A native of Waterbury, Conn., Lenora received a BS degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a MSW degree from Northwestern University. She and her husband, Dr. James Santoro, moved to Rome when he started his medical practice.
Her community service has included the following:
- American Cancer Society
- Chieftains Museum
- Floyd Healthcare Foundation
- Junior Service League member and sustainer
- William Davies Homeless Shelter Board
- Mary’s Church Parish Council
- Darlington School-Room and Dorm Parent and other volunteer activities
She and her husband have one son and daughter-in-law.
Nominated by Elizabeth Tierney, who says: “Lenora will tell you she does not deserve this award that she volunteers because she loves helping people and her community.”
A native of Greenville, S.C., Annette has been a longtime resident of Floyd County.
She received a BS Degree from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree from Georgia State University and recently received an Ed. S Degree from the University of Alabama. She currently is a retired guidance counselor from the Floyd County Schools.
Her community involvement:
- Founder of Floyd Against Drugs
- Board Member of Rome Symphony Orchestra
- Past President Garden Study Group Garden Club
- Committees at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
- Board Member of the Episcopal Foundation for the Diocese of Atlanta
- Volunteer with Teen Maze
- Previous volunteer with Sexual Assault Center
- Former member of the Episcopal Charities Foundation Committee
She has two grown children, Scott and Vann Morris
The nominators for Annette all agreed: “She has a heart filled with compassion, love, generosity, courage and loyalty to others.”
Together the Levys have participated in::
- Rome Symphony Orchestra
- Ira as past president.
- Libby with “Symphony Supper” series.
- Hosted “President’s Luncheons” for Rome Symphony debutantes.
- Honored by the Georgia Trust For Historic Preservation.
- Fairview E.S. Brown School project.
- Darlington School’s “Rome Parents Program” for boarding students.
- Renovation of residential & commercial bldgs., Between-The-Rivers Historic District.
- Georgia Cities Foundation Renaissance Award for Forrest Hotel renovation.
- Rome Shakespeare Festival.
- Hosted members of the Moscow Children’s Theater during their stay in Rome.
- Hosted delegates from Ueki-town, Japan during Rome’s City-to-City Exchange.
Ira’s additional activities:
- Leadership Rome
- Past president, Rodeph Shalom Congregation.
- Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce
- Past member of Exchange and Rotary Clubs.
- Former board member DeSoto Theater Foundation.
- Sports teams sponsor.
- Spaghetti Suppers for Angel Express.
- Past Chairman of Georgia Trust For Historic Preservation.
- Emeritus board member of Georgia Trust For Historic Preservation.
Libby’s additional activities:
- Past president Camellia Garden Club.
- Friendship Force’s Georgia to Georgia Exchange in 1990.
- Independently collected and took relief to Georgia for many years.
- Designed the logos for Rome Federation of Garden Clubs & Symphony Debutantes.
- Former board member Rome History Museum.
- New Romans.
- Volunteered time, art, food and design work for many Rome organizations’ fundraisers.
Ira and Libby have three children: Sam, Ben and Liz.
Nominated by Shane Walley, who says, ”From a very young age, I have seen firsthand the love, generosity and devotion Ira and Libby have displayed toward Rome and its citizens. I am extremely proud they are being honored by the Heart of the Community. I can’t think of a more deserving couple.”
Stephanie grew up in Alexandria, Va. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and her MBA from the University of Alabama.
Her community involvement:
- Mary’s Catholic Church – Finance Committee, Vision & Mission Committee, Endowment Committee
- Mary’s Catholic School – Auction Gala Co-Chair, Endowment Committee, School Advisory Board, Capital Campaign Team Member, Middle School Cross Country Coach
- YMCA – Outreach Feeding Program -Advocate, Endowment Committee, Volunteer for Community Events
- Three Rivers Swim Club – Board Member
- Rome Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth – Board Member
- Rome High School – Cochair Run with the Wolves 5k Fundraiser
- Restoration Rome – Community Engagement Volunteer
- Rome Symphony Debutante Ball – Volunteer
- Rome Area History Museum – Volunteer
- Georgia Women of Achievement – Volunteer
- Paradise Garden in Summerville, GA – Volunteer
- Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind – Volunteer
Stephanie is married to Dr. P.J. McElhone, an anesthesiologist at Redmond Regional Medical Center. They have two children, Brennan and Peyton.
Nominators of Stephanie said: “Stephanie has improved the lives of countless young people in the community. Stephanie has fully dedicated herself to every volunteer position she has ever had. She does what is expected and then she does way more.”
MIKE BURNES
Mike graduated from Rome High School in 1969 and the U.S. Naval Academy in 1973. He served seven years in active Navy and 23 years in Navy Reserve. He retired as a Navy captain in 2003.
His community Involvement:
- Rome Tennis Club/Coosa Valley Tennis Association where he has served as Treasurer, President-elect, President and Board member
- Co- Coordinator of volunteers for the Atlantic Coast Conference Tennis Championship
- Steering committee –Rome Tennis Center
- Volunteer recruiter for Naval Academy as a Blue & Gold Officer
- Served under U.S. Senator, Saxby Chambliss, Congressman Phil Gingrey and Congressman
Tom Graves on Military Academy selection Boards. Chairman of Congressman Graves’ Board
- Board member of Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Past Chairman of Board
- Board member of Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation
- 2017 SPLOST Committee
Mike and his wife, Cynthia have four married children and six grandchildren.
Nominated by Bill Thornton. Bill says “There is never a job too big or too small for Mike. He is always ready to serve behind the scenes in any capacity for as long as needed or as the person in charge”.
On Saturday, February 17, 2018, ten of Rome’s “unsung” heroes will be honored at the Heart of the Community Awards of Honor gala called “An Affair of the Heart.” For 31 years, Redmond Regional Medical Center has sponsored these awards to recognize and honor individuals whose commitment through volunteer service has made this community a better place in which to live, work and raise a family.
Our 2018 recipients include: Libby and Ira Levy, Board of Governors Award, Jay Shell, Young Heart Award , Elm Street Elementary School, Business Award and Awards of Honor Recipients, Mike Burnes, Stephanie McElhone, Annette Morris, Lenora Santoro, Charles Smith and Scott Smith.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase here: PURCHASE TICKETS or by calling Wanda J. Whitten at 706-802-3924.
Please click on a name below for video tribute to these very worthy recipients of the 2016 Heart of the Community Awards of Honor.
Elaina Beaman
Luke Chaffin
Tonya Davis
Christa Jackson
Allison Watters
Vargo Orthodontics
2016 HOC Board of Governors Award Recipient:
Dr. Sidney Bell
Heritage First Bank, David Mathis, Joe Montgomery, Jim Powell, Pamela Roberts, Kristen Sheeley, Mary Hardin Thornton, Tashia Ingram Twyman and Board of Governors’ Honoree, Dr. Richard Dixon have been selected as the recipients of the 2017 Heart of the Community Awards of Honor. The nine honorees will be recognized on Feb. 18 at the 31st Annual “Affair of the Heart.” The theme for this year is “Loving Hearts, Helping Hands.” These awards are sponsored each year by Redmond Regional Medical Center and produced by the Heart of the Community Board of Governors. Tickets are available from this site or by calling Wanda Whitten at 706 802-3924.
Meet the Current Recipients
Tashia Twyman received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Georgia State University and a Master’s of Education Degree from Jacksonville, State University.
She has served as an instructor and tutor at several colleges and schools in the area.
Her community service does or has included the following:
-Darlington School Strategic Planning
– Community Kitchen Volunteer
– Open Door Home Board
– Rome Housing Authority
– Junior Service League
– Lovejoy Baptist Church
– Alpha Kapa Alpha Sorority
– Rome Housing Authority
Daughter of Rev. & Mrs. Carey N. Ingram, she is married to Christopher P. Twyman and they have two children, Lauren Christa (11) and Myles Christopher (8)
Nominated by Rhonda Wallace, Rhonda says “ Tashia’s love for her community shows in her smile. She always goes the extra mile to make an event successful. She always shows up “Ready to Go”
A 1964 graduate of East Rome High School and a 1968 graduate of Auburn University. Pam has committed herself to this community through service oriented activities.
Those Activities have included:
-Good Neighbor Ministries
– Chieftain’s Museum and Plant Sale
– Junior Service League
– Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful
– Rome Federated and Townview Garden Clubs
– Rome First United Methodist Church Soups Kitchen
– Georgia Master Gardner
– Tomato Sandwich Supper for Free Clinic
A Master Gardner, she has used her talents helping keep garden spots neat around East Central School and works with the resident at Winthrop Court on gardening projects. She has been a faithful worker at the Coosa Valley Fair Horticulture Show through staffing and judging.
Pam and her husband, Bill are the parents of two children, Jeremy and Jessica and 5 grandchildren.
Those nominating Pam speak of her “Go To” personality and her commitment to the clients at Good Neighbor Ministries.
Mary Hardin Thornton graduated from West Rome High School in 1987 and from Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama. She received a B.S. Degree in English, Religion and Philosophy.
She currently serves as the Director of Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful where she works to engage the citizen of Rome and Floyd County to take greater responsibility for improving community environment by preventing litter, reducing waste and becoming more involved in community improvement projects.
Her civic and community activities have included:
-Clean Community Commission
– St. Mary’s Catholic Church
– Rome Rotary Club
– Hospitality House for Women Board
– Georgia Arbor Organization
– Director of Neighborhood Sustainability
– Georgia Urban Forest Council
– Paradise Garden Foundation
– South Rome Community Garden
– Network Day Services Board
– Coosa District Civic Service, Boy Scouts of America
– Heart of the Community Foundation Board
– Junior Service League
– Leadership Rome
– TRED ( Trails for Recreation and Economic Development)
She and her husband, Billy, have been married 20 years and have two sons, Wyatt and Henry who attend St. Mary’s School.
Her nominators are quick to indicate her infectious enthusiasm and the service she gives to this community.
A native of Rome, Georgia and a graduate of Rome High School, Kristen received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Georgia.
Current and previous community service includes:
-While in high school, Kristen worked with Habitat of Humanity in Poland, Utah and
Washington State
-She was also a member of the Rome Domestic Violence Task Force
– Hospitality House Thrift Store
– Volunteer Coordinator for Women of W.O.R.T.H. Women’s Clinic
– Volunteer in Cusco Peru
Kristen works tirelessly to promote the clinic and bring attention to the problems of the uninsured in the areas. She also works very closely with other local service agencies to increase meaningful access to health care. She has developed an extensive volunteer programs that works with local colleges and high schools to allow their nursing and other students to experience the joy of a volunteer experience.
According to Marilyn Ringstaff, “ Kristen is a compassionate and motivated young women who is committed to assisting people.”
An adopted son of Rome, Georgia and a native of Lake City, Florida, Joe Montgomery has been at Darlington School since 2004 and is the Assistant Head of School for Strategic Initiatives and previously served as Chief Advancement Officer. Prior to joining Darlington, he was the Senior Vice President of Private Client Services at SunTrust Bank and Vice President for University Relations at Shorter University.
Joe has served in numerous capacities on local, state and regional boards and committees. His enthusiasm and abilities have often led to his being chosen for leadership roles. He has provided “pro bono” consulting services in fundraising, strategic planning and board development for numerous local non-profit organizations.
-Serves on the South Rome Redevelopment Agency and Corporation Boards
-Chairs the scholarship fundraising committee for the Early Learning Center at Anna K. Davie
Elementary School
– Serves on the Private Colleges and Universities Authority
– Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce Board and serves on the Board of Directors of the
Georgia State Chamber of Commerce
– Served as Chairman of the Board of Georgia Conservancy currently on the Advisory Board
– Leadership Georgia’s Class of 1999,
– Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees Received the Fred Kerr Award for enthusiastic and
active support of Leadership Georgia on a continuing and consistent basis.
– An Eagle Scout, he has been a lifelong volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America.
Joe and his wife, Rebekah, have three daughters and most recently became grandparents. They are active members of Rome First United Methodist Church.
According to Dr. J. Paul Ferguson, “Joe Montgomery has been a quiet, behind the scenes advocate and supporter of many local activities and organizations.
A native of Rome and a graduate of Coosa High School, Jim’s work career began following his graduation from Carson Newman College with Floyd Medical Center in behavioral health services but evolved into healthcare management and business development. Jim also received his Master’s Degrees in Counseling from West Georgia College and Healthcare Administration from Mercer University. Following his 20 plus years in healthcare, he has been Director of Economic Development with Georgia Northwestern Technical College since 2000.
His community service has included the following:
- Rome Jaycees Past Board member
- Drug Free Community Task Force member – Just Say No to Drugs Campaign
- Mary’s School Past Board member & Sports Boosters Club Past Chairman
- Rome Junior Golf Association member
- Coosa Valley Tennis Association member
- Coosa Valley Mental Health Past Board member
- Regional Chambers of Commerce member
- Mary’s Catholic Church Youth Group volunteer
- Friends of the Theatre at Shorter College member
- Rome High Chorus Booster Club Past Chairman
- Rome Little Theatre Past Board member
- Knights of Columbus Grand Knight & Labor Day Barbeque Chairman
- United Arts Collaborative member
- Rome Kiwanis Club Past Board member
- Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation Board member
- Rome Downtown Development Authority member
- Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge performer
Jim’s earlier efforts with area schools, sports and youth organizations, coupled with his involvement with local mental health organizations and the Knight of Columbus, helped influence his work toward “service to others”. HDTF was formed to enable the ongoing work to restore and sustain the theatre, bringing it back to its prominence as the Jewel of Broad St. and Rome’s premier performance/community venue. The results of these efforts, including additional programming through concerts, children’s shows and community events, has helped raise the needed funds to continue theatre improvements for RLT, future generations and all of Rome to enjoy.
Jim and his beautiful wife, Cathy, who is happily retired from the Floyd County School System, are proud of their children, Tripp (Brittany) and Melissa (Todd) and two “perfect grandchildren, Mary James and Daniel.
Teresa and Brian Resch say of Jim ”Whether he’s out front on-stage or out in the community, playing his guitar or cooking bar-b-que or selling peaches, or behind the scenes doing some of the dirty work, even changing the marquee……. with a smile on his face, enjoying his family and friends and having fun”
The mission statement for Heritage First Bank not only focuses on exceeding the expectations of their customers but to be an active corporate citizen in the community. The net result they hope will enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve.
Their employees can be found serving in various communities and on boards of agencies in the Rome community.
Some of those include:
-Seven Hills and Rome Rotary Clubs
– Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce
– Open Door Home Board
– South Rome Redevelopment Center
– Cancer Navigators
– YMCA
– Noon Optimist Club
– Exchange Club of Rome
– Trails for Recreation and Development (TRED)
– Kiwanis Club of Rome
– Community Kitchen
– Hospitality House for Women
-Salvation Army
-Rome-Floyd Commission on Children and Youth
– Worked with other banks to honor and recognize First Responders in Rome
They have sponsored fund raising events for:
– Historic Desoto Theatre Foundation
– Cancer Navigators
– Open Door Home
– Snickers Needs a Ride Truck Project
-South Rome Redevelopment Center
According to Robert Blumberg “Heritage First Bank has been a strong proponent of community involvement and will continue to play a leadership role”
