COOSA VALLEY F U N !
The 75th edition of the Coosa Valley Fair will bring Northwest Georgians together for a guaranteed good time.
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SEPTEMBER 2024
COLUMNS FEATURES
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Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. This month, Nero Romansky basks in the glorious fall colors, then makes a donkey out of himself.
Nina Lovel recounts the beloved creatures that have come her way over the years.
The Exchange Club of Rome is celebrating its 75th year of fun at the Coosa Valley Fair.
A Hardy Home steeped in family history and the opportunity to embrace a storied legacy and create your own cherished memories.
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Meet Dr. Patricia Walters, an obstetrician and gynecologist new to Harbin Clinic Women’s Center in Rome.
and
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.
Publisher's Note
OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin
There is something special about the changing of the seasons, but September can be a bit of a crapshoot in the South. While we have still had some sultry days, the false fall arrived early this year, with at least a week in August when we were greeted by a
Pumpkin Spice Spice Baby
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 that recurring nightmare where you bite into a juicy apple, and all your teeth fall out.
The cool air, the leaves changing colors, and out-of-towners clogging campus roads while counting deer at Berry College. Is there a more delightful time and place than fall in Rome, GA? Nero thinks not.
First question.
DEAR NERO
“The Coosa Valley Fair baking contest is in a few days, and it’s my first time making my grandmother’s famous pecan pie since she passed away. I don’t want to sound uneducated in front of the judges. Do you pronounce the word Pa-KHAN or PEE-can?”
— Othella DeAngelchristo | RHS Class of ‘99
DEAR OTHELLA
The answer is complicated. Unlike my native Latin, regional dialects affect the pronunciation of most words in English. Lucky for you, my governess taught me this nursery rhyme to help me remember how to pronounce pecan
“When in Rome, you may have to PEE. Can you find a toilet for me?”
“Way up North lived my Pa. His favorite movie was Star Trek 2: The Wrath of KHAN.”
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR EMPEROR,
“Every fall, my twin sister Melissabeth and I have the same argument. I do not desire autumn décor, but she maxes out her Hobby Lobby platinum card on the home decorations. Our front porch is covered with every hay bale from Euharlee to Trion. Last night, we had to rent a U-Haul after ‘a quick stop by the pumpkin church.’ We aren’t farmers, so why would we need a hand-painted ‘Harvest’ sign? I could go on and on. How do I limit the ostentatious madness?”
— Brelissabeth Jorgenson | Armuchee High School Class of ‘2015
DEAR BRE
Nero has a simple tip for dealing with petty squabbles about family traditions. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and answer this question:
Which sister controls more squadrons of trained legionnaires infinitely loyal to her every whim?
The Emperor follows the “Might Makes Families Right” doctrine of sibling rivalry. If you need my help, I am happy to lend you a few hundred centurions as a peacemaking force.
Perhaps you want a more passive-aggressive approach to end her impulsive Hobby Lobbying. Wake up early every morning and set all the clocks and calendars in the house to Sunday
“Sorry, Mel, it's Sunday [again]. Your craft haven is closed.”
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is the Chief Ambassador of Fun at WorkPlay Solutions, the author of Forever Sisters, and the Vice President of the Children’s Museum of Rome. He hopes you pity laugh at his humor and satire stories, especially the ones that aren’t funny.
DEAR MR. EMPEROR SIR,
“Pumpkin spice is gross. Prove me wrong.”
— JIMMY A.R. SHOLE | Obviously a pseudonym
DEAR JIMBUNS,
It's not technically a question, but you’re preaching to the choir—if the choir was made up of anyone with taste buds.
Let Nero reveal a little secret the executives at Starbucks, Lumina, and Swift & Finch don’t want you to know. You won't get this truth from Scooters, Green Mug, or the gluten-free cafe on Broad Street staffed by the uber-joyous missionaries.
No one actually likes pumpkin spice.
The United States Army developed pumpkin spice in World War One as a sustainable alternative to mustard gas. In 1985, the United Nations penned the Treaty of Versache, which banned chemical weapons in modern warfare. Every September, the Army opens the strategic Pumpkin Spice Reserves in Palo Alto, California, and sells the orange “flavor” to coffee shops for $0.03 per metric ton.*
If it were up to Nero, we would skip past pumpkin spice season and double down on Xmas Peppermint.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR DOUBLE “O” ZERO
“I owe you an apology. I was on sabbatical this summer and didn’t make time to be a reliable nemesis for the last few columns. But I’m back, and every academic bone in my body feels compelled to tell you:
Nothing you wrote is even close to historically accurate.
The truth about Pumpkin Spice is far more sinister. It began when the Vatical ran out of coffee beans in 1567, and Pope Gregory XII decreed that once a year on the island of Malta — — Dr. Humbert R. Tuffleson, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Ancient History at Georgia Highlands College
DEAR DR. TUFFLESON
[Nero scrolls through the professor’s meticulously detailed 93-page email and deletes it out of boredom.] Welcome back, Dr. T. I want you to know from the bottom of my magnanimous heart:
Nobody noticed you were gone.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR NERO,
“How long will you ignore the cultural elephant in the room? The most significant event this fall is the presidential election. In your unbiased opinion, who won the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris?”
— Michael Polfeagna | The guy who ruins everything by bringing up politics
DEAR MICHAEL,
As an emperor, I don’t sully myself with inferior forms of government. However, as a purveyor of advice, I am bound by professional ethics to answer.
After watching the spectacle between the candidates and all of their misleading claims, I think every Republican, Democrat, Independent, and undecided voter can all agree on one conclusion. And that conclusion is: This article has just reached its word count.
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. * A metric ton is the same as a regular ton, but has a German accent.
LIGHTBULB MOMENTS
with Matthews Lighting & Electric
SEPTEMBER: Fall Safety Tips
1. Inspect Your Cords
Once your extension cords become frayed or damaged, they’re no longer safe to use so now is a perfect time to inspect your cords for any damage. Not only that, but you should also make sure they are weatherproof if you plan to use them outside. To avoid shock and injury, always make this a priority in the fall season!
2. Inspect Your Devices
Check for any wear and tear on all tools and devices you plan to use this season. To avoid electrical fires, make sure their power cords aren’t damaged. If you notice damage to any of your electrical tools, now is the time to repair or replace them before use.
3. Check Devices Before Using Them Outside
Moisture and rain never mix with electricity, so make sure that you are taking the proper precautions when using your electrical devices outside – whether a lawn mower, power tools, or cords. One sure way to avoid potential shocks this fall and winter is to invest in GFCI outlets.
4. Test Your Smoke Alarms
You rely on your smoke alarm to give you an early warning that there’s a potential fire. Make sure yours are working this fall and winter!
5. Clear Away Debris
Dry leaves can be hazardous, as they are perfect for starting a fire when met with a spark of any kind. By sweeping them away from outlets, light fixtures, cords, and any other potential fire hazard, you can avoid a catastrophe this fall.
Did You Know?
At Henderson and Sons Funeral Homes, we strive to provide the highest levels of compassionate service to families during their time of greatest need.
Not all funeral service providers are the same. Do you know the differences between a full-service and discount provider?
Full-Service Discount Provider
Provides support and guidance through pre-planning, at-need, and aftercare
Experienced, licensed funeral directors on staff
Personalized, attentive service in state-of-the-art facilities
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Smaller staff and higher volume mean less time and care given to each family
May not have a licensed funeral director on staff
Cuts corners on service and facilities because of “discount” reputation
Low advertised price and many additional hidden costs
Cats from the World
No matter where your animals come from; most important is your promise to take care of them.
Here and Now with Nina Lovel
Cats from the World
Have you ever listened to people talking about their dogs (or cats or grandchildren), and they are not really listening to each other? It sounds like two bouncing monologues: one person says something about their dog (cat, grandchild), which prompts the other person to tell a similar story about their own dog (ditto), and on they go:
Person 1: Bowser’s stomach is so sensitive, I have to make his food every week.
Person 2: Rover has to have that special-ordered expensive food.
Person 1: I have to special-order Bowser’s insulin; he’s diabetic, you know.
Person 2: I know what you mean; my cat is diabetic.
I’m not here to judge– these are people engaging in friendly conversation, and we need all the ‘friendly’ we can get these days! But, proofreading-me can’t help but notice a lack of meaningful content.
All this is to say that, should you choose to keep reading, you will get just one side(mine) of an animal conversation. If you hang in though, I’ll try to make you smile.
How to Get a Cat
Do you really need this answered? You can get a cat (usually in kitten format) from neighbors, relatives, friends, neighbors of relatives, friends of friends, and behind the snack machine at work. Cats from a relative (including your kids) are “Inherited”, cats from a friend or organization are “Rescued”, and all the rest (the ones that show up behind the snack machine at work, or on your porch, or under your house with a litter of kittens), have “Come from the World”.
My Two Inherited Cats
Scooter
Scooter was my daughter’s sweet and vocal tabby who enjoyed an indoor, only-cat life. That “enjoyed” part ended the day my baby granddaughter came home.
Have you seen those videos where the family dog loves up on the new baby? Yeah, that’s a dog. Dogs do those things. Have you ever seen a video with a cat loving up on the new baby? If you have, it’s a deep-fake; cats don’t do those things. Dogs welcome pack-mates; cats guard their turf. Faced with a challenge to their turf, an indoor cat’s decision matrix goes like this: (1) hiss, (2) hiss and yowl, (3) hiss, yowl, and lash out with claws, (4) (all of the above, plus) adopt immediate litter pan issues. If things get bad enough, (5) ditch the litter pan completely.
Scooter did what it took. The first time that loud tiny human was lifted from her crib he marked it as his, and I don’t mean he sprayed it. At that moment my phone rang and I rushed to Alabama with a cat carrier. Welcome to Rome, Scoots! He enjoyed fourteen more quiet indoor years with me; we closed the bedroom door when baby Maddie visited.
Turtle
My other inherited kitten was Turtle, son of my son’s rescued cat, Moses who, along with her sister Amos, had twin litters one bright summer day. (I think Jedd got extra Cats from the World because he had such a gift for naming them. Beautiful red-headed brothers Buster and Scruggs now live their best life with Tamara and Jeff.) Turtle was tortoiseshell colored, and while he was “Turtle” to the family when I called the veterinarian he became “My Cat Named Turtle”, just to make things clear.
Turtle was the sweetest kitten. He lived inside and slept and purred on my pillow. He was mine, and I was his, until he took that “I was his” thing a little too far. One day, as I was reading, he was purring and nuzzling on the arm of my chair. Then suddenly, he spun around and sprayed me, right in the ear! It made me sad to let him outside, but I mean, really.
Turt lived a long, cared-for, protected life outdoors with fencing, little houses with cooling and heating pads, and all the food he could eat, which was a LOT of food. He was hyperthyroid, and even on maximum meds, he ate and ate and ate. And, ate. Every breakfast and supper, he drilled a whole can of Fancy Feast smothered in cat gravy and served with a side of dry food. Bedtime found him lapping up a packet of kitty bisque sprinkled with kitty treats. I had so many Chewy deliveries that the FedEx guy and I started sharing friendly cat conversations.
Just before Christmas, Turt didn’t want his breakfast, and I knew it was time.
In January, Chewy’s automated system reminded me to place my cat food order. I told the automated system that Turtle had passed. There followed a sweet sympathy card from Chewy. Even though I realized that AI had sent that card (“if customer’s reply contains ‘deceased’, send card”), in a strangely sweet way, this touched me and I cried. Um, okay. AI made me cry. “It’s a new world, Mom.”
Cats
from the World
Scout
Scout was my first Cat from the World. That’s what the vet said when I told him I had no idea where the kitten came from: “He came from the world”. My granddaughter named him Scout.
Here was a tiny red kitten with a big voice and rings around his tail who loved to chase a ball at the end of a fishing rod. One day he didn’t want to play; we found a recalcitrant ear infection. I said to the vet, “Do whatever it takes!” That last antibiotic warned that it might cause developmental issues in kittens, but my Executive Decision said, “Go for it!” Skittle-Scout recovered, but he kept an inquisitive little tilt to his head, and not all of his grown-up teeth came in.
Scout was special. Not the brightest red-kitty-crayon in the box, he was still the sweetest, cutest, most frisky and fun-loving little cat I’ve ever known. He had more personality in his little claw than any other cat could claim. He left in July, way too soon, and on his own terms. I found him peacefully lying in the shade of my kayaks. It broke my heart.
Blackie-Blue
Blackie Blue (her fur’s so black it’s blue) came to my house all silky and sweet; I gave her some food and she stuck around with Turtle and Scout. She had already been spayed. Hmmm. Where does a cat come from, spayed but not feral? From The World, of course.
Blackie is now an only cat, and she’s just fine with that. Scout got on her last nerve, always wanting to play. I think she’s an introvert like me. She’s a sweet little beast, but I sure do miss my personality-cats.
The Kitten in the Garage
With Turtle, Scout and Blackie-Blue, I was all catted-up. No more cats, thank you. Until I opened the inside door to my garage and saw a tiny gray kitten scurry under a shelf. How had it gotten in there?
My garage is a closed system. Unless you’re a spider, the only way in is to open the door. I told my kids someone had put a kitten in my garage. They thought I was crazy, but I knew what I had seen. I’m pretty sure there ensued a sibling conversation about keeping a closer eye on mom.
I saw the skitty-kitty again later. I did not tell the kids.
I called “here kitty kitty”; nobody came. I put out food and water; it was consumed. It took a few days, but a live trap won the day. I made sure to document the event and sent the pics to the kids.
In that trap was the tiniest, maddest, hissiest, spittingest, most beautiful dark gray long-haired kitten I had ever seen. That beautiful kitten was MAD! I named it Taz.
I had told my friend Kristie about it and she just had to have that kitten. As soon as I trapped it, here she came with a carrier. It took both of us twenty minutes to move that terrified half-pound ball of hissy-spitty-fuzz from trap to carrier, but eventually, home they went.
After weeks of gentle domestication, Taz became Jazz, and she is now a splendidly beautiful cat. There’s a little feral left in her; she is a loyal companion, but Kristie is her only person.
The World Where the Cats Came From
It took me years to connect these dots, but I recently recalled that a neighbor’s cousin worked at a rescue cattery. My house was between the cattery and the neighbors’. Is it possible that Cousin knew an occasional kitten would find a good home with me? Might that be the World they came from? If so, it worked out well for all of us.
It’s been a few years since I got a Cat from the World. Also, a few years since Cousin passed away. Hmm.
Thoughts for the Future
After losing Turtle and Scout so close together, I told my daughter I would guard my heart and be happy with my only-cat Blackie now. Life would be peaceful. And cost-effective.
Then she said, “Why don’t you think about a ChiChi?”
ChiChi is Jessica’s bearded dragon, my little grand-beardie. He was a cute little six-inch-long hatchling when she brought him home, so adorable when he zapped those tiny feeder-crickets with his tongue. Now all grown up at 3 ½ years old, he is nineteen inches long! Cheech hangs out and looks around. He is totally chill. While he has a lovely habitat with warm and cool ends, he prefers to free-range the condo. Sometimes he’ll meander into the living room to visit; sometimes he hides. Sometimes for weeks. We’ve learned not to worry; he’s living his nature, bromating, and he shows back up when he’s ready.
As fond as I am of our Cheecharalious though, I must rule a beardie out because I have at least four friends who would not enter my house if they knew it intentionally contained a reptile.
Why Not a Dog?
It’s time I bring this up. I like dogs, I really do. But I don’t have the patience to belong to a dog. I’ve tried it, and I’m just too only-child selfish. I like to walk when *I* want to walk, not when somebody else does; plus, they don’t always sleep through the night. But I’ll be glad to love on *your* dog any time-bring him on!!
In Conclusion
Maybe it’s time to revisit some texts with my kids from the Great Shut-In: Me: My precious children, I need your help. As you know, I’m weathering the stay-at-home just fine, but I almost had a crisis today. I’m so tired of doing things around the house, I almost went off the deep end.
Daughter: What’s going on, Mommy?
Son: Answer the phone!
Me: It took everything I had to keep from turning left out of Home Depot to go buy two parakeets.
S: What da***
D: Don’t scare us like that!
M: PLEASE talk me off this ledge.
D: They will outlive you! But get you a bird, one of those fancy ones that talks.
D-in-L: Since D isn’t talking you off the ledge, be sure she gets the bird if it outlives you.
M: But then I remembered they live 25 years, and it would be so wrong if all I left you were a couple of parakeets. Night-night, love you!!
S: LOL u crazy. Don’t scare me like that again.
M: I just tanked my chances of a good nursing home.
Has anyone ever had a parakeet Come from the World? (Asking for a friend.)
HARBIN CLINIC WELCOMES DR. PATRICIA WALTERS TO WOMEN’S CENTER ROME
Dr. Patricia Walters, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Harbin Clinic Women’s Center in Rome, is much more than a new face at the practice. Not only does she bring her expertise, but Dr. Walters is committed to understanding and empowering her patients. She serves with compassion and empathy, which further enhances the center's promise to provide comprehensive women's health care.
MEET DR. PATRICIA WALTERS
Dr. Walters grew up in Calhoun and attended school in Rome. After high school, she graduated from Oglethorpe University and completed medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Dr. Walters is excited to return to Rome, a place she knows and loves.
Early in her medical career, Dr. Walters knew she was interested in caring for women through their various stages of life. From routine checkups to managing high-risk pregnancies and performing complex surgical procedures, Dr. Walters thrives on the diversity of skills her specialty demands daily. She also said her medical philosophy centers around being the kind of doctor she would want for her family.
“I will never forget the first baby I helped deliver,” says Dr. Walters. “It was magical then, and it’s still magical every time.”
Dr. Walters emphasizes that her role, however, goes beyond delivering babies. She provides all women with a healthy, informative perspective on their womanhood, beginning in the early stages of development and continuing throughout their lives.
“I love helping women understand clear and comprehensive information about their health. Even with younger patients, I enjoy educating them about their bodies and listening to their questions. My goal is to create a safe space for patients that is not intimidating so that they are comfortable throughout the entire experience,” said Dr. Walters.
OUTSIDE THE OFFICE
In her spare time, she dabbles in beekeeping. Her family now has two colonies of bees in the area, and their hives produced 75 pounds of honey in their first harvest.
“I wouldn’t call myself a beekeeper just yet,” said Dr. Walters. “But it’s a hobby I’m excited to continue to learn more about.”
Dr. Walters looks forward to joining Harbin Clinic during its integration with Atrium Health Floyd. Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd announced their strategic combination earlier this year. Being a part of Atrium Health will be a familiar experience for Dr. Walters, as she completed her residency at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, Georgia.
To learn more about Dr. Walters and the services offered at Harbin Clinic Women’s Center Rome, visit harbinclinic.com/ womenshealth.
Dr. Patricia Walters
75 YEARS OF FUN
Sparkling lights, thrilling rides and amazing performances are just a few reasons Northwest Georgians flock to the Coosa Valley Fair.
Story: Ian Griffin
Photos: Courtesy of Coosa Valley Fair
Imagine the sounds of an organ playing a slow waltz, the smell of fried food and popcorn, the buzz of the cotton candy machine, bells ringing, the oohs, aahs, and screams of exhilaration, twinkling lights, and thousands of your Floyd County neighbors right there to enjoy it with you.
From rides to shows and pageants to funnel cakes, the Coosa Valley Fair will celebrate its 75th year in 2024 and they are pulling out all the stops.
Northwest Georgians mark their calendars every year for the week of the CVF, which is put together by The Exchange Club of Rome, the second largest chapter of the organization in the United States with right at 200 members. The club focuses on child abuse prevention and The Exchange Club Family Resource Center here in Rome, which provides a number of services to help with that cause, is fully funded by the group.
While the members of the Exchange Club volunteer year-round to fight child abuse, the Coosa Valley Fair is certainly their flagship event and one that provides great opportunities for local people to highlight their talents and a chance for families to make memories that last a lifetime.
“We are so excited to be celebrating our 75th year,” says Fair Manager Bryan Shealy. “I’ve been in the Exchange Club and Coosa Valley Fair Association for over 30 years, which is almost half of those 75 years it's been running. I started parking
cars and working admission before moving to the treasury and generally just helping however I could. It's something I look forward to every year.”
That sentiment is shared by fair attendees as well. With annual events like the cheerleading competition and the appeal of a candy apple or funnel cake reeling in ticket buyers, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Shealy describes himself as the traffic officer for the event. He is the person who can get you to the right person to answer your questions or address your concerns. It’s a job that was just created a few years ago, but one he was happy to volunteer for.
“People come here for so many different reasons,” says Shealy. “It may be the rides, it may be the fair food, the competitions, and so many other things, but the thing I’ve heard the most over the last few years is that people come here to see their friends and neighbors.”
“It's a big social event and it may be the one time of year some people get to see and interact with each other.”
The opportunity to walk the midway with your friends and family is certainly a pull and watching a child’s eyes light up and sparkle in amazement is enough to warm the cockles of any heart, but the good the CVF does doesn’t stop there.
As you stroll the grounds and look at the exhibits, any ribbon-winning display, be it art or animal, wins the entrant a cash prize. All in all, Shealy says $30,000 goes back to the community. There is also a dedicated space for local charities to provide food to fair goers which is a wonderful opportunity for local fundraising. So, buying a ticket to the fair is supporting the community and a good time.
Wade Shows is the largest carnival provider in America and has been partnering with The Exchange Club of Rome for over 20 years. The Coosa Valley Fair is one of the smaller to mid-sized fairs that they provide attractions for as they move
from one state fair to the next, so it's a relationship that is vital to the sustained success of the event.
“They have been so good to us and go above and beyond as a community partner,” says Shealy. “They have access to so many wonderful attractions, so there always seems to be something new each and every year, along with the staples everyone has come to know and expect.”
The shows and exhibits, along with the rides are always the main attractions, and this year they have some surprises in store as well. One attraction is a call back to the fairs of old in the form of The Museum of Marvels, which will showcase all sort of oddities such as the bearded lady and strong man. And on the flip side, The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show will wow audiences with their battling lumberjack competitions.
This just scratches the surface of all the fun to be had at the CVF, but the fact that this much fun raises so much money for the community and the battle to prevent child abuse, makes this 75th Anniversary that much more special.
“Everyone in the Exchange Club is a volunteer,” says Shealy. “It's a big event and it wears me out just like it does everyone else who gives their time to make it what it is, but it's worth every minute and we all look forward to it every year.”
To find out more information and to save money by ordering armbands in advance, visit www.coosavalleyfair.com
A Storied Legacy: The Harold and Rena Storey Home
At 21 Rockridge Rd, a beloved family home is on the market for the first time and is ready to welcome its next chapter.
text CURRY TEEMS | photo KEITH BEAUCHAMP
In the quiet, tree-lined streets of College Heights, a home rich in history and love has come to market for the first time since it was built over seventy years ago. The house, constructed by Harold and Rena Storey as newlyweds in 1953, is more than a piece of real estate—it's a living piece of Rome's history. For decades, the Storey home has been a cornerstone of the community, a place where family, friends, and neighbors gathered, celebrated, and shared life's most meaningful moments.
A History of Courage and Community
Harold Storey was no ordinary man. As a World War II veteran, he earned the Purple Heart and the French Medal of Honor, one of the highest recognitions France bestows upon individuals. These awards speak to his courage, but his life after the war was equally heroic. He returned to Rome to continue his family's legacy in the lumber business, taking up the mantle at S.I. Storey Lumber Company, which has been a Rome institution for over a century. But Harold’s impact extended far beyond his business, as he was a staunch advocate for the underprivileged in the community, teaching Sunday school at an alcoholics’ rehab center, known as the Star House, and lending his voice to Rome’s classical music scene by hosting weekly radio segments.
Rena Storey, too, was a force of nature in her own right. An accomplished portrait artist, Rena filled their home with her work, capturing the essence of her subjects with every brushstroke. She was also deeply committed to the community, helping to start Rome’s first soup kitchen. Her efforts are still
remembered today, with an article celebrating her work twenty-five years later. The Rome community, and indeed their home, was a reflection of the values they held dear—service, beauty, and a deep connection to those around them.
The House That Love Built
“It’s one of those houses in Rome that people just know,” says M.J. Chisholm, the listing agent. “It’s not just because of its history or its size—it’s the feeling you get when you walk in. It’s in a great, in-town neighborhood with 2.5 acres, which is extremely unusual. College Heights is wonderful. The house is 4-sided brick, set on a private lot with a beautiful front porch where Mr. and Mrs. Storey, Harold and Rena, used to sit.”
The house itself showcases the Storeys' combined appreciation for both beauty and practicality. “My parents bought the lot in 1950,
Harold & Rena Storey
Storey Family Photo, Rena & Harold, center
the year they married,” says their daughter, Rena Henderson. “They were both interested in the combination of building and beauty. They moved in right before I was born in 1953, and they just never left that house.” The house was truly the perfect canvas for their lives—a place where art met life, and where every corner held a story.
One of the most charming aspects of the home is its versatility. It boasts two primary bedrooms, one on the first floor and one upstairs, providing comfort and accessibility for all stages of life. The rooms are generously sized, including a beautiful, paneled den, a glassed-in sunroom that bathes the space in natural light, and a large basement that has served as everything from a children’s playroom to a photography studio for Hal, Harold and Rena's son.
Hal reflects on his time growing up in the home with fondness. “The den, which is where we spent a lot of our time, just off the front hall, was always my favorite place. It was warm with wood paneling and a fireplace, so it was cozy. My friends that I grew up with still talk about Dad’s big green leather chair that was always in that room.”
But the house was more than just a home; it was a gathering place for the community. “Mom loved to entertain,” says Hal. “She was the consummate hostess, and this house was perfect for it. Whether it was supper club dinners or Dad’s milestone birthdays, the house was always filled with friends and family.”
Harold Storey on the home's lot prior to building
A Neighborhood Full of Life
The College Heights neighborhood, where the home is located, was an ideal place for the Storey children to grow up. “College Heights was a great neighborhood to grow up in,” Hal says. “All the kids around there were our classmates. It’s nice to see younger families there now raising their children, and it’s just a neat neighborhood. We just had a lot of fun growing up there. We would always be outside or playing at a friend’s yard or down the street. It felt safe, looking back now, because as kids, we didn’t really think of safety, but the whole neighborhood was just welcoming and inviting.”
This sense of community and belonging is what makes the Storey home so special. It’s not just about the house itself—although with its “good bones” and spacious rooms, it certainly is a standout—but about the life it has seen and the lives it has touched.
A New Chapter Begins
As the home goes on the market, the Storey family hopes that the next owners will appreciate its history and continue to fill it with love and laughter. “I hope that new owners will enjoy the character, as well as that big living room and dining room,” says Rena Henderson. “It’s a house with good bones and so many memories. It was a wonderful place to grow up, and I hope it will be the same for another family.”
For those looking for more than just a place to live, the Storey home offers a unique opportunity. It’s a home where the walls should echo with the sounds of children playing, where the front porch invites long conversations with neighbors, and where every room holds a story waiting to be discovered. This is not just a house for sale—it’s a legacy waiting to be continued.
If you’re interested in becoming the next chapter in the history of this beloved home, you can contact M.J. Chisholm at mj@hardyrealty.com for more information. You can also visit HardyRealty. com to view the listing.
