Brave Sparrow now open in Cedartown

Editor’s note: Due to some errors in this story, we were asked and agreed to re-run our story on the Brave Sparrow’s ribboncutting ceremony that appeared in the Nov. 29 edition. -KM

The Brave Sparrow is the newest Cedartown business to join the Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Owner Paige Haney opened her shop in November and has designed the retail environment with the hopes of offering unique gifts, home décor and apparel for shoppers of all ages and variety.

Since the store’s Nov. 4 grand opening, Haney has been selling goods made by local artists and other vendors along with name brands such as Umgee, Razz, Peacock Park, and Kalalou. Hoping to provide a variety for her customers.

The Brave Sparrow sits proudly at 557 N. Main St. Those looking to grab a holiday gift, shop for ap- parel, or decorate their home can visit the store on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p. m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday. You can also view the store and new arrivals on Instagram & Facebook.

The Polk Chamber of Commerce is a not-profit organization designed to help grow the Polk County area. With 258 members and counting, those interested in helping the community grow is encouraged to join. As a new member, The Brave Sparrow is now entitled to representation within the business community, access to vast amounts of business related resources, problem solutions offered by chamber resources and more.

“This is something I have been wanting to do for a very long time.” Haney said. “My husband Richie and I started renovating the location in September and we opened on Nov. 4. I wanted to open the shop before Christmas and we reached my goal.”

Some of the local artists in the shop are Paige’s Sister-n-Law, Lisa Haney’s line of handmade leather cuffs and keychains called Grits and Grace art. Also Paige’s father and his wife, Buddy and Cindy Stephens line, Fish Tales which is stained glass, and metal art.

Shubaby, by Angie Shuman has her handmade baby items and the Brave Sparrow is also carrying Jessica Atkins jewelry line called Khayman Elizabeth Pearls.

Artists looking to get their own line in the store can contact Paige Haney by visiting the store in person or visiting the store’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/The-Brave-Sparrow529247990751721/?ref=br_rs.

Customers can call 678901- 1133 to speak with Haney directly.

Haney said “Our community has embraced my new adventure with open arms and I appreciate everyone’s support and I hope I can continue to grow and bring new fresh things to our community.”

On Nov. 30, 2017, Scotty Hancock comes home to find a delivered package — a book he purchased from a stranger on eBay.

He’s excited to show the book to his son. But when he turns to the first page, the name there staggers him. It’s his own. And it’s in his writing.

The year is 1986. It’s Scotty Hancock’s birthday and the Pepperell High student has decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. He is only 17 and his parents have to sign papers giving him permission to enlist.

He leaves his home in Lindale on Aug. 11, 1987, for basic training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. It’s the first time he’s been this far from home.

For eight weeks Scotty endures the rigors of basic training.

“It was intense,” he said. “But I learned so much and I grew so much from it.”

He learns to fire an M16 for the first time and how to throw a grenade. He learns combat training, radio communication and a variety of other skills he’ll need in the Army.

And he also learns about discipline and hard work and self control. He meets new people and learns about the places they come from and about their culture.

He makes friends and, though the training is tough and his drill sergeants are tougher, he still has great memories from his stay at Fort Knox. Many of those memories are captured in photos and writing in a yearbook he receives at graduation.

Scotty returns to Lindale and before heading out for advance training and being stationed in Hawaii, he leaves the yearbook in the care of his mother. The book fades from his memory. It’s now 2017. Scotty’s days in the Army are behind him and he’s a family man now with a loving wife and two children. He also happens to be a county commissioner. His 12-year-old son has been asking about his early days in the Army and it brings to mind a book he once owned that showed all the things he did to prepare for the military.

“I remember the book having all these photos of the cool things I did and the training we had to go through,” Scotty said. “I wanted to show my son