Connection sept 2014

Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication ofConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk CountySEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Connection News ................................................... 2

Events Calendar.......................................................3

Connection News................................................... 4

Welcome New Members......................................... 7

Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8

Table of Contents

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

where all children are healthy, safe, and successful and where we, as a community, are doing whatever it takes to help families become self-sufficient and the best parents they can be. A dream? Perhaps, but Polk Family Connection has been working with other parents, service providers, churches, schools, law enforcement, and businesses for nearly 20 years in this community towards those outcomes for our community. While there are still “miles to go before we sleep”, there are many projects in place that are helping families to succeed. One example is the Grade Level Reading: Get Georgia Reading Campaign; Polk County is a part of a 3 county co-hort which is focusing on children being ready for school and reading at grade level by the 3rd grade. This is an important milestone because 3rd grade is the point in which children go from learning to read, to needing the skills to read proficiently in order to learn or “reading to learn”. Polk School District has become quite renowned on the state level for the innovative approaches they are implementing in the schools to help make this a reality. The Ferst Foundation is working to provide free books every month for all children from birth to age 4, and the Boys and Girls Club and child care providers are working diligently to prepare children to be ready for school and to be successful and graduate on time when they get there.Another ongoing project for Polk County is being made possible by the leadership and vision of the City of Cedartown through the One Door Polk Network. This project will support families in receiving services in one central location and will re-use the current Polk Medical Center facility and prevent a gap of services in the downtown area. Highland Rivers Health, Polk Primary Healthcare Center and Polk Family Connection collaborative partners will be coming together to provide high quality, easily ac-cessible goods and services for the most in need by bringing together a variety of social service providers under one roof. The City of Cedartown and the Chamber will also partner on a New Business Incubator to support start-up businesses in the com-munity. The social service hub will offer a full spectrum of services from cradle through career solutions and support citizens to the end of life. We also bring together like-minded community members to support efforts towards reducing negative behaviors through the Polk Meth Alliance, Prevent Child Abuse Polk, and the regional System of Care network, which brings together juvenile court, mental health, and youth providers to network in order to reduce the du-plication of services and ensure that all children and youth are receiving adequate and appropriate services. So, while no community is perfect, Polk County is a prime example of a community who works together to help make it the best it can be. If you have any questions or would love to hear more about these issues and working towards a solution, call Rhonda Heuer at 770-748-1016 or email at [email protected]. We host regular monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Polk Medical Center. Our next meeting will be held on August 26. The community is welcome to attend any meeting.

Imagine a place called Polk County.....

Events Calendar CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

September 1Labor Day Bike RideThe Georgia Rails Into Trails Society (GRITS) volunteers will have their 16th annual Labor Day Bike Ride on Monday, September 1st. The ride will start at the Welcome Center in Cedartown, GA with registration at 8:00 a.m. There are three rides scheduled; 20 miles to the state line and back, 27 miles from Cedartown to Rockmart and back, and a Metric Century (62.1 miles). Lunch will be served for the riders at the Cedartown Welcome Center.Registration forms are available at the Rockmart Trailhead, Cedartown Welcome Center, the Polk County Chamber of Commerce and several local merchants. Riders can also register on the www.Active.com web-site.

September 5- October 25Juried Open Photography ExhibitJoin the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center as they open to the public a Juried Open Photography Exhibit. A reception gala/ awards ceremony is set for September 13 from 6- 8 pm. Photography will be able to view September 5 thru October 25.

September 6Aragon Historical Society Car & Truck ShowThis event will be held at Tom Pittman Field in Aragon at 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Registration is from 8:00 am until 11:00 am. There is a $20.00 registration fee to enter your vehicles and will be accepted the day of the show only. Free admission to the public. Prizes will be given for Top Ten Cars, Best of Show, Mayor’s Trophy and People’s Choice. There will be food, door prizes for entrants and lots of fun! All proceeds from this event are to benefit the Aragon Historical Society.

September 16- 20Polk County FairHosted by the Cedartown Exchange Club this event screams fun for the whole family! Tuesday Night is Student Night- All students get into the gate free. Any employee of Polk School District will get into gate for free if they have their PSD ID badge. Wednesday Night- Community Night- $1 off if you bring your church bullentin, $3 off unlimited ride armbands. Thursday Night- Senior Night- All senior citizens get in gate for free. Friday Night is Exchange Club Night. Stay posted to the local papers and to the public libraries for more information and updates on this event.

September 27Rivers AliveKeep Polk Beautiful’s Seventh Annual Rivers Alive Cleanup will be Saturday, September 27th. This year’s event kicks off at Seaborne Jones Park in Rockmart at 9:00 am. If you are interested in volunteering please contact [email protected] or call 678-246-1083. The first 200 volunteers will receive a free t-shirt. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

October 3State of the Community AddressThe Polk County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its second annual State of the Community Address on October 3. Updates will be given on State, Local and community Levels concerning Polk County.

October 4Cedartown Fall FestivalThe 37th Annual Fall Festival in Historic Downtown Cedartown is scheduled from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on October 4th with live entertainment throughout the day. You can also enjoy arts & crafts and a variety of food vendors. A Shriner’s Parade begins at 10:00 am. If you are interested in setting up a space as a vendor or for entry in the parade, you can call 770-684-2090 or email [email protected].

October 4Rock’in at the Rock for Polk County Special OlympicsCome out the Rock Campground and help support the Polk County Special Olympics with lots of music all day long! Bands Sweet Southern Band Reunion Show and hosts of Polk County’s Hottest Bands will be performing. Bands will begin playing at Noon in the Rock Museum. Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the gate. For concert, ticket, or band information please call: Frankie at 678-409-2981 or Jon at 770-684-8519

October 11Veteran’s Memorial ServiceEuharlee Valley Historical Society hopes you will plan to attend this year’s Veterans Memorial Service held at the Historic Van Wert Church & Cemetery. Service starts at 10:00 am. We honor the soldiers that were laid to rest in this historic cemetery. You will also hear about the life of famous Sam P. Jones who started his preaching career in this very church building back in 1872. We will have singing in the church and EVHS members will be selling hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, sweets and drinks. The food sales are a fundraiser an all proceeds go to the upkeep of the building and grounds. Any questions email me or call 770-748-5657. Please forward to your friends. This year is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War activity in Polk County which started back in 1864.

October 11- 12Native American GatheringIn October of 1999 Native Americans gathered at Northwest Park for the first time since the Big Springs Trail of Tears in 1838. For 16 years, Native Americans have gathered at the park to remember and com-memorate the Trail of Tears. Come out and join us as we enjoy a taste of some of their Native traditions and trades. Gates open at 10:00 am both days. The Grand entry is as Noon on both days. There is a $5.00 parking fee at the gate or Walk in for $1.00. For more information on this event call Jerry Stroup at 770-748-8816.

October 18The First Step to Stardom Music FestHeadliners and Bands will be announced soon so stay posted. For updates on the show please like us and follow us on Facebook or visit our website at: ~ https://www.facebook.com/TheRockCampgroundAndMusicPark?ref=hl https://www.facebook.com/RockmartTheBeautiful?ref=hl ~ rockmartfestivals.com or therockrvpark.com. The show starts at 3:00 pm, and headliners will take the stage at 8:00 pm. The Music Fest will be located at The Beautiful Rock Campground, RV, and Music Park at 130 Forsyth Lake Road, Rockmart, GA 30153 in one of our spacious indoor or outdoor venues, so be sure to come rain or shine!As always, The Beautiful Rock Campground is a non-alcoholic venue! Do not forget that we always have jammin’ in the woods in our beautiful new section especially designed for pickin’ and jammin’ which in-cludes swings, water, lights, picnic tables, and 5 covered pergolas. For concert, ticket, or band information please call: Jon 770-684-8519 or Lydia 770-684-8517.

RCAC Classes:ARE YOU A SINGER?If you are interested in joining Rockmart Community Chorus, please call Director Debbie Miller at. 404-219-9572. ART CLASSES OFFERED

Art Classes Available by Appointment• Guitar Lessons with Kris Anderson• Piano Lessons with Claudia BoydClass location: Rockmart Cultural Arts Center, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA.Call 770-684-2707 to register today! Oil Painting or Drawing – with James Hill, Ages 13 and up6 Wednesdays – (6 – 8 PM) - $85 6 Fridays – (2 – 4 PM) - $85Contact Instructor for supply questions at 770-355-1535.Class location: Rockmart Cultural Arts Center, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA.Call 770-684-2707 to register today! Whittling – with Alvin Mallicoat, Ages 8 and up4 Mondays – (5:30 – 7:30PM) - $45 (Classes resume in September – early registration is required – register today!)Tuition includes all materials. Students bring a locking blade pocket knife.Class location: Rockmart Silver Comet Trailhead, 100 Church Street, Rockmart, GA 30153 (behind Seaborn Jones Park, Downtown Rockmart)Call today to register. 770-684-2707 Photography – with Carla Redding “PHOTO CONVO ONE”4 Thursdays, 6:30 PM - $75Next Session Begins September 18, 2014Ages 15 and upClass location: Rockmart Cultural Arts Center, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA.SPACE IS LIMITED – REGISTER EARLY - Call 770-684-2707 to register today! Portraits (any medium) – with Omar Bolado4 Tuesdays (10 AM – 12 PM) - $60Ongoing ClassAges 16 and upClass location: Rockmart Cultural Arts Center, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA.Call 770-684-2707 to register today! Open Studio Pottery with Paul Craighead, All Ages, Ongoing ClassesTuesdays & Wednesdays (6:30 – 8:30 PM) $15 per sessionThursdays (10:00 – 11:30 AM) $12 per sessionClass location: Rockmart Cultural Arts Center, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA.Register upon arrival. Dance Classes with Julia Valenzuela, Ages 2 - 19 (404-308-8817)$45 per monthClasses begin the week of August 18, 2014Class location: Rockmart Cultural Arts Center, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA. For more details on any or all of the above classes, email [email protected] , or call 770-684-2707.

October 31Rockmart Festival of TreatsThe Rockmart Business Alliance will sponsor the annual festival of treats on Friday, October 31 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. in Downtown Rockmart. Be sure to bring you little ghosts and goblins for this trick or treat event. Stay tuned to the local paper for more information on this event.

October 31Trick or Treat CedartownJoin Downtown Merchants as they give out candy to trick or treaters on Main Street from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Be sure to watch the local paper for more information about this event.


The Annual Homespun Festival is not just a Chamber event. It is a true

community event. There are several businesses and community organizations that count on events like Homespun to raise money for their particular causes.

Organizations present at the 2014 Homespun Festival....

St. David’s Welsh Society of GeorgiaCASA of Polk & Haralson

CMO’s KidsUnbroken Covenant CathedralCrossview Community Church

C.H.A.M.P.S.Polk County Rotary Club

101 ChurchSlate City Shriner’s

Rockmart Masonic LodgeRockmart Lion’s Club

RHS Athletic Booster Club

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Homespun Fireworks

Rescheduled September 5th @ 9:30 pm (Dark)

Downtown Rockmart

Sponsored by

Homespun Fireworks

Rescheduled September 5th @ 9:30 pm (Dark)

Downtown Rockmart

Sponsored by

HomespunFireworks

RESCHEDULEDSEPTEMBER 5th @ 9:30 pm (Dark)

Downtown RockmartSponsored by

A major goal of Keep Polk Beautiful is the ongoing monitoring of Polk County’s water ways and water supplies. The protection from pollution of our water resources is the responsibility of all Polk citizens. The Rivers Alive Program is an annual clean water activity sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division during each fall. Keep America Beautiful, Keep Georgia Beautiful and Keep Polk Beautiful are national participants

in Rivers Alive. Polk County’s citizens / volunteers target all waterways in Polk County including rivers, streams, lakes, beaches and wetlands. Keep Polk Beautiful’s Seventh Annual Rivers Alive Cleanup will be Saturday, September 27th. Hundreds of citizens have volunteered to address water pollution throughout the county. This year’s event kicks off at Seaborne Jones Park in Rockmart on Saturday, September 27th at 9:00 am. Tons of debris are collected from our water ways each year; making Rivers Alive one of the most important environmental projects in Polk County and Georgia.


Euharlee Valley Historical Society hopes you will plan to attend this year’s Veterans MemorialService held at the Historic Van Wert Church & Cemetery. Service starts at 10:00 am. We honor the soldiers that were laid to rest in this historic cemetery. You will also hear about the life of famous Sam P. Jones who started his preaching career in this very church building back in 1872. We will have singing in the church and EVHS members will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, sweets and drinks. This food sale is a fundraiser and all proceeds go to the upkeep of the building and grounds. For further information please call Mr. Greg Gray at 770-748-5657.

A major goal of Keep Polk Beautiful is the ongoing monitoring of Polk County’s water ways and water supplies. The protec-tion from pollution of our water resources is the responsibility of all Polk citizens. The Rivers Alive Program is an annual clean water activity sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Envi-ronmental Protection Division during each fall. Keep America Beautiful, Keep Georgia Beautiful and Keep Polk Beautiful are national participants in Rivers Alive. Polk County’s citizens / volunteers target all waterways in Polk County including rivers, streams, lakes, beaches and wetlands. Keep Polk Beautiful’s Seventh Annual Rivers Alive Cleanup will be Saturday, September 27th. Hundreds of citizens have vol-unteered to address water pollution throughout the county. This year’s event kicks off at Seaborne Jones Park in Rockmart on Saturday, September 27th at 9:00 am. Tons of debris are collected from our water ways each year; making Rivers Alive one of the most important environmental projects in Polk County and Georgia.

A major goal of Keep Polk Beautiful is the ongoing monitoring of Polk County’s water ways and water supplies. The protec-tion from pollution of our water resources is the responsibility of all Polk citizens. The Rivers Alive Program is an annual clean water activity sponsored by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Envi-ronmental Protection Division during each fall. Keep America Beautiful, Keep Georgia Beautiful and Keep Polk Beautiful are national participants in Rivers Alive. Polk County’s citizens / volunteers target all waterways in Polk County including rivers, streams, lakes, beaches and wetlands. Keep Polk Beautiful’s Seventh Annual Rivers Alive Cleanup will be Saturday, September 27th. Hundreds of citizens have vol-unteered to address water pollution throughout the county. This year’s event kicks off at Seaborne Jones Park in Rockmart on Saturday, September 27th at 9:00 am. Tons of debris are collected from our water ways each year; making Rivers Alive one of the most important environmental projects in Polk County and Georgia.

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Polk School District hosted its first Mobile Minds UniversityAuthor: Angela Howard

Polk School District hosted its first Mobile Minds University. In support of the district-wide Transforming Learning Initiative, teachers across the county and from surrounding districts were invited to attend a three-day learning event that highlighted instructional technology in the classroom. 257 teachers representing schools from all across Polk County attended over 750 sessions presented by this year’s newly formed Mobile Minds team. Teachers, administrators, and certified staff members actively engaged in hands-on training that showcased cutting edge strategies for technology integration in the 21st century classroom. Enthusiastic teachers spent July 29th, 30th, and 31st integrating mobility with technology to “hit the ground running” this new school year with innovative lessons that transform daily delivery of instruction with engaging technology lessons. In addition, teachers had access to exhibitors showcasing district-wide programs and products students use daily such as Apple, myON, Classworks, Edgenuity, and Study Island. Polk School District’s first Mobile Minds University was a huge success with overwhelming positive feedback from participants both within and outside the district. Polk School District is truly “On the Move” energizing learning through technology by engaging all the Mobile Minds in our classrooms.

Attachment: Pictured (from left to right) Mobile Minds Specialists, Angela Howard, JoAnn Fort, Wes Astin, Tammy Astin, Mary Ann Little, Robin Luke, Kelly Bentley, Laurah Fannin, and Robin Hunter

WELCOME NEW MEMbErs!

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OFFICE: 770-748-7736FAX: 770-748-4015

109 E. Ave. • Cedartown, GA 30125

��Call to Order

1951 Nathan Dean Byp. Rockmart, GA 30153

(770) 684-2848

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Cedartown, GA 30125770-748-7807

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Carrollton, GA 30116678-502-8035

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Silver Comet Trail

The Silver Comet Trail is located 13 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. It's free of charge, and travels west through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties. This quiet, non-motorized trail is for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, horses, dog walkers, and is wheelchair accessible.

South Cobb Dr. -1.00 1015 (Note: This is considered part of the Silver Comet Extension) Mavell Rd. 0.00 925 Fontaine Road 1.20 906 Concord Road 2.60 887 Floyd Road 4.20 1021 Carter Road 8.60 948 Sailor’s Parkway 9.40 984 Florence Road 11.60 946 Hiram 14.66 1001 Paulding County 14.66 1001Chamber of Commerce Tara Drummond 20.23 1035(previously Dallas Trailhead) Rambo Nursery 22.22 941 Coot’s Lake 33.49 930 Van Wert 36.06 807 Rockmart Riverwalk 37.66 749 Nathan Dean Park 38.76 748 Don Williams 44.90 864 Grady Road 45.80 904 Cedartown Depot 51.30 796 Martin Trailhead 52.90 824 Esom Hill 61.20 923 Stateline Gateway 61.50 922(Georgia-Alabama Line)

Parking & Trail Access Mile Marker Elevation (Ft)

Landmarks and Historic AreasRockmart/Aragon

VAN WERTCreated in 1832 from the village of Cleantown, Van Wert was made the seat of Paulding County. It was known for slate, iron, gold and fertile farmland and served as the county seat until Polk County was formed from part of Paulding in 1851 and the county seat was moved to Cedartown. Van Wert was awarded a Historic Township of Georgia by the Department of Community Affairs.

VAN WERT METHODIST CHURCHBuilt in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest struc-tures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovat-ing the structure.

ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCHIn Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.

ROCKMART MURALThe mural was created in 1997 and painted on the side of Morgan Hardware on Marble Street. The mural was created by 180 volunteers over a three week period and was part of a celebration of Rockmart's 125th anniversary.

THE GOODYEAR MILLIn 1929, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company selected Rockmart as the site for one of its clearwater mills. They built a multi-million dollar plant on what is now Goodyear Street and gave Rockmart "the biggest boost it has ever received in its history." Goodyear sold the plant in 1987 and it is now owned and operated by Meggitt Polymers & Composites

GOODYEAR MILL VILLAGEIn the 1930s, Goodyear built a modern village with approximately 180 homes, two tennis courts, a baseball field and a golf course directly across the street from the mill.

CITY HALL The Rockmart Municipal Complex located on N. Piedmont Ave, is now considered "City Hall". The complex includes the Administrative Services Building, Cultural Arts Center,Recreation Department, and Rockmart Police Department. The complex is located on what was origi-nally the site of the Piedmont Institute College, which was replaced later by Rockmart High and Middle Schools which later became known as Rockmart High School.

ROSE HILL CEMETERY/GAZEBOOn Elm Street, the land for the cemetery was donated to the town. The gazebo, constructed in 1891 is now considered one of Rockmart's most recognizable historic landmarks. The cemetery site also offers a spectacular view across Rockmart.

EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARKA city park, Seaborn Jones Park sits in the middle of downtown Rockmart along the banks of the Euharlee Creek. The name Euharlee comes from the Cherokee or Creek Indians and means "she laughs as she runs."

ROCKMART HISTORICAL MUSEUMThe recently opened Rockmart Historical Museum is a must to see for anyone interested in history. It chronicles the unique history and culture of Rockmart with heirloom contribu-tions of items and photos supplied by members of the community. Of particular interest art the items concerning "Welsh" Rockmart, with its miners and slate industry, chapels and slate roofs. The museum is located in Old City Hall Building at 133 Marble Street, next to Seaborn Jones Park.

DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGSNear Aragon's City Hall, camping place of General Grenville Dodge's 16th AC of McPherson's Army of Tennessee. Later, Brig. Gen. J.C. Davis' 2nd division, 14th Corps Army of the Cumberland camped here en route from Rome to Dallas, Ga. These troops were part of the right wing of General Sherman’s forces moving to outflank General Johnston’s army at Alla-toona Pass. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.

Landmarks and Historic AreasCedartown

POLK COUNTY HISTORICALSOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the mu se um contains the history of Polk Coun ty. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Geor gia architect, and was built in 1924. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places.

POLK COUNTY COURTHOUSE #2 At 100 Prior Street, this building was designed by Otis Clay Poundston in Neoclassical Revival Style and constructed in 1935. It was originally City Hall, but is now used as a courthouse annex.

CEDARTOWN MURAL Completed in 1999, the mural is located in downtown Cedartown. The project was designed and completed by local artists and volunteers from The Art Lover’s League of Cedar Valley. The mural is a collage of well-known structures in Cedartown including many historic sites such as Hawkes Children’s Library and County Courthouse #2.

CONFEDERATE MEMORIALOutside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCHBuilt on West Avenue in 1883, this is the oldest church still in use in Cedartown. The church has been maintained in its original state except for the outside color. Sterling Holloway grew up in this church.

BOOZ HOTELThis structure was built in the 1800s and operated as a hotel in the 1890s. Located across the street from the Polk County Historical Society.

BIG SPRINGLocated on Wissahickon Avenue, this was the site of a ballground and ceremonial dance ground of the Cherokee Indian natives until the early 1800s. It is the second largest limestone spring in the South and produces an average of 4 million gallons of water per day.

DOWNTOWN CEDARTOWNIn 1988, Cedartown became a “Mainstreet City” and is a registered site in the National Register of Historic Places. The last decade has seen much renovation in the down town area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090.HIGHTOWER FALLSOriginally the site of a wooden grist mill purchased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and con vert ed into a facsimile of the Whitney cotton gin. Mr. Hightower also constructed a three story mill on the site in 1850 using the 60 foot Falls for power. The mill was once a vibrant mercantile center near Cedartown. Sherman’s men ate and slept here on their march through the state, but spared the mill from the fate which befell so many others. Hightower Falls is presently a private group facility available for special occasions. Call (770) 748-8588 for more information.

OLD MILLLocated on Hwy. 27 South, this structure was built by slave labor in 1848 for Asa Prior who came to Polk County in 1837. The first miller was a slave named “Old Allen” and the structure was operated as a mill until 1945. It was renovated and operated as a restaurant by Mr. And Mrs. Robert Stephens from 1960-1991. It was purchased by Ann and Jimmy Madden in 1997.

Attractions Guide CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Cedartown Performing Arts CenterThe pride of the City of Cedartown, The Cedartown Performing Arts Center located at the Cedartown Auditorium, presents a wealth of premium entertainment each year from the Atlanta Symphony to touring Broadway plays. The Performing Arts Center also sponsors enrichment programs for children in Polk and surrounding counties through workshops and performances. 770-748-4168.

West TheaterThis 1941 Art Deco style theater hosts first run movies for both children and adults.

Peek ParkOn North College Street, this beautiful city park is located on land donated by Captain J.A. Peek. It contains tennis courts, playground and picnic areas.

Bert Wood Youth and Athletic ComplexSoftball and baseball fields, gymnasium, track, cabin, playground, and Senior Center make up this recreational facility in Northwest Cedartown. Government sponsored and volunteer activities abound almost year round.

Cherokee Golf and County ClubThis private facility off Cherokee Road contains an 18 hole golf course, four tennis courts, a swimming pool and beautiful clubhouse with dining facility. The club hosts many local fundraising golf and tennis tournaments as well as member-related events. 770-748-2800.

Cedar Valley Arts FestivalAn annual festival is held on the last full weekend in April. This event is sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League. Local and regional art-ists display their craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Peek Park, the site of the festival.

Meadow Lakes Golf ClubMeadow Lakes is a public facility in North Polk County offering 18 holes of championship golf as well as a clubhouse, banquet facility, and swimming pool. The club regularly hosts tournaments and les-sons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942

Rockmart Civic Arts CommissionPromotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. 770-684-5454.

Seaborn Jones ParkA city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.

Nathan Dean Sports ComplexRockmart’s primary recreational park for softball and baseball. The park also contains a track and a playground area. Pavilions are also located through the park.

Prospect Valley CourseNine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961.

Silver Comet TrailThe Silver Comet Trail is a paved, converted rail trail spanning more than 60 miles from Smyrna GA to the GA/AL border in Polk County. Here the trail joins the Chief Ladiga trail for another 33 miles to Anniston, AL. The two trails provide 95.5 continuous paved recreational miles not available to motorized traffic. The longest segment of the Silver Comet in one county is 29 miles through Polk. The Depot in Rockmart provides water and restrooms and is next to Seaborn Jones Park. Snacks and restrooms are available at the Depot in Cedartown which houses several offices including the welcome center and museum of local memorabilia. The first foot of the Silver Comet Trail was poured on July 9, 1998 in Cobb County, GA.

Polk County Homespun FestivalAn annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Com merce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and region-al crafters display their wares throughout the park. Continuous enter-tainment is a highlight of the festival as well as many games and events throughout the park. 770-684-8760.

Aragon BarbequePatriotism at its peak, the annual barbeque is held on the third Saturday in June. Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are highlights.

Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk ParkAragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities.

Welsh FestivalMae'n dod Gwy! Cmry!/Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours of the historical Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. It is held on the quad (square) next to the Old City Hall Building, 133 Marble St. in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March.

CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGONLeisure Life in Polk County

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153

770/684-8760 Fax: 770/825-9002

609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125www.polkgeorgia.com

Published by: News Publishing Company

P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162

For Advertising Information call

Todd Britt at 770-748-1520 or

LaDonna Mears at770-748-1520

Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber

of Commerce 770/684-8760

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk County

Polk County at a Glance CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

LOCATION AND LAND AREAPolk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest indus-trial centers: Atlanta, 45 miles east; Birmingham, 85 miles west, and Chattanooga, 83 miles north. Surrounded on four corners by mountains, Polk County is a land of dramatic contrasts - from the city of Cedartown which lies on a gentle plain to Rockmart with its rocky hills and deep valleys.

GOVERNMENTPolk County is governed by a six member Board of Commissioners elected for four-year staggered terms. The chairman is elected from the board for a one-year term. Cedartown, the county seat, is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners who elect a com mis sion chairman from amongst board members and appoint a City Manager. The city of Rockmart is governed by an elected mayor and five council members who elect a City Manager. Aragon is governed by a mayor and four council members. Full-time police and fire departments are maintained in all three areas and the county for the pro tec tion of all residents.

INDUSTRYPolk County boasts a wide array of existing industry and takes pride in its success in new industry recruitment in the last decade. The top ten industries employee some 3,700 people and include both manufacturing and service.

CLIMATEA moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity through out most of the year:January averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32/55 degreesJuly averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67/83 degreesAverage annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.

POPULATION42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.

TRANSPORTATIONMajor trucking lines and both CSX and the Norfolk Southern Railway system link Polk County to points in all directions. Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport is only one hour away while Cornelius Moore Airport in the middle of the county provides a paved and lighted 4,000 ft. runway. The new $15,000,000 state of the art Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport is only 8 miles from Polk County. Four lane Highway 278 east links Polk County to Atlanta via I-20. Other main arteries include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.

COMMUNICATIONSTwo newspapers, the Cedartown Standard and the Rockmart Journal, and two radio stations, WGAA Cedartown and WZOT Rockmart, keep county residents informed of local, regional and na tion al hap-pen ings.

EDUCATIONEducational institutions in the county include six elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and a regional vocational-technical school. Two private schools are maintained and county res i dents have easy access to three additional private schools in a neighboring county.

UTILITIESGeorgia Power and Carroll EMC service electrical needs in Polk County and gas is distributed by Atlanta Gas Light Company and sold by several suppliers. The cities of Cedartown and Rockmart operate sew-age treatment facilities and have their own water supply via a spring-fed gravity system in Cedartown and Euharlee Creek in Rockmart. The county’s water supply originates with three springs and one well. BellSouth pro vides a first-rate tele com mu ni ca tions sys tem and cablevision is provided by Charter Communications.

HEALTHCAREPolk Medical Center is located in Cedartown. Numer-ous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also available.

POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe main office of the Polk County Chamber of Com-merce is located at 133 South Marble Street in Rock-mart. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Chamber also main tains a Cedartown office in conjunction with the Cedartown Welcome Center at 609 S. Main St.. Cedartown office hours are Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Call the Chamber office at 770-684-8760.

Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of

Save the date...

2014 State of the Community (SOC) Address

October 3, 2014 State, Local & Community updates concerning Polk County

Working together for our community. Presented in part by:

Champion partners:

Connection sept 2014

Documents

Transcript of Connection sept 2014