Richard Stockinger will never forget the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Like most firemen in and around New York City, Stockinger was called in as a responder on the tragic morning that is still etched in the memories of most every American. Stockinger, who now splits time between Yaphank, NY where he serves as Chief of the Suffolk County Fire Academy and in Dallas, Ga, where he recently purchased a vacation home at Windsong Properties’ Seven Hills Blackberry Run community, still recalls the unearthly scene of traveling 55 miles into Manhattan on that fateful day.

“By the time we got to the scene, it was early afternoon,” said Stockinger. “I remember riding in from the expressway. It was just an unbelievable scene…all the roads were shut down and the skyline was just eerie.”

Of the 343 firefighters that died that day, Stockinger estimates that he knew at least 50, including two who were instructors at his Academy. Stockinger ended up spending six days on the scene as part of an Urban Search and Rescue Team.

“In my wildest imagination, I never thought I would go into New York City in any form or fashion as a firefighter,” he said.

Recently, Stockinger made the decision to purchase a home in Dallas, Ga. in order to be closer to family, including his son, who also lives in Dallas and his brother who lives in Austell. Stockinger says he decided on Windsong Properties’ Blackberry Run at Seven Hills community because of its quality, workmanship, design and layout.

“It was exactly what we were looking for,” says Stockinger. “Right now we are using the home as a vacation spot; however my wife and my mother-in-law are spending a lot of time down there. We just love it.”

Although he is currently using his new home as a home away from home, Stockinger will be in town on September 11, along with his “brothers” from The Retired New York Shields of Georgia to join with Paulding County Public officials at Mt. Tabor Park in Paulding County at 9 a.m. at the 9/11 Memorial Site to remember those who lost their life.

“It’s nice to know that people still remember,” said Stockinger. “I don’t need or want any recognition. The day is about remembrance. We remember for all the firefighters and those who lost their life on that day.”

The masterly crafted Villas of Blackberry Run Seven Hills feature 76 homes and offer three award winning floorplans, including three bedroom, three bathroom and two bedroom, two bathroom options. Homes include 10-foot vaulted ceilings, a private courtyard retreat with patio, ventless fireplaces, oversized master walk in closets and cultured marble garden tubs. Each Windsong Properties home is also specifically designed to meet EasyLiving Home© specifications, which includes no-step access, wide doorways and other amenities that facilitate changing life situations.

The Villas of Blackberry Run Seven Hills is conveniently located in Northwest Atlanta along the banks of Little Pumpkin Vine Creek over a ridge at Seven Hills. From I-75 exit onto Glade Road (Exit 278). Turn left. At 3rd light (Hwy 92), turn right. At Hwy 41, turn right. Past Hwy 92 and turn left at light on Cedarcrest Road. Seven Hills is approximately 5 miles on the right. Turn Right on Seven Hills Blvd. Just past the amenities, turn right on Blackberry Run Trail. Follow to the entrance of the Villas at Blackberry Run on the left. For more information call Kris Johnson at 770-917-8082 or email kjohnson@windsonglife.com.

Locally owned, Windsong Properties was founded by Mark Carruth and Managing Partner, Steve Romeyn. The two bring more than 50 years of local building experience to Windsong Properties, “Where Life’s a Breeze.” As empty nesters themselves, Mark and Steve have first hand knowledge of the desires of active adults and are passionate about creating communities and homes for empty nesters. Every decision made at Windsong Properties, from the design of the community and its amenities to the award winning floor plans and the unique customer service approach, is targeted to the 50-plus, empty nester group. Windsong Properties earned the highest honor from the Certified Professional Home Builders association in 2007 and 2008 when it was awarded the Customer Satisfaction Award. They were also recipients of four gold OBIE awards in 2008. The OBIE Awards are presented by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council to honor excellence in building in Greater Atlanta. It is the highest honor given in the Atlanta housing industry. Windsong Properties invites you to visit one of its two communities and see for yourself just how easy living the Windsong Lifestyle can be. For more information, call 770-516-3409 or visit www.windsonglife.com.

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