Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County March / April 2012
Welcome to Polk County What a wonderful time of year to live in the South! We are blessed with many things here and good weather is one of them. But our greatest asset by far is our people. The people you see in the grocery store, at the doctor’s office and the park are living their lives here. Everyone wants a place to call home and Polk County is home to over 42,000 strong! I want to encourage you to get involved with the things going on in our community. Whether it is supporting a little league team as their season gets underway or joining the Chamber at a Ribbon Cutting to welcome a new business to the area– your involvement makes a difference. You are “Polk County”. Let’s continue to support one another by making at least one more purchase a week in a local store. Just this small change can have a large impact on our local economy. There are new people traveling through our community everyday and they see our value. They see our growth. And some of them see themselves as future Polk County citizens. We are a place “Where Folks are Friendly” and we are AWESOME!
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Georgia
! e r e H e f Live Li
Table of Contents
Welcome To Polk County........................................ 2 Events Calendar...................................................... 3 Connection News................................................... 4 Member Spotlight ................................................... 6 Welcome New Members......................................... 7 Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8
Events Calendar March 8-10 RHS Spring Musical The Rockmart High School Theatre Arts Program and Margaret Jacobs will perform their “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, a musical performed by Rockmart High School Thespians and students. For more information on Tickets contact the cultural arts center at 770-684-5454 or The Rockmart High School 770-6845432.
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON April 8-10 RHS Variety Show Rockmart High School Students will be showcasing their talent in a variety of ways. For more information contact The Rockmart High School or The Rockmart Cultural Arts Center. 770-684-5432. April 8 – 14 National Library Week This week celebrates the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians; it is sponsored by the American Library Association and is celebrated every year. Contact the Cedartown Library at 770748-5644 or the Rockmart Library at 770-684-3022 for information on special activities or just to let them know what a great job their doing.
March 14- 18 Cedartown Idol Cedartown is showcasing its finest talents! Come share in the enjoyment as they compete to be the next Cedartown Idol. The shows will begin on Wednesday March 14 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Cedartown Auditorium. You can visit their website at http:// cedartownshows.com or call them at 770-748-4168 for more April 14 information. Almost Mcgraw Almost McGraw is being sought after as one the leading tribute March 22 and April 12 artists in the country. The Cedartown Performing Arts is proud to Cedartown Library present Todd Sullivan in his best Tim Mcgraw act. He will leave you The Cedartown Library will be having puppet shows on these days guessing, is it Tim or not? For Tickets and information call 770) for children at 10 am. The library also has story time with Lydia 748-4168 and just see for yourself. every Thursday at 10am in the Children’s Area for Children ages 18 mo. – 4 yrs. with a parent/ caregiver. She will have variations from April 28 – 29 picture books, songs, and finger plays. 770-748-5644. Cedar Valley Arts Festival Come Celebrate spring at the 48th Annual Cedar Valley Arts FestiMarch 22 and April 12 val in Cedartown’s Peek Park. Sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Rockmart Library Service League, there will be activities for the whole family! The The Rockmart Library will have puppet shows for the Children at Festival hours are Sat. 10 am - 6:00 pm and Sun. 12:00- 5:00 pm. 11 am. The Library also has story time on Tuesdays at 10:30. For more information contact Paige Haney, Chairman, 770-856770-684-2033. 7872, Lisa Haney, Co-Chairman, 770-324-2216 or Amy Orebaugh, Registration Chairman, 770-883-9412 and on the website cedartMarch 23- April 28 ownjsl.org. Youth Art Exhibition Artists under age of 18 are featured in this event. The admission April 30 is free and gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4 or by Polk Chamber Golf Classic appointment- call 770-684-2707. For details on this Annual Polk County Chamber of Commerce Event call 770-684-8760. March 24 Remembering Michael Jackson A Tribute If you are interested in taking art classes at the Rockmart Cultural The Cedartown Performing Arts will be presenting The Premier Arts Center there are many different classes to choose from, such Michael Jackson “Impressionist” Bobby Miller reliving some of as: Whittling, Pottery, Drawing, Oil Painting, Piano Lessons, DecoMichael Jackson’s greatest hits. For tickets contact 770) 748- 4168 rative Painting, Sewing Basics, Basket Weaving, and they have or www.cedartownshows.com much more to offer! To find out more information please contact Leigh Hulsey at 770-684-5454. Also, you can find out more information about Community Service Announcements on our Local WZOT Hometown 1220 AM.
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Thank You! 2012 Chamber Banquet Sponsors: Kimoto Tech, Georgia Power and First Baptist Church of Rockmart
We would also like to express our sincerest gratitude to those who donated door prizes for our 25th Annual Banquet: • 301 Main • A Stitch in Time • Aragon Florist • Bar L BBQ • Buy Low • Bussey’s Florist & Gifts • Chloe’s Closet • Curves in Cedartown • Family Savings
• First National Bank of Polk County • Knight’s Ace Hardware • McNabb Tire • Merle Norman in Cedartown • Pirkle’s Deli • Precious Paws • Pizza Farm
• Redmond Occupational Health • Rockmart Florist • Smith-Lockwood • Slate Market Grill • What’s New Consignment • Tru-Life Wellness
Congratulations! 2011 Small Business of the Year Mitch Abney & Bojangles
2011 Community Service Award Joe Anderson
2011 Chairman’s Award Karen Nissen
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Manufacturing Appreciation Week April 16-20, 2012
Thank you to all the industries that made the decision to locate and stay in Polk County! We appreciate you!
Polk Chamber Golf Classic April 30th, 2012
Cherokee Golf & Country Club Tee off at 9am Open to Chamber Members & the public $55 per player $220 per team of four
The Polk County Chamber of Commerce is offering another great opportunity for you to get your name and/or your business name out to the people that need to know you. This is the Chamber’s annual golf tournament and also a time that we say “thank you” to our Existing Industries. This event will be held on April 30, 2012 at the Cherokee Golf and Country Club – registration at 8:00am and tee off at 9:00am. You can come and play - $220 per foursome or $55 per player – or you can let your image and business name show up and be the center of attention! Sponsoring this event can provide a new means of broadening your competitive edge by improving your company’s image, prestige and credibility by supporting events that your target market finds attractive. You will also be listed as a sponsor through the Chamber’s weekly e-blast and at www.polkgeorgia.com . If you are interested in this sponsorship opportunity, please give us a call at 770-684-8760.
35th Annual Homespun Festival July 20th & 21st, 2012 Downtown Rockmart
For more information, call the Chamber at 770-6848760 or logon to www.polkgeorgia.com
Congratultions Bojangles, Inc.
Bojangle’s, Inc., 135 N. Main Street, Cedartown GA
Winner of the Polk County Chamber 2011 Small Business of the Year Award Each year, a Polk County business is presented the Small Business of the Year award. This prestigious award is given to a recipient for his or her outstanding contributions to the Polk County community and highlights the important role that small businesses play. Each November, nomination forms are sent to the entire Chamber membership, urging each member to nominate a business that meets the following criteria: The Nominee … 1. Must be a member of the Polk County Chamber for at least 5 years; 2. Must have been in business for at least 5 years; 3. Must have 20 employees or less; 4. Must participate in and support the community; 5. Must show excellence in customer service. The recipient of the 2012 Small Business Award has been a member of the Polk County Chamber for 27 years and in the food industry for 44 years, with 37 being in Polk County. In 1975 he and his partner opened the Cedartown McDonald’s. In 1980 he went to work in Rome and partnered with a group that opened a restaurant. From 1980 to 1984 the group opened 10 of those restaurants in the Atlanta area and then sold the company in 1984. The family moved back to Cedartown and opened a restaurant of their own. The name of the restaurant was changed a year later and has been fondly known as Bojangle’s ever since. In 2007, a Bojangle’s was opened in Rockmart, and in 2010 another opened in Hiram. In the 28 years of owning his own restaurants, the recipient has been endlessly involved in the community with civic groups, schools, churches and many other organizations in Polk County. His wife, Dawn and family, are very proud of the accomplishments that have been made over the past 44 years. Congratulations to Mitch Abney, owner and operator of Dabney’s Incorporated, Bojangle’s.
WELCOME NEw members! Individual Memberships
Mr. Dick Martin
365 Baldwin Road Rockmart, GA 30153 (770) 557-2310
Dr. Tommy Engram 124 W. Ellawood Ave. Cedartown, GA 30125 (404) 316-9539
Business Casey Boutique 835 Cherokee Circle, Suite B Cedartown, GA 30125 (706) 331-1041 Melissa Casey
Business Central Payment Corporation
121 Cashtown Rd. Aragon, GA 30104 (404) 538-9342 Susan Brackett-Marty
Business Industrial Drive Gun and Pawn
314 Industrial Drive Rockmart, GA 30153 (770) 684-1600 Butch Garrett
Business Seafood Castle Restaurant
642 Goodyear St. Rockmart, GA 30153 (770) 684-4480 Aymen Shatt
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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THE CONNECTION March / April 2012
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 on the Redmond Chair Caning Building on Main Street, home of The Little Theatre on Main. 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, the train depot 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
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
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.
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
BOOZ HOTEL
GOODYEAR MILL VILLAGE
This structure was built in the 1800s and operated as a hotel in the 1890s. It is now an attorney’s office. 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.
WEST THEATER Built in 1941 on West Avenue, this structure was designed in the Art Deco Style and has been maintained in its original design. It is one of the finest examples of Art Deco style in Northwest Georgia. 770-748-3090.
DOWNTOWN CEDARTOWN
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.
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.
EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARK
HIGHTOWER FALLS
DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGS
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.
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.
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.
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."
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Leisure Life in Polk County Cedartown Performing Arts Center
The 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 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.
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 craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Peek Park, the site of the 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
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.
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THE CONNECTION March / April 2012
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON Seaborn Jones Park
A city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.
Nathan Dean Sports Complex Rockmart’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 Course Nine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961.
Silver Comet Trail 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 a 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 last Saturday in June. Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are highlights.
Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk Park
Aragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities.
“Out of the Box”
A quote from James Bertrand, “Once we rid ourselves of traditional thinking we can get on with creating the future” sums up some innovative classrooms in Polk School District. The notion of “thinking outside the box” is far more than just another management cliché. It is a powerful concept, especially in today’s complex and rapidly changing world.
Rockmart Middle School 8th grade students recently completed a career assessment tool using their iPads. The students utilized the Career Matchmaker Test available through the Career Cruising website. After answering a series of questions about their likes and dislikes, a list of job matches are determined. Each match provides a job description, education requirements and the job’s salary. This assessment is completed prior to students attending the annual Reality Fair which allows students to visit booths and balance a job salary for paying their “bills”.
All students in 6th-12th grade in Georgia take a Health Survey on drugs and alcohol every year. The survey questions cover areas such as exposure to drugs and alcohol, TV viewing and proper nutrition. The student responses are anonymous and provide data to the state on these sensitive topics. This survey was completed by students at Rockmart Middle School using their new iPads. Some people might not consider a welding class a likely source of “out of the box” thinking or a place for incorporating technology. However, CHS instructor Matt Hayden and his students have done just that. Through the software program, Plasma Cam, welding students can create a design template and then create products incorporating that design. Most recently the students created metal firepits with collegiate logos to sell as a fundraising project for their Skills USA chapter. This approach to linking learning provides students with endless possibilities for pursuing entrepreneurship with welding. Whether taking surveys with iPads or creating welding designs with the computer, Polk School District students are taking advantage of thinking“out of the box” and incorporating technology to be better prepared for a rapidly changing workplace. Two great ways for “linking learning”.
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Coosa Dental ..........................................7 Georgia Power.........................................7 Redmond Physician Network..................7 Harbin Clinic..........................................12
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153 770/684-8760 Fax: 770/825-9002 609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125 www.polkgeorgia.com
Published by: News Publishing Company P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162 For Advertising Information call Jennifer Futch at 770-748-1520 or LaDonna Mears at 770-684-7811 Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber of Commerce 770/684-8760
THE CONNECTION March / April 2012 -
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