V3 Grand Summer 2019

Quarterly Senior Living Magazine by V3 Publications

Born & Raised Rome’s biggest cheerleader, Ann Culpepper, takes center stage as she shares her story of how a girl from a small town developed the deepest love for her roots

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Summer 2019

It’s time to

Spring Into Health GRAND COLUMN

NINA LOVEL

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

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

Blood Pressure

Cholesterol and triglycerides

Blood sugar/glucose

Healthy weight ranges

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

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Perpetual Care.

It’s not just important, it’s our Promise!

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www.hendersonandsons.com

5

REASONS TO CHOOSE

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ACTIVEPESTCONTROL.COM READV3.COM SUMMER 2019 GRAND

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ISSUE 11

Published in Summer 2019

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OW NE R + C EO Ian Griffin

W HERE THE HEART IS

Over 10,000 baby boomers are reaching retirement age every day, and with that statistic, Renaissance Marquis is working to deliver the right reasons you or your loved ones should consider an independent living community.

M AGA Z INE D E S IGN Elizabeth Blount Ellie Borromeo

E XEC U TIV E PHOTO GRA PHE R Cameron Flaisch

H ERE AND NOW

First-time memories are treasured forever, and it’s never too late to make new ones as according to Nina Lovel, they will keep you on the up-side of the Happiness Curve for years to come.

C O NTRIBU TING P HOTO GRA PHE RS Jason Huynh

G ROWING GRAY IN GEORGIA

As we age, simple tasks like going to the doctor become challenging, requiring extra help from loved ones or assigned caregivers. ComForCare Home Care gives our seniors and their family members a few tips and suggestions that will make attending doctors’ appointments easy again.

E D I TO RIA L MA NAGE R McKenzie Todd C ON TRIBU TING E D ITO R Oliver Robbins

W HERE AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN

As the heat of summer draws near, Rome Health and Rehab gives seniors, their families, friends and caregivers important reminders and helpful tips that will assist them in having a fun, safe and cool summer this season.

W RITE RS Ashlee Bagnell DeMarcus Daniel Nina Lovel Rachel Reiff McKenzie Todd

Feature 18

A D S A LE S Chris Forino

S ENIOR PROFILE

No one quite knows their way around Rome like Ann Culpepper, and she gives Grand a glimpse inside the experiences of a lifelong Roman native who loves the place she calls home.

A D D E S IGN Elizabeth Blount Ellie Borromeo

PU BLIS HE R V3 Publications, LLC

Life 16

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V ETERAN PROFILE

CO NTACT 417 Broad Street Rome, Georgia 30161 706-235-0748 v3publications@gmail.com

Formerly serving in the Army and Air Force, Roman native Charles Patterson now enjoys spending his time collecting and maintaining a wide-ranging memorabilia collection of old war relics from times past.

RE A DV3.C O M

H OT WHEELS

This Roman’s love for older vehicles fuels his hot rod heart, and Grand takes the passenger seat in exploring Tom Bennett’s 1933 Franklin, a 1969 Chevelle and a 1977 El Camino.

CALENDAR Summer 2019

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LIFE IS GRAND

Once a month, Rome’s Riverwood Senior Living dedicates a special lunch to the veterans who lived their lives in service for our country.

Want to be featured in Life is Grand or recommend someone for a senior profile?

Please contact us!

We're looking for suggestions and participants from our senior community.

Email v3publications@gmail.com

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It's All In Our Name...

nissan • gmc • buick • honda HeritageRome.com • RomeNissan.com • HeritageRomeHonda.com READV3.COM SUMMER 2019 706.291.2277

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NINA LOVEL MARQUIS RENAISSANCE

Looking for Freedom Where The Heart Is with Renaissance Marquis

DID YOU KNOW THAT over 10,000 baby boomers are reaching retirement age every day?

According to the AARP, over 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every single day as well, and this is expected to continue into the 2030’s. This means that nearly seven baby boomers are turning 65 every single minute.

As one grows older and gets closer to this golden-age of retirement, the thought of no longer having to worry about menial tasks like cooking, chores and other household duties becomes more and more attractive. Being able to downsize and relocate to retirement communities is the new, sensational style of independent living.

Independent living communities are available to provide support for older adults who are still in great health, as most independent residents require little to no assistance in their daily activities.

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Where independent living may seem, at first, intimidating to one’s new-found freedom, Renaissance Marquis serves as an inviting apartment-style independent living development where senior residents can joyfully pursue their personal interests, since they no longer worry about the daunting responsibilities of home ownership.

“What we are doing here at Renaissance Marquis is giving our residents a chance to maintain as much independence as they can while enjoying the benefits of retirement,” explains Ben Baker, Marketing Director at Renaissance Marquis.

In fact, Renaissance Marquis features a variety of services that are designed specifically to make your loved one’s lives easier. These services include housekeeping, laundry services, personalized meal plans three times a day, transportation services as well as access to fitness facilities and life enrichment classes.

RENAISSANCE MARQUIS NINA LOVEL

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n

It seems that all that’s left to do is join in the many fun activities offered to residents.

Some of the fun activities offered at Renaissance Marquis are, for example, visiting the coffee shop and ice cream parlor, n playing board games and participating in pool tournaments, going on shopping trips, joining in with the singing group – the Mothering your mother? We can Marquis Melodies, taking advantage of the season tickets to the Rome Little Theater and even going out on the town for dinner help you be a daugther Mothering again. your mother? We can help you be aWe daugthercan again.

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Housekeeping Bathing Assistance for a free, • Meal Preparation PreparationTransportation Incidental Transportation •Housekeeping • Incidental • Meal Assistance no-obligation appointment • Light • ••Bathing Services Each Include: Home Instead Senior Care •franchise office is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Home Instead, Inc. Medication Reminders Care Assistance Housekeeping Bathing Assistance • Personal • Light Because Renaissance Marquis conveniently shares a campus Assistance • Light Housekeeping • Bathing Services Include: Medication Reminders Personal Care Assistance • •Personal Medication Reminders Care Assistance & Errands 706.290.1367 Services Include: • Shopping • Dressing Assistance • • Personal Care Assistance • Medication Reminders • • Shopping & Errands • Dressing Assistance with an assisted living community, ensuring a higher level of Preparation hiscga.com Incidental Transportation Shopping Errands Meal •Preparation Transportation • Meal ••for • Dressing Assistance & &Errands Dressing • Shopping •Incidental Call a Transportation free, Call for a free, Assistance Meal Preparation Incidental care is always available, should it be needed. Along our • with Light • Light Housekeeping Bathing Assistance no-obligation appointment • Housekeeping Bathing Assistance Call for a free, Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Home Instead, Inc. no-obligation appointment •Housekeeping •• Assistance assisted living community, Renaissance Marquis• also offers a Reminders Light 706.290.1367 • Medication • Personal Care Assistance no-obligation appointment • Bathing Reminders Personal Carehiscga.com Assistance 706.290.1367 • Medication •• Dressing Errands Personal Assistance secured memory care unit, hosts a medical directorMedication • Shopping & 706.290.1367 Care Assistance • on staff, as Reminders • hiscga.com & Errands Assistance hiscga.com well as on-site nurses.

Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Home Instead, Inc. • Shopping • Dressing Shopping & Errands Dressing Assistance • • Residents can choose from a variety of attractive floor Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Home Instead, I Each Home Instead to Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Home Instead, Inc. plans and styles, from a one- and two-bedroom apartment a penthouse suite which is perfect for a retired couple who is looking for the added benefits of independent living.

“We really try to differentiate ourselves from nursing homes, because we aren’t that. We are simply an independent living community that truly stresses the term independent,” says Baker.

So, are you ready to give up yard work and start enjoying life?

The team at Renaissance Marquis is available to assist you whenever we can. Call us at (706) 295-0014 or visit our website (www.renaissancemarquis.com) for more information.

Each Home Instead Senior Care ® franchise office is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Home Instead, Inc.

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Each Home Instead Senior Care ® franchise office is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Home Instead, Inc.

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Each Home Instead Senior Care ® franchise office is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Home Instead, Inc.

Each Home Instead Senior Care ® franchise office is independently owned and operated. ® ©2012 Home Each Home Instead Senior Care ® franchise office is independently owned and Instead, operated.Inc. ©2012 Home Instead, Inc.

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the Roseberry

Independent Living | Personal Care | Memory Care

Emily Leffew, Executive Director Ben Baker, Marketing Director

510 Broad Street, Rome, GA • 706.314.9544 GetJamwiched.com • Mon 11am-3pm, Tues to Sat 8am-3pm

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NINA LOVEL

There's a First Time for Everything Here and Now with Nina Lovel

DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST TIME? I hope so!

By definition, there can only be one first time. A pleasant first time is to be treasured forever. It burrows deep into your memory, but not so far that you cannot reach it. It stays where you can pull it back out, caress and live it all over again, and when you do that, it makes you smile.

Now before you decide I’m nosy and your personal first-time is none of my business, you are right: it’s not. But why wouldn’t you want to share the first time you got up on water skis, or the first time you drove the car out of the driveway all by yourself, or the first time you held your newborn? “Ohhh,” you say. “That’s not the kind of first time I thought you meant!”

Hey, I’m innocent! I’m just asking about any of the hundreds of first times you’ve enjoyed in your life. Try this one: Do you remember your last first time? Hopefully it hasn’t been long since you did something great for the first time. To spark your memory, I’ll share some of my own.

I am currently writing this with purple hair. Not the Mrs. Stewart’s Liquid Bluing shade that graced our grandmothers’ hair. My purple is straight from the salon shelf stocked with red, pink, blue, silver and purple temporary (yeah, right) colors. My beloved stylist artfully brushed it in-- because I didn’t want to mess it up-- and the results were spectacular, if I say so myself!

It was my first time dying my hair purple, and it’s been a ton of fun! It must suit me because a coworker opined that, “Can’t just anybody get away with wearing their hair like that!” I hope she meant in a good way. I think she did.

Purple hair wasn’t my last first time, though; it was just the first of others on the April weekend I attended my second FLAME Festival. FLAME is a gathering of people who teach, learn and celebrate the flow arts and, as its name describes, this includes artists who spin, juggle, hoop, toss and otherwise manipulate props that have wicks with fuel on fire. It is a fabulous weekend full of a community of flow artists, and with it comes moments 8

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of spectacle, focus, meditation, adventure and growth.

I went to my first FLAME Festival solely for the two days of hooping classes it offered. I attended my second FLAME for the hooping classes and the indescribable performances and experiences that I had discovered. The first time I observed.

The second time I participated, volunteered and entered the community. All-in-all, I turned my hair purple for FLAME IX! Now, before I tell you about the first times that followed purple-hair-day, please know this: I am an adventurous person, but I do not push the bounds of safety. If there is a chance I will get injured doing something, I don’t do it. I was injured once, and not only did it hurt, it slowed me down and that was worse than the pain! Yes, I swim in rivers and ride bikes and paddle kayaks, but I know my limits and I am a safety fanatic.

Remember this, because I want to share my next first time without worrying you to death. I can’t keep you from rolling your eyes or throwing up your hands, but I’m sharing all of this to inspire you.

If you, my treasured reader, have thought about doing something for the first time and my story gives you the courage to do it, that’s a good day’s work for me!

The day after I turned my hair purple, I walked on glowing coals at FLAME. The Fire Walk is a tradition for this gathering, and it always fascinated me. I didn’t Fire Walk my first year, but I did run into one of the Fire Walk producers and learned that

NINA LOVEL

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NINA LOVEL

they professionally produce Fire Walks all around the country.

Curious, I read more about fire walking over the ensuing year and came to know that I would do it one day.

We gathered at dusk and watched as the pyramidal cedar log fire was meticulously tended. To ensure that no pebbles or other foreign objects adulterated the coals, two curators dipped their shovels in water before gently coaxing errant embers back into the stack. A gentle young man shared the history of Fire Walking and led us through meditations. He asked us to share with two people our reasons for being there and what we expected to gain, and he led us to encourage one another. It was Lent, and I shared my faith with a precious young man named Miles who was trying to overcome seeing his fiancé perish in an accident. My Lenten journey had been one of meditation and mindfulness, and my Fire Walk would be a testament to my faith. Miles said he could tell how much I loved my God. It was the first time I had ever shared my faith in that way.

After dark, the coals were gently shoveled onto damp grass in a line about eighteen inches wide and ten feet long. We lined up and made friends with those ahead of and behind us. We were told that if we got to the front of the line and couldn’t do it for whatever reason, that was perfectly okay. We could go to the back of the line and try again, or not. We were told that if we started to walk then changed our mind, to just step off to the side. You were supposed to walk gently but with purpose, and we were told that sometimes a coal might “kiss” your foot, and if that happened there was some salve at the first aid tent. Nobody worried about that, and to my knowledge it didn’t happen.

I was completely at peace. At my turn I did not hesitate; I just walked. I did not get a kiss; I didn’t even feel the warmth. My last step was onto cool, wet-squishy grass. I didn’t speak with anyone after that; I just went back to my tent and wrote. It was a first time I could never have imagined.

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Here’s another question for you: If you’re over 50, do you feel happier than you did in your 40’s? And if you’re over 60 (and up), are you happier still? Research shows that this does happen.

While it’s well documented that many of us hit some “doldrums” in our 40’s there is also ample proof that once we get into the 50’s, our overall happiness begins to increase. In a 2014 article from The Atlantic, Jonathan Rauch quotes a conversation with Donald Richie: “Midlife crisis begins sometime in your 40’s, when you look at your life and think, Is this all? And it ends about 10 years later, when you look at your life again and think, Actually, this is pretty good.”

The article describes a “U-curve” of happiness that bottoms out in our 40’s and only goes up from there, even into our 90’s. It resonated deeply with me. I’ve watched it happen and I’ve lived it, too. Those of us on the right side of the U-curve have nothing left to prove and everything left to be grateful for. We’ve earned the right to have as many more first-times as we can stand, and may they never stop coming!

My next first time is in the pipeline. Several Grand issues back (December 2016), I wrote about my passion for hooping. Rather than the hula-hoop style of our fond childhood memories, I enjoy contact hooping where I play with smaller, lighter hoops that I can flip, toss, spin and roll across my shoulders or my chest (on a good day). If you can’t get a visual image of what I’m talking about, search for Mike Hayataka on Google and watch his YouTube videos. I love his grace and confidence with hoops, and he doesn’t know it yet, but he’s going to be my next first-time.

Get your mind out of the gutter: It’s going to be the first time I’ve taken private contact hooping lessons!

What will your next first time be?

Let me know at ninalovel@gmail.com. *https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/12/the-realroots-of-midlife-crisis/382235/

Need Frames?

Classically Crafted

706.584.7816 116 Broad St.,Rome, GA amanda@farrellsframeanddesign.com www.FarrellsFrameAndDesign.com

DISCOVER REAL POSSIBILITIES IN GEORGIA. AARP is in Georgia creating real, meaningful change. We’re proud to help all our communities become the best they can be.

Like providing family caregivers with tips to take care of loved ones, helping to make our communities more livable and hosting fun, informative events all across the state.

If you don’t think Real Possibilities when you think AARP, then you don’t know “aarp.”

Get to know us at aarp.org/ga.

/AARPGeorgia Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.

@AARPGA

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COMFORCARE

At Your Side Growing Gray in Georgia

with ComForCare Home Care 12 TIPS ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS There are several momentous occasions in a person’s life: getting a driver’s license, having a child, graduating school, or, often overlooked, becoming the caregiver of a parent or another older loved one.

Caregiving can take many forms. Family caregivers often accompany their parent to their doctor appointments and possibly even sit in the exam room with them. While there’s no studying involved for this exam, it’s important to be prepared, especially when you are advocating care for someone else.

Below are 12 suggestions on what to do before, during and after a visit with the doctor.

BEFORE 1. Make sure your loved one has a release of information signed in their medical records, so you can be involved directly in their care.

2. Pack a go-bag that includes a list of your loved one’s

current medications (including vitamins and supplements) and a change of clothing in case of any accidents while away from home.

3. Write down any questions and/or concerns you or your

parent have about their health. Then, prioritize them to the top two or three so the physician can have enough time to answer each one.

4. Pack a notebook, laptop, tablet, etc. so you can take notes.

5. Have a chat. While you might start playing or

working on your smartphone or laptop while waiting to be seen, it’s important to engage with your loved one even if it’s just filling out a crossword puzzle together.

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COMFORCARE

DURING 1. Use your notebook, laptop, etc. and jot down any changes or the physician’s concerns.

2. Reference your written questions and ask them.

3. Involve your parent in their own care. You could remind

them about their written questions by asking, “Dad, didn’t you tell me earlier that you had a question for the doctor?”

4. If you are seeing a specialist, ask if the office staff can

send copies of medical records to the primary care doctor.

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2. Drop off any new prescriptions at your loved one’s pharmacy and schedule any tests like an MRI or colonoscopy as soon as possible.

3. If your parent needed to fast for blood work or maybe

received some bad news, get some lunch with them after the visit. Make it a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

There may be days where you can’t join your loved one on their trip to the doctor. That’s where ComForCare Home Care comes in. Our caregivers can provide transportation and even escort your loved one to their appointment. To learn more about how we can help, give us a call at 706-622-3065.

AFTER 1. Ask your parent if they have any new questions or concerns and write them down.

Remembrance Village Where everyday is meaningful

Senior Living

Remembrance Village

Premiere Memory Care Community

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ROME HEALTH AND REHAB

Cool for the Summer Where Amazing Things Happen with Rome Health and Rehab

FOR MOST PEOPLE, summer is usually a time of fun, rest and relaxation. But with the sun and blazing heat, it can also be extremely dangerous.

Our body has an internal temperature and it works every minute to maintain that standard. As temperature rises, so does your internal body temperature. Excessive heat forces your body to work harder than normal, which is often the root cause of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Essentially the heat forces your body to work beyond its limits.

For seniors, as we age, our bodies are not as efficient at regulating its own temperature. Seniors do not sweat as much as they once did, which is one of the body’s most essential ways to regulate its internal temperature. A senior’s body also stores fat very differently, which complicates the body’s self-regulating temperature even more. This is why heat and sun exposure can be extremely dangerous to anyone over 65 years old and is why seniors suffer more from heat stroke than younger people throughout the summer.

From 1999-2009, roughly 40 percent of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. were adults over 65 years old.

As we get ready to face the hottest season, Rome Health and Rehab offers seniors, their families, friends and caregivers these reminders and helpful tips in having a fun, safe summer.

STAY HYDRATED

Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration and can also become less aware of their thirst. Remember to drink water often, even if you are not thirsty. A good rule of thumb is to drink water with every meal and every one to two hours in between.

KEEP YOUR COOL

Stay cool! Even small increases in temperature can be very serious for seniors, especially those with chronic medical conditions. This doesn’t mean stay locked in-doors; you still need to get out and be active, but you can find alternate cool ways to get out. Shopping malls/centers, movie theaters, restaurants, museums, senior centers and libraries provide welcome, cool spaces.

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Tips in keeping your own home cool: block the sun and heat by keeping blinds and shades closed. If you must bake, do it early in the morning. Have your AC serviced to ensure it’s in proper working condition and make sure ceiling fans are properly working as well.

EXERCISE SMART

If you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking or gardening, make sure to wear the proper clothing, and keep track of time.

Don't stay out for long periods of time and make sure to drink even more water than usual when exercising. Also, consider getting outdoor exercise done earlier in the morning or later in the evening, when the sun is not at its peak.

WEAR THE RIGHT STUFF

Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing, hats and sunscreen.

Sunscreen is essential for everyone; from infants to seniors, it is a must in protecting our skin from harmful UV rays and preventing sunburn and other complications as serious as skin cancer. Many medications make one more prone to sunburn, so wearing sunscreen and hats is even more important.

KNOW THE RISKS OF HYPERTHERMIA

During the summer, be particularly cautious about abnormally high body temperatures — a condition known as hyperthermia.

Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia that can be very serious, sometimes life threatening, and requires immediate medical attention. Seniors sometimes have a harder time knowing when they are dehydrated and their bodies have more difficulty regulating their temperatures and are more prone to heat stroke.

Untreated heatstroke can damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. Make sure to know the warning signs and get medical attention immediately if you or anyone you know (senior or not) is experiencing these symptoms: p Body temperature greater than 104 degrees p A change in behavior, such as acting confused, agitated or grouchy p Dry, flushed skin p Nausea and vomiting p Headache

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p Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse p Not sweating, even if it's hot out p Fainting If you or someone you know start to feel any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and take action. Get out of the heat, lie down and cool your body off with any means you have nearby: a cold bath or shower, water hose, sponge with cold water or place ice packs or cold wet towels on the body especially on the neck, head, armpits and groin area.

STAY IN TOUCH AND MEET THE NEIGHBORS

Communicate! Let friends and family know if you’ll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, even if only gardening. Do you know your neighbors?

See if a younger neighbor, perhaps even one of their kids, can do yard work for you or at least come by and check on you occasionally. If you’re a neighbor of a senior, ask what you can do to help and pay special attention, calling authorities immediately if you see anything out of the ordinary.

For everyone involved, the extra company and friendship is just an added bonus.

Denise Champagne, Jennifer Haislip-Lynn, Lisa Thomas

KNOW WHO TO CALL

Prepare a list of emergency contact numbers and place them in a highly visible area (on the refrigerator, by a phone, etc.). These numbers will always come in handy to you in an emergency situation, but also a loved one, neighbor or friend.

Rome Health and Rehab has been serving and caring for Rome and surrounding communities for over 50 years. With a management team that has over a combined 150 years of service, a highly respected 24-hour skilled nursing team, a renowned therapy team offering both inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy services, and a physician team led by Medical Director Dr. Charles Betz with two full-time Nurse Practitioners, wound and pain management physicians, Rome Health and Rehab is committed and dedicated in caring for our Rome community.

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NINA LOVEL VETERAN PROFILE

Collecting Memories Veteran Profile Photography Jason Huynh

Text Rachel Reiff

CHARLES PATTERSON has lived anything but an ordinary life. As a former member of both the United States Army and the Air Force, he has stood guard over WWII war prisoners in Japan and served as an Air Policeman during the Korean War. No doubt he has many memories to share from his 90 years of life with the readers of Grand Magazine.

This is Charles’ story.

Having grown up in Lindale, Georgia and the surrounding area, Patterson was only 18 years of age when he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. The year was 1947, and World War II had ended just two short years before. Though not active duty, Patterson was stationed to be a guard at Sugamo Prison in Japan, which housed suspected war criminals waiting to be sentenced by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. One such criminal was Hideki Tojo, General in the Imperial Japanese Army and Prime Minister of Japan.

While the prison was a dark place for those who had opposed the Allies during the war, Patterson himself and his fellow U.S. soldiers felt nothing but compassion for the Japanese citizens. “Us G.I.s, we couldn’t stand to see the little kids go hungry. We’d give them everything we had. We’d even go get them food out of the mess hall,” says Patterson.

After serving in the army in Japan, Patterson returned home and married his sweetheart, Betty Freeman, in 1949.

They ended up having five children together, two daughters and three sons; and later eight grandchildren.

After returning from Japan, Patterson explained that finding a job was difficult. So, he decided to join the Air Force and went on an 11-month Tour of Duty during the Korean War.

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VETERAN PROFILE

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“I was an Air Policeman, which is simply just military police.

See what we did in Korea, we liberated Korea from Japan,” Patterson explains.

After returning from Korea, Patterson worked for Georgia Craft for 34 years as an equipment operator.

For many years now, Patterson has been an avid collector of all things related to the United States’ wars, and specifically Sugamo Prison memorabilia. His home, which he shared with Betty until her passing in 2006, is now filled with relics and notable collectors’ items. Lining almost two complete walls of his living room are pictures of notable figures of the War and prisoners held at Sugamo. Another poster actually features all of the Sugamo guards, including the 18-year-old Patterson.

A completely separate room of the home functions as Patterson’s library. There, hundreds of books, encyclopedias, movies and more are displayed. One of the special items featured in the library is an authentic Japanese Imperial Flag, signed by the members of a Japanese Company. Hidden in one of Patterson’s books is a copy of Japanese Yen, signed by Tojo himself.

Patterson says that at 90 years old, he is now looking for someone to help him write a book, in order to share the many stories he’s collected from his fellow soldiers throughout the years. “I have the materials, it’s already [written]. I just need to get someone to put it together,” he smiles.

We are honored to retell these memories of one of our country’s heroes and to personally thank Mr. Patterson for his service.

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The Town That Built Me

Passionate historian and lover of all things Rome, Ann Culpepper defines her life’s work as a selfless deed of affection for the marvelous city she has called home for decades.

Photography Jason Huynh

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Text DeMarcus Daniel

GRAND FEATURE

ANNE CULPEPPER

AS ANN CULPEPPER SAT DOWN FOR HER INTERVIEW WITH GRAND, she

immediately began speaking about the 2019 NCAA Division Men’s Basketball Tournament. Her alma mater, the University of North Carolina, had been eliminated, so she would be cheering on Virginia because of the Atlantic Coast Conference connection. She also stated she would try and root for Auburn due to Charles Barkley and his commercials involving Spike Lee and Samuel Jackson.

“I’m particularly fond of the marvelous commercial where he has the dog, ‘Charles BARKley and the bird, Larry BIRD,” laughs Culpepper. As soon as the conversation began, the tone for this 20

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particular senior profile was set. Before we forget, Virginia went on to win March Madness, so the ACC did prevail for Culpepper.

Ann Culpepper is a Rome City historian and educator. For years, she has been the person people have turned to for information on some of the most important places here in the city. From her volunteer days at East Rome High School, and later Rome High School in the media center, to being a chaperone on school field trips, guiding tours of Broad Street, Myrtle Hill Cemetery and the ‘City Clock’ (now called the clocktower), she has always been the holder of history here in the city of Rome.

ANNE CULPEPPER

“I was born here in Rome several years ago,” smiles Culpepper as she lets out a huge laugh shortly after. “I have lived here all of my life except for my four years in college and my first year of marriage. I was an only child and some people are apologetic about that. There is a thought in society-- that I consider a myth-- that an only child is selfish. I was raised as to not be selfish, and that I had to give up things,” continues Culpepper.

“An example of that is years ago I had an aunt to pass away. She had some of the most beautiful giraffe statues that I absolutely loved, and she promised them to me when she passed. Well when the time came, my uncle expressed that he wanted them, so my mother gave them to him and promised me that I’d get them when he passed on. Some years later, I visited his apartment in Florida and didn’t see the statues. I asked him where they were, and he told me that he had come in drunk from a party and smashed them to smithereens. That has absolutely been the hardest test of my unselfishness,” chuckles Culpepper.

You see, Culpepper’s mother and father instilled in her a sense of volunteering and giving back very early in her life. “This town has been good to me and I’ve always wanted to repay it where I could,” smiles Culpepper. And pay it back she has.

GRAND FEATURE

Culpepper was a volunteer in the public-school system for years, including the 20 years in the media center at East Rome High.

“I loved every minute of every year at that school. My daughters went through East Rome as well. It was just a marvelous time in my life,” she says.

Along with the schools in the area, Culpepper has also volunteered in the business bureau and at other business conventions. She was a volunteer and very involved in the transfer of the Olympic Flag during the 1996 Olympics when it was being brought over from Barcelona, among other experiences. But outside of East Rome High, her other favorite places to volunteer are in Downtown Rome; more specifically Broad Street, the Clocktower and Myrtle Hill Cemetery, of which she has conducted tours for decades.

Culpepper started giving tours when she was asked to fill in for the original tour guide who had had an emergency and could not be there that day. She stepped in as interim tour guide and has never stopped.

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GRAND FEATURE

ANNE CULPEPPER

“Here I was standing there with a mic in my hand, nervous as all get out. I felt like had I opened my mouth, my tongue was going to fall out,” she says with a boisterous laugh. “I got it done, though, and I really owe that ability to something from my childhood.

“What I’m about to tell you is one reason I cannot watch “Driving Ms. Daisy,” as that movie hits very close to home.

My grandfather was blind and needed a driver, and as a child when I was out of school, I would ride around with them. My grandfather knew a lot about the area, and he would share it with me, which is essentially how I learned the history of Rome—was through the eyes of a blind man,” explains Culpepper. “My grandfather was a marvelous man and I truly wish I had realized how wonderful he was during his lifetime.”

One of Culpepper’s favorites to give tours of is Clocktower Hill.

“I used to tease Mr. John Bennett that when I died, I was going to be cremated and I want my ashes to be mixed in paint and painted inside the walls of the clock,” says Culpepper.

Glowingly, she recalls her experiences giving education classes and tours of the clock tower.

There is now a garden being dedicated to Ann Culpepper’s honor at the base of the Clocktower, given the name, Times Goes By. “The garden is being dedicated in my honor due to the number of students I have taught the history of Rome to.

But there were other volunteers at the clock as well,” says Culpepper. “I feel like, as much as it’s an honor to and for me for the city to award that to me, I’m accepting it on behalf of all of the other volunteers as well.

“Honestly, I have never done anything in my life to be recognized. I did it because I was raised to sacrifice and give

back, and this town has been good to me and I’ve always wanted to repay it where I could,” tells Culpepper.

Indeed, Culpepper has been fairly recognized for her efforts in the community. She was the 1995 Rome Heart of The Community Award winner and the 2013 Governor’s Award Heart of the Community Award winner. She is also one of the four women who reside in Rome to have received the Active and Alive Well Past 65 Award from the Georgia Council of Women for Volunteer Work. “I fudged on my age on the Council of Women award though, because I’m only 26 years old,” says Culpepper with a wink and smile.

Among her other awards, she received East Rome High’s last Gladiator of the Year Award from the Student Council. She has also been Grand Marshal of the Rome Christmas Parade.

“Honestly, there are probably 10,000 people in Rome whose deserved any award that I received more than I did,” she humbly states.

It is not a secret that Ann Culpepper loves Rome with all of her heart.

“Rome is a marvelous town. I really love the city of Rome as it has a little bit of everything. Way back when, I was a cheerleader in school, and now I consider myself a cheerleader for Rome. I just think it’s really the most wonderful place in the world,” says Culpepper with love and sincerity oozing throughout her words.

“Let me tell you, I have lived a marvelous life, in a marvelous city. I do need to be more active in my church though,” Ms. Culpepper states as a matter of fact. After performing a lifetime of work for others, she sees that she still has more to do.

“I was a cheerleader in school, and now I consider myself a cheerleader for Rome.

I just think it’s really the most wonderful place in the world.”

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ANNE CULPEPPER

GRAND FEATURE

Life is an Adventure! Come Join US! If you are 50 years young (or older) come enjoy your free time with us — traveling, dining, touring historic sites and more.

Also, enjoy our fee FREE Checking Account, along with FREE River City Bank checks, a FREE 3 x 5 Safe Deposit Box, and more!

Our River City Ramblers are eligible to participate in our fun-filled luncheons and pre-planned group trips!* Simply pack your bag and hop on the motor coach!

For more information contact: Sue White River City Rambers, Coordinator 706.236.3554 *Some restrictions may apply

RCB_HALF_3RamblerClub_V3ad.indd 1

R E A D V 3 . C O M S U M M E R 2 0 110/19/18 9 G R A N10:43 D 2AM 3

SENIOR LIFESTYLE

HOT WHEELS Radar Love

Photography Jason Huynh

T

Text Ashlee Bagnell

om Bennett may be retired, but he goes to work every day. While managing an office complex off of Riverside Parkway in Rome, Ga., Bennett gets to bring his true passion with him.

Located in the large garage in the back of his office building, here Bennett works on his three prized vehicles: a 1977 El Camino, a 1969 Chevelle and a 1933 Franklin. Each car is well cared for, as he can be seen driving around Rome in each of them, if the weather is nice.

“I chose the Chevelle because it’s almost exactly like a car that I had in 1969,” says Bennett. “It had the Super Sport package with bucket seats.” He bought the El Camino to honor a beloved car from 1977. He explains, “The ’77 El Camino I found up in Habersham County. A kid that was going to Kennesaw State University was the second owner of the car, so it was really nice. I had a ’77 Chevelle in 1977 for a while and I liked it, so I bought this one.”

While he doesn’t have any memories with a Franklin, when he saw the 1933 automobile at a car show in Tennessee, he knew he had to have it. And while he doesn’t have a favorite car, if pressed he will tell you that his favorite ones are the ones he has at the moment.

Bennett’s family appreciate his cars, but he makes it clear that it’s his hobby. “My wife doesn’t criticize me or fuss at me for buying them, but she’s not a car nut like I am,” explains Bennett.

In fact, Bennett has spent his whole life around cars and has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

“I just always enjoyed looking at cars and I guess, like a lot of kids, my earliest memories were wanting a Craftsman toolkit for Christmas so I could work on cars,” laughs Bennett. “I was about five years old at the time, so I guess it goes back a pretty long way.”

With his lifetime of knowledge and experience to depend on and share about his cars, Bennett says it all boils down to this: “I have always loved automobiles.”

1969

CHEVELLE

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1977

EL CAMINO

1933

FRANKLIN READV3.COM SUMMER 2019 GRAND

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OUT AND ABOUT IN ROME

Life is Grand Remember the Heroes

Text McKenzie Todd Photography Cameron Flaisch Riverwood Senior Living (511 West 10th Street, Rome) hosted their fourth monthly Veterans Luncheon dedicated specifically to the veterans, and their spouses, who call Rome, Ga. home.

Regina Wright, Executive Director at Riverwood Senior Living, knew she and her staff at Riverwood could do more when celebrating and thanking all of the veterans in and around their community.

Through this began the first Veteran Luncheon, which hosted an amazing turn-out.

Accented all throughout the dining room were red, white and blue decorations, as the staff at Riverwood prepared a home-cooked meal for the attendees. A mass of Korean War memorabilia was set at the head of the room, courtesy of

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Mr. Charlie Patterson, a KW60 Ambassador in the Department of Defense who served on the 60th Anniversary of the Korean war Commemoration Committee.

They also hosted a guest speaker, Redonna Branton with Transitions Hospice Care, on preparing their loved ones for the future.

“We like to show our appreciation to our Veterans and all that they have sacrificed during their lives, and we feel that by hosting a monthly lunch for them, that we can show our appreciation in this small way,” says Wright.

If you wish to attend next month’s Veteran Luncheon, contact Riverwood Senior Living at 706-235-0807 to sign up.

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NINA LOVEL

GRAND SUMMER 2019 READV3.COM

Event Calendar MONDAYS Pool Room Open • 9am - 5pm At Parker Center

Sittercise • 9 - 10am

Cyber Seniors • 4 - 5pm

At Parker Center, Activity room

Line Dancing Lessons • 6 - 8pm

At Parker Center, Banquet room *2 per class

At Parker Center, Activity room

Silver Sneakers • 9 - 10am

At Parker Center, Banquet room

Dulcimer Lessons • 10 - 11am At Parker Center, Activity room

Gospel Singing • 10:30am - 12:30pm At Parker Center, Banquet room

Senior Activities • 10am - 2pm

At Gilbreath Center (games, bingo and more)

Pickleball • 10am - 2pm

At Gilbreath Center *$1 to play

Duplicate Bridge Club • 12:30 - 4pm At Parker Center, Activity room

Line Dancing Practice • 2 - 4pm At Parker Center, Banquet room

Line Dancing Lessons • 6 - 8 pm

WEDNESDAYS Sittercise • 9 - 10am

At Parker Center, Activity room

GA Mountain Music • 10am - 12pm At Parker Center, Banquet room

Senior Activites • 11am - 1pm At Fielder Center (exercise, bingo, pot luck lunch)

Bingo • 1 - 2pm

At Parker Center, Banquet room

Line Dancing • 2:30 - 4:30pm At Parker Center, Banquet room

THURSDAYS Duplicate Bridge Club • 12:45 - 4pm At Parker Center, Activity room

At Thornton Center *$2 per class

Social Dance Lessons • 6 - 9 pm

FRIDAYS

At Parker Center, Banquet room *$5 per class

Sittercise • 9 - 10am

TUESDAYS

Pickleball + Cards • 9:30am - 12pm

Sittercise • 9 - 10am

At Parker Center, Activity room

Silver Sneakers • 9:15 - 10:15am

At Parker Center *$2 per class nonmembers, Banquet room

Line Dancing Lessons • 2 - 4pm At Parker Center

At Parker Center, Activity room At Gilbreath Center *$1 to play

Line Dancing • 10am - 12pm

At Parker Center, Banquet room *$2 per class

Line Dancing • 1 - 3pm

At Parker Center, Banquet room *$2 per class

Bridge Club • 1 - 4pm At Parker Center

Provided by the RFPRA, this event calendar is consistent month to month.

Visit rfpra.com/active-adults or call 706-234-0383 for more information.

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NINA LOVEL

ACW

LANDSCAPES

bist

A.C.W. LANDSCAPES M E N T IO N T H IS AD FOR 10% OFF L AW N M A IN T E NANCE

LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE SINCE 2003 We offer professional services such as: • Landscape Architecture • Design & Installation with 3D Auto-Cad renderings • Full Service Lawn Maintenance • Hardscapes • Irrigation systems • Rain harvest systems • Water features • Landscape lighting • Drainage solutions and much more.

Quality of Service & Customer Satisfaction are Our Top Priority.

4617 GA | 706-528-4963 | www.acwlandscapes.com | Find us on Facebook 3 0 G RRockmart A N D S U M M E R Hwy 2 0 1 9 RSilver E A D V 3 . C Creek, OM

The Dish

NINA LOVEL

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bistro

MEDITERRANEAN

bistro

www.getjamwiched.com

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

706-238-9000

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

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

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

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

706-234-4613

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

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

www.hardees.com

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

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

www.fuddruckers.com/rome 706-233-9960

Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-3pm

706-314-9544 Jamwich - Serving distinctive sandwiches, salads, and soups. Sandwiches built with the finest ingredients: Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, Zelma’s Blue Ribbon Jams and Jellies, fresh sourdough bread, premium Boars Head thick cut bacon and farm-to-table produce.

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

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

706-622-2977

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

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

706.291.2021

595 Riverside Parkway Rome, GA 30161

510 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

5 E Main St Cartersville, GA 30120

770-607-0067

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

Casual counter serve offering sandwiches, salads & American comfort food, now serving breakfast Wed through Sat 7-10am

www.maineonmain.com Hours: Sun -Thu: 11am-9pm Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm

Fuddruckers catering can help you feed just about any size group, anytime, anywhere. Our menu will please the most discerning tastes and meet the high standards you require. We know how to make your event spectacular with the WORLD’S GREATEST CATERING.

24 W Main St Cartersville, GA 30120

770-334-3813

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

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

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

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Independent Living | Personal Care | Memory Care

706.295.0014 • 2 03126 Hwy SW, Rome, GA 30161-4314 • www.RenaissanceMarquis.com 32 GRAND SUMMER 1 9 R E A DCedartown V3.COM