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Holiday Guide 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

From the Editor's Desk

Raise Your Glass to the New Year, Sunday Sales

Sunday sales go into effect in Kennesaw on New Year's Day.

I'll shortly be turning off my computer to prepare for tonight's festivities, which, for me, will include pot roast, cranberry and champagne cocktails with friends and the perfect red dress to ring in 2012. But before I do, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year. Please remember to drink responsibly. If you have an iPhone or Android, download the Drive Sober Georgia app for information about finding free rides tonight. If you want to keep the festivities going through tomorrow, remember that Sunday sales go into effect in Kennesaw starting New Year's Day between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Kennesaw voters passed the measure allowing the sale of alcohol on Sundays during the Nov. 8 elections, joining many other …

Friday, December 30, 2011

Patch End of the Year Quiz

How well do you know Kennesaw Patch?

As we say goodbye to 2011, please take a few moments to reflect on the past year by taking our End of the Year Quiz. There's no prize. But you do get bragging rights. All the answers to these questions can be found in articles on Kennesaw Patch. (Hint: Use the search bar to type in keywords.) 1. Who was honored as Cobb's Teacher of the Year? What subject does he or she teach and at what school? 2. Which one of these incident reports was not filed with the Kennesaw Police Department this year? a. Police responded to the reported theft of an $8 soccer ball from a child. b. A woman reported suspicions that her adult children had been breaking into her home and stealing meat from her freezer. c. A woman told police that someone had …

Gaetana Pipia

9:56 am on Saturday, December 31, 2011

I wish everyone a safe and happy New Year! Also, if you have some time to kill before tonight's festivities, take a shot at our End of the Year Quiz.   more ›

Where to Ring in the New Year

Patch has 5 fun places to ring in New Year's Eve with family and friends.

New Year's Eve is a time for celebration and reflection. Make plans at one of these establishments with family and friends and make it memorable! 1) New owners Terri and Dennis Kennedy invite you to the Old Mill Restaurant in historic downtown Acworth. The restaurant re-opened Dec. 1 and is planning a big night on New Year's Eve beginning at 7 p.m. "We have an all-new menu," says Terri Kennedy. "We feature steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes." A New Year's Day brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and prices are $16.95 for adults; $14.95 for senior citizens, and $7.00 for kids 10 and under. For reservations or more information, call 770-672-6605. 2) Want a little Cajun with your New Year's? Visit Henry's Uptown in the upstairs area of…

Thursday, December 29, 2011

House Hunt: Buy a Brand New Home for the Brand New Year

Each week, we feature great homes for sale in Kennesaw, Acworth and Cartersville.

For homebuyers, 2012 will be a bonanza of opportunities to purchase the home of their dreams. Since the real estate market is still sluggish, builders are offering tons of custom options and upgrades potential buyers want. The most popular upgrades include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, lighting fixtures and hardwood floors. Being able to incorporate these options into a newly constructed home is appealing to a homebuyer and gives the builder a definite edge over "finished homes." Take a look at the following new homes offering many of these sought-after upgrades. Click through the image gallery to preview the featured homes. Click on an address listed below to link to AOL Real Estate's full listing description, mortgage …

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Recycled trees make mulch, fuel, wildlife habitats and more.

After the holiday season is over, residents are encouraged to help the environment by recycling their Christmas trees. Recycling trees makes mulch, fuel, wildlife habitats and other useful material. Keep Cobb Beautiful will sponsor free recycling drop-offs. Trees will only be accepted Saturday, Jan. 7, at select Home Depot locations throughout Cobb. For a list of those locations, visit cobbcounty.org/kcb. County Parks and Recreation specified locations will accept drop-offs now through Jan. 7. These facilities are: Cobb Parks chipper locations and Davey Trees will have free mulch available to residents after Jan. 7. For more information, visit cobbcounty.org/kcb or call 770-528-1135.

20 Inspirational Stories to Ring in 2012

Use these great local stories to serve as motivation for your own New Year's resolutions.

As 2011 comes to an end and the New Year approaches, many of us will be making resolutions to better ourselves. When it comes to motivation and inspiration, what better place to start than from the stories of people right here in Kennesaw? Whether you want to drop 50 pounds, expand your business, pursue higher education or give back to the community, many of our neighbors prove that change is possible. Here are 20 inspirational stories to help guide you toward your own goals: 1. Special Needs Student Chosen for Homecoming Court 2. Iraq Vet Graduates as War Ends 3. Wellspring Treasures Gives Girls Hope 4. Local Women Share Entrepreneurial Spirit 5. Artist Collects, Paints Suitcases for Foster Children 6. Biggest Losers Comes to Kennesaw 7. …

Joe Bozeman

7:06 am on Saturday, December 31, 2011

Hi Mrs Lyon, It's really no different and I don't expect to keep that resolution. You asked me to smile. Should I post a better picture in my profile? I do look kinda grumpy, don't I. Happy New Years!!!! Joe   more ›

Monday, December 26, 2011

Recipe Corner

Recipe Corner: Holiday Cookie Favorites

Try these delicious homemade cookies at your house this holiday season!

I personally have never been too proud of my cookie making skills unless, of course, I use the quick and easy pre-made dough from the grocery store. Even then, it helps if it is already cut into cookie shapes. However, this holiday season we went on a cookie baking spree. The results—we are all craving more homemade cookies. Check out our three favorite cookies, but only try them if you are ready to give up store bought cookies for good. CHEWY BROWNIE COOKIES (taken from Santa’s Favorite Cookies) 1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar 2/3 Crisco stick or 2/3 cup Crisco all vegetable shortening 1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon baking …

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena)

A refreshing salad combination of fruits and vegetables for your holiday dinner menu.

In Mexico there is a nine day celebration from December 16 through December 24 called Las Posadas. It typically starts with a parade each night of children enacting the journey of Mary and Joseph that leads them to the stable where Jesus is born. The last house they visit each night is where the posada party is celebrated. The nine days represents the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. This salad is served on Christmas Eve, the last night of Las Posadas. It is a combination of both fruit and vegetables which makes for a light and refreshing salad. This salad makes a beautiful addition to your Christmas dinner menu. Mexican Christmas Eve Salad (Ensalada de Noche Buena) 2 beets, cut off roots & stems, wrap in foil & set in a baking dish, bake …

Friday, December 23, 2011

Town Center Mall Shopping Hours, Pictures with Santa

Take a look at our holiday guide for last-minute mall shoppers.

I admit that I'll be braving the crowds at Town Center at Cobb today to do some last-minute shopping. If you too are a proud procrastinator, take a look at the mall's special holiday hours below: Also, there's still a chance to take the kids to see Santa today and tomorrow. Photo packages range in price and start at $24.99. Santa will be available during the following hours: Happy holidays, and happy shopping! Be sure to say hello if you spot me around the mall. Like many of you, I'll be pushing a stroller while frantically hopping from store to store in search of the perfect last-minute gifts.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Community Lights Giant Menorah

The fourth annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony was held Tuesday night to celebrate the start of Hanukkah.

Hundreds gathered at the Park at City Center despite the rain for the annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony to enjoy hot latkes, live music and of course, the lighting of a 10-foot menorah to celebrate the start of Hanukkah. The Chabad Jewish Center, which serves North Cobb, Cherokee and South Bartow counties, sponsored the community Festival of Lights. Special guest speakers included State Sen. Chip Rogers and State Rep. Charlice Byrd. Rogers was given the honor to light the Shamash candle, the center candle while Rabbi Zalman Charytan, director of the Chabad Jewish Center, lit the first candle for the first night. Photos are courtesy of members of the Chabad Jewish Center. Feel free to add more photos to the gallery.

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