Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk CountyNovember / December 2012

Connection News ................................................... 2Events Calendar...................................................... 3Connection News................................................... 4Connection News ................................................... 6Welcome New Members......................................... 7Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8

Table of Contents

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 CardsBe 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!

Events Calendar CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

November 3- December 15The Cedartown Performing Arts CenterThe 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 MusicalSaturday November 10, 7:30 pm- Emile PandolfiSaturday November 17, 7:30 pm- Clock Tower Jazz EnsembleSaturday December 8, 7:30 pm- The NutcrackerSaturday December 15, 7:30 pm- Lou Vuto’s Salute to ElvisTo find out more information or to purchase tickets you can find them at http://cedartown-shows.ticketleap.com/

November 9- December 22Rockmart 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

November 10-11Native American Intertribal GatheringThe 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 hand-made 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“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.

November 29Christmas Tree LightingA 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 InThe Downtown Cedartown Association holds a monthly Cruise In in Historic Downtown Cedar-town 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- 2Tour of HomesThe 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 pm- 5:00 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 1-2The Hope of ChristmasDebbie Miller, Director of the Rockmart Community Chorus and volunteer singers from Rock-mart, 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 Com-munity 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 Com-munity Chorus you can contact Mrs. Debbie Miller at 404-219-9572.

December 3Rockmart Christmas ParadeThe 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 6Cedartown Christmas ParadeThe 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 Pris-oners of War. The parade route will be from Marietta Street to the Badcock Furniture parking lot behind Wendy’s on North Main Street.

December 13- 15A Country Christmas CarolThe 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

Cedartown Library Events: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: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.

November- DecemberChristmas is for Kids CampaignWith 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.

A Stitch in TimeDona Childers

115 S. Marble St.Rockmart GA 30153

(770) 684-0444

Aaron RentsKaron Moody

720 N. Main StreetCedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-9724

Badcock Home FurnishingsKiley Stewart

304 N. Main StreetCedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-0862

Bradford Drug Company, Inc.Bill Brewster

500 N. Main StreetCedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-3100

Bussey's Florist & Gifts, Inc.Todd Bussey

302 Main StreetCedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-4055

Cedartown Liquor StoreSuch Patel

830 N. Main St.Cedartown GA 30125

(770) 749-2700

Holiday Shopping Guide2012

Polk County

Country CousinsDonna Staples

8 Rome Rd.Cave Spring GA 30124

(706) 777-0523

Croker's HardwareScotty Tillery

1192 Rockmart Hwy.Cedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-4842

Haney Farm & Ranch SupplyLarry Haney

448 Nathan Dean Pkwy.Rockmart GA 30153

(770) 684-7277

Haney Supply CompanyBobby Haney

37 Brackett RoadRockmart GA 30153

(770) 684-3197

Highland Park & KTM WorldPaul Wright

1501 Culp Lake Rd.Cedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-0771

Holmes Clothing StoreStephen Casey235 Main Street

Cedartown GA 30125770-748-1455

Holmes For HerAlice Pittman

301 Main StreetCedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-0757

Home DepotTimothy Ramirez1500 Rome Hwy

Cedartown Ga 30125678-246-0107

J & L DiscountKenny Teal

104 S. Marble St.Rockmart GA 30153

770-684-5111

JanBil FarmsBill & Janet Nutt

1418 Sixth Street Rd.Cedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-6424

Industrial Drive Gunand Pawn

Butch Garrett314 Industrial Dr.

Rockmart GA 30153(770) 684-1600

Knight's Ace HardwareKaren Barfield

837 S. Main StreetCedartown GA 30125

(770) 748-2742

Main Street BooksKatie Kelly

312 Main StreetCedartown GA 30125

(404) 502-2183

Holiday Shopping Guide2012

Polk County

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio

Peggy Burgess230 Main Street

Cedartown GA 30125(770) 748-1514

Mill Town Music HallSteve Bennett

1063 Alabama AvenueBremen GA 30110

770-537-1845

Nana'sPaulette Harbin

15 Rome Rd.Cave Spring GA 30124

(706) 777-8700

Morgan HardwareScott Kinney

117 East Elm StreetRockmart GA 30153

(770) 684-6597

Precious Images VideographyPhillip Davis14 Ridge Rd.

Cave Spring GA 30124(706) 777-8484

Precious PawsKellie Taylor

221 S. Marble StreetRockmart GA 30153

(770) 684-2248

ProScapes Direct, LLCJames Blackwood

1651 Rome HighwayRockmart GA 30153

(678) 757-0080

Posey Shelter Pet Promotions Inc.

Gail Posey1874 Fish Creek Rd.

Cedartown GA 30125(678) 361-7304

Rudy Wood's Appliance Sales

Phil Smith539 West Avenue

Cedartown GA 30125(770) 748-7936

SageBrush Metal Art, LLCKen Sargent17 Rice Rd.

Rockmart GA 30153(678) 757-9990

Skydive GeorgiaB.J. Smith

493 Airport RoadCedartown GA 30125800-505-JUMP (5867)

Smith-LockwoodSondi Vest

114 S. Marble StreetRockmart GA 30153

(770) 684-6573

Studio Fitness 24/7Jordan Hubbard224 Main Street

Cedartown GA 30125(770) 748-1771

Tabitha's Beauty SupplyTabitha Rowland-McClarity

970 Cedartown Hwy.Rockmart GA 30153

(678) 757-8070

Trammell Lawn CareRoy Trammell

1270 Rockmart HighwayCedartown GA 30125

(770) 749-1042

Wal-Mart #0727Georgia Perrine1585 Rome Hwy.

Cedartown GA 30125(770) 748-1636

Wal-Mart #4409Gary Howell

1801 Nathan Dean Pkwy.Rockmart GA 30153

(678) 757-8766

What's New Consignment & BoutiqueDenise Bell

119 S. Marble St.Rockmart GA 30153

(770) 684-8090

Yesterday’s Antiques & Crafts

Vern & Elaine Miller550 W. Elm Street

Rockmart, GA 30153(770) 684-5597

School Zone / Upcoming Events CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

GeorgiaBEST

Upcoming Chamber EventsMember Appreciation

BreakfastNovember 7, 2012

Cedar Hill Living Center402 E Ellawood AvenueCedartown, GA 30125

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Chamber After HoursNovember 8, 2012

Rockmart Public Library w/ Darlington School

316 N. Piedmont Ave. Bldg 2015:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Chamber After HoursDecember 13, 2012The HON Company907 West Avenue

Cedartown, GA 301255:00 pm -6:30 pm

Holiday Hours / Chamber offices will be closed: November 12, 2012

November 21, 2012 - November 23, 2012December 24, 2012 - January 1, 2013

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”.

WELCOME NEW MEMbErs!

KW CommercialAtlanta Perimeter

Mike Garrett115 Perimeter Center

Place, Suite 100Atlanta, GA 30346

770-846-7702

ASegura InsuranceServices

Alex Segura411 S. College Street

Cedartown, GA 30125678-901-0400

FL Graphix, Inc.Dean Morgan

574 Industrial Way NorthDallas, GA 30132

770-448-1111

Northwest GA Housing Authority

Shannon Johnson800 N. Fifth Avenue

Rome, GA 30161706-291-0780

Yesterday's Antiques & Gifts

Elaine Miller550 W. Elm St.

Rockmart, GA 30153770-684-5597

House of the Children Academy

Shannon Johnson811 Forrest Ave.

Rockmart, GA 30153 770-684-6571

Tri-County Painting, Inc.Keith Redden

47 Cherokee FairwaysCedartown, GA 30125

770-749-0704

Emergi-ProSarah HensleyP.O. Box 436

Cedartown, GA 30125770-749-0704

Rockmart Pharmacy and Medical Supply

Chymar Ihekwereme407 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.

South Cobb Dr. -1.00 1015 (Note: This is considered part of the Silver Comet Extension) Mavell Rd. 0.00 925 Fontaine Road 1.20 906 Concord Road 2.60 887 Floyd Road 4.20 1021 Carter Road 8.60 948 Sailor’s Parkway 9.40 984 Florence Road 11.60 946 Hiram 14.66 1001 Paulding County 14.66 1001Chamber of Commerce Tara Drummond 20.23 1035(previously Dallas Trailhead) Rambo Nursery 22.22 941 Coot’s Lake 33.49 930 Van Wert 36.06 807 Rockmart Riverwalk 37.66 749 Nathan Dean Park 38.76 748 Don Williams 44.90 864 Grady Road 45.80 904 Cedartown Depot 51.30 796 Martin Trailhead 52.90 824 Esom Hill 61.20 923 Stateline Gateway 61.50 922(Georgia-Alabama Line)

Parking & Trail Access Mile Marker Elevation (Ft)

8 - THE CONNECTION

Landmarks and Historic AreasRockmart/Aragon

VAN WERTCreated 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 CHURCHBuilt in 1857 by Rev. Wm. Simpson, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest struc-tures in Polk County. The Van Wert Church Restoration Group, led by Greg Gray, is renovat-ing the structure.

ARAGON-EUHARLEE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCHIn Aragon, the oldest church still in use in the County.

ROCKMART MURALThe 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 MILLIn 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 VILLAGEIn 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 origi-nally 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/GAZEBOOn 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 PARKA city park, Seaborn Jones Park sits in the middle of downtown Rockmart along the banks of the Euharlee Creek. The name Euharlee comes from the Cherokee or Creek Indians and means "she laughs as she runs."

DODGE & DAVIS AT PEEK SPRINGSNear 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.

Landmarks and Historic AreasCedartown

POLK COUNTY HISTORICALSOCIETY/MUSEUM Formerly Hawkes Children’s Library, the mu se um contains the history of Polk Coun ty. The building was designed by J. Neel Reid, famous Geor gia 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 MEMORIALOutside Courthouse #2 is a Confederate monument erected in 1906 by United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate veterans.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCHBuilt 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 HOTELThis 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 SPRINGLocated 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 CEDARTOWNIn 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 down town area including second floor residential availability, new businesses and remodelings. 770-748-2090.HIGHTOWER FALLSOriginally the site of a wooden grist mill purchased by Elias Hightower in 1846 and con vert ed 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 MILLLocated 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.

Attractions Guide CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

THE CONNECTION - 9

Cedartown Performing Arts CenterThe 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 TheaterThis 1941 Art Deco style theater hosts first run movies for both children and adults.

Peek ParkOn 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 ComplexSoftball 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 ClubThis 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 FestivalAn annual festival is held on the last full weekend in April. This event is sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League. Local and regional art-ists display their craft as do the children of Cedartown whose works are displayed throughout Peek Park, the site of the festival.

Meadow Lakes Golf ClubMeadow 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 les-sons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942

Rockmart Civic Arts CommissionPromotes and hosts various arts activities in the city and maintains the city’s Art Center on Piedmont Avenue, Rockmart. 770-684-5454.

Seaborn Jones ParkA city park along the banks of Euharlee Creek in downtown Rockmart. Complete with picnic tables and a gazebo.

Nathan Dean Sports ComplexRockmart’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 CourseNine hole, public golf course. 770-684-5961.

Silver Comet TrailThe 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 FestivalAn annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Com merce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and region-al crafters display their wares throughout the park. Continuous enter-tainment is a highlight of the festival as well as many games and events throughout the park. 770-684-8760.

Aragon BarbequePatriotism 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 high-lights.

Tom Pittman Field and Jake Belk ParkAragon’s two city parks both have recreational and picnic facilities.

CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGONLeisure Life in Polk County

10 - THE CONNECTION

Advertisers Index:

Coosa Dental ..........................................7Georgia Power.........................................7Redmond Physician Network..................7Raceway..................................................7Harbin Clinic..........................................12

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153

770/684-8760 Fax: 770/825-9002

609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125www.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 at770-684-7811

Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber

of Commerce 770/684-8760

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk County

THE CONNECTION - 11

Polk County at a Glance CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

LOCATION AND LAND AREAPolk County, consisting of a 312 square mile area, is near the center of the South's three largest indus-trial 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.

GOVERNMENTPolk 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 com mis sion 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 pro tec tion of all residents.

INDUSTRYPolk 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.

CLIMATEA moderate climate with seasonal variation creates an excellent environment for outdoor activity through out most of the year:January averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32/55 degreesJuly averageminimum/maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67/83 degreesAverage annual rainfall is 50" based on ten year data. Relative humidity is 69.7%.

POPULATION42,709 people reside in Polk County including 10,021 in Cedartown, 4,242 in Rockmart and 1,039 in Aragon.

TRANSPORTATIONMajor 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.

COMMUNICATIONSTwo 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 na tion al hap-pen ings.

EDUCATIONEducational 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 res i dents have easy access to three additional private schools in a neighboring county.

UTILITIESGeorgia 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 sew-age 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 pro vides a first-rate tele com mu ni ca tions sys tem and cablevision is provided by Charter Communications.

HEALTHCAREPolk Medical Center is located in Cedartown. Numer-ous physicians, dentists, chiropractors and other health care proviers are throughout Polk County. Immediate Care facilities are also available.

POLK COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe main office of the Polk County Chamber of Com-merce is located at 133 South Marble Street in Rock-mart. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. The Chamber also main tains a Cedartown office in conjunction with the Cedartown Welcome Center at 609 S. Main St.. Cedartown office hours are Mon.-Fri., 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Call the Chamber office at 770-684-8760.

Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of