The Buzz of Northwest Georgia
Cowan named student support coordinator at Unity Christian
 (Media release) Debbie Cowan, who has served as a first grade teacher at Unity Christian School for the past four years, has been named the school’s Student Support Coordinator, according to UCS headmaster Glenn Getchell. Cowan will assume her duties in the newly established position effective Aug. 1.
According to Lower Campus Principal Karen Mabry, the student support program has recently been redefined to more adequately meet student needs in learning differences, behavioral modification and speech therapy. With the creation of this administrative position, UCS will be able to more closely and effectively provide for its students and families. “We are excited that God has led Debbie to take on this new challenge to provide an individualized Kingdom education that caters to the unique learning styles of each child and are certain she will continue to strengthen the program,” Mabry said.
As coordinator, Cowan will be responsible for managing all team meetings between teachers and families, organizing and providing direct tutoring sessions, supplying teachers with materials for classroom enrichment and modification, and assisting with any specific on-campus student needs.
“Helping students with special needs and circumstances is my passion,” Cowan said. “It takes great skill to work with students with learning differences, but the rewards are incredibly fulfilling. I feel that this position will give me a chance to assure parents that at Unity we desire to love and instruct their children just as they do as home.
“I see this as a unique way to serve Unity and its mission to partner with parents in the education of their children, and am very excited to have the opportunity to work directly with our families in this capacity. When a student shows improvement, there’s a sense of healing for the family as well as accomplishment for the child. The privilege of being a part of that process is very gratifying.”
Cowan came to UCS after teaching in Georgia schools for more than 30 years, during which all but two of those years were in service to Floyd County schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Shorter College, a master’s of education degree from West Georgia College with certification as a reading specialist, and an educational specialist degree in elementary education and administration also from West Georgia College.
Cowan and her husband, Richard, are active members of Garden Lakes Baptist Church where they have been members for 34 years. She also teaches a ladies’ Sunday School and is a member of the church’s Nominating Committee and leadership training program.
Shorter Chorale touring Italy this month
(Media release) The Shorter Chorale, Shorter College's premiere performing ensemble, will make institutional history while touring Italy in May. Under the direction of Shorter alumna Dr. Martha Shaw, the choral ensemble will perform at five sites, including St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. They will sing Mass at the historic basilica, where the Pope often presides.
"This opportunity is the most prestigious invitation the Chorale has ever received," according to Dr. Alan Wingard, dean of the School of the Arts.
Performing with the Chorale in Italy will be 43 Shorter College students, Choral Assistant Jean Goffaux, Professor of Music Dr. Peter DeWitt, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Planning and Research Dr. Patricia DeWitt, Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Matthew Hoch, and School of the Arts Administrative Assistant Mrs. Gina Hicks.
The 10-day tour will feature performances in select venues in Rome, Florence, Verona and Venice. The performances begin with a 6:45 p.m. (local time) concert on May 21 at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. At 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, the Chorale will present a joint concert with a local choir at the festival of Great Choral Concerts 2008 in Albaredo d'Adige, which is in the Verona area. At 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, the Chorale will perform at St. Maria di Ricci Church in Florence. Two performances are slated for Monday, May 26. At 5 p.m., the Chorale will sing Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. At 8:30 p.m., the Chorale will present a joint concert with the Sapienza University choir at Aula Magna, which is on the university campus.
The Shorter Chorale, founded in 1968, is widely regarded as one of the finest collegiate choral ensembles in the southeastern United States. In January 2007 the Chorale recorded its first professionally produced CD, A Savior From On High, which was released in late fall 2007. Proceeds from the sale of the CD helped fund the students' trips to Italy.
The 2008 tour to Italy marks the Chorale's triennial return to Europe. In 2005, the group toured the great cathedrals and churches of England with performances in Coventry Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, Christ Church, Oxford and Great St. Mary's in Cambridge.
Gingrey presents check for $136,000 in airport enhancements
Pictured, from left: Evie McNiece, Randy Quick, Craig McDaniel, Phil Gingrey, Eddie Lumsden, Mike Mathews and Howie Lowden.
(From a media release) U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey presented a check for $136,240 to Eddie Lumsden, vice chair of the Floyd County Commission; Richard B. Russell Regional Airport Manager Mike Matthews; Airport Commission Chair Howie Lowden; Coosa Valley Technical College President Dr. Craig McDaniel; chamber chairman Randy Quick; and Rome City Commissioner Evie McNiece for runway enhancements at the airport. The grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be used to enhance taxiway centerline markings to alert pilots that they are approaching a runway holding position. This project will also allow for the replacement of the airport electrical vault to make certain the airfield lighting requirements continue operational.
“It is always great to be in Rome and Floyd County. The airport is a critical asset to the people and economy of Floyd County. As globalization continues to change the landscape of business, Richard B. Russell Regional Airport will continue to play an ever-growing role in a stronger, more economically vibrant Floyd County,” said Gingrey. “I salute the excellent job done by Mike Mathews and the Airport staff, Floyd County Commission and staff, as well as the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, in advocating for improvements and investment in the Airport. I will continue to ask and to continue to reform the process. I am proud that we were able to bring home this member initiative”
These improvements to the Russell and Towers Field are a strategic part of the implementation of the Rome-Floyd 20/20 Part II. “The infrastructure development of the airport and adjacent properties zoned for aviation-related purposes to support the growth in aircraft maintenance, repair and non-scheduled aircraft operations are noted as goals to be accomplished in Part II of the Rome-Floyd 20/20 Plan,” said Quick of Q102, South107, WRGA, WGJK. “Implementation of the plan is already in place now that Coosa Valley Technical College is creating courses in Avionics and Aviation Maintenance Technology.”
Addressing the congressman, Mathews said, “Without your help for the airport, the burden would be solely on Floyd County. The enhancements to the airport will enable our pilots to taxi on and off the runways more efficiently and go to replacing electrical vaults. Representative Gingrey we cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work on this project.”
5 things to watch in days: Politics, banks, police, media
The summer disconnect is about to click in. With school just about out and vacation plans all but firm, the annual "see you in August" checkout is under way. Summer camps, summer schedules, summer breaks--all are here. What won't slow down: the news business. Politics is a big reason but there's more to it than that. Below are five key things to watch in coming days:
1) Floyd County tax commissioner's race: This was supposed to be an anointing Republican Kevin Payne, who took over for Jim Ford on Jan. 1, was supposed to win this seat without a fight. Then came sheriff's deputy Ron Morris on the Democratic ticket. With six months to go before their general election showdown, accusations are flying. Morris has been hit with tax payment questions--and more is said to be brewing from both corners.
2) The 2010 election: Let's fast forward right by the primary and November election. One whole scenario collapsed Friday as Johnny Isakson announced his plans to seek another term in the U.S. Senate. That opens up the governor's race (Republicans John Oxendine, Casey Cagle and Glenn Richardson are committed or likely contenders) while Democrats apparently won't have Cathy Cox on the ballot. The Isakson announcement derailed rumors of a Phil Gingrey Senate run but would the three-term House member and former state legislator consider a bid for governor? Rumors have some Northwest Georgians considering a congressional run (a long shot given Cobb County's majority in this district) and a boat load of others considering "office upgrades."
3) Rome police: The city of Rome's budget woes (and the county's aren't far behind) are hitting the police department. The timing is bad, given efforts to boost law enforcement salaries. You're seeing some police patrols double up to save gas; two to four vacancies might not be filled immediately; and then there's the pay increase reduction (from 4 to 3 percent for city staffers). The revenue shortfall is real. At the same time, some officers are asking why their agency is being hit so hard. (See minutes from the city commission meeting on cutbacks: RCC)
4) Banking updates: Several local banks are holding annual meetings over the next few days: River City Bank's meeting is this evening. Greater Rome Bank has a meeting set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the main office. On the agenda: re-election of 15 directors.
5) Media changes: These games got under way Sunday, a bit earlier than expected. The Rome News/News Publishing Co. is shifting duties and further dividing the group's focus on print and Web as industry leaders have been doing for several years now. New Web projects, the upcoming Magnolia women's magazine and other changes are in the works. (Click RNT). But have they waited too long?
>Our take: Don't buy into the spin in Sunday's epic page one press release; it's about as effective as spreading pine straw on "wild areas" in your front lawn. Critical advertising dollars have been shifting to new homes (Web sites, even the city of Rome's Web site via a third party) or just slashed overall and audiences continue to transition to online venues for news, real estate, cars, jobs, etc. This has been a tough year at Sixth Avenue with layoffs, ads woes and other issues. This move is two years too late.
Double-takes on recent headlines
Some head-scratchers from recent local and Georgia headlines:
>Gas prices vary by 9 cents between Wal-Marts in Rome, Cartersville: And yes Rome's Murphy Oil station was the one with the higher price, $3.68, at 8 p.m. Sunday vs. $3.59 in Cartersville at 7:35 p.m. In fact, gas overall remains cheaper in Cartersville/Bartow County as our latest market survey shows.
>The RNT management/focus shift: We've dealt with that above. But along the same lines ...
>. . . From frying pan to fire? Julian Miller resigns as publisher of the Savannah newspaper, a common move these days as advertising, circulation, online competition (news, real estate, employment, autos) and delivery (fuel costs) swamp the industry. What's odd: Miller is leaving to start a family real estate management business. While there are signs of a rebound in the housing market, this isn't exactly a step toward better job insurance.
>Another 'spinning' bridge: We didn't know it until a beautiful trip along the Oostanaula Saturday aboard the Roman Holiday but the first pedestrian bridge at Ridge Ferry used to turn or spin. There's seemingly a spin on the $2-plus million new bridge at The Forum. It was thought that tennis players and fans would use it to visit downtown. The bridge was vacant on both our underneath passes Saturday but surely had some foot traffic. Our question: Does the new bridge need regular "spin" to justify its very existence?
Decorated floral designer at library Thursday; big weekend ahead
Every other year, the Rome Federated Garden Clubs sponsor an educational program for the community as well as members. This year, Betty Benson, a retired attorney from Douglasville, has been hired to do floral designs similar to the ones the clubs will do at Coosa Valley Fair in October.
 Benson has served on the Garden Club of Georgia's Board of Directors for 20 years, wrote the first Basic Design courses for Garden Club of Georgia, served on the committee that wrote and compiled At Home with Flowers and is the author and photographer of Natures Melody, a book on Georgia's wildflowers.
Jane Davis and Vivian Toles of Spade and Trowel Garden Club are co-chairing this event and all of the 10 clubs are helping with the food. The program will be held at Rome-Floyd County Library's meeting rooms at 10 a.m.
As for the weekend--no time to be bored, that's for sure. Consider:
>Northwest Georgia Festival of Balloons in Menlo, Friday-Sunday
>The American Heroes Air Show at Russell airport, Saturday-Sunday
>The annual Duck Derby Friday night and Saturday, Cartersville
>The Battle of Resaca Reenactment, Friday-Sunday
Peaks & Valleys: The highs, lows of Northwest Georgia
 The very tip of the peak to Leanne Maule, Georgia's teacher of the year: an English teacher from Cartersville High School, Leanne Maule was named the 2009 Georgia Teacher of the Year during ceremonies Friday night. She'll now go on to represent Georgia in the national teacher of the year review. She was one of 10 finalists from a pool of more than 140 district-level teachers from around the state.
 Peak to the Treehouse of Rome: The May 20 groundbreaking at Ridge Ferry Park is a significant milestone for the volunteers uniting to create this unique opportunity for those with mobility issues. It is yet another example of the community's commitment to our youth (and others). Donations are still needed as the building phase begins. To help, contact David Smith at 706-291-8853 or at dsmithrome@gmail.com.
 Peak to Petland's hamster races May 24: Since moving to Turner McCall, Petland has made creative use of its sign/billboard space. The one that caught our eye: the May 24 hamster race, set for 2 p.m. at the store. Be sure your critter has one of those rolling balls to enter. This is a great idea to drum up business and lure kids--and parents. Our insider tip: Beware Whiskers!
Previously Buzzed
Shorter's Tolbert to chair football championship PR/marketing panel
(Media release) The Executive Committee for the 2008/2009 NAIA National Football Championship Games announced today that Dawn Tolbert will chair its Public Relations and Marketing Subcommittee, and serve as a member of the Executive Committee. Mrs. Tolbert is director of institutional relations at Shorter College.
At Shorter, Mrs. Tolbert manages the college’s public relations and marketing efforts, oversees Web communications and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet. She has 13 years’ experience in higher education public relations. A former newspaper journalist, she served as lifestyles editor at the Rome News-Tribune and as city editor of the Cedartown Standard.
Mrs. Tolbert earned a bachelor’s degree with majors in communication studies and English from Gardner-Webb College and a Master of Arts degree in professional writing from Kennesaw State University.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ 2008 and 2009 National Championship games were awarded to Shorter College and Rome-Floyd County earlier this year. The 2008 title game will be played at Barron Stadium in Rome on Dec. 20.
For additional information, visit www.naianationalchampionship.com.
NAIA football 'team' gets new name: Championship Foundation Inc.
(Media release) The executive committee responsible for planning for the 2008 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' National Football Championship has a new name, thanks to an incorporation filed recently with the Georgia Secretary of State's office. The community-based organization was incorporated as The Championship Foundation Inc., on April 24.
The change, according to Rome attorney Andy Davis, who heads the group's Governmental and Legal Affairs subcommittee, establishes a separate non-profit organization from the three entities that joined together to secure the NAIA bid: Shorter College, the City of Rome and Floyd County. "The hope is that the non-profit status will attract additional financial support and provide longevity to the NAIA Football Championship Game being located in Rome, Ga.," Davis said.
The incorporation is the latest development in planning for the event, which centers around the NAIA's title game that will be played at Barron Stadium on Dec. 20, 2008. The 2009 game will also be played at Barron Stadium on Dec. 19 of that year.
Since securing the bid to host the 2008 and 2009 championship games, representatives from Shorter, Rome and Floyd County have recruited a team of community leaders who are spearheading the planning efforts.
"We are receiving wonderful support and encouragement from all across the Greater Rome community," said Rome attorney Bob Berry, who serves as co-chair of the executive committee. "The excitement is clearly building for this championship game, and I encourage everyone to visit our Web site, www.naianationalchampionship.com, to follow the progress surrounding this major event coming to Rome and Northwest Georgia."
For additional information, visit www.naianationalchampionship.com.
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