Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County November/December 2010
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com
Redmond Family Care at Cedartown
Brown’s Pharmacy
Jagdeep Singh, M.D. 118 East Girard • Suite 104 Cedartown, Georgia 30125
(770) 749-1005 Monday-Thursday 8am-5 pm Friday 8 am - 12 Noon
Redmond Physician Network
546 N. Main St. P.O. Box B Cedartown Ga. 770-748-1902 Wilburn Brown Pharmacist • Owner
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 2010
Welcome to Polk County It has been an honor to serve as Chairman of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce this year. With the dedicated members of our Chamber Board and the Chamber staff, we are proud of the year’s accomplishments which include: · 15% net increase in membership this year in a tough economy · Developed a 3-5 year strategy plan · Increased strong committee involvement Brian Griffin · Currently 6% under budget · Homespun was very successful with a 17% increase in revenue · Started a new program with Rise and Shine Breakfast providing excellent information for our members. More than 80 people attending both meetings · New Youth mentoring program started with over 192 of our school children participating with High School students mentoring elementary/middle school students · New Polk Adult Leadership Program with a SIMSOC (Simulated Society) activity giving participants a better understanding of how their leadership can give a return back to the community We have had a very successful and wonderful year at the chamber so far this year. As you enter into this holiday season, it should be a strong time of reflection. So take some time to look back and reflect on all of the successes we have achieved at the chamber, and also take the time to reflect on your personal life and the accomplishments you have achieved. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas that will create fond memories for a life time. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!!!!! Sincerely, Bryan Griffin Polk County Chamber of Commerce
Table of Contents
Welcome To Polk County................................................3 Events Calendar..............................................................4 Proud of Polk.................................................................. 7 Places to Go,Things To Do, ..........................................10 Silver Comet Trail.......................................................... 12 School Zone.................................................................. 15 November/December 2010 THE CONNECTION
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Event Calendar November 6 Christmas is for Kids Karaoke Contest Sponsored by the Rockmart Police Department, the program begins at 6 pm in the Rockmart Arts Center Theatre, 116 East Elm Street. Admission is $6.00. For more information contact Faye Duren, 770-684-6351 or 404-281-4148. November 13 Rickey Nelson Remembered A unique multi-media show featuring hit songs of Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson will be presented by Nelson’s twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, at 7:30 pm, Nov. 13 at the Cedartown Performing Arts Center. For details see page 10. November 13 “The Lawd Done Sent Me a Man” This highly proclaimed gospel play will be performed by Stardom Productions, Inc. at 6 pm in the Rockmart Arts Center Theatre, 116 Elm St. Advance tickets are available for $15.00 at www.stardomproductionsinc.com. Tickets are $20.00 at the door. For more information call 770-684-5454. November 13-14 Holiday Open House Several Downtown Cedartown Shops and Stores will host an open house, Saturday, Nov. 13 from 9 am-7 pm, and Sunday, Nov. 14 from 1-6. Call the Cedartown Welcome Center, 770-748-2090, for details. November 13 - January 15 2010 Crafts Exhibition The Rockmart Civic Arts Commission presents the 2010 Crafts Exhibition Nov. 13 - Jan. 15 in the Cultural Arts Center Gallery, Rockmart Municipal Complex, 316 North Piedmont Avenue, Building 300. Admission is free. An artist’s reception is from 1 pm - 3 pm Sunday, Nov. 14. For more information see page 10. November 14 Rockmart Florist and Gifts Open House All decked out for the holidays with unique Christmas trees, an array of festive wreaths, ornaments, and other decorations, Rockmart Florist invites the public to attend an open house from 2 pm - 5 pm, Nov. 14. For more information call 770-684-4711.
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Event Calendar November 18 and December 9 Puppet Shows The Rockmart Library will present children’s Puppet Shows, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9 at 11 am. For further information contact the Library at 660-684-3022. December 2 Rockmart Christmas Parade The annual Rockmart Christmas Parade is Dec. 2 at 6 pm. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Celebration.” See page 11 for more details. December 3 Cedartown Christmas Parade “Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child” is the theme of this year’s Cedartown Christmas parade beginning at 6 pm. For other information see page 11.
Clydesdales return to Cedartown for the annual Christmas parade.
December 4 Atlanta Pops Holiday Show Sounds of the Christmas season will fill the Cedartown Performing Arts Center when the Atlanta Pops Orchestra performs at 7:30 pm, Dec. 4. For details see page 11. About The Cover ...... A happy snowman welcomes customers to The Peddler in Cave Spring. Holiday shoppers will find a wide selection of home décor as well as gifts. Photo by Laura Bates. November/December 2010 THE CONNECTION
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Event Calendar December 4-5 “A Christmas Celebration� The Rockmart Community Chorus presents their annual Christmas concert at 7 pm, Dec. 4 and 2 pm, Dec. 5 in the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center Theatre, 116 Elm St. Bring the entire family to this holiday program featuring traditional Christmas music. Tickets are available for $6.00 from any Chorus member or at the City of Rockmart Cultural Arts Center. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more information call 770-684-5454. December 5 Christmas Open House Ready for the Christmas season, many shops in downtown Cedartown will have open house Sunday, Dec. 5 from 1-5 pm. Call the Cedartown Welcome Center, 770-748-2090 for details. December 9 Judy Collins Christmas Show The warmth of the Christmas season is felt when Judy Collins appears in concert Dec. 9 at 7:30 pm in the Cedartown Performing Arts Center. The program will feature Christmas songs as well as her greatest hits. See page 14 for more details. December 9 Mr. Big Jacket Contest Sponsored by the Rockmart High School National Honor Society and RHS Thespians, this yearly event is scheduled for the Rockmart Arts Center Theatre. For details, call Rockmart High School, 770-684-5432. December 11 In the Christmas Mood The Rockmart Dance Academy performs in this holiday production Dec. 11 at 7 pm in the Rockmart Arts Center Theatre. For more information contact Tara Rainwater at 770-841-8547. January 27 Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting The 24th Annual Meeting of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is set for 6:45 pm, Jan 27 in the Rockmart Community Center, 604 Goodyear St., Rockmart. For reservations call the Chamber at 770-684-8760. 6 THE CONNECTION
November/December 2010
Proud of Polk Be Local ~ Think Local ~ Buy Local
Shop Polk County
Home for the Holidays. What a great time of the year‌ Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holidays are the time when we seem to be the busiest. With shopping lists to make, menus to prepare, getting ready for family and friends, it takes almost every minute of every day to do what has to be done. So why not do all your preparations right here in Polk County! Why buy locally? Think of the time and money you will save! You will also be supporting our local businesses and friends, who provide jobs for Polk County citizens. By buying locally you are keeping your tax dollars within the county, which allows Polk to give more back to its residents. Think about our SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax). Tax dollars add much needed items for classrooms, provide monies to have roads paved, sidewalks to be repaired and schools to be built. All of this drives the local economy, helping to keep businesses alive and well and your community feeling like home. Another great reason to buy locally is the customer service you receive. I feel sure that when you walk in a store in Polk County that almost everyone there knows you by name. They take extra good care of your needs and are happy to help with suggestions. The Polk County Chamber encourages you to always shop locally. For recommendations, call the Chamber office at 770-684-8760, or visit the website at www.polkgeorgia.com.
Happy Holidays! Laura Bates Director of Member Services
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Hometown
Sweet Homes Antiques & Flea Market 91 West Ave., Cedartown 770-841-8903
Holmes Clothing Store 235 Main St., Cedartown 770-748-1455
Haney Supply Co.
37 Brackett Hill Rd., Rockmart 770-684-3197
Rudy Wood's Appliance and Home Furnishings 539 West Ave., Cedartown 770-748-7936
Holmes For Her
Brown's Pharmacy
301 Main St., Cedartown 770-748-0757
546 N. Main St., Cedartown 770-748-1902
Chloe's Closet Consignment & Gifts
Bradford Drug Co.
122 S. Marble St., Rockmart 770-684-0339
Cedartown 770-748-0757
Smith-Lockwood
What's New Consignment & Boutique
Rockmart 770-684-6573
119 S. Marble St., Rockmart 770-684-8090
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio
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230 Main St., Cedartown 770-748-1514
Shopping Aragon Florist
Badcock Home Furnishings
Bussey's Florist & Gifts, Inc.
Pilgrims Kitchens Floors & More
2647 Rome Highway, Aragon 770-684-2202 302 Main St., Cedartown 770-748-4055
Rockmart Florist & Gift Shop 303 W. Elm St., Rockmart 770-684-4711
301 N. Main St., Cedartown 770-748-0862
1701 Buchanan Hwy., Cedartown 770-749-1116
Baldwin Computer Services 64 Aragon Rd., Aragon 678-988-2437
Georgia Computer Depot
Whitehead's Flower & Gift House
206-A N. Main St., Cedartown 770-748-0260
215 E. Elm Street, Rockmart 770-684-6588
Wal-Mart
The Peddler
22 Alabama Street, Cave Spring 706-777-8608
A Stitch in Time
1801 Nathan Dean Pkwy., Rockmart 678-757-8766
Wal-Mart
115 S. Marble St. Rockmart 770-684-0444
For More Merchants Visit: www.polkgeorgia.com
1585 Rome Hwy., Cedartown 770-748-1636
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Places to Go, Things to Do Crafts Exhibition Opening Nov. 13 in the new Rockmart Cultural Arts Center Gallery, the annual Rockmart Civic Arts Commission Crafts Exhibition will be on display through Jan. 15, 2011. Crafts include pottery, basketry, weaving, wood carving, stained glass and other mediums. Exhibit hours are Saturdays, 10 am-4 pm. Admission is free. An Artists’ Opening Reception, open to the public, is Sunday, Nov. 14, from 1 pm-3 pm in the Gallery. The new Cultural Arts Center Gallery is located in the Rockmart Municipal Complex, 316 North Piedmont Ave., Building 300. For more information on the Gallery contact Leigh Hulsey at 770-684-5454 or e-mail rcac@rockmart-ga.gov.
“Ricky Nelson Remembered” American singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and actor Ricky Nelson placed 53 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1957 and 1973, including 19 top-ten hits. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. The Cedartown Performing Arts Center presents “Ricky Nelson Remembered”, a multi-media show starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, Ricky’s twin sons, Nov. 13 at 7:30 pm. Ricky’s hit songs, including “Hello Mary Lou","Travelin' Man”, and “Garden Party" will be performed by Matthew & Gunnar. With their rock band NELSON, they have five Top 40 Billboard hits, four #1 MTV videos and have sold over 6.5 million albums worldwide. For ticket information call 770-748-4168 or visit www. cedartownshows.com.
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November/December 2010
Event Calendar
Placers to Go, Things to Do Christmas Parades
The spirit of the holiday season is captured in the annual Cedartown and Rockmart Christmas parades. All ages share in the excitement as colorful floats roll down the street, music fills the air, and Santa “comes to town.” Civic and church groups, along with schools and businesses, decorate floats in keeping with parade themes: Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child” in Cedartown and “A Christmas Celebration” in Rockmart. Following the parade in Cedartown, there will be a fireworks display. Parades are Dec. 2 at 6 pm in Rockmart, and Dec. 3 at 6 pm in Cedartown. Rain dates are Dec. 4 at 6 pm in Cedartown and Dec. 7 at 6 pm in Rockmart.
Atlanta Pops Orchestra The Atlanta Pops Orchestra with conductor John Head will present a program of Christmas music at the Cedartown Performing Arts Center Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm. For tickets call 770-748-4168 or visit www.cedartownshows.com.
Judy Collins Christmas Show Legendary folk singer and Grammy Award winner Judy Collins brings her “Christmas Show” to the Cedartown Performing Arts Center, Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 pm. The performance includes a mix of traditional holiday favorites plus selections of her greatest hits. continued on page 14
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Silver Comet Trail
Trail Access with Parking
Paved
Traveling the Trail in Polk County
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November/December 2010
Horses OK
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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Event Calendar
Placers to Go, Things to Do
Judy has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretive folk songs and contemporary themes. Her impressive career has spanned more than 40 years. Though she started out in folk music in 1961 with her first album, A Maid of Sorrow, she later branched out into rock, country, theater and art songs. The Cedartown appearance is part of her North American tour. For ticket information call 770-748-4168 or visit www.cedartownshows.com.
Holiday Wreath Contest “Individuals, families, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in the 4th Annual Holiday Wreath Contest at the Cedartown Library by submitting a unique wreath representing the holiday season ,” said Sharon Cleveland, branch manager of the Cedartown Library. Finished wreaths should be submitted to the library by Friday, November 12th. All wreaths will be on display in the library through December 5th. Everyone is invited to bid on their favorite wreath through Dec. 3. Winning bids will be announced on Monday, Dec. 6th. “Proceeds from the bids will help the Library purchase new furnishings,” said Cleveland. All are invited to join in the fun! Call 770-748-5644 for more information.
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November/December 2010
School Zone Harpst Academy By Judy Alred, Principal, Harpst Academy
Harpst Academy has quite a history in Polk County. It began many years ago as an orphanage started by Mrs. Ethel Harpst for the children of Polk County and surrounding areas. Another orphanage was established just outside the city limits of Cedartown by Ms. Sarah Murphy. Over the years this institution became known as Murphy-Harpst. It took in the needy children of the surrounding areas to house, feed, and nurture so that they would have the chance to grow up sound in body and mind. A name change to Murphy Harpst Children’s Centers came when the Women's Division of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church assumed ownership of the institution.
The Ethel Harpst Center was established in 1924 on 160 wooded acres in Cedartown. November/December 2010 THE CONNECTION
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Event Calendar
School Zone
Murphy Harpst is one of a few behavioral/therapeutic residential institutions in the state of Georgia. Children from around the state reside here to obtain appropriate therapy due to the trauma they have experienced in their past. These children go to school, attend drug rehabilitation, learn independent living skills, receive medical care, and attend group and individual therapy. There is also an equine therapy program, and many other activities throughout each day. There is a summer program that provides living skills and academics to the residents when school is not is session. Many visitors come to the campus on a weekly basis to assist in the care of the grounds, housing, and provide programs for the residents. The children are given clothing, hygiene products, books, etc. from donations made to Murphy Harpst. A donation was given by Mr. Carey Cater to establish a library for the campus. A young lady, who was visiting Murphy Harpst while Mr. Cater was on campus, organized a project at her school to help fill the Murphy Harpst library with books, magazines, and videos for the residents. She gathered over 3000 books through donations at her schools and in the community. She continues to assist in this area. There are computers that the residents can use in the library as well.
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Event Calendar
School Zone
The on-campus school has a new schedule for 2010-2011. Elementary students attend school from 7:55 to 3:15 daily and receive instruction in all courses on this level. Middle school students attend school from 7:55am-11:55am daily. They attend Therapeutic Services for the rest of the day from Murphy Harpst Staff. High School students attend Therapeutic Services from 7:55am-11:55am. They attend school from 12:35pm-4:35pm. All students receive instruction that other public school students receive. Vocational services are provided for the high school students also. The middle and high school students have three computer labs in which to do course work. They also have one to one instruction in areas of math, reading, and English/Language Arts. The elementary students use two of the labs and receive one on one instruction as well. In the evenings after school, the residents have recreational activities that are carried out by Murphy Harpst staff. Tutoring sessions occur for residents who need assistance with homework. Murphy Harpst provides a school liaison that assists the public school with students who attend Polk School District schools.
• Checking Accounts • Savings Accounts • Debit Mastercard • 24 Hour ATM • CDs/IRAs • Safe Box Rentals • Auto Loans
• 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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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 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 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 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. It is now an attorney’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 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 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 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.
November/December 2010
Landmarks and Historic Areas Rockmart/Aragon
VAN WERT
ROSE HILL CEMETERY/GAZEBO
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.
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.
VAN WERT METHODIST CHURCH
EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARK
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.
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."
ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH
DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGS
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 Engineered Fabrics Corporation.
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.
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. Once Johnston realized Sherman’s plan he began moving troops to block his way. This resulted in 10 days of battle at New Hope Church, Dallas and Pickett’s Mill in Paulding County.
To Advertise in
The Connection
Contact Jennifer Garrett 770-748-150 Jgarrett@cedartownstd.com LaDonna Mears 770-684-7811 Lmears@rockmartjrl.com
CITY HALL The City Hall, located in the center of downtown Rockmart on Marble Street, was the first Rockmart building designed by Roy Reese. While it was constructed in 1921, other buildings in the downtown area date back to 1885. 770-684-5454.
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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.
Rockmart/Aragon Rockmart Civic Arts Commission Promotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Gallery on Elm Street, Rockmart. 770-684-5888.
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
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
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 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.
Cedar Valley Arts Festival
Polk County Homespun Festival
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
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 2010
TRANSPORTATION
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.
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 County Regional 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. Additionally,
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 available. POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The main office of the Polk County Chamber of Commerce is located at 604 Goodyear St. 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/Rockmart at (770) 684-8760 or the Chamber office/Cedartown at (770) 749-1652 for more information.
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Advertisers Index:
Brown's Pharmacy................................................................ x Redmond Family Care...........................................................x Georgia Power.......................................................................x Georgia Northwestern Technical College .......................... xx Paymaster Unlimited, Inc....................................................xx First National Bank of Polk County......................................xx Coosa Valley Home Health..................................................xx Community Bank of Rockmart............................................xx To Advertise in
The Connection Contact Jennifer Garrett 770-748-150 Jgarrett@cedartownstd.com LaDonna Mears 770-684-7811 Lmears@rockmartjrl.com
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!
NORTHWEST GEORGIA’S PREMIER
COLLEGE FOR WORKFORCE Development
Georgia Northwestern Technical College • Is the largest college in Northwest Georgia • Features over 200 programs of study in the areas of business, health, industrial and public service technologies • Is one of the largest health occupations education providers in the state of Georgia • Benefits 3,200 students annually through Adult Education programs • Is building the future of the automotive workforce for the tri-state area as a part of Georgia’s Auto Alley • Works with Georgia Quick Start® to provide customized training to area businesses
www.GNTC.edu • 1.866.983.GNTC (4682) GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an Equal Opportunity Institution.
22 THE CONNECTION
November/December 2010
Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION 604 Goodyear 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 Garrett at 770-748-1520 or Jeff Glover at 770-684-7811 Editorial Content by: Deanna Strickland Polk County Chamber of Commerce 770/684-8760
Cedartown 770-748-9318 401 N. Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125 November/December 2010 THE CONNECTION
23
Polk County’s Only Locally Owned Community Bank Polk County's Only Community Bank
Check Out Our Full Line of Banking Services: Check Out Our 1st Full Line of Banking Services: and 2nd Mortgages Checking Savings Internet Banking • 1st and 2nd Mortgages • Checking • Savings Certificates of Deposit • Internet • CertificatesDrive of Deposit 1400Banking Chattahoochee MEMBER
Rockmart, GA
(770) 684-BANK (2265) Chattahoochee Drive
www.bankcbr.com • Rockmart, GA. (770) 684-BANK (2265) www.bankcbr.com
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com
FREE
24 THE CONNECTION
November/December 2010