their vaccinations to ensure the health of your dogs and others while enjoying the new green space.

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Meet some of the furry movers and shakers of Cartersville!

Name: Miss Pepper Breed: Bassett Hound Mix Age: 2 years old Owner: Dan Kramer Business: It’s About Time Boutique

"As the of ficial dog of the store, It’s About Time Boutique, I am a fixture in Downtown Cartersville. You can frequently see me resting on my designer bed at the shop or lounging at other hot spots like JZ’s Taste of Georgia, Southern Muggs, or walking around the farmers market."

Name: Trevor Breed: Standard Poodle Age: 2 years old Owner: Kelly Jo Meeks Business: Kelly’s Pet Grooming Service Inc.

"I am named after our local football hero, Trevor Lawrence, the star quarterback for Clemson. I am the goodwill ambassador and greet customers at the shop"

Name: Oscar Mayer Weiner Dog Breed: Dachshund Age: 14 years old Owner: Frankie and Kelly Johnson Business: Styles Auto Care

"What’s mine is mine and you can’t have it. What yours is mine and you can’t have it either. So, basically, everything is mine!"

Name: Don Juan Breed: English Bulldog Age: 1 year old Owner: Leslie McMillan Business: United Way of Bartow County

"At three months old, I raced in the Bully Boneanza event sponsored by Georgia English Bulldog rescue at Dreamland Farms in Canton, GA. I will race again for the win in October."

Name: Pearl Breed: English Mastif f Age: 1 year old Owner: Chastity Maney Business: Cartersville- Bartow Chamber of Commerce

"I loves to talk and play tug-ofwar. Follow me on my Instagram page Pearlthemastif f."

Name: Remi Breed: Yellow Lab Age: 4.5 years old Owner: Lindsey and Frankie Johnson Business: Styles Auto Care

"I have been known to snore loudly, furrow my brows, and sit like a kangaroo; I'm just an all around funny, happy pup!"

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Name: Luci Breed: Mini Golden Doodle Age: 4 years old Owner: Mary Ann Henry Business: Cartersville Artist in You

"I love giving high fives and doing pirouettes. Waters sports are a particular favorite of mine, with swimming and kayak rides at the top of the list."

Name: Pepsi Breed: Harlequin Great Dane Age: 10 years old Owner: Rebecca and Tyler Ylvisaker Business: Mission Road Kennels

"I enjoys going to festivals in downtown Cartersville, and i am often a highlight of Fourth of July and Christmas parades."

Name: Haze Breed: Mantel Great Dane Age: 6 Months Owner: Rebecca and Tyler Ylvisaker Business: Mission Road Kennels

"I am learning the ropes of greeting and socializing dogs at Mission Road Kennels."

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Brothers George and Mike Barron started Business Water Solutions with a mission to provide businesses with clean, environmentally friendly options for dispensing drinking water. Their unique product and outstanding customer service continue to set the company apart.

Text: Cassie LaJeunesse

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WATER IS A BASIC NECESSITY, but people don’t often think about whether or not they are drinking good, clean water. Business Water Solutions (BWS) has been educating people about clean drinking water and providing businesses in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee with clean, fresh-tasting water since 2017.

But for George and Mike Barron, brothers and co-owners of BWS, the company is not just about the product.

“We based our company off of the service that we provide, not necessarily our machines,” George says. According to Mike, BWS works with customers to serve their specific needs. “Our ability to customize to each individual business’s need is what makes these systems so great,” he says. “We can do reverse osmosis systems, we can do ultra-filtration systems, just kind of depending on what the customer is trying to accomplish and what their challenges with water quality are to begin with. Our ability to have a breadth of offerings depending on what we need to be able to accomplish for that customer is a great flexibility to have because everybody’s scenario is a little bit different.”

BWS offers a range of bottle-less water coolers to fulfill their customers’ hydration needs. As George explains, BWS coolers pull from a business’s existing water supply, and five filters rid the water of any harmful contaminants while also restoring important nutrients to the water before it is dispensed.

“It’s the best water in the world,” George says. “It’s the cleanest, best-tasting water, and it’s maintenance-free.”

From water system to cup, the water goes through a 13-stage filtration process. First, a sediment filter removes large contaminants. This does the work of most basic water filters, clearing the water of sediments, rust, and more. A pre-carbon filter then removes undesirable chemicals such as chlorine and pesticide residue before a reverse osmosis filter removes other harmful molecules copper, lead, and mercury. The next nine stages of the filtration process focus on adding beneficial vitamins and minerals back into the water. Coral sand (a composite of calcium and magnesium), quartz, hematite, tourmaline, zeolite, silver ions, hydroxy apatite, and ZEO-Z1 supplements give the already clean water health benefits as well. Bone growth, heart health, immune system benefits and improved hydration are just a few of the health benefits detailed on the BWS website, which provides a detailed list of the 13 steps of filtration and the benefits of each. After vitamins and minerals are restored to the water, a twelfth filter regulates its coliform content, which eliminates the risk of waterborne 44

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diseases. Lastly, a final polish ensures that the water being dispensed is as clean and healthy as possible.

“Rome’s water is not too terrible; it’s about 150 TDS, which is total dissolved solids,” George says. “After our third filter, it’s got zero TDS, it’s basically distilled water. We pump back in between nine and 15 TDS, and that is the vitamins and minerals that we pump back in with our biosure filter.”

However, clean, nutrient-rich water is not the only benefit to water coolers from BWS. Water coolers that use disposable five-gallon jugs have a negative environmental impact, George says. They result in plastic waste and require transportation to deliver the jugs. These coolers are also inconvenient to businesses because the heavy bottles must be stored and changed. Coolers from BWS provide a solution. Because they do not require single-use bottles and draw from existing water supplies, BWS coolers are environmentally friendly.

George and Mike agree that this is one of the biggest benefits to their systems.

“You see a lot of plastic waste,” Mike says. “You have a lot of fossil fuel involvement in getting those bottles to an individual user. It just has a really high carbon footprint that we’d like to avoid if we can.”

Hygiene is another benefit to BWS’ water coolers, and it is one that has been at the forefront of customers’ minds in recent months. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many school systems and medical facilities are opting for BWS because of their hands-free dispenser options. Many of the coolers BWS offers operate with a foot pedal or another hands-free option, making them a more hygienic alternative to a traditional water fountain or cooler. These coolers also store water in self-sanitizing stainless steel tanks, meaning that both the inside and the outside of the dispensers are sanitary.

“Having a sanitary way to dispense drinking water became very top-of-mind awareness for a lot of people,” Mike adds.

While BWS offers six models of water coolers that provide solutions to a variety of hydration-related problems, there is one commonality between all of the company’s operations: customer service. BWS owners and employees all strive to provide outstanding customer service, and they all agree that this is what sets them apart. Part of this service includes being readily available to provide necessary machine maintenance.

“Every client that we deal with has my cell phone number,” Ryan Somerville, sales representative, says. “We have a 24-hour guarantee of service, but normally we’re there within a matter of an hour… We try to go out of our way to make the customer feel comfortable.”

George, Mike and the rest of the team appreciate the opportunity to meet people through the business. “We’re not in any specific industry,” Mike says. “We’re in carpet mills, we’re in chiropractic offices, we’re in schools…

It takes some creativity to figure out how you’re going to solve their specific problem. You get to go out and learn about a lot of businesses that you wouldn’t otherwise know anything about, so that’s been a lot of fun for us.” People are an important part of BWS’ operation, both within the business and in their customer base. Jase Thompson, who performs maintenance and installs for BWS, says that the team is like family to him. “I kind of think of everyone as friends or family,” he says. “Everyone does everything for everybody. It’s the best place I’ve ever worked.”

This commitment to helping people extends to BWS’ commitment to their customer base, and according to Chattanooga-area sales representative Ryan Shrum, it shows. “We haven’t had a single customer that hasn’t been satisfied,” he says.

For more information on BWS, their products and their services, visit businesswatersolutions.com, or follow them on social media for updates on their latest installs.

L-R: Frances Hornbuckle, Samantha Hudgins, Catherine Brumit Ryan Somerville, Ryan Shrum, Austin Patterson, Jase Thompson Drew Evans, George Barron, Mike Barron READV3.COM | SEPTEMBER 2020 V3 MAGAZINE

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PRIVATE DINING

CATERED EVENTS

CREATING THE MENU OF YOUR DREAMS IS WHAT WE DO. WE TAKE YOUR VISION AND MAKE IT A REALITY. 413 broad street, rome, ga 30161 lascalaromega.com 706.238.9000 706.238.9011 46

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THE DISH MEDITERRANEAN

bistro

www.getjamwiched.com

www.lascalaromega.com 413 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

706-238-9000

Hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 10pm 400 Block Bar & Lounge: 4pm-1:30am Live music each weekend.

La Scala offers both first-rate service and terrific Italian Cuisine in an upscale casual atmosphere.

50% off cafe menu from 4-6 p.m.

www.schroedersnewdeli.com 406 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

706-234-4613

Hours: Mon-Thur: 11am-9pm Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm Sun: 11:30am-3pm

Schroeder’s menu includes sandwiches, calzones, soups, salads, potato skins, nachos, wings, and more. And don’t forget our pizza! It’s the best in town... and for a sweet treat, try our Cheesecake Calzone! (Draft and Bottled Beers & Wine also offered) Famous for: Their Roast Beef Relief!

www.hardees.com

1204 Turner McCall Blvd • Rome, GA 30161 2300 Shorter Ave • Rome, GA 30165 3110 Cedartown Hwy • Rome, GA 30161 104 S Tennessee St • Cartersville, GA 30120

We’re known as the place to go for juicy, delicious charbroiled burgers & made from scratch biscuits. Because if you’re gonna eat, you should Eat Like You Mean It!

429 Broad St Rome, GA 30161

706-295-5330

706-314-9544

Hours: Monday: 11am-3pm Tues-Sat: 8am-3pm

Jamwich - Serving distinctive sandwiches, salads, and soups. Sandwiches built with the finest ingredients: Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, Zelma’s Blue Ribbon Jams and Jellies, fresh sourdough bread, premium Boars Head thick cut bacon and farm-to-table produce.

www.moesoriginalbbq.com/rome 101 West 1st Street Rome, GA 30161

706-622-2977

Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm Fri- Sat: 11am - 2am

Moe’s Original BBQ is a Southern soul food revival where great food is served in an atmosphere that is relaxed, spontaneous, yet civilized….well, sometimes.

www.swheatmarketdeli.com Hours: Mon-Sat: 5am-10pm Sun: 6am-10pm

706.291.2021

www.elzaraperome.com

510 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

5 E Main St Cartersville, GA 30120

770-607-0067

Hours: Mon and Tue 11-4 Wed and Thur 11-4 Fri and Sat 11-8 Sun 11-3

Casual counter serve offering sandwiches, salads & American comfort food

www.maineonmain.com Hours: Mon - Thu: 11am-9:30pm Fri - Sat: 11am-10:30pm Sunday: 11am-4pm

Colorful, casual outpost serving Mexican street tacos & fajitas, plus beers & tequila drinks.

24 W Main St Cartersville, GA 30120

770-334-3813

Hours: Mon - Thurs: 11am - 9pm Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm Sun: 11am - 8pm

At Maine Street Coastal Cuisine, in the heart of historic downtown Cartersville, we pride ourselves on sourcing seafood from sustainable fisheries. Our passion is to provide a restaurant free of artificial flavors and ingredients.

Make it a meal worth remembering. Where to eat in Northwest Georgia.

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We Can Do It

Together, we can stop the spread of contagious respiratory illnesses.

Get a flu shot

Wash your hands

Wear a mask

Stay home when sick

Practice social distancing

Talk to your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine

harbinclinic.com/stopthespread 48

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