The Buzz of Northwest Georgia
January: An all-time low for Floyd home sales?
Each week, Tom Sipp of Sipp Realty sends e-mails to his clients and others, delivering his take on local real estate trends. The current edition hits hard.
 Writes Sipp: "January home sales for Floyd County were at an all-time low with only 24 sold, the lowest monthly total in recent history. This is 30 percent behind last year's January, showing we still have not turned the corner in our local real estate market. Foreclosures and distress sales make up about half of these numbers and there are still more headed our way judging by the 80-plus notices listed in (Thursday's) paper. Also, sales are still very slow with the average time on the market 240 days."
But there's a caveat: "January is normally the slowest month of the year so don’t dwell on these numbers, spring is on the horizon with a new crop of homes and good weather."
Plus: Sipp notes that interest rates remain very low and the expanded federal tax credit for home sales has more than two months left. Click> Sipp
Background: A slow start in January follows a pretty blah 2009 report. Last year, members of the Greater Rome Board of Realtors sold 659 homes with an average sales price of $121,396. That was down 13 percent from 759 homes sold in 2008. The average price dropped from $126,380 or by 4 percent.
Up next: The board meets Wednesday, Feb. 17, at noon at the DeSoto Theatre. The sponsor: Owens Financial Group Inc. Honeybaked Ham Co. is catering.
Sassafras Grille takes a break; catering continues:
-Sassafras Grille at 1802 Redmond Circle is closed as a restaurant but remains in service for catering and special events. The restaurant has a good reputation, especially among those working off Redmond and Martha Berry. Several readers reported no lights on at the restaurant in recent days and it was dark again Sunday. A call to the restaurant was answered by a recording with details about catering options. Here's hoping for a quick return to daily service.
Reminder/T.J. Maxx job fair today, Tuesday in Cartersville:
-T.J. Maxx is interviewing candidates for 80 jobs for the new store in the former Goody's location at Main Street Shopping Center. The job fair is set for the Hilton Garden Inn from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Openings include cashier, sales associate, coordinator, merchandising, stock, loss prevention, dressing room, receiving and maintenance. Hilton Garden Inn is on Liberty Drive off Main Street.
Some new pitches for youth baseball, local leagues as thousands of Northwest Georgia kids step up to the plate starting this month
By Natalie Simms
natsimms76@gmail.com
Hundreds of young athletes will be taking to the field in the coming weeks as the Spring Baseball season gets under way. While there are some organizational changes in the local baseball line-up, playing options will remain the same with Little League, Dizzy Dean and Recreation League.
Just last week, Rome-Floyd YMCA announced plans to no longer offer Rome Little League Baseball. According to Executive Director Scott McCreless, the declining number of participants along with cost factors were major reasons for the move.
“We did cost studies on all of our programs in 2009,” he says. “After reviewing the cost study and seeing the amount of money that we were losing in baseball, we felt that it would be better for the YMCA, and the baseball community, if we focused on other programs that meet the needs of this community.”
Last year, the YMCA had approximately 150-200 players between the ages of 7-12 in the Little League program.
“The numbers were declining slightly each year due to travel ball and people looking for more competitive options,” McCreless says. “With baseball, the Recreation Department and YAI (Youth Activities Inc.) are doing a good job of meeting the baseball needs here in Rome."
Pitching relief for local Little League: Rome Baseball
 The good news is that the Rome Little League program will continue under a new organization called The Rome Baseball League. Formed by parents, the group will be assuming the Rome Little League Charter and will lease the YMCA baseball fields at Grizzard Park.
Says Todd Brock, president of the Rome Baseball League: “Last year, I was the vice president of the Little League at the YMCA and when we found out they weren’t going to offer it anymore, we put together a group of guys and other parents … here we are and we’re running with it.”
Brock says their focus will continue to “teach life lessons” through baseball.
“We’re trying to raise superior citizens rather than superior athletes,” he says. “If you teach a kid something and it clicks, then they will believe in themselves … that’s why I’m doing this. I believe in it and have a vision for what we do. At the end of the day it’s not about winning or losing … it’s about learning and having fun.”
The Rome Baseball League will have co-ed teams for ages 5-12. The cost is $70 per child plus a $50 uniform fee for ages 7-12. Sign-ups will be Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 20 from 10-11 a.m., and Feb. 27 from 10-11 a.m. at Grizzard Park.
All kids will be evaluated during tryouts on Feb. 20 and 27, and then assigned to a team. For more: 1-866-859-8172 or visit www.eteamz.com/romelittleleaguega.
'Another great year' planned Parks & Rec
 Sign-ups also begin this week for the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Baseball Program on Feb. 11 and will continue through March 11. The “Rec League” offers programs for ages 4-14 including T-Ball for ages 4-5; coach pitch for ages 5-6 and ages 7-8; and kid pitch for ages 9-12 and 13-14.
“Last year, we had about 800 total kids in our baseball program,” says Larry Powell, Sports Director for RFPRA. “We’re looking forward to another great year. We’re already getting some new coaches who will probably bring some new players into the program.”
Players are grouped onto teams within their school district, or put on a team as close to their school district as possible if there are not enough players to form a team. “We have a lot of good athletes here,” Powell says. “In our rec league, our teams play against each other…against the other school districts.”
The registration fee is $70 for baseball and $60 for T-ball. If players live outside of Floyd County, there is an additional $15 non-resident fee. For more information, call 706-291-0766 or visit www.rfpra.com.
More than 1,000 expected for 2010 'behind the levee' season
This aerial photo is from the Rome Youth Activities Inc. Web site (click).
The largest local baseball program is Dizzy Dean or the “Levee League” organized by the Youth Activities Inc. The YAI leases fields “behind the levee” in Riverview Park from RFPRA. Last year, the program had more than 1,000 athletes from all over Northwest Georgia, says Richard Penson, YAI President.
“With our program, we start kids on the right track to be the best they can be by playing at the Levee,” he says. “They learn the skills and learn to build a strong character. I really believe we have the best coaches and athletes around.”
Dizzy Dean Rules do not have a mandatory play time regulation like the Little League and Rec League programs. Therefore, the league is considered the most competitive with athletes trying their best to earn playing time.
“All players benefit from good coaching and they even learn on the bench,” Penson says. “While we do try to get all the kids in the game, if it is close, we may not get to play everyone.”
The program has teams for ages 5 -19. Most coaches recruit players from previous years and maintain the same teams year after year. New players go through an evaluation and are “drafted” onto teams.
Team fees are $800 for Floyd County and $900 for non-residents. Each team has about 12 players, so the fee is divided by the number of players. In addition, most teams play in several tournaments for additional experience, which can quickly add up.
“The Levee fees are slightly higher than those of the Y or Rec because the Levee doesn't own their own fields,” says Cindy Gordon, mother of two Dizzy Dean baseball players. “The fees can be tough sometimes, and we have been on teams before where one family or another has trouble with the cost but we do fund-raisers to help offset some of the expense of fees and uniforms to make it easier to handle.
"In the long run, what we've spent has been worth it. Not only are my children becoming good athletes and keeping fit, but baseball to us is a family sport. We're all involved being a player, coach or a team mom…it gives us time to be together.”
 Player sign-ups and evaluations will be held on Feb. 20-21 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Levee. There also will be a Players Clinic presented by Extra Innings of Cartersville on Feb. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Levee that is open to the public. Cost is $20. For more information, visit www.extrainnings-cartersville.com.
“There are plenty of kids in this community and they all need an outlet,” Penson says. “Some kids may not have the skill level, but want to play…the Little League and Rec programs are all needed.”
For more information about the Levee League Dizzy Dean Program, visit www.rome-yai.com.
PEAKS & VALLEYS: The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia
Valley to the financing model of the proposed Tennis Center of Georgia:
 -We like the idea of bringing more tennis and more tourism revenue to Northwest Georgia. We've long been advocates of sports tourism as it is one of the most lucrative and environmentally friendly industries a community can possess (Rome Braves, NAIA championship game, Tour de Georgia, etc.).
-But seeking $7.5 million in state bond funding--to be repaid by taxpayers, not some magical "bond fairy"--at a time when budgets are being slashed is wrong.
-Hired guns: We're also concerned about the hiring of "arm twisters" as the Rome News editorial called the $65,000 lobbyists in a rambling opinion piece.
-Plus, the 'local' match has huge questions: Which company in today's economy will step up to pay $1.8 million in naming rights? Who will pay $1.3 million for the current tennis center when the city can't get a deal on the West Third Street land it already controls? And the city and county have $250,000 in in-kind contributions?
-Again, we like the concept. But not at the cost of college tuition assistance, teacher pay cuts, reduced programs for students and the like.
-The best option: If a $15 million baseball park can go on a SPLOST, why can't a $13 million tennis center two years from now? It's not like another community is racing Rome/Floyd to build the thing. Step back and do it right. (Click Background)
Valley to Perdue's 'Cabinet' plan for state government:Quick: Name the  declared candidates for insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, ag commissioner and school board superintendent. Relax. Most of the names escape us, too, at this point. But by the July primary, we'll know each and we'll be thankful for the opportunity to vote for those whom we believe are the best candidates. But if Gov. Sonny Perdue gets his way, his desperate bid to leave some sort of state legacy--aside from "Go Fish"--you could lose the right to vote for the holders of those four offices. They'd become governor appointees, much like the president's Cabinet. The idea must be blessed by the Legislature and then approved by voters in November. Sorry, but that's too much in one person's hands--especially with the current state of government in our state.
Peak to the Noon Optimist Club's Terrific Kids' program: What a refreshing thing, a program to honor rising students from area schools, to show them a community indeed encourages their continued success. We salute the Noon Optimist Club for its continued show of support of our youngsters--especially as education services and a number of programs aimed at kids are being cut almost daily. Click Terrific Kids
Kickball tournament to raise funds for Community in Schools March 27
By Natalie Simms
natsimms76@gmail.com
Rome-Floyd Communities in Schools is bringing back a favorite childhood game. The group's first Rome Kickball Tournament is set for March 27.
 "The idea came from a friend of mine in Jacksonville, FL whose Rotary group put on a charity kickball tournament. After hearing of the idea, I did a lot of research on the Internet, and I discovered that kickball tournaments are becoming more and more popular throughout the country,” says David Smith, co-chairman for the event.
The event will be limited to 16 teams of eight to 12 members per team. Each must have a minimum of four male and four female players, all ages 18 or older. Organizers already have eight team slots filled, so expectations are high for a big event turnout at the YMCA Fields at Grizzard Park.
“We do not have a set goal since this is our first year holding the event but we would be very happy raising $5,000 for CIS,” Smith says. “One unique element of the tournament is that teams are playing for a charity or school and the two top teams will earn cash prizes for their respective charities.”
Rome-Floyd CIS is a program adopted by the city and county school systems in partnership with business and community leaders. According to Executive Director Nancy Griffin, “The CIS mission is to improve the high school graduation rate. CIS connects community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school, and prepare for life.”
The event also will feature various fun competitions such as who can kick the ball the farthest, most creative uniforms and most spirited team. Team registration fee is $200 and deadline is March 23. For more, visit www.cisrome-floyd.org or the event’s Facebook Page.
Greener Burger puts a new flip on the American classic. The plan: To build 'a gourmet, healthy version of the hamburger restaurant'
By Natalie Simms
natsimms76@gmail.com
In just a few short months, a new spin on the traditional hamburger joint comes to Rome as The Greener Burger Co. opens on Broad Street. While the name itself sounds like an environmentally-friendly place, owner Michael Landers believes the food will be good for the body.
 “We’re a gourmet, healthy version of a hamburger restaurant,” he says. “We’ll be taking our food back to the days before refrigeration and preservatives.”
Slated to open in early April, The Greener Burger will be in the old Krystal Building at 315 Broad St. Currently undergoing extensive renovations, the restaurant will encompass the entire building with seating for 72 inside and a deck seating another 65 with additional café seating out front.
The centerpiece of the menu is beef and not just any beef, it’s the “best you can make,” says Landers.
“We are raising our beef with co-op growers and will take it straight to the plate. There are no chemicals, hormones used … it’s the leanest, cleanest beef you can eat,” he says.
“We’re using the whole cow with all cuts going into the burger. Generally, the hamburger is made as by-product of leftover meat but we’re doing it the opposite way, using the whole cow with the beef dry-aged at least 21 days or more … it’s the best you can make.”
Landers is building a cooperative of farmers from Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida to supply the beef. The cattle are 95 percent grass-fed with a small corn supplement feed.
The menu also will feature all seasonal foods, including fruit and vegetables in summer and spiced cakes in fall and winter. Chili, soups and salads with ties to the beef will be available.
“Everything is built around beef and no chicken. If you love chicken, go to Chick-Fil-A … I love Truett Cathy,” says Landers of that chain's founder. “Everything that we serve will be organic and natural. No sodas and only fruit juices and natural teas.
“We are a very family oriented restaurant. There will be no liquor served but we will have organic and natural beer and wine that are seasonal,” he adds. Landers has applied for a beer and wine pouring permit from the city (see window in upper right photo).
Photo:The above photo also shows some of the extensive work under way on the Broad Street storefront just down from Legends comic book store.
To go along with the unique menu will be “turn-of-the-century” décor to take customers back to an early 1900s' dining experience.
“We're going for a look from 1910 to 1920 with craftsman feel and all stainless steel … very high-end décor with white napkins and tablecloths, plus lots of painted murals,” Landers says.
He believes the look and feel of the restaurant will fit right in with Rome’s downtown atmosphere, the reason he chose to open his first restaurant here.
“I came to Rome a few years ago to develop a medical facility but the economy tanked and so did that development,” Landers says, referring to the project planned at the corner of the Bypass and Riverside Parkway. “I then took a spiritual assignment at our church and we stuck with Rome for my family. I just love downtown … it screams of the 1900s with its architecture.
"We have a beautiful, vibrant hometown and that’s why we chose to see if it (restaurant) works in Rome, small town America," he said. And if it does click here, "it will work anywhere.”
Landers has plans to open up at least two other restaurants within 24 months in Smyrna and Huntsville.
“Rome is our first one, our prototype. We’ll be tweaking this one before we open up the other locations,” he says. “Since I’m the owner, I want to oversee the entire process, so we’ll be keeping all locations logistically close to Rome.”
At first, Greener Burger will only be open for lunch and dinner but future plans include a breakfast menu, buffets and blue-plate specials. Menu prices range between $10 to $12 for the European-size portions.
“We’re not into the biggie size but folks will get a great portion of food,” Landers says.
The restaurant will be open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hours may extend for special entertainment events.
The company is hiring a full-staff, from kitchen help to servers. For more, contact Lorna Mazur at 706-346-4253.
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