Connection The
Showcasing the best of Polk County September / October 2013
Official Publication of
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
www.polkgeorgia.com
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Summer always seems to be over far too soon. The time at the pool and family gatherings passes too quickly. With a new school year underway and a few leaves leaving their branches, we prepare for the autumn weather and a break for the AC. The nights arrive a little faster and baseball is a household word again. Although we definitely had our fair share of water and storms as opposed to sweltering heat, we always look forward to Summer coming 'round again every year. What did you do this past summer? Did you take the kids out for yogurt and play catch at the park? Or did you get out your bike and take a bike ride on the Silver Comet Trail? Just because summer is ending does not mean the fun has to end. There are several Community events coming up this Fall in Polk County. Find something for your family to enjoy at www.polkgeorgia.com
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
Table of Contents
Connection News ................................................... 2 Events Calendar...................................................... 3 Connection News................................................... 4 Welcome New Members......................................... 7 Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8
Events Calendar
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
August 30 thru October 26
Legends & Lore Art Exhibit The Rockmart Civic Arts Commission if featuring an exhibition with works of art from artists ages 18 & up. An artist’s reception is scheduled for Sunday, September 8 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300. Stop in and see an amazing Legend or the magic of Lore.
President-Steve Arrington Businesses may also have advertising opportunities as well. For more information contact Jennifer Hulsey at 770-546-0286 or hulsey1873@ gmail.com
September 2
October 5
GRITS Labor Day Ride The 2013 GRITS (Georgia Rails into Trails Society, Inc.) Labor Day Bicycle and Roller Blade is Monday September 2, 2013 at Seaborn Jones Park in Rockmart. The Ride consists of a Metric Century 100km (62.1 mile) ride, Bike & Blades (27 mile) ride, and the Brushy Mountain Tunnel (13 mile) ride. Children 15 & under are free. You can register online at active.com.
September 7
Cedartown Fall Festival The Cedartown Fall Festival in the Downtown Historic District is an annual event which brings families from across the region to share in a day of food, live bands and old fashioned community fun. Watch the parade, listen to live bands, enjoy a fried pie or funnel cake and purchase hand- made items. There will be something to delight the whole family from tots to gramps. For more information you can contact the Downtown Cedartown Association at 770-748-2090.
Cedartown Block Party & Car, Motorcycle and Truck Show Join Downtown Cedartown 6:00 pm- 10:00 pm for a night of food, fun and great entertainment including Jeremiah Wheeler and Stone Free! Browse through the car show and pick out a few favorites and enjoy a family fun night in Downtown Cedartown.
FALL ART CLASSES IN ROCKMART Rockmart Civic Arts Commission offers a variety of classes in the Cultural Arts Center, 316 N. Piedmont Ave., Bldg. 300, Rockmart, GA. Drawing, Guitar, Piano, Pottery, Oil Painting, Basics of Sewing, & Whittling. The Drawing and Pottery classes are ongoing, however it is time to regSeptember 17- 21 ister for Fall classes in Piano, Oil Painting, Guitar, Whittling, and SewPolk County Fair ing. Classes begin on September 9, 2013 and space is limited. Please Tuesday Night-Student night (all students get in free at the gate) register today. Call 770-684-2707 or email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov for Wednesday Night-Community Night- Discounted armbands that night- registration forms. Gospel Music/ Enter the gate with a church bulletin $1 off at the gate. Thursday Night-Senior Night-All Senior Citizens get in free at the gate. SOAR – SUMMER OF ART IN ROCKMART Friday Night-Exchange Club & WGAA Night-Come out and here The Youth Exhibit is currently on display through August 24th in the Art some great music! Gallery. Visit on Fridays or Saturdays, 10 AM – 4 PM. 770-684-2707 Saturday Night-Miss Polk County Fair/ There are two categories: Little Miss Polk County Fair ages 2 to 4 JOIN AN ART COMMITTEE Miss Polk County Fair ages 15 to 18 RCAC offers many volunteer opportunities and committees. A few of (Miss Polk County Fair is something that has just started again. In order them are the Visual Arts (Gallery) Committee, Theatre Committee, and for it to continue they need people to enter and participate!) For more the Literary Arts Group. Everyone is invited to be a part of the ART in information contact Kristi Saxton at kristisaxton@hotmail.com or 770- RockmART. Email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov or call 770-684-2707 for more 883-3243 or go to our website at www.cedartownexchangeclub.com details. The Polk County Fair is sponsored by the Cedartown Exchange Club. The Exchange Club is a service organization that gives thousands of dollars in scholarships each year to seniors of both Rockmart and Cedartown High Schools. Their main project is child abuse prevention. They honor the County’s law enforcement each year-Law Officer of the year, and Fireman of the Year They also work with many nonprofits across the county in helping needy families. Their main fundraiser is the Polk county fair, and money they raise goes right back into this great community.
For a more complete listing of events you can visit the Chamber Website at www.polkgeorgia.com.
Polk
Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Community Calendar
Your Polk County Chamber of Commerce is always hard at work relaying information to the Community. It takes a great community effort to keep everyone apprised of the opportunities available to offer your time and talents. We want to make that a little bit easier by promoting a community calendar through the Chamber's website. By going to www.polkgeorgia.com and clicking on the "events image", you can see a host of Chamber and Community Events for Polk County. It is also possible for church or community group to add an event to the calendar. When you click on the member access icon on the Chamber homepage, the login screen will appear. Using the username: mypolkga and the password: 1234 you can add community items to the calendar. Once the items have been received they will be checked for content and accuracy*. After that, they are ready for all to find on the Community Calendar.
* All content will be verified before going live on the web. Any unsubstantiated information will not be approved for the site.
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
On August 4, 2010, the Polk County Chamber’s Small Business Committee unveiled the Rise and Shine Business Breakfast Series. This breakfast series is designed to provide information that is helpful for small business owners and their employees to make proper business decisions in day-to-day operations. Even though these meetings are geared mostly toward small business owners, members from the industry sector attend on a regular basis. A wide variety of topics have been presented at the Rise and Shine Breakfasts. Topics such as, Marketing On A Shoestring Budget, Working With Difficult People, What Is Your Business Worth, Safety in the Workplace (which did not mean anything about slipping or falling) and much, much more. Attending the breakfasts is also a great way to make new contacts by networking for the first 10 minutes. Redmond EMS graciously caters each breakfast and special thanks to Renee Blackmon for making her fantastic quiches! The Georgia Department of Labor, Cedartown Career Center, allows us to use their facility, which is a perfect location for those traveling from Rockmart as well as Cedartown. Please make plans to attend the last three Rise and Shine Breakfasts for 2013. You are guaranteed great information! The upcoming meetings are:
• Wednesday, September 4, 7:30am Topic - Constant Contact by Lanelle Henderson. The Power of Email
• Wednesday, October 2, 7:30am Topic - Retirement Planning by Roger Dubble
• Wednesday, December 4, 7:30am Topic – ObamaCare . How it will affect you and your business (It is possible that more time will be allowed for this topic)
Each Rise and Shine Breakfast is held at the Georgia Department of Labor, Cedartown Career Center, 262 N. Park Blvd., Cedartown, GA. The cost is $6.00 per Chamber member, $10.00 for future members. For more information visit www.polkgeorgia.com or call 770-687-8760.
Connection News
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
T hank You
Supporters! d an rs so on Sp n pu es 2013 Hom The Polk County Chamber of Commerce would like to express a special “thanks” to all our 2013 Homespun Sponsors and Supporters. Gold Sponsors Premier Fireworks Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
The annual Homespun Festival is not just a Chamber event. It is a true community event. There are several businesses and community organizations that count on events like Homespun to raise money for their particular causes. Organizations present at the 2013 Homespun Festival Our House Wounded Warriors
Platinum Sponsors
Covenant Christian School C.H.A.M.P.S. CASA of Polk & Haralson J & L Discount Waste Industries
St. David's Welsh Society Rockmart / Aragon Transitional House
Bronze Sponsors Smith-Lockwood Nathan Dean Agency Georgia Northwestern Technical College Hometown Realty
RHS Soccer RHS Volleyball RHS Cross Country Crossview Community Church Victory Baptist Church Compassion Building
Associate Sponsors Highland Park & KTM World The Roper Firm Morgan Hardware
iLove
myPolkga
WELCOME NEw members! Stefanie Drake-Buford, Attorney At Law 216 Main St., Cedartown, GA. (770) 748-3606 http://www.thedrakefirmlaw.com Rome & Floyd County Habitat for Humanity 10 Central Plaza, Rome, GA (706) 378-0030 http://www.habitatrome.org Bruce Day
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)
Attractions Guide Landmarks and Historic Areas Cedartown
POLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the museum contains the history of Polk County. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Georgia architect, and was built in 1924. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places.
POLK COUNTY COURTHOUSE #2 At 100 Prior Street, this building was designed by Otis Clay Poundston in Neoclassical Revival Style and constructed in 1935. It was originally City Hall, but is now used as a courthouse annex.
CEDARTOWN MURAL Completed in 1999, the mural is located in downtown Cedartown. The project was designed and completed by local artists and volunteers from The Art Lover’s League of Cedar Valley. The mural is a collage of well-known structures in Cedartown including many historic sites such as Hawkes Children’s Library and County Courthouse #2.
CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL
Outside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH Built on West Avenue in 1883, this is the oldest church still in use in Cedartown. The church has been maintained in its original state except for the outside color. Sterling Holloway grew up in this church.
BOOZ HOTEL This structure was built in the 1800s and operated as a hotel in the 1890s. Located across the street from the Polk County Historical Society.
BIG SPRING Located on Wissahickon Avenue, this was the site of a ballground and ceremonial dance ground of the Cherokee Indian natives until the early 1800s. It is the second largest limestone spring in the South and produces an average of 4 million gallons of water per day.
DOWNTOWN CEDARTOWN In 1988, Cedartown became a “Mainstreet City” and is a registered site in the National Register of Historic Places. The last decade has seen much renovation in the downtown area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090. HIGHTOWER FALLS
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON
Landmarks and Historic Areas Rockmart/Aragon
VAN WERT
Created in 1832 from the village of Cleantown, Van Wert was made the seat of Paulding County. It was known for slate, iron, gold and fertile farmland and served as the county seat until Polk County was formed from part of Paulding in 1851 and the county seat was moved to Cedartown. Van Wert was awarded a Historic Township of Georgia by the Department of Community Affairs.
VAN WERT METHODIST CHURCH
Built in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest structures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovating the structure.
ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH In Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.
ROCKMART MURAL
The mural was created in 1997 and painted on the side of Morgan Hardware on Marble Street. The mural was created by 180 volunteers over a three week period and was part of a celebration of Rockmart's 125th anniversary.
THE GOODYEAR MILL
In 1929, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company selected Rockmart as the site for one of its clearwater mills. They built a multi-million dollar plant on what is now Goodyear Street and gave Rockmart "the biggest boost it has ever received in its history." Goodyear sold the plant in 1987 and it is now owned and operated by Meggitt Polymers & Composites
GOODYEAR MILL VILLAGE
In the 1930s, Goodyear built a modern village with approximately 180 homes, two tennis courts, a baseball field and a golf course directly across the street from the mill.
CITY HALL
The Rockmart Municipal Complex located on N. Piedmont Ave, is now considered "City Hall". The complex includes the Administrative Services Building, Cultural Arts Center,Recreation Department, and Rockmart Police Department. The complex is located on what was originally the site of the Piedmont Institute College, which was replaced later by Rockmart High and Middle Schools which later became known as Rockmart High School.
ROSE HILL CEMETERY/GAZEBO
On Elm Street, the land for the cemetery was donated to the town. The gazebo, constructed in 1891 is now considered one of Rockmart's most recognizable historic landmarks. The cemetery site also offers a spectacular view across Rockmart.
EUHARLEE CREEK/SEABORN JONES PARK
A city park, Seaborn Jones Park sits in the middle of downtown Rockmart along the banks of the Euharlee Creek. The name Euharlee comes from the Cherokee or Creek Indians and means "she laughs as she runs."
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.
ROCKMART HISTORICAL MUSEUM The recently opened Rockmart Historical Museum is a must to see for anyone interested in history. It chronicles the unique history and culture of Rockmart with heirloom contributions of items and photos supplied by members of the community. Of particular interest art the items concerning "Welsh" Rockmart, with its miners and slate industry, chapels and slate roofs. The museum is located in Old City Hall Building at 133 Marble Street, next to Seaborn Jones Park.
OLD MILL
DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGS
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.
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.
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.
Seaborn Jones Park
A city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.
CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON 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.
Welsh Festival
Mae'n dod Gwy! Cmry!/Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic music, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours of the historical Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. It is held on the quad (square) next to the Old City Hall Building, 133 Marble St. in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March.
Polk County at a Glance LOCATION AND LAND AREA Polk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest industrial centers: Atlanta, 45 miles east; Birmingham, 85 miles west, and Chattanooga, 83 miles north. Surrounded on four corners by mountains, Polk County is a land of dramatic contrasts - from the city of Cedartown which lies on a gentle plain to Rockmart with its rocky hills and deep valleys.
GOVERNMENT Polk County is governed by a six member Board of Commissioners elected for four-year staggered terms. The chairman is elected from the board for a one-year term. Cedartown, the county seat, is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners who elect a commission chairman from amongst board members and appoint a City Manager. The city of Rockmart is governed by an elected mayor and five council members who elect a City Manager. Aragon is governed by a mayor and four council members. Full-time police and fire departments are maintained in all three areas and the county for the protection of all residents.
INDUSTRY Polk County boasts a wide array of existing industry and takes pride in its success in new industry recruitment in the last decade. The top ten industries employee some 3,700 people and include both manufacturing and service.
CLIMATE A moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity throughout most of the year: January average minimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32/55 degrees July average minimum/maximum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67/83 degrees Average annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.
POPULATION 42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.
TRANSPORTATION
Major trucking lines and both CSX and the Norfolk Southern Railway system link Polk County to points in all directions. Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport is only one hour away while Cornelius Moore Airport in the middle of the county provides a paved and lighted 4,000 ft. runway. The new $15,000,000 state of the art Paulding Northwest Atlanta Airport is only 8 miles from Polk County. Four lane Highway 278 east links Polk County to Atlanta via I-20. Other main arteries include U.S. Highway 27 and 113.
Advertisers Index: Georgia Power......................................7 Redmond Physician Network...............7 Coosa Dental Associates......................7 Holmes Clothing..................................7 Harbin Clinic......................................12
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
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