FAL L 2 011

The Magazine

a rts entertainmen t Des ti n atiOn s peOple

GREAT SHOWS YOU EXPECT LIKE

AND NOW WERE WILD ABOUT

FOOTBALLFRIDAYS AT 8 PMgpb.org

HIGH SCHOOL

WelcomeDear Readers, We hope youll find this issue of enjoy! magazine engaging. The imposing people we choose to highlight are inspiring individuals who add to the distinction and reputation of our lives, our community and our state. We appreciate those exceptional people who have become subjects of our writings, and we sincerely thank them for sharing their valuable time and patience. They openly share their thoughts and feelings with us, generously allowing us to convey their stories to you. If we had to choose a favorite, well, it cant be done. We encourage you to read about the First Lady of Georgia, whose history as a dedicated teacher, mother, farmer and volunteer lends her experiences and principles to further her efforts, With A Servants Heart. Dont miss the story of Earl Tillman, who, in the face of unfathomable grief, flies above the pain of tragedy to find grace and joy of life. The excitement of the NAIA championship in Rome reflects the hard work and tenacity of the Greater Rome Tourism and Convention Bureau. These are the team members who deserve our cheers and accolades. For those of you who love to read about the happenings and people of Northwest Georgia, we welcome you to our pages. We also welcome you to discover our website at www.enjoynwgeorgia.com. (We hope youll friend us on Face book, too!) There, you can find past issues, comprehensive event calendars and a link to fine businesses offering quality goods and services. Thank you for being one of our readers! enjoy! The Editors You are also invited to visit our website at www.EnjoyNWGeorgia.com. Click to Enjoy! Explore the pages of back issues and previous stories.

The Magazine

1

1 4 6 8

Welcome All Roads Lead to Rome Trout Unlimited Chili Cook-Off Gretchen Kuglar Corbin, Global Thinking NAIA Stellar ReputationBrinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis, LLP

The Magazine

16

10 12 16 18 20 24 26 32 38 43

To Rise Above - An Interview with Earl Tillman Best Bets for Fall 2011 Your Health, Your Choice - Coosa Diagnostic The Lady in the Governors Mansion Sweet Success - River City Antique Mall Geronimo! Water Adventures Around the Area Pollard Greens Jazz Quartet Calendar of Events

Cover Photo by Alan Storey

24

enjoy! magazine is published by Advertising Dynamics, Inc. P.O.Box 1345 Rome, Georgia 30162 706.290.0202 www.EnjoyNWGeorgia.com For Advertising, contact: Jesse Seifert at jesse@adigeorgia.comEnjoy magazine reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity and space availability, and to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the consent of the Publisher. Enjoy magazine is a publication of Advertising Dynamics, Inc., Copyright 2011 by Advertising Dynamics, Inc. Editorial offices located at 104 East Sixth Avenue, Rome, GA, 30162. All rights reserved. Leeta M. McDougald, President; April J. Howell, VP; Michael H. McDougald, CFO

26

Fall in Love with The BlusPhoto Contest!The time is picture perfect! Fall is a great time to show off our beautiful looks. And, at The Bluffs of Weiss at Cedar Bluff, Alabama, were so proud of what we have to show, well pay you for your winning photo. Go ahead. Take your best (camera) shot. Submit your photo before midnight, November 13th. Enter your favorite photo of The Bluffs of Weiss.

And, get a sneak preview of the Showcase Home!(opens Spring 2012)

Any kind of camera-- including the one in your cell phone will work. Pros and amateurs are welcome. Get your entry certificate at: www.TheBluffsOfWeiss.com Professional division: first place, $400. second place, $300. third place, $100. Amateur division: first place, $300. second place, $250. and third place, a digital camera. Easy to enter, easy to win!Send digital photos and certificate to: photocontest@adigeorgia.com; or, mail 8x10 prints and certificate to: Fall in Love with The Bluffs Photo Contest, POB 1345, Rome, Georgia, 30162. Call 706-232-2341 for more information.

www.TheBlusofWeiss.com 404.421.6946 Cedar Blu, Alabama

All Roads Lead to

Its Georgias second largest industry and the fastest growing. What is it? Its tourism. Travelers spent $21 billion statewide in 2010 with a total economic impact of $32 billion, up more than 8 percent from the previous year, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Movie buffs will know that the 1989 Kevin Costner film Field of Dreams popularized the expression build it and they will come. Thats exactly what Lisa Smith, executive director of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), her staff and a myriad of volunteers and local officials have done, turning Rome into a phenomenally successful regional tourist and visitor destination. As we approach the closing months of 2011, Smith takes a moment to reflect on the factors that make the city so attractive to visitors and to look ahead to 2012.

Rome

festival, the 2007 independent film Dance of the Dead was filmed locally. Filmmaking, Smith acknowledges, is a form of tourism with an economic impact. The resounding success of the recent filming of Jayne Mansfields Car in Cedartown doesnt surprise her at all. Floyd County was the first camera-ready county in the state, she explains. Camera ready is a designation given to Georgia communities interested in attracting film and television production. Filming using the real thing is of great interest to producers. While the beauty of the Darlington School and Berry College campuses have already attracted Hollywoods attention, local residents interested in promoting their homes or properties as potential film sites even have a resource to reach producers: reelscout.com. Whether visitors come to catch a sports event or to work on a film set, they contribute to the local economy, increasing revenue in transportation, food and beverage sales, lodging, retail sales and entertainment. There is definitely a multiplier effect when people come to town, Smith goes on to say. While sports generates the bulk of media attention in any discussion of tourism, lesser known forms of tourism, what are known as secondary markets, also attract visitors to the area. Researching family historygenealogyis a tremendous draw, Smith says. The Rome-Floyd County Library has an excellent facility for genealogical and historical researchers. In addition, the city continues to be an appealing venue for religious meetings. I think thats because we welcome them, and we want them here, Smith says. The city also continues to thrive as a location for weddings and school reunions. Many people go to school here, couples meet here, so getting married here in a special place on the campus where they have fallen in love is not surprising, she says. On her wish list, Smith includes a store, a place from which visitors can take home a piece of Rome. A store would also give us the opportunity to promote Georgia products in general, she adds, a place to showcase things that are created and produced here. Also on her wish list is more emphasis on Romes rivers. Our rivers are both environmental and recreational jewels, she says, and the new Eco Center is a much welcome addition with a lot of future potential. We also have a great network of trails and enough outdoor resources that we could certainly expand our recreational offerings for visitors. Berry Colleges Oak Hill continues to be the city and countys single largest visitor attraction. The closing of the Holiday Inn Skytop/Ramada off Highway 411 has impact on local tourism and such accommodations are missed. At the top of Smiths list would be expansion of the Hawthorne Suite s hotel. They desperately need, and could fill more rooms, she notes. Any other, new property in that West Third street

One major trend in particular in the travel and tourism industry over the last decade has been largely responsible for catapulting the city into the ranks of regional tourist destinations. Going back to the difficult times just after 9/11, Smith says, people were still traveling, but they began to take staycations, vacations that were much closer to home, usually only a few hours away at the most, and that trend has only grown since the economic downturn of 2008. In looking at specifics, Smith points out that sports tourism is the number one reason people travel to Rome, with the city hosting events annually in baseball, basketball, cycling, fishing, football, golf, horse racing, softball, tennis and wrestling. The proposed Tennis Center of Georgia, proposed to be the largest of its kind in the world, would build on the citys success in drawing tournaments to the area. Smith notes that this is the best known of initiatives in the planning stage, but not the only one, however. There is also a lot of discussion about water amusement attractions, a natatorium and additional fields for other sports, she adds. Smith emphasizes that success would not be possible without the many local partnerships and a spirit of community cooperation, a key ingredient but not one found in many cities. At our city recreational and athletic facilities, the YMCA, our colleges and universities, our private schools and our public high schools, officials and administrators have all worked hard to create and maintain through regular upgrades the best possible facilities for the competitors who come to town, she explains. The subject of much speculation, Shorter Universitys move to NCAA Division II football is not expected to affect Barron Stadiums hosting of the annual NAIA national football championship game. We have a gentlemans agreement with the NAIA through 2015, Smith acknowledges, and these are not the kind of people who go back on their word. Likewise, cultural events and festivals, like the Rome International Film Festival (RIFF), also bring visitors to the city. As a result of the4

corridor would also be a boost for the city. While downtown Rome, with its shops and restaurants, continues to be an asset, she adds, I also think that we could do a more aggressive job of marketing Myrtle Hill and our historic downtown neighborhoods. She also sees the possibilities inherent in creating a sports hub downtown around the Forum and Barron Stadium that would be linked to the prospective Tennis Center of Georgia in Armuchee via the new Armuchee Connector, scheduled to be completed next year. For people who live in Rome, it is easy to see that as a long distance to travel between sports venues, she reflects, but for people who are used to larger cities, like Atlanta or Chattanooga or Birmingham, that would be a relatively short tripand not a major obstacle. Although weekends stay busy almost yearround with visitor traffic, Smith admits that she wouldnt mind seeing the citys weekday convention and meeting business take off in the same way. However, in order to do that, we will need a few more hotel rooms, she points out. Especially when you consider the large healthcare industry that we have here, I think we have some work to do in attracting professional meetings, seminars and conventions. While continuing to invest in the infrastructure to support tourism growth can be controversial, Smith points out the many advantages to the expansion of this sector of the local economy. Tourism saves on our property taxes, she explains. The revenue from sales tax is what funds many of our infrastructure needs for people who live here. The Convention and Visitors Bureau, the key dynamic in any tourism-related economic development, is funded entirely by revenue from the local hotel/motel taxwhat we call heads in beds, Smith says. One hundred percent of those funds go back to supporting the CVB, and thats not always case in cities and counties. Rome is very fortunate to have local officials in both the city and county governments with the foresight to recognize the economic development power of tourism in this area. For every $1 invested in tourism development, there is a $7 return on investment. In any economythose are desirable odds.

Lisa Smith Executive Director of the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau5

In 1996, when Rome native Bill Summer sat down with two fellow Trout Unlimited (TU) members it wasnt to cast another fish story. It was to hash out how the TU chapter could promote the sport of trout fishing while creating a non-profit that would afford an avenue for providing youth and community scholarships. It was then that Summer, along with Bobby Bell and Paul DiPrima, cooked up the idea that would become a Rome and northwest Georgia favorite eventthe Trout Unlimited Chili Cookoff. The threesome didnt really think the cook-off would take off during its first year, but they knew that the potential was there. Summer doesnt remember it making much money during its first few years, but everyone hung in, and it was worth the wait. That first cookoff happened at Ridge Ferry Park where it continues to be held. With 18 teams on the roster that first year, the event has grown to as many as 125 teams in peak years. The average is around 75 teams, and thats plenty of chili to feed thousands of tasters that pass the booths. Its easy to enter, but rules are rules, says Summer. All entries must begin with red meat and be cooked at the teams station. You are allowed to bring your special sauces and spices, but it all has to come together at the cookoff, he emphasizes. Teams now pay $40 to enter, up only $5.00 since the competition began. For their entry fee, teams receive two T-shirts, one apron, a flag6

and the right to compete for bragging rights as the best chili at the event or the peoples favorite. Teams come in the day before to grab a favorite spot or to be assigned. Some camp out overnight, stirring the chili occasionally while the peppery fragrance of mixed spices wafts through the park. The judges make their selections through an elimination process. The peoples choice award is decided by how many ticket votes they receive. Every team receives a container for collecting ticket stubs, which, in turn, serve as votes. The team that collects the most ticket stubs wins. Its not unheard of for teams to solicit ticket stubs in a circus-style hawking, Summer laughs. Its fun and legal. The nutty part is how many times the peoples choice is the same as the judges favorite. The Rome Chili Cookoff is annually the second weekend of October, with the 2011 event taking place on Saturday, October 8. Proceeds have from its inception, gone to education with funds supporting scholarship endowment at the Warnell School of Forestry at the University of Georgia. Trout Unlimited also sponsors childrens events such as Kids Fishing Day, which takes place each Saturday before Fathers Day. The organizations mission is to introduce children to the joy of trout fishing as well building awareness for a cleaner, healthier environment with clean, cold streams for our fish.

Georgias Rome

,

Home

NAIA Football National Championship

of the

Photo by Alan Storey

Photos by Susan Berry

Tickets are available for all Championship Week events at The Forum Box Office or online at www.ForumEvents.org. Chick-fil-A/FCA Luncheon, Thursday, December 15 - $25.00 Banquet of Champions, Friday, December 16 - $30.00 Game Day, December 17, 4:30pm Kick-off - $25(Game day tickets will be sold at a discounted rate of $15.00 until December 1st)

www.NAIANationalChampionship.com

GlobalGretchen KuGlar corbin

ThinkinGCorbins devotion to her home state is clear not only from talking to her, but through the quality of her work. Her ability to market the state to the rest of the world is evident in her steady rise to the top tiers of Georgias official economic development engine, earning Gretchen her most recent promotion in February 2011. My proudest work is not just one particular project, but to work with the Global Commerce team, Commissioner [Chris] Cummiskey and Governor [Nathan] Deal, to build relationships with companies that locate in Georgia and grow over the years, she explained.8

In a tough economy, Georgias Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), is generating impressive numbers for herself and for the state.

Gretchen Kuglar Corbins leadership as Division Director for International Operations at the GDEcD resulted in a new Georgia office in China as well as the historic start of the Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance, a strategic trade and investment-focused partnership between six southeastern U.S. states and seven Canadian provinces. In addition, her team brought in 53 foreign direct investment locations to Georgia, increasing international job creation by 37 percent. In her previous position of Director of Georgias Regional Project Managers for Existing Industry & Recruitment, Georgia located 264 projects and assisted 1,965 Georgia companies.A management major at Clemson University, Corbin began her work in the economic development field while still in college as an intern at the GDEcD. She then landed a job with the Race to 1996 Commission where she worked with her team to recruit National Olympic Committees to Floyd County for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. This position piqued her interest in working and meeting with executives in marketing and business. After the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce hired her as their Vice President of Economic Development, she learned what public-private partnerships truly meant to communities, and she was truly hooked. (Continued on page 22)

9

Give Me an N! Give me an A! Give me an I! Give me an A!

The Russell Athletic-NAIA Football National Championship Game has found a home in Romeand thats good news for local football fans, local businesses and the community at large. The 2011 game will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Barron Stadium.

N-A-I-A!

The event came to Rome in 2008 through the efforts of Shorter University and a team of community volunteers and organizers who understood the citys potential to host a national championship athletic event. Prior to Romes selection as the site of the championship game, it had been played in Savannah, Tenn. the previous 14 years. The game was sometimes referred to as the Mud Bowl for the number of games that were played there in sloppy, rainy weather on a grass field that quickly turned to mud.10

With the move a little further south to Rome in 2008, the NAIA hoped for better weather. Ironically, the day of that game seemed to be one of the wettest days in Rome history. That hasnt dampened the NAIAs enthusiasm for its new venue, however, or the communitys embracing of the athletic teams who compete along with their fans, who, in recent years have been traveling halfway across the country to cheer on their gridiron warriors. For the last 10 years, Carroll College (Helena, Mont.) and/or the University of Sioux Falls (Sioux Falls, S.D.) have made appearances in the game. Rome was originally awarded a two year deal to host the championship and that contract has been extended through 2015. A group of dedicated volunteers, the Rome Host Committee, ensures the success of the experience these teams have in Rome. To these

schools, this is their BCS National Championship game and every bit as important as the better-known BCS championship, and from the moment the teams arrive in town, they are treated like the champions they are, says Ann Hortman, Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau, and NAIA Championship Game Week coordinator. For football fans, the game is always a close one between closely matched rivals. In 2010, Carroll narrowly defeated Sioux Falls, 10-7, and Carroll begins the 2011 season as the No.-1 ranked team in the NAIA Football Coaches Preseason Top 25 Poll. Downtown restaurateur Jay Shell, owner of 333 on Broad, opened his business in 2009 and attracted many of the fans in town for the game that year. The next year, in 2010, which was our second year in business, we had the best single weekend weve ever had when the fans were in town, he points out. I also noticed that the community as a whole embraced the event more last year, he adds, and really made an effort to greet and welcome these guests to Rome. What especially delighted Shell was the return of many patrons who remembered 333 on Broad from their previous visit to Rome. We were already on the map for some of the Sioux Falls fans, he recollects. As a result, he sees only positives from the events continuing in Rome: Barron Stadium is a hub. Events held there allow us to showcase all that downtown offers. When we have a few thousand extra people in town, there is a definite positive impact on the local economy, he notes. While the weekend is about the thrill of a hard-fought football competition and the sharing of happy times over food and drink in restaurants like 333 on Broad, there is another aspect of this event that Romans also embrace. One of the cornerstones of the NAIA, which is the governing body for the athletics programs of some 300 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada, is its Champions of Character program. This program emphasizes the importance of developing strong character values through sports. Student-athletes, as well as their coaches and parents and members of the communities in which they live, are provided with opportunities to demonstrate values such as integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. As a part of this initiative, while in Rome both participating teams in the championship travel to four local elementary schools and interact with students, Hortman explains. Typically, there is a pep rally with the entire school, and the players go into the classrooms and read or do other activities with the children. To bring awareness of the values promoted by the Champions of Character program to the high school level, the Rome Host Committee implemented a scholarship program to reward two local athletes each year with a scholarship. The inaugural Greenes Jewelers Champions of Character Scholarship was awarded to Jared Van Curen (Coosa High School) and Blaire Parlo (Calhoun High School) in 2010. Athletes are nominated by their coaches and athletic director, and nominations are based on evidence of character on and off the field. Sponsors are also an integral part of NAIA Championship Week, and their support goes beyond financial support. Originally, it was Shorter Universitys vision to host the game, and the idea met with immediate support from both the city of Rome and Floyd County

officials. Russell Athletic, makers of athletic apparel, is the title sponsor of the game. Other major sponsors include Dr. Pepper and Chick-fil-A, which is the sponsor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Champions of Character Luncheon (in past years, this event was a breakfast). Past speakers have been Fisher DeBerry, Phil Jones and Todd Wheeler. This year, John Croyle of Springville, Ala. will be delivering the luncheons inspirational message. Croyle is a former University of Alabama defensive end for legendary coach Paul Bear Bryant. At 19, Croyle realized that he had another dream to fulfill: he wanted to put into action his gift of working with young people and to open a childrens home. On Bryants advice, he pursued that dream instead of a pro football career. Today, his Big Oak Ranch has been home to more than 1800 children and is made up of three separate facilities in northeast AlabamaBig Oak Boys Ranch in Gadsden, Big Oak Girls Ranch in Springville and Westbrook Christian School in Rainbow City. John was an All-American at Alabama, says David Mathis, Georgia Highlands College assistant director of athletics, who was instrumental in bringing Croyle to this years luncheon. He won SEC and national championships while he was at Alabama and was a top-ranked NFL draft pick, but he gave all that up to create a Christian home environment for children who didnt have a home. He is a person of high integrity and character and an ideal person to talk about following our dreams and making the right decisions. At southern Californias Crystal Cathedral, which attracts some of the top inspirational and motivational speakers in the country, Croyle has been rated the number one speaker out of its top 40 speakers, Mathis says. Johns message is that life is not about the game, but about making a difference in peoples lives, he adds. . Tickets for the luncheon are $25 and may be purchased at www.forumevents.org or at the Forum box office. Thursday night a welcome dinner is hosted exclusively for the teams with Romes First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church alternating years and serving the athletes and coaches a home-cooked steak dinner. Friday night is the Banquet of Champions, which celebrates both teams. At the banquet, the NAIA presents its Player of the Year award. The dinner is open to the public, and the ticket price is $30. Other major Game Week partners include Darlington School, Rome Orthopaedic Clinic, Harbin Clinic Orthopaedics, Floyd Medical Center and Advance Rehab trainers, Downtown Business Improvement District, Greenes Jewelers, River City Bank, AutoMax, Georgia Power, the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Hospitality Association of Rome/ Floyd County. Bill Peterson, Shorter University athletic director and Rome attorney Bob Berry are the co-chairs of the Host Committee, while Rachel Rogers of Shorter University and Hortman, with the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau are the Championship Game Week coordinators.

Tickets for the game are now on sale for $15 at The Forum box office and online at www.forumevents.org. After Dec.1, the price increases to $25.11

A Stellar ReputationRobert M. Brinson Wright W. Smith C. King Askew Thomas D. Richardson

Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis, LLP

Robert L. Berry

J. Anderson Davis

From classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and A Time to Kill to TV dramas like Perry Mason, L.A. Law, Law & Order and CSI, the public, it seems, cannot get enough of the thrill of legal drama. This fascination, coupled with intense media interest in the legal maneuverings of attorneys in high-profile cases like those of O.J. Simpson and Cayce Anthony, raises the question: what, exactly, makes a powerhouse law firm? Not necessarily what the media portrays, say the partners in one of Romes top firms and the largest in northwest Georgia, Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis, LLP. Looking back over the firms 26-yearhistory, Andy Davis attributes the firms success to hard work, the right mix of attorneys and expertise in several areas of legal specializationand little glitz or glamour. In 1975, Bob Brinson and King Askew, a pair of young attorneys with the firm of Rogers, Magruder and Hoyt, decided to open their own firm. The two were joined six months later by Bob Berry. In the early days, the new firm was located in the old Dempsey building downtown, but in 1980 they made the move to the Omberg House on West First Street, one of Romes12

oldest structures with a colorful history of its own. When I came in 1984, there were six lawyers in the firm, Davis recalls. As their practice grew in the 1980s and early 1990s, renovations continued in the historic structure to accommodate the increasing size of the staff. I remember, at one point in the mid-1980s, remodeling going on for about 13 months, Davis says. I had to share office space with a contract attorney and a paralegal during that time. By 1992, with the addition of Joe Seigler and Wright Smith, who had also practiced with Rogers, Magruder & Hoyt, the firm began to solidify its reputation in legal circles. Joe Seigler, for example, brought a following of clients that meshed well with our existing clients, Davis explains. Wright Smith broadened the commercial and residential real estate practice, and it has continued to blossom ever since. While Davis can point to several landmark cases that have played a major role in the growth of the firm, its success, however, goes back to its earliest days. The case that really put this firm

on the map was when Bob Brinson argued the voting rights case of City of Rome v. United States in the Supreme Court of the United States, Davis recalls. Even though he didnt win the caseat the timethe position that he represented is now U.S. Supreme Court law. The Supreme Court finally came around to the position that Bob Brinson argued on behalf of the City of Rome. Over the years, Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis have defended hundreds of public officialscity and county governments and their officials, law enforcement officers and school boards across north Georgiaearning for the firm a stellar reputation in this area of legal specialization. Since that 1979 case for the City of Rome, we have also defended voting rights cases in Gainesville and in Dublin, Davis adds. King Askew, the managing partner of the firm, has had significant influence in establishing law in Georgia; one of his cases remains the leading case on enforcement of restrictive covenants, particularly in partnerships; and in Blitch v. Peoples Bank of Winder, he established the proper method to evaluate minority shareholders interest in corporations. Further, Askew represented several parties in the first Georgia case involving the enforceability over contracts of sharing lottery winnings. He was also general legal counsel for Harbin Clinic under the administration of former CEO Dr. Paul Ferguson and continues to serve the clinic under present CEO Dr. Kenneth Davis. Davis own work in his early years in the firm helped establish what is known as the public duty doctrine in the state of Georgia, which specifies that governments owe duties to the public at large rather than to individuals, in the case of the Jordan v. City of Rome. The decision meant that Georgia would be brought in line with other states in regard to this concept. Davis acknowledges that the firms early emphasis on defending public officials helped determine the course the firm would take in the direction of civil rather than criminal law. The firm also handled the case of Storey v. Dickey, a lawsuit against the Floyd County Commission to stop the county from moving the location of the Forum, a case which was one of the first cases enforcing and limiting governments on using SPLOST funds. Perhaps the most memorable case in the last decade that the firm handled would be what was popularly known as the Tri-State Crematory case. The crematorium, which was located a few miles north of LaFayette in the community of Noble and operated by the Marsh family, was the subject of national and international news when, in 2002, it was discovered that some 300 bodies that had been sent to the facility for cremation had, instead, been dumped on the property. Hundreds of legal cases were filed in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. Eventually, two class-action lawsuits were filed, one in Georgia in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Rome. Davis and Bob Brinson were appointed by Judge Harold Murphy as lead and liaison counsel for more than 60 funeral homes and 30 different attorneys. This was a very intense case for almost two years, Davis explains. It involved funeral homes in three states. We had to organize, manage and prepare them for trial. Luckily, we were in the early days of Palm Pilots, Blackberries and email, which made the constant communication a little easier, he recalls.

Ultimately, the funeral homes settled their civil claims through their insurance carriers, while criminal complaints against the Marshes proceeded independently. In the same federal courtroom in Rome, Brinson also represented Marla Maples, a Dalton native, in a 1990 high-profile case that Maples undertook against The National Enquirer when Maples was implicated in the marital breakup of Donald and Ivana Trump. It was a case that was ultimately resolved, Davis says. The firm also represents, and has represented, a number of Georgia corporations, including Shaw Carpets, Cagles, and ConAgra. In one very importantand localcase, Bob Brinson and King Askew represented Peach State Labs, when it was sued by 3M for patent infringement, Davis notes. As a company, Peach State Labs really took off after a successful counterclaim. Specializing in the areas of corporate and business transactions, banking law, commercial real estate, tax and estate planning and bankruptcy law, Joe Seigler is widely recognized for his expertise in complex, multi-million dollar corporate transactions, including numerous corporate mergers, acquisitions and franchise-related cases. Joe, who has an LL.M, a Master of Laws in taxation degree in addition to his J.D., has handled acquisition cases as large as any attorney in the area, Davis observes. He is constantly being contacted for assistance in closing large corporate transactions. Partner Tom Richardson who joined the firm in 1982, specializes in bankruptcy law, creditors rights, secured transactions and business litigation. He has also served as a trustee for the United States Bankruptcy Court, North District of Georgia and continues to serve as a panel trustee. Tom has helped guide a number of businesses through difficult economic times, Davis adds. Wright Smith is also a corporate attorney with us, he continues. He has assisted in business organization, in acquisitions and mergers and has a real specialty in residential and commercial real estate closings. Realtors around Rome will tell you that Wright is great to work with and makes things easy. With Romes reputation as the center of the healthcare industry in northwest Georgia, it is not surprising to find one of the firms partners with a specialty in defending physicians, medical practices, nursing homes and hospitals in medical malpractice cases. Bob Berry has a near perfect record in the area of medical malpractice, professional malpractice and insurance defense, Davis says, having won a significant number of cases in a row for his clients. Davis himself specializes in complex business litigation, personal injury, governmental official liability and product liability. He also serves as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Rome, is lead attorney for the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority and is Counsel for Shorter University. Community involvement is a final ingredient in the success story of Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis. All of the firms partners are integrally involved not only with professional organizations and institutions in the field of law but also with the civic, business, educational and cultural life of Rome and Floyd Countysomething rarely portrayed in their counterparts on the big screen. (Continued on page 28)13

A toe-tappin, cider-sippin, fun-for-everyone arts festival.October 22 & 23 | 10 AM - 5 PM | Ridge Ferry Park | Rome, GA | www.chiaha.orgFollow us on Facebook at Chiaha Harvest Fair!

For the best in WESTERN. Jeans Jewelry Hats Belts & Buckles Tack Rodeo Wear Boots Men, Women & Children

1410 North Broad Street, Rome 706-378-9681 westexpressrome.com

ToRise Above

Earl Tillman16

An Interview with

Rome Airport, this is Cessna November 8166 Poppa, Advise traffic 66 Poppas taking off on Runway 1 Cleared, 66 Poppahave a nice flight 66 Poppa climbing to 6000, outbound 190 degrees!Typical radio transmission as veteran pilot, author, insurance executive, and flight school owner-businessman leaves Rome. It may be a simple training flight with one of his many students (he has graduated dozens and dozens of new pilots), or perhaps ferrying an individual or group to a business meeting in Richmond, Virginia or any one of Americas more than 15,000 airports. Since only 376 airports offer regular airline scheduled service, someone like Earl Tillman becomes very importantespecially in the business or the medical community. Many people have many needs about going to those other cities and towns that dont have service. Thanks to Americas General Aviation infrastructure, Tillman can usually beat the airlines in time, arrangements, convenience...and cost. Flying 3 business execs to and from (for instance) Rome & Richmondwith them setting their own schedule and time frame, usually Tillman beats the total time frame and the cost of the major airlines. And, no, his Cessna high wing light aircraft do not fly faster than the Delta or AirTran jets beating their 550 mph speed, but Earls planes at 150 mph, no traffic lights, no traffic delays or tie-up, no commuting worries, and the ability to take off and return to Rome, rather than Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlantaand no security pat down delaysproves that general aviation is often the choice of the professionals. Today, most light aircraft involved in business flying, are equipped with what are known as glass panels (several TV screens that tell you everything except when you were born) providing highly specialized guidance, mapping that sees through the clouds and fog, auto-pilots that accurately fly a plane directly to the approach end of the runway without human assistance, early warning systems that identify other aircraft that might be on the same flight path, and radio gear second to none. Typically, many light aircraft are almost precisely equipped with similar gear to the largest airliners in the sky. It was not always true. When Earl Tillman, who was born a twin in Valdosta, Georgia April 13, 1933, came along, times and aviation were quite different. Earl says he and his (now late) identical brother Ed who was born five minutes before he was, looked so much alike, Mother Tillman put a gold safety pin in one diaper and a silver pin in the other. To put things into time perspective, Earl came along just 30 years after the Wright Brothers first flew at Kitty Hawk, NC and just 6 years after Charles Lindbergh made the first international flight from New York to Paris. Thus, aviation is a young industry. But it has grown, and it proved itself in several major wars as the difference between winning and losing. Based on this time frame, and Earls abilities as a pilot and instructor, one might think that he grew up in a barnstorming flying erabut not so. Earl never took to the air until somewhat later in life. We asked him if, growing up as identical twins, he and Ed ever played tricks on girls as to which one they were with. No, says Earl, we were so loyal to each other and loyal to any girls we met, and they were hard to get back in those days, that if we ever got one (Continued on page 23)17

Best Bets for

No season of the year has more natural energy than fall. The afternoons are typically warm and sunny, the evenings are cool, sometimes even crisp, and the leaves are turning brilliant colors the perfect recipe to celebrate the bounteous beauties of the natural environment, the areas rich heritage and its cultural richness. The New Echota Coosawattee Guided Paddle will make its way down the Coosawattee River on the afternoon of Oct. 2. Join members of the New Echota Rivers Alliance for this 15-mile paddle trip through the Coosawattees scenic corridor. On Saturday, October 8, the smell of homemade spicy chili fills Romes Ridge Ferry Park, as Trout Unlimited hosts its annual Chili Cook-Off to benefit its educational programs and environmental awareness.

Fall

2011

Southern tradition to life for two weekends (Oct. 7 & 8 and 14 & 15) on the square in downtown Adairsville. The opera house will be bursting with the magical song of The Circuit Riders Wife, based on the book by Bartow County native Cora Harris and also the subject of the film Id Climb the Highest Mountain. If you prefer your theater more classical, pack your picnic basket or order your catered dinner for the amphitheater behind the new Clarence Brown Conference Center on State Route 20 in Cartersville on October 15. StageWorks, a popular Bartow County community theater group, will perform Shakespeares Twelfth Night in this delightful outdoor venue. Or, take a chance and see Improv in the Lobby! at the Legion Theatre in Cartersville presented by the Pumphouse Players, who host this fun evening of theatrical entertainment on Oct. 15. Either try out improv or just watch the fun! Earlier that day, on the square in downtown Cartersville from 11:00 a.m-5:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy samples of delicious food from a variety of Bartow County restaurants while experiencing downtown Cartersvilles history, culture and shopping for a Taste of Cartersville. Live music and entertainment will be center stage in Friendship Plaza, along with free fun and games in the childrens area, cooking demonstrations throughout the day, delicious food and a fashion show. It wouldnt be October in Rome without the annual Heritage Holidays and the Chiaha Harvest Fair, the real beginning of fall in northwest Georgia for many longtime residents of the area. The citys historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery will be open for tours. Tour guides and grave hosts lead guests through the cemeterys paths and tell stories of those who rest there. Visitors should note that moderate to strenuous walking with steps and slopes is involved. That evening, the Seven Hills Tellers will relate the haunted history and ghost lore of downtown Rome. Once again, the John Wisdom Wagon Train will roll. This cavalcade of men, women and horses commemorates the ride of John Wisdom, who rode eleven hours to warn Rome of the impending attack by Union forces during the Civil War, thus saving the city from destruction. The ride departs from Ridge Ferry Park, heads to Shannon and back into Rome for the Grand Parade down Broad Street at 5 p.m. A Western dance follows at 7 p.m. at Romes Ridge Ferry Park.

Feeling adventuresome? Moonlight hikes on Cartersvilles Pine Mountain Trail will depart on Oct. 11 and again on Nov. 10 and Dec. 10 from the West Trailhead and embark on a 1.57 mile hike to the summit at 1,562 feet above sea level for a stunning view of Allatoona Lake, the Etowah River Valley and the lights of Cartersville. While these hikes are designed to take advantage of the light of the full moon, participants may wish to bring a flashlight. Hikes may be canceled due to bad weather. The weekend of Oct. 14-16 will be a busy one all across northwest Georgia. The New Echota historic site (on Highway 225, one mile east of I-75 in Calhoun) observes Frontier Day on October 15. Cherokee artists, craftsmen and Friends of New Echota members will demonstrate early 19th century skills such as basket making, spinning, weaving, weapons, candlemaking and blacksmithing. Visitors can enjoy stories and music as well as tour the historic grounds and buildings as the sights, sounds and smells of frontier life of the 1820s Cherokee Indian Nation return. What better way to end a fall afternoon than with the taste of barbecue and the sound of bluegrass at the Taylor Ridge Jamboree at Chattooga Countys James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park. Call ahead (706-857-0826) for show times or relax all day by the lakeside. The park is located three miles south of Summerville, off U.S. Highway 27. While barbecue and bluegrass are true Southern treats, Adairsvilles 1902 Stock Exchange Public Square Opera House brings another18

The following weekend, Oct. 22 & 23, heralds the annual outdoor arts festival, the Chiaha Harvest Fair. The family-friendly festival offers a variety of handmade arts and crafts by more than 120 artists from around the region, with a mix of music and entertainment, some of the best food around, including the famous apple cider, and projects for the kids throughout the weekend-long event. Spirited music will be on tap at nearby Barron Stadium as the 38th Annual Peach State Marching Festival kicks off, with marching high school band competition with bands from Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. On Saturday evening, October 22, the Founders Day Ball at historic Hearn Academy in Cave Spring (14 miles south of Rome) is a one-of-kind experience. The ball is a celebration of days past when Dr. Rolater donated the park to the city. The ball is truly a feast for the senses, with dancers attired in period clothing and enjoying games and food of time gone by. Prior to the ball, ghost tours will be hosted in and around the city of Cave Spring to sites that are said to be haunted and that have interesting stories told about them. On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 23, come explore Romes network of rivers aboard the Roman Holiday, a passenger boat, for Spirits of the Civil War: Romes Riverways. The tour will show the major features of the riverways that were used as both troop transportation and defense blockades during the Civil War. Come for a deadly dinner on Oct 23 at the Harris Arts Center in Calhoun. Enjoy a catered meal while you meet well known mystery & crime authors as they move from table to table every 15 minutes. Autumn is celebrated community-styleand family-stylein downtown Calhoun with the annual HarvestFest on Oct. 30. from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The festival features hayrides, pony rides, a petting zoo, outdoor music, food, artists booths, a pie eating contest and fall games. As we approach that most haunted of daysHalloween Chieftains Museum presents Hallowed Hauntings on October 29. Come for a night of old-fashioned Halloween family fun as the Seven Hills Tellers weave scary stories for all ages starting at 7 p.m. Then, on All Hallows Eve itself, October 31, Southern Paranormal Investigators will give you goose bumps with their When Spirits walk and ghosts talk! program, presenting their new findings from their latest investigation of the oldest house in the area Chieftains Museum. There will be true stories from those who have seen or heard things in the old house, and you will learn about the equipment SPI investigators use. Will the truth then be revealed? On either Nov. 5 or 6, make your plans to attend the 2011 Etowah Valley Historical Society Tour of Homes. Tours begin with purchase of tickets at the 1903 gold-domed Bartow County Courthouse in downtown Cartersville. (continued on page 41)19

A day of challenging golf on a nationally ranked coursefor most golfers, this would be an ideal way to spend a Tuesday afternoon under a bright blue October sky. What makes such an outing even more inviting? To play on this award-winning course does not require travel, crowded airports, hotel reservations or juggling luggage, only a desire to play golf for a good course. On Oct. 25, Northwest Georgia golfers can treat themselves to a day of camaraderie and golf at The General, Barnsley Gardens Resorts signature course, to raise funds for a new radiation oncology center on the Gordon Hospital campus in Calhoun. The new center for cancer patients will not only provide radiation and chemotherapy for Gordon County residents but will also serve as a resource center with conference rooms, a kitchen and educational space for a dietitian as well as meeting rooms for local cancer support groups. This is the fifth year for the tournament, explains Judy Jackson, director of development for the Gordon Hospital Foundation. Last year, we had 118 golfers participating. Were excited to be at Barnsley, especially since the course was ranked at the end of 2010 as a premier resort course by Golf Magazine. The entry fee for an individual is $150 or $600 for a foursome. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. The fee includes lunch and an awards ceremony, and mulligans can be purchased at $25 each. Participants can register online at www.gordonhospital.com, or for more information, contact Jackson at 706.879.4744. The General is surrounded by the mountains of north Georgia and the historic and beauty of the Barnsley Gardens estate. Previously, The General has been ranked with 4.5 Star Rating by Golf Digests Best Places to Play, ranked 5th in Georgia by Golf Week, a top 20 in the state by Golf Digest. It has also received an Extraordinary rating from the Zagat Survey of Americas Top Golf Courses and has been a recipient of the Georgia Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year (2008/2009).

Barbara Gaulin Marketing Director Eddie Rivers Chief Operating Officer

Your healthYour choiceThe admonition to be an educated consumer is nothing new. However, there is one area of our liveshealthcarein which we may not see ourselves as consumers with a choice. In reality, however, we do have choices for a number of outpatient services, especially diagnostic imaging. In an area like northwest Georgia with an abundance of outstanding medical providers, and at a time of year when womens attention is turning to the awareness of good breast health, savvy consumers will want to educate themselves about the various options available to them. Coosa Diagnostic Center, located on Riverbend Drive in Rome,20

focuses its entire business on high quality imaging combined with convenience. Here at Coosa Diagnostic Center, we do the full range of breast care: screening mammograms, diagnostic ultrasound, cyst aspiration, core biopsy and breast MRIs, explains Rhonda Young, lead mammographer. Young is a familiar face to many women who routinely get their mammograms at Coosa Diagnostic Center. She has 27 years of experience in radiologic technology, including eight years at Coosa Diagnostic Center, and coordinates the centers three other mammography technologists. Women will be interested to know that we also offer genetic testing for both breast and ovarian cancer, Young adds, and we can perform this non-invasive testing for any physician. However, it is important to note that we do not offer genetic counseling in Rome, she emphasizes. Interpretation of test results for women at high risk for these two common forms of cancer must be performed by a counselor in Atlanta, she adds. Typically, a woman who undergoes the testing will be someone age 50 or younger with a strong history of one of those cancers. In addition to its imaging and testing, the clinic is also actively involved in education, which Young considers key to maintaining good health. The clinics publications, for example, help make women aware that having good breast health involves more than getting a yearly screening mammogram. It begins with regular breast self-exam at home, which the clinics materials illustrate. Clinical breast exams are also very important, says Eddie Rivers, COO of Coosa Diagnostic Center. This should be done in conjunction with getting a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-40, and then once a year thereafter, Young adds. While changing opinions on the age at which women should have a baseline mammogram have been much publicized in recent months, Coosa Diagnostic Center follows, and has always followed, the American Cancer Societys recommendations, according to Rivers and Young. If a breast MRI is indicated, it too can be performed at the center. Women who get breast MRIs are typically those who have a family history, who have already had cancer themselves, or who have implants, Young explains. We use mammogram, MRI and ultrasound to get as complete a picture as possible of the health of the breast, she says. Mammogram results can be available as quickly as the next day by phone, and patients are also mailed the results of their testing. If a woman has had a mammogram here previously, her results will be available faster, Young explains. The radiologists compare current results against a womans past scans. If a womans past mammograms have been done at another facility, we will obtain those results to compare with her current test results. Coosa Diagnostic Center uses all digital technology, which not only enhances the quality of the diagnostic images, but also lessens the amount of radiation involved. Digital technology allows the radiologist reading the test to view it from a number of different angles and perspectives, Rivers points out. We have the latest technology for imaging services. The facility is

Rhonda Young Lead Mammographer an American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited center, an important measure of quality for the consumer. Young estimates that the clinic performs about 350 mammograms each month. With a doctors order for a mammogram, which is required, a woman can call and schedule her own appointment. On Thursdays, we have later appointments, but we will work with anyone who has a problem scheduling a time to come in, Young says. Many women also choose the center for their DEXA, or bone density, scans. This non-invasive test measures bone loss and can also assess a womans risk for developing fractures as she ages. Convenience is a major factor that sells many people on Coosa Diagnostic Centers services. Parking is easy and close to the entrance no walking from parking decks. An additional convenience is that patients, or their insurance companies, will receive only one bill: the amount charged is comprehensive and includes reading by Rome Radiology Group radiologists, the same radiologists who staff Floyd and Redmond Regional Medical Centers. In addition, for patients who do not have health insurance, payment plans are available, with some as low as $33 a month, Young explains. There is also a 50% discount for patients who self-pay in advance of their test, Rivers adds, and, increasingly, physicians and insurance carriers are steering patients to services that are the best value. With convenient free-standing centers like Coosa Diagnostic Center that understand that each patients financial situation is as unique as her health, women have fewer reasons than ever to put off getting that potentially life-saving mammogram.21

(Gretchen Corbin continued from page 8) Her first job back with the GDEcD was as a Regional Project Manager for northwest Georgia, moving then to Senior Project Manager for the region and eventually to Division Director for International Operations. Deputy Commissioner for Global Commerce for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), fulfills all of the descriptions her titles conjure up and more. She finds a synergy that, with a strong support system of family and friends, allows her to balance family and her love of Georgia. Being a public servant is not only truly satisfying work, explained Corbin, but it has provided a great opportunity for my children to see how the global economy affects the local community. Teaching my girls firsthand how the world develops has been one of my greatest joys. As the mother of two girls, Savannah, 10, and Elsa Quay, 7, Gretchen says she relies heavily on her husband, David, along with the girls school, friends, neighbors and their grandparents to juggle her time and responsibilities. Gretchen is quick to point out that whether she is located in northwest Georgia, Atlanta, or even another country, her heart is with her family and with the people of Georgia. These businesses employ Georgians who are trying to provide for their families and put fulfilling meals on the table. It is an honor to do this work. In the current economic climate, jobs are on the mind of nearly every American. Facts and figures tell the truth, and in Georgia the picture they paint shows the state exceeding expectations. During Fiscal Year 2011, the GDEcD helped 360 companies locate or expand, an average of nearly one per day for the year. This resulted in 22,000 new jobs and $4.3 billion in investments. While economic development activity is up throughout the state, Gretchen notes that northwest Georgia has enjoyed a number of industry expansions, some of the most recent being Toyo Tire North America in Bartow County, Southeastern Mills in Floyd County, and Universal Alloy Corporation in Cherokee County. It should be noted that while new industry recruitment is a heavy focus of the GDEcD, existing industry accounts for 70 percent of new jobs. A great deal of time is spent making certain that industries already located in Georgia have the right opportunities and climate to grow here, explained Corbin. A management major at Clemson University, Corbin began her work in the economic development field while still in college as an intern at the GDEcD. She then landed a job with the Race to 1996 Commission where she worked with her team to recruit National Olympic Committees to Floyd County for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. This position piqued her interest in working and meeting with executives in marketing and business.22

After the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce hired her as their Vice President of Economic Development, she learned what public-private partnerships truly meant to communities, and she was truly hooked. Her first job back with the GDEcD was as a Regional Project Manager for northwest Georgia, moving then to Senior Project Manager for the region and eventually to Division Director for International Operations. In this capacity she oversaw Georgias International Trade Division, International Offices, Protocol Office and the departments Global Georgia marketing initiative. This role provided me with the ability to see Georgia through the eyes of the world and allowed me the great honor of selling Georgias own unique offerings to the world, Gretchen explained. Corbins own numbers are impressive. Her leadership of the International Team resulted in a new Georgia office in China as well as the historic start of the Southeastern United StatesCanadian Provinces Alliance, a strategic trade and investmentfocused partnership between six southeastern U.S. states and seven Canadian provinces. In addition, her team brought in 53 foreign direct investment locations to Georgia, increasing international job creation by 37 percent. In her position of Director of Georgias Regional Project Managers for Existing Industry & Recruitment, Georgia located 264 projects and assisted 1,965 Georgia companies. I enjoy working with the members of our team to ensure our preparedness in selling Georgia. I love building relationships with clients Ive helped locate here. I enjoy being able to walk into a [manufacturing] plant and see a friend. Gretchen and David also work together to ensure that their time together as a family counts. Generally we just enjoy being together and doing what the kids want to do, said Gretchen. Whether we visit the WinShape Center [at Berry Colleges campus], Ridge Ferry Park or go swimming with the kids, we just appreciate the time together. Of course, we hope they become interested in rowing someday [David led the development of Darlington Schools Crew Team and served as a coach for several years], but we enjoy constantly getting to learn new things from them. Elsa Quay was just learning sign language and Savannah was trying to learn German for a friend coming over to visit. One gets the feeling the girls may just follow in their mothers footsteps; Savannah has already been to Europe. Gretchen feels like they might just learn the most from a visit to India, however. I feel like India is a great place for the kids to get a quick snapshot of the world through their diverse culture; there are such opposite ends of the spectrum in plain, obvious view. I think that it would be a memorable experience and help them to always be aware that we are blessed with much. It doesnt seem that the Corbins will be forgetting that any time soon.

(Tillman, continued from page 17) we were content with our choices and stuck with them. The family moved away from Valdosta to a location about the same distance from the three towns Alma, Blackshear and Waycross and pursued the development of a large farm. Earl didnt really get into flying like many kids did. He did say that while as young boys, they would work each day out in the peanut fields of south Georgia, theyd look up to see an old DC3 Mail plane out of Atlanta that came directly across their house each day at the same time. Alma had an early radio Variable Omni Range station that gave guidance to airliners, so the Atlanta plane tracked directly over it placing the plane over the Tillman farm. He says it always was on time, so it signaled to the boys that it was time to go in from the farm fields for dinner. A cousin from Waycross owned a small yellow J-3 two seater Cub plane and often flew onto the farm and landed in a field, but Earl says he never managed to get a ride in it. So, his aviation career had to wait. One day the family decided that the boys needed a more formal education, so the boys caught a Greyhound bus in Alma which carried them to Rome, Georgia and the Mount Berry School For Boys, where he got an excellent base education from 1950-1952. He laughs about itEarl says he didnt actually attend Berry College itself, but in later years became President of the Berry College Alumni Society. Instead, he attended Jacksonville University in Florida. Why was he given the Berry opportunity? His father ran away from home in 1922 when he was sixteen, rode a freight train to Adairsville, (continued on page 35)

Ladythe

in the governors mansion

Within seconds of climbing the front steps of this gracious southern house with the Georgian columns and spacious porch, you are impressed. One can hardly resist the temptation to glance back over the shoulder toward the oh so popular Atlanta street, at its most prestigious address, 391 West Paces Ferry Road. The mansions Greek revival architectural style is quietly gracious. Thirty Doric California Redwood columns stand 24 feet in height to support and adorn the porches around the 24,000 square feet of the interior structure. On the front porch homey rockers welcome visitors with the down-home, down South invitation to come sit a spell, and for a moment you may be tempted. Before you can think more of it, the heavy double oak doors are wide open. There in the threshold you are welcomed by the warm and generous smile that belongs to the mistress of the house, Georgias first lady, Sandra Dunagan Deal. Upon your arrival, she had just finished fussing over the colorful array of mixed blossoms that occupied the huge silver punch bowl centering the entrance table. Not just any punch bowl. This one is sterling silver, and presented by Governor Joseph Terrell to President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907. With a fallen stem replaced to her satisfaction, she wastes no time in directing you to other exquisite pieces in the entrance, relating history and provenance of interesting items. In less than a year, Sandra Deal has become the consummate docent, happy to tell and gently teach the history and pride of this structure that belongs to the people of Georgia. How Sandra Dunagan happened to arrive at this house began with a blind date. She was introduced to Nathan Deal at choir practice in the First Baptist Church in Sandersville, Georgia. It was 1962, and she was then a student at the Womens College of Georgia in Milledgeville, Georgia, and he was attending Mercer University in Macon, with plans in the legal profession. The couple quickly found they had a common interest in philosophy, religion, music and politics, and were engaged a year later. Just after Nathan finished law school in 1966, the couple married at the New Holland Baptist Church in Gainesville, Sandras hometown. Sandra had previously received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 1963, and had already been teaching. She finished her Masters degree just as Nathan was called into military service in 1968. While they were stationed at Fort Gordon, their first child, Jason, was born. After his service, the Deal family settled in Gainesville, where Nathan would practice law and Sandra became a stay at home Mom. Eventually, the family welcomed three more children, all daughters. Sandra will tell you it wasnt easy back in the day when Nathan Deal entered the political arena. Time was of the essence, and there was much to do. Her husband was by then serving in the state Legislature, coming home on weekends while she did chores and duties necessary in a working farm life and family. It was 1992, the same year her husband was elected to Congress, Sandra Deal returned to the classroom full time. Nathan would continue with his political career serving a total of 12 years in the state Senate and 9 terms in the U.S. Congress. During all those years, Sandra chose never to move away from her home in Georgia. (continued on page 30)24

The sterling silver punch bowl now serves as the perfect container for floral arrangements to greet guests from throughout the world. It was presented by Governor Joseph Terrell to President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907. Each cup represents Georgia counties.

Georgias first lady, Sandra Dunagan Deal25

Sweet SuccessRiver City Antique MallRiver City Antique Mall is located at Spider Web Drive just off North Broad at the top of 5 points (beside Dairy Queen) Open Wed. Sun. 10am -6pm Email: rivercityantiques@gmail.com www.rivercityantiques.com Facebook: River City Antique Mall26

Who knew, says Wayne Evans, that the very day after we purchased this big building for resale, the entire country would be shaken by the biggest economic downturn since the great depression? Talk about turning lemons into lemonade, Wayne and Ronda Evans (pictured left) provided the sweetener. While walking with the local building inspector through their newly acquired property just off North Broad on Spider Web Drive (at the top of 5 points) they inquired as to who might be acceptable tenants. The question arose, Could a building like this be used as an antique mall? The answer was easy: Of course, yes. In fact, it might just be a perfect fit. Wayne gives credit to Ronda, his wife of 28 years, saying she was the first to embrace the idea and vision of the antique mall. She had knowledge of the antique booth consignment concept with a great eye for antiques to boot. She enjoyed furniture restoration, too, a natural for discovering and uncovering useful and delightful pieces. Wayne was busy at his other job with Evans Construction Company, but as the new business idea began to grow, so did his enthusiasm. As the business plan developed, the name emerged: River City Antique Mall, where one finds something extraordinary hidden within. For a business less than two years old, opening on May 28, 2010, River City Antiques is a success story worth noting. Doubling business goals and filling all 64 available spaces has been surprisingly fast, and the Evans are delighted. (Wayne jokes that the only space in the building not rented as a booth is the bathroom.) Guidelines for the booth dealers are simple, but specific. Each booth must be neatly arranged with affordable, good quality items. Decorative and beautiful things are sought, not only to comply with the rules of River City Antiques Mall, but because customers have little interest in anything less. The Evans believe each of their customers want value for dollars spent, and recommend dealers price items accordingly, which they generally do. On some specific items customer offers are referred to dealers for their consideration. With all kinds of items flying out the door, everyone seems to be happily satisfied with the arrangement. Customers come back frequently, finding a week can change the content and look of booths...and who wants to miss something new? Customers range from a wide demographic. First time homeowners on a budget, apartment dwellers, professionals and

interior decorators spend time checking out the eclectic variety. Others may be looking to improve or brighten home dcors, vacation cabins or a second home somewhere. They come for items as nearby as downtown Rome or for a Canadian hunting lodge. Whatever the furnishings need may be, customers are looking at River City Antique Mall first. One thing that we did last year was such a success, we are repeating it, Wayne explained. Everyone loved our Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas booth giveaway, valued at $2,000. All that was necessary to win was to register. We had over 1,000 entries, and the winner won a dining room table and chairs, Christmas china, Christmas decorations, an oil painting, occasional chairs and much more that came from all our dealers, Wayne continued. Even though it wasnt necessary to be present to win, we had about a hundred people here for the drawing. Just before Christmas our special giveaway booth went to one very lucky winner. It will be back by popular demand, but mostly because we had so much fun putting it together, adds Ronda. One of the best business success stories of the year, River City Antiques Mall has uniquely brought together winning elements: The booth dealer who has more items and household goods than they need or want, the shopper who is looking for decorative and quality furnishings at reasonable, good values. Hundreds of people are having fun discovering antiques, the recycled furniture, textiles, lamps, dishes and delightful objects of art. Its uniqueness is that you never know what youll find until you visit, but odds are youll find something youll take home. The one thing that Wayne and Ronda did not count on has been a delightful by-product of the business. When you have lived here all your lives as we have, you think you know everybody, but new faces keep coming in, too, says Ronda. We have renewed old friendships and gained new ones we truly enjoy. We have a great time seeing, visiting and meeting people. We want them to be happy when theyre here. River City Antique Mall is definitely one of Romes in places. Having a good business idea doesnt always mean it will succeed, but at River City Antique Mall you see a good example of when it does. Its a reminder that nothing goes better with the American entrepreneur spirit than the taste of good, homemade lemonade. Sweet.27

(A Stellar Reputation continued from page 13) One of the founding partners, King Askew is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General of Georgia and as assistant city attorney for the City of Rome. He has chaired the Board of Bar Examiners, an honor but a huge task, Davis says, and has served as president of the Georgia Municipal Attorneys association. King is our managing partner, Davis notes. Hes our Rock of Gibraltar. Hes a solid, go-to guy. Hes intelligent and a good listenerthats also what makes him a great lawyer. Askews fellow founding partner, Bob Brinson, has been president of the State Bar of Georgia and received the State Bars Award for Distinguished Service to the Legal Profession and the Tradition of Excellence Award. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow in the International Society of Barristers and an Advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. One of the unique things about Bob is that he has an almost photographic memory, which obviously serves him well, Davis adds. Active in many local organizations, Bob Berry has served as President of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, and as a Board Member of the Rome-Floyd County Development Authority, Redmond Regional Medical Center, Northwest Georgia Technical College, Darlington School and Greater Rome Bank. He has been extensively involved in industrial and

business recruitment in Rome and Floyd County. Bob has a gift for communication, Davis says. He can communicate with anyone at a level that makes that person comfortable and able to understand what hes talking about. Davis was a recipient of one of the first Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Benham Awards for Community Service. Recognized often for his contributions to the community, he has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Rome Jaycees and the Silver Beaver Award from the Northwest Georgia Council of Boy Scouts of America. In 2002, he received a Heart of the Community Award. He has also served as chairman of the board for Leadership Georgia, an affiliate of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and as a state host for the states economic development initiative, the Red Carpet Tour. We are defined by quality legal work, reflects managing partner King Askew. This is an easy place to work where the chemistry of the lawyers make it enjoyable to practice law, where the lawyers have personal admiration for each other and a desire to practice law together. Of course, we have been afforded the opportunity to have good clients too. The firm of Brinson, Askew, Berry, Seigler, Richardson & Davis is not content to rest on its laurels, and has, in recent years, brought in five super young associates, according to Davis. The question remains, however: how much longer will the much-treasured Omberg House be able to house them all?

arts entertainment nightlife community

A VERY D RUGS

Your Locally Owned

Locally owned Health Mart pharmacies honor your prescription plans, including Medicare

Most Insurances Accepted Drive Thru Window Free Delivery All Major Credit Cards

Great Prices & Great Service For Over 30 YearsVisit us on the web at www.healthmart.com

710 North 5th Avenue Rome (706) 291-099929

(First Lady continued from page 24) The ill health and ages of both Sandra and Nathans parents became an important issue to their family. Her mother died in 2002 and with her father and mother-in-law living in their home, she felt it necessary to retire from teaching to be able to devote full attention and care to both remaining parents. She attended their healthcare needs until their passing in 2006. Three years later, her husband would consider the bid for the highest office in the state of Georgia.

Undaunted by a cold, miserable day in January 2011, Nathan and Sandra Deal took residence in the Governors Mansion. The beauty and elegance of the home is upheld by the non-profit organization, Friends of the Mansion. Ms. Deal reminds us that this wonderful treasure belongs to all Georgians. While the mansion was being constructed, a 70-member fine arts committee acquired the furnishings. This outstanding collection of 19th century furniture, paintings and porcelain complement the neoclassical architectural detailing. The furniture is one of the finest collections of Federal Period furniture in the United States and is primarily American. This is a permanent collection and belongs to the state of Georgia, never changing from one administration to the next. She also credits Mary Perdue, wife of former Governor Sonny Perdue, for orchestrating the repairs to furnishings and antiques through donations from private citizens. Otherwise, with funds totally unavailable, some of the items and tapestries could have eventually suffered irreversible damage. Since its completion in 1968, the eighteen-acre estate has been home to eight governors. Lester Maddox was the first governor to live there, followed by Jimmy Carter, George Busbee, Joe Frank Harris, Zell Miller, Roy Barnes, Sonny Perdue and now, Nathan Deal. All of the rooms on the first floor are used for official entertaining. The second floor contains the Deals private living quarters. If you ask Sandra what is special to her about living in the Governors Mansion, she says thats hard to answer. Personally, its having her husband home at night, instead of in Washington, she laughs. Her agenda, by virtue of being the first lady of Georgia is more serious. It isnt just one thing. As a teacher, I didnt just teach to one child, I taught every student in the class. Sandra Deals approach to her personal platform as Georgias First Lady is what she calls, With a Servants Heart. It exemplifies volunteerism and the importance of involvement and community outreach. When we reach out and become involved, we may help mold a new beginning for another person. We have an opportunity to bring hope to someone else; and, in turn, we receive joy. My goal is for every Georgian, no matter his or her background or circumstance, is to help bring awareness to the importance of volunteerism and allowing ones actions to speak louder than words...with a servants heart. Education is key, too, she continues. I want to encourage parents to participate in their childs daily learning experience. I want to challenge students to be brave, to study and to learn. Education is power, but it is also joy. I want to emphasize that caring and concern for our elderly and respect for our veterans is our responsibility and honor. Meeting with Sandra Deal you will find in her what her life-long friends refer to as unpretentious, down to earth with work ethics fashioned from Georgia clay. Its refreshing. Public tours of the Governors Mansion are conducted throughout the year on Tuesday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Reservations are needed for groups of 10 or more.

The Library has always been a favorite place for Georgia governors and many special editions are found there. Here, Ms. Deal holds the signed First Edition of Gone with the Wind.

Paneled walls were constructed from Butternut (Hickory) wood. The French Savonnerie rug is Austrian, circa, 1890. An authenticated federal writing desk dates from circa 1814.Books on the shelves contain the histories of all 159 Georgia counties.

30

31

GERONIMO!From the playful shoals of Big Cedar Creek near Cave Spring to the big water of the Coosa, Northwest Georgia has a water adventure to suit all skill levels.

After plunging off a rope swing into the cool water of the Etowah River, a 12-year-old explodes from the surface of the water and shouts, Thats the most awesome thing I have ever done. Lounging in a cascade of rushing water beneath a 500-year-old Native American fish weir on the Etowah River, a long-time resident of Northwest Georgia marvels: I never knew this was here! These are just some of the experiences that local outfitters are witnessing as more and more people discover the charms of canoeing and kayaking Northwest Georgias rivers, streams and lakes. Blessed with hundreds of miles of navigable rivers, from the playful shoals of Big Cedar Creek near Cave Spring to the big32

water of the Coosa, Northwest Georgia has a water adventure to suit all skill levels. And, recently local governments, businesses and non-profit organizations have been teaming together to promote this natural amenity. The Etowah Blue Trail project is the vision of multiple local governments, avid paddlers and the Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI) based in Rome. When completed this canoe and kayak trail will stretch 160-miles from Dawsonville to Rome and will include developed public boat launches and parking areas, signage to direct paddlers to these areas, interactive web-based maps and an on-river guidebook.

The Etowah River is considered by many to be the best family paddling in North Georgia and it holds some of the richest cultural and natural resources of any river in the state. Indeed, the Etowah is considered one of the most biologically rich river basins of its size in the country, harboring 76 fish species, including three federally protected species. The history found along its path is unparalleled. The Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site is well-known, but within the river itself there are dozens of rock dams known as Native American fish weirs. Used to trap fish by the regions original inhabitants, these rock structures have withstood centuries of floods. The Etowah has more of these fish weirs than can be found on all other Georgia rivers combined. CRBI has secured more than $20,000 in grants to develop the water trail and is currently working with a private landowner and Bartow County to develop a new launch site at US 411 between Rome and Cartersville. Meanwhile, the City of Cartersville has secured grants to construct a new launch on the river and the City of Euharlee will soon develop a new launch. On the Upper Etowah, Dawson County developed a new canoe and kayak launch in 2008 and both Forsyth and Cherokee counties are planning new river access points. The Etowah from Allatoona Dam to Rome is navigable for most skill levels including beginners, though local outfitters

provide the opportunity to explore the river on guided trips and with other paddlers. CRBI runs regular guided and non-guided trips on the Etowah and provides canoe and kayak rentals: www.coosa.org. 706-232-2724. Covered Bridge Country Store and Mercantile provides canoe, kayak and tube rentals as well as shuttle services for trips on Euharlee Creek and the Etowah near Euharlee: www. euharleecountrystore.com. 770-607-1846. Other Places to Explore In Your Canoe & Kayak: Big Cedar Creek in Cave SpringOne of the most popular paddling destinations in Floyd County, Big Cedar Creek offers an intimate paddle down a cool, spring-fed stream with just enough shoals and rapids to get your heart pumpinggreat family fun. Oostanaula, Conasauga & Coosawattee RiversNew Echota Rivers Alliance in Calhoun, a non-profit organization working to protecting these rivers, runs regular paddle trips in Gordon, Whitfield and Murray counties. Along these rivers, youll witness the biodiversity that has made them famous. Its not uncommon to find the shells of a half dozen different kinds of freshwater mussels on a trip down the Oostanaulasome can be as large as a dinner plate! www.neranow.org. 706-263-4002

TILLMAN AVIATION UNIVERSITY

(Tillman continued from page 23) and worked for the King family in their sawmill. (The man who hired him was the grandfather of the present mayor of Adairsville). They told him about a school over in Rome which they always called simply Martha Berry. His father never forgot that little bit of information. When farming got really tough, the father decided to go to sea with the Merchant Marine and give up farming. He felt that sending his boys to Martha Berry would be a good opportunity for them, thus Earl Tillman came to Rome. High School in 1950 was $102. per semester, plus you worked two days a week on campus. He says that students back then didnt get much interplay with Rome itself...but as editor of the yearbook, he was allowed to go into Rome to sell ads in the book. To do this, he caught a bus on campus, which diverted through Battey State (later, NW Ga Regional Hospital), and ultimately let him off on Broad street where he began selling his ads. Virtually no student owned a car, and neither did many professors. Aviation did not enter Earls life until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War where a flying club got him interested. He was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC; Fort Gordon, GA; Fort Monmouth, NJ, and finally Fort Rucker in Alabama. This, being the center of Army Aviation, provided the opportunity of joining an army Flying Club which shared small airplanes and offered soldiers rental opportunities to help learn to fly or enhance their current skills. The local instructor was a gentleman named Richard Collins, with whom Earl became close friends. He was Earls best man when he married Carolyn Bagwell, who was actually working on the base as a civilian employee. (Ironically, both Earl and Carolyn share the same birthday, although she quickly points out that he is four years older!) In time, Richard would become one of the best names in General Aviation, editor of Flying Magazine, and author of numerous books and articles on flying. He and Earl have maintained a close relationship all these years, and often fly to see each other when in the same part of the country. Later, when Earl left the service, he was able to purchase time for a Commercial Aviation License using the G.I. Bill funding process. But his future was not to be aviationit was to be insurance. He joined an insurance company (Independent Life), lived in Jacksonville for 9 years, transferred to Chattanooga, then to Jackson, Tennessee for 5 years, and ultimately to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was responsible for the marketing in both Indiana and Kentucky. About that time, Dr. Steve Smith , a local pediatrician in Rome, resigned his medical practice and took over State Mutual Insurance. Delos Yancey moved here with Dr. Smiths company, then Earl came and joined the company, while Delos became the President. After I got out of the army, I always tried to keep a light airplane... Aeronca Champ and Chief, Ercoupe, Piper Tri-Pacer, Cessna 172, then a Cessna 182 retractable, and for a while a twin. While it was not my job, I often flew members of the company to locations where they needed to go. I flew Delos a lot as the company expanded. I kept at the ratings business, sharpening my flying skills and increasing my knowledge of flying. With my instructor ratings I could actually teach multi-engine flying, and single, plus instruments level (IFR). (continued on page 36)35

(Tillman continued from page 35) After he retired from State Mutual about 15 years ago he remained on call for the company to fly, and then became closely associated with Berry College. Under Dr. Gloria Shatteau and later Dr. Scott Collie he really went to work for Berry flying school officials on ventures to raise funds. Recently, he decided to develop a full blown instructional school for aviation. Rome is a good town for aviation and we now have about 20 students at all times learning to fly at Tillman Aviation University. If you really want to learn to fly, we can accommodate you for about 5 or 6 thousand dollars, including airplane, fuel and instructor. At the professional schools in distant cities, one might expect to pay $12,000. for the same thing, plus youd have to live in another city during your training, says Earl. His organization has a basic two-seat Cessna 150, a highly desirable trainer plane; a Cessna 172XP with constant speed prop, and a Cessna 182 Retractable Gear. Our RG plane will do about 175 miles per hour...say, Rome to Panama City in about 2 hours. Earl has about 7,500 flying hours which is about as many as anybody in Rome other than perhaps an airline pilot living here. Something Earl really enjoys are series of ethics and training seminars in many American cities, as well as many Church speaking occasions, civic club invitations, etc. which is called on to do. Hes written a book, How to Get a Raise or Promotion Without Asking. Hes working on a second book to match a CD he has developed: Never Suppress Laughter Because It Will Go Down On You And Make Your Hips Big! Earls keen sense of humor came out when I asked if they were best sellers, and he replied Yes, I have a cellar full of them! His wife Carolyn shares a sense of humor: He recently suggested that it would be fun to start life anew and yet have many of the resources they enjoy today in home and job and finances. Carolyn quickly flashed a smile and said: Earl, its not too late! Inevitably in our interview, it came time to ask Earl about the great tragedy that visited his and other families here in Rome. During the Holiday season of 2005, his pilot son Gary Tillman (also an executive in the field of aviation insurance) was flying his own daughter Hannah and two of her classmates from Darlington School, Anna Kipp and Rachel Hostetler, to the Bahamas for a holiday when something went terribly wrong. The plane, a high-wing Cessna 195, developed engine trouble after a flight from Jacksonville down the Florida coast as it neared St Augustine. Gary, in a very studied and professional manner, asked the FAA controllers for permission to deviate from his assigned altitude of 6000 feet in the clouds and seek safety as he was experiencing trouble keeping the engine running. In a tragic encounter, (later acknowledged as a controller mistake) the radio message sent him away from shore to seek an airport instrument landing setup. However, the engine stopped, the plane went down, flipped upside down, and Rachel escaped from the plane after trying to help Anna out. The crash resulted in the death of Tillman, Hannah, and Anna. Rachels swimming ability came through and she was recovered alive in the water. Earl says that most aviation authorities now believe, and the FAA has acknowledged, that they all might have lived had the plane been36

immediately vectored toward the shore...and might have even made a local airport. It was a very sad experience for all involved, and the entire aviation and school community as well. Gary left his wife Denise, and two daughters who were not on the trip. (The Gary Tillman Road Race in Rome is named in his honor for his long interest in such sporting events.) Earl did not actually teach his son to fly, though he often assisted in second in command flights. However, Gary often devoted his time and effort to helping others with medical flights. Earl enjoys telling these two stories about his son. Asked to fly some Afghanistan bound soldiers to Rome that they might celebrate Christmas and hear a beautiful musical cantata involving a soldiers sister, he was leaving a military base on the coast headed for Rome. Because it was a smaller commercial aircraft, normally it is required to fly way around Atlanta to avoid the heavy commercial traffic in the several airports, espec