These local heroes are unsung no more
The 32nd annual Affair of the Heart is held at the Forum River Center on Saturday night.
The 32nd annual Affair of the Heart ceremony was held at the Forum River Center on Saturday night, commending local unsung heroes who have made an impact on the community.
The 10 honorees were recognized as being the recipients of the 2018 Heart of the Community Awards of Honor. These awards are sponsored each year by Redmond Regional Medical Center and produced by the Heart of the Community Foundation Board of Governors.
These are the 10 award recipients along with a short description of their community involvement.
Board of Governors Award: Libby and Ira Levy
The Levys are recognized for their involvement with historic preservation. They have received numerous honors for their efforts including the Rome Symphony Orchestra, the Fairview E.S. Brown School project, Darlington School’s “Rome Parents Program” for boarding students and the Rome Shakespeare Festival. The Levys are also recognized for their individual work with a number of local organizations and civic groups.
Young Heart Award: Jay Shell
A 19-year resident of Rome, Shell has made his impact on the community as the owner of Rome City Brewing Co., as a member of the Floyd County Board of Education and as a community coach for Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation. He also serves on the Downtown Development Authority and has been deeply involved in developing the music scene locally, including starting the River Jam concert.
Business Award: Elm Kid’s Enterprises
The STEAM curriculum at Elm Street Elementary has led to the development of student enterprises to promote learning through entrepreneurship. These enterprises include Sugar Kids Beauty, Elm Kids Construction, Elm SCENTsational Slime and Maker Market on Elm Street. The school also works toward social awareness and giving back to the community.
HOC Award: Mike Burnes
Burnes served for the Navy for 30 years, retiring as a Navy captain in 2003. He has served as a board member for the Rome Tennis Club/Coosa Valley Tennis Association, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation. He served under U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, Congressman Phil Gingrey and Congressman Tom Graves on Military Academy selection boards.
HOC Award: Stephanie McElhone
McElhone serves on a number of committees for St. Mary’s Catholic Church along with helping out with events and coaching cross country. Her work for the YMCA includes the Outreach Feeding Program. She is a volunteer for Restoration Rome, the Rome Area History Museum and Georgia Women of Achievement. She is a board member for the Three Rivers Swim Club and the RomeFloyd County Commission on Children and Youth.
HOC Award: Annette Morris
Morris, a retired guidance counselor for Floyd County Schools, is the founder of Floyd Against Drugs and a board member for the Rome Symphony Orchestra and Episcopal Foundation for the Diocese of Atlanta. She is a past president of the Garden Study Group Garden Club and has volunteered for the Teen Maze and Sexual Assault Center.
HOC Award: Lenora Santoro
Santoro has been involved with the American Cancer Society, Chieftains Museum, the Floyd
Healthcare Foundation and the Junior Service League. She is also on the William Davies Homeless Shelter board and serves on St. Mary’s Church Parish Council, along with being involved in volunteer activities at Darlington.
HOC Award: Charles Smith
In addition to being the head football coach for Rome Middle School, Smith is involved with the Distinguished Gentlemen Group at Anna K. David Elementary and Positive Parenting Program. He founded the Building Positive Families Program and volunteers with the juvenile court system. He is also the booster club and PTO president at Rome High. HOC Award: Scott Smith Smith, an associate with the law firm McRae, Smith and Peek, has had an impact on the Boys & Girls Club, Mercy Senior Care, Tri for Kids Fundraiser, First Baptist Church and Floyd Healthcare Foundation. He is also a board member for the Rome Floyd Chamber, Coosa Country Club and Community Foundation. He is also involved with the United Way of Rome and Seven Hills Rotary.