V3 September 2022

Bringing award-winning careto those you care about most

Atrium Health Floyd — where the brightest minds in healthcare have come together to bring award-winning care to you — will elevate and strengthen the health and wellness of our community like never before.

Always wanting to learn to play, Tammy Barron signs the family up for piano lessons. aspirations for a family band, only the appeal of greater achievement propels this family into the musical community of Musicworks, Inc.

This Hardy Home property offers much more than the serenity you will find contained within. The beautiful scenery and offered amenities make this investment one that provides financial assurance.

16 years and 200 issues later, V3 is still telling Northwest Georgia’s stories.

Against the odds, Crystal Stewart, certified fitness trainer, nutrition coach, and owner of Downtown FIT, has built a space for women to overcome their limitations. It's more than a gym. It's a family.

Gary Jones, the teacher of the gifted program at East Central Elementary of Rome, Georgia, leads his exceptionally bright students in learning how to solve real-world problems, and he makes sure they’re having fun while they’re doing it.

Publisher's Note

17 years ago, I was living on Folly Beach, South Carolina trying to figure out what my next move was going to be. I was getting married and trying to decide if I wanted to stay in the Charleston area or relocate. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but when my buddies Anthony Barba and Neal Howard asked me to come take a shot at running a lifestyle magazine in my hometown, I couldn’t say no.

The three of us did almost everything in the beginning. We scraped up our savings, which when you are in your mid-twenties are minimal, and put everything we had into the project of passion that was and still is V3. We were as green as could be and had to learn so much on the fly I really don’t think any of us slept the first few months. If you ask any business owner, the first few years are the hardest and I credit my former business partners' grit and determination for getting us through them.

We were too young and naïve to care about the obstacles in our way and more importantly, we weren’t afraid to ask for help. All three of us knew how to write, I wasn’t too bad with a camera at the time, and we weren’t afraid to go ask people to advertise. One skill we knew we had to seek elsewhere was a graphic designer.

Robert Weed, who is no longer with us, filled the role of consultant and graphic designer. He spent countless hours designing our logo and advertisements and laying out the magazine. Neal Howard sat right next to him for much of that work and Robert was kind enough to teach him as he worked. Robert was as sharp as they come so I still don’t know why he put up with three young punks like us, but I can only surmise that for some reason he liked us. If he hadn’t we might not have printed one issue, much less 199 more.

From there the list is long when it comes to those who helped us find our footing. Mark Law, Kelly Moore, Sabrina Wilson, and Derek Bell were the photographers that helped us through those early years, with Derek becoming our first Chief of Photography. Mr. Bell wasn’t afraid of any assignment, and I have a lot of fond memories when it comes to some of the adventures we went on over the years. Cameron Flaisch and Andy Calvert later filled that role and are two of the best in the business. Rob Smith is pressing the trigger these days and is yet another all-star we have the pleasure of working with.

Brittany Howes, Ellie Borromeo, and Laura Allshouse were all excellent graphic designers/ creative directors. They made our covers pop, our client's advertisements pop, and our layouts modern and eye-catching. Elizabeth Childers has been holding down that role for a few years now and is as talented as she is hard-working, and she is one of the hardest workers I know.

OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin

Our editorial team over the years has been amazing as well. Neal Howard still is one of the most gifted word crafters I know, and he was always willing to work with young writers and teach them what he knew. Oliver Robbins is the kindest most dedicated person I’ve ever worked with. He started as a contributing writer and held down the Editor in Chief position for half a decade before moving on to greener pastures. Paul Moses now holds that position and his gift for storytelling along with his ability to fix all my grammatical errors each month is invaluable to our effort to put this magazine out on a monthly basis.

Our columnists have been controversial, inspirational, and downright hilarious. Bryant Steele always ruffled feathers in the most respectful way, Holly Lynch always had her finger on the pulse of trending topics and Jim Alred’s personal perspective on the world of sports never ceased to entertain. Tammy Barron continues that tradition now and always brings her A-game.

Our sales team over the years has really consisted of four people. Jeff Miller, Shadae Yancey, Co-owner Chris Forino, and myself. Without those first two out slinging ads those first ten years, we would have never survived. We always took a relationship-based approach with our clients and the relationships they forged continue to work with us today.

Last, but certainly not least on my extended thank you note is my current business partner Chris Forino. Chris is a tireless and tenacious worker. If you put a problem in front of Mr. Forino, the guy won’t stop until it's solved. Over the years he has brought great ideas to the table and always had the initiative to follow through on him. Our online presence exists because of his hard work and there wouldn’t be a V3 anything without him.

From hustling out the first issue with two of my best friends to the 199 that followed with a cast of wonderful characters, we appreciate your reading V3, and here’s to 200 more.

Do You Believe in Magic? opened doors

By Tammy Barron

from an instrument. I thought to myself, I want to learn how to do that.

IT’S OUR SECOND PERFORMANCE SINCE WE STARTED TAKING PIANO LESSONS at Musicworks, Inc. I’m a ball of nerves as I count three names ahead of my own on the program. There, in black and white, is the finality. There’s no backing out now. I put on a brave face for the kids’ sake, unconvincingly, for I look over and see a sweet encouraging smile from my daughter. “You got this, Mom,” she says as she squeezes my hand.

My middle school talent show was the first time I saw someone play the piano. My friend, Valerie, sat down and performed what I could only describe as pure magic. I was mesmerized by her fingers swimming over the keys in melodic madness. The notes were urgent and playful; my breath caught in my throat while she played. Musicians hold so much power, evoking such sound and emotion

There was a stint with the guitar in college. Nirvana was my jam. I lived the grunge image, from oversized flannel shirts and Dr. Martens to my youthful angst expressed through my strings. However, playing the guitar never felt like Valerie’s music; it didn’t feel like magic. It felt like bumbled work and blistered fingertips. Sure, I could play a few songs and riff through a few cool bluesy chords, but I felt like a tourist. I still longed for that ease and familiarity with an instrument but didn’t have the discipline to make it happen. The guitar does little more than gather dust in the back of my closet now; teenage rebellion forgotten alongside my Kurt Cobain obsession.

Decades passed, priorities shifted, and my personal interests naturally gave way to kid soccer games and dance practices. Thoughts of taking up music again didn’t occur until a few years into my children’s lessons with the piano. I thought if there ever was a time to do this for myself, it is now. So,

the three of us take lessons together. Before you entertain images of the next The Jackson 5, we are not the next musical family phenomenon, I assure you. But it is fun, and learning music takes my children’s experiences and education to the next level.

There has been countless research on the benefits of learning music, studies supporting increased cognitive functioning, motor skills, and criticalthinking abilities. The top educational institutions all integrate the study of music into their curriculum. More importantly, the lessons taught in music go beyond the meaning of treble or bass clef, tempo, and beat. They learn discipline, self-confidence, music appreciation, and patience.

Discipline gets us toward our goals in a steady, measurable fashion. It teaches the value of training even when you don’t necessarily feel motivated to do it. Discipline challenges us to find gratification in testing our limitations rather than seeking immediate satisfaction. Without discipline, we would never strive to get better. Without it, we never do get better.

My leaden guts twist as the recital gets underway.

The children’s self-confidence is inspiring to me. Each one is super calm and laid back. How can they do it? I asked my son if he was nervous. “No, I’ve practiced my song. I’m ready,” he says with a casual shrug of his shoulders. They have done nine or ten of these recitals; for them, it is just another day with their piano teacher. They aren’t worried about messing up or losing their place; because they genuinely believe in the adage, “do your best, and leave the rest.”

Over the years, I have seen their music appreciation evolve. Not only in the variety of music they listen to but also in their acknowledgment of other musicians. Going to the First Friday concerts this summer, I overheard them talking about how much practice the band must have had. Through their own experiences, they can see a performance with awe and respect, appreciating the work involved.

My son, Broc, is often described as all-boy. It’s a polite way to say he’s wild as hell. From six o’clock in the morning until nine at night, he runs, jumps, zips, and zooms. His nickname on his soccer team

is La Bala, Spanish for The Bullet. He is physically driven and filled with childhood dreams of making it big and playing against Cristiano Ronaldo. I love his determination and am impressed by his sheer athletic talent every day. He doesn’t see the importance of learning to play music when he is going to be a professional soccer player. I tell him, “At the very least, girls are gonna dig it in college.” He answers the call to practice with epic eye-rolling and slow-motion acquiescence. He hammers out each note punctuated with a pause to itch a body part or re-situate his clothes. He is all wiggles. I can see the task is pure agony for him to settle down, but then he slows down, focuses, and begins to have fun playing his songs and changing them around. He makes goals for himself off the soccer field, which is a healthy balance for his childhood.

Patience is the most challenging lesson to learn in music. It takes time to develop the skill and master an instrument. My most considerable struggle is to trust the process. I want to sit down with new music and find the melody instantly. I want to be consumed by

it, and I am just not in the way I pictured. The reality is I’m counting, reading, marking my placement on the keys, and manipulating the tones with my foot pedals.

This recital is supposed to highlight the work of the students, not their perfection. My nerves won’t allow me to brush it off so casually. Now it is my turn. I am sweating in front of strangers. My fingers tremble so hard they slip on the keys, and my mind draws a complete blank. I want to hide, but my teacher is there, and she encourages me to continue. And I do. I played my song with the grace of a stuttering monkey with palsy, but I played that mother. It sure doesn’t sound like magic, but reflecting on how much I’ve learned these last two years at the piano and the fact I had the guts to follow through with it, it is pretty magical.

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

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DID YOU KNOW THAT OF OUR PATIENTS ARE CHILDREN?

FIT for a Queen

Downtown FIT Owner and personal trainer Crystal Stewart teaches women there is nothing they can't do. Overcoming personal battles and the loss of her mother, she approaches training with knowledgeable expertise and compassionate understanding.

Text: Tammy Barron Photos: Rob Smith

At first glance, it looks like any other gym

with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, weights, and branded merch for sale, but step inside, and a sense of belonging envelopes you. The one-room training facility is stacked with an array of equipment, all designed to strengthen, condition, and tone women's bodies. The space is intimate, offering person al training, small group training, and classes to achieve fitness goals. There is no recurring monthly membership.

Crystal Stewart has been a personal trainer for eleven years, working at Rome Athletic Club, Velocity, and Wright Athletic development to help men and women reach their potential. Gym ownership was always the goal, but in 2020 the world came to a halt, and Stewart's life would change forever. Hers is not an easy story; Stewart's fitness journey has been difficult and wrought with monument-sized challenges. However, her unfaltering desire to be healthy for herself and her family made the arduous journey worth the effort.

Wayward Journey

Just out of high school, Stewart fell into the void of substance abuse. What started as occasional party weekends in Atlanta sourly escalated. Stewart left home and didn't talk to her family for over a year. "Years of bad choices caught up with me. I was overwhelmed and didn't have anywhere else to go, so I picked up the phone and finally called my mom," says Stewart.

Stewart's mom, Marta Turner, was always her bedrock. A single mother of two inspired her daughters to fight for their future. "Mom listened without prejudgment of a situation or person. She really listened and worked hard for us, giving us advice—whether we chose to take it or not," remembers Stewart. "When I was younger, we went everywhere mom went. I was about

twelve when she decided to go back to school. We were with her in the back of the classroom or cafeteria while she studied. I watched her dedication to doing what she believed in, seeing her tireless efforts to be the absolute best mom for us." Marta is the inspiration Stewart buried deep inside.

Stewart left Atlanta and came back home, got a job, and enrolled back in school. Her struggle with addiction would continue for another year and a half, "My mom pulled me aside and said, "You have a choice. Go to Mississippi tomorrow for treatment or move out of the house and figure your stuff out," recalls Stewart. With the support of a recovery community and her family, she found the help she needed. "I was scared and embarrassed to come home and face up to the choices that I had made. I saw everything I lost and just hated—really hated—myself."

Her crushing lack of self-esteem pushed Stewart to find a positive way to build a new life for herself. Returning to her athletic roots in high school, she once again started to work out, investing in her physical well-being. She earned an Associate in Marketing Management, married, and focused on family. Yet, for years she grappled with the sensation that there was still a missing piece. She wanted to help others, perhaps as a way to step outside of herself, but it would be in the pursuit of her personal-training certification that she found the healing she sought.

Friends and Mentors

Stewart began a new life, making a name for herself as an approachable and results-producing trainer. She worked with clients in various fitness facilities around Rome, but with her former colleague and long-time friend Ricky Wright of Wright Athletic Development, she truly developed her style. "Ricky was very knowledgeable about training safely and injury prevention. He took me under his wing. As my mentor, he took my journey as a trainer to a much more conscientious level. Injury prevention is key when approaching your physical goals. Everything I do from agility to strength training, staying safe is number one," says Stewart.

No Boys Allowed

Stewart was always open to training anyone throughout her career, but women always gravitated toward her. Jill Goode, a long-time client, describes her pull toward Stewart, "Three years ago, I began training with Crystal. I was seeking a healthier lifestyle but had varied success in the past, exercising independently. I needed to train with someone else. It seems to help motivate me and keep me accountable. When I started working with her, I quickly felt like I was working out with a friend."

Downtown Fit is the only local training facility that caters exclusively to women. Women trained by women who understand women's bodies. All the instructors are coached in injury prevention instructed. It is where women can work out and feel safe, knowing they will not get hurt.

But why women only? Stewart explains, "Many women struggle in female-dominated environments, feeling there will be much judgment or competition. Downtown Fit is a great place to build sincere relationships with other women. In a relationship based on the common objective of becoming better versions of ourselves, any judgment aspect drops away. Our fitness community is a blessing; we are very comfortable with each other," says Stewart. Client Jenna Wright explains why she joined Downtown FIT, "At other gyms, I would find myself gravitating toward the cardio equipment or the group classes. I knew I needed to incorporate weight training, but I was extremely intimidated. Men always dominated the weights, and I felt like I would be in the way, or they would judge me or my body. I don't have that concern here. Downtown FIT is a safe place where I can focus on my goals without feeling uncomfortable."

All or Nothing

All her life, strong women in her life ushered Stewart. Memories filled with her mother, grandmother, and aunt reinforce her testimony of how meaningful female relationships are and how devastating the loss of those bonds can be. In 2015, Stewart began losing her grandmother to dementia. The women of the family rallied together to help offer support. A few years later, her mother, Marta, was diagnosed with stage-4 lung Cancer. Stewart became the primary caretaker for the women who had cared for her all her life. Navigating the dizzying world of doctor's appointments

6 Dos and Don'ts for a healthier body and mind

1. Do not go on a diet. Find a lifestyle plan that works for you. Everybody is different and has different needs.

2. Do not set your health goals on someone else's body. Genetics do play a role in our health. Your goals are yours, and your way of achieving those goals may look different from others. That is okay.

3. Do not expect a quick fix when you decide to "get healthy." Health is a journey; it takes time to develop and adopt new habits. Consistency with habits leads to change and lasting results. Focus on progress, not perfection.

4. Do drink water. Set a water goal. Half of your weight in water in ounces is a general daily goal. Plan to have enough water.

5. Do set a sleep goal and adjust your schedule accordingly. Sleep is essential for our bodies to heal, repair, fight infection and inflammation, and many other processes. Sleep is just as important as exercise.

6. Do find accountability. Hire a trainer, join a class, find a workout partner, and be accountable. YOU are worth the investment.

and chemotherapy treatments, Stewart never lost sight of her goal of gym ownership. With the help of others and a leap of faith, she sought a facility. She acquired all the equipment and renovated a perfect location in the heart of downtown Rome. Stewart was under pressure to accomplish a miracle in just three weeks. "My mom wasn't doing very well. I felt the need to get everything ready. I was coming up on my fortieth birthday, the deadline I had set years ago for myself. Knowing how badly my mom wanted to see what I was accomplishing weighed heavily in my mind. With the tireless help of my husband and family, we worked to get the gym ready for my mom. After weeks remodeling, we were ready to unveil the space. Bringing her in her wheelchair, she saw what we built and told me how proud she was of me. It was the last time she ever left the house," says Stewart fighting her tears.

Making the Difference

Downtown Fit is a mission. The dedicated staff equips and empowers women to be better versions of themselves, going beyond the physicality and mentality of training. "We work on expanding the capacity to understand that we can do things we don't think we can, whether that is an exercise, raising their kids, or setting new goals. Whatever challenges these women face, we have a community sharing similar goals through fitness," says Stewart. Over the years, she has sought excellent results. "It's deeply inspiring to support people's physical health transformation into normal ranges. I see clients being able to discontinue medications and experience relief from their chronic depression and anxiety." Sponsoring involvement in the Spartan races, Stewart recalls the ecstatic moment when someone adopts the attitude; I can do it. Downtown Fit is a place to challenge and overcome your weaknesses, whether they be physical or mental. It is a place to grow beyond your limits, expand your self-confidence, and strengthen your sense of capability. Women supporting women—it's a place to heal.

Lakeside Relaxation at Cowan Creek Resort

Located on the beautiful Lake Weiss, this investment property stands out among other vacation options. The vast views shared by the rented cabins and fishing opportunities gives travelers an opportunity to experience a vacation like no other.

text KARLI LAND

If you have considered an investment property that boasts beautiful scenery and a proven track record, look no further. Cowan Resort, located on the scenic Lake Weiss in Alabama, is a perfect getaway that offers your guests much more than just a stunning view. This property, listed by Tom Sipp of Hardy Realty, is an incredible gateway into property investing. Cowan Resort is an unusual and diverse property in that it is a business and a home. “With the growing trends in outdoor recreation and a booming real estate market, this property is ideal for the entrepreneur that loves business and the water life,” says Sipp, an Associate Broker, specializing in residential investment, and commercial real estate listing and sales. And the current owner of the property is extremely proud to say that 25-30% of the business is in repeat customers.

Previously Pruett's Fish Camp, Cowan Creek Resort is independently owned by Mark and Pamela Hardy. They believe in offering guests an experience that takes the traveler out of the monotony of everyday life and places them instantly into an inspiring wonder that calms the spirit and helps you reconnect with nature. The true beauty of the resort is hard to adequately describe as it paves the way to unforgettable memories.

This property hosts 300' of lake frontage and a 90' dock that places you out on the open water. With over 30,000 acres, it is well known for its fishing and recreation activities that keep guests returning year after year. The resort has a total of 11 buildings, including ten rental cabins and efficiencies on three acres, conveniently located with boat landing and dock access. The main building has retail space downstairs and the owner's suite upstairs. Available lodging is ideal for overnight, weekend and vacation stays in the fully equipped cabins. Guests can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing some of the most desired luxury amenities. The cabin amenities differ among the buildings, some offering fully-functioning kitchens, satellite TV, and even screened in porches. Guests can also rent a space for an RV or camper that is perfect for over-the-road travelers passing through who desire much more than a place to park. Guests can rent a pontoon boat to fish from or simply relax and enjoy lake life.

A true fisherman’s paradise, Weiss Lake is know as the "Crappie Capital of the World" and also has great largemouth and striped bass fishing. The lake is home to bass up to 18” and houses an abundant number of young growing bass. Many fish over 25 lbs have been caught on this lake.

If fishing isn't your thing, Cowan is still a beautiful escape for a stay filled with peace and serenity. It offers some of the most beautiful views from looking atop Cherokee Rock City or exploring the local waterfalls. Just a short drive gets you to some of Alabama’s well-traveled hot spots like Yellow Creek Falls, Little River Canyon, Desoto State Park, and more. You can even take in a show at the 411 Twin Drive-In Theater for a truly unique experience that takes you back in time. This property is a must-see!

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

That is true of Dr. Lacey Johnson of Harbin Clinic Family Medicine Adairsville. “I knew I wanted to be a doctor from about the age of six,” she says. “I had a sister who had a chronic illness, and I spent a lot of time with her in doctors’ offices and hospitals, so from a young age I just always knew that I wanted to be a doctor.” As someone who grew up around these circumstances, Dr. Johnson has a heart for families who spend many hours at various medical facilities. She understands what they’re going through. Those early life events still inspire her to communicate in an open, caring, personal way with her patients and their families so they can understand all they need to know about the medical challenges they face.

A HEART FOR FAMILY MEDICINE

Dr. Johnson received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Residency in Family Medicine at Floyd Family Medicine Residency at Floyd Medical Center.

Dr. Johnson’s previous experiences also played a role in her decision to practice family medicine. For instance, during her rounds in medical school, she enjoyed women’s health and pediatrics, and yet she also thrived working with the elderly and in surgery. Ultimately, she concluded that it would be a privilege to oversee a patient’s healthcare journey with a comprehensive approach. She wanted to walk with each patient, helping them understand their needs in each stage of life. Family medicine allowed her to practice all the different elements of medicine she enjoys. “My favorite part of family medicine, by far,” Dr. Johnson says, “is the variety of patients and conditions they face. One minute I’m in the room with a twenty-three-year-old patient, and the next minute I’m in the room with a ninety-three-year-old patient.”

A TIME FOR A CHANGE

Dr. Johnson’s move to Harbin Clinic was influenced by her respect for the advice of a colleague. She says, “I wanted to practice in Adairsville because one of the former residents at Floyd Family Medicine Residency, Dr. Garvin Chandler, was at Adairsville and said good things about it. It just felt like

a really good fit for me. I think Harbin Clinic is so special and unique because of the variety of specialties that can be provided under one group.”

On Dr. Chandler’s part, the admiration is mutual. He says, “We’re thrilled Dr. Johnson joined our team. Her addition allows us to continue providing comprehensive and compassionate care to the Adairsville community.”

A CALL TO MIND AND BODY

Alongside thorough medical training, Dr. Johnson brings additional knowledge and experience, including a Master’s in counseling and psychology. Her background in psychology has had a significant impact on the way she cares for patients. Much of her philosophy draws on the importance of taking a comprehensive

Dr. Lacey Johnson

FOR SOME, SIGNIFICANT CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR THEIR EVENTUAL CAREERS.

view of patients. She quickly found that one’s health is affected by medicinal treatments and, more importantly, the impacts of social life and psychological status on a person’s overall health. It’s a whole-person mind-body approach to meeting the patient’s needs. Dr. Johnson believes that when patients understand the “why,” they are more likely to ask good questions and fully commit to their health plan. This all-inclusive method is a priority in how Dr. Johnson cares for and comforts her patients.

As Dr. Johnson begins to help her new patients think about their healthcare journey, she starts by listening. Her goal is to get a strong understanding of what a patient already knows about his or her circumstances and what a patient wants help with. She cares deeply about how her patients feel about medication, exercise, and more, as well as what specific actions they can take together to make care and intervention as successful as possible.

THE HONOR OF SERVICE

Dr. Johnson counts it as a great honor to care for patients who are looking for a

physician dedicated to their healthcare, which is what Harbin Clinic Family Medicine Adairsville is dedicated to. “It’s an extremely satisfying feeling when I can help a patient solve a problem,” she says. “I want my patients to feel heard. Help them understand their medication list. Help them understand their illness. By

doing that, they know I’m going to be very honest with them about their healthcare and that I want them to understand their healthcare so they can take ownership.”

To schedule an appointment, visit Harbin Clinic Family Medicine Adairsville.

THE ROAD TO

My former partner Neal Howard always told writers it was their job to paint the picture with the opening paragraph or two and let the subjects tell the story from there. They listened and each issue I flipped through served as a timeline for the growth of this region and the communities that thrive here. It was hard to decide on my favorites, but I did my best and can’t thank everyone who contributed to any of the 199 issues before this edition enough. To quote one of my favorite bands, what a long, strange trip it's been. ISSUES

A DECADE OF STEEPLECHASE PARTIES, Taste & Toast, and a slew of really talented and creative people have made the V3 journey a ride to remember. It took this magazine to make me appreciate my hometown and the region it sits in for anything more than the place I grew up. I never knew just how many remarkable people called Northwest Georgia home until we started writing and printing their stories. I’ve taken a little journey down memory lane, flipping through issues to find some of my favorite features and covers from years past. I kept getting sucked into stories I had completely forgotten about by writers old and new, some of which I hardly knew.

200 IS JUST ANOTHER NUMBER, BUT IT FEELS LIKE A HECK OF AN ACCOMPLISHMENT TO ALL OF US AT V3. SO, WE ARE GOING TO CELEBRATE IT AND ALL THOSE WHO HELPED US MAKE IT THIS FAR.

Text: Ian Griffin Photos: Rob Smith & V3 Archives

Sheriff Tim Burkhalter was featured on the cover for an article that concentrated on the meth epidemic law enforcement was dealing with at the time. We were finding our footing a little at this point. Lauren Howard was lending her photography skills, which made for some great imagery (including the cover) and Neal Howard was beginning to hit his stride designing and laying out the magazine after studying under Robert. We went on the work on several projects with Tim that led to other features, like his Turning Point program that serves as a scared straight opportunity for troubled youths. I still keep up with our former sheriff and he was kind enough to answer a few of my questions for this issue.

JUNE 2006 1ST ISSUE

We filed for our state registration in December of 2005, but it wasn’t until June of 2006 that we finally got the first issue out. It felt like it would never happen and when it finally did there was a printing error that sent all 15,000 copies back to the presses. Robert Weed used his Photoshop and InDesign prowess to make our inaugural cover out of three separate pictures that captured the essence of the event that would be our annual celebration for the next ten years, The Atlanta Steeplechase. We featured Mel & Mimi, The Rome Renegades, Renee Mixon, Chef Mikel Sykes, and more in that issue and have kept the pedal down ever since.

MARCH 2007 10TH ISSUE

TIM BURKHALTER

Q: Tim you graced our cover in March of 2007. What have you been up to for the last 15 years?

A: Well, first I’m just so proud of what we were able to accomplish with the Sheriff’s Department and excited to see where it goes under Dave Roberson’s leadership. Community outreach and involvement was one of our primary goals and we couldn’t have achieved that without the buy-in and hard work from all of our employees. To see Dave continue that legacy in his own way means a lot to me.

Q: Tell us about your new business venture, Hard Time Products?

A: With 36 ½ years working in law enforcement I had a lot of experience with the providers of all the goods we needed. The customer service provided by those providers was practically non-existent. You never spoke with a person, it was always an 800 number, and dial 1 for this or 2 for that. Bottom line, it was hard to get things when we needed them. So, we put together a team of 8 owners/operators with the goal of filling that void in the industry. So far, we have expanded faster than we could have imagined, approaching 2 million dollars in sales so far.

Q: After years of service to our community, how are you enjoying life in the private sector?

A: I’ve been able to ditch my blood pressure medicine for one. I mean there is still stress, but it’s a different kind of stress. When I leave town to enjoy myself, I don’t have as much on my shoulders worrying about the hundreds of employees and inmates that were my responsibility. Don’t get me wrong, I miss a lot of things. Mainly the people, but I do have a little more peace in my spare time.

The cover language played off a James Taylor song as “Sweet Baby” James Schroeder and his artwork were featured within. Sabrina Wilson was shooting for us at this point and putting her stamp on the visual aesthetic of the magazine at that time. Taste of New Orleans was also featured and catered our Steeplechase tent a few months after this issue. James has continued to produce art and built quite a name for himself over the years, so this feature that marked his journey’s beginning stages is a really cool story to revisit. James was willing to sit down with us to give us a quick update on his artistic endeavors.

JAMES SCHROEDER

Q: You were 24 years old when you were on the cover back in 2008, how has life changed most for you in the last 14 years?

A: It's been a blur, but a good blur. From teaching and coaching to working art festivals, time has really flown by. I guess learning how to balance it all would be the biggest change for me.

Q: Your art career was just getting started back then and is still going strong. What kind of projects are you currently working on?

A: A few years after V3 ran the article I had this crazy idea to start painting murals on recycled or old wooden doors. That’s something I am still doing, but one of the big shifts came during the pandemic when people started commissioning me to work on specific things they wanted me to create. That kind of work really started when a kid approached me to work on a door with all his favorite athletes from Atlanta that was just too cool to pass up. Other people saw that and it just kind of took off from there.

Q: Finally, I know you are a life-long Georgia fan…what did it feel like to finally get that national championship, and have you made any art to commemorate that?

A: What a moment. To be perfectly honest I went home at halftime of that game and curled up under a blanket on my couch to watch the second half. As Kelee Ringo was returning that interception I wasn’t cheering or screaming, I was laughing and crying tears of joy. As for the art, I did a Jordan Davis piece not too long ago, but I suppose I’ll have to bite the bullet and create some Stetson Bennet art at some point.

You would have to try really hard not to like Bryan Mullins. This issue featured him and his Woodcreek Faction comedy troupe cohorts in front of a laundromat. We featured them along with a local paranormal investigator team and the firstever Beerfest. It was a perfect Fall issue and remains one of my favorites. If you’re a Roman, you likely know Mr. Mullins and a conversation with him is always a pleasant experience.

BRYAN MULLINS

Q: I’m going to cut to the chase…whatever happened to the Woodcreek Faction?

A: Man, that’s a heck of a question. We had a lot of fun creating those sketches and making Comedy Central was something else. A lot of years have passed and we all kind of went on to do our own things, but if there is one thing I’ve learned it's never say never. The way people consume content online has changed a lot since then. Attention spans are shorter, so I feel like our comedy fits that space and time.

Q: You are both a comedian and musician. Those things are easily blended, but which is your favorite?

A: I’d have to go with music. Don’t get me wrong, I love them both, but you always have to stop and tune your guitar so there’s room to fit in a joke or two then.

Q: What kind of old man do you see yourself being?

A: Hopefully a fun one. One that is still active and living life to the fullest each day. That’s what I try to do now so I don’t want to change up that recipe.

AUGUST 2011 72ND ISSUE

1ST SEC PREVIEW

I grew up a rabid college football fan. The only issue of Southern Living I had to steal from my mother was the one that included a small football preview, and I would snag Street Smith or Athens full preview as soon as it hit stands each year. When I got the opportunity to create my own it was a dream come true. The SEC Preview edition has been our theme for the August issue of V3 ever since and I still enjoy putting it together now as much as I did the first rendition. It opened the door to our annual high school football preview, which is honestly even more fun because we get to interact with the players in our studio and the appreciation they and their parents show is always appreciated on our end.

JULY 50TH ISSUE

One of our first landmark/celebratory issues was our 50th. Former governor Nathan Deal was running for office and sat down with Bryant Steele to discuss his focus if elected, and a story on the 411 connector landed us in hot water with a few local officials that had snubbed Brian Foster's efforts to interview them and didn’t like the angle he went with. It wasn’t the first time and wouldn’t be the last time that we rubbed somebody the wrong way, but it was by far my toughest lesson in eating crow. Regardless, 50 issues felt huge at the time and Brittany Howes' cover art still holds up.

At this point, we were seasoned veterans at the Steeplechase game. Our theme that year was American Graffiti and former Roman Jeremy Hulsey recreated the cult classic movie poster with the V3 staff at the time and a few other local celebrities. Former chief of photography Derek Bell flashing his camera from car in the top left was a nice touch and Jeremy even Where’s Waldo’d himself into the design as well. We liked it so much that we blew it up on a canvas to hang in our office. As for the Steeplechase party, they all kind of run together now, but I’m sure it was a blast as always.

The trend continues as we never miss an opportunity to celebrate. This one may be my favorite special edition of all though. Honeymoon Bakery made us a beautiful cake and we proceeded to smash, throw and smear it in an epic staff cake fight. It made an awful mess, but we smashed our cake and ate it too.

SEPTEMBER 2016 131ST ISSUE

We bit hard on the trend of the moment and had a great time putting this piece together. Laura Allshouse was one of our graphic designers at the time, but she had a background in theater costume and prop design. She made and wore the Pikachu costume for this feature and we had an open casting call for families to come chase her down with giant pokeballs that she also created. We took Pikachu/Laura all over Rome to simulate catching a prized “pocket monster” at some of our favorite haunts. It was too much fun and Cameron Flaisch absolutely nailed the pictures.

OCTOBER 2018 156TH ISSUE

One last issue I had to include before we reached 200 was another Jeremy Hulsey masterpiece. Before the Netflix sensation ended up filming here and making my commute and the intersection of 2nd Avenue and East 10th street more treacherous than before, we here at V3 were already obsessed with Stranger Things. We carefully plotted which staff members fit certain characters and I still think we nailed it.

Oliver Robbins' dreadlocks serving as the mind flayer put it over the top though. Honorable mention goes to Chris Forino as Steve and once again Mr. Hulsey made his subtle cameo as well. 128TH

So, I suppose we will see where we go from here, but I hope I’m old and grey when this ride comes to an end and that V3 can live on, providing a feature-based snapshot of Northwest Georgia for years to come.

THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR READING

A Gifted Man for Gifted Kids

SOME KIDS WIND UP at the right school at the right time with the right teacher. These students are not only exceptionally bright, but they are also fortunate. They come to school knowing they will constantly be challenged, and that they will have fun while meeting those challenges. As they move up through their elementary school grades, they will encounter an array of learning experiences that will prepare them for life-long learning, personal growth, and success. In the earlier grades, they will learn to play chess and design and build cricket habitats, learning to see themselves as thinkers, problem-solvers, scientists. Later they will learn about the stock market, studying all about finance, process, planning, and investing. They will learn how to plan, organize, and put on a school dance. By the sixth grade they will design, write, edit, and publish their own magazine. Add to that a host of other fascinating, mind-expanding experiences and these children will be ready to face life—and the upper grades—with confidence. None of this happens by accident. It’s all carefully and thoughtfully crafted and executed. The man behind all of this is Gary Jones, the award-winning teacher of the gifted students at East Central Elementary in Rome, Georgia. His students and coworkers will tell you he’s one of a kind.

Gaining an international perspective

“I grew up in Germany,” Jones says, “because my dad is a soldier. He wanted to get us out of West Philadelphia, where my mom and dad grew up. I was probably about four when we left Philly. We were in Germany, on-and-off, for about eleven years. We left around the time the Berlin Wall came down.”

In some ways, Jones’ experience as an expat and an international student in Germany laid the foundation for his later role as a teacher for gifted students. “The discipline in Germany was a lot stricter than here,” Jones says. “In the military system, if you got in trouble, your father got in trouble too, so your behavior was moderated by that. If you caused a problem the consequences would affect your family. That is a huge difference between a military life and being a civilian.” Growing up, Jones and his younger brother were taught they were not only representatives of their family, but of their country as well. Jones adds, “That’s something I try to instill in my own family and in my students. Growing up, we were pretty poor, monetarily, but I think I have a priceless education and life experience. It was a true global education.”

As a teenager leaving that high-discipline world, Jones found moving back to the States a challenge. “Coming back to America,” Jones says, “the culture shock was scary. I was told things like: ‘You’re not going to understand anyone’ and ‘They all drive pickup trucks and play banjos.’” With a laugh, Jones adds, “When I got here, though, I fell in love with the South.”

Gary Jones, the teacher of the gifted program at East Central Elementary of Rome, Georgia, leads his exceptionally bright students in learning how to solve real-world problems, and he makes sure they’re having fun while they’re doing it.

Text: Paul Moses

Photos: Provided by Rome City Schools

The making of an educator

Gary Jones’ original career goal had nothing to do with teaching children; he wanted to become an attorney. Over the years, various teachers had pointed out to Jones that he had a unique skill set, that is, he could articulate his point of view persuasively as well as argue a subject from different viewpoints. However, when Jones explained to his guidance counselor at Avondale High School (Decatur, Georgia) that for those reasons he wanted to become a lawyer, the counselor said, “Also, with your skill set—and you’re good with people—you could easily become a janitor.” That temporarily discouraged Jones from making plans for college, but thankfully for Jones’ future students, he did not ultimately take that guidance counselor’s advice and pursue a custodial career.

After taking the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), it was clear that Jones had potential to become an Army officer. Suddenly, a career in the military was a viable option. After all, it was a family tradition, a noble profession. The idea was short-lived, as a severe case of flat feet made joining the Army impossible. “I was devastated,” Jones says. “I became totally depressed.”

Soon after that, a substitute teacher in Jones’ high school German class suggested he consider Berry College, in Rome, Georgia. Visiting the campus, he was immediately enchanted. The beautiful Gothic-style buildings reminded him of the architecture he had grown up admiring in Europe. He says, “It was like the moment I [later] met my wife—love at first sight.” He applied to Berry College, was accepted, and enrolled as a pre-law student.

Jones’ first encounter with children in an educational setting happened almost incidentally. He took a class in dance, and the instructor asked him to come help her in her class at Berry Elementary. “That was my first experience working with kids. They were probably five and six years old. Just babies.” Teaching those small children about dance was, to Jones, a joyous time. And an epiphany of sorts. Right away, he began rethinking his career path. “Until then, I had wanted to be an attorney—to make money, prove myself—but I knew that was not where my happiness was.” Watching those children dance, he thought, “I could do a lot of good in education.” Soon afterward, he changed his major to Early Childhood Education.

Some need a little more

At the close of his senior year at Berry College, Jones attended a job fair, where he received six or seven job offers on the spot. He was intrigued by an offer from Berry Elementary. They told him they saw a lot of potential in him and that they would help him grow, and if he came on staff, he could teach whatever he wanted to. “I was taken aback by that,” Jones says, “but I accepted the job, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Those six years at Berry Elementary were great. While there, I created an integrated curriculum. I took whatever the students were learning in their classes and incorporated it into physical education, art, drama. That played to my skill set—creative thinking, thinking on my feet.”

In 2004, Jones made the move to East Central Elementary, also in Rome. There, in 2009, he began teaching gifted students, which has become a deep, abiding passion for him. He says, “A gifted student is the one who needs a little bit more; they’re the top five percent of students. We test them into the program—they have to excel in three out of four areas: achievement, cognition, creativity, and motivation.”

For him, the shift was a significant one. “It was a scary transition for me,” Jones says. “I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into.” Quickly, however, he discovered he had a lot in common with his new students. “I understood them, because when I was a kid, I was a gifted student, as was my brother. Back then, though, the programs were not as defined, especially like we grew up—constantly moving—it was never consistent.”

Jones teaches 2nd through 6th grades. Of his students, he says, “These kids are quirky, creative, unique, and high achieving. They have asynchronous abilities. That is, they may be high in math but off on reading, or vice versa.” Jones explains that many of his students tend to hyperfocus on their own interests, and it’s a challenge to engage them in subjects outside of those things. “To make them learn other things I have to make it fun and challenging. They need to build a foundation that will hold up later. For instance, a lot of my students are great in math and the sciences, so I mix that with writing and debating and art. It’s an interdisciplinary approach.”

A program for everyone

Jones explains that there used to be a stigma that the gifted program was only for white students. He says, “You don’t see many Black men in elementary education. Even when I go to gifted conferences, I’m the only Black male there.”

As Jones sees it, his present position in the school system is a positive motivational factor for people of color. “I’m the first Black male teacher to be a gifted teacher in the Rome City Schools,” he says, “and because of that, I’ve had so many conversations with parents and children that would have never happened before. I’ve actually had parents tell me they didn’t want their child in the gifted classes because they didn’t think their child would be comfortable being without their friends—and no one in the program looks like them.”

For Black students, it’s important for them to not only see a teacher who looks like them but to also know that this teacher is successful in his vocation. Gary Jones has received many awards and accolades from the educational system and from the wider community. These, among others,

Time flies when...

For gifted students, engagement is the key to success. Jones says, “If you make your classroom something kids look forward to, they’re going to give you a hundred percent because they see you’re giving them a hundred percent.” This sort of mutual commitment and enthusiasm can make Jones’ students give up things they usually enjoy in order to stay on task. For instance, one day Jones’ class was reading and discussing the post-apocalyptic novel The City of Ember (by Jeanne DuPrau), which is about a civilization that lives in a subterranean city. The students became so engrossed in a spirited debate about what it would take for people to survive in such a harsh, isolated environment, that when Jones looked at the clock and said, “Okay, guys, it’s time to go out for recess,” they balked. The kids didn’t want to go outside; they wanted to continue their discussion about DuPrau’s book. Jones says, “That doesn’t happen often—we love going outside—but that’s the magic of the classroom.”

Like his students, Jones sometimes loses himself in the process too. “Today I kept thinking it was Monday, but it wasn’t,” he says. “I lose track of the days because I’m having so much fun. I get excited. I wish I could bottle that. That’s the beauty of teaching.”

include: East Central Teacher of the Year, Rome City Schools Teacher of the Year, Northwest Georgia Coosa River Basin Initiative Teacher of the Year, Northwest Georgia Walmart Teacher of the Year, and Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year. The list goes on and will doubtless grow in years to come.

FOR THE INJURIES. FOR THE COMEBACKS.

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