Chamber of Commerce & Development Authority

Polkwww.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication of

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk CountyMarch / April 2014

Connection News ................................................... 2

Events Calendar....................................................3-4

Connection News................................................... 5

Welcome New Members......................................... 7

Silver Comet Map.................................................... 8

Table of Contents

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Looking Ahead.... Yes, it is time! While most folks don’t start thinking about the Homespun Festival until June or July, the Chamber staff begins their work in December; sending out entry forms, soliciting for sponsors and making plans for this year’s festival, which is July 18 and 19, always the third Friday and Saturday in July. Nope… it doesn’t happen over night! The Homespun Festival is the perfect event to go to with your family and friends. Admission costs you nothing. Enjoy walking through beautiful Seaborn Jones Park in Downtown Rockmart while looking at the handmade arts and crafts, listening to the lo-cal talent as they perform on stage, sampling the many varieties of

food plus much, much more including the grand finale of fireworks on Saturday night. The Chamber is eternally grateful to the City of Rockmart employees and City Manager Jeff Ellis for their endless works of amazement to prepare for the festival.

For this year and now on, an important change has been made to the festival. Absolutely no pets (dogs, cats, ferrets, etc.) will be allowed in the park during festival hours. This of course excludes service dogs. I cannot tell you how many times we have witnessed fights between two dogs trying to prove who is bigger. Plus, seeing the horror in a mother’s eyes as her young child reaches out to pet a strange dog is not a good thing to witness. A large crowd and nervous dogs is not a good match. This decision was not made lightly. It was discussed at length by the Homespun Safety Committee before coming to fruition. Anything that can be done to make the festival safer is a positive move.

2014 marks the 37th Anniversary of the Homespun Festival so mark your calendar for July 18 and 19 and plan to celebrate with us! For more information on the Homespun Festival and other Polk County Chamber events please visit www.polkgeorgia.com.

Events Calendar CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

March 7- April 26“Heritage” gallery exhibitJoin local artist as they present “Heritage” a gallery exhibit at the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center located at 316 N. Peidmont Ave., Bldg. 300. A formal artist’s reception is scheduled for March 23rd 12:30 pm until 2:30pm. For more information 770-684-2707 or email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov

March 15WELSHfestMae’n dod Gwy! Cmry! / The Welsh Festival is coming! Rockmart hosts the only Welsh festival in Georgia, featuring lively Celtic mu-sic, Welsh food and Bar-B-Que, plus tours to the historic Van Wert Church and graveyard where Welsh miners and Civil War soldiers are buried. And this year you will find that the ‘Keeping Up with The Joneses’ Fun Run is happening again, also a special expo on Welsh products will be held in the Slate building, a special children’s area, and fun games such as Welly Wanging, and let us not leave out Men in Rockmart (in Kilts) Contest! There will be so much fun for the whole family to participate in! It is held on the quad (square) next to the old City Hall Building, 133 S. Marble Street in the heart of downtown Rockmart. Welshfest is held the 3rd Saturday in March (March 15y, 2014). Check out the WELSHfest website for more in-formation on events at http://welshfest.vpweb.com/default.html. Ad’s and Booth spaces are available to purchase. Also, if you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Karl Welsher at 770.936.9381 or you may contact by: General e-mail (booth & ad forms etc): cymruga@gmail.comVolunteering: njfeek103@wmconnect.comEvents: kwelsher@mindspring.com

April 13- 19Georgia Cities WeekGeorgia Cities Week gives Cities an opportunity to share informa-tion about the valuable services Cities provide to residents and how Cities positively impact their quality of life. The theme for this year’s Georgia Cities Week is “People, Place and Purpose”. Look for dates and times to follow in your local paper with events in your City.

April 26- 27Cedar Valley Arts FestivalThe 50th Annual CedarValley Arts Festival will be April 26 - 27 at the Historic Peek’s Park in Cedartown beginning Saturday 10:00 am- 6:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. The Cedar Valley Arts Festival 5K and Fun Run will be on April 26th begin and end at Peek Park. Race begins at 8:00am and Fun Run after, all runners are asked to arrive no later than 7:30 am. All proceeds to benefit endorsed projects of the CJSL. For more information contact Amy Orebaugh at 770-883-9412.

Mill Town Music Hall is committed to providing West Georgia with a quality wholesome entertainment venue. Boasting a state-of-the-art audio and visual system, the venue hosts numerous Country, Contemporary Christian, Southern Gospel and Bluegrass concerts, along with other family-friendly events. Conveniently located off I-20 Mill Town Music Hall is in Bremen, GA on 1031 Alabama Avenue. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.milltownmu-sichall.com or call 770-537-6455.

March

Saturday, March 8 – Kansas, 8:00 pm – Tickets $50 Premium, $40 Reserved and General AdmissionFriday, March 14 – Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, 7:30 pm – Tickets $30 Premium, $25 Reserved and General Admission

April

Saturday, April 12 – The Charlie Daniels Band, 7:30 pm – Tickets $55 Premium, $45 Reserved and General Admission

Rockmart Library Events

Story Time - Every Tuesday at 11am. (ages 18 months – 6 years)Thursday, March 6th 11am - "Crazy WHO HAIR Day" Puppet Show - Wear your silliest hair styles and join in the fun!Thursday, April 3rd 11am - "Quit Buggin' Me" Puppet Show

Lives Change @your library

Celebrate National Library Week - April 14 -19th. Lives change @ your library every day. In countless communities across our nation, children, students and adults turn to libraries to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams. Public, school, academic, and special librar-ies don't just offer books, e-books, computers and other resources. They also offer the expert teaching and guidance of librarians and li-brary staff to help library users expand their minds, open new worlds and change their lives.

Check out these free activities at the Rockmart Library:

Monday, April 14 - Kick-off for Reading Club* for Adults (18yrs old & wiser)

Tuesday, April 15 -Library Worker Appreciation Day & Story Time at 11am

Wednesday, April 16 -Library Patron Appreciation Day ( join us for cookies and lemonade all day)

Thursday, April 17 -Food for Fines Day (one non-perishable food item for $1 worth of late return fees $20 max)

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Friday, April 18 - Plant Swap (bring plants from your home and yard to swap 1 for 1 with other green thumbed individuals)

*Join our Literary Elements Reading Club for Adults!

People ages 18 and older are invited to register beginning April 14th, program ends May 24th. Simply read for fun at home and register to win prizes! Call us at 770-684-3022 for more information.

Rockmart Library Cedartown Library316 N. Piedmont Ave. Bldg. 201 245 East AvenueRockmart, GA 30153 Cedartown, GA 30125770-684-3022 770-748-5644

Library Hours: Monday through Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-4pm

Rockmart First United Methodist Church Events

March 5th, 6pm- Ash Wednesday ServiceMarch 9th thru April 13th, 11am- Lenten ServicesMarch 26th, 5pm- Community Meal in Fellowship Hall, everyone is invitedApril 13th (Palm Sunday)- Egg Hunt and bring a dish luncheon following worship service at 11amApril 17th, 6pm- Maundy Thursday Service

Rockmart Cultural Arts Center ~ Rockmart Cultural Arts Center offers art and music classes. Prices range is $12 - $25, depending on art discipline. For more information and to register, please con-tact the instructor listed below or email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov for registration forms. • Ballet, taught by Julia Valenzuela (404-426-0987). Mondays: 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Beginning Ballet - Ages 5 – 9 / Tuesdays: 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM, Intermediate Ballet - Ages 10 – 14 / Tuesdays: 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM, *Advanced Ballet - Ages 14 – 21, 6:45 PM - 7:30 PM Intermediate/advanced pointe /*Advanced Ballet includes interme-diate/advanced pointe o $60.00 per month for beginning ballet/intermediate balleto $65.00 per month for advanced ballet including intermediate/advanced pointe

• Guitar, taught by Musician Kris Anderson (770-337-2527). Les-sons are offered by appointment. Please contact Kris to schedule and for pricing.• Drawing Instructor Kathy Torres (706-266-7554) offers weekly, ongoing classes as open studio sessions for ages 13 & up – Mon-days & Thursdays (5:30 – 7 PM) - $12 per class. Please contact instructor if you plan to attend.

• Oil Painting, taught by James Hill (770-355-1535), is offered in two hour sessions at $15 by appointment. Classes are available for any age, and any level of expertise.

• Piano, taught by Claudia Boyd (770-689-7202), is offered to any age on a second grade reading level. (Spanish also available) Each lesson up to 45 minutes for only $18 per week. (A 12 week commit-ment is encouraged.)

• Portraits, taught by Omar Bolado (404-852-4767), is offered to ages 16 and up on Tuesdays, (10 AM – 12 PM). Tuition is $60 for 4 weekly sessions each month. You choose the media: pencil, char-coal, water color, oil, acrylic, etc. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist who wants to fine tune your abilities as a portrait artist, this is the class for you.

• Pottery Instructor Paul Craighead ( 770-843-5302) offers weekly, ongoing classes as open studio sessions for all ages – Tuesdays & Wednesdays (6:30 – 8:30PM) - $15.

• Whittling, taught by Alvin Mallicoat (770-401-6362), is offered in a 4 week session on Mondays, (5:30 – 7:30 PM). Tuition and supply fee is $45. Ages 8 and up. REGISTER TODAY!!! HOME SCHOOL POTTERY CLASSES

Due to renewed interest in home school pottery classes, RCAC Pottery Instructor Paul Craighead offers an ongoing Pottery Open Studio class beginning Thursday, January 15, 2014 (10:00 to 11:30 AM) for all ages, but with homeschooled youth especially in mind. Students will be instructed on an individual basis in the techniques of hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing. The cost is $12 each day including supplies. If you would like to register or if you have more questions, please contact instructor Paul at 770-843-5302.

OTHER WAYS TO FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE ROCKMART CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

Website: www.rockmart-ga.gov/rcac

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rcac.ga

Twitter: www.twitter.com/@RockmartArts

Radio: Art segment every Friday 8:00AM on Hometown 1220 AM

WZOT or Listen Live at www.hometown1220.com

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Polk County Chamber 2014 Events Calendar

Save these dates! Information on time and place will be available closer to date.

u Small Business Administration Seminar coordinated by the staff of Congressman Tom Graves – Date TBA

u Rise and Shine Breakfast - March 5, June 4, September 3, December 3

u Youth Leadership Breakfast - March 14

u Polk County Chamber Golf Classic – April 14 (Rain date April 28)

u Industry Appreciation Breakfast – April 17

u Small Business of the Year Breakfast – May 20

u 37th Annual Homespun Festival – July 18 & 19

u Summer Picnic – August 1

u Polk County Night With the Rome Braves – August 8

u Small Business EXPO – October 2

u Political Candidate Forum – TBA

u State of the Community Address – October (TBA)

These event dates have been established for upcoming Chamber Events but are subject to change. Please check your email, the Friday Eblast or www.polkgeorgia.com for updates.

Polk County Chamber of Commerce133 South Marble Street. Rockmart GA 30153609 South Main Street. Cedartown GA 30125

770-684-8760 www.polkgeorgia.com / info@polkgeorgia.com

Connection News CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Stay Informed With Polk School DistrictPolk School District is not only transforming learning, but transforming communication as well. Through the use of e-communica-tion, social media, websites, and Remind 101, Polk School District is providing timely information at the district, school, and class level to students, parents, and interested community members.

E-communication is any communication done electronically including email, voice mail, text messaging, and social networks. Par-ents can sign up for e-communication notifications on the PSD website. The e-communication registration link can be found under Quick Links. This automated service reaches students and their families in the manner they prefer, voice, text, or email. Messages can be sent to thousands in a matter of minutes. This has been an invaluable tool during the winter weather related school clos-ings. Not only is this being used at the district level for emergency situations and school closings, but is being used at the school level for general information such as attendance, fundraisers, activity reminders, back-to-school information, athletic team an-nouncements, and other notifications.

Every school in Polk School District has a Facebook page. Many of the same e-communication notifications are also posted on a school’s Facebook page. Many schools posted the recent weather related closings on Facebook as soon as they received notifica-tion. Other information posted on a school’s Facebook page might include general information such as school news, student rec-ognition, and student/class videos. To like any school’s page, follow the link on the school’s webpage. The link can be found under Quick Links on each school’s home page.

Polk School District, each school, and every teacher has a website that is updated regularly. The URL address for Polk School Dis-trict is www.polk.k12.ga.us. From this PSD home page, links can be found to each school. Each school’s page has School News, Quick Links to additional pages and a list of Upcoming Events. Teachers’ websites can be found on their school’s home page under Quick Links. Information such as class schedules, homework and project assignments, due dates, test dates, and study resources is provided on a teacher’s website.

Students and parents can find directions to join a Remind 101 class on most teachers’ websites under the teacher’s Classroom pages. Remind 101 is a mobile platform allowing teachers to send reminder notifications and updates via text or email. It only takes seconds for students or parents to join a class by sending a text or email to a designated number. Once they have joined the class, they receive texts or email notifications from their teacher about important assignments and events throughout the year.

Please take advantage of the form of communication that is best suited to your needs. Enroll in e-communication, like us on Face-book, and visit our websites often. Polk School District is dedicated to keeping students, parents, and the community informed.

WELCOME NEW MEMbErs!

Paris MountainPhotography

Pam Jones230 S. Marble Street

Rockmart, GA 30153

(770) 881-0617www.parismountain

photography.com

Georgia Rails Into Trails

Society - G.R.I.T.S.John Sprayberry

P.O. Box 441Cedartown, GA

30125(770) 827-8787

silver-comet-trail.org

Primary HealthCare Centers

Sandy Matheson118 Girard Avenue

Cedartown, GA 30125

(423) 402-6694

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)

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."

ROCKMART HISTORICAL MUSEUMThe 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 contribu-tions 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.

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 Alla-toona 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

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.

Welsh FestivalMae'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.

CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGONLeisure Life in Polk County

Advertisers Index:

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

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153

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

609 S. Main St. Cedartown, GA 30125www.polkgeorgia.com

Published by: News Publishing Company

P.O. Box 1633 Rome, GA 30162

For Advertising Information call

Todd Britt at 770-748-1520 or

LaDonna Mears at770-748-1520

Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber

of Commerce 770/684-8760

ConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk County

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