NW Georgia Living Winter 2014

Hearty Winter Squash Recipes Refresh, Renew, Reimagine Your Home

Healthy Ways to Lose Holiday Pounds

Inspiring, Informing, Enriching

Complimentary WINTER 2014 Volume 5, Issue 1

N W G E O R G I A

5Winner of

MAGS GAMMA AWARDS

The Best Joints Favored by Locals!

FROM

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Hearty Winter Squash Recipes Refresh, Renew, Reimagine Your Home


Inspiring, Informing, Enriching

Complimentary WINTER 2014 Volume 5, Issue 1

N W G E O R G I A

5Winner of

MAGS GAMMA AWARDS

The Best Joints Favored by Locals!

Refresh…Renew…Reimagine Your Home for the New Year 6

The Winter Garden: Booming out of Season 10

Dive In! 18

Delicious Ways to Celebrate Winter 22

FEATURES Editor’s Note 4

Calendar for Living 8

Dog Eared 12

You Don’t Say 14

Heart & Sole 16

Roberts World 26

Ad Directory 28

DEPARTMENTSCONTENTS Cover photography by Patricia Montgomery

N W G E O R G I A

18

22

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Fresh year. Fresh resolution for fitness.

Try Vitality Fitness free in January. Experience our great trainers and sparkling facilites today!

Publisher and Founder Editor-In-Chief

Laura Wood

Creative DirectorAndi Counts

DesignersAndi Counts

Cameron Shiflett

PhotographyPatricia Montgomery

Senior EditorKat Carter

[email protected]

Editor, Calendar for Living

Gene [email protected]

Junior Editor, Calendar for Living

Anna Pierce

Sales StaffLiz MasingillLaura Wood

DistributionWinston Wood

Contributing WritersJennifer Bailey Baxter

Kelly CharlesAletia DupreeFran Forsyth

Susan HackneyDr. Laurie Johnson

Ciara N. MealerReesa MiltonRobert Smyth

BillingLaura Wood706-346-9858

Contact us at:(706) 346-9858

[email protected] Georgia Living

P.O. Box 1065Rome, Georgia 30l62

NW Georgia Living is published bi-monthly by L. Wood LLC

© 2014. No portion of this issue may be copied, scanned, or reproduced in any manner without

prior written consent from the publisher.

Letter From the Editor

Winter 2014 Volume 5 Issue 1

Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens,Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,Brown paper packages tied up with string,These are a few of my favorite things.

If you’re like me, you probably know the song from “The Sound of Music” by heart, but these are far from a few of my favorite things. Frankly, my theme song should be “Food, Glorious Food!” from the musical “Oliver” ‘cause I do love good food! I have a few family nicknames, and one of them that aptly

applies is Baby Sumo. This girl can put away some food, and I’m not ashamed to admit it!

Recently over lunch, one of my best friends jokingly asked me what it was like to be a magazine mogul. Besides the many stresses of publishing a magazine, with every issue I seem to have more fun, more adventure and a deeper zest for living. For this winter issue, I was party to a rambling road trip around NW Georgia to partake in taste testing my favorite foods. Kelly Charles had an idea

to write about little known joints that only the locals know about. “What a fabulous idea,” I told her, and as soon as she had written it, my editors and I couldn’t wait to hit the road. Naturally, Baby Sumo was hot on the trail to see if Characters Famous BBQ was indeed worth the drive. Honey, please, it was the BEST barbeque sandwich I’ve ever put in my mouth! Mr. Character pulled out a huge pan of smoked to perfection Boston Butt and sliced my sandwich up so high, I had to eat it with a fork. Now I have to tell you, this place is not aesthetically pleasing, but trust me, you will not be disappointed. Next visit, I’m ordering the ribs. Oh yeah, baby!

So it’s a new year and naturally everyone’s New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, exercise more… blah, blah, blah. I say toss those resolutions out the window and make ones that you know you’ll keep, like eating only the best Brunswick stew or chili dogs from our local NW Georgia eateries. When I was little my favorite foods were donuts, pancakes, biscuits and homemade Toll House cookies. I did love and still do love my daddy’s barbeque pork chops because he made his own vinegar/lemon based sauce. My tastes have changed over the years, but there is no way I could ever be considered a Foodie. I’ve tried to like sushi and I’ve dined in swanky restaurants, but give me a tenderloin biscuit from The Gravy Boat (not listed in Kelly Charles article, but my personal favorite) and I’m as

happy as a cat basking in the sunshine! Since I live in a nearby neighborhood, I have to drive past The Gravy Boat every day. This causes a personal dilemma. If I stopped in as often as I’d like, I really would look like a baby sumo!

Let’s all make a resolution to do what makes us happy. A new car is nice, but when you’re only in the second year of payments, that new car thrill is way over. I think we should appreciate the simple pleasures of life more, like enjoying a nice home cooked meal with some great comfort foods and the company of family and friends. It just doesn’t get much better than that. Or the hunt for the killer chili dog — now that’s a task I’m up for in this new year. Oh, yes, I’m up for that challenge any day, any time! Hot diggity dog!

Orders up for L. Wood aka Baby Sumo at Ross’s Diner in Cartersville, Georgia.


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Decorating

By Reesa Milton

After the crisp days of fall, football, and the end of season tasks in the garden, for me it’s time to nest — and

I’m not talking duck’s nest here. (Do ducks nest? Not so sure, guess I need to catch up on my Duck Dynasty). After taking those Christmas decorations down and putting them back in the attic, it’s nice to consider a fresh new look for rooms that will welcome your guests for the new year. A cold winter afternoon is the perfect time to renew and reimagine those rooms.

It is possible to give your home a mini face lift without breaking the bank. The first step is to look at your home in a new way. Walk into your room with a fresh eye; see it as your guests see it. We all tend to stop really “seeing” our homes.

Control clutter.Before you start rearranging furniture, it is time for some clutter control. Begin by assessing those areas that tend to collect what I like to call “room dandruff.” Oh, c’mon, you know we all have it! Those stacks of receipts to be filed, doctor appointment cards, junk mail that belongs in the trash, in other words, the day to day detritus of life.

Baskets can be your best friends. If you can’t clear it, you can contain it. Quickly file those important papers and toss the others. Those can be dealt with another day, but for now at least you can look at a nice tidy row of baskets instead of messy piles of paper.

Reassess use.Now that the decks are clear, it’s time to really look at those rooms you walk

through every day with little more than a passing thought. Think about how you live in your home. Do you need a cozy corner to read? If so, then, you need a small table to hold your tea and a good floor lamp. Do you and your family enjoy movie night? Maybe replace that worn out coffee table with a large ottoman in the center and a nice big tray to hold snacks. In fact, consider every seat in the

room; they all need a place to perch a drink or snack.

Add texture.I always like to add layers of texture to a room, especially as the days cool down. A big fan of soft cuddly throws, I place them on at least one piece of furniture in every room. The tactile feel of a throw on a chilly night can be just the thing at the

Refresh . . . Renew . . . ReimagineYour Home for the New Year


home. Rethink the lamps in your home. The decorating police will not arrest you for moving a lamp. Sometimes we think once something is in a certain place, it glued there. Maybe that bedroom lamp would work in the living room; maybe a pair of buffet lamps would work just as well in separate rooms. Just give it a try. With time, lamps can begin to look a bit tired and dated. Really evaluate your lamps and if those shades are frayed or stained, change them or find a replace-ment. It always amazes me what a new lamp can do for a room.

Rethink accessories.One of the fastest and least expensive ways to refresh a room is through rear-ranging your decorative accessories. I’ve found the best way to approach this is to take every doo-dad and place them all on your dining room table. Now, it’s time to start fresh. With a blank slate you can reimagine those accessories. Maybe that mantle gets a grouping of meaningful objects arranged in front of an array of various size paintings and small mirrors. Or that table top holds a small tray with indoor plant nestled beside a small vase or decorative box. I created a small

Reesa Milton is owner of Perfect Home on Shorter Ave., which is celebrating ten years creating classic comfortable homes using their collection of accent furniture, art and

accessories, as well as window treatments, bedding and rugs. In her former retail life, Reesa, a native Roman, was owner of The Wedding Belle (now Perfect Dress of Rome) and also owns Perfect Prom, a specialty prom boutique. You can reach Reesa at [email protected], or read her musings on interior design at her blog “Perfectly at Home” perfecthomeofrome.blogspot.com/.

end of the day. A cup of coffee, a snuggly throw, a good book on a quiet Sunday afternoon — my idea of heaven.

Add color.One of my design mantras is “Never underestimate the power of a throw pillow.” Looking for a way to bring color into an otherwise neutral room? A throw pillow, that proverbial “pop of color,” can be your best friend. And they can be found at all price points. Just check out the styles available. I’m sure you will find at least a few that speak to you. Think in terms of three, two fun prints and a solid texture, or two large solid pillows and a really graphic or colorful floral in the mix. Don’t go too small. My rule of thumb is a couple of pillows in 22” to 24” with a pair of 18” and maybe one oblong pillow on a sofa. Don’t be afraid to mix and match — it’s just a pillow.

Consider lighting.Now, let’s talk lighting — the jewelry of a room. I’m a sucker for a table lamp. At times my home may have as many lamps as my store. Well, maybe not that many, but I do love a lovely lamp. Lamps don’t just add light, they add personality to a

tabletop vignette years ago comprised of a client’s grandfather’s pocket watch, small photo, and shaving brush. Pull out those family treasures and create a meaningful display that is personal to you and your family. You may be surprised at your creativity.

Remember; shop your own home first. You never know what treasures may be just waiting for you to refresh…renew…reimagine your rooms for the new year. Happy decorating!

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Arts & Events

C A L E N DA R FO R

JANUARYThree Rivers Invitational BullridingJanuary 10–11, 8:00 p.m.Sponsored by the 4L and Diamond S Rodeo. The Forum Civic Center, forumevents.org. Rome

“Murder by the Book”January 17–19; January 24–25, Fri. & Sat. 8:00 p.m., Sun. 3:00 p.m.The Pumphouse Players present this mystery of what happens when the world’s greatest writers get together? Murder, that’s what! Historic Legion Theatre. Cartersville

“A Few Good Men”January 31, February 1–2, Fri. & Sat. 8:00 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m.Rome Little Theatre presents this play by Aaron Sorkin which concerns the trial of two young Marines and their culpability in the death of PFC Willy Santiago. Director: Chuck Morris. Producer: Tracy Hellrfiegel. Desoto Theatre, 706-295-7171. Rome

FEBRUARY2013–2014 Century Bank Entertainment Series: The Gibson BothersFebruary 1, 7:00 p.m.Winner of the IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award for the second consecutive year along with three other awards in 2013. Grand Theater, 770-386-7343. Cartersville

Gun Shows of the SouthFebruary 1–2, Sat., 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun. 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Hosted by the Gun Shows of the South Georgia. Clarence Brown Conference Center, 563-927-8176. Cartersville

Rome Symphony and Berry FacultyFebruary 6, 7:30 p.m.Some of the RSO’s principal musicians and Berry’s music faculty present a night of solo and chamber music. [email protected]. Ford Auditorium at Berry College. Rome

Polar PlungeFebruary 8, 10:00 a.m.Prove to everyone that you’re the coolest of the cool as you plunge into the frigid waters of the Dellinger Park Pool. Prizes will be awarded. All plungers will receive a signature Polar Plunge towel. This cool event benefits Advocates for Children. Dellinger Park, 770-387-1143. Cartersville

Northwest Georgia Home and Garden ShowFebruary 8–9, Sat., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun. 1;00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.The Home and Garden expo will showcase indoor and outdoor businesses from all over the Northwest Georgia area. Learn tips for your next “Do It Yourself” project. Clarence Brown Conference Center. 770-291-9496 ext 113. Cartersville

Bobby Bowden to SpeakFebruary 13, 5:00 p.m.Former FSU coach Bobby Bowden will speak at The Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Bartow/Polk County Fundraising Banquet. www.fcabartowpolk.com or Mary Wannall at 404-543-3238 ([email protected]). Clarence Brown Conference Center. Cartersville

“Little Shop of Horrors”February 13–16; 20–23, Thurs.–Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2:00 p.m.What better way to spend a freakish Valentine’s Day than with little shop of horrors? It’s the story of a heartfelt gift gone terrifyingly bad — set to music, of course. This gruesomely funny twist on a love story will keep you boppin’ the entire valentine’s weekend and into the next. Berry College. 706-236-2263. Rome

Valentine’s Day Wine and Chocolate Half Marathon, 10k and 5kFebruary 15A new Valentine’s tradition begins for women only! Spend the day with the girls enjoying a healthy run (or

walk) fueled by delicious chocolate delights. Then enjoy a Wine Brunch and post-race Block Party with live music, mani-pedis, massages and more! Every participant receives a cute shirt and swag bag. Alcohol free options available. www.wineandchocolatehalf.com. Lakepoint Sports Complex. Emerson

14th Annual “Night at the Movies”February 18, 6:00 p.m. The Exchange Club Family Resource Center hosts this event in their efforts to prevent child abuse. It will begin with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Attendees will have a chance to see one of six blockbuster movies. Rome Cinemas Movie Theater. 706-290-0764. Rome

“The Merchant of Venice”February 20–23 & 25, Thurs–Sat. & Tues., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2:30 p.m.Though classified as a comedy in the First Folio and sharing certain aspects with Shakespeare’s other romantic comedies, the play is perhaps most remembered for its dramatic scenes. Callaway Theater, Shorter University. 706-233-7288. Rome

Northwest Georgia Bridal ExpoFebruary 23, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.Everything a bride and groom needs for a memorable wedding can be found at this bridal expo. Enjoy complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Center Cut Catering. Register for many prizes. Have a chance to win a honeymoon package furnished by Globe Trotters. Clarence Brown Conference Center, 770-606-5763 or www.nwgabridalexpo.com. Cartersville


228 Broad Street • Rome, GA 30161

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“Perfect for gift-giving all year round.”


Advice

By Dr. Laurie Johnson, LPC

Honestly, I’ve always been more inclined to climb trees than to study them. So, I had to google my horticulture question, “What’s going on in my garden over the winter months?” Just as I’d

expected, the answer thrilled me: a virtual underground symphony. The landscape may seem quiet and sullen, marked by stark limbs, crunchy leaves, shuddering shrubs, and no visible blooms, but worry not — Mother Nature does not slumber. She works her magic underground, preparing for the great spring reveal.

In the same way, our soul never sleeps. I believe it is ever stretching to grow, to discover, to express itself, and to connect meaningfully with people and with our surroundings. That doesn’t mean this energy always shows — or that our progress is always evident. Sometimes we can feel as numb or weary as oak trees appear, holding on to their wilted leaves to the very last gust of wind. We can feel anything but zesty. Nevertheless, we can foster inner growth during winter months that annually compel us to reflect on life and the gift of a new year. Here are six practical ideas to savor winter and prepare for spring.

Look around you at nature’s wonder. Look with a yielded-ness to see what you need to observe. Maybe you need to soak in the rhythm in nature, of risk-revel-release. This may be a time in your life when your soul hungers to try new things or take up old pleasures, and you must dig deep to find the courage to take those risks. Or, this may be a season when the seeds you’ve planted are multiplying to an extent that you can’t remember getting a full night’s rest, an uninterrupted bubble bath, or a chance to enjoy a guilty pleasure. You may have to reach hard for the brake on your “buggy” in order to slow down and savor what’s blooming all around you. Or, you may be at a junction, when you are faced with a question of holding on or releasing. Try to observe how yielded nature is, to let her green glory turn to stunning gold, and crimson, and orange foliage.

The beautiful thing about nature’s cycles is that they are cycles. We see the end of one path, and we choose to begin another. Whether this is a season for you of risk, revel, or release, life surrounds you with gifts to be discovered in others, in your environment, and in yourself.

Look within for wonders of the human spirit. It is so easy to get worn down by the constant barrage of messages to get more, weigh less, do better, and measure up. We can lose touch with what makes us unforgettable, indomitable, unique, and love-worthy. What is that? It is the core self that each one of us possesses. If yours is in need of some nurture and TLC, here are more tips.

Talk kindly to yourself. Most of us have a “pusher” voice within that is ever-ready to criticize and expect more than we can muster. It is the voice that picks apart our best work,

The Winter Garden: Blooming Out of Season

belittles our moments of great courage, and constantly seeds self-doubt in our fragile (but fertile) spots. Next time you recognize “pusher” hounding you about your shortcomings, say “STOP.” Shame and pressure were probably effective moti-vators when we were disciplined in youth, but it is time to free yourself from that style of picky, punitive self-management. Instead, access that champion within. Whether you are talking about building a dog house, learning a second language, or maintaining your diabetic diet — take pleasure in your efforts and be the judge of your success.

Think kindly to yourself. When is the last time you posi-tioned yourself in a comfortable spot (preferably bundled outside beside a cozy fire pit) and took the time to . . . just BE? To just breathe, take in the beauty around you, savor the sensations of the breeze, the wind, the smells, the sounds, and the touch of those around you or of the beautiful solitude at hand? Thinking kindly to yourself can include NOT thinking. It can mean arresting your thoughts as they race between your TO DO list, calendar memos, long range plans, and constant inspections.

Give yourself the gift of quiet. Winter, insulated by a blanket of leaves and frosty air, will help you turn down the volume and the chaos in your busy brain, if you will yield to it. Taking a break can go a long way in helping you not break down. There are lots of ways to break down, both visible and invisible. Sometimes, you can even visibly break down without anyone’s notice. Remember, you are your first line of defense.


If you don’t make a habit of turning off your brain, tuning out, and tuning in to revitalizing senses and sensory retreats — no one else is likely to arrange it.

Trust the grand scheme of things. You may feel ambivalent and weak-kneed as you pause to take an inventory of your life. Yet, there is a great reward in taking time to examine our lives and taking time to assess and actually feel our feelings (instead of acting them out on weary friends and family members.) Making or renewing a contract to fully live instead of barely exist will reward you. Trust that you have what it takes to succeed.

I’m reminded of the trees in my prayer garden. These days, they are looking languished. Yet, when I take their twigs in hand, they are not brittle. There is life within. There is flexibility. There is stamina. There is a trust that the roots will root for the water it needs, and the trunk will guard and feed the core of the tree, so that the blossoms and fruit to come . . . will come.

Take the time to be. Take the time to breathe. Treat

Dr. Laurie Johnson, LPC is an award winning author. Her books, Dr. J’s Field Guide: TEENS 101, Volume 1 and 2, and Dr. J’s Field Guide: Marriage 101 are available on Amazon.com. If not with her husband and four teens, you can find her outdoors in one of her prayer gardens or playing with her horse and dogs. The “Dr. Laurie Johnson Show” can be heard every Saturday morning,

9-9:30am on TalkRadio WLAQ AM 1410. This marks her 25th year in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Developmental Psychologist.

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yourself kindly. And when renewed, give. Give in a way that is authentic — that has your signature smile on it. It may be through friendship that shades others. It may be through fruit that nourishes others. It may be quiet strength that does not falter when snowy winds and dark nights pass. Be you. Be all of you. We are all here, ready for spring’s great reveal in you.


By Ciara N. Mealer

DOG EARED

Ciara N. Mealer is a reading specialist, and freelance writer and editor. She lives in Rome, GA with her devoted sidekick. She is an avid naturalist, a voracious reader,

and spends most of her free time exploring outdoors, adventuring, and creating. She can be contacted at [email protected].

The new year brings with it so many things. Is it really symbolic that we choose this time of year when looking

to make changes to ourselves and our lives? Or is it something deeper than that? With the magic of the holidays over maybe it’s simply that we are looking toward the next magical moment when the dreary days of winter are finally over and the green lushness of spring waits outside to greet us. Well, there is still a chunk of winter waiting ahead of us, and I say why can’t those days be just as sweet as spring? With something warm to drink and a cozy nook to sit in, there’s no better time to get a little introspective and let those creative juices flow.

This time of year, self-improvements are big sellers. And it’s no wonder why with all the great choices. “You Are Beautiful: A Beauty Guide for Real Women” by Ken Paves is as uplifting as it is inspiring and is a fabulous how-to guide for gals who, like me, are hope-less when it comes to even the simplest beauty things like blow-drying. Paves really gets to the heart of something few of us talk about, but most of us feel — a feeling of inferiority in a world

that seems to be filled with plumped, plucked, tanned, toned, and airbrushed models and actresses. Well, we aren’t all centerfold perfect, but we are all beautiful and with Paves’ help we can all feel like supermodels every day. Trying to boost your nutrition this year? “Eating on the Wild Side: The Missing Link to Optimum Health” by Jo Robinson gives you even more reasons to eat healthy and is filled with tons of cool informa-tion and great ideas. Using Robinson’s well-researched information you can get better nutrition without changing the foods you already eat and love. Self-improvement guru Wayne Dyer’s new book, “Wishes Fulfilled,” is all about using your own inner self to create the outward self and life that you desire. Now you can be you own fairy-godmother, and using the techniques he teaches, you can make all of your dreams come true.

What’s life without a little indul-gence? Treat yourself to a great new book like “Still Life with Bread Crumbs” by Anna Quindlen, a funny and beauti-fully written story of unlikely love between a famed photographer and a blue-collar roofer. “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd is a historical fiction novel about the unlikely friend-ship between two women, one a slave and the other a Southern belle, and

the journey they take together toward revolution. One of my new favorites is “Under the Wide and Starry Sky” by Nancy Horan, a sweeping story based on the life and tempestuous love story of Robert Louis Stevenson. The author of such gems as “Treasure Island” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” was an adventurer himself, and this incredible novel does justice to the rich life of an intrepid man.

“I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by The Taliban” by Malala Yousafzai is one of the most inspiring, heart-wrenching, and uplifting books I’ve read in a long time. Most of us have heard of Malala’s story, but what we know is the barest bones, just a scratch on the surface of an incredibly deep, thoughtful, and wise-beyond-her-years young girl who stands as a lesson to us all to fight for what we believe in. I find that often the greatest inspiration stems from anything that stimulates my imagination, and few people have done that for so many of us than beloved film-maker and master puppeteer Jim Henson. Meet the man pulling the puppet strings we all grew up watching in wonder in “Jim Henson: The Biography” by Brian Jay Jones. When Henson died, the world truly lost a great force of inspiration and imagination.

Are you a writer that would like to see your work reviewed here? Contact Ciara N. Mealer at [email protected] for details on where to send your work.

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By Robert SmythBy Susan Hackney

YOU DON’T SAY?

Au contraire, I do say, now is a great time to consider a cruise vacation. Browsing through the internet or printed materials depicting destinations and ports of call will counter any feelings of let-down after the

holidays and renew your enthusiasm for a New Year.Many people are cruising these days because it’s a good

value and a great way to see the world. Beginning your cruising experiences with a short trip is the best way to see if you like this mode of vacationing. We tried a short island hopping cruise first and were pleased, although my first experience with that mandatory muster drill and the life jacket almost did me in! I liked the practice of fixed dinner seating for the evenings and a more formal dress code which was practiced more back then (late 1990’s). Now, there seems to be more open dinner seating and variety available in the evenings. It’s wonderful fun to regroup with your tablemates each evening. Some nights might be designated “formal nights.” Someone commented that shipboard formal nights give adults a nice sort of “return to their senior prom” feeling and some great photo ops.

The activity level on board ship can be as busy or as leisurely as you like. Meals are wonderful and bountiful. (One night, one of our tablemates ordered two lobster dinners instead of one because we COULD.) On that trip, the ship’s first officer joked that the main dining was located so far from your stateroom that you walked off all of the calories from your crème brulee or chocolate cake. I am not usually much of a dessert person, but I enjoyed dessert every night for 11 nights shipboard, plus two more on a visit to London prior to sailing. Did you know that Yorkshire Pudding is not a dessert?

Here are some things I have learned about cruising:> Some people are addicted, and start planning their next

cruise while enjoying the current one.

> Pack for your cruise, and then take out half of what you put in. Unless you are having tea with the Queen, you can do with less.

> Do take your swimsuit. Spas and pool on board are wonderful for renewal and rejuvenation.

> Spend more time doing something purposeful and less time eating and shopping.

> Days at sea can be especially nice.> Go to the evening entertainments after dinner — the shows

and performers are really good. > Two weeks are better than one, and three weeks will be better

than two the next time we strike out to see the world.> Time on board creates new friendships and renews old ones.> Some people use cruise ships as their assisted living alterna-

tive — a story for another day.It seems to me that cruising has evolved in much the same way as air travel. Luxury cruise ship staterooms still remind me of campers and airplane lavatories — pretty nice but very cramped. The old adage was that your small stateroom was not important because you wouldn’t spend much time there anyway. Still, I will be looking to upgrade my next plane seat location to first class, and my ship’s stateroom to a suite.

There are cruises now which target certain age or interest groups. You need to do your research carefully to be sure your group is accommodated, especially if there are children or some with physical limitations. Just getting down the gangway, or into and out of the tender for a trip to the shore can be challenging. Also, many sightseeing tours in port require a lot of walking. Have you kissed the Blarney Stone lately? My story is that I kissed the thing and saw the Loch Ness Monster, and I’m sticking to it!

When planning your cruise vacation, the bundled travel packages which include all transportation, gratuities, and your floating hotel with all meals and some entertainments included, seem to give you the best idea of the fixed cost of your holiday. Be aware that shore excursions in ports of call, on-board casinos, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and SHOPPING are the things which can add to your fixed cost.

It’s a good season now to plan a cruise holiday. I’m certainly no travel authority. My experience is limited, and we have (almost never) experienced rough weather. There are never any guarantees where the weather is concerned. However, our travel coordinator was successful in ordering up fair weather for a recent outing, and I could give you her contact informa-tion if you think it would help!

Bon Voyage and Bon Appétit!14 www.nwgeorgialiving.com

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2960 New Calhoun Hwy NE • Rome, GAwww.unitychristianschool.org • (706) 292-0700

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By Jennifer Bailey Baxter

HEART &SOLE

Post holiday weight gain is one of a gal’s worst enemies. We all know the drill. Your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and get in shape for a

skinnier, healthier you. We run out to join a gym, throw away all the cookies and cakes and goodies left over from the holidays, and pull out a pair of our skinniest jeans for motivation — the ones you haven’t been able to squeeze into in the past two years and have held onto them because your intentions are to get back into them. We start out strong, going to classes and using cardio equipment, two or three times per week. We work and work for the entire month of January, but the scales never move. Does this seem familiar to any of you? Well, there is a scientific reason for what seems to be a failure of your efforts.

For those of you in the market to lean down, lose weight, start an exercise regimen, correct bad cholesterol, or prevent

the onset of Type II Diabetes, exercise is 20% of your efforts and diet is

80% of your efforts. If your diet is bad, no amount of

exercise in the world is going to make

a significant contribution to


your efforts. You can run five miles a day, lift weights three days a week, and attend aero-

bics classes during every lunch hour; however, if you are still gulping down the burgers, the fries, the pastas, the pizzas, the boxed cereals, the candies and crackers and chips out of the vending machines, beer, wine, and mixed drinks, etc., you are NEVER going to make any gains toward your goal. Your diet is the most important part of your weight loss and fitness goal.

Why? It all has to do with metabolic rate. Now, I am not going to bore you with a crash course in physiology of the human metabolism, but take my word, it is more sensitive than a thirteen-year-old girl who has been broken up with by her first boyfriend. Here’s what to take from this: You have to burn off calories to lose weight, but you have to feed your body

correctly to keep your metabolism in that “burning” state. You want to maintain your lean muscle

mass while losing body fat. And, quite honestly, it isn’t rocket science. It’s

quite easy, but it requires commit-ment. You know, it is said that

it takes 21 days to break a bad habit and even

fewer days to acquire a new, good habit. It is

completely up to you. So, what is one

to do in this situation? There


Jennifer’s educational background is in psychology, nursing, math, and health and fitness. She is a graduate of Berry College and Emory University and completed graduate studies and research in Public Health and Public Health Nursing at Texas A&M and Emory University. Jennifer was an officer in the US Army Nurse Corps until the spring of 2010. She has worked in public health, designed fitness programs for

pregnant female soldiers, trained private clients in weight lifting, cardiovascular fitness and fighting, and has always led a healthy, athletic lifestyle, which includes running, weight lifting, training with a trainer, martial arts, yoga, repelling, and a little dance now and then. Jennifer is the owner of Doll Boutique located at 315 Riverside Parkway, Suite 120 in Rome.

are a few things that are proven, effective ways to kick-start your metabolism.

> First, increase your intake of lean proteins — fish, egg whites, and chicken breasts are easy to find and cost effective. Always have a small to moderate portion of lean protein every time you eat, even when having a snack.

> Second, eat only carbohydrates (carbs) that are complex and prevent blood sugar “spiking.” Carbs like oatmeal, sweet potatoes, green vegetables (asparagus, kale, spinach, avocados, eggplant, spaghetti squash, cucumbers, and many more) contain fiber and water and provide the carbohydrate level to maintain energy and blood sugar levels.

> Third, stay far away from starchy, cheap, refined, and easy-to-grab carbs. In other words, if it’s white, don’t eat it. Carbs to steer clear of include pastas of any kind — white rice, all breads, cereals, white potatoes, crackers, chips, and ANYTHING that comes out of a vending machine. And another good rule is that if you do have any of these foods, try to cut them out after 2 o’clock in the afternoon and then stick strictly to proteins and greens. Drink lots of water — at least 64 ounces per day, or more if you are on an exercise regimen.

> Fourth, of course, the biggest lesson to take from this to GET RID OF SUGARS! Sugar is a malicious, sneaky little devil. Check your foods for sugar content. Your goal needs to include as close to zero sugar as possible. Now, that may not be possible because, after all, you do need to include some carbs in your diet, but choose low glycemic index carbs, which means they are low in simple sugar content.

> Fifth, stay away from salt. Simply do not add it to anything unless it is absolutely necessary. Nearly all foods have sodium (salt) in them, so try not to add salt. Salt increases water retention as well as blood pressure and other problems.

Starving yourself is not the goal you are trying to achieve here. Feeding yourself correctly is the goal, along with adding a reasonable amount of exercise to your lifestyle. Some of you may add walking and yoga while others may take more extreme steps by initiating a weight lifting routine along with cardiovascular training. Set yourself a goal that is achievable. If all you need to lose is 15 pounds to get back into those skinny jeans you’ve been holding on to, then set that goal and stick to it. Wow your friends and all the fellas when you’re looking smoking hot in those things. If you are already fit and in shape, set a goal for competing in a fitness competition or for achieving a certain body fat percentage. If you are obese with

health-related problems, set your goals to include better lab work and reduction of weight. Make lowering your cholesterol and triglyceride count part of your goal. It will be reflected on the scale and you will feel that accomplishment.

Being overweight, whether a little or a lot, is nothing to shame yourself for, but taking care of yourself and your personal health is what is so important — to yourself and to the people who love you. If losing some weight and shaping up will make you happier, then, by all means, do it. Happiness is contagious, and one thing we all need for the new year is a case of happiness.


Blackened Seafood Alfredo day, you’re in for a treat. Where are they located? Well, it depends on what day you ask. Always in the Rome area, the food truck location and menu change daily. You’ll have to follow them on Facebook for each day’s specifics.

Character’sAdairsville locals already know that Character’s has the best BBQ around, but the secret was out when the small town cook took home first place honors in a Season 4 episode of Discovery Channel’s “BBQ Pitmasters.” Serving out of little more than a shack on Hwy. 140 just west of the traffic light in Adairsville, Michael Character knows how to smoke some meat. I can’t even begin to recommend a favorite plate — they’re all winners. Smoked pork, brisket, chicken, ribs, all with all the appropriate accouterments, you can’t go wrong with any selection. Lunch is from 11am–2pm, dinner from 4–6pm Tuesday–Friday, and he’s open 11am–4pm Saturdays. He is usually closed on Sunday and Monday. To be clear, those are the posted hours,

Featured Restaurants

By Kelly Charles

Most of us love to eat, but I have what may border on an unhealthy obsession with mealtime. From fresh

veggies to fried pies, lobster to sushi, barbecue to lasagna, I’m fancied by it all and am guilty of planning the next two meals of the day while still eating the first. Which is why the best local eateries rarely escape my attention. As most chowhounds know, the tastiest food is often found behind the least attractive fronts, often referred to as dives.

It is with all the love in the world that I categorize the local joints below as such. I don’t mean to call them unat-tractive, but I do mean to call attention to the down-to-earth service and excel-lent cuisine to be had, without the big-time corporate appearance. It’s what’s on the inside that counts, right? For those of you who share my fondness for chow time, these local joints are worth noting.

Troy’s BBQWhat self-respecting Southerner isn’t a sucker for good homemade biscuits? Let me tell you, Troy’s has the best. Their fluffy buttermilk biscuits can be a meal in themselves, but I like them stuffed with tenderloin and egg or topped with gravy or just buttered with jelly. There’s really no bad way to have a Troy’s biscuit. What’s even better, they serve breakfast all day! Located at 1024 N. Broad Street in Rome, they are open Monday–Wednesday from 6am–3pm, and Thursday-Saturday 6am–9pm. They even have a breakfast buffet on Saturdays from 6am until noon.

Crawdaddy’s“Laissez les bons temps rouler!” Or, if you don’t happen to be Cajun, “Let the good times roll!” Being born and bred a North Georgia girl, I’m not sure I could identify authentic Cajun cuisine if I had to, but I can definitely pick a good Po’Boy out of a lineup, and Crawdaddy’s wins that contest hands-down. My personal favorite is the fried crawfish tail. Or if you catch them on a Gator Chili or

Dive In!

but it is not unusual for Mr. Character to sell out early or to be out of town for an event. If you’re lucky enough to catch him open, it will likely be crowded with standing room only, and don’t count on dining in at one of the 2 small tables inside. Bring cash.

Dub’s High on the HogI know, I’ve already covered BBQ. But believe it or not, this little place in Calhoun has what you might least expect — the best steak in town. Not knocking the BBQ which is good in its own right, once you’ve had a steak here you will never order anything else from the menu. Perfectly seasoned and grilled, their steaks are practically fork-tender and bursting with juicy flavor. A few locals know to ask for “scraps” which is not on the menu. It’s a heaping pile of lean filet and ribeye cuts sautéed in a cream sauce with bacon bits that is inde-scribably and mouth-wateringly deli-cious. Bring your appetite and a bib for

Step back into time at Ross’s Diner in Cartersville.

Right: Order the fully loaded chili dog at Brandi’s World Famous Hotdogs in Cartersville.

Photography by Patricia Montgomery.


If you’re a serious barbeque lover, you must visit Character’s in Adairsville.

this one. Touting itself as the only place in Calhoun that is so good it doesn’t need a sign, you’ll find the sign-less Dub’s just south of downtown on Hwy 41 under the red tin roof. Odd hours must be a thing with BBQ joints; this one is open for lunch on Wednesdays and Sundays, for lunch and dinner (but not in between) on Thursdays and Fridays, and most of the day Saturday.

Ross’s DinerRoss’s is everything you’d expect from a small town diner. Located across from the train depot in the heart of downtown Cartersville, it’s been a local favorite for 65 years. Seating is on stools around a counter, and there’s always a crowd. The best old-fashioned, made-to-order dining around includes burgers, dogs, fries, and even a few meats and veggies. Best thing on the menu? Probably the chili burger and fries. They’re open for breakfast too, with sawmill gravy that is almost as good as your mama’s. They have very reasonable prices and fast, friendly service. You can’t beat Ross’s for a great affordable local diner experience.

Brandi’s World-Famous Hot DogsIt’s very important to note the “World Famous” part of the name. Brandi’s is quickly gaining Internet fame with rave reviews on almost every major review-type site. And for good reason — this will be the best hot dog you have ever put in your mouth. Even if you don’t like coleslaw, go for the fully loaded chili dog, which comes with slaw and onions and is a tad on the spicy side. Aside from great dogs, this place is just fun to eat because the service is so dang friendly. Cash only, and you won’t need much of it. The Cartersville location is at 800 N Tennessee St. — don’t blink or you’ll pass it.

Doug’s PlaceYears ago my future husband took me to this place and warned me not to let outside appearances fool me. I recall his exact expression, “I think if you dropped a marble on the floor in there it would roll around for days without stopping!” But he raved about the food, so I was game. This hole-in-the-wall


A Taste of NW Georgia

Authentic Italian Cuisine

Breakfast: M-Fri 6:30-11amSat 7:00am-2pmSun 7-12:30am

901 Main Street, Cedartown, GA

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770-748-2887

Lunch/Dinner: Sun-Thur 11am-10pmFri/Sat: 11am-11pm

Specials M-ThBuy one Pizza and get

one Half Price(excludes personal pan pizzas)

Breakfast Special M-F2 Eggs, 2 pieces of Bacon and

Hashbrowns for $3.99

Perfect Party! Your place or ours … custom

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Kelly is a wife and mother of two. She and her husband own The Big Mattress Outlet in Rome. Kelly worked as an Operations Manager for the Simmons

Bedding Company for many years before opening her own business. She is also an avid couponer, having appeared on Extreme Couponing in seasons 1 and 2. She has published a book, "Keeping Couponing Real," and loves to play the piano and travel in the little spare time she can find. Contact her at 706-291-1220, on Facebook at Big Mattress Outlet, or visit www.bigmattressoutlet.com.

dive quickly became my local favorite for home cooking outside the home, and over the years I’ve never had a bad meal. Not even a mediocre meal, come to

think of it. It’s a safe bet to take out-of-town guests for lunch; the extensive reasonably-priced menu has something for everyone’s taste. Doug’s is on 293

right in Emerson and open every day, even for breakfast.

Supporting these locally owned and operated establishments is a great way to not only enjoy some of the finest cuisine in Northwest Georgia, but also to reward these small business owners for their hard work and dedication to customer service. They offer more than a great product; they offer their smile and their best effort to provide you with an unforgettable experience. So dive on in!

Dubs High on the Hog is the only restaurant in Calhoun that doesn’t need a sign.

151 W. Main Street Cartersville, GA 30120

www.MyGourmetSteaks.com

770.334.8755


urlee Fish House & Oyster Bar

s 706-204-8173227 Broad Street in

Historic Downtown Romewww.curlees.com

Hours: Closed Monday

Tue-Thur 11am-9ish Fri & Sat 11am-10ish

Sunday 11am-9ish

Fresh Seafood Daily • Oyster Bar • Oysters on the Half Shell • Steaks

New Lunch Menu | Bar Open LateHappy Hour: 3pm-6pm dailyBanquet Facilities Available

Tuesday Night Bike Night | Drink and Oyster Specials

Wednesday Night Ladies Night | Drink and Oyster Specials

Thirsty Thursday $1.00 Coors Light Draft

Friday & Saturday Night Live Music | No Cover

327 N Tennessee Street | Cartersville, GA [email protected] | 770-387-4542

Cartersville Outlet


Delicious Ways to Celebrate WinterGet Cook’in

By Aletia DuPree

Winter squash is a perfect sweet, hearty addition to cold weather winter tables. Not only is it deli-

cious, it’s healthy, too. Rich in vitamins and minerals, winter squash is high in both vitamins A and C and is a good source of vitamins B and K as well as potassium. My grandmother was right when she said, “If you eat the foods that

BUTTERNUT SQUASH STIR-FRY WITH SESAME SEEDSServes 4 to 61 medium butternut squash1 tablespoon grapeseed oil or vegetable oil2 teaspoons sesame seeds3 cloves garlic, finely chopped1–2" piece ginger, peeled and finely shredded½ teaspoon salt¾ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

are in season, you will stay healthy.” She proved that to be true because she lived to be the ripe old age of almost 91, and I rarely remember her ever being sick.

Winter squash is a versatile ingre-dient in everything from soups to desserts. These scrumptious recipes highlight some of my favorite varieties: butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and acorn squash. For starters, warm up with a hot bowl of smooth, creamy Butternut and Acorn Squash Soup, seasoned with savory spices — nutmeg, cumin and a touch of curry. Bursting with color,

roasted beets paired with fresh oranges and topped with a dollop of fresh yogurt makes a perfect wintertime salad. If you are looking for a side that’s quick, easy and ready to savor in just a few minutes, Butternut Squash Stir-Fry with Sesame Seeds fits the bill for those busy winter nights. Squash and Spinach Lasagna, a unique combination of flavors in this vegetarian recipe, will leave your family asking for seconds.Go to our website at www.nwgeorgialiving.com for additional recipes from Aletia using delicious and healthy winter squash.

Halve squash lengthwise. Scoop out seeds, cut and discard rind, and chop squash into bite-size pieces. Set aside. In a large frying pan or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring, about 2 minutes. Add squash, salt, sugar and ½ cup water. Stir to combine, cover, and cook stirring occasionally, until squash is tender, about 15 minutes. Add additional water if necessary to keep squash from sticking to the pan.


BUTTERNUT AND ACORN SQUASH SOUPServes 61 medium butternut squash1 medium acorn squash½ medium onion, chopped1 Granny Smith apple, chopped4 cups chicken stock1 cup heavy cream1 tablespoon butter or margarine Salt and pepper to taste Nutmeg, cumin, and curry, to taste

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spilt both squashes and remove the seeds. Place in a shallow pan (spilt side up)

with ½ inch of water and bake for 45 minutes or until tender. In a medium size soup pot, heat chicken stock until the stock reaches a soft boil. Remove from heat. Set aside. Scoop out cooked squash and purée in a food processor or blender. Slowly add the onions, apples and stock to the food processor and blend with the squash until smooth. Pour squash mixture back into the soup pot and heat over low heat until warm. Add cream and butter. Mix well. Add the pepper, nutmeg, cumin, and curry (about ½ teaspoon each). Cook until piping hot but not boiling. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives.

ROASTED BEET AND ORANGE SALADServes 4 to 63 medium beets (preferably a mix of red and

golden beets)¼ cup fresh orange juice 3 teaspoons finely grated orange zest, divided1½ teaspoons honey1½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar1 teaspoon Dijon mustard½ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil4 cups mixed salad greens such as arugula,

spinach, and romaine 4 medium navel oranges, peeled, seeded, and

cut into sections½ cup thinly sliced red onionSea salt and freshly ground pepper to tasteGarnish: Vanilla yogurt

Preheat the onion to 350 °. Wrap the beets in foil and roast for about 1 ½ hours or until tender. Let cool, then peel the beets and cut them into ¼ inch dice. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, 2 teaspoons of orange zest, honey, vinegar, mustard and oil; season with salt and pepper. Add the beets and toss to coat. Arrange the salad greens on a large plate and top with beets, orange sections and onion. Drizzle with the orange vinaigrette and top with a dollop of fresh yogurt. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon grated orange zest.


Aletia DuPree is a cooking instructor, speaker, author and former restaurateur. Born and raised in the South, her first book “Deliciously Southern: Southern Recipes and a Tour of the South” features over 370 mouth-watering recipes that capture the very heart of Southern cooking. Deliciously Southern is available wherever books are sold or at www.aletiadupree.com. Aletia is the editor

of the online food blog “Southern Life” where she writes about the art of Southern hospitality, culture and cuisine. Her enthusiasm and passion for Southern food, culture and hospitality are contagious in her cooking demonstrations that are full on fun, energy, insight and creative ideas to bring families back to the kitchen table for delicious home-cooked meals. For a night of fun, food and delicious inspiration book Aletia for a” Bacon & Chocolate” Girls Night Out. For more information about Aletia speaking topics, contact her at 770-773-5901 or email her at [email protected].

SPINACH AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH LASAGNAServes 41 15-ounce container ricotta cheese8 ounces mozzarella, coarsely grated¼ teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 table-

spoons for topping1 bunch fresh spinach, thick stems discarded,

leaves chopped6 no-boil lasagna noodles

1 16-ounce package frozen butternut squash puree, thawed

Kosher salt and pepper

Heat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, nutmeg, ¼ cup Parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; fold in the spinach. Spread ½ cup of the squash on the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish. Top with 2 noodles and spread a third (about ¼ cup) of the remaining squash over the top. Dollop with a third (about 1 cup)

of the ricotta mixture; repeat. Place the remaining 2 noodles on top; spread with the remaining squash and dollop with the remaining ricotta mixture.

Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, cover tightly with an oiled piece of foil to prevent sticking and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake until noodles are tender and the top is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.

“If your life is not becoming to you, you should be coming to me.”

Certified Life Coaching,

Certified NLP Practitioner,

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner

Reiki Master Teacher

520 Broad Street, Rome GA | www.ohbabylifecoaching.com | [email protected] | 706-314-9739 Gwen Dempsey, EdS

WOW!Women’s Optimum WorkshopAre you overwhelmed by never ending emotional ups and downs in your life? Is your energy so depleted that you find it difficult to function in your daily life? Are these emotional issues affecting your relationships, health, and work?

If so, maybe one of your Chakra energy centers is blocked.

Sign up for a workshop to learn how sound, color, essential oils, and other techniques can help you find tranquility, peace, creativity, enjoyment, hope, courage, self-confidence, clarity, or wholeness. Be inspired, be pampered, be uplifted, and bond with like-minded women!

When: Saturday, January 25, 2014

Where: 520 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161

Time: 2:00p.m.–5:00 p.m. EST

Included: Door prize and refreshments served

For price, more information, or to sign up, call 706-314-9739.

For $10 off, sign up by December 31, 2013 using code: OBOFF.


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Providing services since 1975 that help individuals live more independently and comfortably.


ROBERT’S WORLD By Robert SmythBy Robert Smyth

Over a recent weekend I got the chance to experience something that in my opinion was uniquely Southern, at

least in its combination of events. You see, we Southerners love to combine things and see what happens. Case in point — deep fried Oreos, deep fried turkeys, or that sign down at the store that says “Hardware, Haircuts, Lawnmower Repair and Tax Service,” all done by one guy named “Little Red” or something colorful like that. I once saw a sign driving in South Georgia that said in the biggest orange letters you could find “BBQ” and underneath in small pink print “Girls Girls Girls.” What a combo! I can just hear the conversation inside an old pickup in the parking lot, “Hey, Billy, I hear them girls are good looking.” “Yea, Jimmy, but the BBQ ain’t no good. Let’s go somewhere else.” At least they got their Southern priorities straight.

Well, back to my story. My sister-in-law called one day and asked if I would join other family and friends for a work day on some property she and her husband had purchased. My brother-in-law builds play grounds for a living, and he was putting up a barn-type structure to store his larger equipment. He needed help to get it ready for roofing. He has a big heart and helps anyone and everyone who asks him, including me many times, so I was more than happy to give him a day for all he has done.

Now, understand, by no means am I a wiz at barn raising, and the Amish have never shown up at my house looking for my help, but I can lift and tote lumber and hand tools to folks who know what they are doing. The fact that I am tall and don’t need a ladder for some things is a plus. I am kind of like Jethro Bodine but with a real belt.

So, back to my point about Southerners combining things, my sister-in-law decides it would be a good idea to have a family wide yard sale in the same place we were building since we were all going be there anyway. My sister-in-law is a force to be reckoned with when she has a project she wants executed, it’s best just to do what you’re told and hang on for the ride. (Bet I am off the Christmas list for that one.)

So, here is the Saturday morning scene down in Silver Creek. The women were manning the yard sale full of everything from baby swings and old furniture to a bass boat and a used “Bobcat” for sale. (I really wanted that “Bobcat” for my birthday, but of course the wife said no. I never get anything cool.) My mother-in-law takes the yard sale stuff serious. Woe be to the person who sells something she has a $5.00 tag on for $4.00. You’re liable to get uninvited to the next family reunion.

Back in the trees, men of all ages are working and laughing at each other while listening to football and country music on the Dewalt heavy duty boom box, and a peppering of children were running around having the time of their life playing with the yard sale stuff. The weather was cool and for the most part everyone was in a great mood. People would come and go from the yard sale, and if a man 40 or over came to find a bargain, they would almost always wander into the trees to watch the construction for a minute or two.

When the sun began to set and you could not see to hammer anymore,

It’s a Barn Raising! Well, sort of…

my brother-in-law (who knows his way around a grill) had BBQ’d some Boston Butts and we all gathered around the work trailers and had a sandwich, some chips and a adult beverage. The children were still playing and laughing; the family were telling stories; and everyone was tired but feeling good. We were not worried about the latest crazy thing Washington was doing or that any day China was going to own us all. We just enjoyed the satisfaction in a hard day’s work and the love of family.

The next day I was sore in places God never intended, but I had to smile at the good feeling I had for being a part of what most likely was a weekly event 100 or so years ago…family and friends gathering together to help one another. Although 100 years ago, I bet they were not so out of shape that after they finished they needed a bottle of Tylenol and a trip to the chiropractor to get back to work on Monday.


Convenient guest parking | Seating for 200, capacity of 400 Full catering kitchen available | Handicap accessibility

Located in the Historic Downtown district of Rome,

Ga. 436 Broad StreetPlease call Kathy Mull or Michelle Gibson at Hardy

Realty for more information at 706-291-4321

www.forrestplace.net

The Ballrooms at Forrest PlaceAvailable for weddings, receptions, parties and special events.

GradeCHANGER

Our personal learningapproach will reallyconnect with your child,combining engagingtechnology with amazingteachers, raising gradesand confidence.

Act now to take controlof this school year.

SYLVANLEARNING.COM

Sylvan Learning of Rome706.295.3484

[email protected]

ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN

FREE SKILLSASSESSMENT

Offer valid atparticipating

locations only. Cannot be combined

with another offer.Expires 3/31/2014.

GradeCHANGER

Our personal learningapproach will reallyconnect with your child,combining engagingtechnology with amazingteachers, raising gradesand confidence.

Act now to take controlof this school year.

SYLVANLEARNING.COM

Sylvan Learning of Rome706.295.3484

[email protected]

ACE THE NEXT REPORT CARD WITH SYLVAN

FREE SKILLSASSESSMENT

Offer valid atparticipating

locations only. Cannot be combined

with another offer.Expires 3/31/2014.

2809 Martha Berry Hwy. NW, Rome, GA 30165

New programs at the Rome/Floyd YMCA

Please see our staff to find out if you are eligible

through your Medicare Health Plan

for the national recognized

SilverSneakers Fitness Program and receive a free membership

to the Y.

• The YMCA trainers will customize a workout for your individually.

• Set goals, track them with monthly challenges to earn prizes.

• Over 70 Aerobic Classes per Week

• Indoor Heated Pool• Newly Renovated Locker Rooms• Zoombatonic Classes for

Families• Exercise Arcade for Kids

YMCA of Rome & Floyd County706-232-2468 • 810 E 2nd Ave • www.ymcarome.org

Special Enrollment Fee is only $10, regularly $75


Ad DirectoryAvery Drugs 25

Cartersville Outlet 21

Coosa Valley Credit Union 9

Curlee’s Fish House 21

Davita 5

Edible Arrangements 15

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. 15

Elysium 21

Findley’s Butcher Shop 20

Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers 11

Harbin Clinic Inside Cover

Harbin Vitality Fitness 3

Heritage Automotive Inside Back Group Cover

Heritage First Bank 28

Honeymoon Bakery 9

Kitchen & Bath Depot 7

Las Palmas 25

Johnny Mitchell’s Smokehouse 20

Oh! Baby Life Coach 24

Portabello’s 20

Rabbit’s Nest 13

Res Care 25

Rome Floyd YMCA 27

Sylvan Learning Center 27

The Ballrooms at Forrest Place 27

The City Cellar & Loft 20

The Forum Back Cover

The Stitchery 13

Tucci’s Unique Furnishings and Accessories 1

Unity Christian School 15

EAST ROME1700 Turner McCall Blvd.

706/378-5300

WEST ROME2211 Shorter Avenue

706/378-5305

ARMUCHEE2950 Martha Berry Blvd.

706/314-0560

Local Bank. Local Decisions.®

A Woman’s Place Is In The...Board Room.

When a person, regardless of gender, lives a life of achievement and has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities in their professional and civic lives, Heritage First Bank recognizes their success. Meet Laura H. Mumber and Kimberly G. Mauer, members of our Board of Directors.

Ms. Mumber is the Owner of Many Streams Ranch, LLC and Secretary of Real Estate of Rome, LLC; helps out with Three Rivers Swim Team and is volunteer swim coach at Darlington Middle School, among her many civic endeavors.

Ms. Mauer is a Registered Nurse in the Radiology Department of Redmond Regional Medical Center and a Board member of Cancer Navigators; a sustaining member of the Junior Service League and is active in Good Neighbors Ministry.

Great leadership. Vision for a bright future. These two ladies prove, once again, that a woman’s place is wherever she deserves to be. Laura Mumber & K imberly Mauer


706-622-3783965 Veterans Memorial Hwy NE

Rome, GA 30161www.gmcrome.com


Rome, GA 30161www.heritageromehonda.com


Rome, GA 30161www.romenissan.com

No Hustle, just Heritage.

...right up the road in Rome

A dealership for yours, theirs and the next generation.

• Beautiful vistas • Accommodations up to 400 plus • • Experienced staff • Located in the heart of Downtown Rome •

•Full service catering kitchen available •

2 Government Plaza, Rome, Georgia 30162 | 706.291.5281 | 800.858.7601

Business Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm | www.forumevents.org | Like us on

Save $500 on your next Reception or

Banquet with this ad

The Venue For It All!

Your Wedding is the Most Important Celebration of Your Life

Make It Memorable at The Forum

Documents

NW Georgia Living Winter 2014