Rome Life November 2015

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Advance Rehab 2 All Clean 16 Alterations Express 49 Anxiety & Depression Center 43 Berry College 81 Best of Rome 2015 Winners 90 & 91 Brian McWhorter 68 Brinson, Askew, Berry 80 Burk Farms 66 Chick Fil A 32 Christa’s Etc 47 Christina Powers 60 Citizens First Bank 99 Coosa Valley Credit Union 84 Crawdaddy’s 84 Dempsey Auction 60 Dippity Do Da Dogs 28 Diprima’s Shoes 69 Dr. Brian Lieberman 68 Dr. Freddy Padilla 97 Dr. Kevin Snodgrass 77 Dunham’s Sports 42 Eastland Court 82 Edible Arrangements 55 Elbert Roberson’s Auto Collision 86 Estate Planners 70 Etowah Employment 81 FirstBank Mortgage Partners 20 Floyd Medical Center 3 GA Highlands College 75 Garner and Glover 72 Georgia Northwestern Technical College 21 Georgia Power 9 Gondola Italian Grill & Pizza 57 Goo-Goo Car Wash 89 Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce 14 Greene’s Jewelers 49 Hacks Carpet 38 Harbin Clinic 100 & 63 Hardy Realty 92 Harvest Moon Café 95 Hawthorn Suites 26 Healing Arts Center 82 Henderson and Sons 79 Heritage Auto Group 23 Heritage First Bank 46 Honeymoon Bakery 80 Jandy’s Frozen Yogurt 69 Jerusalem Grill 16 JL Todd Auction 68 Joe Hill’s Lawnmower Shop, LLC 47 Jordan Knight 74 Kawasaki of Rome 32

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Kelly Services 69 Knight’s Jewelers 29 Kristy Agan 85 La Parrilla 57 Landmark Family Restaurant 57 Langham Garage Doors 62 Las Palmas 70 Lavender Mountain Hardware & Garden 13 Linde Marie’s Steakhouse 47 Longhorn Steak House 58 Mel & Mimi 49 Melissa Eldridge - State Farm 37 Mike Ford’s Auto Service, Inc. 81 North Georgia Electric 64 Northwest Georgia Dermatology 65 Novella’s Flower Shop 39 O’ Charley’s Restaurant 57 Perfect Home 15 Pic O Deli 22 Pineapple Place 49 Pridemore Cox Orthodontics 93 Provino’s Italian Restaurant 56 Purple Mountain Natural Foods 49 Rabbit’s Nest 39 Redmond Regional Medical Center 5 Renaissance Marquis 87 River City Antique Mall 39 Riverside Oral Surgery 17 Rome Life 94 & 96 Shane’s Rib Shack 83 Sherold Salmon Auto Superstore 80 Star Cleaners 86 Steak N Shake 57 Steve Graves 27 Stress Knot Massage 36 Studio Siri Framing Store 39 Studio Siri Holiday Events 39 Terry Simmons Insurance 67 The Forum 7 The Peddler 47 The Season 28 The Stitchery 61 The Wishy Washy Laundromat 82 Trees Unlimited 47 Troy’s BBQ 55 Two Can Do 76 United Community Bank 73 Walker’s Landscape & Fence 71 Ward Daughtery 78 Watters & Associates 81 Westminster Christian Academy 33 Winslette Pharmacy & Gift Shop 50 & 51 YMCA 88

Rome Life November 2015 Volume 1, Issue 1

PUBLISHER Otis Raybon EDITORIAL STAFF DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Mark Wallace Maguire ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES LaTria Garnigan CONTRIBUTORS Mike Colombo, Doug Walker, Severo Avila, Jeremy Stewart, Joan Durbin, Meredith Pruden, Therra C. Gwyn PHOTOGRAPHER Katherine Frye PHOTOGRAPHY Doug Walker, Severo Avila LAYOUT AND DESIGN Mark Wallace Maguire, LaTria Garnigan PROOFREADER Whitney Betts ADVERTISING STAFF ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Cecilia Crow ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Renee Addison, Mary Edwards, Stephanie Justice, Jamie Bennett, Rachel McDaniel, Billy Steele, Jennifer Futch ACCOUNT MANAGER Patsy Corbin CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Tona Deaton GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Lee Field, Allison Morris, Deise Gomez PRODUCTION GRAPHICS COORDINATOR Beth Poirier INFORMATION Rome Life is published quarterly by the Rome News Tribune To advertise, contact Rome Advertising Department at 706.290.5220 Please send all editorial correspondence to oraybon@npco.com

Rome Life November 2015

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“I FELT OVERLY TIRED AND IRRITABLE.” For my heart, I choose Redmond.

Karen

Heart Attack Survivor

Women don’t always have the same classic heart attack symptoms as men. Many women may have a feeling that “something isn’t right.” Karen didn’t think she was having a heart attack because she just felt “tired and irritable.” But when she started having pains in her arm and back, thankfully she called 911. The Redmond team was able to resuscitate Karen and provide her with a cardiac stent. Karen says she would not have survived without the emergency heart team at Redmond. She tells everyone to “go immediately” when they have heart symptoms.

Learn more about heart symptoms or tell us your story at

MyRedmondStory.com 501 Redmond Rd NW, Rome, GA 30165

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(706) 291-0291

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RedmondRegional.com

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WHAT’S INSIDE 18

10 departments 10 HOME Inside a charming home decorated for the holidays 24 HEALTH AND FITNESS Winter hikes worth the walk

features

40 STYLE Gray is not going away

18 CHRISTMAS ON THE FRONT A pair of Rome veterans reflect spending the holidays at war

52 SPICE Chef Greg Paulson gives Rome Life prime recipes for a Christmas spread

30 GET READY FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARADE

O N T H E CO V E R Georgia Northwestern Technical College Chef Greg Paulson with this year’s incarnation of one of his amazing gingerbread houses.

34 HOLIDAYS AND THE HARDCOURT Get ready for the RNT annual basketball classic 44 JEWELRY GENERATIONS Get to know Greene’s Jewelers 90 BEST OF ROME! Our winners of this year’s prestigious contest!

FROM THE PUBLISHER COLUMN BY SEVERO AVILA

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SCENE 93 REFLECTIONS BY DR. KATHY RICHARDSON 6

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to Rome Life!

Since May, 2015 the staff of the Rome News-Tribune and Marietta Daily Journal Publisher Otis Brumby III have been working to create a new general interest magazine for Rome-Floyd County and the Northwest Georgia/Northeast Alabama area.

To say there is tremendous excitement in our advertising, creative services and newsroom staff falls far short of describing the hard work I have witnessed these last five months. After enjoying this inaugural edition of Rome Life, I believe you will also appreciate the effort.

I have wanted to produce a magazine for RNT subscribers for quite a while but circumstances were never quite right. I am delighted that we have the resources and the right staff in place to produce a high quality magazine that will add great value to your reading experience.

Rome Life Magazine will allow us broader story telling opportunities complete with larger photographs and more appealing design than the daily newspaper. Our goal is for the magazine to provide more information about the area we call home. I realize we live in a 24-7 world of news and information and I hope Rome Life allows you an opportunity to slow down a bit and enjoy some quiet time reading stories about your friends and neighbors and learning things you didn’t know.

You have heard it said that everyone has a story. We want to feature these individuals and places in Rome Life. You can help us share these stories by letting us know of unique people and places. Send me an email at oraybon@ npco.com and I will be sure we get the story in an upcoming issue.

We all enjoy living in Rome and Floyd County. Lots of great churches, great schools, three colleges and a university, great merchants with everything you need to shop at home, have fun downtown, and enjoy many excellent restaurants.

Perhaps our most important resource is an

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excellent medical community. Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Regional Hospital are excellent health care facilities, anchored by Harbin Clinic, the largest privately held medical clinic in the Southeast, in addition to many other private medical facilities. Not much can go wrong with us that we can’t find quality medical care for in Rome.

Rome Life will tell the stories of people and places that will help us all feel better and enjoy a great quality of life.

This first issue includes a story on Georgia Northwestern Technical College Chef Greg Paulson and his culinary arts program. The cover reflects some of his work with gingerbread houses.

You will enjoy a feature on the home of Ronnie and Floyd County Commissioner Rhonda Wallace completely decorated for Christmas.

How many times have you enjoyed Rome’s Christmas Parade? RNT Managing Editor Mike Colombo will help you learn what to expect from one of the oldest parades in Georgia.

Doug Walker, RNT business editor, sat with Harold Story and Bill Fricks who will tell their stories of Christmas on the battlefields of WWII. RNT Sports Editor Jeremy Stewart will review the upcoming 2015 Holiday Basketball Tournament complete with photos from the past.

Severo Avila, RNT lifestyles editor, will explore five winter hikes in and around Rome. You will enjoy his narrative and photographs. You will also enjoy Severo’s column.

Berry College Provost, Dr. Kathy Brittian Richardson, is sure to capture your interest with a column describing what it takes to reach “Best” status in life.

This first issue will also include the announcement of winners in the RNT eighth annual “Best of Rome” voting.

There is much, much more in the pages of Rome Life. I hope you will find it all informative and entertaining. As always

we appreciate the advertisers that trust us enough to buy space in our first edition.

To them, we say, ‘Thank you for your confidence.’

Let me finish, and give you time to read, by again saluting our advertising, creative, news and sales staff that made this premiere edition of Rome Life possible.

Cecilia Crow, advertising director, and her staff of Renee Addison, Mary Edwards, Stephanie Justice, Jamie Bennett, Rachel McDaniel, Billy Steele and Jennifer Futch have done a remarkable job designing and selling more than 110 ads to advertisers. Patsy Corbin, accounting manager, helped the ad staff get all those ads correctly scheduled.

Tona Deaton, creative services director, along with her staff of Allison Morris, Lee Field and Deise Gomez have more than complemented the sales efforts by producing world-class layout and design.

Graphics Coordinator Beth Poirier played a vital role in production and pre-production.

In addition to building the newspaper and web site each day, Mike Colombo, Doug Walker, Jeremy Stewart and Severo Avila have contributed excellent stories and photographs.

Also, Mark Wallace Maguire, director of magazines and LaTria Garnigan, assistant director of magazines, created the editorial layout and design and oversaw the editorial production process while magazine photographer Katherine Frye took outstanding images. Other editorial contributors who helped in the process are Joan Durbin and Meredith Pruden.

When I said we have the staff in place to offer a great magazine, these fine individuals are the folks I am talking about. They are all world-class and I appreciate each and every one of them.

Enjoy!

Otis Raybon

Rome Life November 2015

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HOME for the holidays Inside one of Rome’s most unique and decorated holiday houses

By Meredith Pruden Photography by Katherine Frye

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Rome residents Rhonda and Ronnie Wallace decorate a whimsical tree with playful ornaments for their grandchildren in the couple’s favorite room of the house.

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Top, the couple collects Santa Claus decorations and their home is full of numerous Santa statues carved specially for them by artist Lee Simpkins. Right, their favorite tree is a whimsical tree with playful ornaments for their grandchildren.

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s most Rome townsfolk are just beginning to deck the proverbial halls with a wreath on the door, a

“This will be our eighth Christmas in the house,” Rhonda said.

“That’s why we built this house the way we did— so we could always celebrate Christmas with our family. Every year, we have decorations at Thanksgiving because we love Christmas.”

For this native Rome power couple (he’s a former mayor and she’s a current county commissioner), “decorations at Christmas” goes far beyond a few hastily placed items on the mantle and a lone tree in the study.

garland on the mantle and a tree in the living room, Maplewood East residents Ronnie and Rhonda Wallace are getting ready for the annual family Thanksgiving visit and enjoying their festive whole-house Christmas decor with plenty of time to spare.

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The musical-themed Christmas tree showcases the couple’s love of music.

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Rome Life November 2015

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“When we first got married, we started off with two or three trees, and every year we’d add a few more things,” Rhonda said. “We just keep adding.”

“It just continues to grow,” Ronnie added. “But, even in the early years, it was always a focus for us.”

Today, there are at least five full-sized trees each with their own theme, as well as several smaller ones both indoors and out, and a collection of Santa statues that rivals that of a North Pole museum.

“Everywhere we go we try to pick up a Santa,” Rhonda said. “The farthest is from Italy.”

In addition to two glass curio cases (that stay up year round) housing countless Santa statues and figurines, some even custom carved especially for the Wallace family by local artisan Lee Simpkens, the living room tree also includes lots of Santa ornaments smiling happily beside ornaments of Rome landmarks and even some the couple’s children and grandchildren made.

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It is just not the trees that get the attention, but the details, including this unique selection of ornaments.

“The living room tree is where we all tend to gather,” Ronnie said. “But, we try to differentiate the trees. Some are more relaxed, and some are more creative. We try to be careful to recognize the reason for the season, so that’s predominant when you come into the house.”

The foyer tree Ronnie said evokes “the reason for the season” also is Rhonda’s favorite because it features her favorite colors and highlights the larger than life Three Wise Men carvings on the foyer highboy table.

Other trees throughout the house include a narrow white lit number in the master bedroom housing glass balls, birds and metallic garland (and, of course, a Santa) with a gold and burgundy floral spray accenting the top, a whimsical tree in the TV room with plush snowmen, fun handwritten style signs and a spray of white flowers at its crown to pique the imagination of the younger Wallace family members, and a music themed tree in the piano room with a prized snare drum ornament in honor of their oldest grandson.

Additional vignettes of a diverse array of Santas and Christmas trees can be found throughout the house, from the fun-loving kitchen Santas and rustic porch decor, to the November 2015 Rome Life

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upstairs landing quartet and purple guest room (painted to celebrate the Wallace’s daughter-in law). And, of course, it’s all framed by plenty of holiday greenery to really set the scene.

But, how do two busy locals find the time to get such a jump on the holidays?

“Our friend Rudy Childs owns Traditions,” Rhonda said. “He’s been putting our trees up for probably 15 years, and we’re always the first house he does. Ronnie and I both work full-time and volunteer in the community, so we wouldn’t have time to do all this.”

The result? A mirthful holiday home made for entertaining loved ones— without all the last minute fuss.

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Of course, it is not only the interior of the home, but also the exterior that gets the special treatment from the Wallaces.

November 2015 Rome Life

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Two Floyd veterans reflect on Christmas 1944 in the European and Pacific theaters

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article and photography by Doug Walker

>>> photo illustrations by Mark Wallace Maguire

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Rena Storey, right, compares a photo taken of her husband Harold Storey in England in 1945, next to her husband today. Storey was in Luxembourg, part of the Battle of the Bulge campaign at Christmas in 1944.

Like many of the

G.I.s in Europe late in 1944,

Harold Storey

had heard a lot of the scuttlebutt about the possibility the war could be over by Christmas. For the most part that was probably wishful thinking.

It was already the coldest winter on record at the time and the really cold months were still to come. The soldiers, Storey included, were more than ready to come home.

Storey recalls that it was difficult to determine who the number one enemy was, the weather, or the Germans.

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young medic and was never able to reach anyone from Cassels family.

Getting back home the following Christmas was just as eventful.

Storey had been sent back to the U.S. His parents had picked him up in Augusta and they were on their way to Floyd County on Christmas Eve. The roads were slick and icy.

Somewhere around Kennesaw on old U.S. 41 their car was hit virtually head on, totaling their car. His parents suffered injuries and were brought back to the McCall Hospital in Rome on a

Greyhound bus that had been traveling right behind them when the accident happened. Storey stayed behind until a wrecker could get to the scene and haul Storey and the car back to Floyd County.

Storey finally got back to Rome and the hospital around 2 a.m. Christmas morning.

“I don’t know who called but they got a neighbor to come down and pick all three of us up,” Storey said. “Santa Claus had already been by and didn’t find anybody.”

A portrait of Harold Storey taken in England in 1945.

Storey, a company commander, and his troops were in Germany during the days leading up to Christmas.

Fighting had been intense but nothing like it was going to be.

History recalls it as the Battle of the Bulge.

Storey remembers a Christmas like none other in his 90 years.

It started on Christmas Eve when Storey and a few others were hunkered down in some hay in a barn. It was late in the night when a stranger appeared. No, he wasn’t dressed in red and didn’t arrive in a sleigh.

He did however, have a package for Storey, a box of gingerbread cookies, more like crumbs by that time, which had been sent from the wife of an officer buddy. Needless to say, the cookies never made it to Christmas Day. When Christmas Day did arrive, Storey confesses that he was more than a little depressed. Memories of Christmas at home flooded his mind. Firecrackers tossed by his cousins on Christmas morning had been replaced by the sound of artillery and small arms fire.

Later that day he was approached by a young medic, a Pfc. Robert Cassels who was seeking permission to treat a couple of wounded German soldiers they had encountered.

It was after all, Christmas Day, so Storey acquiesced to the holiday spirit of his young medic and granted permission to care for the wounded enemy combatants.

Some time passed and when it got to a point when his troops were ready to move on, the medic still had not come back. Storey walked back to where Cassels had described and found him, dead, one arm under a wounded German. Pfc. Cassels had been shot in the head.

His first emotions told him to shoot the German.

“The I realized it was mid-afternoon Christmas Day, it was about to get dark there. I remember saying if I survive I will always remember that I killed somebody who was helpless and I wouldn’t want my family to know that I had, no matter if they were enemies or not,” Storey said.

Storey was never able to identify who shot the November 2015 Rome Life

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Bill Fricks spent Christmas with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific theater, on

Bill Fricks rests in the rocker on the porch of his home at The Village at Maplewood in Rome. Fricks, a member of the local Marine Corps League, was on Saipan at Christmas during World War II.

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the island of Saipan where action was much quieter.

Saipan is an island that is now part of the U.S, Mariana Islands north of Guam.

Fricks recalls that his medical unit, VMB-612 of the 3rd Marine Air Wing, came in after troops had secured the island during the advance on Japan.

Anyone who knows Fricks understands that there may not be anyone who was ever more upbeat about life all of the time, but like Storey, that first Christmas away from home was a little bit of a downer for Fricks.

“It was my first Christmas away from home. “My mother, Lottie Bea Mathis Fricks, would write me a letter every day.” Frick said. Of course with the way mail was delivered during the war, he’d get as many as 30 letters at one time.

We had a great bunch of guys and we all shared our special packages from home,” Fricks said. Problem was Fricks had asked his mother to send him some of her special sausage. “She was the best cook in the whole world,” Fricks said.

“She fixed the sausage as best as she could and put it in a fruit jar but, lo and behold, it got broken,” Fricks said. The disappointment was audible in his voice 71 years later.

Fricks recalls that one of the corpsmen in the unit had gone out and killed a wild boar right before Christmas. “We cleaned him and skinned him, had him strung up when our doctor came by and asked what we were doing,” Fricks said. “We said we were going to get us some pork meat and he said oh no you’re not, you’re not eating that so we didn’t get a bite of it, which was probably a good thing.”

No sausage, no (wild) ham. Christmas on Saipan was about to be a bummer.

“We had a Chaplain with us and had a little service with him (on Christmas morning),” Fricks said. “The holiday drew us all even closer together.

Fricks said the cooks did the best they could, but it wasn’t momma’s cooking, something a teenager from Northwest Georgia missed the most.

Rome Life November 2015

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hitting the

trail Words and Photography By Severo Avila

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rab a hiking buddy and hit the trails in and around Rome this winter. Floyd and surrounding counties have a wealth of scenic trails for all hiking abilities. We’ve compiled a list of trails we think would be perfect for a winter hike, whether it’s with a friend, your family or even your dog (always obey leash laws). And remember, if you’ll be hiking in the winter, it’s always a good idea to wear warm clothes, carry plenty of water and energy bars and never hike alone. You might even want to grab a hiking stick if you need a little assistance — or just to fight off pesky spider webs. Some of these trails may require a short drive from Rome but they’re worth it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

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James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park Whereabouts — Chattooga County near Summerville, 20 minutes from Rome Trails — 5 miles of trails include: Marble Mine Trail (moderate), Jenkins Gap Trail (strenuous), Lower Lake Loop Trail (easy), Upper Lake Loop Trail (easy), Access to 60-mile Pinhoti Trail Amenities — camping, 2 lakes, picnic shelters Park Hours — 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Parking — $5. Annual passes available

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Pine Mountain Whereabouts — Cartersville, 30 minutes from Rome Trails — There are 2 loops connecting Pine Mountain. The East Loop and the West Loop. This is a rugged, challenging hike that reaches 1,562 feet above sea level. Approximately 4.5 miles to the scenic summit with outstanding views of Allatoona Lake.

The trail is open daily for hiking. Mountain biking is allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays on the East Loop only.

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Garland Mountain Horse and Hike Trails Whereabouts — Waleska, Ga., an hour from Rome Trails — 12.3 miles of trails for horseback riding and hiking Amenities — Toilet, covered pavilion, kiosk and trail signage Address — 1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska Ga., 20183 Online — Search “Garland Mountain Horse and Hike Trails” on Facebook

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November 2015 Rome Life

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Cloudland Canyon State Park Whereabouts — Rising Fawn, Walker County. About an hour northwest of Rome Trails — The park is home to trails that offer spectacular views into the canyon. Hikers can explore a rim trail or journey to the canyon floor by a series of staircases. Two waterfalls cascade over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below, with their flow dependent on recent rains.

The Waterfalls Trail is part of the popular Canyon Climbers Club. The trails range in difficulty from moderate to strenuous. But hikers’ hard work is rewarded with stunning views.

Trails include: West Rim Loop — 4.8 miles, moderate to strenuous Waterfalls Trail — 2 miles, strenuous Backcountry Loop — 2 miles, moderate Cloudland Connector Trail — 14 miles, moderate to strenuous Sitton’s Gulch Trail — 6.5 miles, strenuous Park hours — 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Parking — $5, annual passes available Amenities — hiking, camping, cottages, yurts, picnic shelters, pioneer campground, disc golf, tennis, fishing, gift shop

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Berry College Trails Whereabouts — Berry College, Rome Trails — Locals know there’s some beautiful scenery to be enjoyed at Berry, but few realize how many different trails there are to hike (and run and mountain bike). Depending on which trail you choose, you could see such notable features as the historic Possum Trot Church, Frost Chapel, the House O’ Dreams, the Berry College reservoir and the Old Mill.

Trails include: Viking Trail — 3.5 miles, concrete Possum Trot Road — 1.3 miles, gravel Old Mill to Reservoir — 1.1 miles, dirt/ gravel Mountain Goat — 7.0 miles, dirt/some gravel House O’ Dreams — 2.6 miles, light gravel Hurtin’ Gator — 1.5 mile, dirt and steep climb

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October 2015 Cobb Life

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BY MIKE COLOMBO >>> PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

Get ready for the great

ROME

CHRISTMAS PARADE ROME LIFE_NOV2015(30) 31

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It’s doubtful there is any single event that brings more people to downtown than the annual Rome Christmas Parade.

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The parade, traditionally held every year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, brings anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 people to Broad Street, depending on the weather, according to Janet Byington, who has played a role in organizing the parade for 31 years.

Byington jokes that her daughter, Emily, who is turning 31, got her first experience of the parade in utero.

She remembers being 8 months pregnant 31 years ago when she first got involved with the event.

“I was actually 8 months pregnant and walking behind Santa Claus,” Byington said. Saint Nick is normally on the tail end of the parade, which will march down Broad Street this year on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. The rain date will be Dec. 3.

Painter Norman Rockwell would have loved the Rome Christmas Parade. It is a regular slice of life.

Aside from the floats decked out in Christmas regalia with cute kids waving to family and friends, the marchers themselves are a cross-section of the community.

There are normally Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, youth league football teams, baton twirlers and, of course, high school bands.

“I think what makes it special is it brings out everybody in the community,” said Byington. “Little kids come out, churches, businesses. It really is a community event.”

She said former City Manager Bruce Hamler started the parade.

“He would just tell everyone to come out on Broad Street and join the parade,” said Byington.

Now the parade has registration forms and entrants pay a nominal fee to be in it, but Byington said the event still has that impromptu feel to it. She said she has learned a few things over the years to make things run a little more smoothly, like don’t have horses walk right in front of a marching band.

“One year after the parade I got a phone call from a local band director asking that we please not have the horses walk in front of the band,” Byington said.

The horses’ “presents” left on Broad Street created a problem, and now all equines are required to wear diapers, according to Byington. One year the Christmas tradition ran a little askew and the parade took on an Easter feel with some floats representing Jesus on the cross.

Byington said she pointed out to several entrants that Jesus in the manger might be more appropriate for Christmas than a scene from Calvary. It’s often very cold during the parade.

It has snowed. It has rained, but in general the weather has always, somehow worked out.

“In 30 years, it has only been put on the rain day once,” Byington said.

Even Mother Nature likes a good parade. n Rome Life November 2015

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TIPS FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELING Leaving the Rome area for the holidays?

If you haven’t booked your holiday trip yet, there is no time to waste. Prices are already rising for the days around Thanksgiving as seats become more scarce and will start rising dramatically for the December holidays, if history is any guide.

Here’s what to expect if you’re traveling between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day: —Fares: Holiday travelers may find a little something extra in their stocking — airfares should be a bit lower than last year.

After several years of increases above inflation, fares have dipped this year. Counting tickets already purchased for peak travel days around Christmas, prices are 3 percent lower than last year, according to online travel company Hipmunk.

George Hobica, the founder of travel website Airfarewatchdog. com, said the savings appear to be even bigger on routes flown by the discount carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. He said the major carriers are more aggressively matching the discounters’ fares, which is great for consumers.

Christmas and New Year’s Day will fall on Fridays, meaning that many passengers will try to fly home that Saturday or Sunday.

The result is that fares could be higher on those days but cheaper than last year on other days, said Jeff Klee, the CEO of CheapAir. com. Connecting flights are often cheaper than nonstops, but

especially around the holidays you might decide that the added risk of missing your connection isn’t worth saving a few bucks.

—Fees: While fares are falling, the airlines are making more money by charging fees for all sorts of things. The big ones are checked-bag and ticket-change fees.

If you want to avoid fees, you can fly on Southwest, which doesn’t charge for the first two bags or changing a ticket. Cut down on baggage by shipping gifts ahead of time or buying gift cards. If you’re flying on the fee-laden discount airlines such as Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant, plan ahead: Print out your boarding pass before you get to the airport, make sure your carry-on will fit under the seat, and pay bag fees ahead of time — they cost more at the airport.

—Crowds: Don’t count on an empty middle seat to let you stretch out. The leading U.S. airlines have been filling more than 80 percent of their seats. That includes early-morning and latenight flights, meaning that many during the more convenient hours are full. On top of that, airlines are reserving more seats for elite customers and those willing to pay extra for a choice seat — like a bit more legroom. That can make travel more difficult for families. Airlines say gate agents try to help families sit together, especially those with small children, but don’t count on a stranger to swap seats — he might have paid a $50 fee on top of his ticket price to get that aisle seat.

November 2015 Rome Life

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E

CR A F L

HY A P RA UL H G A O OT ND P H T P RT A R A A EW TEW T S S MY EMY E JER Y JER Y B B

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The story of father and son Milt and Jacob Travis is entwined with the Rome News-Tribune’s annual Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament Rome Life November 2015

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Model High School boys head coach Jacob Travis (left) and his dad, Rome boys coach Milt Travis, share a long history with the Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament, from Jacob playing for his dad at Model during the 1990s, to the two meeting in the tournament the last two years.

Being part of a tradition can lead to some interesting twists and turns as time goes by.

For Milt Travis and his son, Jacob, the family business placed them on a path featuring frequent stops at the annual Rome News-Tribune Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament, culminating in the younger Travis’s team facing his father’s team in the championship game last December and winning the title.

“It’s one thing when it’s your dad,” Jacob said. “It’s another thing when it’s your dad and he’s your former head coach and you’re coaching at the school he used to coach at.”

Jacob Travis is heading into his fourth season as the boys’ head coach at Model High School, the same position his father held for 17 years until 2003.

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Milt Travis was hired as the coach at Rome High School in 2013 after semi-retirement. He coached both Jacob and his older brother, Josh, while they were at Model, and watched his daughter, Sarah, play in the festival tournament as well.

“There’s a rich history there,” Milt said. “Stories that I’ve been a part of and stories that I’ve gotten to see.”

The 62nd edition of the Seven Hills Rotary Rome News-Tribune Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament is set for Dec. 14-18 and will once again be held at Georgia Highlands College and Berry College.

A recent story added to the tournament’s ever-growing book of lore is the one of the father and son meeting on the court not once, but twice.

The first time was in the semifinals in 2013 when Dwight Hall knocked down two clutch free throws in the final minute to give the Blue Devils the 62-61 win over Rome’s Wolves.

“I still think that’s one of the better games we’ve played in during the tournament,” Travis said. “A lot of kids stepped up in the last few minutes of that game and made shots for both sides, and we were fortunate to win on free throws at the end.”

Family ties were highlighted again in last year’s tournament as Model faced Rome in the boys’ championship game. VJ Saxton led the charge for the Blue Devils in a 58-37 victory that gave Model their first Gold Ball championship trophy since 1962.

Jacob said it has been bittersweet competing against his dad, especially last season.

Model went to the state playoffs seven times and won two region titles during Milt’s tenure. However the Gold Ball trophy remained elusive as the Blue Devils were denied three times in the Holiday Festival finals.

“I feel like if anyone deserves one of the Gold Balls he does,” Jacob said. “But you wanted it for Model at the same time.”

It was the Blue Devils’ fifth straight trip to the tournament finals.

“That was a big win for them,” Milt said. “It was exciting and a good atmosphere. Our players were still adjusting to a big stage. I think they (Model) were more focused that night. They had been there before and they understood.”

The Holiday Festival tournament has had many teams achieve their goal of taking home the coveted Gold Ball trophy. None have been as consistent as the Rome High School girls’ teams coached by Kevin Strickland.

The Lady Wolves had won the tournament just three times in the 10 years prior to Strickland taking over as head coach in 2003.

They then rolled off five titles in a row and ended the decade with a total of eight Gold Balls in nine years.

November 2015 Rome Life

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Kevin Strickland coached the Rome High School girls to seven Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament titles, inlcuding five in a row from 2003-2007. Jai Creamer (42) of Rome High School goes up for a layup against VJ Saxton (33) of Model High School during the 60th Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament at Georgia Highlands College on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013.

“It helped to change our culture to be quite honest,” Strickland said. “It helped to establish who we were and our identity for us to make a run not only in the tournament but in the state playoffs.”

Strickland stepped down as the Lady Wolves’ coach after last season to focus on his role as Rome’s athletic director. But the tournament is still the place where he reconnects with the memories of winning big games and the players who helped them do that.

“I knew what it meant for all of the communities and all of the schools that played in it,” Strickland said. “And it was something that I used with our team to help them focus early in the year to bring us together and to make us a better team.”

Both coach Travises agree that the tournament can be a good building block for teams early in the season.

“It’s a good measuring-stick tournament,” Milt Travis said.

“You can see where you stand at that point of the season and it’s not the end of your season.”

Now at Rome, Milt said it is important for them to play in the tournament since they are in a region where they have to play teams outside of Floyd County.

“I think it’s exciting for the kids. Especially in our situation since we don’t have local rivals and we don’t get to play a lot of local teams.”

Even as a kid, Jacob watched his dad coach the Blue Devils year after year and knew the allure of doing well in the Holiday Festival tournament.

“I remember seeing a lot of fantastic games when dad was a coach,” Jacob said, recalling seeing Cedartown’s Myron Pace hitting a shot to beat Model in 1990.

“There were some of the old East Rome teams and some of the really good Coosa teams that came through,” Jacob said.

“So you grow up with that expectation. The Christmas tournament means something and it’s a big deal in Rome.” n

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October 2015 Cobb Life

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Shades of gray are used as a neutral base while bright, inviting shades of blue that evoke the ocean bring the space to life in a family room in Coronado, Calif. (Tria Giovan/Coastal Living/Burnham Design via AP)

ASK

a Designer

A versatile neutral, gray goes with anything

By Melissa Rayworth | AP

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A cream-colored window shade, green plant and dark wooden chair bring an organic warmth to an otherwise cool, gray kitchen. (Christopher Patey/Burnham Design via AP)

A sleek kitchen decorated in soft shades of gray with charcoal accents. For many designers, gray has replaced white or cream as the new neutral of choice. (Christopher Patey/Burnham Design via AP)

Interior design experts say their love affair with the color gray is definitely not a passing trend.

Looking back 10 years, designer Mollie Ranize remembers gray being “perceived as a depressing color palette that was difficult to use, and no one really wanted to live in it.” Since then, gray has developed into the go-to neutral color and a favorite solution to many design dilemmas.

Want to use a bold color but worry that it will overpower a room or look tacky? Mix some cool gray into even the loudest paint color and it will instantly look more subtle and sophisticated.

And you can find a shade of gray that pairs well with everything.

“It’s kind of shocking that almost everything on the color wheel is complimentary with it,” says Ranize, founder of DMar Interiors in Los Angeles, Calif. “That’s not something you can say about the whole tan-and-beige wave that we had for a really long time.”

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ANY ROOM, ANY STYLE Gray works with every decorating style, from totally traditional to cutting-edge modern. Whatever the style, “gray can be a huge statement,” Ranize says, so it “doesn’t take a huge quantity of accents to get high impact.”

It also works surprisingly well in rooms where you might not expect it — Betsy Burnham, founder of Burnham Design in Los Angeles, uses dark gray kitchen cabinetry painted with a slightly shimmery satin finish. She likes using a softer shade, Benjamin Moore’s “Gray Owl,” on walls, and painting the trim a crisp, cool white.

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn, founder of Flynnside Out Productions, uses gray “to mediate other more dramatic colors.”

“If I am using a lot of black,” he says, “I’ll pair it with greige to keep the look more subtle and almost lower the amount of contrast. If I’m working with bold colors such as red or orange, I’ll usually set them against a backdrop of dove gray or blue gray.”

Another combo he recommends — charcoal gray with dark hunter green and black. “All three are super-dark and rich,” Flynn says, but “none are really too high-energy, resulting in a sense of glamour that’s somewhat rustic and woodsy. It’s a really unique look that can be pulled off in the right setting.”

Gray is even kid-friendly. It’s “an excellent choice for a gender-neutral nursery or kid’s room,” Flynn says, “since you can accent it with a wide array of colors.”

Yet another gorgeous option — Ranize loves mixing grays with deep shades of plum and any deep blue, from navy to teal. Deep blues “can play off of light grays so pleasantly,” she says. It brings “emotional impact without being over the top.”

WARM AND BRIGHT Gray doesn’t have to make a room feel depressing or cold. “There are ways to bring it outside of that stark, off-putting, cloudy-day kind

of vibe,” says Burnham. Her favorite strategy is using warm shades of gray alongside organic items like pottery, plants, and natural-wood floors and furniture.

She also warms up shades of gray by pairing them with colors like mustard, olive or soft pinks. These are “combinations you may not immediately think of,” she says, but they’re surprisingly effective.

As you choose a gray hue, consider the room’s natural light. If you’re worried that a gray room will look dim, choose items that reflect light. Look for a woven silk rug, wallpaper with a subtle sheen, upholstery with a slight shimmer, and even a tabletop of pale gray or gray and white marble that reflects light.

You can also opt for lighter grays to keep things from getting too intense. If you’re considering using gray with red, for example, Flynn recommends dove gray or blue gray rather than charcoal. “Since dark gray and red are both super-dramatic, they can sometimes come across as overbearing or too much,” he says. By pairing red with paler grays, the effect is “light and airy, juxtaposed with dramatic and high-energy.”

THE BEST BASE LAYER Rather than adding gray to a room as an accent color, Ranize suggests using it as the room’s base color. She recommends using paint or wallpaper to create soft gray walls, then layering more shades of gray into the room in the floor-covering and furniture. As a finishing touch, add a few pops of other colors as you wish.

With this technique, she says, “you get this dynamic space without trying to be flamboyant.”

If you’re building a new home, talk with your builder about using gray as the base color throughout the property. “Builders and real estate agents are big on using beiges, creams and taupes to neutralize their properties,” Flynn says, but “interior designers take the more personable route with gray, a color which has more personality.”

In expert hands, he says, gray “can take on a luxurious, chic or even understated vibe.”

This light and airy vintage-style bedroom by Flynn demonstrates the designer’s use of blue-gray tones to keep rooms feeling classic and gender-neutral.

Flynn suggests two different blue-gray paint colors which work well in different settings: Quiet Rain by Glidden and Krypton by Sherwin-Williams. (HGTV. com/Brian Patrick Flynn via AP)

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greene’s G E M S

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G

reene’s Jewelers, the second oldest business still on Broad Street in downtown Rome, is here by the luck of the flip of a coin. Elaine Abercrombie, a fourth generation Greene family jeweler said her grandparents were considering either Ellijay or Rome as the new location for their business. Her grandfather, George Greene wanted Ellijay, her grandmother Thelma Greene, preferred Rome. They flipped a coin and Rome won.

Left, Elaine Abercrombie, a fourth-generation jeweler at Greene’s Jewelers. Above, Abercrombie examines a ring for a customer who was hoping the item was indeed gold.

Story and Photography by Doug Walker

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Abercrombie’s great-grandfather, P.H. Greene actually started the family business in Fairmount, Ga. in 1905. A number of years later he moved the business to Cartersville. All of his sons apprenticed under him before later opening their own stores across the southeast, in Louisville, Ky., Columbus, Ga. and Knoxville, Tenn.

The original Rome Greene’s opened at 117 Broad St. The store remained in the Cotton Block until 1959 when it relocated to 334 Broad St. In 1974, the store relocated again to 328 Broad St. and has remained in that location for the past 41 years.

In the early days, much of the business involved watches and watch repair. Both Fairmount and Cartersville are located on a major north-south rail line.

Her great-grandfather did a lot of watch repairs for railroad workers. She laughed and said he helped keep train traffic throughout the region on time.

Over the years, watch bands were added to their inventory, then wedding bands and by the time the store had moved to the 300 block of Broad Street it was a full service jewelry store.

Abercrombie said her grandfather did a lot of original design work.

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“He had an eye for things and he designed lots of things.

There was a Mr. Greene ring, but nobody calls it that anymore,” Abercrombie said.

In recent years, the business was grown by Abercrombie’s mother, Joyce Greene Manning who is now semi-retired.

The repair department, once the mainstay of the business, gets a lot of credit for helping the store survive the recent recession. When the economy goes through a downturn I’ve always heard that people get things fixed before they replace them,” Abercrombie said.

Abercrombie said she knows of at least one family in Rome that Greene’s has served across five generations. In a smaller market like Rome, that generational service is something that has been important through the years.

“A lot of people think that because we’re an independent jeweler that we’re a lot more expensive than the chains and that is not true,” Abercrombie said.

Greene’s has been a family jewelry operation for so long and the staff doesn’t have to call a home office somewhere else to get a deal done. “I’m not happy until you’re happy,” Abercrombie said. “If they’re really satisfied, they’ll come back and they will tell their friends.”

Rome Life November 2015

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October 2015 Cobb Life

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Now, a new magazine comes first in my house

By Severo Avila Four times a year I get a beautiful, glossy magazine delivered to me from the Ruffed Grouse Society. It’s an organization whose members are mainly grouse and woodcock hunters. Now, I’m neither a hunter nor am I deeply passionate about the plight of the ruffed grouse BUT the magazine is beautiful.

I’m fascinated with nature, the outdoors and animals so I love the features and beautiful images of handsome hunting dogs and their bright collars, smooth shiny guns, the striking scenery and of course the birds themselves with their rich plumage.

It’s one of my favorite magazines. And as I said before, I’m not even a hunter.

That’s how well the publication is put together.

So imagine my surprise when I saw some of the images and features planned for the first edition of Rome Life. It gave me that same sense of urgency to want to thumb through the colorful pages. I had that same excitement to see what big, bold images were waiting on the next page.

I love magazines. I love the way they feel and the way they smell. I like how the glossy pages seem to catch the light and almost illuminate the photos. And I like the style of writing used in most magazines — it’s more conversational, less formal, not stuffy or ruled by convention. It’s a completely different creature from the newspaper.

From delicious holiday dishes to glittering Rome homes and of course a spread dedicated to local and area hiking trails, this magazine has a little something for everyone, and most importantly it’s all local stuff. It’s our city, our

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community, our stories.

Fall and winter are my favorite seasons. Although I was born in the balmy tropical climes of the tiny Central American country of Belize, I spent my college and grad school years in Kentucky. So I got used to cold, snowy winters. It comes as a surprise to most people that I avoid the sun and heat like the plague. I’d rather be in the mountains than at the beach and I’d rather be wearing a hoodie next to a bonfire in winter than sitting by a sunny swimming pool in summer.

I love winters in Georgia. They’re milder than most other places and bring with them activities that I look forward to each year. I love the cold, crisp air and the changing landscape. I like to see firewood piled up outside waiting to be fed to our fireplace when the temperatures dip.

One of my favorite things to do (and I think most Romans would agree with me) is to watch the ginkgo tree on the corner of Broad Street and Fifth Avenue as its leaves make their annual transition from a dark green to a spectacular yellow before they all fall off the tree, creating a stunning skirt that lasts for days.

We take our dogs for walks in the woods and one of them, Waylon, loved the winter months because it meant he could break through the thin layer of ice covering our pond to take a cold dip in the chilly water.

I love the frost that settles on the grass and on ponds and creeks.

My hands get a little numb sometimes if it’s too cold when I have to go out to the pasture to feed the horses but that just means they’ll feel so good when I’m warming them next to the fireplace later on.

And of course the holidays are a very special time for most folks because it means family. I’m blessed with a wonderful family back in Belize as well as my new family which branches out into Floyd and Polk counties. That means I’ve got several stops to make on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I might have breakfast in Cedartown, lunch in Armuchee and dinner in Esom Hill.

This first edition of Rome Life captures all that local life. And future editions will do the same. It grabs pieces of our community and holds them up to the light for everyone to see. The Ruffed Grouse Society will have to take a back seat to Rome Life, our local magazine, with all its warmth and color and home-spun charm.

Rome Life November 2015

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10/29/2015 4:24:45 PM

By Joan Durbin Photography by Katherine Frye

Chef Greg Paulson shares

some of his favorite recipes for a

FESTIVE

FEAST

There is no time of the year quite like Christmas for joyful gatherings with family and friends.

While we commemorate a wondrous event, we also share love, laughter and memories.

And in keeping with this very special season, food plays a significant part in the merrymaking.

“Even going back in time to the Greeks and Romans, food has always been the center of celebration and festivals,” said Chef Greg Paulson, director of the Culinary Arts program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

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“There is something extremely comforting about gathering together with friends and family around a bountiful table, good food and drink. “ Paulson, who grew up in suburban Chicago, has lived and worked in many states as well as the Virgin Islands, cooking for diverse cultures and demographics. “I have spent Christmas and other holidays with Rastafarians, Hawaiians, Seattleites, and of course Chicagoans. Of course, wherever I lived, it has always been a celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

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Juicy lamb en croute with an inlay of fresh spinach, pine nuts and creamy Montrachet goat cheese served with fragrant rosemary demi-glace.

Accompanying the main dish is a side of caramelized pearl onion, brussel sprouts and heirloom carrots.

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10/30/2015 11:46:54 AM

Top, juicy slow-roasted duck leg and breast sautéed with a grand Marnier orange sauce and served with a la orange with fresh tarragon and a side of wild rice, batonnet of carrots, Haricot vert and roasted beats. Above, a rich caramelized butternut squash soup with marsala and fresh thyme. Recipes for these dishes are on page 55, 56, and 57.

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For Rome Life, Paulson selected five dishes in his repertoire that would be a fine addition to anyone’s holiday table — caramelized butternut squash soup with Marsala and fresh thyme; lamb en croute with an inlay of spinach, pine nuts and Montrachet cheese served with rosemary demi-glace sauce; slow roasted duck leg, breast sautéed with a Grand Marnier orange sauce; gingerbread bread pudding with a citrus zabaglione, caramel sauce and pomegranate seeds; and one of his proprietary specialties, sweet holiday biscotti.

“Some of these could present a challenge to the home cook, but in all honesty, most [of] these dishes could be easily replicated,” he said. “I think with today’s busy schedules and time being so short, a lot of people choose simpler recipes because they are often intimidated by lengthy, multiple steps in recipes.”

But for the more adventurous, the chef has a suggestion.

“At our home, during the preparation of food whether it be for a large family dinner or for an hors d‘oeuvres party, we all join together and strategically work as a team. Everyone has assigned tasks, so thus, we are able to divide and conquer even the most challenging of recipes while we enjoy family time spent together.”

He strongly recommends this tactic for other families who would like to enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.

“I would encourage all home cooks, whether novice or experienced to please try to prepare each of these recipes. Hey, at the very least, at the end of the day you would have had fun trying,” he said with a grin.

More often than not, Paulson said, gatherings generally start out or take place in the kitchen where most people prefer to linger, converse and simply enjoy the aromas of the food being prepared.

“So combine great food, good wine, family and friends, and of course the holiday spirit — what more could you ask?”

In addition to his impressive gastronomic skills, Paulson has extraordinary flair with a pastry that epitomizes the Christmas season. He is a gingerbread artist who has won accolades for his work, including the Grand Prize in the 1987 Woman’s Day Magazine Gingerbread Display contest and a 1998 win in the City of Seattle Gingerbread Display contest.

The first gingerbread display he ever created was when he was working at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and decided to replicate a Beverly Hills mansion out of gingerbread.

Since then, he has fabricated gingerbread displays in Hawaii, Seattle and here in Rome.

While executive chef at Coosa Country Club, each year he created a gingerbread holiday display, including a much smaller scale of Coosa Country Club’s clubhouse and property, Rome’s city clock tower and Rome’s downtown Broad Street, including all the buildings.

Here in the South, humidity is always a challenge when working with gingerbread, Paulson said. That, and having the necessary patience in executing even the tiniest detail. He estimates he spent as many as 30 hours on the amazing Noah’s Ark he built as a holiday item especially for Rome Life.

“The shape of the ark was the most challenging aspect, so I built a wooden frame using balsa wood, as it is pliable. Aesthetically, I really wanted the ark and animals to be quite colorful. I chose a four-color scheme for the ark using jewel tones of blue, green, violet and orange. I found a variety of candies in those colors, as well as icing.”

Chef Greg Paulson’s sweet holiday biscotti, from his own secret recipe, is available each year for sale. Contact him at (706) 295-6880 or gpaulson@gntc.edu.

Rome Life November 2015

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Roasted Duck Leg, Breast Sautéed à l’Orange with Tarragon CHEF SAYS: “Europeans have enjoyed roast goose for thousands of years at Christmas time and here at home in America, we have strayed away from serving roast goose to more traditional roast turkey. I personally am tired of the bland taste of turkey. So I was incorporating roast duck since this bird compares to goose in many ways. They both have delicious flavors, and like both, all dark meat. Even the preparation is very similar as they both have that wonderful deep layer of fat beneath the skin. So scrap the overcooked, dried-out turkey breast this season and try either roast duck or goose. Both delicious!”

Ingredients • One 5 1/2- to 6-pound Pekin ducks, trimmed of excess fat — necks, gizzards and hearts reserved • Salt and freshly ground black pepper •1 cup water •1 tablespoon vegetable oil •2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped •2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped •1 small leek, white and pale green parts only, coarsely chopped •1 small onion, coarsely chopped •2 garlic cloves, crushed but not peeled •2 bay leaves •1 teaspoon dried thyme •3 tablespoons all-purpose flour •1 quart chicken stock or low-sodium broth •1 cup dry white wine •5 navel oranges •1/3 cup sugar •1/3 cup cider vinegar •2 tablespoons currant jelly •2 tablespoons Grand Marnier •2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter •1 tablespoon tarragon leaves, chopped Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Cut off the first two wing joints of the duck and reserve. Chop the neck into 2-inch lengths.

2. Debone the duck by separately removing breasts from the carcass.

Then remove the thigh and leg from the carcass. Using your boning knife, scrape the thigh meat toward the leg and away from the thigh bone. Remove the thigh bone. Tightly tie the duck meat at the base of the leg using butchers twine. Reserve.

3. Season the duck breasts and legs/thighs with salt and pepper. Set a rack in a very large roasting pan. Set the ducks leg/thigh up on the rack.

Add the water to the pan and roast the duck legs/thighs in the center of the oven for 20 minutes. Turn the oven temperature down to 350°. Place the duck legs/thighs on rack and roast for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, score the duck breasts on the fat side. Heat a skillet until smoking point. Sear duck breast on fat side down until golden. Turn the breasts over in the skillet and sear the duck breasts meat. Remove from skillet and place breasts, fat side up with the duck legs/thighs roasting and roast for 30 minutes longer.

5. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the oil. Add the hearts, gizzards, wing joints and necks and season with salt and pepper. Cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until richly browned, 10 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, leek, onion, garlic, bay leaves and thyme and cook, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in the flour then gradually stir in the stock and wine. Bring to a boil, stirring, then reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the sauce into a bowl, pressing on the solids.

6. Meanwhile, remove the zest in strips from 1 of the oranges. Cut the zest into a very fine julienne. In a small saucepan of boiling water, blanch the julienne for 1 minute. Drain and rinse under cold water; pat dry.

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7. Halve and squeeze 2 of the oranges; you will need 1 cup of juice.

Peel the remaining oranges — including the one you stripped the zest from — with a knife, removing all of the bitter white pith. Cut in between the membranes to release the sections into a bowl.

8. In a medium saucepan, boil the sugar and vinegar over moderately high heat until the syrup is a pale caramel color, 4 minutes.

Gradually add the 1 cup of orange juice, then the currant jelly and bring to a boil. Add the strained duck sauce and simmer over moderate heat to reduce slightly, 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Grand Marnier and remove from the heat. Swirl in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Finish with fresh tarragon.

9. When plating the duck, trim the butchers twine off the bottom of duck leg/thigh and stand on plate. Slice the duck breast on a bias into four even pieces and fan around the duck leg/thigh. Garnish the duck with the reserved orange sections and scatter the blanched zest over the duck breast. Drizzle the orange sauce over both duck breast and roasted leg/thigh.

November 2015/Rome Life

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10/28/2015 11:03:11 AM

Loin of Lamb En Croute With An Inlay of Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts and Sautéed Spinach.

“I try to incorporate a lamb dish during the holidays because as we know the Lamb of God was of course Jesus Christ. Traditionally lamb is served at Easter but I believe both Christmas and Easter are meant to celebrate the triumph of life. “ Ingredients • 4 each Lamb loins (6 oz each) • 1 tablespoon of olive oil • 1garlic clove • 1 pinch of salt and pepper • 2 tablespoons of olive oil • 4 sheets of puff pastry • 2 teaspoons of pine nuts, toasted • 8 oz. goat cheese, crumbled • 1 cup of cooked spinach, drained • 1 egg — beaten with water • 1 tablespoon of water (to beat with egg) Directions: 1. Rub the lamb loins with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic clove. Sprinkle them with the salt and the pepper. In a heavy skillet place the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it on medium until it is hot. Sear the lamb on both sides. Cut the puff pastry sheet so that it is the length of the lamb loin and 2-1/2 times as wide. Place the lamb in the center of the sheet. Top the lamb with the cooked spinach and roasted pine nuts. Top with creamed goat

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cheese.

2. Fold one end of the dough over the lamb.

Brush the other side of the pastry with the egg wash and then fold it over on top of the other pastry end by 2 inches. Cut off the extra dough and reserve it. Crimp the open ends together with your fingers. Turn the wrapped lamb over. Make a braid the length of the lamb with the left-over pastry dough. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash and place the braid on top. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake the wrapped lamb for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.

Serve the baked lamb with the Rosemary Demi-glace Sauce.

um-high heat, add the grapeseed oil. When the oil is hot add the onion and sauté until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring throughout. Deglaze the pan with wine. Once the pan has been deglazed add the stock, tomatoes, rosemary and parsley.

2. Reduce the sauce until it is reduced by 40 percent, about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the sauce has reduced, remove from heat and pour through a chinois or cheesecloth into a bowl. Return the sauce to the pan and stir in butter to finish the sauce. Sauce can be held warm until serving or stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Rosemary Demi-Glace Ingredients •2 tablespoons grapeseed oil •1 tablespoon diced red onion •1 cup Cabernet wine •2 cups beef stock or demi-glace •1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes •1 sprig rosemary •2 sprigs flat-leaf parsley •2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature Directions 1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, over medi-

From left, Culinary arts students Hazel Dutton and Fiona Vineyard receive a lesson in knife skills from Chef Greg Paulson at Georgia Northwestern Technical College

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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Marsala Wine and Fresh Thyme Ingredients •2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil •1/2 cup (1/4-inch) diced onion •1/4 cup (1/4-inch) diced celery •1/4 cup (1/4-inch) diced carrot •1 cinnamon stick •Sea salt, preferably gray salt •Freshly ground black pepper •About 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth •1/2 teaspoon ground toasted coriander, optional •1/4 teaspoon thyme, fresh •1 1/2 cups Roasted Butternut Squash, see recipe below •1/2 cup half-and-half •1/4 cup Marsala wine Directions 1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add the onion, celery, carrot and cinnamon stick and sauté until soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Add the chicken stock, thyme, and the coriander, if using, and bring to a boil. Simmer for several minutes. Stir in the squash until smooth, then simmer gently to let the flavors meld, about 10 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick.

3. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth. (The soup can be made ahead to this point, cooled, covered, and refrigerated for several days or frozen for about 1 month. It will thicken as it cools and may need thinning with stock or cream when reheating.)

4. Return the soup to the pan and reheat gently. Add the half-andhalf, if using and Marsala wine. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep warm until service.

Roasted Butternut Squash: •About 3 pounds butternut squash (preferably 1 large squash) •Sea salt •Freshly ground black pepper •1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter •2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves •2 tablespoons granulated sugar •1/4 cup balsamic vinegar •1/4 cup dark unsulfured molasses •2 teaspoons Toasted Spice Rub, recipe follows 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler.

Halve lengthwise, discard the seeds, then cut into 1-inch dice. Place in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter ceases to foam and has turned a light brown, pull the pan off the heat and immediately add the sage, sugar, vinegar (stand back so as not to get splattered), molasses and toasted spice rub. Mix well and let simmer over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the squash and toss well, then transfer to a heavy rimmed baking sheet or baking dish large enough to hold the squash in a single layer. Place in the oven and roast, tossing at least once, until very tender and caramelized, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Set aside until cool enough to handle but still warm, so the liquids are runny.

Yield: about 2 cups Toasted Spice Rub: •1/4 cup fennel seeds •1 tablespoon coriander seeds •1 tablespoon peppercorns •1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes •1/4 cup (1-ounce) pure California chili powder •2 tablespoons kosher salt •2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1. Toast the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns in a small, heavy pan over medium heat. When the fennel turns light brown, work quickly.

Turn on the exhaust fan, add the red pepper flakes, and toss, toss, toss, always under the fan. Immediately turn the spice mixture out onto a plate to cool.

To serve: •1/8 cup crème fraiche, optional •2 tablespoons roasted butternut squash pearls, or toasted pumpkin seeds, optional •1/8 oz. pistachio oil, see recipe below •2 thyme sprig leaves Toasted Pistachio Oil Ingredients •1/2 pound salted pistachios, shelled •1 1/2 cups olive oil •2 teaspoons kosher salt Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Toast the pistachios for about 4 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool. Transfer to a food processor and finely grind.

2. In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the oil to the nuts and process until blended. Pour into a jar, stir in the salt and let stand overnight at room temperature.

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You voted.

They won.

Congratulations to the lucky Rome and Floyd County businesses who you chose for our “Best Of...” issue.

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Above, from left, co-owners of The Stitchery Susan Horton and Stephanie Bradshaw.

Photography by Katherine Frye

he Stitchery is more and both Bradshaw and Horton than a place to find pop- enjoy interacting with patrons ular fabrics, use a full and other sewing buffs, be they line of the best quality sewing, brand new or experienced. embroidery and serger machines “What a blessing to work in and a room to take lessons. an industry where I’m surroundCo-owners Stephanie Bradshaw ed by beautiful fabric, Baby Lock and Susan Horton have created sewing machines (been sewing a friendly destination for everyon them for 17 years) and excited thing sewing. patrons whose eyes gleam with According to Bradshaw, “The the pleasure of learning to sew Stitchery should be…a place to or quilt!” exclaims Horton, who design, dream, socialize, create, laughingly admits to be “a fabric sew and LEARN! hoarder.”

Around here, we have a “The Stitchery is where personality all our own, offering friends meet to create, imagine a friendly atmosphere with 80’s and enjoy shared hobbies, the music in the background, creative latest fabric designs, great new inspiration and project advice, sewing products and a variety of along with lots encouragement fun classes that appeal to sewists and smiles to let you know of all styles and skill levels,” she you’re always welcome.” says.

Classes rotate monthly and include basic machine education, sewing camps BEST FABRICS & SEWING for adults and specialty classes such as “LearnThe Stitchery ing To Make A T-Shirt 111 Broad St. Quilt…The Right Way!” One on one training on Rome, GA. 30161 machines and customer 706.622.2345 service and support is thestitcheryrome.com available at The Stitchery

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ROME t’s stealthy at first, almost unnoloss, leaving them more vulnerable to ticeable. The slowly rising volume dementia. on the TV. The more frequent While these facts can be frightening, requests for people to repeat them- help is available. Harbin Clinic Audiolselves. Not wanting to eat in noisy restau- ogy Rome, which was voted Best Hearrants because you can’t hear conversaing Center in the Best of Rome contest, tions. And finally, isolating yourself from provides a variety of services to those family and friends because it’s getting too suffering from hearing loss. Dr. Bayle difficult to keep up with what is Anderson and the clinic’s being said. If these experiences audiologists go beyond sound all too familiar, you may fitting people for hearing be suffering from hearing loss. aids. They provide patients You’re not alone if that’s the with thorough hearing tests case. According to the American to determine what type of Academy of Audiology, nearly hearing loss they have and 36 million Americans suffer from create comprehensive manhearing loss. It’s the third most agement plans to provide common chronic health condition the best possible solution. for older adults. While hearing The hearing tests are loss is a normal part of the aging simple and painless. They process, the consequences can Dr. Bayle Anderson often include a physical be severe. Left untreated, it can exam of the ear itself, lead to social isolation, depreswhere the doctor looks for sion, anxiety, cognitive decline and even signs of infection or wax build-up, and an mobility issues. audiometer test. This helps the doctor deRecent studies out of Johns Hopkins termine where the hearing loss is centered University have noted those with mild and if it’s mild, moderate or severe. hearing loss are twice as likely to develop Once evaluated, Dr. Anderson can dementia, while those with severe hearing offer patients a number of reliable, trusted loss are up to five times more likely to hearing solutions available on the market develop it. today, from the standard over-the-ear Researchers also note hearing loss hearing aids to custom-fit, in-the-canal often contributes to social isolation, a hearing technologies. One of the newest known risk factor for dementia. They also and most advanced options includes the suspect the strained effort of understandLyric hearing aid system. ing sounds over time can overwhelm the The Lyric is the first and only combrains of those suffering from hearing pletely invisible, shower-proof hearing

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BEST HEARING CENTER Harbin Clinic 1825 Martha Berry Blvd.

Rome, GA 30165 706.291.1978 Harbin.com aid that can be worn all day, every day without the need for removal until it’s time to change the battery. That timeframe depends on the individual wearer but can last up to three months.

“I work with the patient to provide a custom fit based on his or her ear shape and size and medical conditions,” explained Dr. Anderson. “Lyric hearing aids are positioned completely inside the ear canals without any need for surgery or anesthesia. Because it sits so close to the eardrum, it works with the patient’s own organic ear shape to capture sound and amplify it for a purer, more natural sound.

“Patients have said they’ve found it to be a great option since they can sleep, exercise and shower in it. It really is a ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ solution that doesn’t require any maintenance until the battery runs low. And that only requires a brief trip back to my office to change.”

Lyric offers a risk-free trial period without any obligation to purchase afterward. The fitting process takes about an hour, so patients can leave Dr. Anderson’s office with their new Lyric hearing aids the very same day. Lyric wearers can remove the hearing aids if necessary, and the volume can be adjusted at any time.

Studies have shown that wearing hearing aids like the Lyric can dramatically improve one’s quality of life.

The National Council on Aging commissioned the largest-ever study of its kind on the effects of untreated hearing loss and concluded that hearing aids are clearly associated with improvements in the social, emotional, psychological and physical well-being of those with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. Both those suffering from the hearing loss and their family members said their lives were greatly improved when hearing aids were introduced.

If you would like to have your hearing or a loved one’s hearing evaluated, call Dr. Bayle Anderson at Harbin Clinic Audiology Rome for an appointment. The tests are painless. There is no sales pressure, and it could significantly improve the quality of your life and those you love.

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We’ve Got You

COVERED 8:30 am 8:00 pm

Immediate Care harbinclinic.com/immediatecare ROME LIFE_NOV2015(63) 63

1825 Martha Berry Blvd Rome, GA 30165 706.238.8073 October 2015 Cobb Life 63 10/28/2015 11:23:47 AM

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or 26 years Dr. Jason Smith Georgia Dermatology offers easy and the professionals at appointments for the following cosNorthwest Georgia Dermametic options: Botox, dermal fillers, tology have been offering Rome the sclerotherapy, skin rejuvenation, hair latest in skin care, cosmetic proceremoval, microdermabrasion, chemidures and dermatological surgery cal peels and more. with excellent results.

Effective medical treatment is Dr. Smith, both a board certified available for acne, athlete’s foot, derdermatologist and surgeon, is a gradmatitis, bug bites, cold sores, eczema, uate of Louisiana State University hair loss, hives, rosacea, warts, vitiof Medicine in New Orleans. He has lago, nail problems and skin cancer. advanced training in phototherapy, Most insurance plans are accepted in laser surgery, Botox and cosmetic addition to Medicare and Care Credit. injectable filler and regularly attends Skin care products are available educational and training programs in for sale in the office and online. order to provide clients with the most Dr. Smith says your skin is “a winup-to-date cosmetic care and medical dow to your health” and proper skin solutions for skin and nails. care should always include the help Dr. Smith finds time to enjoy med- of a dermatologist. ical photography and speaking to his peers in the field of dermaBEST DERMATOLOGIST tology as well as mentoring LSU students about skin issues.

Northwest Georgia Dermatology Between Dr. Smith and Dr. – Dr. Jason Smith Keith Harris, two physician’s as103 John Maddox Dr. sistants, a nurse practitioner and Rome, GA. 30165 multiple support staff Northwest

706.235.7711 nwgadermatology.com

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ROME BEST INSURANCE AGENT BEST INSURANCE AGENCY Terry Simmons State Farm 5 N. Fourth Street Lindale, GA 30147 706.235.3276 FAX: 706.235.7469 terrysimmonsinsurance.com ll your insurance needs can be taken care in one place at Terry Simmons State Farm. Coverage for autos, motorcycles, RVs, home, property, life, health, longterm care, disability, liability and even identity theft can be bundled or purchased individually. Serving North Georgia for 32 years, Simmons knows the area and the needs of his customers and with eight employees to help serve the area, he’s confident of their motto: “We make good things happen for other

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people.”

In addition to insurance the agency offers banking services, loans, estate planning, annuities and educational savings plans. Simmons knows banking because he spent 15 years as a banker in Rome.

“We are blessed to serve others,” he says, “We’re here to serve you. Thank you for allowing us that blessing.”

Terry Simmons State Farm is open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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BEST FENCE/GATE COMPANY Walker’s Landscape 136 Mathis Road, NE Rome, GA 30161 706.936.8175 www.walkerlandscapeandfence.com

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ocally owned Walker’s Landscape has served Rome since 2000.

Owner Stephen Walker takes immense pride on the focus given to each yard and the attention to detail given to each client’s project. The team at this full service landscaping, fencing and lawn maintenance company has over 20 years of experience providing services in Floyd County.

Walker’s Landscaping won the Rome News-Tribune’s “Reader’s Choice Award” for Best Fencing Company two years in a row.

Though Walker is wellknown for fencing, they can also provide homeowners with decks, screened-in porches, protection for pets against the winter cold and beautiful and functional fountains. They specialize also in landscaping and lawn care for those who want to keep an impressive green lawn all year.

If you’re on Facebook you’re in luck. Look for “Walker’s Landscape and

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Fence” page, give them a “like” and scroll around to see some beautiful before and after photos of Walker’s transformative work. Read reviews and comments from satisfied customers.

“My husband and I couldn’t be happier with the fence you just installed for us, “ one homeowner noted, “It was everything we wanted and more. You guys did it in great timing too. Thanks and we really appreciate your awesome service.”

Walker insists that “From the first call till the job is done, we make sure the customer is confident about what we’re doing and that they get exactly what they want. You’d be surprised at how many of our customers say they’re just glad we answered the phone or we showed up when we said we would since they’ve been let down in the past by other companies. If you choose Walker’s Landscaping, you have my word that we will be there when you need us and we’ll get the job done the way you want it done.”

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BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER

ROME With a base in Rome and six other locations (Calhoun, Rockmart, Adairsville, Summerville, Cedartown and Chatsworth) Advance Rehab offers convenience and care through Northwest Georgia for all patients needing physical therapy and rehabilitation. Rome native Cory Tucker is the director of the local clinic and has been with Advance Rehab since becoming a physical therapist five years ago.

Meleia Koshute is the regional director and has been with the company since 2003.

“Advance has always made strides to focus on customer service,” says Koshute, “We are independent from any of our referral sources, meaning that we do not get referrals based on being hospital or physician owned. Therefore, we must provide excellence in customer service, as well as focus on quality of care and patient satisfaction in order to continue to be competitive.”

“We would like to educate our patients

Advance Rehabilitation 224 Shorter Ave. Rome, GA 30165 706.235.2727 FAX: 706.235. 2726 Physicaltherapygeorgia.com and the public that they have the right to choose their physical therapy provider,” Koshute continues, “Many patients are under the impression that they must go where their healthcare provider is affiliated, but that is not the case. Especially since we are in contract with most insurance companies, there is really no reason that someone who wanted to receive physical therapy at Advance Rehabilitation wouldn’t be able to do so. Part of our focus on customer satisfaction is to make sure we get benefits verified prior to your first visit and have a insurance consultation before treatment so that the patient understands fully how their benefits cover outpatient physical Therapy.”

“Please feel free to call or drop by our offices for questions about ailments or injuries,” she invites. Advance Rehabilitation’s motto is “a team approach to healthy living” and they are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

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nited Community Bank has spent six decades in the Rome community and with three locations and hundreds of local employees the institution “is solidly known across the Southeast as the bank that service built,” says United president David W. Johnson.

UCB covers banking needs from the personal (checking and savings accounts, investments, loans) to corporate and commercial (business expansion loans, lines of credit, municipal financing and franchise loans) plus a vast list of services that include direct deposit, mobile banking and online bill pay.

There are advisors available for business owners and to answer insurance and investment needs for individuals and families. An online education center gives helpful tips on planning for needs in the real world and offers finance basics.

Lobby hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with drive up hours until 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. Many accounts can be opened in online and makes switching from your old bank easy.

“Our team is continually recognized for their dedication to building strong customer relationships within our communities,” says Johnson, “We are proud to be part of Rome and look forward to a bright future, united.”

BEST BANK

United Community Bank 307 E. Second Avenue Rome, GA. 30161 706.234.5800 www.ucbi.com 72

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ROME BEST COLLEGE Georgia Highlands College 3175 Cedartown Hwy. Rome, GA 30161 706.802.5000 highlands.edu

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eorgia Highlands College has served the northwest region of the state for 45 years. Founded in 1970 as Floyd Junior College the institution has grown and expanded, providing students with a high quality educational foundation and solid career paths.

The college has been named a “best value for a two-year degree” due to the reasonable cost of $7,300 for an associate’s degree.

As an integral part of the University System of Georgia the college began to expand beyond Floyd County and in 2005 the name was changed to Georgia Highlands, to reflect its regional reach.

GHC now serves more than 5,500 students from five locations in Rome, Cartersville, Marietta, Dallas and Douglasville. Even with its expanded reach, the college’s class sizes remain smaller and more personalized for students.

Originally established as a two-year institution that granted students their associate’s degree, the college added its first four-year degree in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that has been named the second most-affordable in the country. In 2015 a second baccalaureate degree was added – a fully online Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene.

To round out this well-rounded institution the men’s basketball team recently advanced to the Final Four in the NJCAA Division 1 National Championships.

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BEST COSMETIC SURGEON Dr. Kevin Snodgrass 184 Three Rivers Dr. Rome, GA 30161 706.378.0200 or 706.622.4097 kevinsnodgrass.com

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igh quality care based on the Golden Rule, individual care based on each patient’s unique

situation and the best care available at affordable prices: This is the mission and promise of Dr. Kevin Snodgrass, plastic surgeon, and his staff.

Dr. Snodgrass is a double board certified plastic surgeon who has been in practice for 19 years. His Rome facility is designed especially for plastic surgery with state-of-the-art care and equipment used for monitoring safe operation conditions.

Breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, tummy tucks, facelift, eyelid surgery, injectable fillers and more are available to clients seeking cosmetic procedures.

In addition to having an industry standard facility, Dr. Snodgrass works with a highly trained and certified team of registered nurses, registered nurse anesthetists, practical nurses, and medical assistants who help ensure patient safety during all cosmetic surgical operations.

His practice has been recognized as a Vitals.com “Top 10 Doctor in Georgia” and has received a coveted “Patient Choice Award.”

“We try to base our patient care on Christian values and principles including the Golden Rule,” says Snodgrass, “and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank this community for voting me the best cosmetic surgeon.”

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BEST FUNERAL HOME Henderson & Sons Funeral Home

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South Chapel 3002 Maple Rd. Rome, GA 30161 706.234.5302 hendersonandsons.com

enderson & Sons Funeral Home founder J. Paul Henderson always taught his family that if you take care of God’s people, God will take care of you.

With more than 50 years of service to families in and around Floyd County, the Henderson family is still working under that premise with the promise of personal attention and care to each family that needs their services. As Floyd County’s leader in the death care industry, the Henderson family and professional staff help navigate families through some of life’s toughest times and decisions.

“We believe that God has instructed us to serve and minister The Henderson family wears pink in support of breast to these hurting families,” says cancer awareness.

Garrett Henderson, “For us, this is

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North Chapel and Crematory 4900 Martha Berry Hwy. Rome, GA 30165 706.291.9855 not just a job, but a calling we feel extremely passionate about.”

Brother Wesley adds, “Another attribute that differentiates us from our competitors is our focus on the family and their specific needs. We are not simply concerned with the disposition of the deceased body but are much more concerned with taking care of those family members that are left behind and making sure that they receive the help and support necessary to carry on.

Our aftercare program accomplishes this by continuing to help these families heal long after the service with letters, phone calls, and lots of love.”

Henderson & Sons operates two funeral homes, a perpetual care cemetery and the only on-site crematory in the area.

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hen founder Shane Thompson took off his necktie and quit his corporate job he immediately dusted off his grandfather’s secret sauce recipe and, alongside wife Stacey, started crafting the dream of owning a family BBQ restaurant. Add owner Mark Monroe, an accomplished businessman lauded in Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 under 40” and named one of Catalyst’s Magazines Top 50 Entrepreneurs in the state. Soon the ingredients for success were complete to launch Shane’s tantalizing, homegrown brand of BBQ. Shane’s Rib Shack is all about family, food, fast service and casual dining. Top-notch BBQ is served up as well as slow-cooked baby back ribs, chopped chicken and pork dishes and Southern side plates.

The restaurant happily partners with local non-profits and schools, readily stepping up to the plate to help with fundraising and events.

What started in a tiny shack outside Atlanta in McDonough has grown to become the model of fast, casual BBQ and service that fully embraces family and community.

“We really enjoy the Rome community,” says marketing director Julie Galich with a smile, “Having stores in all of Georgia and Alabama we’ve found Rome to have a real appeal that is completely unique. There is a greater sense of family and community connectedness that fits perfectly with our company values.”

Shane’s is open Monday through Sunday 11:00am-9:00pm.

BEST RIBS Shane’s Rib Shack 315 Riverside Pkwy 706.291.6062 www.shanesribshack.com/rome

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BEST PERSONAL TRAINER Kristy Agan - Pro Performance 100 Broad St. Rome, GA 30161 706.346.4289 kristyagan.com

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hether you are training for a marathon, an epic climb or just want to create a better you by feeling and looking good, certified personal trainer Kristy Agan will guide you to making your goals a reality.

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It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a kettlebell or already can run 15 miles. She starts where you are and takes you where you want to be.

Kristy comes at the fitness world with a lot of ability and experience training boot camps, kettlebells, kickboxing and TRX. She quickly discovered her passion was kettlebells. Kristy self-taught her way into the kettlebell world where she eventually earned her HKC, RKC, and RKCII certifications. She’s also a certified personal trainer though the American Council of Exercise (ACE) and TRX qualified. She covers many fitness idea and ideals on her blog, writing, “Our bodies need movement. We need movement to become strong. We need movement to function efficiently. But we need GOOD movement.”

Good and effective movement is the basis of what she teaches all her clients. This wife and mother of two maintains a large following of faithful clients in Rome where she trains at Pro Performance with Tim Vicchrilli and Mike Sarver.

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BEST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Renaissance Marquis 3126 Cedartown Hwy. Rome, GA 30165 706.295.0014 FAX: 706.295.0013 renaissancemarquis.com

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enaissance Marquis is an independent living, assisted living and memory care facility offering quality care and services to Rome’s seniors in a variety of settings.

“We think you’ll notice immediately that Renaissance Marquis is a reassuring and uplifting place for seniors to spend some of the best years of their lives,” says executive director Jerry Justice.

Owner Barry Ray has been involved in the senior housing and long-term care field for over twenty-five years. He spent the early years of his career with Life Care Centers of America and in mid-2006 formed Legacy Senior Services, Renaissance Marquis’ parent company.

Justice and Ray believe there is something that sets Renaissance Marquis apart from other senior living centers.

“We are one big family!” says Justice, “We have multiple group activities per day that allow all of our residents to come together and enjoy each other’s company. We work hard to ensure our resident’s well-being and their family’s peace of mind through a rich array of recreational, educational, spiritual and social activities.”

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ROME The facility boasts some of the largest senior living apartment suites in north Georgia, along with a specialized memory care wing called The Harbor.

“The Harbor is the result of years of planning and development with experts and researchers in the field of memory loss,” explains Justice. “The overall theme, design, colors, furniture, and common areas all reflect a 1950’s theme to remind our residents of happier times.”

One of the big concerns many families and seniors have about any facility is the staff and their qualifications.

“Our team members are our greatest asset,” Justice says.

“Our care and leadership team are focused on giving quality care to our seniors. Our in-house and external training programs ensure that our team has the tools and training necessary to give the best care and services. Our in-depth hiring process ensures that we hire the most qualified candidates. That selective hiring process ensures that we have a staff with higher than average tenure. We believe that the best way for us to give our residents the best care possible is to hire candidates who share our vision and train our team members above the state requirement.”

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best of

ROME

BEST PHARMACY Winslette Pharmacy 2444 Shorter Ave. NW Rome, GA. 30165 706.290.0300 FAX: 706.290.0370

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ome’s Winslette Pharmacy is a true family affair, the kind of business rarely seen anymore.

Opened by pharmacist Keith Winslette in 1996, the full service store is open six days a week and since expanding in 2008 includes a gift shop and specialized compounding lab.

“Both my children are pharmacists,” says Winslette, who has been a prescribing pharmacist himself since 1980, “We have been very blessed in our business with great customers and a dedicated staff.”

“Tammy Cochran is our store manager and works with Angela Winslette in the gift shop,” he continues, “Brett Winslette is responsible for the compounding lab and Brooke Winslette handles the front prescription operations.”

The pharmacy is open to meet medical needs and fill doctor’s prescriptions from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. To make prescription pick up faster and easier there are drive – through lanes to serve patrons. Home delivery is also available.

BEST CAR WASH Goo Goo Express Wash 1140 N. Broad St. Rome, GA 30161

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ot three minutes? You can get your car spritzed up at Goo Goo Express Wash with a quick ride through their high tech auto wash. If you have more time to spare, your ride can look and feel newer when cleaned by professional staff.

Yes, they can wash trucks. All wash and wax products used are biodegradable, good for your car’s finish and not harmful to the environment.

Owner and president Brian Delaney is a third generation car wash operator. His father, James Delaney, established the old Magic Touch Car Wash at 915 N. Broad St. The family celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Magic Touch in the spring of 2012 while looking toward the future with Goo Goo and the opening of another car wash in Dalton in October.

Delaney knows the ins and outs of car washes and is sure of what he wants for Goo Goo’s customers: great service.

“We want to go beyond just washing a customer’s car. We want to provide an enjoyable experience that people feel good about,” he states, “at the best price possible.”

“Quick and convenient!” he adds.

Delaney plans to open another Goo Goo Express Car Wash in West Rome on Shorter St. in January 2016.

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SCENE

St. Mary’s Bazaar

Archbishop Wilton Gregory led a Communion recently to celebrate St. Mary Catholic School’s 70th anniversary. 1. Archbishop Gregory greets students from St. Mary’s Catholic School on their way to a swim class. 2. Archbishop Gregory gets a hug from Abby Peal at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Rome.

After a Communion Mass, the Archbishop toured classrooms to meet as many students as possible. 3.

From left, Archbishop Gregory, Father Patrick Kingery, Derios Richardson and Alanna Brown-Meier.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUG WALKER

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Berry College Stadium

Berry College recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting and ceremony for its new stadium, Valhalla. 1. Berry College President Stephen Briggs speaks before the ribbon-cutting. 2.

Briggs holds part of the ribbon after the ribbon cutting. 3. Campbell School of Business Dean John Grout rides in his Viking boat during the procession.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS REINOLDS KOZELLE

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10/26/2015 5:08:22 PM

Young Professionals of Rome

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Leaders recently gathered for the Young Professionals of Rome meeting at Rome Cleaners on Broad Street. 1. From left, Missy Alford, her dog Cooper, Shauna Free, Dave Ward, Sarah Jane Willingham and Joseph Willingham. 2. Tara Hansard of Merry Maids and Stephanie Nichols of Rome Cleaners. 3. Regan Hice watches as Kaytlin Greenley gives announcements at the meeting. 4. From left, Kelly Hill, Hannah Long and Ryan Leonard at the meeting.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE DOSS

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SCENE

Rome Film Festival

Filmmakers and moviegoers attended the recent Rome International Film Festival. 1. A crowd waits to see the film Heartworn Highways at the Rome International Film Festival. 2. Joe Cook, Nate Turner, and Ramsey Cook excited to see Heartworn Highways at the Rome International Film Festival. 3. From left, Swedish filmmaker John Hellberg and Peter Wendim enjoy local cuisine at Yummy Thai during the film festival.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLAKE DOSS

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10/26/2015 5:09:58 PM

Rome Beer Fest

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Artists, musicians and visitors attended the 8th annual Rome Beer Fest at Heritage Park. 1.

From left, Mecelle Shaw of Villa Rica celebrates her birthday at the event. 2. Local artist James Schroeder creates beer themed art using bottle caps at the Rome Beer Fest. The art was to be auctioned off by the Rome Area Council for the Arts and the proceeds were to fund various council programs. 3. Musician Josh Hedley from Nashville performs at the 8th annual Rome Beer Fest at Heritage Park.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LANE

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REFLECTIONS

By Kathy Brittain Richardson

“There is joy in doing good work that the slacker never knows” My mother was not a great baker. She could certainly open a cake mix to stir up a cake for a birthday or Christmas celebration, but it was clear she thought her time was better spent reading or talking on the phone with one of her sisters than in creating towering original desserts. But she did have one great baking specialty — biscuits, biscuits that became so legendary in our family that my oldest nephew was known to ask for a couple of dozen in lieu of a birthday or Christmas gift.

Mother’s biscuits were not the traditional high, fluffy Southern biscuits. Hers were compact, nicely browned, inordinately flaky, ready to sop up gravy or jelly or honey, but delicious with nothing added. No recipe required — her biscuit bowl stood ready, filled with White Lily flour, waiting for the buttermilk and Crisco to be added. Her technique was perfected through hundreds of moments spent rapidly mixing, shaping and browning her creations. She took great pride in her biscuits, and it showed.

My father was a tile man — a craftsman who owned a company that installed ceramic and glass tile, stone and glass bricks inside homes and condominiums and offices across the Southeast. He had learned the trade as a young man and practiced it until the effects of lung and brain cancer made it impossible. He was highly demanding as an employer, of others and of himself. And, he knew tile.

On a visit to a museum one summer, my dad’s eyes passed quickly over the exhibits that greeted visitors to the tiled wall in the upper corner of the second floor that peeped over the staircase. Gesturing quickly, he noted: “Look at how crooked that tile is. Someone was in too much of a hurry to get it done to get it right.”

“If a job’s worth doing, its worth doing right” — an axiom I heard often from my mother when I was racing through household chores so I could get back to reading.

Vacuum in the corners. Put a crease in the slacks when ironing them. Make up the bed so that the comforter is straight. Her advice was solid. Doing it carelessly the first time meant I had to spend more time later doing it correctly. Paying attention to the small tasks made completing the bigger tasks easier.

I am fortunate to work at an institution that shares the values of my parents. On the front of Green Hall, the

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building that houses the Campbell School of Business and the Bonner Scholars program, a motto is engraved: “Whether at work or at play, do your best.” Simple statement — harder principle. We know how it feels to be offered someone’s best work, though, don’t we? The security of knowing the technician has double checked the brakes on your son’s car before he leaves for college. The second cup of coffee the waitress poured before you even noticed your cup was empty. The cleaner who covered each fancy button on your new blazer before exposing them to heat. The newspaper carrier who walks your papers up to your covered porch each time it rains.

Unfortunately, we likely each have a story — or a rant — that describes the opposite as well, service grudgingly provided, work passably completed.

Teachers shake their heads when they have to mark a ‘C’ on an assignment that could have been an ‘A-‘ with just a little more effort. Sports fanatics repeat the stories of the phenoms who didn’t last past the first season because they just weren’t willing to learn the playbook or hit the weight room or submit to coaching.

Truthfully, I’ve never been able to match the expectations of my parents in each task or job I undertake, although their words still echo in my conscience. No one has the time or energy to give every task one’s highest efforts — that’s why in courses we offer different point values for different assignments or at work we rank tasks from important to critical. Becoming excellent at some tasks requires hours of practice and moments of fierce concentration. But we don’t always know the difference even one extra pulse of effort might make in completing any task or in meeting the needs of those whom we impact.

When we celebrate the “best of…,” we salute those who routinely make such a commitment to excellence. Whether we ever make such a list, each of us has the capacity to earn the satisfaction that comes when we offer our personal best, whatever that means in a given situation. As Martha Berry wrote to her students in the Southern Highlander back on Nov. 1, 1918 — “There is joy in doing good work that the slacker never knows” — joy as palpable as serving your family a plate of hot biscuits and satisfaction as shiny as a row of evenly laid tile.

Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson is provost and a professor of communication at Berry College.

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You are welcome here.

There’s something different about the way everyone cares for one another in our community, and you’ll find it’s the same way at Citizens First. Turn to us for the financial products and services you need. Because here is a great place to be your friend, your neighbor and your bank.

706.291.9772 citizensfirst-rome.com Banking products are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Divisions of Synovus Bank operate under multiple trade names across the Southeast.

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