Georgia

THE CHAMBER

www.polkgeorgia.com

Official Publication ofConnectionThe

Showcasing the best of Polk County MARCH/ APRIL 2015

Your membership investment is important! Another goal I would like to implement for this year is to survey the needs of Chamber members. We want to know how we can better serve you. What is it that you, your organization and/ or business need from the Chamber? We want to make sure that we are working in your best interests. Working within our goals I look to see growth within the Chamber and our community. Polk County is important to me; it is the place I have called home for over 40 years. I have seen it grow in this time period and I am happy to be involved with the growth today. I urge our members to join a committee, a civic group or club and let your voice be heard. Be that difference in your community you call home. For more information on the Chamber and our Committees, visit www.polkgeorgia.com, email info@polkgeorgia.com, or

call 770-684-8760. Together we can make a difference. Sincerely,Janet Ross, ChairpersonPolk County Chamber of Commerce

Take a look around. Change is happening at every moment of every day. Leaves are beginning to bud on the trees. The grass will soon return to its green color and beautiful flowers will begin to bloom all around. Change is inevitable……but it doesn’t always mean that we have to wipe the slate clean and start over. Some things are meant to be built on. As the new 2015 Chairperson for the Polk County Chamber of Commerce I want to make sure that we are prepared in all areas to maintain the changes occurring around us and to help grow the Chamber and our community. The Chamber has worked hard to represent the people in Polk County and I am excited to continue on that path.

I look forward to working toward the goals that were set at our Board Retreat in December and working with the committees to ensure the goals are met. The first goal for this New Year was to provide a Chamber Calendar of Events so that everyone can mark their calendars in advance to attend these great happenings. Our committees, made up of volunteers within the membership, work passionately to ensure that we are enhancing the quality of life in our county. Great things have come from within our committees. I urge you to find out more about these committees and what they are doing. To join a committee please call the Chamber office today and help make a difference.

Table of Contents

Georgia

THE CHAMBER

Connection News: Page 2

Events Calendar: Page 3

Connection News: Page 4

School Zone: Page 7

Silver Comet Map: Page 8

Events Calendar

Mill Town Music Hall is committed to providing West Georgia with a quality wholesome entertainment. It is the largest facility of its kind in West Georgia and comfortably seats 1,000 people. Boasting a state-of-the-art audio and visual system, the venue hosts numerous Country, Contemporary Christian, Southern Gospel and Bluegrass concerts, along with many 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.milltownmusichall.com or call the box office at 770-537-6455.

Upcoming EventsFriday, March 6- Michael W. Smith, 8:00 pm- Tickets $50 Premium, $40 Reserved and General AdmissionFriday, March 13- Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, 7:30 pm- Tickets $35 Premium, $30 Reserved and General AdmissionFriday, March 20- Sacred Harp Singing, 6:00 pm- Free to Public. Donations are accepted to offset the cost of the event.Friday, April 17- Restless Heart, 8:00 pm- Tickets $35 Premium, $30 Reserved and General AdmisssionMarch 4th - April 5th Events at Rockmart First United Methodist ChurchMarch, 4, 11, 18-Wed. night Bible Study@6pm-Soul Searching-a Lenten study to prepare for EasterMarch 4, 11, 18, 25-Wed. night @6pm-Children’s music choirs and youth nightMarch 4, 11, 18, 25 @6:30pm-Bible Junction (3 years old-1st grade) L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith Everyday) 2nd-5th gradeMarch 26@ 10:30am-Preschool Easter PartyMarch 29-Palm Sunday-11am Special Music Cantata during Worship with egg hunt and luncheon immediately after worshipMarch 30@noon in the fellowship hall-Holy week luncheon and worshipApril 5th @7am-Easter Sunrise service at Rose Hill Cemetary-immediately following a full breakfast in the fellowship hall at Rockmart FUMCApril 5th-Easter Worship-11am

March 13th – 14th WELSHfestJoin us in downtown Rockmart for the only Welsh-centered festival in Georgia. There will be great Welsh and local entertainment, fun and educational events, a great vendor’s village and great fun for the whole family. Events included in this year are the Keeping up with the Jones Fun Run and The Big Welsh Bike Ride, The Welsh Tea Room, The Welsh Long Bow demonstration, Lessons in Welsh cooking, language and more, Honey show, Bus Tour to the Historic Van Wert Chapel, Lectures and Tours. And this year on Friday night at the Historic Van Wert Church you can enjoy hymn singing, and learn about Rev. Sam Jones as well as special Welsh Medieval entertainment and more. Visit www.welshfest.vpweb.com for more information.

April 25th – 26th Cedar Valley Arts FestivalCome join us for a weekend full of art, music, food and

lots of fun at Peek Park in Cedartown! You will find many wonderful fine artists and crafters, kid’s games and rides, a 5K & fun run and dog show. You are sure to find something for the whole family here! For more information visit www.cedarvalleyartsfestival.com.

Rockmart Cultural Arts Center Events and ClassesMarch 6th- 31st –Congressional Art CompetitionApril- May- “Small Town Life” Show your pride in living in such a wonderful town by depicting life in or around Rockmart ~ now or in the past.Classes:Ballroom Dancing (Ages 15 & up) Instructor Julia Valenzuela Dance (Ages 2-19) Ballet I, II, III, IV, Tap I & II, Musical Theatre, Jazz I, II & III Instructor Julia ValenzuelaDrawing (Ages 8 & up) for Home Schooled Students Instructor James HillGuitar Lessons (All Ages) Instructor Kris AndersonMosaic Tile Art Workshop (Ages 8 & up) Instructor Jan StoneOil Painting, Acrylic, or Watercolor (Ages 13 & up) Instructor James HillPaint Parties (Ages 13 & up) Instructor Donna Duff (Pre-registration required)Photography (Ages 15 & up) Instructor Carla ReddingPiano Lessons (Ages 7 & up) Instructor Claudia BoydPortraits with Any Medium (Ages 16 & up) Instructor Omar BoladoPottery- Open Studio (All Ages) Instructor Paul CraigheadVoice Lessons (Ages 13 & up) Instructor Julia ValenzuelaWhittling (Ages 8 & up) Instructor Alvin MallicoatRCAC Rockmart Writer’s Round- meets every other Thursday, 6PM. Free to join. Everyone WelcomeRockmart Community Chorus- Director Debbie Miller. Practice every Tuesday at 7PMIf you are interested in any of the classes, workshops, or programs listed and would like more information please email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov with your name, address, phone number, and email address with your area of interest in the subject line.

Congressman Tom Graves is pleased to present the 14th District Congressional Art Competition hosted by the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center in Rockmart, Georgia.

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event open to all high school students, grades 8 through 12, in congressional districts throughout the country. All entries from the 14th District will be displayed at the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center March 6th through March 31st. Admission is free.

A panel of qualified judges will select a first, second and third place winner, as well as two honorable mentions. The winning work will represent the 14th Congressional District in an exhibition in Washington, DC for one year.

The artists and their family and friends are cordially invited to an artists’ reception with Congressman Graves on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center Art Gallery, at which time the Congressman will announce the winners. For more information or to find out how to participate contact the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center 770-684-2707 or email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov.Center 770-684-2707 or email rcac@rockmart-ga.gov.

ConnectionNews:

Countless studies have shown that reading proficiency by third grade is the most significant predictor of high-school graduation and career success. Not one of the most—the most. It is at this crucial juncture in elementary school when a child transitions from learning to read to reading to learn, and if the student isn’t reading on grade level before entering the fourth grade, the consequences can be long term and significant. In Georgia, that translates to nearly 70 percent of students who are at risk of failing or dropping out of school.

The message is loud and clear in Polk County, which is one of three counties participating in an Early Childhood—Grade-Level Reading cohort that Georgia Family Connection Partnership launched in fall 2013. Through the Casey Foundation and GaFCP, over $10,000 has been granted in Polk County to support this initiative. Rhonda Heuer, Executive Director of Polk County Family Connection and a member of the statewide Get Georgia Reading Campaign Steering Committee states that the goal of the statewide campaign is that all children in Georgia will be on a path to reading proficiently by the end of 3rd grade by 2020. In Polk County, our goal reflects the same message on a local level; our ideal goal is to have 100 percent of our third-grade students reading proficiently. Through the funding received, one desired outcome is that more students have access to technology to enable them the ability to utilize the many resources offered through Polk School District, such as the MyON reading and Study Island. Mini Ipads and Kindles were purchased for the Boys and Girls Club and for Northside Elementary so parents could be offered classes and support to learn more about technology to be able to help their children in online learning.

At one point, our Polk Family Learning Center provided high-quality childcare for the children of parents enrolled in an ESL or GED (General Education Development) program. But when funding ran dry after a decade, although the adult education classes are still offered, childcare was eliminated.

“The sooner a child is enrolled in an early education program, the better chances a developmental delay can be detected and addressed,” said retired educator Scotti Worthington, a member of the Polk County Board of Education and the district’s early intervention coordinator at the Georgia Dept.

of Public Health’s Babies Can’t Wait program. The statewide interagency service delivery system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities is another partner in the Grade-Level Reading Campaign. “As soon as a delay is identified, remediation with the appropriate resources can begin and the more ready that child will be to begin school,” Worthington explained. “Any kind of delay can have an impact on reading, especially if it’s a language issue, because early language skills are a precursor to good reading skills.”

We are working to alert the business community and organizations about the link between early education, graduation rates and future success. The Collaborative supports the Ferst Foundation which works to get books into the hands of every child, and encourages members of the community to participate in reading initiatives. Getting an iPad into every student’s hands is reinventing reading. Polk School district is using technology whenever possible to enhance students’ reading experience through the use of Ipads and access to the MyON Reader, which provides access to thousands of digital books from preschool level through 12th grade. “This complete literacy solution reinvents student reading,” Heuer explained. “It has features only digital content can offer like spoken word audio to model fluency, sentencing highlighting and an embedded dictionary.” The tool also has reading assessment capabilities that allow educators to measure and forecast students’ reading growth.

Polk County began working to improve early childhood literacy 14 years ago with the Early Childhood Initiative funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Since then, significant changes in services, including the Family Learning Center, have changed the face of early childhood education in Polk. It is so exciting that this work has re-invigorated and expanded with use of 2014 technology and the latest early childhood and education research.

Rhonda Heuer: CoordinatorRhonda@polkcouncil.com770-748-1016

Polk Family Connection: Region 1Polk Family Council for Children and Families, Inc.P.O. Box 558Cedartown, GA 30125

School Zone

Polk School District named Apple Distinguished Program

Cedartown High School students increased achievement in all eight of the End-of-Course Tests after one year of iPad implementation. Also, Cedartown High School scored higher than Georgia state averages in five out of the eight End-of-Course Test courses in 2013-14 school year, which are: 9th Grade Literature, American Literature, Analytical Geometry, Biology, and Physical Science. This is a dramatic increase in scores from previous years.

Rockmart High School students increased achievement in four out of the eight End-of-Course Tests after one year of iPad implementation.

While the quantitative data shows numerical improvements, we know that success is measured when students are empowered because of their love of learning. Students are excited about learning and are engaged in activities. Students have commented that “school is fun again!” and “I love getting to use all of this cool stuff in school!” Parents exclaim that their child never wants to be absent from school. Teacher responses to collaborating and focusing on technology engaged lessons are; “Oh my gosh, I’ve really enjoyed teaching with iPads and now it is so fun!”, “Using the iPads has allowed me to work smarter, not harder and enabled me to truly facilitate students’ learning”, “I can differentiate the needs of all learners in my classroom at the touch a finger with the use of the iPad.” When students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members are excited about education, we know that the height of learning has occurred.

Bulldogs Drive Directed Studies to Success The Directed Studies program was implemented at every school across Polk School District at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. This program provides extra support for struggling learners, as well as enrichment opportunities for advanced students. A project was born from a conversation between the Directed Studies teacher, LeAnne Huey, and the Mobile Minds Specialist, Kelly Bentley. These Polk School District educators recognized the importance of using current events to create more meaningful learning. Their students had prior knowledge of UGA football because Nick Chubb is from Cedartown, attended Cherokee Elementary, and many of them have seen him play for Cedartown High School. The story of Malcolm Mitchell and his involvement with a book club came to mind, as both educators are huge UGA football fans. A plan quickly evolved in which students would connect with Malcolm Mitchell and his story. The project stemmed from the CBS news story by Steve Hartman entitled " Football Star Shows you Can't Judge a Book by its Cover." Many of the Directed Studies students struggle with reading and can relate to Mitchell's quotes from the story about his own struggles. The Common Core Standards place a huge emphasis on a student's ability to read informational text. Therefore, pulling in a news article based on a UGA football hero who faced the same issues they are facing seemed the ideal combination.

The students worked on various reading and writing skills throughout this unit. They began by reading the article, which resulted in connections to their lives, and then created videos describing their connections using the Tellagami app. The students also found unknown words in the article, which became the focus vocabulary. University was one of the vocabulary words that sparked discussion. Many of the students had never seen a college or university, much less a college football game. Most had not. More activities are in progress including a

culminating surprise field trip to the Spring G-Day game. This trip would provide the opportunity for students to experience a university campus and support their "now favorite UGA player," Malcolm Mitchell. The students are even convinced that somehow they can persuade Mitchell to come read to them! They recently wrote persuasive letters while WSB TV Bulldogs Game Day videoed. This is one example of Polk School District’s 21st century classrooms where the implementation of 1:1iPads have made it possible to integrate the latest technology. All of this technology has helped "bring to life" the story of Malcolm Mitchell and his newfound love for reading to the students.

School Zone

Upcoming events for the Polk County Chamber of Commerce

Rise & Shine Business BreakfastMarch 3rd

Youth Leadership Graduation BreakfastMarch 13th

Existing Industry Golf Invitational April 13th

Industry Appreciation BreakfastApril 16th

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 FALLS

Originally 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.

Veterans MemorialThere are two in Polk County. One in Cedartown at the corner of East Avenue and Greenwood, behind the Library. The other is located in Rockmart on Veterans Plaza. Both were built to HONOR and MEMORIALIZE the Veterans of Polk County. Annual Services are held on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Attractions Guide CEDARTOWN • ROCKMART/ARAGON

Cedartown Performing Arts CenterThe pride of the City of Cedartown, The Cedartown Performing Arts Center locat-ed 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 surround-ing 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 facil-ity. 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 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 lessons are offered by the PGA Golf Professional. Call for tee times on the weekends. 770-748-4942

The Rock Campground, RV and Music Parklocated near the Silver Comet Trail on Mile Marker 34. With over 100 RV sites w/ Power & Water, Cabins, Fishing, Entertainment, Silver Comet Trail Access, Creek, Picnic Tables, Showers- Camping and Special Events. This facility is open year round. 130 Forsyth Lake Rd., Rockmart- 770-684-8519.

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 Complex

Rockmart’s primary recreational park for softball and baseball. The park also con-tains 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 con-tinuous 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 sev-eral 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 Com merce held on the third weekend in July in Seaborn Jones Park. Local and regional crafters dis-play 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 third Saturday in June. Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are

highlights.

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, featur-ing 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:

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

133 South Marble Street Rockmart, GA 30153

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

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Todd Britt at 770-748-1520

Editorial Content by: Polk County Chamber

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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 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 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. 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 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.

Georgia

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The annual nominations for Industry of the year and for Small Business of the Year are out and we need your help in nominating a deserving Industry and Small Business. Go to www.polkgeorgia.com and cast your nominations today. The Industry of the Year will be named at the Industry Appreciation Breakfast in April and the Small Business of the Year will be named at the Small Business of the Year Breakfast in May.

To be eligible for the Industry of the Year Award the Industry: Nominee must be a Polk County Industry that manufactures, processes or distributes materials from Polk County.*Finalists will be chosen based on the following criteria:Contributions to the communityBusiness or management philosophyResponse to challengesInnovative products or servicesEmployee involvement/ recognition

To be eligible for the Small Business of the Year Award the business:Nominee must be a member of the Polk County Chamber for at least five (5) years.Nominee must be in business for at least five (5) years.Nominee must be active in the Polk County Chamber.Nominee must have fifty (50) or less employees.Nominee must have an owner or manager that has been active in the day-to-day management of the business for the last five years.Nominee must be a for-profit entity.Nominee must participate in and support the community.

Calling for all Nominations!

Deadline for Submission

of Nominations:

March 20, 2015

Deadline for Submission

of Nominations:

February 27, 2015