2009 Heart of the Community honorees

Source: Heart of the Community Board of Governors

Eight local unsung heroes-- Henrice Berien, Dr. Craig McDaniel, Pete McDonald, Steven McDowell, Ronnie Wallace and Ralph White -- have been selected as recipients of the 2009 Heart of the Community Awards of Honor.  These six individuals, along with Board of Governors' Honorees-- David and Susan Harvey -- will be honored on Feb. 14 at the 23rd Annual An Affair of the Heart. These awards are sponsored each year by Redmond Regional Medical Center and produced by the Heart of the Community Board of Governors. 

DAVID AND SUSAN HARVEY

“It is with pleasure and pride that my sisters and I respectfully present our parents, David and Susan Harvey for consideration as Heart of the Community Candidates for 2009. We hope their body of work and commitment to the Rome Community will more than justify their nomination.” David D. Harvey, III

David is a native of Rome, Georgia and a graduate of Darlington School and Georgia Tech. He married Susan Gilbert of Rome in 1959. He is currently a Senior Financial Representative for the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and is in his 45th year of service.

His involvement in the Rome community has included:

-Rome Rotary Club
-Rome Area History Museum
-Shorter College Campaign Chair and Founding Chairman of the Board of Visitors
-Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce
-Rome Floyd 20/20 Part II Steering Committee
-United Way
-Rome Jaycees
-St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
-Rome Symphony Guild
-Sara Hightower Regional Library
-Rome City Commission-11 years
-Rome and Floyd County Unified Land Development Code
-Rome SPLOST Advisory Committee
-American Cancer Society

Susan is also a native of Rome and an Art History graduate from Hollins College, Virginia.

She is a visual artist and author having displayed in galleries in the Southeast, Washington, D.C. and New York City. She authored “Tea with Sister Anna: A Paris Journal”-the story of two Rome, Georgia artists.

Her involvement in the Art Community has included:

-Chiaha Guild and Rome Art League
-Chieftains Museum
-Rome Area Council for the Arts
-Ninebark Press-Advisory Board
-Poetry Night
-Georgia Commission on Women
-Georgia Writer’s Association
-Co-Creator of Standing Ovation: Rome’s annual Vernal Equinox Egg Balance
-Rome Area History Museum
-Rome Symphony Orchestra
-Shorter College Theatre and Arts Departments
-Rome Area Heritage Foundation
-Rome Music Lover’s Club
-St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

It has been said that Susan has been an important patron of the arts in Rome and the state of Georgia, not only by her support of existing arts organizations but also by her encouragement and mentoring of emerging artists, writers and musicians. Her lifetime of service and leadership in the field has been a major contribution to Rome’s vibrant and thriving arts community.

Because of their continued service to this community, David and Susan Harvey are being recognized as the recipients of the Heart of the Community Board of Governor’s Award.

HENRICE THOMAS BERRIEN

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Mrs. Preditha Thomas, a longtime Director of Rome’s Girls’ Club, Inc and one of the first recipients of the Heart of the Community Award, Henrice has reached out to the Rome and Floyd County areas as a devoted community volunteer, educator and mentor.

A native Roman, Mrs. Berrien received her early education in the Rome City Schools System graduating from Rome Colored High School and receiving a B.S. Degree from Savannah State College.

Her involvement in the Rome/Floyd County community has included:

-Teacher and Mentor at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church
-Rome Girls’ Club
-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
-The American Red Cross Katrina Project
-Rome Branch of NAACP
-African-American Historical Society
-The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission
-Rome/Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth
-The Rome Colored/Main High School Reunion
-The Rome Transitional Academy Mentor
-Social Services Community Kitchen Ministry Volunteer

“A truly caring individual, Ms. Berrien has spent most of her adult life mentoring and teaching young people.” --Laney Stevenson

DR. CRAIG McDANIEL

Craig McDaniel began working at the former Coosa Valley Vocational Institute in 1979. In 1995 he left for a three year period of time; he returned in 1998 as President of Coosa Valley Technical College.

His involvement in the community has included:

-Floyd County 20/20 Comprehensive Community and Development Plan
-Board of Directors at Redmond Regional Medical Center
-Rome Rotary Club
-Northwest Georgia RESA
-Georgia Public Broadcasting Advisory Board
-Cancer Navigators Board
-Community Criminal Justice Foundation
-Leadership Rome
-Rome-Floyd Citizens for Better Schools Committee- Education SPLOST III
-Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce
-Rome/Floyd Development Authority
-Heart of the Community Board of Governors
-Tour de Georgia Scholarship Committee
-Citizen’s committee for Baseball 2001
-President, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, effective 7-01-09
“One of the most remarkable things about Craig is his vision. His vision and personal drive is to see Coosa Valley Technical Institute expand its programs and to enhance Floyd County’s opportunities for growth and diversity. He does not think of himself, he continuously thinks of our community and building partnerships”-- Elaine Snow

Craig and his wife, Debra have two children, Brett and Lauren.

PETE McDONALD

Pete McDonald is very much a “hands on” community volunteer. He has been a resident of the Rome/Floyd County community since 1977.

He currently serves as Vice President of Economic Development at Coosa Valley Technical College where he is responsible for multiple programs that have benefited the community.

His involvement in the Rome community has included:

-Chairman of the Floyd County Board of Elections and Voter Registration
-City of Rome Historic Preservation Commission
-Habitat for Humanity of Rome-Floyd County
-United Way of Rome
-Georgia Economic Developers Association
-Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce
- Hands on Rome, Chairman
-Leadership Rome
-Rome Rotary Club
-Economic Development Committee of Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce
-Existing Industry Committees of Gordon and Polk county Chambers of Commerce
- Rotary Club Mentoring Program

“Pete makes a difference in Rome and Floyd County on a large scale, but he also definitely makes a difference one person at a time” -- Jan Fergerson

Married to Jane Norment McDonald they are the parents of one son, Austen and one daughter, Elizabeth.

STEVEN McDOWELL

Steven McDowell is the first recipient of the Young Heart of the Community award. The award recognizes community leaders who are 35 years of age or younger.

Steven arrived in Rome in 1998 as a Berry College Bonner Scholar student. His community service hours began then when he volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Rome and Northwest Georgia Regional
Hospital.

His involvement in the Rome/Floyd County community has included:

-Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce
-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce
-Network Day Service Center
-United Way of Rome 2008-09, Campaign Chair
-Historic Preservation Commission of Rome/Floyd County
-Kiwanis Club-
-Young Professionals of Rome
-Leadership Rome
-Rome/Floyd County 20/20 Plan, Steering Committee
-Rome Area Council for the Arts

“Steven ran for public office for City Commissioner twice. Although he didn’t win either time, he motivated and encouraged other young people to get involved in their community” Jason Litton

A downtown business owner, Steven is engaged to be married and the proud papa of three black labs.

RONNIE WALLACE

Ronnie is a native and a product and vigorous supporter of our public school system. A Shorter College and Berry College graduate, Ronnie also graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of Executive Development.

Following several years in the banking industry, he now serves as Executive Vice-President of Heritage First Bank in Rome.

His involvement in the Rome/Floyd County community has included:

-Rome City Commission
-Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Development Authority
-Georgia General Assembly Committees
-United Way of Rome
-Rome Rotary Club
-Shorter College Board of Trustees
-Board of the Campbell School of Business at Berry College
-Coosa River Christmas Celebration
-Rome Kares
-Landbank Authority
-Rome Baseball Committee 2001

“Ronnie never lost sight of where home is and had dedicated his life to making our community one that has been recognized nationally as being both the best Small City in the United States and one of the most affordable. Ronnie loves Rome and has dedicated himself to work today for a better tomorrow for his and our children and grandchildren”. Buzz Wachsteter

Married to Rhonda Wallace, they are active members of West Rome Baptist Church. They have three children and three grandchildren.

RALPH WHITE

Ralph has lived and worked in the Rome community his entire life and gives generously of his private time and personal money. A graduate of
Pepperell High School he also received a degree in Business Administration from Berry College. Following service in the Air Force he returned to Rome. Retired from the construction industry, he is a wonderful husband and caregiver to his wife, Annette.

.His involvement in the Rome/Floyd County Community has included:

- Rome Lions Club
- Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful Volunteer
- Initiated the TARP program to cover pick-ups and other trucks to cover
loads being transported through the City.
-Rome-Floyd County Library volunteer
-Sara Hightower Regional Library Board of Trustees
-Coosa Valley Technical College Advisory Board
-Habitat for Humanity
-Life member of the American Cancer Society
-Make a Difference Day at Berry College

“People like Ralph help smooth the rough edges in the fabric of society. He is the kind of person who anticipates a need and does something to bridge the gap.” Mary Hardin Thornton.

One of the things I appreciate most about Ralph is when he calls to ask, ‘Are you O.K.?’ he then follows up by saying “What can I do to help you.” His concern is genuine, his willingness to help is sincere” Dr. Craig McDaniel

Ralph and his wife, Annette are members of Second Avenue Baptist Church.