Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County MAY / JUNE 2015
Official Publication of
THE CHAMBER
Georgia www.polkgeorgia.com
Table of Contents
Connection News: Events Calendar: Connection News:
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4
School Zone: Welcome New Members Silver Comet Map:
Page 5 Page 7 Page 8
Cedartown Wheel Chair Racing Coming Soon! 2015 is the fifteenth year of the Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete Training Camp & 5K Road Race and this summer we are once again inviting the athletes of the world to come and visit Cedartown. More than a hundred of the world’s best wheelchair athletes have come to Cedartown over the years to participate in the Training Camp to race against the very best competition possible; in fact, our alumni earned every gold medal awarded in races of 800 meters or more at the 2013 Paralympics World Championships in Lyon, France. The Camp is considered the highlight of the year for many of these elite athletes and the race is widely known as the pre-eminent 5K Road Race in the world! Every world standard for a 5K road race in the men’s and women’s wheelchair classifications have been recorded on the streets of our hometown. We have hosted the world championship five-kilometer Road Race two times in the last ten years. To be known in the racing world as a ‘destination’ race would be a major coup for any town, especially so for a modest hometown like Cedartown. We still find it amazing that our picturesque little city can host such an event year in and year out, but we do! We are fortunate that we have the continued backing of the many supporting partners who have been with us since day one, as well as new supporting partners. The sponsors are the sole source of income for the annual budget.
The Fun Race for Kids begins at 6:30pm and the Wheelchair races at 7:00pm, near Peek Park on College Street in Cedartown.
Race Schedule:
June 29: Athletes arrive in Cedartown June 30: Race Day! July 1&2: Training July 3: Athletes depart to Atlanta for the Peachtree Road Race For more information on the Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete Training Camp and 5k Road Race contact Dave Grove at cedartown5k@aol.com and like us on Facebook at Cedartown Wheelchair Training Camp & 5K. EVEN#
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Events Calendar
Upcoming Events May 2- Polk County Relay for Life Join us as we help the fight against cancer. This year’s relay will be at the Polk County Fairgrounds
May 7- Opening Day of the Rockmart Farmer’s Market Opening Day of the Rockmart Farmer’s Market Located by the Rockmart Silver Comet Trailhead and behind Southcrest Bank. The market will open at 2PM until 6PM. For more information you can email rockmarfarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit the website at www. Rockmartfarmersmarket.com.
May 19- Small Business of the Year Breakfast The Polk County Chamber would like thank each and every small business in Polk County. The 2014 Polk County Small Business of the Year will also be named. For more information please call the Chamber at 770-684-8760 or www.polkgeorgia.com.
May 9 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings May 11 2:00 p.m. Monday Art Judging/ Awards May 13 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series -Start a New Business
May 14 - 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Seventh Son Rated PG13
May 15- Facebook Fridays May 16 -2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings May 18 -12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Music Monday May 20- 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Ideas for creating a hanging basket May 21 -2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Spare Parts Rated PG-13 May 22 Facebook Fridays May 23- 2:00 p.m. Saturday GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
May 23- RCAC Ballet
ESCAPE THE ORDINARY at the Cedartown Library
The RCAC Ballet with Julia Valenzuela is performing “A Fairy Tale” Ballet on Saturday, May 23 at 3:00 pm in the Rockmart Theatre. For ticket information call 770-684-2707 or email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov.
April 13- All Day -Monday Open House April 15-8:30 - 1:00 AARP Tax Preparation April 16-2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- The Theory of
June 6-The Rock & Comet 12K/ 5K Greater Atlanta Athletes presents The Rock & Comet 12K/ 5K at the Beautiful Rock Campground, RV & Music Park and the Silver Comet Trail. The race will start and finish at the Rock Campground. For more information on this event www.greateratlantaathletes.com.
June 19- 20- Aragon BBQ The 41st Annual Aragon BBQ will host music, great food, children activities and fireworks.
ESCAPE THE ORDINARY at the Rockmart Library April 13-All Day -Monday Open House April 15- 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn SeriesTake a Day Trip
April 16 - 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- The Theory of Everything Rated PG13 April 17 - Facebook Friday April 18- 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings April 20- Staff Appreciation Day April 22- 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn SeriesImprove Your Credit Score April 23- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Unbroken Rated PG13 April 24- Facebook Friday April 25 - 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings April 27 -12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Music Monday April 29 -11:00 p.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn SeriesPlan Your Retirement April 30- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Red Sky Rated PG-13 May 1 - Facebook Friday May 2 - 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings May 4- All Day Monday Art Contest Setup May 6 -11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Buy Your First Home May 7 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Selma Rated PG13 May 8 Facebook Friday
Everything Rated PG13 April 17-Facebook Friday April 18-2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings April 20 - Staff Appreciation Day April 22-11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn SeriesImprove Your Credit Score April 23- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Unbroken Rated PG13 April 24 -Facebook Friday April 25-2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings April 27-12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Music Monday April 29-11:00 p.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Plan Your Retirement April 30-2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Red Sky Rated PG-13 May 1 -Facebook Friday May 2- 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings May 4- All Day Monday Art Contest Setup May 6-11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series- Buy Your First Home May 7-2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Selma Rated PG13 May 8 -Facebook Friday May 9-2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings May 11-2:00 p.m. Monday Art Judging/ Awards May 13 -11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn Series –Ideas for Making a Hanging Basket May 14- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Seventh Son Rated PG13 May 15- Facebook Fridays May 16- 2:00 p.m. Saturday Prize Drawings May 18- 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Music Monday May 20 - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lunch-n-Learn SeriesStarting a New Business -Brett Madden, Jr., CPA May 21- 2:00 p.m. Thursday Theatre- Spare Parts Rated PG-13 May 22 Facebook Fridays May 23 2:00 p.m. Saturday GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
***All programs are free and open to the public. Please sign up for our Lunch-n-Learn series as seating is limited.
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Connection News:
Aragon BBQ For the 41st year in a row, the City of Aragon will once again host the “Aragon BBQ”, June 19th & 20th. The “Aragon BBQ” is the oldest, ongoing annual outdoor festival in Polk County. Begun as a fundraiser in 1974 for the Polk County Fire Fighters at Station 4, in Aragon. This will be the first year in its history that it will not be a fundraiser. Aragon no longer has a Volunteer Fire Department, and, thus it has become a City sponsored event, FREE to the public. The event solicits sponsorships from local businesses and individual donors to help defray cost. All activities take place atThe Tom Pittman Recreation Center, located on New Prospect Road, adjacent to the Aragon United Methodist Church, just off Georgia Highway 101, with ample parking. This is a very special year for Aragon, not only is it the 41st anniversary of the “BBQ”, its also follows Aragon’s CENTENNIAL in 2014. The City, founded in 1899, was incorporated on July 29, 1914. We call it a special year because we are only 99 years away from celebrating a Bi Centennial, so we figured we might as well begin the celebration now! On Saturday morning before the “BBQ” opens, the Aragon United Methodist Church Men’s Club will be holding its 3rd Annual $5.00 Pancake breakfast prior to the opening of the BBQ, Saturday morning from 7 a.m., until 10 a.m., and it too is open to the public. Also associated with the “Aragon BBQ” is the annual Softball tournament, which this year will begin Friday evening, June 19th. The tournament is played Friday night, and all day Saturday, until the FIREWORKS show, beginning at 10 PM. Musical entertainment starts with “Gospel Night” on Friday at 6 PM, going until 10 PM. Saturday, the on stage entertainment begins at 3 PM. There will be Country, Rock and Bluegrass performers on the newly constructed “The Stage @ Aragon”, built by volunteer labor, and the stage will be dedicated Saturday evening in honor of those serving on the Stage Building Team. The BBQ is prepared and served by the “Slate City Shrine Club”. Other food, and entertainment will be available for adult and youth attendees. The festival. Gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and will close following the FIREWORKS show at 10 PM. Anyone wishing to be a vendor, or sponsor call Lori Dunn at 770-684-6563, extension 103, for information.
Polk County Small Business of the Year Award Each year the Polk County Chamber of Commerce presents the Small Business of the Year Award to a Chamber small business (20 employees or less) for accomplishments made in their business that benefit their customers, employees and the county. Nomination forms are sent to the Chamber membership who in return nominates a business for the award. The nominees must meet the criteria presented and complete an application and activity form. The information is then sent to an unbiased party to judge the nominated businesses and select the winner of the Small Business of the Year Award. This prestigious award will be presented at the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast, Tuesday, May 19, 7:30am. For complete information regarding the breakfast call 770-684-8760, email info@polkgeorgia. com or visit www.polkgeorgia.com.
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School Mobile DistrictMinds is excited to announce the second annual Mobi School Minds Zone Polk University University 2015 Mobile 2015 Mobile University 2015 University, JulyMinds 20-22, 2015. P olk School District is transforming l
Polk School District is excited to by announce the second annual Mobile Minds through technology engaging the mobile minds in our classroom University, Julysecond 20-22,is2015. P olk District is transforming Polk School District excited toSchool announce the second annual learning istrict is excited to announce the annual Mobile Minds providing training inthe specific content areas to through technology by engaging mobile minds in our classrooms. We help will be teachers create i Mobile Minds University, July 20-22, 2015. Polk School District ly 20-22, 2015.P olk School District is transforming learning providing training learning in specificthrough contenttechnology areas to help create is transforming by teachers engaging the innovative lessons as we continue to transform delivery of instruction with eng lessons as minds we continue transform delivery of instruction withbe engaging ology by engaging the mobile intoclassrooms. our classrooms. We will mobile minds in our We will be providing training technology lessons.lessons. technology
in specific contentteachers areas to helpcreate teachers create innovative ning in specific content areas to help innovative lessons as we continue to transform delivery of instruction with continue to transform delivery instruction with engaging engagingof technology lessons. Registration will be open to Polk School District educators as well as sons. educators from other districts. Presenters will include our Apple Registration will beMobile openDistrict to Polk School Registration be open to Polk School educators as Foundations Trainer,will Robin Hunter, the Minds Specialists, and District ed Polk School District administrators and teachers. Scan thiswill QRinclude code to well as educators from other districts. Presenters educators from other districts. Presenters will inclu view ourour Instructional Technology website where more information Apple Foundations Trainer, Robin Hunter, the Mobile Minds Foundations Trainer, Robin Hunter, the Mobile M about the upcoming Mobile Minds can be found. Specialists,and Polk School University Districtas administrators Registration will be open to Polk School District educators well as and teachers. Polk School District administrators and teachers. S Scan this QR code to view our Instructional Technology website educators from other districts. Presenters will include our Apple where more information about the upcoming Mobile Minds view our Instructional Technology website where m can be found. Foundations Trainer, Robin Hunter, University the Mobile Minds Specialists, and about upcoming Mobile Minds University can 1:1 and iPads in the Polk School Polk School District administrators teachers. Scan thisDistrict QR code to 1:1 approaches, iPads in Polkmore School District view our Instructional Technology where As the end of the year website we are excited that information Polk School District will be 1:1 iPads in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Pre-K classes will each have iPads to use about the upcoming Mobile Minds University can be found. during center time. iPad minis, which are smaller than the standard sized iPad, will be As the Kindergarten end of the year approaches, are excited Polk School District will be in grades through secondwe grade for morethat hands-on learning opportunities 1:1 iPads in Kindergarten 12th grade. learning Pre-K classes eachthree havethrough iPads to during centers, small groups,through and individualized time.will Grades useuse during center time. minis, whichtool. are Students smaller than the standard sizedtheir iPad, seven the iPad daily as iPad an instructional in eighth grades have will be in gradesiPad Kindergarten through for more hands-on own personalized to use through the second day andgrade our ninth through twelfthlearning graders have 24:7 access to theircenters, device. The Mobile Minds Specialists have playedtime. an important opportunities during small groups, and individualized learning role inthe thisthree process. They have worked the steps necessary to place Grades seven use approaches, thediligently iPad dailytoascomplete an we instructional tool. Students As endthrough of the year are excited that Polk iPads in the hands of all learners. in eighth grades have their own personalized iPad to use through the day and
1:1 iPads in Polk School Distri
School D 1:1 iPads in Polk School District iPads in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Pre-K classes will each h
our ninth through twelfth graders have 24:7 access to their device. The Mobile during center time. minis, are smaller than the standard Minds Specialists have playediPad an important rolewhich in this process. They have worked are excited that Polk School District will be 1:1 diligently to complete the steps necessary to place iPads in the hands for of all more learners.hands-on le in grades Kindergarten through second grade
he year approaches, we rgarten through 12th grade. Pre-K classes will each have iPads to use during centers, small groups, and individualized learning time. Gra time. iPad minis, which are smaller than the standard sized iPad, will be seven use the iPad daily as an instructional tool. Students in eighth dergarten through second grade for more hands-on learning opportunities own personalized iPad to use through the day and our ninth throug , small groups, and individualized learning time. Grades three through have 24:7 access to their device. The Mobile Minds Specialists have Pad daily as an instructional tool. Students in eighth grades have their role in this process. They have worked diligently to complete the ste zed iPad to use through the day and our ninth through twelfth graders iPads in the hands of all learners. ss to their device. The Mobile Minds Specialists have played an important ocess. They have worked diligently to complete the steps necessary to place Rome News-Tribune • dDAY, mMonth dX, 2015 ODD# ands of all learners.
Thursday, May 14, 2015 Maximum One Main Street Realtors Maximum One Main Street Realtors 2 North Main Street 2 North Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125 Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at Thursday, May 14, 2015 Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Cedartown, GA 30125 Winthrop Memory Care Thursday, May 14, 2015 Maximum One Main Street Realtors Maximum One Main Street Realtors 2 North Main Street 2 North Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125 Cedartown, GA 30125
Come out and help support this new business! Come out and help support this new business! Come out and help support this new business! Come out and help support this new business!
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Welcome New Members! Blue Moon Storage, LLC Byrne Design Group Andy Morgan 201 Felton Dr. Rockmart, GA 30153 678-404-2757
Bill Byrne 2746 Morgan Valley Rd. Rockmart, GA 30153 404-272-0564
Owen’s Lawn Service
Maximum One Main Street Realtors
Steve Owens P.O. Box 691 Rockmart, GA 30153 678-988-1510
For Advertising Information call Todd Britt at 770-748-1520
Michael Tinney 2 North Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125 770-500-8443
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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. Parking & Trail Access
Mile Marker
Elevation (Ft)
South Cobb Dr.
-1.00
1015
Mavell Rd. Fontaine Road Concord Road Floyd Road Carter Road Sailor’s Parkway Florence Road Hiram Paulding County Chamber of Commerce Tara Drummond
0.00 1.20 2.60 4.20 8.60 9.40 11.60 14.66 14.66
925 906 887 1021 948 984 946 1001 1001
20.23
1035
Rambo Nursery Coot’s Lake Van Wert Rockmart Riverwalk Nathan Dean Park Don Williams Grady Road Cedartown Depot Martin Trailhead Esom Hill Stateline Gateway
22.22 33.49 36.06 37.66 38.76 44.90 45.80 51.30 52.90 61.20 61.50
941 930 807 749 748 864 904 796 824 923 922
(Note: This is considered part of the Silver Comet Extension)
(previously Dallas Trailhead)
(Georgia-Alabama Line)
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Attractions Guide Landmarks and Historic Areas Cedartown
POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the museum contains the history of Polk County. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Georgia 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 MEMORIAL Outside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH Built 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 HOTEL This 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 SPRING Located 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 CEDARTOWN In 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 downtown area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090. HIGHTOWER FALLS Originally the site of a wooden grist mill purchased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and converted 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 MILL Located 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.
Veterans Memorial
There are two in Polk County. One in Cedartown at the corner of East Avenue and Greenwood, behind the Library. The other is located in Rockmart on Veterans Plaza. Both were built to HONOR and MEMORIALIZE the Veterans of Polk County. Annual Services are held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Landmarks and Historic Areas Rockmart/Aragon
VAN WERT
Created 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 CHURCH
Built in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest structures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovating the structure.
ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH In Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.
ROCKMART MURAL
The 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 MILL
In 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 VILLAGE
In 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 originally 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/GAZEBO
On 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 PARK
A 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 MUSEUM The 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 contributions 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 SPRINGS Near 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 Allatoona Pass. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.
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Leisure Life in Polk County Cedartown Performing Arts Center
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Nathan Dean Sports Complex
The pride of the City of Cedartown, The Cedartown Performing Arts Center locat- Rockmart’s primary recreational park for softball and baseball. The park also coned at the Cedartown Auditorium, presents a wealth of premium entertainment tains a track and a playground area. Pavilions are also located through the park. each year from the Atlanta Symphony to touring Broadway plays. The Performing Pleasant Valley Course Arts Center also sponsors enrichment programs for children in Polk and surroundNine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961. ing counties through workshops and performances. 770-748-4168.
Silver Comet Trail
West Theater This 1941 Art Deco style theater hosts first run movies for both children and adults.
Peek Park On 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 Complex Softball 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 Club This 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.
The 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 Festival An annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and regional crafters display their wares throughout the park. Continuous entertainment is a highlight of the festival as well as many games and events throughout the park. 770-684-8760.
Aragon Barbeque Patriotism 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.
Cedar Valley Arts Festival
An annual festival is held on the last full weekend in April. This event is sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League. Local and regional artists display their Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk Park craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Aragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities. Peek Park, the site of the festival.
Welsh Festival
Meadow Lakes Golf Club Meadow 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 lessons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942
The Rock Campground, RV and Music Park located near the Silver Comet Trail on Mile Marker 34. With over 100 RV sites w/ Power & Water, Cabins, Fishing, Entertainment, Silver Comet Trail Access, Creek, Picnic Tables, Showers- Camping and Special Events. This facility is open year round. 130 Forsyth Lake Rd., Rockmart- 770-684-8519.
Rockmart Civic Arts Commission Promotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. 770-684-5454.
Seaborn Jones Park A city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.
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Mae'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.
Polk County at a Glance LOCATION AND LAND AREA Polk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest industrial 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.
GOVERNMENT Polk 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 commission 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 protection of all residents.
INDUSTRY Polk 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.
CLIMATE A moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity throughout most of the year: January average minimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32/55 degrees July average minimum/maximum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67/83 degrees Average annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.
POPULATION 42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.
TRANSPORTATION Major 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
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CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.
COMMUNICATIONS
Two 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 national happenings.
EDUCATION Educational 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 residents have easy access to three additional private schools in a neighboring county.
UTILITIES Georgia 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 sewage 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 provides a first-rate telecommunications system and cablevision is provided by Charter Communications.
HEALTHCARE Polk Medical Center is located in Cedartown. Numerous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also available.
POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The main office of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is located at 133 South Marble Street in Rockmart. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Chamber also maintains 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.
Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County Official Publication of
THE CHAMBER
Georgia
Published by: News Publishing Company P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162
www.polkgeorgia.com
For Advertising Information call Todd Britt at 770-748-1520 Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber of Commerce 770/684-8760
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153 770/684-8760 Fax: 678/224-5320 609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125 www.polkgeorgia.com
Rome News-Tribune
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Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations Congratulations Polk County 2014 Industry of the Year
Polk County 2014 Industry of the Year Polk County 2014 Industry of the Year
Polk County 2014 Industry of the Year
The Polk County 2014 Small Business of the Year will be announced on May 19th. The Polk County 2014 Small Business of the Year Theon Polk County 2014 SmallthBusiness of the Year Log to www.polkgeorgia.com will be announced on May 19 th . for further details. will Polk be announced on Small May 19 . The County 2014 Business of the Year for further details. Log on to www.polkgeorgia.com Log to www.polkgeorgia.com will beon announced on May 19th. for further details. The on Polkto County Chamber of Commerce wishes Thank You for being for tofurther details. Log www.polkgeorgia.com here, locating here, and most of all Staying in Polk County.
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Rome News-Tribune