dec 2009 northside news

December 2009 NORTHSIDE NEWS 1

Charitable organizations are not immune to the current economic recession. In some cases, donations are down from 2008 but a greater number of people are applying for assistance.

The JOY Foundation co-founder Ron Papaleoni said in a recent email fundraising campaign that over 680 children qualified for Christmas assistance this year.

He wrote, With our funds being so low this year, and after tightening our qualifications even morefor the first time everwe have had to tell children that although they qualified, there were no funds for them [for the Shop with a Hero program sponsored by The JOY Foundation]. We sent out letters to over 430 children that The JOY Foundation was out of money and gave them a list of other programs in the areas.

That leaves us with 250 of the more severely impacted children for this year. As of today, we are only able to help about 100 of them. Thats a far cry from the 700 last year. We are holding out that we will be able to help them.

Officer Scott Luther, organizer of the Jerry Worthan Memorial Christmas fund, agreed that the need is greater this year. He said, At this moment we are assisting about the same number of families that we had last year at this time; the only difference is that it seems that there are more new families calling and asking for assistance. (Continued to page 4.)

Inside This Issue

PRSRT-STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDKENNESAW, GA 30144

PERMIT #122

NORTHSIDE NEWSServing the Communities of Acworth and KennesawPO BOX 3052KENNESAW, GA 30156Telephone 770-420-7353 www.northsidenews.com

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Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

Santa Parade and A Day with Santa

PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ACWORTH AND KENNESAWVol. VII, Issue XII/December 2009

Calendar of Events

City Beat Acworth

City Beat Kennesaw

Classified Ads

Food & Drink Guide

Health & Fitness

Home & Garden

Police Report

Wine Q&A

Local Charities Need Assistance from

Community

By Kathie Beckett

The City of Kennesaws annual Santa Parade and A Day with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 12, starting at 12 p.m. The Parade always inspires delight and wonder for the young and young at heart. Featuring festive holiday characters, musical ensembles, designer floats, live reindeer and the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, the parade lasts approximately one hour. Thousands of residents turn out every year for the parade, which starts near the intersection of Park Drive and Main Street, and proceeds down Main Street toward Sardis Street. About fifty or more units typically participate in the parade.

Bring your camera and take holiday pictures with Santa after the parade. Festivities will continue near the Depot, 2828 Cherokee Street, until 4 p.m., with caroling Dickens characters, stage entertainment, inflatables, craft and food vendors.

Emmy nominated puppeteer Lee Bryan, known as That Puppet Guy, will perform six FREE shows of The North Pole Fa-La-La-La Follies near the Depot every half-hour, beginning at 1 p.m. The zany and colorful cast of characters includes a wisecracking fruitcake, a musical goose, tumbling teddy bears, a duo of dancing deer, and the not-so-abominable snowman.

For more information call the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department at (770) 422-9714. u

The Art Station Big Shantys annual Holly Jolly Art House is on Sat., December 19 from 11am 2pm. This free activity for kids ages 4 12 features make and take art projects, entertainment and a

visit from Santa. Call 770-514-5930 for more information.

Why is Macys tree known as Tylers tree? See p. 6. Trackside Grill offers kicked-up Comfort Classics. See p. 13.

Courtesy of City of Kennesaw

Rough Economy Means Fewer Donations and Greater Need

KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan At the age of 28, Sayed Alam left his native country Pakistan for America, and never thought hed see the region again. America was better, said Sayed, now an American citizen of 27 years. All my family knew this, so we moved here. In America, opportunities are wide open and nothing is limited.

Sayed worked the next 20 years in various restaurants chains, until realizing the American dream and opening a UPS store with his wife in Kennesaw. But wanting to give back, Sayed submitted his resume to become an interpreter. He is fluent in several languages that he learned from his native Pakistan and working in the restaurant industry.

(Continued to page 4.)

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Kennesaw Business Owner Now Interpreter for Combined

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By Pfc. Cody Thompson

Programs like Shop with a Hero will have to turn children away this year unless donations substantially increase.

2 NORTHSIDE NEWS December 2009

h t t p : / / w w w .y o u t u b e . c o m /watch?v=jymCdYf34TU


Charitable Donations Needed

City Beat Kennesaw

A company contacted me after finding my information online, and offered me a job as a linguist in Afghanistan, said Sayed.

His new job took him to Combat Outpost Honaker-Miracle; less than 10-miles from the border of his native Pakistan, but far away from his familys new home.

I enjoy working with these people, said Sayed. The team is great and its the best experience that Ive had in my life.

For the past six-months, Sayed has worked with American forces translating the needs and concerns of the local population, but his most memorable experience was during the first week he arrived.

They told me, Sayed, lets go! Theres a mission, he remembered. I got dressed and late at night, we set out walking for six hours arresting insurgents.

Although, Sayeds wife, Tarana and their kids worry about him, they understand the necessity of his job. I worry about my husband because I know of the work he does, said Tarana. But I know his work is important.

Sayed has tried to reassure his wife that, with his new friends, he is safe. I explain to her that because I work for the Army, I am never alone.

Keeping this in mind, Sayed looks at his journey to Afghanistan as a lesson for his children and opportunity for their future.

America has given me so much that I wanted to give back, said Sayed. This is a lesson for my kids. They saw that I had all of the luxury of living in America and still left. Not only does this job open doors for the future but [it] offers limitless opportunities. u

Scott said, I have been helping on the [police] departments Christmas program for several years now and it is one of the best things I have done while working for the city [of Kennesaw].

The Jerry Worthan Memorial Christmas Fund is a non-profit charitable organization whose mission for over thirty years is to provide gifts & food to the children of less fortunate families in the Kennesaw area on Christmas morning.

Scott said, There are several people that work very hard to keep this program going but in the end, it is all worth it. Its an indescribable feeling to see how the community comes together to take care of another...a complete stranger. This is what the season is all about and this is one of many reasons I like working for the communities.

He continued, Anyone from the community can help in several different ways: they can bring in a new unwrapped toy, bring in some non-perishable food or give a monetary donation. If there is a business in the area that wants to get involved, they can come by and adopt a family.

Ron Papaleoni is hoping and praying for donations, too. He wrote, For those of you that have been with us for any length of time, you know that each year we have struggled with funding and at the last minute, a miracle occurs. This year our task seems impossible. But we believe that we serve a God of Miracles. We also believe that miracles only occur when the task is impossible.

You, too, can be a part of the miracle. Both organizations would welcome your assistance to meet the needs of people in the community.

The JOY Foundation will hold its 11th Annual Shop with a Hero at Kohls Department Store in Acworth on December 12th, from 8AM - 1PM. To donate, visit online at www.joyfoundation.org or send your tax deductible donations to: The JOY Foundation, PO BOX 171, Acworth, GA, 30101. If you wish to donate by credit card, please call Ron at 678-776-6331.

The Kennesaw Police and community volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food, new toys and financial donations. Donations may be taken to the Police Station, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm until December 18th. Food donations will be distributed by the Shiloh United Methodist Church Food Pantry, a community partner of the Worthan Fund. Questions should be directed to Officer Scott Luther at 770-919-0651. u

Continued from page 1

InterpreterContinued from page 1

6 NORTHSIDE NEWS December 2009 City Beat: Acworth

It was an incredible day for homeowners Ricky and Nancy Williams of Dallas, GA when they learned that their 60-ft. white pine had been chosen for the Macys Great Tree and would be viewed by over 2.2 million people. The Williams eagerly anticipated Thanksgiving Day when the tree would be lighted.

But they had no idea what the tree would come to symbolize: a message of hope and thankfulness for the simple things in life and gratitude for family.

It all started with a knock on their door around Labor Day. A scouting team from Macys knocked on our door and asked if we were interested in selling our tree to Macys. I really thought it might be a scam, but it was a legitimate offer, said Ricky. So I took a few days and thought it over, and said yes. Its funny, because my wife Nancy and I had

kidded each other over the years that it would be a great tree for Macys. Ricky and his wife planted the tree in January of 1984.

He offered to donate the tree because of what it stands for. I thought it would be a thrill to have so many people see our tree and be happy for a few minutes. But the scouting team insisted on writing him a small check. They even offered to clean up the landscape and plant a new tree. The tree cutting was scheduled for November.

And then, in October, the Williams grandson Tyler was hospitalized with a serious illness. Tylers parents Greg and Danielle Chappell learned that he had Hemolytic Anemia, and he required four blood transfusions and numerous rounds of chemotherapy.

We didnt know if he was going to make it, said Ricky. The physicians were also so concerned about his liver function that there was talk of a liver transplant.

In early November, things begin to look a little brighter for Tyler. He was transferred from Egleston and moved to the Ronald McDonald House. He wasnt cured, but he was stable enough to be cared for in the family-friendly environment of the Ronald McDonald House, said Ricky.

All the family wanted for the holidays was to have Tyler well enough to see his grandparents tree lighted and on top of Macys on Thanksgiving Day. We got to where we were calling the Macys tree Tylers Tree, he said. The family brought a Thanksgiving feast to the cafeteria of the hospital so that they could be with Tyler.

Miraculously, Tyler was able to get a four-hour pass from the hospital just in time for the Macys Great Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving night. It was just incredible. We certainly got our 15 minutes of fame! About 17 of us showed up at the ceremony, and they treated us like VIPs, said Ricky.

Its so good to have family here around the holidays. This whole experience turned into more than we could have ever imagined. The thing we want to make people aware of is that parents need to be persistent. If your child is sick, keep at it if you are not getting the answers you need for your child, he said.

[Ed. Note: Tyler is now resting at home but still faces many different treatments. The family has insurance but it doesnt cover everything. A fund has been established if you would like to donate: Benefit for Baby Tyler Chappell at any Regions Bank.] u

Macys Great Tree Becomes Tylers TreeBy Kathie Beckett

Above, left, workers prepare to cut the 60-ft. white pine. Right, Ricky and Nancy WIlliams of Dallas, GA.


Watsons Gulf Coast Seafood in downtown Acworth is now offering their famous Shrimp Boil on Saturday nights. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat platter for only $12.95; for more information, see their ad below.

Big Shanty Smokehouse.................................................

California Dessert Factory..............................................

Cave, The....................................................................

Chin Chin Chinese Restaurant.........................................

El Taco Azteca.............................................................

Golden Krust...............................................................

Hong Kong Chinese......................................................

Hong Kong Star...........................................................

Johnnys Pizza..............................................................

Keegans Irish Pub........................................................

Mandarin Chinese Restaurant.........................................

Mexico Tipico..............................................................

Montecalvos Italian Restaurant.......................................

NCG Cinema...............................................................

Oak Barrel...................................................................

Pirate Bay Restaurant.....................................................

Scooters Restaurant and Pub..........................................

Stovetop Solutions........................................................

Trackside Grill..............................................................

Watsons Gulf Coast Seafood..........................................

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FEATURED ESTABLISHMENTS


Wine Q&A

Q. I want to buy wine glasses for our friends for Christmas. They drink red wine; what size should I get?

A. A wine glass with a large bowl is perfect for red wines. The large bowl allows the wine to breath better than a smaller wine glass. You can buy wine glasses that are specifically for certain grape varietals (cabernets, shiraz, burgundies, etc.) but to keep it simple, you can buy all purpose red wine glasses.

Q. I have seen ads for wine aerators- do they really work?

A. I think they do. Basically, aerators allow the wine to open up more quickly as opposed to letting the wine open up in the bottle. Flavors of the wine become more vibrant, while the astringent aspects of the wine are mellowed. The result is a better bouquet, richer flavor, and a smoother finish.

Q. Every holiday season, I see the release of Beaujolais Nouveau from France. What is it and how long will it keep?

A. Beaujolais Nouveau is a very light and fruity style of wine (which makes it a perfect match for Holiday foods) The

grapes are picked, fermented, bottled and sold within a matter of weeks. The wine is meant to be drank within six months of the release date. Enjoy it now!

Q. What is a good wine to give as a hostess gift if you are not sure what they like?

A. If you are not sure if they like red or white, I would keep it simple and take a nice bottle of Pinot Noir, or maybe a dessert wine. We have a chocolate dessert wine that makes a great hostess gift and its something a little different.

Visit the Oak Barrel on Main Street in downtown Acworth, tel. 770-974-7720; Shop online at www.theoakbarrel.net.

By Cookie & Peter Thorpe


If youre tired of fast food and craving a homemade meal, but dont have the time or energy to prepare it yourself, then head over to Trackside Grill in Kennesaw. Youll have plenty options to satisfy your craving. Owners Laura and Brett Olsezski have offered comfort classics for some time now, but they have recently expanded the selection because of numerous requests.

I asked Brett what comfort food means to him. He paused thoughtfully, said he would think about it, and get back to me. A few days later, he handed me a neatly typed sheet of paper with a couple of paragraphs about what it means to him. Here is what he wrote:

I remember back in the day when my Mom would say, Be home no later than 5:30 to set the table. Shortly after 6, I could hear my dads voice echoing across the neighborhood. I would jump on my bike (helmets were not yet required) and quickly pedal home. IT WAS SUPPERTIME!

The memories I have as a carefree eight-year-old eating my Moms favorite recipes define for me what comfort food is today. A grown-up in these tough economic times often feels stress juggling heavy workloads and busy families. When families get together to eat dinner, parents want to provide something soothing and warm and stress-free. Trackside Grill offers a straight forward approach to classic comfort food while adding our own contemporary twist that will please the entire family.

I was impressed by his definition of comfort classic, and I think it really does define what Trackside Grill offers. The careful thoughtfulness and preparation he used in defining the word is indicative of the thoughtfulness and preparation of the food at Trackside.

The new entre Pork Chops & Applesauce are made in Shake and Bake style and are served with house-made applesauce, asparagus spears, and good old macaroni and cheese. A classic favorite, Stroganoff, is kicked up a notch with Porcini mushrooms and meatballs and is served with garlic toast points. Of course, the Southern pot roast tastes like Grandma has been cooking it all day. I may never cook again.

Some of the most popular comfort classics continue to be the Chicken Pot Pie, Country Fried Steak, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Whats not to like about those favorites?

The comfort classic theme has made its way onto the sandwich board, too. Remember the days of a grilled cheese and hot cup of tomato soup? Try Tracksides Grown-Up Grilled Cheese made with aged cheddar, Swiss, and American cheese with Applewood smoked bacon and tomato on a buttered challah. Try it with a cup of soup; the soup of the day at Trackside is a real comfort to me. I particularly like Lauras ham and bean soup, but the crab bisque is always good, too.

Other new entrees on the sandwich board include a Buffalo fried chicken sandwich, an ultimate French dip, and a chicken and rice wrap. You may now order most of the sandwiches at dinner, too, but you may want to try the chargilled salmon with a side of braised collard greens and hoppin John Carolina rice. I could eat the Hoppin John by itself with just a slice of cornbread and call it dinner. Trackside is now offering a cup of soup or salad with any dinner entre; its a nice touch and makes you feel very welcome. Just like home.

For more information, see their ad on this page or call 770-499-0874; visit online at www.tracksidegrill.com. u

Trackside Grill Offers Kicked-Up Comfort ClassicsBy Kathie Beckett

Trackside Grill offers a variety of comfort classics, including Shake n Bake pork chops.


ONGOING

FIRST FRIDAYS in downtown Acworth. Join merchants from 5-9 on the first Fridays of the month for a great time.

KENNESAW-ACWORTH LIONS CLUB meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at Montecalvos Italian Cuisine at 7pm. Call Dan Larson at 678-574-5925.

MILITARY SUPPORT GROUP FOR WIVES in Kennesaw/Acworth area. Meet the second Saturday of each month; Call 770-422-2050 or email [email protected].

SENIOR LUNCHEON on the third Tuesday of every month at the Robert School Community and Education Center. Lunch served at 12, followed by Bingo and prizes. Call 770-917-1234.

TOASTMASTERS meets every Monday at 7:15 pm at the West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw. Slice the fear out of Public Speaking at North Metro Toastmasters and become a better communicator in your job and personal life. Visit www.toastmasters.org or contact Liz Perri at 770-528-4699.

KENNESAW-ACWORTH LIONS meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 6:30pm, at Montecalvos. See www.kennesawacworthlions.org or call Pam Eaton at 770-529-4372 for more information.

THE MOMS CLUB OF ACWORTH EAST provides you with the opportunity to share activities, friendship and fun with other at-home moms and their children. We offer playgroups, babysitting co-ops, park days, a variety of activity groups and a MOMS Night Out! Momsclubacwortheast.clubspaces.com

THE ROTARY CLUB OF NORTH COBB meets on

Thursdays 7:30am at Pinetree Country Club. Visit northcobbrotary.org.

TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is looking for new members to join in our weight loss meetings. TOPS meets every Thursday morning at 9:30am at the Kennesaw Public Library. For info on joining, contact Pamela at 770-426-8426. Unite with us to take off pounds sensibly. Attend an introductory meeting.

DECEMBER 2009

December 3-5, 7-11, 12, 14-16 CHRISTMAS SHOPPE: The North Cobb Arts Leagues Christmas Shoppe is back again this year at the ART STATION - BIG SHANTY! The Christmas Shoppe offers a variety of arts and crafts for that perfect one of a kind gift or decoration for your home. Open from 10am 5pm on December 3rd, 4th, 7th 11th, and 14th 16th. On Saturdays, December 5th and 12th, the Christmas Shoppe is open from 10am 2pm. Call 770-514-5930 for information. Happy Shopping!

December 12 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA hosted from 8am-11am by Boy Scout Troop 220 and Kennesaw United Methodist Church. Cost is $3 for adults and $5 for children (includes picture with Santa). There will also be a Secret Santa Shop that morning where child may shop with a scout for gifts ranging in price from $1 to $5. The Troop 220 Breakfast with Santa Band will provide music. Please call Melek Owenby at 404 402 5785 to make reservations.

December 14 BIG SHANTY SMOKEHOUSES MONTHLY BAKING CLASS is on Monday, December 14th from 6:30-8:30pm. We will be featuring Cookies, Bars, Brownies and Biscotti, and using them as gifts for family and friends. Appetizers and Beverages will be provided. Please call 770-499-7444 or come by to reserve your spot; space is limited.

December 18, 19, 24 COOKIE, COFFEE AND COCOA COLLECTION FOR TROOPS. Help boost the morale of deployed US Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan by baking or buying a little extra this holiday season. On December 18, 19 and 24th, Donna Yankovich of Adopt-A-Platoon will be outside the Kroger on Mars Hill Road in Acworth from 10-3pm collecting cookies, coffee and hot chocolate for troops serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Cookies can be homemade or store-bought and un-iced cupcakes, muffins, breads are also welcomed and appreciated. For information on the Cookie, Coffee and Cocoa Drop or on Adopt-A-Platoon please call Donna 770-529-8135 and leave a message.

December 19 SOCIAL DANCE PARTY. Cool Moves themed dance parties provide an evening of dancing, socializing and fun at the Ben Robertson Community Center in Kennesaw. Practice the steps you know and learn something new! Singles, couples, beginners, and experienced dancers are welcomes. The next dance party is scheduled for Saturday, December 19 from 7 to 10 pm. The theme is Winter Star Ball. Glide and rotate gracefully around the dance floor in a beautiful evening gown, favorite suit or tuxedo. Attire is formal or ballroom. The fee to attend each dance party is only $10 per person. Registration is available online at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec. For more information, call the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department at (770) 422-9714. The Ben Robertson Community Center is located at 2753 Watts Drive, near the intersection of Cobb Parkway/US-41 and Watts Drive.

December 19-HOLLY JOLLY ART HOUSE is hosted by The Art Station. Big Shantys annual Holly Jolly Art House is on Saturday, December 19 from 11am 2pm. This free activity, for kids ages 4 12, has make and take art projects, entertainment and a visit from Santa. Call 770-514-5930 for more. u

CLASSIFIED ADS

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DISCOVERY POINT #25 off of Acworth Due West Road in Kennesaw is looking for an experienced preschool teacher. Must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma/G.E.D. CDA prefered. Experience with all ages prefered. Please contact us at 3492 Acworth Due West Rd. or 678-453-3400.

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FREE TO GOOD HOME: 3-year-old mixed breed dog and 3-year-old cat. Call Vickie 404-547-8607.

Classified ads are $25 for 25 words; each additional word is $.50. Email: [email protected]. DEADLINE is the 25th of the month for the next issue.u

Calendar Of Events/Classified

December 2009 NORTHSIDE NEWS 21 Police ReportNovember 6-TRAFFIC ARREST-Cherokee Street- An officer stopped a 22-year-old Kennesaw man after he squealed the tires on his car while leaving Bullfrogz. The man was arrested and charged with laying drags and DUI of alcohol. He refused to submit to a breath test.

November 6-UNDERAGE DRINKING-1750 North Roberts Road, Cowboys- A drunken young man became angry when he and his brother were denied entry into the club. They walked across the parking lot into the Hooters restaurant where an officer found them. The one who had been disorderly, a 19-year-old white man, was passed out at a table. He was arrested and charged with underage consumption of alcohol. His brother was also arrested for a violation of probation warrant from Bartow County.

November 7-ILLEGAL DRUGS-Cobb Parkway- A 27-year-old woman was stopped because she had a cardboard tag displayed on her car. She was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended drivers license and misdemeanor possession of marijuana after the drug was found in her purse.

November 7-THEFT OF VEHICLE-Brenton Drive- A resident reported that a man he knew only as Jay came over to his house and took his 1999 Suzuki GSX-R 600 motorcycle out for a test ride because he was considering purchasing it. A man in a white SUV had dropped off Jay. This man said he was leaving to get some cigarettes shortly after Jay left with the motorcycle. Two hours later the victim said Jay called and demanded $1000 dollars from the victim to get his motorcycle back. The victim said he never met up with Jay to get the bike back because he was afraid he would get robbed.

November 9-VANDALISM-3600 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw Billiards- The business reported that a customer had become upset and broken one of their windows by punching it. The 35-year-old man was found walking down Cherokee Street and he refused to provide any identification or cooperate otherwise. He was detained and arrested and charged with criminal damage to property after the business said they wanted to prosecute.

November 11-PERSON DRUNK-Weeks Drive- Officers responded to a report of a fight at a house. When they arrived all of the people there said there had been no fight so the officers left. One of the officers had turned around at the end of the street and when he came back up the road and passed the house, one of the people there threw something at the patrol car. This person, a 19-year-old male who lived there, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct while intoxicated and underage consumption of alcohol.

November 13-DISORDERLY PERSON-3655 Cherokee Street, Bullfrogz- A 31-year-old Kennesaw man pushed over a light tower decoration causing it to leak water. A patron told the manager who told the offender to leave. The offender then went out and defecated on the car of the patron who had told on him. This led to the offender and patron getting into a fight. The offender was arrested and charged with criminal damage to property and simple battery.

November 13-TRAFFIC ARREST-Cherokee Street- A 25-year-old Marietta man was arrested and charged with driving on the wrong side of the road, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and DUI of alcohol. He refused to take a breath test.

November 14-VANDALISM-Legacy Park Circle-

A man said he was driving home when some teenagers threw eggs at this car. His window was down and the eggs hit him. He chased three people but lost them in the Madison Subdivision.

November 14-ROBBERY-3155 Jiles Road, Kennesaw Elementary School- A 14-year-old boy said he was playing at the school when he was robbed by a teenager who he described as black, 16-17 years old, 510 tall wearing a yellow shirt, a black beaded necklace, blue jeans and Nike shoes. The victim said the offender took his skateboard and hit him in the head with it causing his nose to bleed. He said the offender then stole $10 from his pocket before leaving on foot toward Swift/Cantrell Park.

November 14-THEFT-1635 Old 41 Highway, Publix- The store reported that their security officer saw a female take some hair products and baby formula and run out of the store without paying for them. The woman left in a car but not before running over the security officers foot. The officer was able to get a tag number and the theft was recorded on the stores security video system.

November 16-BURGLARY-Marne Glen- A resident came home and discovered that her computer was missing from her bedroom. She then found that a 50-inch LG television was missing from the living room along with an LG DVD system. A screen on a rear window was found to be damaged. The burglary occurred sometime after 8am. The previous Saturday the resident found a young boy hiding in a downstairs closet while her daughter was having a sleepover. The daughter knows this boy and he is a suspect.

November 16-VANDALISM-3805 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw Medical Center- Over the

weekend an employee noticed damage to her SUV that she believes occurred while she was at work on the 13th. There was a small hole in the door right below the keyhole on passengers side door and a dent below the drivers side door keyhole.

November 16-SUSPICIOUS PERSON-Carillon Trace- A resident said that she was approached by a white female with blonde hair wearing an Iron gate Security shirt who was supposedly trying to sell security systems. The woman told the resident that she would like to look at her current system to see if she qualified for a new, free system that Irongate was offering. The resident declined this offer. Another resident said this female also approached her. On this occasion the woman came into the house uninvited and asked for the residents social security and drivers license number so she could run a credit check. The area was searched but the woman was not found.

November 17-PERSON ARMED-McCollum Parkway- A man reported that a driver in a green Ford Expedition cut him off while changing lanes. The man said he honked his horn at the other driver who pointed a black semi-automatic pistol at him. The Expedition was last seen going away from Kennesaw on Pine Mountain Road.

November 17-SUSPICIOUS PERSON-Rosedown Court- In an incident similar to the one reported yesterday, a resident complained of two alleged employees of Irongate Security Systems who were too aggressive. The resident said a white male and female came to her door and were trying to talk her into switching security systems. The resident declined and the female put her foot in the door and tried to come inside. The two people finally left in a silver Volvo. u


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Ready to decorate for the holidays? This year, leave the dusty plastic holly and ivy candle holder and the molded Santa in the attic. Instead, liven up your home with fresh materials from nature. Youll end up with some beautiful and unique holiday arrangements without spending a lot of money. Take a tip or two from Master Gardeners Electa Keil and Jack Driskell as they take you for a walk through

your backyard to find inspiring natural materials and decorating ideas.

BASICSFirst, though, youll need some basic tools. Jack suggests a good pair of shears, floral wet foam, and various containers. Floral pins are also helpful.

GATHERThen, head outside to gather your fresh materials. Electa and Jack can use just about anything for a fantastic arrangement. Try evergreens, holly leaves, sweet gum balls, magnolia leaves, nandina, or even weeds. Or, if you cant get outside, gather some fresh fruit, dried squash, and plastic berries. Or, pick up some fir boughs where Christmas trees are sold; sometimes, theyll give them to you for free.

FINISHNext, youll want to consider how you want the materials to look when youre done. Do you like the look of gold or silver? Buy a $.99 can of spray paint and spray your natural materials. Let them dry, then arrange. Into glitter? Spray glitters are readily available. Spray the glitter onto your material, let it dry, and youre ready to arrange.

ARRANGEFirst, soak the wet foam in water for at least 30 minutes, then put the foam into a container that holds water. Jack said, Its fun to just start arrangingfreeform styleuntil it looks right. Really, you can use any combination of

materials, but it is fun to use different types of materials.The Master Gardeners make it look easy, but once you try it, youll find that its really not that hard. And its a lot more fun.

Top Tips for Arrangements:1) Dip fresh fruit in Future Floor Wax; it will keep your fruit fresh much longer.2) Go crazy with the glitter. It reflects the light and just glows.3) When doing outside arrangements, buy waterproof ribbon. It costs a little more but you can use it year to year.

Lightning Fast Arrangements1) Spray sweet gum balls in color of your choice (they look like little stars) and put them in a glass vase2) Fill a bowl with bright red cranberries straight from the grocery store.3) Spray paint assorted dried squash or gourds and put them in a beautiful container.

Above all, be creative. Jack said, Dont be afraid to use anything, even neon purple berries. If the decor can take it, use it.

Special thanks to Electa Keil, Jack Driskell, Dr. Bob Gilbert, and the Smith-Gilbert Gardens.

[Ed. Note: This article previously ran in Dec. 2007. Its still one of our most requested articles. Happy Holidays!]

Decorate with Natural MaterialsBy Kathie Beckett

Master Gardener Jack Driskell makes arranging with natural materials look easy at the Smith-Gilbert Gardens.

dec 2009 northside news

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