Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County November/December 2011
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com
C
Come In & Get Your Smile Back!
It’s your health... We can make a difference! Jagdeep Singh ► M.D.
OOSA
D E N TA L
◄ Janet Ross MSN, APRN-BC
A S S O C I A T E S
David Gandy, D.D.S. Charles Bobo, D.M.D.
Redmond Family Care at Cedartown
109 East Avenue Cedartown, GA 30125 Office:
770-748-7736 fax: 770-748-4015
(770) 749-1005 118 East Girard • suitE 104 CEdartown, GEorGia 30125 Monday-Thursday 8 am-5 pm • Friday 8 am-12 Noon
The Whole World Is In Their Hands. We want to help make the world a brighter place for our children. That’s why we are continuously focusing our resources towards numerous educational programs. Our employees donate their time to one-on-one mentoring programs throughout Georgia. After all, there is nothing more important to us than our future generation.
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November/December 2011
Welcome to Polk County Welcome The Development Authority of Polk County has hired the University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute (Fanning) to complete a Strategic Economic Development Plan and Vision. The aim is to use input from residents to develop a sustainable and feasible community economic development plan that reflect the strengths of Polk County and builds on its assets. The plan will focus on relevant issues and emphasize implementing the Emily Boness strategies developed during the planning process over the next five to ten years. Faculty from Fanning met with members of a visioning committee in late September to kick off the process. At the meeting, participants began a conversation about aspirations for Polk County and identified possible barriers to achieving those aspirations. Participants quickly pointed out that it is necessary to hear from the community to gather a more com plete and diverse picture of Polk County. From now until the end of the year, Fanning will conduct focus groups, interviews, and distribute a community survey to get input from people who live and work in Polk Skip Teaster County. Fanning will research and help the visioning committee develop strate gies for meeting the expressed goals and desires of residents. The community will be kept informed about the progress of the plan and the information gathered. In addition, residents will have a chance to prioritize strategies at a community-wide town hall, which will take place in the first quarter of next year. Please feel free to contact Eric McDonald at 770-684-8760 if you have additional questions or would like more information, or you may contact Skip Teaster or Emily Boness at the Fanning Institute at 706-542-1108. Emily Boness Public Service Assistant Fanning Institute University of Georgia
Table of Contents
Welcome To Polk County................................................ 3 Events Calendar.............................................................. 4 Chamber News............................................................... 6 Silver Comet Trail.......................................................... 12 School Zone.................................................................. 14 Summer Reading...........................................................16 November/December 2011 THE CONNECTION
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Event Calendar November 3 - 24 Story Time The Cedartown Library will be having story time for toddlers up to age 4 every Thursday in November at 10 a.m. Every Saturday of the month the Cedartown Library will be having FREE Movies for the family in the community room. Popcorn is available for .50. November 4 - 17 Welcome Art Show 2011 The Cedartown Art Lover’s League will present ‘Welcome Art Show 2011’ Nov. 4 – Nov. 17 at Skellenger Gallery in the Cedartown Civic Auditorium. An Artists’ reception will be held on the opening night, Friday Nov. 4 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. For more information contact Bob Gilbert at 706-234-0846. November 17 and December 8 Puppet Shows The Rockmart Library will present children’s puppet shows, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8 at 11a.m. The Rockmart Library will soon be moving into their new location on Piedmont Ave., and will be having a continuous book sale through to move in date. For further information contact the Library at 770684-3022. November 17 Tree Lighting Ceremony Cedartown will be having their annual tree lighting ceremony downtown on Thursday Nov. 17. John Berry will be singing at this event. November 18 John Berry's "Joy to the World Christmas" The Cedartown Performing Arts Center will be presenting John Berry singing his Christmas Hits Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. For more information on tickets call 770748-4168. November - December 2011 Crafts Exhibition The annual “Craft Show” is on exhibit through December 17th. Not only do we have beautiful art on display, but also it is a perfect opportunity to shop for your Christmas gifts this year! The Gallery is normally open Fridays and Saturdays 10 AM – 4 PM or by appointment, however, watch for extended hours during this exhibit. Please call 770-684-2707 or 770-684-5454 for more information about the Cultural Arts Center Gallery. 4 THE CONNECTION
November/December 2011
Events Calendar December 1 Cedartown Christmas Parade The Cedartown Christmas Parade is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 6:00 p.m. A rain date is set for Dec.2. This year’s theme is “Memories of Christmas Past” December 2 Rockmart Christmas Parade Rockmart Civic Arts Commission presents the annual Christmas Parade on December 2 at 6:00 PM. A rain date is set for Dec.6. This year’s theme is “The Wonder of Christmas”. Please watch for announcements in the Rockmart Journal and on our Facebook Page for details of the parade route. It will also be announced on Hometown 1220 AM radio. December 3-4 "The Wonder of Christmas" Rockmart Community Chorus presents their Christmas Concert directed by Mrs. Debbie Miller on Saturday, December 3 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, December 4 at 2:00 in The Arts Theatre, 116 East Elm Street, Rockmart, Georgia. Tickets available for purchase at the door, from any Rockmart Community Chorus member, or at The Cultural Arts Center office located in the Rockmart Municipal Complex, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bld. 300, Rockmart, Georgia. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and children under age 12 are admitted free December 3 Aragon Florist Open House The Aragon Florist invites the public to attend their annual Open House for Christmas on Sat. Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Check out this year’s favorite Christmas trees and decorations, along with wreaths and ornaments. December 3-4 Tour of Homes The Rockmart Business Alliance will be hosting the annual Tour of Homes in Rockmart, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. and on Dec. 4 from 2-5. Shuttles will leave from the City Municipal Building on Piedmont Ave. Tickets will be available and homes for tour to be announced. For further information call Brenda Leslie 770-684-1552 or 404-210-1866. December 17 "Twas the Night Before Christmas" The Rockmart Dance Academy will be performing in this holiday production at The Rockmart Civic Arts Theatre Dec.17. For more information contact Tara Rainwater at 678-685-6000. December 18 Candle Light Service The First Baptist Church of Cedartown will be having their annual Candle Light Service at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. November/December 2011 THE CONNECTION
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Chamber News November 2 Member Appreciation Breakfast Rockmart Depot Sponsored in part by Oglethorpe Power and Harbin Clinic Free to all Members 7:30am November 10 Chamber After Hours Candy Apple Custom III, LLC 17 Rice Road Rockmart, GA 5:00pm - 6:30pm December 7 Rise & Shine Breakfast Ga. Dept. of Labor, Cedartown Career Center 262 N. Park Blvd. Cedartown, GA 30125 8:00am - 9:00am
$6.00 per Chamber Member, $10.00 NonChamber Member RSVP requested to 770-684-8760 or online at www.polkgeorgia.com
December 8 Chamber After Hours Studio Fitness 24/7 224 Main Street Cedartown, GA 5:00pm - 6:30pm Chamber Holiday Hours Closed November 24th & 25th Closed December 26, 2011 thru January 2, 2012 – We will reopen for the New Year on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
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November/December 2011
Shop Polk County
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Holiday Shopping in polk county
Anytime Fitness 1775 Nathan Dean Bypass, Rockmart 678-9365
Bob's Used Furniture 1103 N. Piedmont Ave. Rockmart 770-402-6231
Morgan Hardware 117 E. Elm Street Rockmart 770-684-6597
Rockmart Rent To Own 966 Cedartown Hwy. Rockmart 770-684-5314 8 THE CONNECTION
November/December 2011
Tabitha's Beauty Shop 970 Cedartown Hwy. Rockmart 770-757-8070
Haney Farm & Ranch 448 Nathan Dean Parkway, Rockmart 770-684-7277
What's New 119 S. Marble St. Rockmart 770-684-8090
Haney Supply Company 37 Bracket Hill Rd. Rockmart Cedartown 770-684-3197
Holiday Shopping in polk county
Smith-Lockwood Drug & Jewelry 114 S. Marble St. Rockmart 770-684-6573
Aragon Florist & Gifts
2647 Rome Hwy., Aragon 770-684-2202
The Peddler Rockmart Florist & Gifts 303 W. Elm St. Rockmart 770-684-4711
Walmart 1801 Nathan Dean Parkway, Rockmart 678-757-8766
A Stitch In Time 115 S. Marble St Rockmart 77-684-0444
22 Alabama Street Cave Spring 706-777-8608
Studio Fitness 24/7 224 Main Street Cedartown 770-748-1771
Holmes For Her Consignment 301 Main Street Cedartown 770-748-0757
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Holiday Shopping in polk county
Georgia Office Furniture
Bradford Drug & Gifts
1003 East Ave., Cedartown 770-748-4404
500 N. Main Street Cedartown 770-748-3100
Rudy Wood's Appliance & Home Furnishings
Bussey Florist & Gifts, Inc.
539 West Ave., Cedartown
770-748-7936
302 Main Street, Cedartown 770-748-4055
Walmart
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio
1585 Rome Hwy. Cedartown 770-748-1636
230 Main Street Cedartown 770-748-1514
Badcck Home Furnishings
Georgia Computer Depot
301 N. Main St. Cedartown 770-748-0862 10 THE CONNECTION
November/December 2011
206-A N. Main Stret Cedartown 770-748-0260
Holiday Shopping in polk county
Highland Park & KTM
Knight's Ace Hardware Supply
1501 Culp Lake Rd. Cedartown 770-748-0771
837 S. Main Street Cedartown 770-748-2742
Farmer's Home Furniture Flea Market
Country Cousins World 8 Rome Rd. Cave Spring 706-777-0523
Croker's Hardware 1192 Rockmart Hwy. Cedartown 770-748-4842
Pink Sugar 320 Main Street Cedartown 770-748-6410
1017 N. Main St. Cedartown 770-748-8481
JanBill Farms 1418 Sixth St. Rd. Cedartown 770-748-6424
Holmes Clothing Store 235 Main Street Cedartown 770-748-1455
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Traveling the Trail in Polk County
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November/December 2011
Map and information courtesy of TrailExpress.com and may not be reproduced in any manner without express consent of TrailExpress.com. TrailExpress is a registered trademark of Southeastern Path Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
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School Zone Can a Picture Be Worth a 1000 Words?
They say a “picture is worth a thousand words”, but is it? Students at our area schools just might agree with that statement. The iPad is believed by some to be poised to change the learning landscape. Whether drawing or writing or playing games, there are literally dozens of “apps” that can hold your attention. All elementary schools in Polk School District have welcomed Apple’s new IPAD2 technology to their classrooms. The middle and high schools have iPad carts available as well. Teachers recently received training in the use of the iPad2 for classroom instruc tion. This exciting device can engage students in all disciplines and all grade levels. Similar to Skype, the iPad 2’s new Face Time feature will introduce students to many skills. With Face Time students can have video calls with classmates, share stories, celebrate birthdays or collaborate on classroom projects together, even though they are apart. It is remarkable and fun. Face Time can add a new dimension to “project work”. Students can use apps to learn about the moon, review basic math facts and spelling words and even turn their picture into a lego block. With more than 500,000 apps on Apple’s App Store and 140,000 designed specifically for the iPad, our students should find something for just about every topic. Time will tell but we may find that pictures can be worth more than a thousand words!
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November/December 2011
School Zone
Day of Play at Cedartown Boys & Girls Club The Boys & Girls Club of Cedartown We started the day off with music playing for the kids is open after school until 7:00 pm to as they came in from school. We had art where serve all youth, 5-18 years of age. Itthey a safe We environment to com painted fall pumpkins andprovides leaves. split the groups plete homework and receive tutor up and let the younger members get their faces painte ing through its Power Hour program. by staff and a parent volunteer thereach older Striving toand help kids theirmembers full, academic is its topClub priority of Play at Cedartown Boys & Girls did another artDay project. We had asuccess clown come and do a We started the day off with music playing for the kids magic show for the members for an hour. as they came in from school. We had art where they Day of Play at Cedartown Boys & We Girls Club We had parents donate hot dogs, PowerAde painted fall pumpkins and leaves.chips, splitand the groups We started the dayupoffand with music playing for the kidsget as their they came inpainted let the younger members faces for snack. We went outside and playedand with the colorfu from school. We had where painted fall pumpkins leaves. by art staff and athey parent volunteer and the older members and played on the playground. Weparachute split the groupsdid upanother and let the younger members get their faces paint art project. We had a clown come and do a ed by staff and a parent older members did another art magicvolunteer show for and the the members for an hour. We had parents donate hotshow dogs,for chips, and PowerAde project. We had a clown come and do a magic the members for for snack. We went outside and played with the colorful an hour. parachute and played on the playground. We had parents donate hot dogs, chips, and PowerAde for snack. We went outside and played with the colorful parachute and played on the playground.
To Advertise in
The Connection
On Site Payroll Check Cashing! Call Today! (706) 965-3501 Serving the Tri-State Area
Contact Jennifer Futch770-748-1520 Jfutch@cedartownstd.com LaDonna Mears 770-684-7811 Lmears@rockmartjrl.com
We Come To You At No Cost To Your Company • Below Bank Cost To your Employees Available All Shifts • Professional Bonded Drivers • Dependable • Safe • Convenient Licensed and regulated by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.
November/December 2011 THE CONNECTION
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Chamber News 25th Annual Banquet of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce Since the first Annual Banquet in 1988, the Polk County Chamber has prided itself on recogniz足 ing the accomplishments of its members. With an amazing committee and an outstanding commit足 tee, the 2012 Banquet will surely be one of the best events yet. The event is scheduled for January 26th, 2012 and will be held at The Great Room of First Baptist Church in Rockmart @311 Elm Street in Rockmart. Our Speaker will be Scott Francis. For more information or to reserve your seat, please call the Chamber at 770-684-8760.
Nomination for 2012 Leadership Polk We need your input. Names are currently being gathered for consideration to be part of Leadership Polk 20. It will be conducted under the guidance of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce and The Development Authority of Polk County. It would be most helpful at this point in the organization of Leadership Polk 20 if you would nominate someone you feel would be a good candidate. The purpose of the program is to provide emerging and existing community leaders with a greater awareness of community issues, needs, services, and resources. The cost per participant is $375. Classes will begin in mid December and end with graduation in May. Please call Tamaka at 770-684-8760 to nominate yourself or someone you know who would greatly benefit from learning more about Polk County and its many strengths and opportunities.
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Attractions Guide Landmarks and Historic Areas Cedartown
POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the muse um 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 origi nally 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 proj ect was designed and completed by local artists and volunteers from The Art Lover’s League of Cedar Valley. The mural is a collage of wellknown 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 monu ment erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veter ans. 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 oper ated as a hotel in the 1890s. It is now an attor ney’s office. Located across the street from the Hawkes Children’s Library.
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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 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 includ ing second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090. HIGHTOWER FALLS Originally the site of a wooden grist mill pur chased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and con verted 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 struc ture 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.
November/December 2011
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 struc ture.
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 select ed 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
• Checking Accounts • Savings Accounts • Debit Mastercard • 24 Hour ATM • CDs/IRAs • Safe Box Rentals • Auto Loans
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."
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.
• Consumer Loans • Commercial Loans • Mortgage Loans • Online Banking • Cash Management • E-Statement
We are here for all your financial needs www.fnbpolk.com
Main Office 967 North Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125 770-748-1750
Downtown Office 117 West Avenue Cedartown, GA 30125 770-748-1750
Rockmart Office 131 West Elm Street Rockmart, GA 30153 770-684-7872
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Leisure Life CEDARTOWN 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 mov ies 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 con tains tennis courts, playground and picnic areas.
Bert Wood Youth and Athletic Complex
Rockmart/Aragon Rockmart Civic Arts Commission Promotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Elm Street, 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.
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
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 coun ty 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.
Cedar Valley Arts Festival
Polk County Homespun Festival
Softball and baseball fields, gymnasium, track, cabin, playground, and Senior Center make up this recre ational facility in Northwest Cedartown. Government sponsored and volunteer activities abound almost year round.
Cherokee Golf and County Club
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.
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. 770684-8760.
Meadow Lakes Golf Club
Aragon Barbeque
Meadow Lakes is a public facility in North Polk County offering 18 holes of championship golf as well as a brand-new 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
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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.
November/December 2011
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 recruit ment 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 cre ates 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
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 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 firstrate 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 avail able. 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.
42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon. November/December 2011 THE CONNECTION
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Advertisers Index: Coosa Dental ........................................................................2 Georgia Power.......................................................................2 Redmond Physician Network................................................2 Paymasters Unlimited, Inc. .................................................15 Georgia Northwestern Technical College .......................... 17 First National Bank of Polk County......................................19 Harbin Clinic........................................................................23 Community Bank of Rockmart............................................24
Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com Published by: News Publishing Company P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162
www.polkgeorgia.com
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION 133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153 770/684-8760 Fax: 770/825-9002
For Advertising Information call Jennifer Futch at 770-748-1520 or LaDonna Mears at 770-684-7811
609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125
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November/December 2011
Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber of Commerce 770/684-8760
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FREE
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You must maintain a minimum daily balance of $3,500.00 for the monthly statement cycle in order to avoid a $25.00 service charge per statement cycle. Interest rate and annual percentage yield may change at any time and without notice at our discretion. Interest will be compounded daily and will be credited to your account monthly. We use the daily balance method to calculate the interest on your account. This method applies a daily periodic rate to the principal in the account each day. Interest begins to accrue no later than the business day we receive credit for the deposited non-cash items. Free checks are basic checks limited to two orders per year. Safe Box discount excludes 10 x 10 boxes. Certificate of Deposit rate increase excludes specials.
24 THE CONNECTION
November/December 2011
Polk
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Interest-Bearing Minimum balance to open $3,500.00 Free Debit Card Free Internet Banking Free Internet Bill-Pay Free Checks 50% Discount on Safe Boxes Up to 25 basis point increase on Certificates of Deposit
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
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www.polkgeorgia.com
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