Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County November / December 2012 Official Publication of
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
The Holiday shopping season has started! Have you made your list yet? If not, don't worry, we can help with that! Look inside for the Holiday Shopping Guide full of Polk County Chamber members that offer a variety of gift items and services for you and your loved ones! Buy Local Key Cards Be Local. Buy Local. Shop Chamber Members. Shop Polk First! If you are a member of the Polk County Chamber, you have access to over 4200 individuals! You can use this to your advantage by offering a BUY LOCAL / HOT DEAL. Increase the value of your Chamber membership. In Mid November, All active Polk Chamber members will receive a BUY LOCAL Key Card. These key cards can be used at participating Chamber member businesses. Businesses that participate in the program will be listed on the Polk Chamber website at www.polkgeorgia.com or www.ShopPolkFirst.com. From oil changes to free soda, you can find the deal that meets your shopping needs. These are member to member discounts, so if you are not an Active Member of the Polk County Chamber, give us a call and we can show you how to become part of the Chamber family! Happy Holidays!
Table of Contents
Connection News ................................................... 2 Events Calendar...................................................... 3 Connection News................................................... 4 Connection News ................................................... 6 Welcome New Members......................................... 7 Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8
Events Calendar November 3- December 15
The Cedartown Performing Arts Center The Cedartown Performing Arts Center presents a variety of shows for all to enjoy starting on November 3 thru December 15. The Shows include: Saturday November 3, 7:30 pm- Civil War Broadway Musical Saturday November 10, 7:30 pm- Emile Pandolfi Saturday November 17, 7:30 pm- Clock Tower Jazz Ensemble Saturday December 8, 7:30 pm- The Nutcracker Saturday December 15, 7:30 pm- Lou Vuto’s Salute to Elvis To find out more information or to purchase tickets you can find them at http://cedartownshows.ticketleap.com/
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON December 3
Rockmart Christmas Parade The Rockmart Civic Arts Commission presents the annual Christmas Parade on December 3 at 6:00 pm. This year’s theme is “The Hope of Christmas”. A rain date has been set for December 4 at 6:00 pm. The parade route will begin at the Hilburn Field parking lot located at 815 College Street, behind Culver Insurance Agency; Straight on College, left on N. Piedmont; right on E. Elm, left on S. Marble; right on Church continuing to the vacant Rockmart Middle School /f/k/a Elm Street Middle School where it will end.
December 6
Rockmart Civic Arts ‘Annual Holiday Craft Show’ Looking for a Christmas gift for that someone who has everything? The Rockmart Civic Arts will be showcasing lots of different works of art by local artists to sell through the Holiday Season. You will be able to find pottery, wood carvings, walking sticks, paintings, and so much more! Stop by today and find that special gift! 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg 300, Rockmart, GA 30153
Cedartown Christmas Parade The City of Cedartown presents the annual Christmas Parade on December 6 at 6:00 pm. A rain date is set for December 7 at 6:00 pm. The theme for this year is “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas”. The Grand Marshal will be Austin Kines, the oldest living Prisoner of War in Polk County. He was a prisoner of war in World War ll in Germany. Mr. Kines has graciously accepted being the Grand Marshal for the Christmas Parade not for his recognition, but to honor all Prisoners of War. The parade route will be from Marietta Street to the Badcock Furniture parking lot behind Wendy’s on North Main Street.
November 10-11
December 13- 15
November 9- December 22
Native American Intertribal Gathering The Polk County Historical Society will host the Annual Native American Intertribal Gathering on Saturday November 10th and Sunday November 11th at Bert Wood Park in Cedartown. Gates open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. There will be a gathering of Intertribal Native Americans bring handmade goods such as jewelry, clothing, and rugs, to show off their culture. Daily circle dancing is also a treat for all to see. Come out and enjoy this cultural event with the family!
November 10
A Country Christmas Carol The Rockmart Little Theatre and Colt Chambers presents a new country-western musical version to the Dickens Classic “A Christmas Carol” beginning Thursday, December 13 at 7:00 pm. Other show dates and times include: Friday, December 14 at 7:00 pm and a double show on Saturday, December 15 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. For more information, Please contact Colt Chambers at 615.457.4899
“The Ma White’s Bottoms Show” The Rockmart Civic Arts presents “The Ma White’s Bottoms Show” on Saturday November 10th at 7:30 pm at the Rockmart Theatre on Elm Street. Hosted and produced by Rex Garner there will be live music on stage with local and regional singers, songwriters, and musicians as well as comedians and storytellers. Tickets are available for purchase at the Rockmart Civic Arts Center- Adults $12.00, Children under 12 $5.00. Call to reserve your seat today 770-684-2707.
Cedartown Library Events:
November 29
Story Time each Tuesday at 10:30am (ages 18 months – 6 years) Join the library staff as they read popular children’s titles in the cozy Children’s Corner and then take your time choosing a few books to checkout for home. Program lasts 15-20 minutes. Puppet Show: Thursday, November 8th at 11:00 am and December 6th at 11:00 am Join Ms. Jeanne and friends from the Rome Library for a 30 minute show featuring puppets, sing-a-longs, finger plays and more. Meets in the Children’s Corner of the library! 1st Annual Holiday Wreath Show: November 10th through December 15th. Businesses, Civic Groups, Churches and Individuals are encouraged to design a themed holiday wreath to place on display at the library. Those wishing to donate their wreaths to benefit the library book fund can place their entry into a silent auction. Others can choose to keep their wreaths if desired. Wreath entries must be between 12 and 16 inches in diameter, not weigh over 5lbs and not shed real pine needles.
Christmas Tree Lighting A Christmas Tree Lighting will be held in Cedartown in front of Court House #2 in the Historic Commercial District on Thursday November 29th at 7:00 PM. Cruise In The Downtown Cedartown Association holds a monthly Cruise In in Historic Downtown Cedartown on the 4th Friday of each month from 5:00 PM- 9:00 PM. For more information contact Ramona Ruark at 770-748-2090.
December 1- 2
Tour of Homes The Rockmart Business Alliance will be hosting the annual Christmas Tour of Homes in Rockmart on Saturday, December 1st from 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm and on Sunday, December 2nd from 2:00 pm5:00 pm. Shuttles will be provided and will leave from the City Municipal Building on Piedmont Ave. Tickets will be available and homes for tour will be announced. For further information contact Brenda Leslie 770-684-1552.
December 1-2
The Hope of Christmas Debbie Miller, Director of the Rockmart Community Chorus and volunteer singers from Rockmart, Cedartown, and other surrounding counties would like to invite you to join them in a Christmas concert that includes both secular and sacred selections in tribute to the season on December 1st at 7:00 PM and December 2nd at 2:00 PM at the Rockmart Art Center Theatre on 116 East Elm Street. 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. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Community Chorus you can contact Mrs. Debbie Miller at 404-219-9572.
The Cedartown Library shows movies every Saturday @ 1:00 pm. The movie is free and popcorn will be sold for $.50/ bag. They have story times every Thursday at 11:00 am. The Rome Library Puppeteers will be back providing shows at 10:00 am on the following days: November 8, December 6, January 17, February 14, March 7, and April 11.
Rockmart Library Events:
November- December
Christmas is for Kids Campaign With Christmas right around the corner The Rockmart Police Department along with partners and “Toys for Tots” will begin their crusade to meet the needs of the children in our community. What a great feeling it is to know that when you wake up on Christmas morning that you have helped some child receive a present under the tree, which they may not have gotten otherwise. As the Rockmart Police Department begins their “Christmas is for Kids” project this year they ask that you make a difference in a child’s Christmas by making a monetary donation. (All monetary and toy donations will remain in this area). Any donation amount you can give will be greatly appreciated. To contribute look for more information in your local paper or call The Rockmart Police Department at 770-684-6558 or 770-684-5454.
2012
Holiday Shopping Guide Po l k C o u n t y
Country Cousins
A Stitch in Time
Home Depot
Donna Staples 8 Rome Rd. Cave Spring GA 30124 (706) 777-0523
Timothy Ramirez 1500 Rome Hwy Cedartown Ga 30125 678-246-0107
Croker's Hardware
J & L Discount
Dona Childers 115 S. Marble St. Rockmart GA 30153 (770) 684-0444
Scotty Tillery 1192 Rockmart Hwy. Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-4842
Aaron Rents
Haney Farm & Ranch Supply
Kenny Teal 104 S. Marble St. Rockmart GA 30153 770-684-5111
JanBil Farms
Karon Moody 720 N. Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-9724
Larry Haney 448 Nathan Dean Pkwy. Rockmart GA 30153 (770) 684-7277
Bill & Janet Nutt 1418 Sixth Street Rd. Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-6424
Badcock Home Furnishings
Haney Supply Company
Industrial Drive Gun and Pawn
Kiley Stewart 304 N. Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-0862
Bobby Haney 37 Brackett Road Rockmart GA 30153 (770) 684-3197
Bradford Drug Company, Inc.
Highland Park & KTM World
Bill Brewster 500 N. Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-3100
Paul Wright 1501 Culp Lake Rd. Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-0771
Bussey's Florist & Gifts, Inc.
Holmes Clothing Store
Todd Bussey 302 Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-4055
Stephen Casey 235 Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 770-748-1455
Cedartown Liquor Store
Holmes For Her
Such Patel 830 N. Main St. Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 749-2700
Alice Pittman 301 Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-0757
Butch Garrett 314 Industrial Dr. Rockmart GA 30153 (770) 684-1600
Knight's Ace Hardware Karen Barfield 837 S. Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-2742
Main Street Books
Katie Kelly 312 Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (404) 502-2183
2012
Holiday Shopping Guide
Po l k C o u n t y
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio
ProScapes Direct, LLC
Mill Town Music Hall
Posey Shelter Pet Promotions Inc.
Peggy Burgess 230 Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-1514
James Blackwood 1651 Rome Highway Rockmart GA 30153 (678) 757-0080
Steve Bennett 1063 Alabama Avenue Bremen GA 30110 770-537-1845
Gail Posey 1874 Fish Creek Rd. Cedartown GA 30125 (678) 361-7304
Nana's
Rudy Wood's Appliance Sales
Paulette Harbin 15 Rome Rd. Cave Spring GA 30124 (706) 777-8700
Morgan Hardware
Scott Kinney 117 East Elm Street Rockmart GA 30153 (770) 684-6597
Precious Images Videography
Phil Smith 539 West Avenue Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-7936
SageBrush Metal Art, LLC Ken Sargent 17 Rice Rd. Rockmart GA 30153 (678) 757-9990
Skydive Georgia
Phillip Davis 14 Ridge Rd. Cave Spring GA 30124 (706) 777-8484
B.J. Smith 493 Airport Road Cedartown GA 30125 800-505-JUMP (5867)
Precious Paws
Smith-Lockwood
Kellie Taylor 221 S. Marble Street Rockmart GA 30153 (770) 684-2248
Sondi Vest 114 S. Marble Street Rockmart GA 30153 (770) 684-6573
Studio Fitness 24/7
Jordan Hubbard 224 Main Street Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-1771
Tabitha's Beauty Supply
Tabitha Rowland-McClarity 970 Cedartown Hwy. Rockmart GA 30153 (678) 757-8070
Trammell Lawn Care
Roy Trammell 1270 Rockmart Highway Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 749-1042
Wal-Mart #0727
Georgia Perrine 1585 Rome Hwy. Cedartown GA 30125 (770) 748-1636
Wal-Mart #4409
Gary Howell 1801 Nathan Dean Pkwy. Rockmart GA 30153 (678) 757-8766
What's New Consignment & Boutique Denise Bell 119 S. Marble St. Rockmart GA 30153 (770) 684-8090
Yesterday’s Antiques & Crafts Vern & Elaine Miller 550 W. Elm Street Rockmart, GA 30153 (770) 684-5597
School Zone / Upcoming Events
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
GeorgiaBEST Polk School District students are participating in GeorgiaBEST or Business Ethics Skills Training. This soft skills training is modeled after the business world where employees are assessed by their employers on performance. Through CTAE (Career, Technical and Agricultural Education) Classes, students have the opportunity to earn a state recognized soft skills credential. Georgia businesses that sponsor the GeorgiaBEST program, reward students that excel in the training with a priceless advantage of a guaranteed interview when they apply for a job with their organization. The focus is on ten areas of ethics and soft skills that includes: discipline and character; attendance and punctuality; community service; productivity and academic achievement; responsibility and organization; attitude and respect; teamwork and work habits; self management and time management; oral and written business and communication skills; and appearance and professional image. This training along with the skills learned in the CTAE program will give Polk School District students an advantage as they transition into the real world— a continued effort to “link learning”.
Upcoming Chamber Events Member Appreciation Breakfast November 7, 2012 Cedar Hill Living Center 402 E Ellawood Avenue Cedartown, GA 30125 7:30 am - 8:30 am
Chamber After Hours November 8, 2012 Rockmart Public Library w/ Darlington School 316 N. Piedmont Ave. Bldg 201 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Chamber After Hours December 13, 2012 The HON Company 907 West Avenue Cedartown, GA 30125 5:00 pm -6:30 pm
Holiday Hours / Chamber offices will be closed: November 12, 2012 November 21, 2012 - November 23, 2012 December 24, 2012 - January 1, 2013
WELCOME NEw members! KW Commercial Atlanta Perimeter Mike Garrett 115 Perimeter Center Place, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30346 770-846-7702 ASegura Insurance Services Alex Segura 411 S. College Street Cedartown, GA 30125 678-901-0400 FL Graphix, Inc. Dean Morgan 574 Industrial Way North Dallas, GA 30132 770-448-1111
Northwest GA Housing Authority Shannon Johnson 800 N. Fifth Avenue Rome, GA 30161 706-291-0780
Tri-County Painting, Inc. Keith Redden 47 Cherokee Fairways Cedartown, GA 30125 770-749-0704
Yesterday's Antiques & Gifts Elaine Miller 550 W. Elm St. Rockmart, GA 30153 770-684-5597
Emergi-Pro Sarah Hensley P.O. Box 436 Cedartown, GA 30125 770-749-0704
House of the Children Academy Shannon Johnson 811 Forrest Ave. Rockmart, GA 30153 770-684-6571
Rockmart Pharmacy and Medical Supply Chymar Ihekwereme 407 N. Piedmont Ave. Rockmart, GA 30153 770-684-8448
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
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
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.
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.
ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL
Outside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.
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.
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
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.
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.
In Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.
ROCKMART MURAL
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.
HIGHTOWER FALLS
EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARK
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.
DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGS
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." 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.
THE CONNECTION -
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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
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 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 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.
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 include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.
Advertisers Index:
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON 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 hap penings.
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 770-6848760.
Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County Official Publication of
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com
Coosa Dental ..........................................7 Georgia Power.........................................7 Redmond Physician Network..................7 Raceway..................................................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 -
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