Around Towne
by Susan Kyle

By now, the groans from the children who had to head back to school and the "hooray's" from their parents have subsided. Our County schools continue to burst at the seams with very little relief in sight. More than 1,300 new students entered our system. Bells Ferry Middle School, which is scheduled to open for the 2005 - 2006 school year will provide a bit more elbowroom for students at Woodstock Middle School. Land has been purchased by the school district on Arnold Mill Road, which is to be used for a high school. However, funds are lacking to actually construct the school at this time.

While some students may not enjoy going back to school, they will begin to enjoy the district's modified calendar this year. For the 2004 - 2005 school year, students will have a five-day break at Thanksgiving rather than the traditional three-day holiday. They will receive the normal two-week Christmas break, but then will enjoy another week-long break in February. Then, just when they start complaining again about school, BAM, another break, this one in April for Spring Break. For the 2005 - 2006 school year, school will resume earlier than in the past, but the students receive a week break in September, November (for Thanksgiving break) and two weeks for Christmas break. I don't know about you, but Disney World may suddenly become appealing again when I don't have to go in the dead of summer!

And as long as we're on the subject of doing things with the kids, Earth, Paint and Fire, a paint-it-yourself pottery studio is scheduled to open at the end of the month. Owner Lisa DeLosh said a Grand Opening event will be held in October with specials offered for all ages. Earth, Paint and Fire is located in the new Publix shopping center, facing the Buckhead Crossing shopping center.

What's New in
the Towne Lake Area?

The fashion designer in you now has a place to bloom. Fashion Designer Karron English recently opened the English Design Laboratory, which is located at 4329 Bells Ferry Road in Kennesaw. Karron describes her curriculum as "innovative, allowing students to explore the different options in the field." For more information, please call (770) 924-7729 or visit www.englishlabdesign.com.

Traffic seems to get worse everyday, but not at McDonalds! They recently added an additional drive through lane with another menu board.

Not in the mood for McDonald's but not in the mood to pay a lot either? Winchester Woodfire Grill in Canton recently introduced early diner specials (otherwise known as Early Bird Specials) Monday through Saturday, 5 - 6:30 p.m. The restaurant will offer selected dinners specially priced at $10.95. Stonebridge Tavern, located in the Eagle Point shopping center, also offers early dining specials, Monday through Thursday, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. Patrons can choose from five specially selected menu items for $10. The price break continues on Tuesdays when Stonebridge offers all menu options under $20 for $10, including one side item.

Celebration Signs, owned by Towne Lake residents (and father and daughter) Harry Gill and Susanna Moore recently opened. The business provides signs to announce personal special events such as the arrival of a baby, special birthday, graduation, etc. For more information, visit www.storklady.com/woodstock or call (404) 216-5802.

We are sad to report that the Musical Flavors of Hobgood Park has cancelled all its remaining 2004 concerts. The reason for the cancellation could not be confirmed by press time. Hopefully, we will see another concert series next year!

Susan is the Editor of The TowneLaker magazine. She lives in southwest Cherokee with her husband William and their two daughters, Molly and Samantha.

What's Ongoing in
the Towne Lake Area?

For those of you who still need school supplies or a new box of Tide, you'll have to wait a bit longer for the newest, closest ever Wal-Mart Supercenter to open, located at Bells Ferry Road and Eagle Drive. Construction continues and should be completed soon.

Downtown Woodstock is seeing some major changes. As you drive up Mill Street, you will notice numerous construction vehicles in the process of moving a lot of dirt. According to Woodstock Planning Manager, Richard McLeod, the redevelopment project in downtown Woodstock will involve approximately 32 acres. The project is scheduled to have 300 residential units including town homes, lofts above retail shops and single detached homes. The current activity involves building up the front area to be level with Main Street. The first phase of the project is to build the retail and loft portion of the plan. Grading is scheduled to be complete by late fall with building to begin by the end of the year. The plans also include a pedestrian walk over the railroad tracks at the intersection of Mill Street and Main Street.

Sapporo Japanese Steak & Seafood
by Kara Kiefer

When was the last time you left a restaurant and said, "Wow!" If it's been a while (or never!), I invite you to try Sapporo Japanese Steak and Seafood where the Wow Factor is alive and well.

Sapporo is located in the new Publix shopping center at Highway 5 and East Cherokee Drive and has been open since January. The restaurant offers hibachi and dining room seating as well as an impressive sushi bar. I know what you're thinking, "Been there, done that." Believe me when I say, even if you've been to a similar type restaurant, it is worth the drive and effort to experience Sapporo. It's a great place to celebrate a birthday or have a special dinner with friends or your spouse. They can accommodate up to 80 people at the hibachi, which makes it perfect for company functions as well.

Sapporo is indeed aesthetically pleasing. A huge salt-water fish tank welcomes guests as well as the friendly, attentive staff. According to owner, John Chung, the service is what sets his restaurant apart. Service is one of those things if it's bad, it's painfully obvious, and that's what patrons remember regardless of the food. Good service orchestrates its way into the evening, allowing patrons to fully enjoy their dining experience, and that's exactly what we found at Sapporo.

By choosing to be seated at the hibachi grill, diners are treated to dinner and a show. The expert chefs interact with the audience as they create volcanoes out of onions, pac-mans out of rice, and fires on the grill, which is a favorite of all diners. Theatrics aside, the food provided the final "Wow" factor. John said the sushi is one of Sapporo's specialties, and I have to agree. It was fresh and flavorful - even my 12 year-old liked it, and he is NOT a sushi eater. The main attraction included soup, rice, salad, vegetables and our chosen meat. No one leaves hungry! Sapporo has several menu items which separates them from similar establishments, including lobster on the hibachi with an incredible garlic butter sauce or egg yolk, Japanese hashbrowns, and three flavors of ice cream.

Sapporo is currently open only for dinner, but John said they hope to open for lunch eventually. "We offer the best service and food in a very clean and beautiful atmosphere," said John. Up your "Wow" factor in your dining experience and visit Sapporo. It's only minutes from the Towne Lake area, yet worlds away from the ordinary.