FREE
fal l ’s m ain For eve the nts He BIG 5 s c r e en a women need to ings lth know ab of out It
dies a L g n i d a Le d n i h e b
Celebrating the Lives of Local Women
FALL/WINTER 2012
RN-T.com
Clinical Breast Exam Because a mammogram isn’t enough!
Mammograms are an important tool in the fight against breast cancer. But, mammography shouldn’t be seen as a stand-alone procedure. A Clinical Breast Exam can detect up to 7% of cancers that appear normal on mammography. Some types of breast cancer aren’t even visible on a mammogram until they become very advanced. When coupled with mammography, a Clinical Breast Exam provides the most comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. At The Breast Center at Floyd our specially trained professionals take the time to get it right. We use a systematic search pattern to make sure no breast tissue is missed, also taking the time to teach you how to examine your own breasts. If a breast problem is discovered, our physicians and staff work as a team to provide results in 24 hours*.
The Breast Center at Floyd, Come to Know the Difference *For most women
www.floyd.org
2
Table of Contents From the Porch Swing – Editor’s Message
She Said questions
9
Page 5
What do you wish you could spend more time doing? Less time? What is your dream in life? What is your favorite fall/winter event in the Rome-Floyd County area each year? Why? What is your favorite holiday tradition or memory? Look at yourself in the mirror. What type of person do you see? When was the last time you went somewhere you had never been before? Where did you go?
Page 4 Page 6 Page 14 Page 21 Page 21 Page 22
Magnolia Portraits Tesa DuPre Monica Sheppard Wanda Whitten Amy Weaver Terrica Shields Cathy Kerce
Cheers!
Here we come a-wassailing
Page 7 Page 9 Page 15 Page 23 Page 25 Page 29
Holidays mean it’s time to pull out favorite recipes
Page 10-11
For the Health of It
The Big 5 screenings women need to know
Advertising Director Mike Schuttinga
Design and Layout Heather Koon
Advertising Sales Helen Allen, Missie Tolbert, Mandy Welborn
Photographers Brittany Hannah, Doug Walker, AJ Pierce, Ryan Smith, Daniel Varnado, Diane Wagner Contributing Writers Severo Avila, Diane Wagner, Lauren Jones, Doug Walker, Kim Sloan, Jeremy Stewart, Charlotte Atkins
Creative Services/ Advertising Design Tona Deaton, manager Lee Field, Jamie Metts, Allison Morris Circulation and Distribution R.J. Driskill Printing Rob Broadway
Special thanks to the following: Alan Storey, who always works with us to use Berry College as a scenic backdrop for some of our portraits, and Anne Culpepper, who researched the background on our Magnolia of the Past as she often does.
Page 8
Bon Appetit Y’all
Editor Charlotte Atkins
Page 12-13
Magnolia Centerfold Painting the town Pink
Page 16-17
Magnolia Moms Cell phones and kids
Page 18-19
Minding Her Own Business
Home Sweet Home
Perfect is the theme for Reesa Milton
Deck the halls with homemade wreaths Pages 26-27
Magnolias of the Past
Nelle Allison Wyatt
Page 20 Cover photo: Cathy Kerce shows off her Old West togs at the Coosa Valley Fair. (The cover photo is by Charlotte Atkins.)
Page 24
Brava
Tracy Hellriegel taps into her inner Blanche for ‘Streetcar’ Page 28
50-Plus & Fabulous
Making yourself a priority
Page 30
Want to be part of our next edition’s She Saids?
To advertise in the next edition of Magnolia, email advertising@NPCo.com or call 706-290-5213. To contact us about Magnolia features, email magnoliaeditor@gmail.com. News Publishing Co. 305 E. Sixth Ave. Rome, GA 30161 President: Burgett H. Mooney III Vice President of Operations: Otis M. Raybon Vice President of Production: Doug Crow Vice President of Community Relations (and Magnolia head cheerleader): Mary Sib Banks New Media Director: Jim Alred Magnolia is published seasonally by News Publishing Co. and is distributed free at more than 50 locations in the Greater Rome Area. ©2012.
Drop us a line at magnoliaeditor@gmail.com to be added to our email list.
WANDA’S BUS TOURS
WORLD CLASS DINING 2740 Martha Berry Hwy • Rome, GA 706-234-7541 • 706-234-1370 Gourmet desserts made on premises
RESERVE YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES NOW! Catering also available.
Hours: Mon-Sat: 6am-10pm • Sun: 7am-10pm Thursday - 10% Off for Senior Citizens
Thank you for your support!
423-290-3914 OR 706-996-5865 • wandatravel.net Tunica MS Casino ....$143 3 Days $143 3 Days 2 Nights Sun-Tues 5 Buffet Meals & $50 Cash Back Paula Dean/Savannah..................... $195 March 2-3-12 / 2 Days TBN Holyland Experience.................. $299 In Orlando FL / Flea Market April 17-20-2013 4 Days New Orleans / AM Trak.................... $299 June 1-3-2013 3 Days Las Vegas / Airfare / Hotel ................ $600 May 12-15-2013 4 Days Martin Luther King Memorial................... $399 August 2-5-2013 4 Days Hawaii / Airfare / All Transfer / Hotels......$1350 September / 2013 / 9 Days 12/2-4/12
1/27-29/12
Canadian Rockies/Train/Bus/Air/Tours.....$2999 September 2013 Western Tour...........................$1799 Yellowstone, Yosemite, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Grand Canyon, AmTrak June 9-20-13 12 Days Bahamas/Island Stay/Cruise................$850 May 2013 TBA 6 Days Mackinal Island/Bus/Hotel/Tours..........$1050 TBA 6 Days Alaska/Tour of Washington...............$2099 1 Night Hotel Stay June 27-July 6 2013 9 Days Montego Bay Jamaica Cruise.............$1100 Grand Cayman, Cozumel Mexico, New Orleans AmTrak 2 Night Hotel Stay January 18-27 2014 10 Days
All trips includes transportation, hotel and cruise & airfare when needed. Prices are per person based on double occupancy PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE ON ALL TRIPS
3
She Said:
Good t hings for everyday livin .
Celebrate The Holidays!
What do you wish you could spend more time doing? Less time? Why aren’t you? Traveling is what I would spend more time doing and working less time. The reason I am not is because I need a man with an income to help supplement my income. Janice Edenfield Invest more time in my son’s school activities. Traveling all over the world. Shopping in Italy. I’m working again, which leaves me with little time for school activities. Donna Gentry More time helping the homeless. Less time doing housework. Why aren’t I? Family responsibilities and no one else to do the housework. Megan Van Meter I would love to spend more time traveling to new places and less time at Walmart. The obligations of everyday life really get in the way ... Kasey Ramey Doing nothing. I’m fortunate that I work a lot, but I’m missing down time about now! I want to just lie on a beach with a book! Tracy Page
• Fraser Fir Christmas Trees • Handmade Wreaths & Bows • Pine Garland • Holiday Cactus
Gifts For Everyone On Your List!
Check Facebook for special savings throughout the store.
52@? -8;>1Ç
Good t hings for everyday living.
4065 Martha Berry Hwy
Rome, GA • 706-295- 0299
www.lavendermountainhardware.com
9[hW S 9[Xf S5gf 3TahW +HDUWV RQ )LUH )XOÂżOOPHQW 3HQGDQW
%URDG 6WUHHW 'RZQWRZQ 5RPH ZZZ IJNMHZHOHUV FRP 0RQWKV ,QWHUHVW $VN IRU 'HWDLOV
4
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
From the Porch Swing
It’s no surprise to me and likely no surprise to you that women get things done. We have a lot of good-hearted and hardworking fellows in our community to be sure. But when I started looking at some of the big signature events this fall and winter in the Greater Rome area, I noticed that many of them have a woman at the helm or a woman planted the initial seed. The Coosa Valley Fair is a harbinger of all things autumn here, and so Cathy Kerce’s boundless energy and enthusiasm was sure to make this year’s fair a success. She even added a cool new chuck wagon event that added a new flavor to the fair and gave us a fun cover shot of her to boot. Chiaha Harvest Fair is one of my fall favorites, and co-directors Monica Sheppard and Andi Beyer served up another great event this year showcasing talented artisans and, as Monica says, some “good ole’ toetappin’ and cider-sippin’ .” Both fairs raise money to help families and youngsters by funding child abuse prevention and art education programs. Sometimes the events themselves aim to bring to the forefront an important community issue. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is how Hospitality House and Amy Weaver remind folks about how both men and women need to be part of the domestic violence solution, but this event does so in a fun and quirky way. Surviving to Share gives breast cancer survivors a chance to
Let us know what you think about Magnolia. Send comments to magnoliaeditor@gmail.com.
share their inspirational stories of hope and courage and to celebrate both survivors and caregivers. Wanda Whitten always has a busy fall and winter organizing that event as well as Heart of the Community and numerous pageants. Empty Bowls brings the simple issue of helping others in need to light by combining the artistry of local potters with a night of
fellowship and food to help a deserving nonprofit. We have Tesa DuPre to thank for bringing this international concept to Rome. Feeding the hungry is also part of the mission of the annual Thanksgiving Love Feast. Now in its 24th year, that event has as its genesis the innocent question of a little girl sitting at her family’s holiday dinner and wondering what the less fortunate were eating. Now 28, Terrica Shields can be found at the Love Feast each year, serving up good food with a big side of love and kindness. We are blessed to have many wonderful events in our area to entertain us as well as remind us of the needs in our community. The women and events highlighted in this edition are just a handful of them. It is important to remember as we attend or read about these events — whether it’s Nina Lovel smooching on a catfish or Lisa Smith portraying a Magnolia of the Past — that the events are often to celebrate what’s good in our local realm, to preserve and share what needs to be protected or to help those in need. We should also remember there are usually a whole lot of devoted women and men behind the scenes making things happen. Charlotte Atkins, editor
5
She Said:
If someone were to ask you, “What is your dream in life?� what would you tell them? To be able to do more with my family and friends and to have complete inner peace. Pat Ford-Brotherton
I would love to live on a 40-foot Hunter sailboat and sail the Caribbean. Lacy Clack To set up a new huge homeless shelter in Rome for all who are homeless and rooms for families who have lost their homes. Also, an animal shelter where animals are not destroyed, but all would be adopted. Kathi Paxton To see my Mom and Dad again once — heaven will truly be heaven when I can give them both a hug again! Dianne Stansberry
EVERY DAY IS A
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY Make your life a little more stress free!
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS FOR INDEPENDENT SENIORS ~ Rent Based on your Income and all Utilities Included ~
Age 62 and Over NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR Heatherwood is a beautifully designed three level, sixty-eight unit one bedroom HEATHERWOOD complex with units available for the mobility impaired. Heatherwood includes the APARTMENTS, LTD. following amenities: An Independent Living Community for Low Income • Automatic Entry Doors Seniors Ages 62 and Over - Singles or Couples Welcome Heatherwood is a beautifully designed three level, sixtywith Security System eight unit one bedroom complex with units available for • Rent based on 30% of the mobility impaired. Heatherwood includes the followAdjusted Monthly Income ing amenities: • Automatic Entry Doors with Security System • All Appliances Included • Rent based on 30% of Adjusted Monthly Income • Private Mailbox Inside Building• All Appliances Included • Private Mailbox Inside Building • Individually Controlled • Individually Controlled Heat and Air Conditioning • All Utilities Included (except Cable TV and Phone) Heat and Air Conditioning • Laundry Facilities • All Utilities Included • In House Maintenance (except Cable TV and Phone) • Walk In Closets & Kitchen Pantry Heatherwood also has a sunroom with deck and patio • Laundry Facilities suitable for family parties and other activities. We have • In-House Maintenance spacious landscaped grounds with a beautiful gazebo. • Walk-In Closets & Kitchen Pantry “Each Unit Provides You with a Quiet, Private
Environment and a Homey Atmosphere.� “Each Unit Provides You with a Quiet, Private CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT! RECENTLY RENOVATED! Environment and a Homey Atmosphere.�
Heatherwood has a sunroom with deck and patio suitable for family parties and other activities. There are spacious landscaped grounds with a beautiful gazebo. CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
HeatherwoodHeatherwood Apartments, Ltd. Apartments, Ltd.
Live to be 100 and still have all my faculties. Ethel Evans
DR. SE GA • Rome, GA 30161 42 Chateau DR. 42 SEChateau • Rome, 30161
Judy Evans - Manager: 706-235-2881 Judy L. Evans - Manager: 706-235-2881 Equal Housing Opportunity
Equal Housing Opportunity EqualEmployment EmploymentOpportunity Opportunity Equal
,QWURGXFLQJ Over 700 fabrics to select from
706.204.8848
6
,QWHULRU GHVLJQ FXVWRP ZLQGRZ WUHDWPHQWV DQG PRUH
222 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161 Monday-Saturday 10:30AM - 5:30PM
Tesa DuPre
Photograph by Brittany Hannah
EMPTY BOWLS
Tesa DuPre has given pottery a greater purpose by bringing the annual Empty Bowls benefit to Rome a decade ago.
Tesa DuPre says she was introduced to clay at 4 years old. “I liked clay even back then, making mud pies and squishing it between my toes.” Now at 75, Tesa is renowned around town for creating elegant and utilitarian pottery. She’s also known for giving pottery a higher purpose by bringing Empty Bowls to Rome a decade ago. The annual fall event is a local favorite that brings together hundreds of people for a soup-and-salad dinner. Each ticketholder not only enjoys a meal and camaraderie, they also get to take home a bowl handcrafted by student and professional artisans. The empty bowls serve as reminders of those in need, and event proceeds benefit local nonprofits. This year’s event provided $9,000 to Hospitality House, which gives sanctuary to victims of domestic violence. Tesa says Empty Bowls has helped her “realize how supportive our community is.” The added benefit is that she’s “gotten to know a lot of people that I might not have known otherwise.” “I think it has brought people together from different walks of life. Breaking bread with new acquaintances can be very meaningful.” Tesa’s pottery is often recognized on sight. It might be one of her porcelains with a celadon glaze that pays homage to Asian motifs. Or her stoneware pieces with blue ash glaze that gets its cobalt mottled finish from her adding wood ash to the glaze. But matte finished earth tones remain her tried and true favorite. Other trademarks of her work are the trout, owls and other tributes to nature that appear in her work. She’s a self-avowed outdoors gal. “I grew up in rural South Georgia, and I’ve spent most of my life outdoors.” Some might be surprised, though, to learn that Tesa is an avid fly fisherwoman.“That’s why trout show up on my pottery.”The tribute to owls is because she enjoys their visits to her scenic wooded hilltop home in Saddle Mountain. Though she’s a nature lover, Tesa is quick to admit, “I don’t like squirrels ... because they eat my house.” So for years she has depended on a household cat to keep them at bay. In addition to creating much-collected pottery, Tesa loves to read. She also enjoys walking, whether through her neighborhood or along the riverfront. “Rome is such a beautiful area with the mountains and rivers.” While Tesa receives accolades for her creative prowess and her founding of Empty Bowls, when asked what she considers the most notable accomplishment in life, she answers, “being married for 55 years to someone and to still be in love with him. I think we probably love each other more now than when we were younger.” Now that’s creating something truly special ... Charlotte Atkins, editor
7
Monica Sheppard
Photograph by Brittany Hannah
CHIAHA HARVEST FAIR
Monica Sheppard loves working with Chiaha. “I and all of the Chiaha gang greatly appreciate the wonderful support of the community each year.”
An independent graphic designer, Monica Sheppard supports art in local schools. That’s why being co-director of the Chiaha Harvest Fair is such a joy. “Being part of Chiaha gives me the opportunity to help raise money to support art in education, plus allows me to help provide opportunity for children who have not often been exposed to art to see, do and experience it. Chiaha also gives me the opportunity to work with the finest group of people I have ever worked with. My co-director Andi Beyer is the hardest working, most creative person I know, so it is a joy to work with her and the rest of the Chiaha Guild board.” Chiaha is a rich fall tradition here in Rome. “We have had people tell us that it’s their time of the year to get their extended family together and have some fun. I hope folks appreciate the chance to support and enjoy seeing and purchasing from the talented artists we have each year, but some good ole’ toe-tappin’ and cider-sippin’ is a good reason to come out as well.” Monica has other pursuits as well with travel high on her list. “I love experiencing different cultures! I grew up flying to many places in the U.S. as a child. My father worked for Delta, and we could go anywhere we wanted on standby. We could get on a plane Saturday morning and fly to Maine, visit the L.L. Bean outlet, eat some lobster and be back home the next day.” She’s also hiked 3/4ths of the Appalachian Trail and canoed the lengths of the Chattahoochee, Apalachicola and Etowah rivers with her former husband Joe Cook. Her travel adventures have also taken her to Germany and Croatia. Her real passion, though, is food. “I love cooking the things that Mom raised me on. I always have. But I love eating a wide variety of food just as much. I enjoy good, healthy, organic foods that are prepared well.” When craving a “naughty snack,” she says she’ll choose salty over sweet every time. “So you are better off bringing me a bag of chips than a box of chocolates.” Monica, 45, who loves to read, garden and spend time with her “beautiful, talented and funny daughter, Ramsey,” came to Rome to attend Berry College in 1985 and has pretty much stayed since. “I love the pace of Rome. I love that I can take Ramsey to school and go hang out at Honeymoon Bakery or Swift & Finch and enjoy a cup of coffee while I work, without having to worry about where I’m going to park or whether traffic will get bad before I am ready to leave.” Charlotte Atkins, editor
9
Bon Appetit Y’all Holidays mean it’s time to pull out favorite recipes
By Jeremy Stewart Staff Writer
The holidays can bring about the fondest memories of family and how people from down the street to across the country gather together and enjoy the comfort and companionship of one another. Part of this time of fellowship is of course the smells that come from the kitchen, a signal that the hospitality shown by the host has been graciously extended to include homemade dishes and desserts. At October’s Taste of Home Cooking School at The Forum, women from all across Northwest Georgia came to hear the tips and recipes from culinary specialist Michelle “Red” Roberts. Attendees were able to get some ideas for holiday dishes, but many already came with a few of their own favorite things to whip up and present during the time of the year when the cold sets in and traditions are honored, even in the kitchen. Rome’s Holly Arendt was with her friend, Laura Cook. Both of them remembered favorite holiday dishes that were made by relatives when they were growing up and which they carry on today. Arendt said her mom’s recipe for sweet potato soufflé continues to be a great addition to Thanksgiving dinner, even if the debate of whether it is a side dish or a dessert is never settled. “My mom made it every year for Thanksgiving,” Arendt said. “It’s something that was always there during the holidays as a child, and it just becomes a tradition.” The switch up for Arendt is the omission of the normal marshmallow topping and the inclusion of a
10
RECIPES
Mix all of the topping ingredients together and sprinkle on sweet potato mixture. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Here are some recipes from Magnolia readers and attendees at this fall’s Taste of Home Cooking School as well as some Taste of Home favorites too. Sweet Potato Soufflé From Holly Arendt 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes 2 eggs z 1 ½ cups sugar z ½ stick butter z 1 cup coconut z 1⁄8 teaspoon salt z ¼ cup milk z 2 teaspoons vanilla TOPPING: z 1 cup pecans z 1 cup light brown sugar z ½ cup butter z ½ cup self-rising flour z z
Directions: Combine all ingredients except for the toppings and pour into a 9-inch-by 13-inch dish.
Divinity From Kay Dixon 2 ½ cups sugar ½ cup Karo light corn syrup z ½ cup water z ¼ teaspoon salt z 2 egg whites z 1 teaspoon vanilla (clear) z 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) z z
Directions: Combine sugar, Karo syrup, water and salt in a two-quart saucepan (recommend thicksided boiler). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to boil. Reduce heat and cook without stirring until temperature reaches 248 degrees, or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a firm ball which does not flatten on removal from water. Just before temp reaches 248 degrees, beat egg whites in a medium-sized bowl until stiff but not
pecan topping that is made with brown sugar and flour. “It becomes more like a dessert with a crust forming on top of it,” Arendt said. For Cook, the thing she makes that gets a lot of interest each holiday season is Vidalia onion pie. “It’s real easy to make, and you use things that are normally around the kitchen,” Cook said. “My grandmother kind of made it with whatever she had on hand, and we all just loved it.” For the dish, a saltine cracker crust is filled with sliced Vidalia onions, egg and shredded cheese, and
dry. Beating constantly, slowly pour about half the hot syrup over egg whites. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and continue mixing while remaining syrup is still cooking. Meanwhile, cook remaining syrup to 272 degrees, or until a small amount separates into threads that are hard but not brittle when dropped into very cold water. I suggest using a candy thermometer. Beating constantly, pour hot syrup over first mixture about 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture begins to lose its gloss and a small amount of mixture holds a soft peak when dropped from spoon. Mix in vanilla with a mixer. If mixture becomes too stiff for mixer, get a strong man to beat with wooden spoon. Add nuts while stirring by hand. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Makes about 1¼ pounds. NOTE: Do not make when raining or in hot weather. I recommend that your house be very cool when you start. I turn off the heat and open the doors on the coldest day of the year. If candy is not losing its gloss, step outside and continue stirring. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
the pie is then baked. “It’s very good,” Cook said. “The onions get soft, and it’s a great side vegetable.” A favorite dessert that is known for its richness is red velvet cake, and Elizabeth Hughes of Trion said hers is a popular choice around Christmas. “It’s all made from scratch,” Hughes said. “You just have a lot of cream cheese icing on it. It’s a classic at Christmas time, and my brothers enjoy it.” She said she found the recipe years ago in a cookbook that was put out by the people who worked for Mohawk Industries.
Chocolate Chip Pie From Holly Arendt
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Red Velvet Cake From Elizabeth Hughes 2 ½ cups self-rising flour 1 cup buttermilk z 1 ½ cups vegetable oil z 1 teaspoon baking soda z 1 teaspoon vanilla extract z ¼ cup (two 1-ounce bottles) red food coloring z 1 ½ cups granulated sugar z 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder z 1 teaspoon white vinegar z 2 large eggs FROSTING: z 1⁄3 pound (11⁄3 sticks) butter, softened z 10 ounces cream cheese, softened z 1 1-pound box confectioner’s sugar z 2 cups chopped pecans z z
Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all ingredients with an electric mixer. Spray three 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick coating. Pour batter equally into the three pans and bake for 20 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick. Cool layers in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Carefully remove layers from pans to racks to cool completely. For frosting, combine butter, cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar in a bowl. Beat until fluffy, then fold in 1½ cups pecans. Use to fill and frost cake when it is cool. Decorate top of cake with remaining ½ cup pecans. Refrigerate at least an hour before serving. Makes 10 to 15 servings. Vidalia Onion Pie From Laura Cook One sleeve saltine crackers, crushed in sleeve One stick of butter, softened z Six eggs z One large Vidalia onion chopped z Two cups shredded sharp cheese z z
Directions: Mix cracker crumbs and softened butter and press in pie plate. Fill with beaten eggs, onion and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until eggs are set.
2 eggs, beaten 1 cup sugar z ½ cup flour z 1 stick butter, melted z 1 cup coarsely chopped nuts z 1 cup chocolate chips z 1 teaspoon vanilla z z
Directions: Combine all ingredients and pour into an unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Chocolate Coffee Cake From Taste of Home (pictured on previous page) 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast 1 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees) z 3 tablespoons butter, softened z 3 tablespoons sugar z 1 egg, beaten z 1 teaspoon salt z 2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder z 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour FILLING: z 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips z 1⁄3 cup evaporated milk z 2 tablespoons sugar z ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon TOPPING: z 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour z ¼ cup sugar z 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon z ¼ cup cold butter z z
Directions: In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water; let stand for five minutes. Add butter, sugar, egg, salt and milk powder; mix well. Add two cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about six to eight minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour. For filling, combine chocolate chips, milk and sugar in a saucepan; cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Stir
in cinnamon; set aside. For topping, combine flour, sugar and cinnamon in a bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside. Punch the dough down; roll into a 20-inch-by-10inch rectangle. Spread with filling. Roll up, jellyroll style, starting with a long side; seal seam. Place in a wellgreased 10-inch fluted tube pan, with seam facing the inside of the pan. Sprinkle with topping. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes; invert onto a wire rack to cool. Makes 12 to 16 servings. Cinnamon Chips From Donna Forsyth 1 bag of soft taco shells, cut into pieces cinnamon z sugar z powdered sugar z oil z z
GANACHE: 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped z ½ cup heavy whipping cream z
Directions: Combine the first seven ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for two minutes. Transfer to two greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 2832 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near
Directions: Put oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Cut taco shells into small or large pieces. Drop into oil and brown. (Only takes about 1-2 minutes). Take out and lay on paper towel. While they are still wet, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container. Chocolate Strawberry Celebration Cake From Taste of Home (pictured at right) 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size) 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix z 4 eggs z 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream z ¾ cup water z ¼ cup canola oil z 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted FROSTING: z 2 cups butter, softened z 4 cups confectioner’s sugar z ¾ cup baking cocoa z ½ cup 2-percent milk GARNISHES: z 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted z 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled z z
the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. In a large bowl, cream the butter, confectioner’s sugar and cocoa until light and fluffy. Beat in milk until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Pipe or spoon melted chocolate onto waxed paper in decorative designs; let stand until set. Arrange strawberries on top of cake. For ganache, place chocolate in a small bowl. Heat cream just to a boil; pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake, allowing ganache to drape down the sides. Top with
(UDVH XQVLJKWO\ YHLQV EHIRUH \RXU H\HV VEIN CENTER 706.232.4122 Rome and Cartersville 11
For the Health of It By Kim Sloan and Charlotte Atkins
12
Mammograms are a Must
Photograph by Daniel Varnado
Kasey King (right), a Redmond representative, teaches Susan Conway about breast health in an AmeriBreast inflatable walk-through of a woman’s bust.
mmogr
1
am
As women we have to be vigilant about our health. That may mean trips to the doctor at least annually where we are sometimes poked and pricked or squeezed and scoped. Some may skip these examinations because they don’t like the idea of the sometimes invasive tests, but to maintain good health, they are a must, say health professionals. “I would recommend that women see their primary care physician on a routine basis to maintain baseline lab work and monitor things like cholesterol, blood pressure and to have routine clinical breast exams/digital screening mammograms,” said Andrea Pitts, a spokeswoman for Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome. “Especially if you have a known medical condition, you need to routinely track how you are doing. Knowing your baselines will be the best way to more quickly identify when there is a change that you need to be concerned about so that you can seek early intervention.” Two major events this fall made it easier for women to get important health screenings and information. In October, Redmond played host to the Women’s Health Retreat at The Forum. The centerpiece of the event was the AmeriBreast interactive exhibit that allowed visitors to walk through the inside of a replica of a woman’s breasts to see representations of normal and abnormal breast tissue. In addition to breast health information, other stations included angioscreens, nutrition and general health information. Then in November, the “Let’s Talk” Women’s Health Initiative gave women a large-scale opportunity for health information and screenings. The idea was modeled on the very successful Health Initiative for Men that the 100 Black Men of Rome have been presenting for the last 10 years. A consortium of regional health care providers, educators and advocates put together the event that saw hundreds of women fill the Floyd County Health Department. Gena Agnew and her team at the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition spearheaded the effort. “This was a terrific team of 43 professional women who are active in health care and other fields who worked together to make this event possible. It was important for everyone to be involved because we all bring different strengths and talents to the table and we wanted this to be a very comprehensive health screening event especially for women.” She said having the assistance from Mary Kay, Shorter University and Georgia Northwestern Technical College to offer “post-screening pampering” with massages, manicures and facials really made the day special and these were a nice reward for those going through all the screenings. “There were areas set up to receive health information, glucose and cholesterol screening, clinical cervical and breast exams and Pap tests, vision screening, blood pressure/stroke/heart attack screenings, angioscreening and mobile mammography, dental exams, flu shots and BMI. And it was all free to the participants thanks to a grant from Northside Hospital University Gynecological Oncology, the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, Floyd and Redmond Regional Medical Center, and Harbin and Northwest Georgia Health Clinics along with all the wonderful volunteers who helped to make the day a great success. The L’Amour De Soeur and Delta Sororities along with the Promotora de Salud helped register all the women who were equal parts white, African American and Hispanic/Latinas.”
While the fairs are a one-stop shop for those who might not have access to regular screenings, such tests are vital for all women. Most of us are familiar with the major tests that need to be on our radar. There are some others that we should be mindful of as well. For example, Dr. Keith Parmer of Floyd Primary Care recommends that women be checked for inflammation. The screening is done by drawing blood but can be an indicator of other problems, he said. “Inflammation can be an indication of cancer and heart disease,” Parmer said. Because screenings are so valuable for our health, we decided to explain the most important screenings for women. Here are the Big Five: ma
Big 5
... screenings women need to know about
Let’s face it, girls – none of enjoy having our “girls” squeezed in a mammogram device. But what’s a few seconds of discomfort when it can save your life? A mammogram is one of the most vital tests a woman can have, says Karen Craig, nurse practitioner at The Breast Center at Floyd. “Screening mammograms are completed on women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. For most women the current guidelines recommend that women should get an annual screening mammogram beginning at the age of 40. If a woman has a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, the guidelines may vary and an individualized screening schedule is determined by her breast care provider. At The Breast Center at Floyd we complete a breast cancer risk analysis on every woman. We then develop an individualized breast screening plan for each patient.” Cyndy Ferguson will attest to the importance of mammograms. The twice-diagnosed breast cancer survivor is known to regularly query women with “Have you had your mammogram?” “With both my diagnoses a mammogram is what detected my cancer. So I believe in them. If I had not of had one or they had not detected that small little spot, I could have been in a lot of more trouble than I have been. So my HYHYM still is very dear to my heart. All women need one.” It’s also recommended that you have regular clinical breast exams by a doctor or nurse practitioner to feel for suspicious lumps and bumps. “For most women it is recommended that she receive a clinical breast exam every 1-3 years between the ages of 20-39. A clinical exam may be the best screening tool for younger women at normal risk for developing breast cancer,” says Karen. “Some guidelines also recommend that a woman begin completing breast self exams on herself after the age of 20. Learning how to detect an abnormality within ones own breast could be life saving.” Karen says the main risk factors for developing breast cancer are: Being female and getting older. “That being said, some women are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer because of a genetic predisposition or other risk factors. In those individuals, gathering an accurate family history regarding the number of relatives with breast or ovarian cancer is important.” Sometimes the fear of knowing is the real reason behind delayed tests. But breast cancer is treatable and often curable when caught early. “All women should empower themselves by learning the current recommended guidelines and taking the time in their lives to get screened,” adds Karen. “All women should learn whether or not they have an increased risk for developing breast cancer in their lifetime.” CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Photograph by AJ Pierce
Elizabeth Bridges has her blood pressure checked by Mary Shotwell Smith, director of Student Health Services at Shorter University, at the Women Of Worth booth during the Women’s Health Initiative.
Photograph by AJ Pierce
Thana Parks (left) of Rome speaks with Redmond nurse Nancy Gribble at the angioscreen table during the Women’s Health Initiative at the health department.
p
Granted, stirrups, speculums and pelvic exams might not be on our list of top things we’d like to be doing. Yet it’s another vital experience in managing our health as women. By age 21, women need an annual pap test to detect any abnormal cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). During a pap test, a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix is taken and examined for abnormalities that may indicate cancer or changes that could lead to cancer. According to ACOG, the pap test should be done annually until age 30. After 30, if a healthy woman has had three completely normal and satisfactory Pap tests, she may be able to have a pap test every two to three years, but you should still see a gynecologist every year for an exam. Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., but the widespread use of the pap test has significantly decreased deaths from this cancer. en
3
While breast cancer is often thought to be the No. 1 killer of women, it’s actually heart disease. It claims the life of about a half million women a year. That’s why health experts say angioscreens are important tests for women. That’s also why those screenings were made available at the women’s health fairs this fall. An angioscreen is a simple noninvasive vascular screening that can provide you with information about your risk of heart disease and stroke. There are no needles, dye or radiation involved. In general, the process includes several cardiovascular screenings such
den ne s
4
Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women, according to information from Redmond. The disease can lead to hip, spine and wrist fractures. So that’s why a bone density test can be a girl’s best friend. A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone. It helps your health care provider detect osteoporosis and predict your risk of bone fractures. The testing can be done different ways. The most common and accurate way uses a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. It uses low-dose x-rays. There are two different types of DEXA scans. A Central DEXA: You lay on a soft table, and the scanner passes over your lower spine and hip. Usually, you do not need to undress. This scan is the best test to predict your risk of fractures. Peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA): These smaller machines measure the bone density in your wrist, fingers, leg or heel. You may find these machines in doctor’s offices, pharmacies, shopping centers and health fairs.
Time for your Closeup
lonosco
5
py
gioscre
an
Be Heart Smart
Boning Up on Density
ity
2
r
Power of a Pap Test
m ap s ea
bo
So why not make it an annual celebration that shows you are worth taking the effort. We women endure all kinds of pain and discomfort in our lives. So get your squeeze on. By the time you can even spell the word “ouch,� the discomfort will be over.
as a carotid artery ultrasound, peak blood flow velocity, EKG, pulse, body mass index, blood pressure, abdominal aortic ultrasound and checking blood flow in the leg arteries. Again, it’s what you don’t know that can hurt you. These screenings may flag something of concern or, better yet, validate your health.
co
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Now if mammograms or pap smears are sometimes dreaded, the colonoscopy seems to top the dread list. But it’s another of those life-saving tests that is simply worth making time for. Katie Couric waved the national colorectal awareness flag. But locally it’s Gena Agnew and Lisa Smith who preach the value of colorectal screening. For Lisa, it’s a personal matter because her mother Joyce Satcher died of colorectal cancer due to late detection. Lisa is intent on
preventing that from happening to others simply because they don’t have the means or access. That’s why she founded Magnolia Foundation in 2009 in memory of her mother to provide colonoscopies for men and women in Floyd, Polk and Chattooga counties who are uninsured or underserved. Lisa will tell you that early diagnosis of colon and colorectal cancer is directly linked to better survival rates. Women should get a first colonoscopy at age 50, according to guidelines published by the American Cancer Society. The screen, which is used to detect colorectal cancer and polyps, should be repeated every 10 years with a virtual colonoscopy every five years. Doctors say that up to 60 percent of the 50,000 deaths from colon cancer each year could be prevented with adequate screening, such as a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). He or she uses a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope that helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, inflammation or bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected and abnormal growths can be taken out. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope so that your doctor can take pictures or video of your colon. Most will attest that most challenging part of this experience is the prep you have to do beforehand to clean out your colon. Colon prep can sometimes take up to 2 days. Some may be taken the night before the test. All of these Big 5 tests for women are crucial for early detection of major diseases. And while they may require us to set aside time for some less-than-comfortable experiences, the life-saving potential makes it worth it. In fact, Magnolia editor Charlotte Atkins, having turned 50, has been working her way down her health checklist this year. Not surprisingly, the last one on her to-do list remains her colonoscopy. Oh, wait, there’s Lisa Smith calling now ...
The Berry MBA The Master of Business Administration degree offered by Berry College has prepared students to meet the contemporary management challenges of business, government and non-profit organizations. Why should you get an MBA?
¨
Advance your career! It’s not just a ‘good idea’ anymore. Many executive and senior management positions now require an MBA.
¨
Networking! An MBA degree offers you access to a wide network of MBA students, alumni, faculty, business and community leaders. How powerful is that when you are searching for job opportunities, developing careen plans or pursuing expertise outside your current field.
¨
Skills! Combine a non-business under-graduate degree with an MBA and you’ll obtain highly marketable skills that are desirable to employers in all fields.
¨
Increased salary! Let’s fact it-the idea of a higher salary is attractive to everyone. Especially with today’s economy. College tuition? Retirement? Extra income will help with those concerns.
Our students come from a variety of fields, industries and backgrounds. Most stay in the area and are employed by local organizations.
Part-time MBA Long term payoff Lifetime reward Contact us:
www.berry.edu/mba or 706.238.5835
BERRY COLLEGE Campbell School of Business
Cozy and Comfortable Sofa & Loveseat in beautiful Egg Plant by Fraenkel Advantage. Several others to choose from CHECK OUT OUR IN-STORE SPECIALS!
FORD’S FURNITURE +RXUV :HG 6DW DP SP 1RUWK %URDG 6WUHHW ‡ 5RPH
13
She Said:
What is your favorite fall/winter event in the Rome-Floyd County area each year? Heritage Holidays and the Wagon Train. My father-in-law, Jr. Bohannon, and some of his friends started this event in 1982 with a small ride from Alabama. It has grown into an annual event that kicks off the fall season in Rome. Teresa Bohannon The Christmas Parade downtown. It reminds me of being a child and believing in Santa. Elizabeth Brown I enjoy helping to decorate the community for the holidays. As a member (and president) of Rome Federated Garden Clubs, it is both an obligation and privilege to be a part of this. Jackie Fulmer Christmas morning at my daughter and son-in-law’s while watching the grandchildren with their Santa gifts and sharing sausage balls and coffee with the paternal grandparents. Favorite memory is having the extended Cordle family of 26-plus opening gifts at my parents’ house Christmas afternoon. Kay Dixon We always enjoy going to the Trout Unlimited Chili Cook-Off. It’s fun to try all the different chili, enjoy the music, enjoy friends and meeting new people. Pamela Miller The Christmas parade, because even though the children are all grown, my husband and I have a yearly date to go to the parade together. We go real early, between 3-4 pm, to make sure we get a parking space on Broad Street. While we wait for the parade to begin, we sit in the warm truck, talk and listen to music. We get food from one of the restaurants downtown and bring it back to the truck. When it’s almost parade time, we get out and set up out chairs along the parade route. This has been our routine for almost ten years. I’m not sure how much he really wants to go to the parade, but he does this just for me! It’s my first gift of Christmas! Oh, the magic of Christmas! Rosie Walker
mel &mimi join us for
A MAGICAL MAGI HOLIDAY
ZRPHQ¡V VSHFLDOW\ FORWKLQJ DFFHVVRULHV DQG JLIWV
An exclusive Holiday collection from VIV & INGRID has traveled from afar to dazzle us with jeweled treasures from the shiniest star!
Have A Magical Christmas HDVW WK VWUHHW URPH JD
14
SURVIVING TO SHARE and HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
Photograph by Brittany Hannah
Wanda Whitten
Wanda Whitten is a pageant and event planner with a wry wit, which is why she sports her “Misunderstood” banner and queenly wave.
No one will dispute that Wanda Whitten is the queen of Redmond Regional Medical Center. After all, she has been there for 40 years. “I came to Rome from Vanderbilt University Hospital in 1972 to open the Food Service Department at Redmond.” She’s now Director of Community Relations/Event Planner for Redmond and is the force behind two of Rome’s major fall and winter events. “Surviving to Share gives breast cancer survivors the opportunity to tell their story of survival and offer hope to others who may just be beginning their journey with breast cancer. The Heart of the Community awards individuals for the volunteer work they give back to the Rome and Floyd County community. Money raised at the Awards of Honor event is returned to the community through heart-related projects.” Wanda is also the pageant matriarch of Rome, having worked in pageantry for 26 years, 15 as executive director of Miss Rome. So it might surprise some to know that her guilty pleasures include watching “Toddlers and Tiaras” and “Honey Boo Boo.”Though she is quick to point out that those TV shows are “what pageant life is not supposed to be.” She should know. Her pageant experience comes from Miss America programs. “All pageants should not be compared to what are regularly shown on TV. Let’s face it; reality TV is not reality at all.” She says, done correctly, pageants can help young women develop their poise, personality, talent, interview and leadership skills. “I am a Miss Georgia field director, which means I am the liaison between six local Miss Georgia preliminary pageants and the Miss Georgia Board. I attend each of my six pageants, approve wardrobe, orient judges, monitor the judging and make sure all rules and regulations of the Miss Georgia and Miss America pageants are followed.” A few other tidbits about Wanda are that she was the first baby born in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 1, 1941. And she’s “an only child of an only child, who was also an only child. However, I was taught at an early age that life did not center around me.” Nevertheless, Wanda is surrounded by family and friends. “Even though I am an only child, I have several families — a work family, a pageant family, an Exchange Club family, and am blessed to have a couple of extended families.” She is thankful for all her blessings. “I believe that God had a hand in my coming to Rome, the activities I participate in, the friends I have met and the opportunities I have had.” Charlotte Atkins, editor
15
Magnolia Moms Cell phones, texting and kids By Lauren Jones Staff Writer
When Pam and Matt Shoemaker opened a phone bill two years ago and saw that their 12-year-old daughter had sent 10,000 text messages to her boyfriend, the couple went berserk. Yes, tweens will be tweens and teens will be teens, but when is it OK to allow your child to have a cell phone, and what restrictions should be in place? The use of cell phones for the younger generation has become a topic of concern among mothers, with many questions ranging from the appropriate age for a child to have one, to texting rules to issues that surface from overuse. But whether or not your first cell phone was a Nokia 5.1 (which more-or-less resembles today’s TV remote control) or an iPhone, local mothers have more than a few opinions about cell phone usage when it comes to tweens and teens.
Suzanne Clonts has raised three daughters who, she said, are almost unbelievably well behaved. In fact, she had to make her oldest, Caroline, get a cell phone when she was a high school freshman. “She was in the 9th grade,” Suzanne said. “She was doing sports and she had no interest in having a phone and she was having to borrow people’s phones to call me to pick her up from practice. So I insisted that she get one. That’s not typical at all.” Caroline is 21 now and is studying in California. Catherine, 18, is going to college in New York now and Elizabeth, 16, is in high school. Suzanne said Catherine got a cell phone in middle school because she was a babysitter. “Catherine has always babysat,” Suzanne said. “She wanted one, but I was a little ... I don’t know. Caroline didn’t have one until she
May I have a cell phone?
dh er ow
ne. pho
But,
ec i ded.
re g a
le o J e
is too young to n e r e h ee en
e ll nc
Most w ou ld
So what is the proper age for children to have their own cell phones? For many mothers, the answer differs and is entirely dependent on the child in question as well as the situation. For Pam Shoemaker, she and her husband Matt decided to allow Lisa to have a cell phone when she was 11. Lisa, being very active in community theater, found herself outside of the Desoto Theatre some evenings without a ride home. “There were several times when rehearsal would let out later than usual or earlier than usual and she didn’t have a way to contact me,” Pam said. “So that’s when I had a conversation with my husband and said we really need to give her a way to get a hold of us. If we dropped her off and left her there for extended hours, she was there for two, three, four, five, six hours. That was a way I could ensure I could reach her if I needed to and she could reach me.” Becky Motes, another local mother has two sons, Patrick, a 9-year-old, and Ben, 6. Motes said she hasn’t allowed Patrick to have a cell phone yet, but that other children in his class already have one. “With my 9-year-old, he’s in fourth grade and some of his friends have cell phones,” Becky said. “And so of course, it becomes an issue when somebody else has something and you don’t, but that’s just the nature of kids.” But Becky says here are a myriad of reasons to let youngsters get their hand on cell phones … and many reasons not to as well. “I would say that a mom who gave a cell phone at my child’s age that it’s because they want their child to be able to reach them,” she said. “But usually when they’re without (their parents), they’re in a safe place like school or at practice with a trusted coach. And there are ways to reach mom or dad if you need to. So, I would say that might be the reason, I guess, but really, I think that some people do it as a toy for their kids. But that’s just strictly for people with kids that are my kids’ ages. I know for kids a little bit older, there might be more reasons.”
o
ey d
how
ld is o
18
“I made my rules pretty early on. I’m always going, ‘You’re not going to put a pass code on this. I’m going to read your texts,’ ” she said, then chuckled. “I told a little white lie that I could look on the phone bill and tell if a text message had been deleted. The 11-year-old that she was, she believed it. I don’t think I’ve ever told her that’s not true.” Shoemaker said she told Lisa that she set her rules in her daughter’s best interest. “I just said, ‘I’m going to read your texts. I’m not just monitoring what you say, but I want to make sure that people who converse with you are also being appropriate to you and saying the right thing,’ ” she said. “At first, I probably read it constantly, and obviously as time goes on, you build trust with your child. And now, I rarely ever look at her phone. She knows I still do, occasionally, that I am still capable of taking a peek just to make sure of what guys are saying to her and making sure it’s an appropriate conversation. But that’s rare.” Suzanne, on the other hand, said she didn’t have issues with her daughters and hasn’t had to make rules or ever take their phones away. “I have not had to do that, and I have been very blessed as a parent, with my kids and I think David and I can take some credit for that,” she said. “I feel like we’ve been good parents, but I’ve not had to do that. I’ve not had to take their phones. I certainly could as a punishment, and I think raising Caroline first, because I had to make her get a phone, that wouldn’t have been punishment for her anyway. Had I taken her phone, she wouldn’t have cared.” Suzanne said she knew her children weren’t typical. “My kids just haven’t really done the kinds of things you’d have to punish them for, because, I don’t know, I just haven’t had to punish them,” she said. “They’re just good kids, and I’ve been very blessed that way. We also haven’t had to make any rules. They all have smart phones and I haven’t had to monitor what they’re doing.”
ld e n
r ough a h s s r ? Some mothe
h t w o h e
was in high school and Catherine, the mom that she baby-sat for insisted, and that’s why she has a phone. She was like, it’d be way easier if I could communicate with her, which was true. But she was in middle school. She was probably in the sixth grade when she got a cell phone. And Elizabeth, by the time you get to that point, you’re like, ‘Sure, you can have a cell phone.’ I believe she had one when she was in middle school, so she was probably the same age as Catherine when she got hers.”
Rules are rules Pam Shoemaker said had Lisa not been so involved in extracurricular activities, she and her husband might have waited to give her a phone until Lisa was at least 12 or even 13. Instead, Lisa was in the fifth grade when she got her first set of digits, and Shoemaker made the ground rules clear from the get-go.
BRB, TTYL, KTHNX!
Mothers can set the rules they want for their own children, but they can’t control what texts are aimed at their kids. “I caution them,” Suzanne said of her daughters. “If you’re not exactly straight with them, be very careful what they say to you in a text or if they get you pulled in. Because you don’t know where they are, and they might be with a group of people and you’re the big joke.” She said she reminds her daughters that communicating via text message isn’t the same as talking face-to-face. “I think kids get bolder in that situation when you’re texting, and I think they text things they might not say to your face,” she said. “We’ve had conversations about that and that it’s really hard to convey emotion in a text. So to make the assumption, oh they’re mad at me, well how do you know they’re mad at you? Look what they said, but no, you don’t know what’s going on ... that’s just problematic in itself.” Both Becky and Pam expressed their concerns about the way children — and people in general — learn to communicate with their peers in the digital world. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
“Even as a person who texts a lot myself, I haven’t forgotten how to spell things, but I have gotten lazy when I’m texting or on the computer because I expect the computer to auto-correct and stuff like that,� Becky said. “I also find myself not really wanting to make a phone call sometimes when it’s way easier to send a text, even if it’s more appropriate to make phone calls. But for kids to grow up thinking that’s how you communicate with people and possibly how you form relationships ... It’s not really going to be conditioned to their social skills once they get older.� Pam made the point that sometimes the meanings of texts can be difficult to interpret, and that in itself creates more drama among teenagers. “I truly believe the culture today with texts has added to that and made it worse, because you can’t interpret a text the way you can interpret a phone conversation,� Pam said. “When I was a teenager, it was all about phones, and we would all three-way with one another, but we could hear each other’s tone of voice, and we could hear hesitations and whether it was a happy comment, a sly comment, a sarcastic comment. I would say 75 percent of the drama (Lisa) had in middle school was usually over misinterpreted text or Facebook comments.� She said Lisa prefers to send texts rather than call her friends and family members. “To this day, she hates being on the phone. She will text her family members. She’ll text Matt and I, but she doesn’t like a phone conversation at all,� she said.
“It makes me worry about the work place. And you know, is she going to walk into her first place of employment and shoot an email that says ‘BRB?’� This causes her to worry because, while Lisa is very articulate, those communication skills are imperative later in life. “I’m afraid once they get to the professional world, that could be some sort of a hindrance,� she said. “I’m nervous that she might not have that skill set. Because that’s how they communicate with their peers, there’s all these quick little short abbreviated text messages. It makes me worry about the work place. And you know, is she going to walk into her first place of employment and shoot an email that says ‘BRB?’� (BRB means “be right back�) However, Pam said she couldn’t imagine life now without cell phones. “I’m just as guilty of texting her every single day. That’s how we communicate,� she said. “But I think as long as parents monitor, and kids know I’m going to make sure, just like any other part of their social life. I’m going to make sure you’re doing the right thing and know what’s going on in your life and that you’re not abusing it or doing anything you shouldn’t. I think you should trust them more.�
Post-Mastectomy Services DiPrima Medical would like to welcome you to visit or new Post-Mastectomy Boutique. Our fitter, Elizabeth DiPrima, BOC COF, is committed to assisting you in selecting the best possible prosthesis to fit your body and lifestyle. It is our goal to help you feel comfortable and be confident to make informed decisions on your recovery products. Fittings are done in our relaxed boutique setting located away from the main showroom to ensure your privacy. We are also proud to offer the largest selection of diabetic and custom diabetic shoes, head-to-toe bracing options, pediatric wheelchairs and crutches, lift chairs, and mobility options in the area. We would like to proudly congratulate our growing family and business and would like to welcome the public to visit our facility. Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. “As a Certified Mastectomy Fitter, I want customers to be informed of the products available to them. I want them to know that we are here to offer a local facility that is focused on assisting them through the entire process. I look forward to meeting with anyone that is interested in the latest mastectomy products on the market, as well as, providing products that have worked well through time. I would love to answer any questions you may have so please feel free to come by our office.� -Elizabeth DiPrima, BOC COF, CMF
',35,0$ 0(',&$/ 1 QG $YH 1: ‡ 5RPH *$ ‡ )D[
(=, ( j 9,,5,m:k /90:;4(:
Elizabeth K. Harris Photography
GREENE’S ,>,3,9:Œ ,1& 328 BROAD ST. • 706-291-7236 Family Owned Since 1948 • w w w.G re e n e sJe we le rs. c om 19
Minding Her Own Business
Photograph by Doug Walker
Reesa Milton, owner of Perfect Home of Rome works on one of her Christmas displays at the shop on Shorter Avenue.
Perfect is the theme for Reesa Milton business by doing in-home parties for her clients, many of who were former customers as brides, or relatives of It should come as no surprise to anyone who’s known Reesa brides. “I would go in and take art, take accessories, Milton long that she decided to name her second major retail lamps and it was totally different from bridal that I venture Perfect Home. Not exactly that she’s a perfectionist, but had done all those years,” Milton said. “But I she has an eye for that one item — a lamp, an accessory, a know retail. I know how to have a store so that rug — that will make your home, well, perfect. quickly morphed into let’s just make it a store. Milton owned the Wedding Bell for close to 25 years. “It’s not That’s all I’ve ever done.” that I wasn’t happy with bridal. I don’t know, I just wanted a Many of her customers today are former change,” Milton said. She was building a house, making decisions, Wedding Belle customers. In fact, Perfect Home does paying attention to every interior detail and decided that it was do bridal registry work today. “I still have the brides something she could do for a living. “I’d always helped people with coming in for that, and some of their mothers, more than their houses and always enjoyed that type thing, decorating and all some,” Milton said. “I’ve got two right now that were my bridal that goes into it,” Milton said. “It just sort of went from there.” customers, one of my first brides as a matter of fact.” She operated both the Wedding Belle and Perfect Home, 2013 The décor at Perfect Home is going to vary from one season to Shorter Ave., for a number of years the next. “Right now they’re going to see a lot of Christmas. The store before making the decision to sell is so pretty right now,” Milton said. A plethora of home furnishings, the bridal shop to close friend, accent furniture, chairs, lots of lamps and art. “I’ve brought in two Alison Smith. “Our families wonderful lines of rugs that I special order and they come in very have been best friends for quickly,” Milton said. “We do custom window treatments, custom over 50 years so I call her bedding upholstery, (translate custom to perfect).” my niece, by love, if not by While her showroom meanders on the first level of the blood,” Milton said. building, Milton maintains a design studio on the second floor. Smith changed the While “perfect” is the operative word for Milton that does name of the Wedding not necessarily translate into a collection of perilously pricey Belle to Perfect Dress of home furnishings. “I try to have a little bit of something for Rome, which seems to be everybody,” Milton said. “I know how to shop the markets. I a perfect fit next to really search and look for things that look like a lot for your Milton’s Perfect Home shop. money.” She knows how to pair lamps with a nice painting and Milton started the new furniture to give her customers that perfect look. By Doug Walker Associate Editor
20
Many of Milton’s clients are actively engaged in upgrades to an existing home as opposed to moving into newer or larger homes. That’s a reflection of the economy of the last five years. “They’re saying let’s do new window treatments. Let’s redo the bedroom. In the last six months to a year that has really picked up,” Milton said. “I have been very blessed, and very lucky, to have worked with lots of wonderful people and have weathered the storm really well.” Milton believes that homeowners are lot more aware of design-related issues nowadays. “Design is becoming much more accessible and much more affordable for people,” Milton said. “People love making their homes more of a nest, more of a haven for them and think that’s one reason they want to decorate.” And she’s perfectly able to help them make their perfect home from her Perfect Home.
She Said:
What is your favorite holiday tradition or memory? My favorite tradition is going to the First Baptist Church Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve. My family has been going since 1960, and we haven’t missed one yet. My favorite part of the service is Frank Murphy singing “O Holy Night.” Our whole family piles into a couple of cars and off we go. Gena Agnew
Every year while decorating the Christmas tree, my mom, my sister and I would listen to the album “Rudolph’s Christmas Party” together. Our favorite song was, is and always will be “Chris, the Christmas Tree.” Such a sweet and loving song! Tonya Davis
Shop Here For All The Latest Children’s Shoes, Gifts & Apparel
Middleton Dolls Madame Alexander Dolls Adora Dolls Ty Melissa & Doug
Cooking my Granny Bo’s chicken dressing and pecan pies. It feels like she is right there watching me. Scharla Battle When I was a little girl at my grandma’s house on Christmas Eve, my cousins and I were watching the sky for Rudolf when we heard a noise outside. We ran to the door and found gifts on the porch. We heard another noise and ran to another door. More presents. We learned years later that Uncle Stanley was playing Santa, and we kept interrupting him, and he accidentally dropped gifts as he ran around the house, running from us. Angela Watts
Want to be part of our next edition’s She Saids? Drop us a line at magnoliaeditor@gmail.com to be added to our email list.
NEW LOCATION
NOW OPEN
15 Riverbend Drive Suite 130 • Rome, GA 30161
706-232-1283
We’re All About Great Smiles!
Great smiles begin with great dental care. For 14 years, Children’s Dental Center has been providing Northwest Georgia with that kind of quality care. Make your appointment for school break now.
www.GreatStartGreatSmiles.com
Pediped Tsukihoshi Nina, Keds Wee Squeaks
247 Broad Street, Rome, GA • 706-232-1260
She Said:
Look at yourself in a mirror. What type of person do you see? I see a “girl” who loves to roller skate, turn cartwheels, bake and listen to fun music. Kay Ann Wetherington I see an intelligent, confident, loving, sarcastic, wise patient young lady. The younger Tasha wouldn’t have fortitude to employ those skills. Tasha Toy
Good. Sincere ... and a bit naïve. Angela James
Now in network with most major dental insurance providers.
Flawed but capable. Janet Byington
IN
ROME
*Not affiliated with Children’s Dentistry of Rome
15 Riverbend Dr. Suite 130 • Rome
706-232-1283
16B Felton Place Cartersville
770-382-3536
1825 Mars Hill Rd. Acworth
770-422-9375
The mirror image reflected back at me is that of a woman who has come to terms with the glory of gray hair and my acceptance of age lines and wrinkles from a life lived with balance of both sorrow and immeasurable joy. My hope is to continue to age with grace. Patricia Montgomery
21
She Said:
‡ 6KRUWHU $YH 5RPH *$ ´/LNH¾ RXU SDJH RQ )DFHERRN
When was the last time you went somewhere you had never been before? Where did you go? Utila, Honduras. In search of the wily whale shark. Of course it was a great Georgia Mermaid time! Donna Davin
Creating Inspired Interiors
This spring — to Daufuskie Island, South Carolina. Carol Willis
This year I got to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. My sister wanted to go to San Diego and needed help wrangling the kiddos. I was surprised it was 15-20 degrees cooler than it was in Rome. We drove out to Coronado Island and let the children play in the chilly surf. Sarah Tebo Last year my husband and I took a trip to Miami and to the Keys. It was fall so the weather was beautiful and it wasn’t crowded. We walked into a biker convention in the Keys. Very entertaining. Amy Patterson As a graduation present my husband and I traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii. Our trip was for two weeks and it was wonderful. While there we renewed our vows on the beach with a native of Hawaii presiding with our feet in the sand. Something I will always cherish. Lena Crooker
4Wef eW^WUf[a` aX
y
Y[Xfe [` Da_W
Our number one selling holiday candle from Thymes. The entire Frasier Fir collection is available from Living & Giving
Check us out on Facebook • 706.235.5530 M-F 10:30-5:30 • Sat. 11:00-4:00 440 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161
22
%\ 7KLEDXW 'HVLJQV
Rugs Fabrics Furnishings Custom Window Treatments and Bedding
ZZZ SHUIHFWKRPHRIURPH FRP ‡ ZZZ SHUIHFWKRPHRIURPH EORJVSRW FRP
Amy Weaver
Photograph by Daniel Varnado
WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES
Amy Weaver says Walk a Mile in Her Shoes allows women and men to take a (sometimes wobbly) stand against domestic violence.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is an example of quirky civic activism and vital education, which suits Hospitality House for Women Executive Director Amy Weaver to a tee. Domestic violence is not an easy subject to bring to the fore, but each autumn streets are filled with people parading in women’s shoes to show support of those who live in fear and violence. Based on the adage that you can’t understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in her shoes, the sight of hairy legged gents teetering in heels is attention-grabbing fun, but the message is of utmost importance. “The agency’s mission is to protect, promote and serve the interests of domestic violence victims. This event gives us an opportunity to break the silence that enshrouds the complicated issue of domestic violence,” says Amy. She says it empowers victims to know there are so many people willing to come out and take a stand. “It’s not easy walking in these shoes, but it’s fun, and it gets the community talking about some really difficult issues: domestic violence, gender relations and sexual violence.” It’s Amy’s hope that “Walk a Mile” teaches folks about Hospitality House and its mission. “It gives victims, their friends and families a forum to make a not-so-personal yet public stand against the perpetrators. Specifically for the men who participate, I hope it means that they begin to recognize this is their issue, their problem to solve, too. More than 85 percent of domestic violence reports nationwide are from women who have male batterers. Men must hold other men accountable for their actions in relationships.” When the Rockmart native is not busy running a nonprofit, Amy enjoys life’s simplicities like “spending time with someone I love over a good cup of coffee.” When asked what others would be surprised to learn about her, she replies: “I hate the smell of funky cheese so much that sometimes I embarrass myself in public when I get a whiff. I love Hip Hop. I lived in a tent for four months when I went to Alaska to work at Denali National Park.” While Amy, 38, tends to take things as they come rather than check things off a bucket list, she does have a specific wish: “To spend at least a month in Bolivia. I know it sounds random, but it is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with alpine mountains, rainforest and dry savannas all within its borders.” Otherwise she’s content walking the dogs, laughing with friends and family, playing tennis and dancing. And once a year helping men “walk a mile” in women’s shoes ... Charlotte Atkins, editor
23
Magnolia of the Past Nelle Allison Wyatt By Lauren Jones Staff Writer
It was just before Easter in 1930 that Nelle Allison Wyatt received what was possibly the best gift of her life. As the 5-year-old girl ripped the paper off what must have been an enormous package in a child’s eyes, the colored paper and ribbons melted away to reveal a gift that the young girl would hold close to her heart for more than 70 years: a huge, stuffed Easter bunny. Wyatt named the 3-foot-tall rabbit Human Bunny, because, surely, he was human in her eyes. From that delightful birthday celebration yielded a friend and kindred spirit in the stuffed rabbit, which would eventually be buried with her the winter she was laid to rest at Myrtle Hill Cemetery in 2009. “Human Bunny was in a department store window downtown,� said Lisa Smith, executive director for the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau who portrayed Wyatt during the Myrtle Hill Cemetery tours in October. “Basically, he became her lifelong friend. She traveled with him ... that was her companion. That was so much part of her persona. She utilized Human Bunny all sorts of times. She’d kind of break the ice with things.� Smith said Wyatt’s niece, Joy Jones, told her that the last time she saw Human Bunny, he was
Photograph by Brittany Hannah
Lisa Smith, in character as Nelle Allison Wyatt, tells the story of Wyatt and her beloved stuffed rabbit Human Bunny, next to her grave during a guided tour of Myrtle Hill Cemetery tattered from the years of camaraderie. “He had holes all in him, straw was coming out of him, one ear was missing and one of his arms was about gone,� Smith said. “He ended up going with her to the Great Beyond so they could continue doing fabulous things together.� Wyatt, a true Magnolia of the Past, was born on March 22, 1925, to Clair Jackson Wyatt Sr. and Joy Vee Glover Wyatt. She spent her years growing up in a quaint home filled with love and laughter on East Fourth Avenue in Rome. Her father owned Wyatt’s Book Store on Broad Street and the family later owned Wyatt’s Department Store. She graduated from Rome Girls High School and went on to earn a degree at Shorter College. Then, Wyatt fulfilled her desire to be someone
It’s Your Choice... Choose Coosa Valley Home Health Coosa Valley Home Health is in the business of helping our patients maintain and improve their quality of life - at home. Home is the place where family, friends and familiar surroundings make patients feel most comfortable - and recover faster. With two decades of experience in the health care industry, we understand the importance of delivering high-quality services to patients in their homes. Choose Coosa Valley for all your home care needs. Social Workers Skilled Nursing Home Health Aides Diabetes, Cardiac and Physical, Occupational and Rehabilitation Programs Speech Therapy Wound Care Program
Coosa Valley Home Health an
24
company
Rome (706) 291-8867
who would lend her caring hands to others when she graduated from the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. For years she worked in the Labor and Delivery Department of Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta as head nurse. Wyatt had a taste for the athletics, as well. She was an avid golf and tennis player and everyone who knew her remembers her as an incredibly warm, generous person with a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. “She was very stately,� Smith said. “She had a big voice, a big laugh. You could hear her all the way in the back of the (department) store.� Jones said her aunt was known for being friends with everybody she met. “She was just one of those bubbly people that
never met a stranger,� Jones said. “She would leave extra tips for waitresses and stuff like that. She was just always doing stuff for other people.� She never forgot a dear friend’s birthday and many throughout Rome have a personal card from Wyatt to add to their collections. Those who have cards from Wyatt consider them treasures to this day. A faithful friend until the very end, she attended memorial services for her late friends before she died on Jan. 30, 2009. But her niece said Wyatt’s vibrance and love for life continues to live on in her family and friends who treasure her memory each day. “She was real fun-loving. She always had a childlike quality about her that she kept all of her life,� Jones said. “She just loved everybody.�
.;;B 1;2<=6*<
IURP WKH JLUOV DW :(67 (1' )/25,67
2)) 6725(:,'(
7KH (QWLUH 0RQWK RI 'HFHPEHU ([FOXGLQJ SODQWV IUHVK Ă&#x20AC; RZHUV
:(67 (1' )/25,67 DQG +$</(( %8*6 %287,48(
6KRUWHU $YH Â&#x2021; 5RPH *$ /LVD DQG +RSH \Q KU DW . DK RU 'HE ZZZ P\ZHVWHQGĂ&#x20AC; RULVW QHW RU IDFHERRN FRP ZHVWHQGĂ&#x20AC; RULVWURPH
Terrica Shields
Photograph by Brittany Hannah
LOVE FEAST
For Terrica Shields driving in her convertible on a beautiful fall day is one of life’s simple joys. Serving others at the Love Feast is another.
When Terrica Shields was a little girl sitting with her family at Thanksgiving dinner, she asked her minister father a fateful question. What she asked the Rev. Terrell Shields was why the poor don’t get to have such a feast at Thanksgiving. They do now thanks to Terrica, her family, their Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church family and friends. Now 28, she still helps with the annual Thanksgiving Love Feast at the Rome Civic Center that is now in its 24th year. “This event is really close to my heart because I love the feeling of helping someone in need. The atmosphere at the Love Feast always gives me joy because the citizens of Rome and Floyd County come together to extend a helping hand on this day of Thanksgiving. I wouldn’t spend my Thanksgiving any other way,” says Terrica. “Over the years this event has continued to grow in both the number of volunteers as well as the amount of dinners that are served. That means that although the economy is suffering, there are still compassionate people in our area who want to take time from their Thanksgiving to help us help our community. Community cannot be spelled without unity, and this is true unity.” In addition to the annual tradition, Terrica is a busy young professional working at Wright Memorial Mortuary as a licensed embalmer. “Whenever someone asks me where I work and I tell them that I work at Wright’s, they always assume that I just do hair and makeup or drive a limousine. They are always surprised to hear that I am a licensed embalmer and funeral director.” She says her joys are simple — “spending time with family and friends, shopping with my Mom and riding in my convertible on a beautiful day.” She finds security in that circle of love. Well, that and a lifelong keepsake ... “I am 28 years old, and I am still attached to the blanket my Mom brought me home from the hospital in when I was born, although it’s not much of a blanket now. It’s more like a rag, but it’s still special to me.” And she treasures life because death has ventured too close. “My parents consider me a miracle child because I have been near death three times in my life. I’m truly blessed!” And she’s happy to call Rome home. “My church family is one of the main things I love about Rome. These people watched me grow up and have become a big part of my life here in Rome. Not to mention they are the reason my family and I are here. Overall, I feel that Rome is a nice and safe place to grow up and raise children.” Charlotte Atkins, editor
25
By Kim Sloan Staff Writer
Call them holiday harbingers. Christmas wreaths are usually the first sign of the holiday season as they adorn doors, windows, mirrors and other key spots in our homes. While decorated wreaths can certainly be bought, many of Rome’s crafty and creative women enjoy conjuring up their own. That way they can customize them with a theme or personalize to their homes and lives. It might seem a daunting task if you’ve never made your own wreath, but a recent event showcased the power of talent, creativity and imagination. For most of November, the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center was adorned with colorful and original creations as part of its second annual Masterpiece Wreath Event where local florists, designers, garden clubs, artists as well as cancer care providers and cancer survivors made wreaths for the benefit auction. If you weren’t a winning bidder, don’t fret. Some of the women who made several items for the wreath showcase are willing to share some of their secrets and wreath-making tips. Local artist Judith Frasure is one of those women. “First I have to determine where the wreath will be used — outside (covered area or exposed) or inside. For the outside, the products need to be more durable to hold up to the direct or indirect weather. The wreath can be store bought or homemade — grapevine, balsam, pine, nandina, rounded and gathered rope. It is all up to your imagination and theme of the finished product. The bows and silk or polyester flowers can be sprayed with a clear, acrylic finish to hold their shape longer and prevent fast color fading.” Ribbons add flourish and dimensionality to a wreath. Said Judith, “Using appropriate ribbon is important, whether it is weatherproof as in coated, or a plastic or a metal ribbon, or if it is light and airy for indoor use. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
Wreath made by MacKenzie Temple with her mom Alethea Temple’s help.
26
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
“Some ribbons are wire edged, which helps in keeping the bow’s shape as well as the ribbon that you may wind around the wreath. Several ribbons may be used together, whether the emphasis is on the two different textures, patterns, widths or colors.” The wreath she made for the auction was an elegant traditional design using a red and green plaid ribbon and featuring red berries, flowers and pine cones. The materials can be simple traditional choices or as flamboyant and personalized as you dare. Some of the cancer center wreaths featured stuffed animals and wildlife, owls and other birds, butterflies, flowers, snowflakes and even seashells and a sock monkey. “The materials used can personalize the wreath. If they are heirlooms, the items can be temporarily attached and taken off at the end of the season. For a nautical theme pieces of rope, sea colors, old fishing corks, wood pieces, fishhooks, and many more items,” said Judith. “For a child, wooden blocks can be glued or strung together for a wreath. Smaller stuffed animals or figures can be wired on. Or if it is an inside the wreath, hang it playfully off the bottom, or sit on the top of the wreath. Have fun with your imagination creating this. Christmas ornaments are wonderful to intersperse as well as artificial fruit wired or glued onto wreaths.” Judith also says a small piece of artwork can be the focal point of a wreath with flowers, ribbons, vines or other objects accentuating or further explaining the thoughts of the wreath creator. “Almost anything can go on a wreath. For outside, the beautiful berries and greenery are great. The weather will determine the time it will last. Dried greenery and flowers are wonderful and can be beautiful when attached to the wreath.” Alethea Temple also created several wreaths and tabletop trees and décor items for the cancer center event. She says that she finds her materials in craft and interior design stores and other specialty shops. She keeps her eyes open for things all year long and collects them. “I rework things too. I had a flower arrangement and was
looking for some flowers and couldn’t find the color I wanted for the wreath so I just spray painted them. They weren’t even Christmas flowers, but they worked,” said Alethea. Alethea says she gets her inspiration from things she sees traveling through daily life. “It might be a flower arrangement I see at the hospital or unusual color pairings that work together. I am kind of an out-of-the-box thinker so when I see something interesting, I try to figure out how I might replicate it.” She and her 12-year-old daughter made a vivid purple and lime green adorned wreath that featured butterflies. The inspiration came from MacKenzie’s white Christmas tree in her room. Judith’s mother Jean Johnson also enjoys making wreaths. Her specialty is grapevine wreaths with a collection of seashells. She attaches that wreath to a greenery wreath for the holidays. Then afterward, the greenery can be removed and the shell and vine wreath can be enjoyed year around. Of course, once you decide on the items for the wreaths, you need to attach them. Judith suggests thin wire, pipe cleaners or even twine for a natural look. “They need to be secured good so the creation will not fall off what it is attached to. Also, a wire may be used, and a piece of ribbon can be used to mask it, and the look will be as if the wreath is being hung (any amount of length desired) by the ribbon.” Hot glue, used with caution, works well too. When not in use, Judith recommends storing your creations in plastic garbage bags hung in out of the way places. Proper storage
Wreath made by Alethea Temple.
will keep them in good shape for many years. Now how long do these wreath-making projects take? It depends on how simple or intricate your design. “It could be an hour up to several days of piddling with the design,” Judith said. “Collecting the items may be done over a period of time as well. A wreath I made recently took me four hours, and it was flowers, ribbons, greenery and berries, all wired to the artificial Christmas greenery wreath.” Alethea echoed, “It can take me from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. It depends on how much detail you want put into them.” Ironically, even though she makes creative, ornate wreaths, the two dozen or so Alethea has on the outside of her home are simple greenery and ribbon. That’s because of weather. “In Georgia, you never know if you are going to have rain, sun, snow or wind. So sometimes simple is better.” Judith warns about other outdoor perils, saying birds have been known to swipe wreath materials to create their nests. Oh, well, birds need a little Christmas décor for their homes too. Magnolia Editor Charlotte Atkins contributed to this story.
27
Hellriegel taps into her inner Blanche for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Streetcarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; By Severo Avila Staff Writer
For Cobb County transplant Tracy Hellriegel, taking on a new role is right up her alley. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on a stage or behind the scenes, the new special events manager for The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation is eager to accept a new challenge. Hellriegel, who came to Rome in 2009, recently stepped out on stage at the DeSoto Theatre as Blanche Dubois, the aging Southern belle from Tennessee Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Streetcar Named Desire.â&#x20AC;? She relished the tough role, reaching back into her own past to draw on experiences that helped her become Blanche â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a guarded but fragile woman whose issues hide just below the surface and threaten to tear down the thin exterior of strength and sophistication she has tried to put up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted Blanche,â&#x20AC;? she said of the famous role. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew I could fit that character. The character is so deep. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the role of a lifetime, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most difficult thing Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever done.â&#x20AC;? Hellriegel said becoming Blanche went beyond learning the lines. She had to find deeply buried emotions in order to relate to the character. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blanche has created these illusions in her life,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She creates them to cover up the pain and the truth. I have experienced tragedy and loss. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve cared for an ailing mother. I have had painful
Brava
Remembrance Village A Memory Care Residence - Now Open! 1RZ DFFHSWLQJ DSSOLFDWLRQV IRU UHVLGHQWV 1XPEHU RI URRPV DUH OLPLWHG &DOO 1RZ %\ SDUWQHULQJ ZLWK WKH $O]KHLPHUÂśV $VVRFLDWLRQ ZH HQKDQFH WKH TXDOLW\ RI OLIH IRU RXU VHQLRUV H[SHULHQFLQJ YDULRXV OHYHOV RI FRJQLWLYH FKDOOHQJH :H RIIHU WKH Âż QHVW FDUH IRU RXU UHVLGHQWV ZLWK ORYH VXSSRUW XQGHUVWDQGLQJ VHFXULW\ DQG D VHQVH RI GLJQLW\
³2XU PLVVLRQ LV WR H[FHHG WKH VWDQGDUG IRU PHPRU\ FDUH ´
Independent and Assisted Living
706-235-0807 â&#x20AC;˘ 511 West 10th Street â&#x20AC;˘ Rome, GA www.riverwoodretirement.com
28
experiences. I had to draw on those to help become that character.â&#x20AC;? And when the lights came on and the curtain parted, Hellriegel became Blanche Dubois in Rome Little Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Streetcar.â&#x20AC;? She said she loves all aspects of performing. But the applause isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so important to her. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more of an internal sense of satisfaction. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just as happy working behind the scenes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that she is now the special events manager for The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation. In that role, she manages the theater and plans programming and membership drives. She organized this fallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ma Rainey Blues Festival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hoping to build the DeSotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation as a place for quality entertainment,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want people to see it as a place where they can go see a great concert or a comedian or watch a great stage production. I want to raise the bar and raise peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations.â&#x20AC;? Hellriegel said Rome is an arts community with considerable talent and potential. She hopes that by networking and tapping into the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool of talent and resources, The Desoto Foundation can provide entertainment that will be a benefit to residents and local businesses alike. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just needs the right management to make it flow,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about raising the expectations of the community and getting them in the door. Then theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the quality entertainment we have to offer.â&#x20AC;?
SHHH! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our little secret! Having company?
Let us do the cooking for you! 'UHVVLQJ *LEOHW *UDY\ Z 0HDW *UHHQ %HDQV &UHDPHG &RUQ 0DFDURQL &KHHVH )LHOG 3HDV 3LQWR %HDQV 7XUQLS *UHHQV
&UHDPHG 3RWDWRHV +DVKEURZQ &DVVHUROH 6TXDVK &DVVHUROH &DUURW 6RXIĂ H 6ZHHW 3RWDWR 6RXIĂ H 3RWDWR 6DODG %URFFROL 6DODG 'HYLOHG (JJV
a 'HVVHUWV a
)UHVK 3LHV +RPHPDGH &DNHV %DQDQD 3XGGLQJ 3HDFK DQG $SSOH &REEOHUV
1JDL 0 %FMJ
1403 Dean AvE s 2OME s 706-232-6922
Cathy Kerce
Photograph by Brittany Hannah
COOSA VALLEY FAIR
Cathy Kerce monkeys around on the midway for a bit, but as Coosa Valley Fair president she coordinated fall’s biggest event in Rome.
Cathy Kerce, who has lived in the Greater Rome area her entire life, has an engaging spirit and gregarious nature when she’s around others, but the truth is she also relishes her alone time “porch sitting and reflecting on the day’s events.” But sometimes you have to be right in the mix of things like Cathy was as president of this year’s Coosa Valley Fair, one of the major harbingers of fall in the region. For five days in early October, thousands of fairgoers from around the region enjoyed the rides and games of the midway, pageants and other competitions ranging from livestock and cheerleading to arts and crafts. Not to mention fair food like corn dogs, cotton candy and funnel cakes. There was a new twist on the grub this year — the Chuck Wagon Cook-Off that featured back-in-time encampments serving up authentic meals from the 1870s. Cathy could be seen sashaying around in a western skirt and petticoat, fishnet stockings with cowgirl boots and topped by a Miss Kitty-style bonnet. “Serving as president of the Coosa Valley Fair was very rewarding. I was able to see the joy and delight in children and adults of all ages. I experienced all the behind-the-scene events that have to happen in order to orchestrate a fair,” said Cathy. “The fair has become a tradition with the Exchange Club of Rome donating the profits from our fair to nonprofit organizations in our community with the majority of the profit going to the Exchange Club Family Resource Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.” Cathy touts herself as a “country girl at heart and I enjoy my deep Southern roots.” She’s had another leadership role this year too, serving as president of the Community Criminal Justice Foundation. The holidays are her favorite time of year since Christmas is a time of giving. It also incorporates her other true passion — shopping. “Every Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, family and friends rent a bus and have a fun-filled day of shopping, sightseeing, and we attend a Christmas lighting event. I could not live without my retail therapy.” Cathy adores the fall and winter seasons and their offerings. “I enjoy craft fairs, trail rides, pumpkin patch visits, Coosa Valley Fair, Chili Cook-Off and Chiaha festival, just to mention a few,” says Cathy. “Winter is a special time for Christmas cantatas, live Nativity scenes, the annual Christmas parade and lighting of the Christmas tree on Broad Street.” Charlotte Atkins, editor
29
50-Plus & Fabulous Making yourself a priority By Diane Wagner Staff Writer
As women get older we become more comfortable with our lives — we’ve drawn family, work and play into a familiar circle where we find relaxation, meaning, joy and ... wait, what? “I think balance is a myth,” said Anne Kaiser, a Georgia Power Co. vice president who’s no stranger to working lunches, business trips and off-hour calls on her time. Anne Kaiser “You have to make choices. You have to fight for what you think is important.” That’s where the wisdom of age comes in. Kaiser said she sets aside one day a month for planning. She takes herself totally offline and works “quietly in the moment.” She also makes sure she has time set aside for herself, and some secret sanctuaries where no one knows who she is. “Weekends are my protected time,” she said with half a laugh. “It makes me a hermit sometimes, but that’s the only way I can go full throttle during the week.” Other busy women aren’t so deliberate with their plans, but they do see the value in carving out a niche for themselves. “Sometimes I get mad at myself for not having enough ‘me-time,’” said Rita Odom, the human resources director for the city of Rome. She says she plays bunco with friends and enjoys line-dancing, “but sometimes it adds to my busy-ness because that’s a commitment too.” In the end, though, it’s time spent alone that restores Odom. “When I’ve really had enough, I get in the car and I go shopping without buying anything,” she said. “If I go downtown I keep running into people I know, so I’ll go out to the mall or somewhere. It’s like wandering in the wilderness.” For Evon Billups, it’s a question of refocusing her energy. The elections supervisor for Floyd County spends a lot of her down-time volunteering with her church’s community service programs. Her grandchildren, especially 13-year-old granddaughter Tacoria Williams, also come in for attention. “She’s in gifted classes at Rome Middle, and we do a lot of activities,” Billups said. “Basically, I’m her chauffeur.” But — seriously, she said — it’s cooking that keeps her centered. “I do that soul food cooking, honey,” she said. “It relaxes me. TV doesn’t help. But thinking about making my food taste good does. I’m not thinking about anything but the food.”
30
Photograph by Brittany Hannah
Rhonda Wallace, a bank vice president and county commissioner, spent a few hands-on hours at Crestview Angus farm as part of Farm-City Week, then went back to work at the bank.
Photograph by Diane Wagner
Rita Odom, human resources director for the city of Rome, has made her office a reminder of home, but sometimes she’ll spend her lunch hour wandering around stores without buying anything, just to recharge herself.
Photograph by Diane Wagner
Evon Billups, county elections supervisor, said she started collecting black porcelain dolls (like these in her office) when she was young.
Evie McNiece, who owns an accounting business and is Rome’s mayor in her “spare” time, said she loves to read when she gets the chance. “It doesn’t matter to me what I read. I can go from fluff to history,” she said. When her children were young, McNiece would set aside a three-hour block of time each month to read her Southern Evie McNiece Living magazine in her Jacuzzi tub. “No one was allowed to ask Mama anything,” she said, but there were always little fingers wiggling under the door. “I still love my Southern Living, but I don’t have three hours any more,” she said. “Once I got on the City Commission, my free time decreased to about an hour. But I love it.” Rhonda Wallace, a bank vice president recently elected to the Floyd County Commission, also loves her work. She said she relaxes by going to the gym once or twice a week, and to her grandchildren’s baseball and softball games. “I so enjoy watching them be happy, the interactions with their friends,” Wallace said. “And (husband) Ronnie and I, for sort of down time together, we like watching TV shows like CSI and Law and Order.” But she said her work at the bank and as a county commissioner gives her a chance to help other people, and that is restorative to her spirit. “That’s how I reconnect,” she said. “Other than getting my nails done or getting my hair done, I don’t really do anything just for myself. Some people may think that’s bad, but I love doing things for others.”
Complete 3HDFH RI 0LQG IRU
&RPSOHWH 3HDFH RI 0LQG IRU QRZ LQFOXGHV D 'LJLWDO 6FUHHQLQJ 0DPPRJUDP DV ZHOO DV D &OLQLFDO %UHDVW ([DP XSRQ UHTXHVW &OLQLFDO %UHDVW ([DP PXVW EH VFKHGXOHG DW WKH WLPH RI ERRNLQJ \RXU 'LJLWDO 6FUHHQLQJ 0DPPRJUDP 7R VFKHGXOH DW 5HGPRQG SOHDVH FDOO (;7(1'(' +2856 $SSRLQWPHQWV DYDLODEOH XQWLO SP RQ WKH WK 7XHVGD\ RI HYHU\ PRQWK 7KH :RPHQ¶V &HQWHU DW 5HGPRQG LV D %UHDVW &HQWHU RI ([FHOOHQFH DQG *ROG 6HDO $FFUHGLWHG E\ WKH $PHULFDQ &ROOHJH RI 5DGLRORJ\ 6SHHG\ DSSRLQWPHQW WLPHV ZLWK SHUVRQDOL]HG TXDOLW\ FDUH
5HGPRQG 5RDG 5RPH *$ 5HGPRQG5HJLRQDO FRP )HH RI LV YDOLG 2FWREHU 'HFHPEHU -DQXDU\ 6HSWHPEHU IHH UHYHUWV WR 3K\VLFLDQV ELOO VHSDUDWHO\ IRU WKHLU VHUYLFHV
32