April 2024

treetop retreat two stunning forest escapes could be the perfect answer for anyone craving a beautiful, yet close to home staycation.

With over 78 combined years of senior living experience, you will be delighted to see how fast our team will help you feel right at home!

Expert ER Care

If you or a loved one are injured or experience chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe stomach pain, don’t hesitate. You’ll find expert emergency physicians at the AdventHealth Redmond ER standing by to help you feel whole.

To find the ER nearest you, visit AdventHealthGeorgia.com

APRIL 2024

COLUMNS FEATURES

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Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. This month, Nero Romansky answers questions from Romans about books, books, and more books.

Each year Harbin Clinic partners with The Exchange Club Family Resource Center and Advocates for Children to promote awareness and to provide encouragement, education and practical help for our children and families.

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For April's Hardy Home, Split Rock Townhomes offer prospective homeowners looking for luxury and convenience in a modern package the perfect options.

Just minutes from home, two treehouse getaways could be just the staycation needed to leaf you rested and rejuvenated.

As your locally-owned community bank, we are here for you no matter what changes in your life and we are with you every step of your financial journey.

Your trusted local banking team stands ready to assist you with your Personal and Business banking needs.

Checking Accounts (Personal & Business)

Business Loans

CDs/IRAs/Money Market (Personal & Business)

Mortgages

Savings Accounts (Personal & Business)

Same Day Debit Card

Online Banking

Mobile App/Mobile Banking

Bill Pay And More!

Publisher's Note

Griffin

March Madness, The Masters and the start of the Major League Baseball season can only mean one thing, it’s spring. Longer days, warmer weather, lots of yellow powder covering everything outside and this year, for me and my quaint little Honda-CRV, a battle with a rogue cardinal.

OWNER & CEO Ian

Surrounded by natural splendor on the banks of Eagle Lake, the simple things in life are made even better at The Spires. With all the serenity of our 27,000 wooded acres yet all the vitality of our location at Berry College, it’s second nature to explore new opportunities and make genuine connections when you’re here.

This spectacular setting is brought to life by resort-style amenities, chef-prepared dining, friendly neighbors and a carefree lifestyle — plus the assurance of quality care available on-site if ever needed.

Come see our breathtaking lake and mountain views for yourself — call 706-607-5322 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.

Show Me Your BOOKS!

Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the perspective of the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky, the unqualified, longlost descendant of Julius Caesar, answers his letters from his less-than-loyal subjects. It’s like holding in a fart while judging a BBQ contest.

[Lounging on the secondfloor couch of the Sara Hightower Regional Library, Nero spots a beautiful woman perusing the fiction shelves.

He approaches her with the cocky swagger expected of a Roman Emperor. Holding a pair of classic Stephen King novels under her arm, the mystery woman sees the alpha male saunter towards her. They awkwardly flirt for a few minutes before Nero launches into his worst literary pickup line.]

“Hey Gorgeous, since you like the King, how about you show me your BOOKS…”

First question.

DEAR EMPEROR NERO,

“Why is it every time someone needs an example of a famous author, they use Steven King?

— Peter Plot-Device | Helpful Tool of the Author, Always Willing to Lend a Hand

DEAR PETER,

The short answer is, “It’s a union thing.” The mediumlength answer is Steven King’s name is an anagram for “Given Tens, K?” and “Even G-Stink!” Both should be self-explanatory.

The long answer is that Stephen King writes novels with over a thousand pages, so the titanic word count creates an illusion of brilliance. However, The Stand is sooooooo long that no one in recorded history has read it from cover to cover, including the editors and publishing staff.

At least 200 pages of Pet Cemetery is nothing more than grandmother’s recipe for beef stroganoff.

Me Vexat Pede, — Nero

Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is the Chief Ambassador of Fun at WorkPlay Solutions, the author of Forever Sisters, and the Vice President of the Children’s Museum of Rome. He hopes you pity laugh at his humor and satire stories, especially the ones that aren’t funny.

DEAR NERO,

“What are your thoughts on independent bookstores? We want to support small businesses in NW Georgia instead of faceless global corporations like Amazon.

—Rebecca River and Alvarez Hill | Roman Citizens With No Connection to the New Bookstore

DEAR RIVER & HILL,

The Emperor appreciates independent bookstores. With their charming atmosphere and knowledgeable book-o-phile staff, what’s not to love? That's why he’s so excited about River & Hill Books joining the Broad Street bunch. Their logo has three rivers AND seven hills, doubling the chances of longterm success in Rome. Imagine if Dogwood Books were Wolfwood Books; they would own half of Floyd County by now.

Will these mom-and-pop shops compete with the Amazon behemoth? Nero thinks so—especially if they carry best-selling titles like FUN Lies: The Ambassador’s Leaky Bucket of Stories That Are Completely Half-True by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed.

Me Vexat Pede,

— Nero

DEAR EMPEROR NERO,

“Do you have any recommendations for my summer reading list? Our family is spending the summer at Hilton Head, and I always run out of favorites by week three. I prefer books with cute vampires and werewolves, but I’m open to any light reading before dual enrollment at Harvard Law next fall.”

— Zelda Irube | Class of 2025, Darlington School

DEAR ZELDA,

Zelda, legend has it that your old pal Nero can help. Unfortunately, the divine seed of Roman leadership is functionally illiterate. My favorite books are If You Give a Deer a Donut and Green Eggs and Spam, which are well below your reading level.

To spend a summer without stimulating brain cells, the Emperor likes Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels. For an added challenge and party game, drink a non-alcoholic Arnold Palmer whenever the narrator repeats the phrase, “Reacher said Nothing.” You’ll be peeing your beachwear in minutes.

One piece of literary garbage you should AVOID reading is FUN Lies: The Ambassador’s Leaky Bucket of Stories That Are Completely Half-True by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed.

Knowing teenagers are prone to rebel and make bad choices, hear my warning. DO NOT visit Amazon to buy FUN Lies when it’s released on Wednesday, May 8th. And for the love of the moons of Jupiter, NEVER leave Mark’s new book a glowing five-star review.

Me Vexat Pede, — Nero

SERIOUSLY NERO?

“Ignoring for a moment the ridiculous premise of an illiterate man-child giving book recommendations, what’s the deal with this month’s Letters to the Emperor column? I expect fake advice. But the shameless promotion of a new humor and satire anthology by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed? Inconceivable.”

— Dr. Humbert R. Tuffleson, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Ancient History at Georgia Highlands College

SILLY HUMBERT,

Independently published authors have very little substance in their shame tank, and Mark is no exception. If he were truly shameless, Mr. Suroviec wouldn’t only promote FUN Lies. He would also direct the reader to buy his first book, Forever Sisters, ask you to hire WorkPlay Solutions for team and leadership training, and then beg for large financial donations to the Children’s Museum of Rome.

But Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is a professional and would never debase the sanctity of this column by sinking so low.*

Me Vexat Pede, — Nero

Disclaimer: Emperor Nero Romansky is a satirical character written and created by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed. All people and quotations are fictional, invented by the limited imagination of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of the author, editors, or V3 Magazine. *FUN Lies is available at Amazon on May 8th, 2024.

Do you have questions? Emperor Nero has answers.

Please send your letters to: EmperorNeroRomanskyKnowsAll@gmail.com or scan the QR code

Did You Know?

At Henderson and Sons Funeral Homes, we strive to provide the highest levels of compassionate service to families during their time of greatest need.

Not all funeral service providers are the same. Do you know the differences between a full-service and discount provider?

Full-Service Discount Provider

Provides support and guidance through pre-planning, at-need, and aftercare

Experienced, licensed funeral directors on staff

Personalized, attentive service in state-of-the-art facilities

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

Smaller staff and higher volume mean less time and care given to each family

May not have a licensed funeral director on staff

Cuts corners on service and facilities because of “discount” reputation

Low advertised price and many additional hidden costs

TODAY’S INFORMED PARENTING, TOMORROW’S HOPE FOR EVERY CHILD

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each year Harbin Clinic partners with nonprofits throughout the region to promote awareness and to provide encouragement, education and practical help for our children and families.

Providers and advocates plant gardens of countless twirling blue pinwheels outside Harbin Clinic facilities, serving as a poignant representation of the connection between a happy childhood and a hopeful future for every child. The pinwheels are also a reminder of the local communities’ opportunity to make a difference in the lives of at-risk children.

Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Cartersville with Advocates for Children

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Harbin Clinic works with four regional community partners to combat child abuse including Advocates for Children, Exchange Club Family Resource Center, Polk Family Connection and Family Resource Center of Gordon County. Each organization meets the needs of families in their area in unique ways.

For example, partners like the Exchange Club Family Resource Center, support parents who feel overwhelmed and, sometimes, a bit hopeless. Executive Director Tina Bartleson says, “We work with families every week for one to two hours for up to a year. Families may have a colicky baby, or maybe they’re unsure how to raise their children in supportive, healthy ways. So, we bring in information about child development, parenting, life skills, budgeting—anything they need to deal with the challenges they’re facing.”

Talking with these different organizations in the region, many agree that misinformation has been a major caregiving stressor in recent years. Deciphering what is good parenting information and what is misinformation can feel stressful coupled with everyday parenting issues.

“It’s our role to walk with parents, helping them find good information and implement positive changes in their lives,” says Bartleson. "Our whole system is based on trust and relationships. Some parents are hesitant to get involved at first, but they often later say, ‘Please don’t go!’”

Beyond sharing resources with families, these partner organizations offer a variety of programming for caregivers and parents such as Advocate for Children’s First Steps program. With First Steps, Advocates for Children visited over six hundred babies in the hospital last year, giving new families immediate support while still in the hospital.

Each organization creatively meets the needs of families, but also expresses the importance of families knowing that they don’t need to be in a state of crisis to receive resources and help. The organizations furthered explained this is the power of Harbin Clinic pediatricians. They already have a relationship with caregivers and play a key role in sharing about partner organizations with patients and families during appointments.

SUPPORTING PARENTS THROUGHOUT DEVELOPMENT

Harbin Clinic pediatricians manage the physical, mental and emotional well-being of their patients in every stage of development. Children see their pediatrician for an average of 15 well-child visits in their first five years, so building a strong relationship with a healthcare provider early on helps equip families with tools to support children’s emotional, social and cognitive development.

Dr. Chelsea Tehan, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Adairsville

Dr. Kathryn Carroll, a Harbin Clinic pediatrician says, “Parenting is one of the best and hardest jobs on the planet, and I am grateful for the partnership we have with our community partners. The Centers for Disease Control reports that in the US, at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect this past year, and that number is too high. We must continue to support nurturing relationships between parents and children in our community.”

DIGITAL AWARENESS

Recently, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics has also called attention to parenting and internet safety, reminding caregivers that the digital tools society uses every day to connect and share information — social media, online gaming, text and e-mail — are now used as avenues of abuse. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the two greatest internet safety concerns for children are Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), which includes any visual depiction of sexually explicit content involving minors, and the enticement of children online. This term refers to predators communicating online with someone believed to be a child with the intent to commit abuse.

Beyond understanding safety concerns, Harbin Clinic also wants to equip caregivers with confidence in helping children navigate appropriate developmental steps in their online independence. Just as there are milestones that allow for more independence in the real world, there are developmentally appropriate steps toward independence in the digital world.

This April, as individuals confront the sobering statistics regarding child abuse and neglect, Harbin Clinic and their partners emphasize the impact that education

and intervention play in breaking the cycle of abuse. By equipping caregivers with accurate information and tools, our community can create safer, happier environments for all children.

To learn more, visit harbinclinic.com/pinwheels.

Dr. Kathryn Carroll, Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Rome

Harbin Clinic Pediatrics Rome with the Exchange Club Family Resource Center

NA Place Among the Pines

Modern townhome living is taken to the next level at the Split Rock Townhomes.

text IAN GRIFFIN | photo KEITH BEAUCHAMP

estled amongst the lush greenery and sprawling landscapes of Chateau Drive in East Rome, the new Split Rock Townhomes are waiting to welcome those in the market for a new home.

Split Rock offers potential buyers three bedroom, two and a half bath and four bedroom, three bath townhomes with a modern, clean aesthetic. The beautiful brick structures meet that description from the very first glance, with their white exterior and black garage doors delivering a classy and sleek look that is consistent throughout the property.

All in all, Split Rock will host four buildings with a total of 24 townhomes, each of which includes a one-car garage (attached for threebedroom units and detached for four-bedroom units) and additional parking places per unit. Guest parking is plentiful as well, with five of the eight acres used to create ample parking for all.

The careful consideration for the comfort and convenience of homeowners certainly doesn’t stop there. Each of the townhome’s exterior walls have two inches of space between them, eliminating shared walls with neighbors. A homeowner's association is in place to ensure the property remains well kept and beautiful for its residents. The modern aesthetics, some of which are customizable, are consistent with the outward appearance of the property.

The project was a labor of love for a couple that has owned the piece of land where they sit for over two decades.

“We have had this property for close to 20 years and for the longest time just weren’t sure what to do with it,” says listing agent Leslie Hoyt Pearson. “Hoyt Hill was so successful downtown, that eventually my husband, Jack Pearson, who is the developer and the builder decided to move forward with building these townhomes and we are excited to unveil the finished product.”

While the completion date for all four buildings is set for mid-July, building one is finished, and presale opportunities for building two are available. Those who get a jump on them have several options to customize the interior of the homes, with two choices of colors for cabinets, countertops, tile and hardware available.

As they near completion on building two, buildings three and four are each estimated to be finished six weeks after each other, meeting that mid-July deadline. Having the developer and builder involved in the project will certainly help meet those deadlines as Jack Pearson Construction has a wonderful reputation that spans over 30 years.

“Initially we wanted to rent them, but with the shortage of homes for sale on the market we decided to sell them instead,” says Pearson. “That led us to making some decisions on the look and feel of the houses that would make them feel more like home. That started with painting the brick on the exterior in order to give them a warmer feel and extended inside with elevated light fixtures, cabinetry and a spacious floorplan.”

“We are also really excited to offer a master bedroom on the main floor in our four-bedroom units because so many townhomes do not have that as an option.”

The opportunity to grab your slice of modern serenity at Split Rock is a phone call away.

“We are so excited to show prospective buyers the property and are on schedule to finish all four buildings by mid-July,” says Pearson. “Our model home is completed and furnished, so touring can really help give them a feel for the floorplan and help them envision how they will furnish the space if they decide to call Split Rock home.”

For more information call Leslie Hoyt Pearson at 706.506.2986 or Hardy Realty at 706.291.4321

MOMENTS

APRIL: Generator Safety

Springtime is officially here and while we are all glad to welcome back warmer weather, with it can come some pretty serious storm systems.

Generators can be a great asset to provide power when lines go down in a storm, but they can also be dangerous if hooked up or used improperly.

To protect yourself and the linemen working hard to restore our power, always make sure the main breaker is off when using a generator, so the energy doesn’t feed back into the main line. Being familiar with your equipment is also very important, so read the manual so you understand how to operate the generator.

If you are using a gasoline-fueled generator, make sure to place it away from your home in an outside area.

If you are considering having a generator installed, please give us a call for a free consultation and remember to call Matthews Lighting and Electric for all your electrical needs.

A Tale of Two (Tree) Houses A Tale of Two (Tree) Houses

High among the treetops, your next relaxing getaway might actually be closer than ever.

The Black Bear Treehouse

Embrace the tranquility of Lavender Mountain in a luxury treehouse situated just a 20-minute drive from Rome, GA. Built on the edge of a meadow and overlooking a sprawling valley, experience full relaxation in this tranquil space.

treelinevacations.com

hello@treelinevacations.com

Instagram @treelinevacations

Photos: cameron flaisch photography

The forestreehouse

Hear From The Host: jody p.

About the space

We have had the FoResTreeHouse for two years; it was fun getting to be creative with the unique design of the place. There are a lot of different wood species incorporated into the building that gives the structure lots of character and uniqueness. Most wood species used were locally sourced and native to this region of North Georgia. A lot of items in the space are reclaimed and were incorporated into the construction from the start.

What sets us apart

Our guests can expect to enjoy peace and quiet on our private back porch with hammock swings, private hot tub, fire pit, and will more than likely see wildlife passing through. As a 5-star destination just 6 miles off Interstate 75, we have had guests from all over the world. If you're looking for a cozy, relaxing yet playful spot, check us out on Airbnb.

airbnb.com/h/forestreehouseabnb

Photos provided by forestreehouse & airbnb

FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH- 9am EST/8am CST

• 4 man scramble

• $300 a team, $100 hole sponsor

• Includes lunch

• Mulligan packages and 50/50 drawing

• Paying out flights depending on # of teams

Registration begins at 8am est

Lil Mole Run Golf Course 741 Mentone, AL 35984

Contact Austin Matthews 706-936-5283 for more info

Venmo: KevinGurley-scholarship

Checks made payable to Kevin Gurley Scholarship Foundation

givebutter.com/LoveEmpowers givebutter.com/LoveEmpowers

As a community, let’s work to create a more empowering space for women to stay in shelter as they flee domestic violence 100% of your ticket goes toward the work of Hospitality House. The perfect opportunity for a date night or a weekend activity with a great cause!

Read More: hospitalityhouseforwomen.org/love-empowers

Read More: hospitalityhouseforwomen.org/love-empowers

THINK YOU’RE TOO YOUNG FOR A COLONOSCOPY?

If you were a teen in the 90s, don't be clueless! It's time to schedule your colonoscopy if you:

Are age 45 or older

Have a family history of colon cancer

Have been previously diagnosed with colon cancer

Have experienced inflammatory bowel disease or polyps