V3 December 2022

naughty by nature naughty by nature

live playfully

This is what life is supposed to feel like. When you aren’t held back. When you have a health partner that doesn’t just treat part of you – they care for all of you. That’s why more people prefer Atrium Health, with the most complete care that lets you get back to the moments that matter. That’s what it’s like to live fully.

MOUNT RUSHMORE, LIKE MANY THINGS THESE DAYS, IS CONTROVERSIAL. The Lakota people revered this mountain as Six Grandfathers. To them, the mountain stands as a symbol of the six sacred directions: north, south, east, west, above, and below, representing the influence of many years full of wisdom, kindness, and love like grandfathers. Mount Rushmore's original concept was to honor heroes of the west: explorers Lewis and Clark, Wild Bill Cody, and Oglala Lakota Leader Red Cloud. Instead, sculpted reliefs symbolizing the historical contributions of four presidents were chosen in favor of representing our developing nation's identity and values to inspire patriotism.

The reliefs of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln stand boldly along the skyline for two million visitors a year. It is not surprising to learn of the many objections to the character of these men. Slavery, genocide, and racially biased progression create a dueling interpretation of their legacies in building our country. George Washington was a faithful leader and the first president during our fight for independence. Thomas Jefferson co-authored the Declaration of Independence, the inspiration for our democracy, and pushed westward expansion. Theodore Roosevelt led progressive reforms that challenged big business and supported conservationism. Abraham Lincoln established the path to end slavery and preserve the United States after the Civil War. The tremendous contributions of these men in the establishment of our country are evident; however, they were far from perfect. The values driving our country's ambitions through history are idealized parallel to those of the men represented in this monument.

Who would you choose to honor if you were to have a Mount Rushmore of your own? What values do you hold so high? Would you, too, select an inspiring political figure? Would it be a celebrity, a teacher, a friend, or perhaps a spouse? Who are the people in your life that have inspired your development?

I think of the most significant influences in my life. Whose face would I memorialize in my Rushmore, and what values would guide my six grandfathers? Many changed the course of my life, individuals, who inspired the absolute best in me and broadened my horizons. Some gave me frontrow tickets to Hell, illuminating my strength and compassion. I certainly wouldn't want to look at their face every day to remember the lessons they taught me. So, idealism it is. The sacred directions of my Six Grandfathers would be perseverance, resourcefulness, and integrity represented by my father.

Chiseled into the black hills of South Dakota is a shrine of our democracy.

My Rushmore opened doors

By Tammy Barron

My earliest memory of my dad is his making roaring engine sound effects as he barreled my chromed-out racecar over the shiny linoleum floors. Squealing tires echoed against the walls as we turned corners and raced my wheelchair toward an imaginary finish line in the hallway of the children's hospital. We were there for another routine visit to have my leg casts removed and re-plastered. The equipment they used to remove my old casts looked like a pizza cutter but sounded like a skill saw. No matter how many demonstrations the doctor gave me of how safe it was to touch, he couldn't convince me the device would cut my leg off. I was terrified, and every two weeks fought as if my life depended on it. I clung to my dad for strength and comfort through my earliest years of healing from club feet. I learned to persevere from my dad, that, and cool racing sound effects.

My dad is the most resourceful man. His way of thinking outside the box made for an extraordinary childhood. We fell into some hard times when I was younger, but I never saw the worry on his face.

He managed three jobs to get ahead: a pressman, a snowplow driver, construction worker, working respectively days, nights, and weekends. I remember nothing but the adventure he brought home. The best Christmas of my life was during this time. He had been working late clearing the snow from parking lots with the plow attached to the front of his blazer. Before he came home, he had cleared our entire subdivision's streets of snow and piled it into our front yard. My brother and I woke to a mountain as high as our house of snow. We made forts, burrowed tunnels, and chiseled sledding paths for months before it melted. That Christmas was epic, and not a single gift I have given or received since has ever come close to the joy of that year. My dad always seizes the most out of life. Hard work and creativity can make a lot happen.

"Above all things, you need to respect who you see in the mirror," that is the advice my father gave me when I was pushing for more independence. In consideration of all the mischief and folly expected from a teenager, his advice covered quite a lot. He

spoke from the experience of a teenage dad. We all face hardships and challenges in this life with varying degrees of resources and experience. When we live with integrity, even within our mistakes, we can respectfully meet our reflection. Of all the times I have felt regret or shame, it resulted from failing to follow this advice.

I may have always been a daddy's girl, yet as a woman grown, I can see my father as a man and not a hero conceived to mythical proportions. This personification strengthens, not weakens, my decision to place him on my Rushmore. Life can be messy, clumsy, and painful when we strive to better ourselves and our conditions that we learn the most about ourselves and what we value. Our purpose on this Earth is not to achieve perfection but to unlock our potential. The choice to put the faces of four men, Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, on the side of a mountain inspire us to reflect on the possibilities for our country.

*The views expressed in this column are those of the writer, and do not represent the opinions of V3 Magazine

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be on His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas from the Family and Staff of Henderson & Sons Funeral Homes and Rome Memorial Park

HARBIN CLINIC'S NEWEST NEUROSURGEON IS DEDICATED TO KEEPING PATIENTS' HEALTH TOP OF MIND.

Perhaps for most non-medical people the word “neurosurgery” strikes a note of awe. Even the definition of the term is intimidating, that is: “the care, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of disorders involving the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system.” The high respect the public holds for this specialized disciple is commonly voiced in the American vernacular; for instance, when encouraging a friend to take on a difficult task, one might say, “You can do it; it’s not brain surgery.” There’s no doubt about it, neurosurgeons are some of the smartest people around, and the medical professionals at Neurosurgery Brain & Spine at Harbin Clinic prove that point.

One of those bright minds (and a set of skilled hands) belongs to the clinic’s newest surgical hire, Dr. Alex WhitakerLea. With a special knack for making patients feel understood and cared for, Dr. Whitaker-Lea is an excellent addition to the Harbin Clinic team. She joins a very experienced surgical team of three other neurosurgeons, providing patients with collaborative brain and spine care. Together, these gifted physicians use the latest technology to perform medical procedures with state-of-the-art equipment.

EARLY INTEREST

Dr. Whitaker-Lea did not wait for medical school to develop a love for the marvels of the human body. As a matter of fact, from an early age, she had a fascination for the neurological system. During her medical training she became enthralled with the technical elements of surgical procedures. While in medical school, Dr. Whitaker-Lea also appreciated acute and elective cases that came with surgery because they required her to use different problem-solving skills every day.

She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University, and she completed her post-doctoral training in neurosurgery at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.

Joining Harbin Clinic was an easy decision for Dr. WhitakerLea, as her values strongly align with the organization’s mission. She is eager to care for patients in both the clinical setting and by being actively involved in the community. Also, she is happy to have returned to Rome’s small-town charm, its running trails, and its top-notch healthcare environment.

Alex Whitaker-Lea, MD

WORKING TOGETHER

One thing Dr. Whitaker-Lea appreciates about working at Harbin Clinic is the collaborative principle of the organization. She values the team aspects of being a physician. As a collegiate athlete at Berry College, she knew she would thrive in a field where she could play a specific role within a larger goal. Today, she is grateful for the ways she gets to partner with neurologists in patient care. She believes her ability to care for a patient is strengthened by the opportunity for both the medical and surgical perspectives to work in tandem. This concept plays into her philosophy as a physician.

At Neurosurgery Brain & Spine at Harbin Clinic, no one serves alone, and that’s the way Dr. Whitaker-Lea likes it. When needed, neurosurgeons consult with an integrated team of doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, ear, nose, and throat conditions, endocrine gland conditions, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and other areas to provide the most comprehensive and appropriate treatment for your condition. Harbin Clinic neurosurgeons are experts in all areas of back and neck surgery, including the cervical, thoracic and lumbar. They also treat tumors of the brain and spine.

A PERSONAL TOUCH

“My goal is to spend time listening to my patients and being as compassionate as possible, so they don’t feel as if we’re rushing

our time together,” says Dr. Whitaker-Lea. “I aim to be relatable because walking into a neurosurgery office can be scary. I can’t remove all the fear and nervousness, but I can help people feel heard, understood, and maybe a little more at ease.”

People notice this patient-centered caring dedication. One of her patients (name withheld) sings her praises: “I met with Dr. Whitaker-Lea to discuss my continuing back and leg pain. She viewed my MRI and confirmed the same thing as three other doctors had said, I have several bulging disks from L1-L5, the worst one at L4-L5. This is compressing nerves at the said location, causing continuing low back and leg pain with trouble walking. We discussed my options at length, with her explaining the possible procedure necessary to relieve my constant pain. She was very pleasant and knowledgeable about the problem and necessary procedure.”

One patient encounter specifically helped shape Dr. Whitaker-Lea’s philosophy and taught her the power of compassion. She remembers an emergency bedside surgery that felt like a straightforward procedure from her perspective. A few weeks later, she was reminded of her impact when she received a card in the mail thanking her for saving this patient’s life. As she begins her journey with Harbin Clinic, she keeps patients like this one in mind.

To learn more about Dr. Whitaker-Lea, visit harbinclinic.com.

At Northwest Georgia’s Best Range,

At Stonebridge Golf Club, Launchbox features covered bays with state-of-the-art technology to help perfect your golf game. By utilizing Top Tracer shot tracking, as seen on the PGA Tour, Launchbox provides instant feedback on every shot with results sent directly to your phone!

Launchbox offers a variety of games that players of all skill levels can enjoy. You can kick back and have a fun time playing “Go Fish” or play 18 holes on famous golf courses including Pebble Beach. No matter which game you choose, Launchbox is sure to take your golf experience to the next level.

Bring your group out to enjoy bays that are designed for comfort with outdoor furniture, televisions, music and wonderful food and beverage services. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Launchbox is built for everyone to enjoy at an affordable price (as low as $5 per person).

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Meet the Team: Hardy Realty Property Management

The Hardy Realty Property Management Team takes the headache out of property care. Whether residential, commercial, or industrial, this team works hard to simplify the rental process for owners and improve the owner/ tenant relationship.

text KARLI LAND

With 192 years of combined experience, the Property Management team at Hardy Realty offers a plethora of services that make the lives of both a property owner and tenant easier than ever. “A lot of property owners don't realize what a relief it is until we begin to work for them,” said Carol Hatch, Certified Property Manager CPM®, Senior Vice President and Associate Broker. Hatch and the property management team are an essential part of making this business of property ownership a success. “We take the day-to-day headaches of managing a property away,” said Hatch.

This hard-working property management team specializes in managing residential, commercial, and industrial properties and comes with the knowledge of what needs to be done and the best way to do it so that the owner/tenant relationship is an enjoyable one. They begin by finding a qualified tenant, structuring the lease, and ultimately managing that lease. “Managing a lease is anything from handling questions that come up with renting, to handling maintenance on the property,” said Hatch. “And once a tenant has stayed as long as they are going to stay, we repeat that process again.” They help alleviate the stress of wondering if the rent has been paid and the property is

being maintained. Property owners have access to a private online portal anytime and are provided monthly statement of all business pertaining to their property. At the end of the year, property owners receive a complete package of information to take to their accountant for tax purposes.

You could say the Hardy Property Managers are the customer service of a property owner’s small business, but they are much more than that. They are not only the face of the operation but do a lot of behind the scenes work as well. Perhaps the most impressive is their 24-hour availability for property maintenance. “Having maintenance staff available, not only during the day, but after hours is imperative,” said Ann Smith, Certified Property Manager CPM®, Property Manager and Realtor. “If there is an

after hours emergency, we are able to respond quickly. Our vendors are very responsive in making sure the tenants are taken care of.”

Great strides have been made over the last few years, even through Covid concerns. Hardy was quick to respond with options that made it easier for clients and renters to conduct business. In addition to implementing many seamless online services, Hardy invested in a resource called Key Cafe. The Key Cafe is a set of boxes on the front of the building which can be opened by a cell phone using an assigned access code. This allows potential renters to access keys to tour properties without having to go into the office.

“Potential renters can go online and find properties that they are interested in,” said Smith. “After a quick verification process, they are then given a code to be used at the Key Cafe and the door opens.” This seamless process allows potential renters the opportunity to view a property, or multiple properties, on their own time before making a final decision. “Once someone has looked at the property and they find one they like, they can apply for residency online through our website,” said Smith. “Credit is checked and references are verified to ensure the property owner is getting the most qualified tenant.” All steps of the application process can be done online and once the application is complete, the team is able to provide an answer on approval within 48 hours, in most cases. Once

Jimmy Kelley, Vice President, Commercial, Associate Broker

Key Cafe

Katrina Stewart - Customer Service Assistant

approved, all personal information that was collected during the application process is converted and becomes a lease that is sent electronically. “Once a potential renter is converted to a tenant, they receive their keys and can log into their portal to make their rent payments,” said Hatch. The portal is an efficient way to take care of business online and is even set up to send out reminders when rent is due, making it easy to stay on track. These technologies free up staff to work more intentionally with their tenants and property owners. All of this simplicity provides the property owner with the option to be as hands-off or as hands-on as they would like to be. Even though the property management team manages 1400 residential and commercial doors monthly, they strive to make sure each of their clients feel the welcoming care that they have come to be known for in the community. The entire team works to ensure that every person they work with feels like a valued individual. “Being behind the scenes and seeing the lives of the people impacted is very special,” said Hatch.

For additional information, contact Hardy Realty at 706-291-4321.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM

Carol Hatch, CPM®

Jimmy Kelley

Kathy Mull

Susan Paul

Brandon Prater

Ann Smith, CPM® Amber Moreland

Susan Lambert

Jennifer Robinson

Katrina Stewart

Kathy Mull - Residential Leasing Coordinator, Realtor

Electric vehicle used for property inspections

In the old days, elves just worked at the North Pole, but now they wander through houses in the middle of the night, terrorizing our homes, and eating our cookies.

Text: Tammy Barron

A: I made gingerbread men and women in the North Pole Bakery. I got to eat all I wanted and loved that job. When I got this appointment, the pay was better. I brought my A game at first, but it really is exhausting.

A: You are only eligible for reassignment when the family's youngest child stops believing. Robby Rothchild is 80 and still believes. Did I mention I'm exhausted?

A: The game has changed a lot over the years. These younger elves filling toilet bowls with marshmallows and getting into the eggnog have made it hard for old vets like myself. Last year, I tried to get creative. Thinking it would be a good idea, I hid in the couch cushions. Well, Mr. Rothchild decided to nap on the couch, and he fell asleep with his rear end over the crack in the cushions. It had been Taco Tuesday. I should have gotten into the eggnog.

Q: What kind of house assignments are your most and least favorite?

Q: Do you have any talents besides surveillance?

A: I'm an excellent country-western singer. I've just never gotten the chance to shine.

Q: It's said that you tell Santa what you see and hear; do you consider yourself a snitch?

A: It's the job. The number of years these Rothchild kids should have gotten coal tells me what a forgiving soul Santa is.

Q: Do you feel awkward telling Santa everything you see and hear? Have there been any incidents that you kept to yourself?

A: I never told him about Taco Tuesday… butt I guess he knows now. See what I did there?

Q: Do you ever cause trouble on purpose while shelf-sitting? If so, why?

A: The old guard, like myself, really doesn't cause much trouble. We do the job. These new guys have changed the game. I can't wait to retire.

Q: Are you supposed to move about the house every night?

A: That's the rule, but you might sometimes find me in the butter dish of your refrigerator for a week. I'm a cold-natured being from the North Pole, and I'm old and tired. Forgive me, and I'll give you a good report to the big man in red.

Q: What's the hardest challenge you face each season?

A: Keeping up with these young punk elves. The Rothchild grandchildren expect me to put on these elaborate

spectacles each and every night. Look, I've got one or two in me a season. And to be honest, my creative juices only flow when I get into the eggnog.

Q: What is your favorite part of Christmas?

A: Eggnog

Q: Do you have any wishes for this Christmas season?

A: Early retirement. It's been a good run, but I'm ready to take it easy.

Q: What do you do in the off-season?

A: Honkytonk day and night. The big man in red loves a good show.

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Formerly Redmond Regional Medical Center

Walking into the dining hall at Renaissance Marquis, the holiday spirit is alive and well.

STOCKINGS ARE HUNG ON THE WALL, each table features a beautiful centerpiece, bouncing light at Christmas cheer across the room. But before one can even reach the tables, the main attraction amidst all the other holiday décor is an edible masterpiece that has become an annual tradition, a massive gingerbread house where adorable elves reside. This elf wonderland sits at the entrance to the dining hall, complete with skylights that allow passersby the opportunity to peer in and see what the residents are up to.

Elves aren’t so different from us humans, as it turns out. A peek into this year’s creation reveals Santa’s little helpers illuminated by firelight as they keep warm in their living room. The elf children are asleep, snug in their bed and the detailed interior is ripe with thoughtful touches that make it an attraction that requires multiple stops to take it all in.

The love and care put into these decorations is beyond apparent at first glance, but for Dietary Director, Mary Wilbanks, this is a project that brings her joy through the joy it brings the residents of Renaissance Marquis.

“I first started the gingerbread houses in 2012,” recalls Wilbanks. “Before that I had never even used a kit or built a gingerbread house at all. That first house was a replica of our building

here that ended up being about eight feet long and three feet high, so it went from a small project to a rather large one in a hurry. Our residents enjoyed it so much that we have done it ever since. Watching them try to find their window and rooms and how much they enjoyed the little details inside was just so rewarding that we have done it ever since.”

Wilbanks’ works of art are completely edible on the outside, but (other than one year), the interior décor is not. This allows her to add the fine details that complete the wow factor. From working ferris wheels and carousels to parade scenes representing the different departments of the facility and a western town, the annual themes change and evolve, building excitement for the big reveal when Christmas time rolls around each year.

It took some time to refine the recipes and building supplies that work best for these projects of passion. The process usually starts in October in order to have it completed for the holiday season, but Wilbanks said all in all, it would take her a full week if she was to sit down and knock it out without stopping.

“I wish I had clocked how many hours it takes,” says Wilbanks. “My position here is a working position so we are busy taking care of our residents. I have a wonderful staff that

works so hard to help achieve that, and we take our job seriously. My assistant Tammy makes the gingerbread and it has taken us a few years to perfect the recipe. As busy as we are, we have to work on these gingerbread houses in stages, but it really is so much fun to do and we look forward to it every year.”

Wilbanks first came to Renaissance Marquis in 2010, working in life enrichment, but after two years in that department she stepped into the Dietary Director position and has been there ever since. Throughout that time, she and her staff have not only provided the daily meals for the residents but have gone above and beyond for holidays and special events.

While many of the residents can leave on their own or have family come and pick them up, there are many whose family fellowship takes place at

the facility. Holidays, birthdays, and special occasions of all kinds bring guests to Renaissance Marquis and the planning behind that is of the utmost importance to Mary and her staff.

“We are a big family here, so when our residents have their children and grandchildren here to visit, we treat them as if they were our family,” says Wilbanks. “Scheduling is probably the hardest part, just to make sure we can accommodate everyone in their party. Once that is sorted out it’s about doing all the little things that make the occasion special. If they have a favorite dish or desert, we want them to have that, so we try to plan ahead. We really try to make it feel like home and provide all the touches of home right here at our facility.”

It is this kind of attention to detail that achieves that goal; creating a home away from home for the residents and all their families. The place, the environment, and the amenities are all extremely important, and those bases are far more than covered but when it comes to serving the needs of their residents, the people are what makes Renaissance Marquis a special place.

Mary Wilbanks is certainly no exception to that, and her annual gingerbread house project is just one of many examples of how her department take pride in their work. From Valentine’s Day to Christmas, holidays are done right, but they don’t take any days off in between either.

“For me it’s just so rewarding to see the reactions of the residents,” says Wilbanks. “We work hard, but it is meaningful work so to see them enjoy a meal or a centerpiece or something like the gingerbread houses is what makes it all worthwhile. The holidays are great opportunities to do something special for them, but we do our best to make every day special here.”

Hours:

www.mellowmushroom.com 28 S Wall St Cartersville, GA 30120 470-227-7049

Hours: Sun-Wed: 11am - 9pm Thursday: 11am - 9:30pm Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Hours:

- Sun: 11am-3pm

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Be an ANTIBODY builder!

Let's get pumped to fight the flu and knock out pneumonia! Don't get weighed down by illness. Lift your immunity by: Staying up to date with your essential vaccines: Get your flu shot every year. Ask your doctor if it's time to vaccinate against pneumonia, especially if you're over 65 years old or have underlying health conditions.

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Staying home when sick.

harbinclinic.com/antibodybuilder

harbinclinic.com/antibodybuilder