Around
Towne
by Susan Kyle

Susan is the Editor of The TowneLaker magazine. She lives in the Towne Lake area with her husband William and their one year-old daughter Molly.

The construction of the much anticipated traffic light at the main entrance of Eagle Watch at Towne Lake Parkway has finally begun. The poles are currently being installed. This project had been delayed because of problems with the manufacturer of the poles. Jeff Morton of the Towne Lake ROA says the installation should be complete by mid January. He also noted that because of the delay, the contractor is being fined $75.00 per work day since late November. This fine will continue to be assessed until the poles and lights are installed and working properly.

According to the County Department of Engineering, the big blue pipes on Orlando Wilson's property off of I-575 south of the Towne Lake Parkway exit (north of Highway 92) are for the sewer system.

Recycle your Christmas Trees!! The Recycling Center will once again coordinate the efforts of recycling Christmas trees. Through Saturday, January 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., you may drop off your Christmas tree at the following locations: Hobgood Park, 6688 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock; Kenny Askew Park, 1080 Univeter Road, Canton; Ballground Park, 1375 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ballground; Home Depot, 2200 Riverstone Parkway, Canton; and Home Depot, 9037 Highway 92, Woodstock. Cherokee Clean and Beautiful Executive Director, Stan Hall, says that his organization will be exchanging Dogwood seedlings for Christmas trees at Hobgood Park and the Home Depot locations. However, the quantity is limited and will be on a first come basis.

Sadly, two shops recently have closed their doors in Towne Lake. The Herb Shop and Towne Lake Flowers and Gifts, both formerly in the Colonnade at Towne Lake, have closed their doors. It's sad to see businesses close when just a little more support from the community may have kept them open. Please help us end this string of business closings in Towne Lake by supporting local merchants. Remember, these are the businesses that support local charities, children's sports teams and contribute tax dollars to our community.

Looking for something special? Wild Birds Unlimited in the Towne Lake Village Center (across from Publix) has great bird feeders, birdbaths and more. The Purple Pond is the best kids bookstore in town; visit this shop in the Colonnade (next to Wendy's). Earth Scapes in the South Pointe Center (Towne Lake Fitness) has several unique items for sale, including hand made jewelry, clothes and candles. And don't forget, Your Turn Kid's Consignment opens January 3. This new consignment shop will market upscale children's clothing and accessories (next to Wendy's).

Be sure to check out our new column the "Towne Lake Diner" on page 10. Each month, we will visit a restaurant in the Towne Lake area and provide you with our review. Bon Appetit!

January is the beginning of a new year, and for some it is the beginning of a new life style. If you have any plans to change your outlook on life, there are some new churches in the community where you can get started. Northlink Church is now holding services at Bascomb Elementary. Also, the newly-built Towne Lake Community Church on Towne Lake Parkway is becoming a very popular place.

Perhaps your plan for the New Year is to change your outward appearance. If so, there is nothing like working with a personal coach to get on the right track. Team Payam (located at Towne Lake Fitness) has experienced personnel to help with your goal of getting in shape. The Personal Training Club, Inc., next door to Publix is open daily - 70 hours a week, and you should be able to find a convenient time to get in a good workout. On the other hand, maybe you want to workout at home - try In-Home Personal Training; they will customize an exercise program for you at home. All About Bodies, Inc., is another place where you can find a personal trainer who is very willing to help you with your goal of changing your shape. Women Get Fit not only has personal trainers available, but also has pre/postnatal fitness programs.

Publix has signed a lease with the Means Brothers for a new store in the Crossing Shopping Center at Buckhead Crossing and Towne Lake Parkway. This center is also home to Bullock's Wine and Spirits (scheduled to open soon).

The activity at the Courtyards at Towne Lake on Eagle Drive has not slowed down. Patty Bachtel, Sales Manager, says they have only 20 homes left to sell from the original 35. These luxurious ranch town homes are filling a much-needed niche for active adult homebuyers in this area.

Curious about the stakes on Eagle Drive? Dennis Thompson with the Cherokee County 1% SPLOST program says the stakes are connected with the on-going project to improve Eagle Drive from a two-lane road to a four-lane road. This project is scheduled to begin in 2002 and will certainly be a welcome improvement when completed.