Rome Life November 2015

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Rome Life November 20154

Rome LifeNovember 2015 Volume 1, Issue 1

PUBLISHER

Otis Raybon

EDITORIAL STAFF

DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINESMark Wallace Maguire

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINESLaTria Garnigan

CONTRIBUTORSMike Colombo, Doug Walker, Severo Avila,

Jeremy Stewart, Joan Durbin, Meredith Pruden, Therra C. Gwyn

PHOTOGRAPHER Katherine Frye

PHOTOGRAPHY Doug Walker, Severo Avila

LAYOUT AND DESIGNMark Wallace Maguire, LaTria Garnigan

PROOFREADERWhitney Betts

ADVERTISING STAFF

ADVERTISING DIRECTORCecilia Crow

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESRenee Addison, Mary Edwards, Stephanie Justice, Jamie Bennett, Rachel McDaniel,

Billy Steele, Jennifer Futch

ACCOUNT MANAGERPatsy Corbin

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTORTona Deaton

GRAPHIC DESIGNERSLee Field, Allison Morris, Deise Gomez

PRODUCTION

GRAPHICS COORDINATORBeth Poirier

INFORMATIONRome Life is published quarterly by the

Rome News Tribune

To advertise, contact Rome Advertising Department at 706.290.5220

Please send all editorial correspondence to [email protected]

INDEX OF ADVERTISERSAdvance Rehab 2All Clean 16Alterations Express 49Anxiety & Depression Center 43Berry College 81Best of Rome 2015 Winners 90 & 91Brian McWhorter 68Brinson, Askew, Berry 80Burk Farms 66Chick Fil A 32Christas Etc 47Christina Powers 60Citizens First Bank 99Coosa Valley Credit Union 84Crawdaddys 84Dempsey Auction 60Dippity Do Da Dogs 28Diprimas Shoes 69Dr. Brian Lieberman 68Dr. Freddy Padilla 97Dr. Kevin Snodgrass 77Dunhams Sports 42Eastland Court 82Edible Arrangements 55Elbert Robersons Auto Collision 86Estate Planners 70Etowah Employment 81FirstBank Mortgage Partners 20Floyd Medical Center 3GA Highlands College 75Garner and Glover 72Georgia Northwestern Technical College 21Georgia Power 9Gondola Italian Grill & Pizza 57Goo-Goo Car Wash 89Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce 14Greenes Jewelers 49Hacks Carpet 38Harbin Clinic 100 & 63Hardy Realty 92Harvest Moon Caf 95Hawthorn Suites 26Healing Arts Center 82Henderson and Sons 79Heritage Auto Group 23Heritage First Bank 46Honeymoon Bakery 80Jandys Frozen Yogurt 69Jerusalem Grill 16JL Todd Auction 68Joe Hills Lawnmower Shop, LLC 47Jordan Knight 74Kawasaki of Rome 32

Kelly Services 69Knights Jewelers 29Kristy Agan 85La Parrilla 57Landmark Family Restaurant 57Langham Garage Doors 62Las Palmas 70Lavender Mountain Hardware & Garden 13Linde Maries Steakhouse 47Longhorn Steak House 58Mel & Mimi 49Melissa Eldridge - State Farm 37Mike Fords Auto Service, Inc. 81North Georgia Electric 64Northwest Georgia Dermatology 65Novellas Flower Shop 39O Charleys Restaurant 57Perfect Home 15Pic O Deli 22Pineapple Place 49Pridemore Cox Orthodontics 93Provinos Italian Restaurant 56Purple Mountain Natural Foods 49Rabbits Nest 39Redmond Regional Medical Center 5Renaissance Marquis 87River City Antique Mall 39Riverside Oral Surgery 17Rome Life 94 & 96Shanes Rib Shack 83Sherold Salmon Auto Superstore 80Star Cleaners 86Steak N Shake 57Steve Graves 27Stress Knot Massage 36Studio Siri Framing Store 39Studio Siri Holiday Events 39Terry Simmons Insurance 67The Forum 7The Peddler 47The Season 28The Stitchery 61The Wishy Washy Laundromat 82Trees Unlimited 47Troys BBQ 55Two Can Do 76United Community Bank 73Walkers Landscape & Fence 71Ward Daughtery 78Watters & Associates 81Westminster Christian Academy 33Winslette Pharmacy & Gift Shop 50 & 51YMCA 88

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Women dont always have the same classic heart attack symptoms as men. Many women may have a feeling that something isnt right. Karen didnt think she was having a heart attack because she just felt tired and irritable. But when she started having pains in her arm and back, thankfully she called 911. The Redmond team was able to resuscitate Karen and provide her with a cardiac stent. Karen says she would not have survived without the emergency heart team at Redmond. She tells everyone to go immediately when they have heart symptoms.

Learn more about heart symptoms or tell us your story at

501 Redmond Rd NW, Rome, GA 30165 (706) 291-0291 RedmondRegional.com

MyRedmondStory.com

I FELT OVERLY TIRED AND IRRITABLE.For my heart, I choose Redmond.

KarenHeart Attack Survivor

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W H A T S I N S I D E

f e a t u r e s

18 CHRISTMAS ON THE FRONTA pair of Rome veterans reflect spending the holidays at war

30 GET READY FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARADE

34 HOLIDAYS AND THE HARDCOURT Get ready for the RNT annual basketball classic

44 JEWELRY GENERATIONS Get to know Greenes Jewelers

FROM THE PUBLISHER 8

COLUMN BY SEVERO AVILA 48

SCENE 93

REFLECTIONS BY

DR. KATHY RICHARDSON 98

10 HOME Inside a charming home decorated for the holidays

24 HEALTH AND FITNESS Winter hikes worth the walk

40 STYLE Gray is not going away

52 SPICE Chef Greg Paulson gives Rome Life prime recipes for a Christmas spread

10

18

O N T H E CO V E R

Georgia Northwestern Technical College Chef Greg Paulsonwith this years incarnation of one of his

amazing gingerbread houses.

d e p a r t m e n t s

90 BEST OF ROME! Our winners of this years prestigious contest!

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October 2015 Cobb Life 7

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excellent medical community. Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Region-al Hospital are excellent health care facilities, anchored by Harbin Clinic, the largest privately held medical clinic in the Southeast, in addition to many other pri-vate medical facilities. Not much can go wrong with us that we cant find quality medical care for in Rome. Rome Life will tell the stories of people and places that will help us all feel better and enjoy a great quality of life. This first issue includes a story on Georgia Northwestern Technical College Chef Greg Paulson and his culinary arts program. The cover reflects some of his work with gingerbread houses. You will enjoy a feature on the home of Ronnie and Floyd County Commissioner Rhonda Wallace completely decorated for Christmas. How many times have you enjoyed Romes Christmas Parade? RNT Man-aging Editor Mike Colombo will help you learn what to expect from one of the oldest parades in Georgia. Doug Walker, RNT business editor, sat with Harold Story and Bill Fricks who will tell their stories of Christmas on the battlefields of WWII. RNT Sports Editor Jeremy Stewart will review the upcoming 2015 Holiday Bas-ketball Tournament complete with photos from the past. Severo Avila, RNT lifestyles editor, will explore five winter hikes in and around Rome. You will enjoy his narrative and photographs. You will also enjoy Severos column. Berry College Provost, Dr. Kathy Brit-tian Richardson, is sure to capture your interest with a column describing what it takes to reach Best status in life. This first issue will also include the an-nouncement of winners in the RNT eighth annual Best of Rome voting. There is much, much more in the pages of Rome Life. I hope you will find it all informative and entertaining. As always

we appreciate the advertisers that trust us enough to buy space in our first edition. To them, we say, Thank you for your confidence. Let me finish, and give you time to read, by again saluting our advertising, creative, news and sales staff that made this premiere edition of Rome Life pos-sible. Cecilia Crow, advertising director, and her staff of Renee Addison, Mary Ed-wards, Stephanie Justice, Jamie Bennett, Rachel McDaniel, Billy Steele and Jen-nifer Futch have done a remarkable job designing and selling more than 110 ads to advertisers. Patsy Corbin, accounting manager, helped the ad staff get all those ads correctly scheduled. Tona Deaton, creative services director, along with her staff of Allison Morris, Lee Field and Deise Gomez have more than complemented the sales efforts by producing world-class layout and design. Graphics Coordinator Beth Poirier played a vital role in production and pre-produc-tion. In addition to building the newspaper and web site each day, Mike Colombo, Doug Walker, Jeremy Stewart and Severo Avila have contributed excellent stories and photographs. Also, Mark Wallace Maguire, director of magazines and LaTria Garnigan, as-sistant director of magazines, created the editorial layout and design and oversaw the editorial production process while magazine photographer Katherine Frye took outstanding images. Other editorial contributors who helped in the process are Joan Durbin and Meredith Pruden. When I said we have the staff in place to offer a great magazine, these fine individ-uals are the folks I am talking about. They are all world-class and I appreciate each and every one of them. Enjoy!

Otis Raybon

Since May, 2015 the staff of the Rome News-Tribune and Marietta Daily Journal Publisher Otis Brumby III have been working to create a new general interest magazine for Rome-Floyd County and the Northwest Geor-gia/Northeast Alabama area. To say there is tremendous excitement in our advertising, creative services and newsroom staff falls far short of describing the hard work I have witnessed these last five months. After enjoying this inaugural edition of Rome Life, I believe you will also appreciate the effort. I have wanted to produce a magazine for RNT subscribers for quite a while but circum-stances were never quite right. I am delighted that we have the resources and the right staff in place to produce a high quality magazine that will add great value to your reading experi-ence. Rome Life Magazine will allow us broader story telling opportunities complete with larger photo-graphs and more appealing design than the daily news-paper. Our goal is for the magazine to provide more information about the area we call home. I realize we live in a 24-7 world of news and information and I hope Rome Life allows you an opportunity to slow down a bit and enjoy some quiet time reading stories about your friends and neighbors and learning things you didnt know. You have heard it said that everyone has a story. We want to feature these individuals and places in Rome Life. You can help us share these stories by letting us know of unique peo-ple and places. Send me an email at [email protected] and I will be sure we get the story in an upcoming issue. We all enjoy living in Rome and Floyd County. Lots of great churches, great schools, three colleges and a university, great merchants with everything you need to shop at home, have fun downtown, and enjoy many excellent restaurants. Perhaps our most important resource is an

F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R

Welcome to Rome Life!

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HOMEfor the holidays

Inside one of Romes most unique and

decorated holiday housesBy Meredith Pruden

Photography by Katherine Frye

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Rome residents Rhonda and Ronnie Wallace decorate a whimsical tree with playful ornaments for their grandchildren in the couples favorite room of the house.

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Top, the couple collects Santa Claus decora-tions and their home is full of numerous Santa statues carved specially for them by artist Lee Simpkins. Right, their favorite tree is a whimsical tree with playful ornaments for their grandchil-dren.

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This will be our eighth Christ-mas in the house, Rhonda said. Thats why we built this house the way we did so we could always celebrate Christmas with our family. Every year, we have decorations at Thanksgiving because we love Christmas.

For this native Rome power couple (hes a former mayor and shes a current county commis-sioner), decorations at Christ-mas goes far beyond a few hast-ily placed items on the mantle and a lone tree in the study.

As most Rome towns-folk are just beginning to deck the pro-verbial halls with a wreath on the door, a garland on the mantle and

a tree in the living room,

Maplewood East residents

Ronnie and Rhonda Wal-

lace are getting ready for the

annual family Thanksgiving

visit and enjoying their fes-

tive whole-house Christmas

decor with plenty of time to

spare.

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When we first got married, we started off with two or three trees, and every year wed add a few more things, Rhonda said. We just keep adding. It just continues to grow, Ronnie added. But, even in the early years, it was always a focus for us. Today, there are at least five full-sized trees each with their own theme, as well as several smaller ones both indoors and out, and a collection of San-ta statues that rivals that of a North Pole museum. Everywhere we go we try to pick up a Santa, Rhonda said. The farthest is from Italy. In addition to two glass curio cases (that stay up year round) housing countless Santa statues and figurines, some even custom carved especially for the Wallace family by local artisan Lee Simpkens, the living room tree also includes lots of Santa ornaments smiling happily beside ornaments of Rome landmarks and even some the couples chil-dren and grandchildren made.

The musical-themed Christmas tree showcases the couples love of music.

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November 2015 Rome Life 15

The living room tree is where we all tend to gather, Ron-nie said. But, we try to differentiate the trees. Some are more relaxed, and some are more creative. We try to be careful to recognize the reason for the season, so thats predominant when you come into the house. The foyer tree Ronnie said evokes the reason for the sea-son also is Rhondas favorite because it features her favorite colors and highlights the larger than life Three Wise Men carvings on the foyer highboy table. Other trees throughout the house include a narrow white lit number in the master bedroom housing glass balls, birds and metallic garland (and, of course, a Santa) with a gold and burgundy floral spray accenting the top, a whimsical tree in the TV room with plush snowmen, fun handwritten style signs and a spray of white flowers at its crown to pique the imagination of the younger Wallace family members, and a music themed tree in the piano room with a prized snare drum ornament in honor of their oldest grandson. Additional vignettes of a diverse array of Santas and Christmas trees can be found throughout the house, from the fun-loving kitchen Santas and rustic porch decor, to the

It is just not the trees that get the attention, but the de-tails, including this unique selection of ornaments.

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upstairs landing quartet and purple guest room (painted to celebrate the Wallaces daughter-in law). And, of course, its all framed by plenty of holiday greenery to really set the scene. But, how do two busy locals find the time to get such a jump on the holidays? Our friend Rudy Childs owns Traditions, Rhonda said. Hes been putting our trees up for probably 15 years, and were always the first house he does. Ronnie and I both work full-time and volunteer in the communi-ty, so we wouldnt have time to do all this. The result? A mirthful holiday home made for enter-taining loved ones without all the last minute fuss.

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Of course, it is not only the interior of the home, but also the exterior that gets the special treatment from the Wallaces.

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Two Floyd veterans reflect on Christmas 1944 in the European and Pacific theaters

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article and photography by Doug W

alker >>> photo illustrations by Mark W

allace Maguire

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had heard a lot of the scuttlebutt about the possibility the war could be over by Christmas. For the most part that was probably wishful thinking. It was already the coldest winter on record at the time and the really cold months were still to come. The sol-diers, Storey included, were more than ready to come home. Storey recalls that it was difficult to determine who the number one enemy was, the weather, or the Ger-mans.

Rena Storey, right, compares a photo taken of her husband Harold Storey in England in 1945, next to her husband to-day. Storey was in Luxembourg, part of the Battle of the Bulge campaign at Christmas in 1944.

Like many of the G.I.s in Europe late in 1944, Harold Storey

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Storey, a company commander, and his troops were in Germany during the days leading up to Christmas. Fighting had been intense but nothing like it was going to be. History recalls it as the Battle of the Bulge.Storey remembers a Christmas like none other in his 90 years. It started on Christmas Eve when Storey and a few others were hunkered down in some hay in a barn. It was late in the night when a stranger appeared. No, he wasnt dressed in red and didnt arrive in a sleigh. He did however, have a package for Storey, a box of gingerbread cookies, more like crumbs by that time, which had been sent from the wife of an officer buddy. Needless to say, the cookies never made it to Christmas Day. When Christmas Day did arrive, Storey confesses that he was more than a little depressed. Memories of Christmas at home flooded his mind. Firecrackers tossed by his cousins on Christmas morning had been replaced by the sound of artillery and small arms fire. Later that day he was approached by a young med-ic, a Pfc. Robert Cassels who was seeking permission to treat a couple of wounded German soldiers they had encountered. It was after all, Christmas Day, so Storey acqui-esced to the holiday spirit of his young medic and granted permission to care for the wounded enemy combatants. Some time passed and when it got to a point when his troops were ready to move on, the medic still had not come back. Storey walked back to where Cassels had described and found him, dead, one arm under a wounded German. Pfc. Cassels had been shot in the head. His first emotions told him to shoot the German. The I realized it was mid-afternoon Christmas Day, it was about to get dark there. I remember saying if I survive I will always remember that I killed some-body who was helpless and I wouldnt want my fam-ily to know that I had, no matter if they were enemies or not, Storey said. Storey was never able to identify who shot the

young medic and was never able to reach anyone from Cassels family. Getting back home the following Christmas was just as eventful.Storey had been sent back to the U.S. His parents had picked him up in Augusta and they were on their way to Floyd County on Christmas Eve. The roads were slick and icy. Somewhere around Kennesaw on old U.S. 41 their car was hit virtually head on, totaling their car. His parents suffered injuries and were brought back to the McCall Hospital in Rome on a

Greyhound bus that had been traveling right behind them when the accident happened. Storey stayed behind until a wrecker could get to the scene and haul Storey and the car back to Floyd County. Storey finally got back to Rome and the hospital around 2 a.m. Christmas morning. I dont know who called but they got a neighbor to come down and pick all three of us up, Storey said. Santa Claus had already been by and didnt find anybody.

A portrait of Harold Storey taken in England in 1945.

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Fricks recalls that his medical unit, VMB-612 of the 3rd Marine Air Wing, came in after troops had secured the island during the advance on Japan. Anyone who knows Fricks understands that there may not be anyone who was ever more upbeat about life all of the time, but like Storey, that first Christmas away from home was a little bit of a downer for Fricks. It was my first Christmas away from home. My mother, Lottie Bea Mathis Fricks, would write me a letter every day. Frick said. Of course with the way mail was delivered during the war, hed get as many as 30 letters at one time. We had a great bunch of guys and we all shared our special pack-ages from home, Fricks said. Problem was Fricks had asked his mother to send him some of her special sausage. She was the best cook in the whole world, Fricks said. She fixed the sausage as best as she could and put it in a fruit jar but, lo and behold, it got broken, Fricks said. The disappointment was audible in his voice 71 years later. Fricks recalls that one of the corpsmen in the unit had gone out and killed a wild boar right before Christmas. We cleaned him and skinned him, had him strung up when our doctor came by and asked what we were doing, Fricks said. We said we were going to get us some pork meat and he said oh no youre not, youre not eating that so we didnt get a bite of it, which was probably a good thing.No sausage, no (wild) ham. Christmas on Saipan was about to be a bummer. We had a Chaplain with us and had a little service with him (on Christmas morning), Fricks said. The holiday drew us all even closer together. Fricks said the cooks did the best they could, but it wasnt mom-mas cooking, something a teenager from Northwest Georgia missed the most.

Bill Fricks spent Christmas with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific theater, on the island of Saipan where action was much quieter. Saipan is an island that is now part of the U.S, Mari-ana Islands north of Guam.

Bill Fricks rests in the rocker on the porch of his home at The Village at Maplewood in Rome. Fricks, a member of the local Marine Corps League, was on Saipan at Christmas during World War II.

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trailRome Life November 201524

h i t t i n g t h e

Words and Photography By Severo Avila

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Grab a hiking buddy and hit the trails in and around Rome this winter. Floyd and surrounding counties have a wealth of scenic trails for all hiking abilities. Weve compiled a list of trails we think would be perfect for a winter hike, whether its with a friend, your family or even your dog (always obey leash laws). And remember, if youll be hiking in the winter, its always a good idea to wear warm clothes, carry plenty of water and energy bars and never hike alone. You might even want to grab a hiking stick if you need a little assistance or just to fight off pes-ky spider webs. Some of these trails may require a short drive from Rome but theyre worth it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

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James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State ParkWhereabouts Chattooga County near Summerville, 20 minutes from RomeTrails 5 miles of trails include: Marble Mine Trail (moderate), Jenkins Gap Trail (strenuous), Lower Lake Loop Trail (easy), Upper Lake Loop Trail (easy), Access to 60-mile Pinhoti TrailAmenities camping, 2 lakes, picnic sheltersPark Hours 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.Parking $5. Annual passes available

Pine MountainWhereabouts Cartersville, 30 minutes from RomeTrails There are 2 loops connecting Pine Mountain. The East Loop and the West Loop. This is a rugged, challenging hike that reaches 1,562 feet above sea level. Approximately 4.5 miles to the scenic summit with outstanding views of Allatoona Lake.The trail is open daily for hiking. Mountain biking is allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays on the East Loop only.

Garland Mountain Horse and Hike TrailsWhereabouts Waleska, Ga., an hour from RomeTrails 12.3 miles of trails for horseback riding and hikingAmenities Toilet, covered pavilion, kiosk and trail signageAddress 1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska Ga., 20183 Online Search Garland Mountain Horse and Hike Trails on Facebook

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Cloudland Canyon State ParkWhereabouts Rising Fawn, Walker County. About an hour northwest of RomeTrails The park is home to trails that offer spectacular views into the canyon. Hikers can explore a rim trail or journey to the canyon floor by a series of staircases. Two waterfalls cascade over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below, with their flow dependent on recent rains. The Waterfalls Trail is part of the popular Canyon Climb-ers Club. The trails range in difficulty from moderate to strenuous. But hikers hard work is rewarded with stunning views.Trails include:West Rim Loop 4.8 miles, moderate to strenuousWaterfalls Trail 2 miles, strenuousBackcountry Loop 2 miles, moderateCloudland Connector Trail 14 miles, moder-ate to strenuousSittons Gulch Trail 6.5 miles, strenuousPark hours 7 a.m. 10 p.m.Parking $5, annual passes availableAmenities hiking, camping, cottages, yurts, picnic shelters, pioneer campground, disc golf, tennis, fishing, gift shop

Berry College TrailsWhereabouts Berry College, RomeTrails Locals know theres some beautiful scenery to be enjoyed at Berry, but few realize how many different trails there are to hike (and run and mountain bike). Depending on which trail you choose, you could see such notable features as the historic Possum Trot Church, Frost Chapel, the House O Dreams, the Berry College reservoir and the Old Mill. Trails include: Viking Trail 3.5 miles, concretePossum Trot Road 1.3 miles, gravelOld Mill to Reser-voir 1.1 miles, dirt/gravelMountain Goat 7.0 miles, dirt/some gravelHouse O Dreams 2.6 miles, light gravelHurtin Gator 1.5 mile, dirt and steep climb

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ROMECHRISTMAS PARADE

BY MIKE COLOMBO >>> PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

Get ready for the great

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Its doubtful there is any single event that brings more people to downtown than the annual Rome Christmas Parade. The parade, traditionally held every year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, brings anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 people to Broad Street, depending on the weather, according to Janet Byington, who has played a role in orga-nizing the parade for 31 years. Byington jokes that her daughter, Emily, who is turning 31, got her first experience of the parade in utero.She remembers being 8 months pregnant 31 years ago when she first got involved with the event. I was actually 8 months pregnant and walking behind Santa Claus, Byington said. Saint Nick is normally on the tail end of the parade, which will march down Broad Street this year on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. The rain date will be Dec. 3.Painter Norman Rockwell would have loved the Rome Christmas Parade. It is a regular slice of life. Aside from the floats decked out in Christmas regalia with cute kids waving to family and friends, the marchers them-selves are a cross-section of the community.There are normally Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, youth league football teams, baton twirlers and, of course, high school bands. I think what makes it special is it brings out everybody in the community, said Byington. Little kids come out, churches, businesses. It really is a community event. She said former City Manager Bruce Hamler started the parade. He would just tell everyone to come out on Broad Street and join the parade, said Byington. Now the parade has registration forms and entrants pay a nominal fee to be in it, but Byington said the event still has that impromptu feel to it. She said she has learned a few things over the years to make things run a little more smoothly, like dont have horses walk right in front of a marching band. One year after the parade I got a phone call from a local band director asking that we please not have the horses walk in front of the band, Byington said. The horses presents left on Broad Street created a problem, and now all equines are required to wear diapers, according to Byington. One year the Christmas tradition ran a little askew and the parade took on an Easter feel with some floats representing Jesus on the cross. Byington said she pointed out to several entrants that Jesus in the manger might be more appropriate for Christmas than a scene from Calvary. Its often very cold during the parade. It has snowed. It has rained, but in general the weather has always, somehow worked out. In 30 years, it has only been put on the rain day once, Byington said. Even Mother Nature likes a good parade. n

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Leaving the Rome area for the holidays? If you havent booked your holiday trip yet, there is no time to waste. Prices are already rising for the days around Thanksgiving as seats become more scarce and will start rising dramatically for the December holidays, if history is any guide. Heres what to expect if youre traveling between Thanksgiving and New Years Day:

Fares: Holiday travelers may find a little something extra in their stocking airfares should be a bit lower than last year. After several years of increases above inflation, fares have dipped this year. Counting tickets already purchased for peak travel days around Christmas, prices are 3 percent lower than last year, according to online travel company Hipmunk. George Hobica, the founder of travel website Airfarewatchdog.com, said the savings appear to be even bigger on routes flown by the discount carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Air-lines. He said the major carriers are more aggressively matching the discounters fares, which is great for consumers. Christmas and New Years Day will fall on Fridays, meaning that many passengers will try to fly home that Saturday or Sunday. The result is that fares could be higher on those days but cheaper than last year on other days, said Jeff Klee, the CEO of CheapAir.com. Connecting flights are often cheaper than nonstops, but

especially around the holidays you might decide that the added risk of missing your connection isnt worth saving a few bucks.

Fees: While fares are falling, the airlines are making more money by charging fees for all sorts of things. The big ones are checked-bag and ticket-change fees. If you want to avoid fees, you can fly on Southwest, which doesnt charge for the first two bags or changing a ticket. Cut down on baggage by shipping gifts ahead of time or buying gift cards. If youre flying on the fee-laden discount airlines such as Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant, plan ahead: Print out your boarding pass before you get to the airport, make sure your carry-on will fit under the seat, and pay bag fees ahead of time they cost more at the airport.

Crowds: Dont count on an empty middle seat to let you stretch out. The leading U.S. airlines have been filling more than 80 percent of their seats. That includes early-morning and late-night flights, meaning that many during the more convenient hours are full. On top of that, airlines are reserving more seats for elite customers and those willing to pay extra for a choice seat like a bit more legroom. That can make travel more difficult for families. Airlines say gate agents try to help families sit together, especially those with small children, but dont count on a stranger to swap seats he might have paid a $50 fee on top of his ticket price to get that aisle seat.

TIPS FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELING

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BY JE

REMY S

TEWAR

T PHO

TOGR

APHY

B

Y JERE

MY ST

EWAR

T AND

PAUL

HALFA

CRE

The story of father and son Milt and Jacob Travis is entwined with the Rome News-Tribunes annual Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament

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Being part of a tradition can lead to some interesting twists and turns as time goes by. For Milt Travis and his son, Jacob, the family business placed them on a path featuring frequent stops at the annual Rome News-Tribune Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament, culmi-nating in the younger Traviss team facing his fathers team in the championship game last December and winning the title. Its one thing when its your dad, Jacob said. Its another thing when its your dad and hes your former head coach and youre coaching at the school he used to coach at.Jacob Travis is heading into his fourth season as the boys head coach at Model High School, the same position his father held for 17 years until 2003.

Model High School boys head coach Jacob Travis (left) and his dad, Rome boys coach Milt Travis, share a long history with the Hol-iday Festival Bas-ketball Tournament, from Jacob playing for his dad at Model during the 1990s, to the two meeting in the tournament the last two years.

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(36) 36 10/26/2015 4:31:50 PM


Milt Travis was hired as the coach at Rome High School in 2013 after semi-retirement. He coached both Jacob and his older brother, Josh, while they were at Model, and watched his daughter, Sarah, play in the festival tournament as well. Theres a rich history there, Milt said. Stories that Ive been a part of and stories that Ive gotten to see. The 62nd edition of the Seven Hills Rotary Rome News-Tribune Holiday Festival Basketball Tour-nament is set for Dec. 14-18 and will once again be held at Georgia Highlands College and Berry College. A recent story added to the tournaments ev-er-growing book of lore is the one of the father and son meeting on the court not once, but twice.The first time was in the semifinals in 2013 when Dwight Hall knocked down two clutch free throws in the final minute to give the Blue Devils the 62-61 win over Romes Wolves. I still think thats one of the better games weve played in during the tournament, Travis said. A lot of kids stepped up in the last few minutes of that game and made shots for both sides, and we were fortunate to win on free throws at the end.Family ties were highlighted again in last years tournament as Model faced Rome in the boys cham-pionship game. VJ Saxton led the charge for the Blue Devils in a 58-37 victory that gave Model their first Gold Ball championship trophy since 1962. Jacob said it has been bittersweet competing against his dad, especially last season. Model went to the state playoffs seven times and won two region titles during Milts tenure. How-ever the Gold Ball trophy remained elusive as the Blue Devils were denied three times in the Holiday Festival finals.I feel like if anyone deserves one of the Gold Balls he does, Jacob said. But you wanted it for Model at the same time.It was the Blue Devils fifth straight trip to the tour-nament finals. That was a big win for them, Milt said. It was exciting and a good atmosphere. Our players were still adjusting to a big stage. I think they (Model) were more focused that night. They had been there before and they understood. The Holiday Festival tournament has had many teams achieve their goal of taking home the covet-ed Gold Ball trophy. None have been as consistent as the Rome High School girls teams coached by Kevin Strickland. The Lady Wolves had won the tournament just three times in the 10 years prior to Strickland taking over as head coach in 2003.They then rolled off five titles in a row and ended the decade with a total of eight Gold Balls in nine years.

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(37) 37 10/26/2015 4:32:10 PM


It helped to change our culture to be quite honest, Strick-land said. It helped to establish who we were and our identity for us to make a run not only in the tournament but in the state playoffs.

Strickland stepped down as the Lady Wolves coach after last season to focus on his role as Romes athletic director. But the tournament is still the place where he reconnects with the memories of winning big games and the players who helped them do that.

I knew what it meant for all of the communities and all of the schools that played in it, Strickland said. And it was something that I used with our team to help them focus early in the year to bring us together and to make us a better team.

Both coach Travises agree that the tournament can be a good building block for teams early in the season.

Its a good measuring-stick tournament, Milt Travis said. You can see where you stand at that point of the season and its not the end of your season.

Now at Rome, Milt said it is important for them to play in the tournament since they are in a region where they have to play teams outside of Floyd County.

I think its exciting for the kids. Especially in our situation since we dont have local rivals and we dont get to play a lot of local teams.

Even as a kid, Jacob watched his dad coach the Blue Devils year after year and knew the allure of doing well in the Holiday Festival tournament.

I remember seeing a lot of fantastic games when dad was a coach, Jacob said, recalling seeing Cedartowns Myron Pace hitting a shot to beat Model in 1990.

There were some of the old East Rome teams and some of the really good Coosa teams that came through, Jacob said. So you grow up with that expectation. The Christmas tourna-ment means something and its a big deal in Rome. n

Kevin Strickland coached the Rome High School girls to seven Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament titles, inlcuding five in a row from 2003-2007. Jai Creamer (42) of Rome High School goes up for a layup against VJ Saxton (33) of Model High School during the 60th Holiday Festival Basketball Tournament at Georgia Highlands College on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013.

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(38) 38 10/29/2015 3:52:54 PM


ROME LIFE_NOV2015(39) 39 10/29/2015 4:09:01 PM

ASKaDesignerA versatile neutral, gray goes with anything

Shades of gray are used as a neutral base

while bright, in-viting shades of blue that evoke the ocean bring the space to life in a family room

in Coronado, Calif. (Tria

Giovan/Coastal Living/Burnham Design via AP)

By Melissa Rayworth | AP

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(40) 40 10/26/2015 4:33:34 PM

Interior design experts say their love affair with the color gray is definitely not a passing trend.

Looking back 10 years, designer Mollie Ranize remembers gray being perceived as a depressing color palette that was difficult to use, and no one really wanted to live in it. Since then, gray has de-veloped into the go-to neutral color and a favorite solution to many design dilemmas.

Want to use a bold color but worry that it will overpower a room or look tacky? Mix some cool gray into even the loudest paint color and it will instantly look more subtle and sophisticated.

And you can find a shade of gray that pairs well with everything.Its kind of shocking that almost everything on the color wheel is complimentary with it, says

Ranize, founder of DMar Interiors in Los Angeles, Calif. Thats not something you can say about the whole tan-and-beige wave that we had for a really long time.

A cream-colored window shade, green plant and dark wooden chair bring an organic warmth to an otherwise cool, gray kitch-en. (Christopher Patey/Burnham Design via AP)

A sleek kitchen decorated in soft shades of gray with charcoal ac-cents. For many designers, gray has replaced white or cream as the new neutral of choice. (Chris-topher Patey/Burnham Design via AP)

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(40) 41 10/26/2015 4:33:53 PM

ANY ROOM, ANY STYLEGray works with every decorating style, from totally traditional to

cutting-edge modern. Whatever the style, gray can be a huge state-ment, Ranize says, so it doesnt take a huge quantity of accents to get high impact.

It also works surprisingly well in rooms where you might not expect it Betsy Burnham, founder of Burnham Design in Los Angeles, uses dark gray kitchen cabinetry painted with a slightly shimmery satin finish. She likes using a softer shade, Benjamin Moores Gray Owl, on walls, and painting the trim a crisp, cool white.

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn, founder of Flynnside Out Productions, uses gray to mediate other more dramatic colors.

If I am using a lot of black, he says, Ill pair it with greige to keep the look more subtle and almost lower the amount of contrast. If Im working with bold colors such as red or orange, Ill usually set them against a backdrop of dove gray or blue gray.

Another combo he recommends charcoal gray with dark hunter green and black. All three are super-dark and rich, Flynn says, but none are really too high-energy, resulting in a sense of glamour thats somewhat rustic and woodsy. Its a really unique look that can be pulled off in the right setting.

Gray is even kid-friendly. Its an excellent choice for a gender-neu-tral nursery or kids room, Flynn says, since you can accent it with a wide array of colors.

Yet another gorgeous option Ranize loves mixing grays with deep shades of plum and any deep blue, from navy to teal. Deep blues can play off of light grays so pleasantly, she says. It brings emotional impact without being over the top.

WARM AND BRIGHTGray doesnt have to make a room feel depressing or cold. There

are ways to bring it outside of that stark, off-putting, cloudy-day kind

of vibe, says Burnham. Her favorite strategy is using warm shades of gray alongside organic items like pottery, plants, and natural-wood floors and furniture.

She also warms up shades of gray by pairing them with colors like mustard, olive or soft pinks. These are combinations you may not immediately think of, she says, but theyre surprisingly effective.

As you choose a gray hue, consider the rooms natural light. If youre worried that a gray room will look dim, choose items that reflect light. Look for a woven silk rug, wallpaper with a subtle sheen, uphol-stery with a slight shimmer, and even a tabletop of pale gray or gray and white marble that reflects light.

You can also opt for lighter grays to keep things from getting too intense. If youre considering using gray with red, for example, Flynn recommends dove gray or blue gray rather than charcoal. Since dark gray and red are both super-dramatic, they can sometimes come across as overbearing or too much, he says. By pairing red with paler grays, the effect is light and airy, juxtaposed with dramatic and high-energy.

THE BEST BASE LAYERRather than adding gray to a room as an accent color, Ranize sug-

gests using it as the rooms base color. She recommends using paint or wallpaper to create soft gray walls, then layering more shades of gray into the room in the floor-covering and furniture. As a finishing touch, add a few pops of other colors as you wish.

With this technique, she says, you get this dynamic space without trying to be flamboyant.

If youre building a new home, talk with your builder about using gray as the base color throughout the property. Builders and real estate agents are big on using beiges, creams and taupes to neutralize their properties, Flynn says, but interior designers take the more personable route with gray, a color which has more personality.

In expert hands, he says, gray can take on a luxurious, chic or even understated vibe.

This light and airy vintage-style bedroom by Flynn demonstrates the designer s use of blue-gray tones to keep rooms feeling classic and gender-neutral. Flynn suggests two different blue-gray paint colors which work well in different settings: Quiet Rain by Glidden and Krypton by Sherwin-Williams. (HGTV.com/Brian Patrick Flynn via AP)

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(42) 42 10/26/2015 4:34:17 PM

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(43) 43 10/29/2015 4:10:44 PM

G E M Sgreenes

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Greenes Jewelers, the second oldest business still on Broad Street in downtown Rome, is here by the luck of the flip of a coin. Elaine Abercrombie, a fourth generation Greene family jeweler said her grand-parents were considering either Ellijay or Rome as the new location for their business. Her grandfather, George Greene wanted Ellijay, her grandmother Thelma Greene, preferred Rome. They flipped a coin and Rome won.

Left, Elaine Abercrombie, a fourth-generation jeweler at Greenes Jewelers. Above, Abercrombie examines a ring for a customer who was hoping the item was indeed gold.

Story and Photography by Doug Walker

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(44) 45 10/26/2015 4:35:32 PM


Abercrombies great-grandfather, P.H. Greene actually start-ed the family business in Fairmount, Ga. in 1905. A number of years later he moved the business to Cartersville. All of his sons apprenticed under him before later opening their own stores across the southeast, in Louisville, Ky., Columbus, Ga. and Knoxville, Tenn.

The original Rome Greenes opened at 117 Broad St. The store remained in the Cotton Block until 1959 when it relocated to 334 Broad St.

In 1974, the store relocated again to 328 Broad St. and has remained in that location for the past 41 years.

In the early days, much of the business involved watches and watch repair. Both Fairmount and Cartersville are located on a major north-south rail line.

Her great-grandfather did a lot of watch repairs for railroad workers. She laughed and said he helped keep train traffic throughout the region on time.

Over the years, watch bands were added to their inventory, then wedding bands and by the time the store had moved to the 300 block of Broad Street it was a full service jewelry store.

Abercrombie said her grandfather did a lot of original design work.

He had an eye for things and he designed lots of things. There was a Mr. Greene ring, but nobody calls it that any-more, Abercrombie said.

In recent years, the business was grown by Abercrombies mother, Joyce Greene Manning who is now semi-retired.

The repair department, once the mainstay of the business, gets a lot of credit for helping the store sur-vive the recent recession. When the economy goes through a downturn Ive always heard that people get things fixed before they re-place them, Abercrombie said.

Abercrombie said she knows of at least one family in Rome that Greenes has served across five generations. In a smaller mar-ket like Rome, that generational service is something that has been important through the years.

A lot of people think that because were an independent jeweler that were a lot more expensive than the chains and that is not

true, Abercrombie said. Greenes has been a family jewelry operation for so long

and the staff doesnt have to call a home office somewhere else to get a deal done. Im not happy until youre happy, Aber-crombie said. If theyre really satisfied, theyll come back and they will tell their friends.

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(46) 46 10/26/2015 4:35:56 PM


ROME LIFE_NOV2015(47) 47 10/29/2015 4:04:05 PM


community, our stories. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons. Although I was born in the balmy tropical climes of the tiny Central American country of Belize, I spent my college and grad school years in Kentucky. So I got used to cold, snowy winters. It comes as a surprise to most people that I avoid the sun and heat like the plague. Id rather be in the mountains than at the beach and Id rather be wearing a hoodie next to a bonfire in winter than sitting by a sunny swimming pool in summer. I love winters in Georgia. Theyre milder than most other places and bring with them activities that I look forward to each year. I love the cold, crisp air and the changing landscape. I like to see firewood piled up outside waiting to be fed to our fireplace when the temperatures dip. One of my favorite things to do (and I think most Romans would agree with me) is to watch the ginkgo tree on the corner of Broad Street and Fifth Avenue as its leaves make their annual transition from a dark green to a spectacular yellow before they all fall off the tree, creating a stunning skirt that lasts for days. We take our dogs for walks in the woods and one of them, Waylon, loved the winter months because it meant he could break through the thin layer of ice covering our pond to take a cold dip in the chilly water. I love the frost that settles on the grass and on ponds and creeks. My hands get a little numb sometimes if its too cold when I have to go out to the pasture to feed the horses but that just means theyll feel so good when Im warming them next to the fireplace later on. And of course the holidays are a very special time for most folks because it means family. Im blessed with a wonderful family back in Belize as well as my new family which branches out into Floyd and Polk counties. That means Ive got several stops to make on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I might have breakfast in Cedar-town, lunch in Armuchee and dinner in Esom Hill. This first edition of Rome Life captures all that local life. And future editions will do the same. It grabs pieces of our community and holds them up to the light for everyone to see. The Ruffed Grouse Society will have to take a back seat to Rome Life, our lo-cal magazine, with all its warmth and color and home-spun charm.

Four times a year I get a beautiful, glossy magazine deliv-ered to me from the Ruffed Grouse Society. Its an organi-zation whose members are mainly grouse and woodcock hunters. Now, Im neither a hunter nor am I deeply passion-ate about the plight of the ruffed grouse BUT the magazine is beautiful. Im fascinated with nature, the outdoors and animals so I love the features and beautiful images of handsome hunting dogs and their bright collars, smooth shiny guns, the striking scenery and of course the birds themselves with their rich plumage. Its one of my favorite magazines. And as I said before, Im not even a hunter. Thats how well the publication is put together. So imagine my surprise when I saw some of the images and features planned for the first edition of Rome Life. It gave me that same sense of urgency to want to thumb through the colorful pages. I had that same excitement to see what big, bold images were waiting on the next page. I love magazines. I love the way they feel and the way they smell. I like how the glossy pages seem to catch the light and almost illuminate the photos. And I like the style of writing used in most magazines its more conversa-tional, less formal, not stuffy or ruled by convention. Its a completely different creature from the newspaper. From delicious holiday dishes to glittering Rome homes and of course a spread dedicated to local and area hiking trails, this magazine has a little something for everyone, and most importantly its all local stuff. Its our city, our

Now, a new

magazine comes

first in my house

By Severo Avila

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(48) 48 10/29/2015 3:53:49 PM

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(49) 49 10/29/2015 4:07:46 PM

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ROME LIFE_NOV2015(50) 50 10/29/2015 4:24:27 PM

2444 Shorter Avenue Rome, Georgia 30165 706-290-0300 2444 Shorter Avenue Rome, Georgia 30165 706-290-0300

ROMES FULL SERVICE PHARMACY!!EASY PRESCRIPTION TRANSFERS1. Call or stop by our store.2. Give us your prescription number.3. We do the rest.

Full Gift Shop and Gift PersonalizationBridal Registry Free Gift Wrapping

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All Insurance Accepted Compounding Vaccinations for the flu, shingles and pneumonia

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(50) 51 10/29/2015 4:24:45 PM

FESTIVE FEAST

Chef Greg Paulson shares some of his favorite recipes for a

There is no time of the year quite like Christmas for joyful gatherings with family and friends. While we commemorate a wondrous event, we also share love, laughter and memories. And in keeping with this very special season, food plays a significant part in the merrymak-ing. Even going back in time to the Greeks and Romans, food has always been the center of celebration and festivals, said Chef Greg Paulson, director of the Culinary Arts program at Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

There is something extremely comforting about gathering together with friends and family around a bountiful table, good food and drink. Paulson, who grew up in suburban Chicago, has lived and worked in many states as well as the Virgin Islands, cooking for diverse cultures and demographics. I have spent Christmas and other holidays with Rastafarians, Hawai-ians, Seattleites, and of course Chicagoans. Of course, wherever I lived, it has always been a celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By Joan DurbinPhotography by Katherine Frye

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(52) 52 10/26/2015 4:40:00 PM

Juicy lamb en croute with an inlay of fresh spinach, pine nuts and creamy Montrachet goat cheese served with fragrant rosemary demi-glace.Accompanying the main dish is a side of caramelized pearl onion,brussel sprouts and heirloom carrots.

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(52) 53 10/30/2015 11:46:54 AM


For Rome Life, Paulson selected five dishes in his repertoire that would be a fine addition to anyones holiday table car-amelized butternut squash soup with Marsala and fresh thyme; lamb en croute with an inlay of spinach, pine nuts and Mon-trachet cheese served with rosemary demi-glace sauce; slow roasted duck leg, breast sauted with a Grand Marnier orange sauce; gingerbread bread pudding with a citrus zabaglione, car-amel sauce and pomegranate seeds; and one of his proprietary specialties, sweet holiday biscotti. Some of these could present a challenge to the home cook, but in all honesty, most [of] these dishes could be easily repli-cated, he said. I think with todays busy schedules and time being so short, a lot of people choose simpler recipes because they are often intimidated by lengthy, multiple steps in reci-pes. But for the more adventurous, the chef has a suggestion. At our home, during the preparation of food whether it be for a large family dinner or for an hors doeuvres party, we all join together and strategically work as a team. Everyone has assigned tasks, so thus, we are able to divide and conquer even the most challenging of recipes while we enjoy family time spent together. He strongly recommends this tactic for other families who would like to enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. I would encourage all home cooks, whether novice or experienced to please try to prepare each of these recipes. Hey, at the very least, at the end of the day you would have had fun trying, he said with a grin. More often than not, Paulson said, gatherings generally start out or take place in the kitchen where most people prefer to linger, converse and simply enjoy the aromas of the food being prepared. So combine great food, good wine, family and friends, and of course the holiday spirit what more could you ask?In addition to his impressive gastronomic skills, Paulson has extraordinary flair with a pastry that epitomizes the Christmas season. He is a gingerbread artist who has won accolades for his work, including the Grand Prize in the 1987 Womans Day Magazine Gingerbread Display contest and a 1998 win in the City of Seattle Gingerbread Display contest. The first gingerbread display he ever created was when he was working at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and de-cided to replicate a Beverly Hills mansion out of gingerbread. Since then, he has fabricated gingerbread displays in Hawaii, Seattle and here in Rome. While executive chef at Coosa Country Club, each year he created a gingerbread holiday display, including a much smaller scale of Coosa Country Clubs clubhouse and property, Romes city clock tower and Romes downtown Broad Street, including all the buildings. Here in the South, humidity is always a challenge when working with gingerbread, Paulson said. That, and having the necessary patience in executing even the tiniest detail. He esti-mates he spent as many as 30 hours on the amazing Noahs Ark he built as a holiday item especially for Rome Life. The shape of the ark was the most challenging aspect, so I built a wooden frame using balsa wood, as it is pliable. Aesthet-ically, I really wanted the ark and animals to be quite colorful. I chose a four-color scheme for the ark using jewel tones of blue, green, violet and orange. I found a variety of candies in those colors, as well as icing. Chef Greg Paulsons sweet holiday biscotti, from his own se-cret recipe, is available each year for sale. Contact him at (706) 295-6880 or [email protected].

Top, juicy slow-roasted duck leg and breast sauted with a grand Marnier orange sauce and served with a la orange with fresh tarragon and a side of wild rice, batonnet of carrots, Haricot vert and roasted beats. Above, a rich caramelized butternut squash soup with marsala and fresh thyme. Recipes for these dishes are on page 55, 56, and 57.

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(54) 54 10/26/2015 4:41:21 PM

November 2015/Rome Life 55

CHEF SAYS: Europeans have enjoyed roast goose for thousands of years at Christmas time and here at home in America, we have strayed away from serving roast goose to more traditional roast turkey. I person-ally am tired of the bland taste of turkey. So I was incorporating roast duck since this bird compares to goose in many ways. They both have delicious flavors, and like both, all dark meat. Even the preparation is very similar as they both have that wonderful deep layer of fat beneath the skin. So scrap the overcooked, dried-out turkey breast this season and try either roast duck or goose. Both delicious!

Ingredients One 5 1/2- to 6-pound Pekin ducks, trimmed of excess fat necks, gizzards and hearts reserved Salt and freshly ground black pepper1 cup water1 tablespoon vegetable oil2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped1 small leek, white and pale green parts only, coarsely chopped1 small onion, coarsely chopped2 garlic cloves, crushed but not peeled2 bay leaves1 teaspoon dried thyme3 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 quart chicken stock or low-sodium broth1 cup dry white wine5 navel oranges1/3 cup sugar1/3 cup cider vinegar2 tablespoons currant jelly2 tablespoons Grand Marnier2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter1 tablespoon tarragon leaves, chopped

Instructions1. Preheat the oven to 450. Cut off the first two wing joints of the duck and reserve. Chop the neck into 2-inch lengths. 2. Debone the duck by separately removing breasts from the carcass. Then remove the thigh and leg from the carcass. Using your boning knife, scrape the thigh meat toward the leg and away from the thigh bone. Remove the thigh bone. Tightly tie the duck meat at the base of the leg using butchers twine. Reserve. 3. Season the duck breasts and legs/thighs with salt and pepper. Set a rack in a very large roasting pan. Set the ducks leg/thigh up on the rack. Add the water to the pan and roast the duck legs/thighs in the center of the oven for 20 minutes. Turn the oven temperature down to 350. Place the duck legs/thighs on rack and roast for 30 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, score the duck breasts on the fat side. Heat a skillet until smoking point. Sear duck breast on fat side down until golden. Turn the breasts over in the skillet and sear the duck breasts meat. Remove from skillet and place breasts, fat side up with the duck legs/thighs roasting and roast for 30 minutes longer. 5. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the oil. Add the hearts, gizzards, wing joints and necks and season with salt and pepper. Cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until richly browned, 10 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, leek, onion, garlic, bay leaves and thyme and cook, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in the flour then gradually stir in the stock and wine. Bring to a boil, stirring, then reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the sauce into a bowl, pressing on the solids. 6. Meanwhile, remove the zest in strips from 1 of the oranges. Cut the zest into a very fine julienne. In a small saucepan of boiling water, blanch the julienne for 1 minute. Drain and rinse under cold water; pat dry.

7. Halve and squeeze 2 of the oranges; you will need 1 cup of juice. Peel the remaining oranges including the one you stripped the zest from with a knife, removing all of the bitter white pith. Cut in between the membranes to release the sections into a bowl. 8. In a medium saucepan, boil the sugar and vinegar over moder-ately high heat until the syrup is a pale caramel color, 4 minutes. Gradually add the 1 cup of orange juice, then the currant jelly and bring to a boil. Add the strained duck sauce and simmer over moderate heat to reduce slightly, 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the Grand Marnier and remove from the heat. Swirl in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Finish with fresh tarragon.9. When plating the duck, trim the butchers twine off the bottom of duck leg/thigh and stand on plate. Slice the duck breast on a bias into four even pieces and fan around the duck leg/thigh. Gar-nish the duck with the reserved orange sections and scatter the blanched zest over the duck breast. Drizzle the orange sauce over both duck breast and roasted leg/thigh.

Roasted Duck Leg, Breast Sauted lOrange with Tarragon

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(55) 55 10/28/2015 11:03:11 AM


I try to incorporate a lamb dish during the holidays because as we know the Lamb of God was of course Jesus Christ. Traditionally lamb is served at Easter but I believe both Christmas and Easter are meant to celebrate the triumph of life.

Ingredients 4 each Lamb loins (6 oz each) 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1garlic clove 1 pinch of salt and pepper 2 tablespoons of olive oil 4 sheets of puff pastry 2 teaspoons of pine nuts, toasted 8 oz. goat cheese, crumbled 1 cup of cooked spinach, drained 1 egg beaten with water 1 tablespoon of water (to beat with egg)

Directions: 1. Rub the lamb loins with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garlic clove. Sprinkle them with the salt and the pepper. In a heavy skillet place the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it on medium until it is hot. Sear the lamb on both sides. Cut the puff pastry sheet so that it is the length of the lamb loin and 2-1/2 times as wide. Place the lamb in the center of the sheet. Top the lamb with the cooked spinach and roasted pine nuts. Top with creamed goat

cheese. 2. Fold one end of the dough over the lamb. Brush the other side of the pastry with the egg wash and then fold it over on top of the other pastry end by 2 inches. Cut off the extra dough and reserve it. Crimp the open ends together with your fingers. Turn the wrapped lamb over. Make a braid the length of the lamb with the left-over pastry dough. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash and place the braid on top. Preheat the oven to 425F. Bake the wrapped lamb for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Serve the baked lamb with the Rosemary Demi-glace Sauce. Rosemary Demi-Glace Ingredients2 tablespoons grapeseed oil1 tablespoon diced red onion1 cup Cabernet wine2 cups beef stock or demi-glace1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes1 sprig rosemary2 sprigs flat-leaf parsley2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room tem-perature

Directions1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, over medi-

um-high heat, add the grapeseed oil. When the oil is hot add the onion and saut until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring through-out. Deglaze the pan with wine. Once the pan has been deglazed add the stock, tomatoes, rosemary and parsley.2. Reduce the sauce until it is reduced by 40 percent, about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the sauce has reduced, remove from heat and pour through a chinois or cheesecloth into a bowl. Return the sauce to the pan and stir in butter to finish the sauce. Sauce can be held warm until serving or stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Loin of Lamb En Croute With An Inlay of Goat Cheese, Pine Nuts and Sauted Spinach.

From left, Culinary arts students Hazel Dut-ton and Fiona Vineyard receive a lesson in knife skills from Chef Greg Paulson at Georgia Northwestern Technical College

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(56) 56 10/26/2015 4:42:38 PM


ROME LIFE_NOV2015(57) 57 10/29/2015 4:05:57 PM


Ingredients2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1/2 cup (1/4-inch) diced onion1/4 cup (1/4-inch) diced celery1/4 cup (1/4-inch) diced carrot1 cinnamon stickSea salt, preferably gray saltFreshly ground black pepperAbout 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth1/2 teaspoon ground toasted coriander, optional1/4 teaspoon thyme, fresh1 1/2 cups Roasted Butternut Squash, see recipe below 1/2 cup half-and-half1/4 cup Marsala wine

Directions1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add the onion, celery, carrot and cinnamon stick and saut until soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.2. Add the chicken stock, thyme, and the coriander, if using, and bring to a boil. Simmer for several minutes. Stir in the squash until smooth, then simmer gently to let the flavors meld, about 10 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick.3. Puree the soup in a blender until smooth. (The soup can be made ahead to this point, cooled, covered, and refrigerated for several days or frozen for about 1 month. It will thicken as it cools and may need thinning with stock or cream when reheating.)4. Return the soup to the pan and reheat gently. Add the half-and-half, if using and Marsala wine. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep warm until service.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Marsala Wine and Fresh ThymeRoasted Butternut Squash: About 3 pounds butternut squash (preferably 1 large squash)Sea saltFreshly ground black pepper1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves2 tablespoons granulated sugar1/4 cup balsamic vinegar1/4 cup dark unsulfured molasses2 teaspoons Toasted Spice Rub, recipe follows

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler. Halve lengthwise, discard the seeds, then cut into 1-inch dice. Place in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.2. Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter ceases to foam and has turned a light brown, pull the pan off the heat and immediately add the sage, sugar, vinegar (stand back so as not to get splattered), molasses and toasted spice rub. Mix well and let simmer over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the squash and toss well, then transfer to a heavy rimmed baking sheet or baking dish large enough to hold the squash in a single layer. Place in the oven and roast, tossing at least once, until very tender and caramelized, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Set aside until cool enough to handle but still warm, so the liquids are runny.Yield: about 2 cups

Toasted Spice Rub: 1/4 cup fennel seeds1 tablespoon coriander seeds1 tablespoon peppercorns1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes1/4 cup (1-ounce) pure California chili powder2 tablespoons kosher salt2 tablespoons ground cinnamon1. Toast the fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns in a small, heavy pan over medium heat. When the fennel turns light brown, work quickly. Turn on the exhaust fan, add the red pepper flakes, and toss, toss, toss, always under the fan. Immediately turn the spice mixture out onto a plate to cool.

To serve:1/8 cup crme fraiche, optional2 tablespoons roasted butternut squash pearls, or toasted pumpkin seeds, optional1/8 oz. pistachio oil, see recipe below2 thyme sprig leaves

Toasted Pistachio OilIngredients1/2 pound salted pistachios, shelled 1 1/2 cups olive oil 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Directions1. Preheat the oven to 350. Toast the pistachios for about 4 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool. Transfer to a food processor and finely grind. 2. In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the oil to the nuts and process until blended. Pour into a jar, stir in the salt and let stand overnight at room temperature.

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(58) 58 10/30/2015 11:49:09 AM


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You voted. They won. Congratulations to

the lucky Rome and Floyd Countybusinesses who

you chose for ourBest Of... issue.

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(59) 59 10/26/2015 4:44:52 PM

The Stitchery is more than a place to find pop-ular fabrics, use a full line of the best quality sewing, embroidery and serger machines and a room to take lessons. Co-owners Stephanie Bradshaw and Susan Horton have created a friendly destination for every-thing sewing.

According to Bradshaw, The Stitchery should bea place to design, dream, socialize, create, sew and LEARN!

Around here, we have a personality all our own, offering a friendly atmosphere with 80s music in the background, creative inspiration and project advice, along with lots encouragement and smiles to let you know youre always welcome.

Classes rotate monthly and include basic machine education, sewing camps for adults and specialty classes such as Learn-ing To Make A T-Shirt QuiltThe Right Way!

One on one training on machines and customer service and support is available at The Stitchery

and both Bradshaw and Horton enjoy interacting with patrons and other sewing buffs, be they brand new or experienced.

What a blessing to work in an industry where Im surround-ed by beautiful fabric, Baby Lock sewing machines (been sewing on them for 17 years) and excited patrons whose eyes gleam with the pleasure of learning to sew or quilt! exclaims Horton, who laughingly admits to be a fabric hoarder.

The Stitchery is where friends meet to create, imagine and enjoy shared hobbies, the latest fabric designs, great new sewing products and a variety of fun classes that appeal to sewists of all styles and skill levels, she says.


BEST FABRICS & SEWINGThe Stitchery111 Broad St.Rome, GA. 30161706.622.2345thestitcheryrome.com

Above, from left, co-owners of The Stitchery Susan Horton and Stephanie Bradshaw.

Photography by Katherine Frye

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Its stealthy at first, almost unno-ticeable. The slowly rising volume on the TV. The more frequent requests for people to repeat them-selves. Not wanting to eat in noisy restau-rants because you cant hear conversa-tions. And finally, isolating yourself from family and friends because its getting too difficult to keep up with what is being said. If these experiences sound all too familiar, you may be suffering from hearing loss.

Youre not alone if thats the case. According to the American Academy of Audiology, nearly 36 million Americans suffer from hearing loss. Its the third most common chronic health condition for older adults. While hearing loss is a normal part of the aging process, the consequences can be severe. Left untreated, it can lead to social isolation, depres-sion, anxiety, cognitive decline and even mobility issues.

Recent studies out of Johns Hopkins University have noted those with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, while those with severe hearing loss are up to five times more likely to develop it.

Researchers also note hearing loss often contributes to social isolation, a known risk factor for dementia. They also suspect the strained effort of understand-ing sounds over time can overwhelm the brains of those suffering from hearing

loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia.

While these facts can be frightening, help is available. Harbin Clinic Audiol-ogy Rome, which was voted Best Hear-ing Center in the Best of Rome contest, provides a variety of services to those suffering from hearing loss. Dr. Bayle

Anderson and the clinics audiologists go beyond fitting people for hearing aids. They provide patients with thorough hearing tests to determine what type of hearing loss they have and create comprehensive man-agement plans to provide the best possible solution.

The hearing tests are simple and painless. They often include a physical exam of the ear itself, where the doctor looks for

signs of infection or wax build-up, and an audiometer test. This helps the doctor de-termine where the hearing loss is centered and if its mild, moderate or severe.

Once evaluated, Dr. Anderson can offer patients a number of reliable, trusted hearing solutions available on the market today, from the standard over-the-ear hearing aids to custom-fit, in-the-canal hearing technologies. One of the newest and most advanced options includes the Lyric hearing aid system.

The Lyric is the first and only com-pletely invisible, shower-proof hearing

aid that can be worn all day, every day without the need for removal until its time to change the battery. That timeframe depends on the individual wearer but can last up to three months.

I work with the patient to provide a custom fit based on his or her ear shape and size and medical conditions, explained Dr. Anderson. Lyric hearing aids are positioned completely inside the ear canals without any need for surgery or anesthesia. Because it sits so close to the eardrum, it works with the patients own organic ear shape to capture sound and amplify it for a purer, more natural sound.

Patients have said theyve found it to be a great option since they can sleep, exercise and shower in it. It really is a set-it-and-forget-it solution that doesnt require any maintenance until the battery runs low. And that only requires a brief trip back to my office to change.

Lyric offers a risk-free trial period without any obligation to purchase after-ward. The fitting process takes about an hour, so patients can leave Dr. Andersons office with their new Lyric hearing aids the very same day. Lyric wearers can remove the hearing aids if necessary, and the volume can be adjusted at any time.

Studies have shown that wearing hear-ing aids like the Lyric can dramatically improve ones quality of life.

The National Council on Aging com-missioned the largest-ever study of its kind on the effects of untreated hearing loss and concluded that hearing aids are clearly associated with improvements in the social, emotional, psychological and physical well-being of those with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. Both those suffering from the hearing loss and their family members said their lives were greatly improved when hearing aids were introduced.

If you would like to have your hear-ing or a loved ones hearing evaluated, call Dr. Bayle Anderson at Harbin Clinic Audiology Rome for an appointment. The tests are painless. There is no sales pres-sure, and it could significantly improve the quality of your life and those you love.


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BEST HEARING CENTER Harbin Clinic1825 Martha Berry Blvd.Rome, GA 30165706.291.1978Harbin.com

Dr. Bayle Anderson

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Weve Got YouCOVERED

Immediate Care1825 Martha Berry Blvd

Rome, GA 30165706.238.8073harbinclinic.com/immediatecare

8:30 am -8:00 pm

ROME LIFE_NOV2015(63) 63 10/28/2015 11:23:47 AM

For 26 years Dr. Jason Smith and the professionals at Northwest Georgia Derma-tology have been offering Rome the latest in skin care, cosmetic proce-dures and dermatological surgery with excellent results.

Dr. Smith, both a board certified dermatologist and surgeon, is a grad-uate of Louisiana State University of Medicine in New Orleans. He has advanced training in phototherapy, laser surgery, Botox and cosmetic injectable filler and regularly attends educational and training programs in order to provide clients with the most up-to-date cosmetic care and medical solutions for skin and nails.

Dr. Smith finds time to enjoy med-ical photography and speaking to his peers in the field of derma-tology as well as mentoring LSU students about skin issues.

Between Dr. Smith and Dr. Keith Harris, two physicians as-sistants, a nurse practitioner and multiple support staff Northwest

Georgia Dermatology offers easy appointments for the following cos-metic options: Botox, dermal fillers, sclerotherapy, skin rejuvenation, hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemi-cal peels and more.

Effective medical treatment is available for acne, athletes foot, der-matitis, bug bites, cold sores, eczema, hair loss, hives, rosacea, warts, viti-lago, nail problems and skin cancer. Most insurance plans are accepted in addition to Medicare and Care Credit.

Skin care products are available for sale in the office and online.

Dr. Smith says your skin is a win-dow to your health and proper skin care should always include the help of a dermatologist.


BEST DERMATOLOGISTNorthwest Georgia Dermatology Dr. Jason Smith103 John Maddox Dr.Rome, GA. 30165706.235.7711nwgadermatology.com

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BEST INSURANCE AGENTBEST INSURANCE AGENCY

Terry Simmons State Farm5 N. Fourth StreetLindale, GA 30147706.235.3276FAX: 706.235.7469terrysimmonsinsurance.com

All your insurance needs can be taken care in one place at Terry Simmons State Farm. Coverage for autos, motorcycles, RVs, home, property, life, health, long-term care, disability, liability and even identity theft can be bundled or purchased individually. Serving North Georgia for 32 years, Simmons knows the area and the needs of his customers and with eight employees to help serve the area, hes confident of their motto: We make good things happen for other

people.In addition to insurance the agency offers bank-

ing services, loans, estate planning, annuities and educational savings plans. Simmons knows banking because he spent 15 years as a banker in Rome.

We are blessed to serve others, he says, Were here to serve you. Thank you for allowing us that blessing.

Terry Simmons State Farm is open 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Locally owned Walkers Landscape has served Rome since 2000. Owner Stephen Walker takes immense pride on the focus given to each yard and the at-tention to detail given to each clients project. The team at this full service landscaping, fencing and lawn maintenance company has over 20 years of experience providing services in Floyd County.

Walkers Landscaping won the Rome News-Tribunes Readers Choice Award for Best Fencing Company two years in a row.

Though Walker is well-known for fencing, they can also provide homeowners with decks, screened-in porches, protection for pets against the winter cold and beautiful and functional fountains. They specialize also in landscaping and lawn care for those who want to keep an impressive green lawn all year.

If youre on Facebook youre in luck. Look for Walkers Landscape and

Fence page, give them a like and scroll around to see some beautiful before and after photos of Walkers trans-formative work. Read reviews and comments from satisfied customers.

My husband and I couldnt be happier with the fence you just installed for us, one homeowner noted, It was everything we wanted and more. You guys did it in great timing too. Thanks and we re-ally appreciate your awesome service.

Walker insists that From the first call till the job is done, we make sure the cus-tomer is confident about what were doing and that they get exactly what they want. Youd be surprised at how many of our customers say theyre just glad we answered the phone or we showed up when we said we would since theyve been let down in the past by other companies. If you choose Walkers Landscaping, you have my word that we will be there when you need us and well get the job done the way you want it done.


BEST FENCE/GATE COMPANY

Walkers Landscape136 Mathis Road, NERome, GA 30161706.936.8175www.walkerlandscapeandfence.com

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With a base in Rome and six other locations (Calhoun, Rockmart, Adairsville, Summerville, Cedartown and Chatsworth) Advance Rehab offers convenience and care through Northwest Georgia for all patients needing physical therapy and rehabilitation. Rome native Cory Tucker is the director of the local clinic and has been with Advance Rehab since becoming a physical therapist five years ago.

Meleia Koshute is the regional director and has been with the company since 2003.

Advance has always made strides to focus on customer service, says Koshute, We are independent from any of our referral sources, meaning that we do not get referrals based on being hospital or physi-cian owned. Therefore, we must provide excellence in customer service, as well as focus on quality of care and patient satisfac-tion in order to continue to be competitive.

We would like to educate our patients

and the public that they have the right to choose their physical therapy provider, Koshute continues, Many patients are un-der the impression that they must go where their healthcare provider is affiliated, but that is not the case. Especially since we are in contract with most insurance companies, there is really no reason that someone who wanted to receive physical therapy at Ad-vance Rehabilitation wouldnt be able to do so. Part of our focus on customer satisfac-tion is to make sure we get benefits verified prior to your first visit and have a insurance consultation before treatment so that the patient understands fully how their benefits cover outpatient physical Therapy.

Please feel free to call or drop by our offices for questions about ailments or injuries, she invites. Advance Rehabilita-tions motto is a team approach to healthy living and they are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.


United Community Bank has spent six decades in the Rome community and with three locations and hundreds of local em-ployees the institution is solidly known across the Southeast as the bank that service built, says United president David W. Johnson.

UCB covers banking needs from the personal (checking and savings accounts, investments, loans) to corporate and commercial (business expansion loans, lines of credit, municipal financing and fran-chise loans) plus a vast list of services that include direct deposit, mobile banking and online bill pay. There are advisors available for business owners and to answer insurance and investment needs for individuals and families. An online education center gives helpful tips on planning for needs in the real world and offers finance basics.

Lobby hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with drive up hours until 6:00 p.m. on Fridays and from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. Many accounts can be opened in on-line and makes switching from your old bank easy.

Our team is continually recognized for their dedication to building strong customer relationships within our communities, says Johnson, We are proud to be part of Rome and look forward to a bright future, united.

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BEST BANKUnited Community Bank307 E. Second AvenueRome, GA. 30161706.234.5800www.ucbi.com

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER

Advance Rehabilitation224 Shorter Ave.Rome, GA 30165706.235.2727FAX: 706.235. 2726Physicaltherapygeorgia.com

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BEST COLLEGEGeorgia Highlands College3175 Cedartown Hwy.Rome, GA 30161706.802.5000highlands.edu


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Transcript of Rome Life November 2015