V3 May 2024

Weird Science:

INTRODUCING THE HANA HOU, A COLLABORATION BETWEEN RIVER REMEDY AND JAMWICH THAT’S SURE TO HAVE FANS REQUESTING AN ENCORE!

MAY 2024

COLUMNS

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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 pontificates college and career advice for the class of 2024.

This May, Harbin Clinic ENT and Audiology says “listen up!” to find out more about taking care of your hearing.

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What happens when a craft brewery collaborates with craft sandwich shop? A jam session that yields a beverage worthy of an encore.

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When it comes to celebrating Cinco De Mayo, the team at Las Palmas has all the bases covered. 26

Some of life’s best moments occur when sharing a meal and the dietary staff at Renaissance Marquis doesn’t take that for granted.

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.

Publisher's Note

OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin

Last month I had the privilege of taking in the eighth wonder of the world when I went to four nights of Phish at the building simply known as Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. Readers of this magazine that stop to read my little note, already know I’m a phish head. I’ve traveled all over seeing a band that jumps on trampolines, plays a vacuum cleaner, stages theatrical rock operas and so many other ridiculous things it has kept me coming back for 26 years.

Over that time span and the hundreds of shows I’ve attended, it’s still hard for me to pick a clear-cut favorite moment or show. The midnight to sunrise set that clocked in at over 7 hours to ring in the new

millennium at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation is hard to top, but there are many contenders in my personal rankings.

The band’s flair for theatrics and stunning visuals isn’t anything new, but Sphere offers an experience like nothing music fans have ever seen. It's a project that I followed closely as Phish has a storied history at Madison Square Garden and Sphere was the brainchild of MSG Entertainment CEO James Dolan. The 2.3-billion-dollar venue can hold up to 20,000 people and consists of an exosphere that contains 580,000 square feet of led lights that display mind blowing visuals. Inside the screen is 366 feet high and 516 feet wide with 167,000 individually

amplified loudspeakers. In the 200, 300 and 400 sections even the seats vibrate in sync with the music. Sensory overload anyone?

Phish was only the second band to ever play at the venue, following up legendary act, U2’s 40 show run that spanned 5 months. Unlike U2 however, Phish never plays the same show twice and didn’t repeat a song over the run. With each show they played lasting close to four hours, it required visuals that were adaptable for the sprawling jams they delivered totaling about 12 hours of stage/screen time. During the first set, it honestly was a little overwhelming. I had seen this band so many times that the small stage and massive screen seemed

awkward. Even the band seemed to need a set to adjust, but boy did they adjust. Each show was an absolute spectacle.

From taking the audience through a carwash, the ocean floor, space, alien planets to a black lab licking the camera lens in slow motion, sometimes it was honestly hard to concentrate on the four musicians performing on stage, but the music still managed to drive what was happening on the towering screen. It was both right in the band's wheelhouse and a complete departure from what a “normal” phish show is like. And for a band that has achieved so much success without a hit record or radio play, this moment wasn’t too big for them. The media attention was so positive and widespread I had an elderly relative text me that they saw “that Phish band” on CBS Saturday Morning and were impressed by the clips they saw.

Much like many of the best shows I’ve seen, this experience of seeing my favorite band will hold a special place in the memory bank. And if they play there again, I’ll try not to miss it.

To our readers, you may never care for Phish, but as more and more artists get their turn to play Sphere, you should make it a bucket list trip if a band you love announces a show or residency there. It's an unforgettable experience for the mind, body and soul. All in a city that never sleeps. What a perfect match.

Quo Vadis, My Graduates?

Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky, the unqualified descendant of Julius Caesar, answers his letters from his less-than-loyal subjects. It’s like finding a half-eaten Big Mac in a dumpster and wrapping it up as a wedding present.

[Nero gazes at the sea of graduates in black robes and mortar boards, seated patiently in uncomfortable lawn chairs, waiting for the high school principal to call their names.]

“Where are you going, my graduates?” There is something heavenly about the sight of so many eager armadillos, ready to make their mark on the world before succumbing to a poor labor market or crushing student loan debt. Never fear, my adorable student squirrels. The Emperor of Rome will not steer your college or career aspirations off course.

First question.

DEAR EMPEROR NERO,

“I’m a parent with a minimum-wage job in food service and worry about paying for my daughter’s education. Will you tell me more about the Georgia Hope scholarship program or other resources to help my daughter graduate without a lifetime of debt?”

— Brenita Pilgrim | Hardworking Mom in Euharlee

DEAR BRENITA,

You and your family inspire me. Nero chose to forgo the university system to pursue full-time gig work as a Romegeorgian Emperor. However, as an angelic demigod, I’m happy to declare myself an expert on any topic, so let’s add financial aid to the list.

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.

The Georgia H.O.P.E. Scholarship is an acronym. It stands for: “Hope you already live in Opulence because most People have to sell a kidney or three to afford tuition Expenses.”

How do you qualify for H.O.P.E.? Buy a big old bucket of lottery tickets. Me Vexat Pede, — Nero

DERE EMPOR,

I gradated kindygad n

— Melodee Angeel | Kindergarten Class of 2024, Anna K. Davie Elementary School

DEAR MELODEE,

That’s more of a statement than a question, so I assume you want the most lucrative guidance your growing mind can handle. You only have so many productive years to make money. Skip recess, stay awake during nap time, and work your tiny fingers to the grindstone. Bite, claw, and scratch anyone in your way until you are the alpha dog lording above your lazy classmates. If you haven’t made your first million by age eight, you’ve wasted your childhood.

Me Vexat Pede, — Nero

DEAR NERO,

“What's the best and worst career advice you ever heard?”

— Stanton Braselton | Unity Christian School, Class of 2024

DEAR STANTON

Best: “Never volunteer for candle duty in the Roman Colosseum.” *

Second Best: “Most managers don’t know how long your work should take or how to accomplish your daily responsibilities. You can build a long and mediocre career by blaming production delays on fictional software bugs or bureaucratic procedures you made up.” Old Nero worked at an unnamed plant in Lindale for 18 months and missed every company deadline due to a “Broken Python NanoTube Header File” and “Bi-Fortnightly Quality Progress Regress Stopgap Metric Test.”

Worst: “Live every day like you’re a crab fisherman in the Bering Strait, awake for 72 hours at a time, subsisting on cigarettes and Red Bull, wet, cold, hungry, on the infinitesimal chance that a four-second video clip of the back of your raincoat on the Deadliest Catch tv show will catapult you into a TikTok career of influencer stardom.”

Only Slightly Less Worst: “Interning at the secret island in Squid Game sounds like a great way to spend your gap year between high school and college.”

DEAR

ZERO WITH A CAPITAL “Z” INSTEAD OF AN “N, "

“I’m tempted to boycott your column after last month’s shameless promotion of Mark Suroviec’s new book, thinly disguised as a thousand words of self-help advice. I will not be purchasing FUN Lies: The Ambassador’s Leaky Bucket of Stories That Are Completely Half-True, nor will anyone else with an ounce of intelligence.

Knowing you will ignore my letter, I implore you to reconsider writing this column. While most of this tomfoolery seems harmless, one must draw the line at giving impressionable students faulty career direction. I urge you to cease, desist, stop, terminate, conclude, discontinue, and retire this madness before you ruin real lives.”

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

DOCTOR PROFESSOR HUMBERT,

You wound me with your words, but I will not injure you in return. Let’s bury the hatchet and put this sophomoric rivalry behind us. Please be my guest at the Roman Colosseum next weekend. My personal lion tamer has a new trick he wants to show you with his hungriest performer.

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. *Historical joke, but it won’t be funny if I explain it.

Do you have questions? Emperor Nero has answers.

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

MONTH, AN ANNUAL MOVEMENT TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT COMMUNICATION DISORDERS AND TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT THEIR HEARING.

At Harbin Clinic Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) and Audiology, the medical specialists point out two areas patients typically have a lack of awareness around hearing — identifying hearing loss and further protecting from hearing loss. Many people live with unidentified hearing loss and fail to realize that they are missing certain sounds and words. By identifying early that someone is experiencing hearing loss, it is also a step towards addressing possible communication disorders. Beyond

identifying hearing loss, understanding how to protect oneself from hearing loss can be invaluable. This May, Harbin Clinic ENT and Audiology says “listen up!” to find out more about taking care of your hearing.

PROTECTING YOURSELF: KNOW WHEN IT’S TOO LOUD

It’s a noisy world! Understanding what causes hearing loss on an everyday basis can be essential for protecting hearing. The World Health Organization points to several typical moments to protect from voluntary noise exposure.

At an event: If someone needs to shout to be heard, then the answer is yes, it’s too loud. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can be protective in these situations. Remember this in places such as concerts, nightclubs, sporting events and even fitness classes.

During personal listening:

Audiologists recommend using the 60/60 rule while wearing earbuds -only use earbuds for 60 minutes at a time and at 60% capacity. This prevents you from too-loud listening levels and long periods of noise exposure. Investing in noise-canceling earbuds can also help prevent further damage. By eliminating background noise, you can listen at a lower volume. In general, over-the-ear headphones are better for your hearing, and you can listen to them louder.

Harbin Clinic Otolaryngologist Dr. Robert King

At the firing range: Although a firearm is loud for only a moment, those using firearms for recreational and/ or professional purposes benefit from hearing protection.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING MONTH

Want to take Speech-LanguageHearing Month seriously this year? The very best way to protect hearing is early identification of problems and intervention. At Harbin Clinic ENT and Harbin Clinic Audiology, audiologists and otolaryngologists diagnose, manage and treat disorders of the ear, nose and throat.

“We at Harbin Clinic ENT are dedicated to diagnosing and treating an array of conditions - from the common snore to complex sinus diseases and head and neck cancers. Our expertise extends beyond mere treatment; it's a commitment to restoring balance to these vital organs, ensuring each

Harbin Clinic Audiologist Sarah Merrell AuD, CCC-A

Harbin Clinic Otolaryngologist Dr. Brandon Miller

patient's well-being resonates with health,” says otolaryngologist Dr. Robert King.

AUDIOLOGY AND ENT CARE

Audiology is the study of hearing and balance problems, and it is an integral part of the ENT practice. Patients with hearing needs may see an audiologist for screening and diagnosis. Depending on their needs, they may also see an otolaryngologist. At Harbin ENT, comprehensive audiology care includes:

• Alerting devices (for smoke detectors and doorbells)

• Assistive listening devices (for telephones and television)

• Custom noise protection earmolds

• Custom water protection earmolds (for swimming)

• VNG (evaluation of dizziness)

• Hearing aid evaluation and dispensing (30-day trial/refund period with hearing aid purchase)

• Hearing aid repair and accessories

• Hearing and balance disorder evaluations

• Hearing evaluations (adult, infant, pediatric and industrial)

• Otoacoustic emission tests (inner ear response to sound) for infants, children, etc.

• Pediatric hearing loss and rehabilitation

• Tinnitus evaluations (ringing in ears) and consultation

Beyond hearing, balance and speech, Harbin Clinic ENT also serves patients in need of other ear treatments such as children with recurring ear infections and who may need ear tubes. Hear us out this May for National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! Get “a-head” with care from Harbin Clinic ENT and Audiology.

Harbin Clinic Otolaryngologist Dr. Mary Margaret Beauchamp

L-R: Dr. Miller, Dr. King, Dr. Beauchamp, Harbin Clinic Ear, Nose & Throat

As always, creativity is being brewed at Rome, Georgia’s one and only craft brewery, River Remedy.

WHILE THE STAPLES ON THE MENU ARE THERE FOR THE CREATURES OF HABIT, Justin Shepard and his team are always playing with new recipes sure to garner awards like those that came before them.

The latest of these flavorful escapades comes in the form of a sour beverage inspired by Jamwich’s Hawaiian jam bars called the Hana Hou, which is Hawaiian slang meaning, to do it again or encore. It’s a term commonly used to express appreciation for something that has been enjoyed and this collaboration certainly hits the spot.

With a sweet start and a tart finish, but neither too sweet nor too tart in totality, this refreshing creation is perfect for the summer season. It was born from a simple conversation between Shepard and Jamwich Food Truck Owner, Shadae Yancey, and it seems it may be the first, but certainly not the last collaboration between the two Rome staples.

Text: Ian Griffin | Photos: Andy Calvert & Ivan Felipe

“The idea for a sour-seltzer was something we were already dreaming up,” says Shepard. “We wanted to create a heavily fruited dessert drink and as we were ramping up that process we learned about the Georgia Beer Festivals collaboration-based contest. We hadn’t entered anything yet, but after looking into it, my bar manager, Derek Tucker, and I thought about the jam bars Jamwich serves and reached out to Shadae about creating the drink with those flavors.”

She agreed and the Hana Hou was born.

“I have a lot of respect for Justin and the variety of beverages they produce,” says Jamwich Food Truck Owner Operator Shadae Yancey. “We have worked together for some time and our collective customers appreciate food and drinks that are crafted with quality ingredients. So, when they asked me if we could work on a beverage based on my Hawaiian jam bars I didn’t hesitate to say yes.”

With the collaboration in full swing, Shepard worked his magic and finished the beverage in

just enough time to submit it to the Georgia Beer Festival, which took place on Saturday May 18th. Win, lose or draw, this first collaboration between River Remedy & Jamwich has only opened the door for more, with a few more recipes already in the works. As for the Hana Hou, locals can look forward to laying their lips on an ice-cold pint when it is tapped and unveiled on Saturday June 1st.

Jamwich will be there serving food and of course the Hawaiian Jam Bars to accompany their new liquid partner and it's hard to imagine patrons not demanding an encore.

Hana Hou:

Slang, Hawaiian. To do it again, encore. Used to express appreciation for something that has been enjoyed.

Based on Jamwich’s Hawaiian Jambars, our sour seltzer fusion has all the flavors of pineapple upside-down cake: sweet cherries, creamy vanilla yellow cake, and tangy pineapple.

Hana Hou is gluten-free and approachable to nonbeer drinkers like a seltzer, but we brewed it like a sour ale! Give it a try and you’ll be saying Hana Hou! Get me another one!

LIGHTBULB MOMENTS

MAY: Extension Cord Safety

Each month we try to deliver a little electrical safety tidbit to help avoid any shocking disasters in and around your home and this month we want to focus on extension cords.

We all find ourselves in situations where we need them, but many make the mistake of using them as long-term extensions of the household electrical system. This kind of continuous use can result in an electrical shock or fire hazard as the cords deteriorate over time, so it is extremely important to avoid long-term use.

Another common mistake is plugging two extension cords together. This practice can overload the circuits, cause short circuits and potentially damage the cords, which can lead to fire or electric shocks.

Checking your extension cord or power strip to make sure it is properly rated for the devices it is powering and regularly inspecting them for fraying or other damage can prevent these hazards as well.

If you find an area in your home where you need a power source, the safest bet is installing additional outlets. The team at Matthews Lighting and Electric are here to help with that and any other electrical needs. So be safe and give us a call.

A Fiesta FOR THE AGES

Music, lights, drinks, delicious food & a dancing robot for Cinco De Mayo?

Only at Las Palmas.

Text: Ian Griffin | Photos: Courtesy of Las Palmas

Cinco

De Mayo 2024

has come and gone and once again, Las Palmas delivered a weekend celebration to remember.

With the holiday landing on a Sunday, the plan all along was to extend the festivities for the entire weekend, allowing patrons ample opportunity to eat, drink and dance to their heart’s content.

While this tradition of excellence is nothing new for the team at Las Palmas, they are always focused on elevating their events and did so in several ways in 2024. One huge surprise was a dancing robot that burned up the dance floor and posed for pictures with guests throughout the event. His presence, along with the live DJ, giveaways and so much more, made this year an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

“We put a lot of effort into creating an event that can be enjoyed by all ages,” says Marketing Director Glenn Bowman. “The dancing robot was a new wrinkle that both kids and adults really seemed to enjoy. Taking in the crowds on Saturday and Sunday, I felt like everyone really enjoyed themselves. All the hard work our team members put in leading up to the event made that possible.”

So put another feather in the sombrero when it comes to being the elite Cinco De Mayo party in Northwest Georgia for Las Palmas, and make sure to mark your calendar for 2025.

Recipe TLC

Text Ian Griffin | Photos Andy Calvert

Where The Heart Is with Renaissance Marquis

Mary Wilbanks and her dining room staff at Renaissance Marquis are always cooking something special when it comes to taking care of the dietary needs of their extended family.

AT RENAISSANCE MARQUIS, CARING FOR THE RESIDENTS from independent living all the way to memory care is the top priority of the staff on hand. While there are stark differences in why people choose an assisted living facility, there is one thing everyone must or at least should do three times a day...eat.

For the last 12 years, Dietary Director, Mary Wilbanks has served those meals to the residents at Renaissance, and the joy it has brought to her life shines through in the dishes she serves.

“These last 12 years have been amazing,” says Wilbanks. “When my children were little, the times we spent at the table were some of our very best and during my time here this has become an extended family, so I see it very much the same way. I get great satisfaction out of seeing smiling faces around these tables and my interactions with everyone are very dear to me.”

Mary strives to make everyone happy and with such a diverse and large group of residents, there are a lot of palates and dietary needs to meet. She does this by keeping things simple but is always open to suggestions as many of the residents were homemakers that know their way around a kitchen.

“I encourage their input every day,” says Wilbanks. “I want their suggestions. When you feed the same people 7 days a week, 3 times a day, you are always looking for new ideas so if someone comes to me with a new dish, we are always willing to try it. If it goes over well and people enjoy it, it stays on the menu rotation.”

Mary certainly can’t do it all by herself naturally and her staff take just as much pride in serving the residents as she does. On any given day if you walk into the facility during a meal, you will hear the hustle and bustle coming from the dining room. One of the things you will notice without fail is Mary and the staff members not only tending to the needs of their diners, but laughing, smiling and interacting with them.

Assistant Director, Tammy Campbell is a key member of the team, while cooks Josh Bracken, Teresa Haynes, Kelsey Mays make the magic happen in the kitchen.

“I am so proud of the staff we have right now,” says Wilbanks. “We all work together to try and serve healthy meals that meet the needs and tastes of everyone that dines with us. I wouldn’t want my own mother or anyone else to leave the table hungry, so we always make sure that doesn’t happen here and I couldn’t do that without them.”

With the dedication of Mary and her staff, it's no surprise to see the smiling faces of all the residents when they sit down for a meal at the Renaissance Marquis. From special events with lavish spreads and table settings, to the ordinary everyday meal, the attention to detail is never lacking, and that makes for happy customers.

“We know our residents and what dishes their favorites are,” says Wilbanks. “90 percent of those dishes are desserts so if we get those right, the other 10 percent is easy.”

The smile on the residents faces say a thousand words and those smiles are abundant in Mary’s dining room.

To experience a meal at Renaissance Marquis for yourself, call 706-295-0014 and speak with Allen Chambers, Cyndi Brannon, or Austin Post to visit for lunch and a tour.

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