POINT IN TIME
North Fulton homeless census takes place ► PAGE 4
OPINION
Meyers: Get to know the Rucker family Fe b r u a r y 1 , 2 0 2 4 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 1 9 , N o . 5
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Mayor: Milton poised for growth, preservation By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Mayor Peyton Jamison addresses a crowd of 150 people Jan. 24 at Milton City Hall for the 2024 State of the City. Jamison discussed accomplishments from 2023, long-term planning and the importance of preserving the city’s uniqueness.
MILTON, Ga. — Milton residents will see a push for more parks and upgraded economic corridors, Mayor Peyton Jamison said at the annual State of the City Address Jan. 24. Speaking to a crowd of more than 150 people at City Hall, Jamison stressed committing to all residents, preserving what makes Milton great and making the city even better. “It takes planning, and it takes sound decision making,” Jamison said. “It’s up to us to take control of Milton’s future, all of us.” With nationwide concerns about inflation and the economy, Jamison said Milton’s finances are in great shape. The city’s pay-as-you-go system, which funds projects up front rather than borrowing money, keeps the burden on taxpayers low. “As we all know, interest rates mean paying more later, and saddling us and our children with long-term debt,” Jamison said. While residents saw their property taxes increase with land values, the City Council voted to reduce the tax rate on property for
the second consecutive year. This year marks the third time since Milton’s incorporation that the City Council adopted a millage rate different from the capped 4.731 mills. Switching gears, Jamison recognized Police Chief Jason Griffin and Fire Chief Gabe Benmoussa. Milton opened Fire Station 42 on Thompson Road in 2023, and construction of Fire Station 45 is expected to begin this summer. Jamison said the 200 percent increase in police officer applications and 10 percent reduction in property crimes in 2023 creates the safe environment that Milton is known for. Jamison thanked City Manager Steve Krokoff and his staff for their dedication to improving Milton. He also honored former Multimedia Manager Jen Hartwig, who passed away in December after an 18-month battle with cancer. “A night like tonight was the element that Jen loved, bringing people together and capturing memories at our State of the City,” Jamison said. “She loved Team Milton, and we all miss her dearly.
See ADDRESS, Page 12
Caroline Nalisnick C: 404.513.9226 | Caroline@HOMEgeorgia.com
Sam DiVito C: 404.803.5999 | Sam@HOMEgeorgia.com
Allison Kloster C: 404.784.5287 | Allison@HOMEgeorgia.com
2 | February 1, 2024 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton
POLICE BLOTTER 770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT NEWS TIPS Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com. LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance. ADVERTISING For information about advertising in the Milton Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@ appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278. CIRCULATION To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
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Driver arrested on Ga. 9 for passing in turn lane MILTON, Ga. — Police arrested a Cumming man Jan. 16 after he was spotted using the right turn lane to pass another vehicle on Ga. 9 in the rain. Police saw the driver’s white Dodge Ram approaching another vehicle from behind on Ga. 9 toward Deerfield Parkway and clocked the truck at 55 mph in a 45-mph speed zone. The driver passed the other vehicle, using the right turn lane in a zig-zag pattern before returning to the through lane of travel, the incident report says. The weather conditions on the road were hazardous that day, the report says, with rain, wet roads and temperature in the low 20s with the risk of the road freezing. Police placed the driver under arrest and charged him with driving too fast for conditions, reckless driving and overtaking and passing on the right. They transported the driver to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.
Woman accuses nonprofit of stealing bags of clothing
Judged a newspaper of General Excellence 2023
MILTON, Ga. — A Milton woman reported to police Jan. 16 that a Lawrenceville nonprofit stole clothes she had bagged and set by her garage door. The woman told police she placed two industrial sized trash bags containing brand new clothes outside of her garage door and was notified by her son that a yellow Penske truck backed into her driveway by the door, left, then went to her neighbor’s house.
PUBLIC SAFETY Later that day, the woman said she noticed her bags were missing and there was a piece of paper left in their place, a “receipt” from a Lawrenceville nonprofit which “thanked her for her donation,” the incident report says. The woman explained to police she did not have the bags marked for pick up nor did she call the nonprofit to schedule a pick-up, according to the report. When she called the nonprofit, the woman told police a representative said that if there was no footage of the bags being picked up then “they did not do it.” The woman told police she sent a demand letter to the nonprofit, and police contacted the organization’s management. The woman said she wanted to press charges if her property is not returned or she is not compensated for it.
Man reports gun threat by pickup truck driver MILTON, Ga. — A Milton man reported to police Jan. 18 that the driver of a pickup truck pointed a gun at him in his driveway on Marrywood Drive. The man told police he was standing outside his house when he saw the suspect taking pictures of his house and car. When the man approached the suspect to ask him why he had been taking pictures, he said the suspect pointed a black gun at him and sped away, according to the incident report. The man told police he got into his truck and followed the suspect south on Deerfield Parkway, and that the suspect pointed the gun at him again. The man said the suspect was wearing a surgical face mask, gray hooded sweatshirt and dark tinted sunglasses. He showed police pictures, but police were unable to confirm what the driver was holding. When police asked the man if anyone had a “beef” with him, the man said he did not. But, he said he thinks the suspect was connected to
an incident from the day before when someone had tried to slash his tire at Workout Anytime on Ga. 9. Police gathered the tag information of the suspect’s vehicle from flock cameras, registered in Dacula, and found a potential suspect. Police issued a “be on the lookout” with an associated charge of simple assault.
Unlocked car stolen, found down the street JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek man reported to police Jan. 15 that his car had been stolen from his driveway on Georgian Manor Court, but later found parked elsewhere in the same neighborhood. The owner told police he had last seen his 2015 Mazda 3 Jan. 14, and a woman living in the house noticed the vehicle was missing the next morning at 7 a.m. The key fob was left in the vehicle, which was unlocked, the incident report says. Two hours later after the owner had reported the vehicle missing, he located it parked just down the street in the same neighborhood.
Woman defrauded by fake bondsmen JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A Johns Creek woman reported to police Jan. 18 that she paid more than $1,000 to someone posing as a bondsman. The woman told police her daughter had been arrested earlier that morning, and that she had been on a three-way call with her son-in-law and an alleged bondsman. The suspect, who claimed to be an officer with the Forsyth Police Department, told the woman to pay $1,035 to bond her daughter out that day, according to the incident report. The woman told police she sent the money through Venmo to the suspect, whose account had a different name attached. She said Venmo is investigating the transaction, the report says.
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NEWS
4 | February 1, 2024 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton
PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA
Volunteers assemble at Mary Hall Freedom Village before the annual Fulton County Continuum of Care Point in Time Count Jan. 23. More than 50 volunteers split up into 19 teams to survey North Fulton’s unsheltered population from 8 to 11 p.m.
Reminder: File for Homestead Exemption
Volunteers canvass North Fulton for annual homelessness count
IF YOU CLOSED ON YOUR PRIMARY HOME IN 2023,
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SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — More than 50 volunteers set out from Mary Hall Freedom Village in Sandy Springs Jan. 23 to survey the area’s unsheltered population for the annual Fulton County Continuum of Care Point in Time Count. Point in time counts provide lawmakers and funding organizations with information on the number, demographics and characteristics of people experiencing homelessness. In Fulton County, the Continuum of Care promotes funding and programs to combat homelessness in Fulton cities. Atlanta has its own continuum of care. Data is then sent to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which uses the results to determine federal funding to address homelessness. The organized count covered the cities of Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Milton, Alpharetta and Roswell. Mountain Park will also be canvassed through Jan. 30 when the Point in Time formally ends. South Fulton County canvassing was scheduled for Jan. 24. Fulton County Senior Public Affairs Officer Mark Baucom said 126 volunteers were registered for the Point in Time Count as of Jan. 17. While the Point in Time is critical for securing funding to address homelessness, Dawn Butler said it is not comprehensive. Butler serves as the Fulton County Department of Community Development Health and Human Services division manager.
Dawn Butler gives a brief volunteer training at Mary Hall Freedom Village before the annual Fulton County Continuum of Care Point in Time Count Jan. 23. Butler serves as the County Department of Community Development Health and Human Services division manager. “We're not expected to count every homeless person, but we want to count as many homeless people, and it is a snapshot,” she said. Butler said her department also uses the data from the Point in Time to adjust their focus throughout the year. The count can determine which populations have the most need or which have increased since the previous year. Butler said the Point in Time gathers important data for the government, but it also spurs community outreach. Local nonprofits are involved in the effort. North Fulton Community Charities
See COUNT, Page 10
AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | February 1, 2024 | 5
“A Story That Must Be Told”
DAD,
You said serving in the Army was one of your greatest achievements... “Our system ensures that all are treated equally. Our laws must be defended.” You & Mom worked so hard to buy our farm... “Land ownership allows the common man to not be common. They’re not making any more of it...” You also told me “Look after your mother...the land...the animals...when I am gone...”
I’m sorry. I’m sorry the “City” of Milton has violated countless laws you fought to defend. I’m sorry the “City” vandalized your proudest asset. I’m sorry the “City” did not protect Mom and our horses from abuse and did not hold the guilty accountable. You said, “Talk is cheap without action.” Action is transpiring. All will know “A Story That Must Be Told.” – Your Proud Son
Read the Free Online Story at www.astorythatmustbetold.com 770-653-0552
NEWS
6 | February 1, 2024 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton
Civil Rights activist describes experience in march for voting rights By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Civil Rights activist John Suttles, right, describes his experience as a 16-year-old boy on Bloody Sunday on March 7, 1965, when police attacked him and other foot soldiers in a march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery for voting rights. Kaaryn Walker, left, interviewed Suttles for the event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton at St. Ives Country Club Jan. 24.
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — It made sense for John Suttles to join in on the fight for voting rights as a preteen in Selma, Alabama, in the early ’60s. Soon after he and his mother moved to Sheffield, Suttles moved from having fun, building things and blowing things up with firecrackers with other boys, to an involvement in Civil Rights. “At the age of 12, 13 years old, I was hooked,” Suttles told members of the Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton Jan. 24 in an interview with Kaaryn Walker, who’s heavily involved in Johns Creek. “I went to a mass meeting, and I listened to some of the speakers. I went back a couple of times and heard Dr. King speak, and that was it. I was in — in it to win it, so to speak.” He and his newfound group of young activists would talk about how to bring along the community and help the community, how things should be done. Suttles, a self-described “diplomat” of his family growing up, said he preferred a non-violent approach. But, in the first attempt to march from Selma to Montgomery on March 7, 1965, there was a lot of violence — from police. The effort was prompted by the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson, killed in a protest the preceding February.
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When 600 peaceful foot soldiers, from all different backgrounds, crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a sea of state troopers were waiting at the bottom. “Everything around us just stopped moving,” said Suttles, who was 16 years old at the time. “The air stopped moving. Everything got quiet … We knew that it was different. We knew this may take a few of us out. But, we [were] committed.” Suttles and many more were hospitalized. His own blood soaked the army jacket he wore, which his uncle gave him earlier that day, after Suttles told him he was headed “to Mongomery to talk to George Wallace.” The garment is on display at a national interpretive center. “John Lewis said, ‘We’re going to say a prayer first,’ and just as soon as he started kneeling, then it broke loose,” Suttles said. “And, that was the beginning of Bloody Sunday … a day that I’ll never forget. I’m 75 now, and I remember it like yesterday.” There would be a second, but unsuccessful attempt to march to Montogomery, coined “Turnaround
Bob MacDonald, member of the Rotary Club of Johns Creek North Fulton, introduces Civil Rights activist John Suttles. At the Jan. 24 event, Suttles spoke about his experience participating in a march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery for voting rights in 1965. Two more marches would follow, contributing to the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year. Tuesday,” which Martin Luther King Jr. joined. In a third attempt about two weeks later, 25,000 participants successfully made the 54-mile trek. Suttles walked in all of them. “That was so impressive to the president, they started talking about the voters’ bill,” Suttles said. The Voting Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson that August. Sharing experience Walker, who interviewed Suttles, shared her father’s experience in the 1968 Orangeburg Massacre when police shot and killed three student protesters and wounded 28 more on the campus of South Carolina State University. She said her father, who had survived three gunshots by police in the protest, refuses to attend anniversary events there. Her father had been invited to the 50th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre by Bakari Sellers, political strategist and son of Cleveland Sellers, who had been the only individual convicted and jailed for what took place. “I could not understand why he didn’t want to share his experience to the world,” Walker said. Empathizing with Walker’s father, Suttles said it was probably too painful for him. Though Suttles had been beaten, he said he was not shot. “I thank people like you for continuing to not just share your story but to have a positive outlook for our country, of not just where we came from and what we were, but how far we have come and the great things that we have the opportunity to aspire to be,” Walker told Suttles.
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Gathering at South Forsyth builds up government steam By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Commission is set to formalize the terms of The Gathering at South Forsyth in the coming weeks. Plans for the proposed development on some 100 acres near Union Hill Road, Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Ga. 400 include 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space, a 750,000-square-foot arena, a community center and 450 hotel rooms. At a Jan. 18 Development Authority meeting, County Manager David McKee said the county was in the process of finalizing the deal points for The Gathering. “And then there's some contingencies that have to be met,” McKee said. “But I think the most important part is, is if this deal goes forward, that everything is contingent on the National Hockey League landing a franchise at that facility.” But, McKee emphasized nothing is finalized until approved by the County Commission, and the agreement is still in a draft form. In a phone call with Appen Media, County Communications Director Russell Brown said there is no promise of a hockey team as yet, and details are subject to change pending formal agreement. The agreement and further details were scheduled to be presented at a special-called Board of Commissioners work session Jan. 31. At the Jan. 18 meeting, McKee said the NHL will open a franchise application in March or April, and the process could
take as long as a year. Project staff first presented conceptual plans for The Gathering at a Forsyth County Board of Commissioners work session April 25. At that meeting, project staff estimated The Gathering could produce more than 12,000 long-term employment opportunities, as well as more than 20,000 construction jobs during its 10year development. The 100-acre project is the dream of Vernon Krause, CEO of Krause Auto Group, which operates a collection of family-owned dealerships across four states in the Southeast. “As a global entertainment hub, The Gathering at South Forsyth will provide residents, employers and visitors with the ability to see their favorite musician, experience a family-friendly ice show or eat at a James Beard-awarded restaurant without having to sit in their car for hours,” Krause said in an April statement. In September, the development team hired Senior Project Executive Frank Ferrara, who helped secure an NHL tenant when he administered the Arizona State University ice hockey program. The Atlanta Regional Commission, the planning agency representing most Metro Atlanta governments including Forsyth County, issued its approval of The Gathering in a development of regional impact study in September. The agreement marks the county’s first formal vote on the project. In June, the county commissioned an economic impact and financial feasibility study from Ernst and Young’s QUEST division. Results were set to be presented alongside the agreement Jan. 31.
SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA
Forsyth County Manager David McKee shares an update on The Gathering at South Forsyth at a Development Authority meeting Jan. 18. McKee said a forthcoming agreement will outline the project’s contingencies, including a possible NHL franchise at the development.
THE GATHERING AT SOUTH FORSYTH/PROVIDED
This rendering shows a proposed arena at the planned Gathering at South Forsyth. The Forsyth County Commission is set to formalize the terms of the development with an agreement in the coming weeks.
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NEWS
Scout leader honors late son in fighting human trafficking By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Tom Reitz said his late son Matthew was someone committed to advocacy, but not just talking about it. Matthew Reitz, who died in 2018 at 27 years old, was spunky and unfiltered. Reitz said he would say and do the things others wouldn’t, and he was loyal, defending and protecting those he cared about. “Everything about Matt was about fighting oppression,” Reitz in an interview. Reitz hosted a panel at Johns Creek Presybeterian Church with experts on human trafficking Jan. 24 in memory of his son, moderated by senior Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who had been trained in the subject. Matt joined Boy Scouts as a Cub, and Reitz is still involved. In his last semester at Georgia State University, studying political science, Matt took a senior seminar on human trafficking. Reitz would pick him up from the North Springs MARTA station, and on the way back home, Matt shared all about what he was learning. The family now lives in Roswell but lived in Johns Creek for more than two decades. But, Reitz said he wouldn’t talk about his senior seminar, and so, he questioned him on it. “He got really stiff and really angry, and he said, ‘Papa … there are some things that you can talk about, but human trafficking — I’m doing something about it,’” Reitz recalled. “And, that was that.” Matt had been a leading member of Georgia State Unversity’s Model Arab League, a program where students learn the politics and history of the Arab world, and the art of diplomacy
Count: Continued from Page 4 provided dozens of hygiene and snack kits to be distributed during the count. The venue where volunteers gathered before the count, Mary Hall Freedom Village, offers services for women, children and veterans who are struggling with homelessness, addiction or poverty. North Fulton Improvement Network Chairman Jack Murphy emphasized the importance of the Point in Time. Murphy also serves as senior account executive for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “One of the reasons why we got involved was because there's not enough funding for homeless services in North Fulton,” Murphy said. “And this is one of
and speech. He had also jumped at the opportunity to study in India, to celebrate his “quarter-century mark,” and witnessed a number of issues there, particularly poverty. Matt had plans to further his studies in graduate school in international affairs. After Matt passed, Reitz went into his room and picked a book off his shelf, and it was about sex trafficking. He said he sat on the floor, reading it for more than four hours, engrossed in a story about the trafficking problem in Nepal, where some fathers had sold their
daughters, as young as 4 years old, to brothels. “After I read the book, I said, ‘You know, I’ve got to do something about this because Matt is not here to do it,’” Reitz said. Four experts on human trafficking participated in the panel. About 50 people, many Scouts and their parents, were listening and looking at one another as information about the realities of human trafficking were exposed. On the panel was Maja Hasic with Tapestri, a Tucker-based nonprofit dedicated to ending violence and
oppression in immigrant and refugee communities; and Faythe Kadona, a sex trafficking survivor and subject matter expert with Street Grace, a Norcrossbased nonprofit committed to ending the sexual exploitation of minors. Alia El-Sawi, a victims assistance specialist for Homeland Security Investigations, also provided expertise on the subject as well as Dave McCleary, who founded the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery. Topics spanned from how parents can keep their children safe online and in real life, to false promises given to immigrants, lured into domestic servitude, to federal programs in place that prevent human trafficking. Kardona said she had experienced childhood sexual abuse by a family member from 5 to 10 years old, and eventually was sold for sex at age 18 by her best friend’s mother, to be placed in an Atlanta massage parlor. She said her exploitation didn’t end until she was 37. Asked how parents can know if their child is being exploited, Kardona said it’s a matter of staying involved in their life. “I used to tell my son and my daughter, ‘I’m going to get in your Kool Aid, and I know every flavor, so it doesn’t matter what you try to say that it is…’” Kardona said. “Your own lived experience is a powerful tool with your children. Talk about the stories of the things that you went through.” For resources on human trafficking, call Georgia’s hotline at 1-866-3634842 or visit endhtga.org. The Georgia Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking provides leadership, direction and best practices for all forms of human trafficking in Georgia, promoting a coordinated, victim-centered and trauma-informed response throughout the state.
the ways that HUD determines funding, so we want this to be accurate. We don't want it to be inflated.” Typically, Fulton County solicits volunteers for the Point in Time. Murphy said this year, the county enlisted the help of nonprofits that already work with volunteers to expand its outreach. One such nonprofit was United Way of Greater Atlanta. Equipped with flashlights and reflective vests, the 54 volunteers were divided into 19 teams and assigned areas across the five cities known to have homeless populations. Some groups set out in transit vans, while others canvassed the streets in personal vehicles. The first shift of canvassing ran from 8 to 11 p.m., followed by a second, smaller shift from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
One group, team three, was assigned to the Holcomb Bridge Road area in east Roswell, with three stops in Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. Team three had nine marked stops, including East Roswell Park, the Holcomb Bridge Ga. 400 overpass, bus shelters and across from a subdivision in Sandy Springs. While each route had marked locations to visit, volunteers were also asked to follow their judgment and search in unmarked places. Recommendations included post offices, parking lots, gyms, parks, gas stations and restaurants. Each team was given some 20 hygiene kits and flyers about warming centers, temporary shelters that open when the temperature drops below freezing, to be distributed to those surveyed.
The county asked volunteers to download the Counting Us app to conduct surveys. If a person agreed to be surveyed, the volunteer would ask questions about their experience. If they refused, the volunteer recorded their location and basic demographic information. The Point in Time counts only people who are unsheltered. Those living in hotels or motels, transitional housing, emergency shelters, hospitals and jails are not tallied. By 10:30 p.m., team three did not locate any unsheltered persons in east Roswell. In the 2023 count, the Continuum of Care recorded 128 unsheltered individuals, a 26 percent increase from 2022. The totals from the 2024 count will be released by March 21.
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Boy Scout leader Tom Reitz welcomes an audience of about 50 people to a panel on human trafficking Jan. 24 at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church, moderated by senior Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Reitz organized the event in honor of his late son Matthew Reitz, who had avidly fought against oppression and participated in a senior seminar on human trafficking in his last semester at Georgia State University.
AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | February 1, 2024 | 11
Appen Press Club presents
Listening Tour 2024
Reporter-Led Event Series Seeking Story Feedback and Ideas
Roswell – Thurs. Feb. 15, 4–5pm
Open to the public and FREE to attend! OTHER UPCOMING LISTENING TOUR 2024 DATES & LOCATIONS: March 21st
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Continued from Page 1 Active parks, greenspace The Greenprint, scheduled for adoption by the end of spring, is a plan to help identify appropriate usage, management and possible improvement to the properties purchased with the $25 million greenspace bond, which includes Milton City Park and Preserve. Jamison touted $2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and a Georgia Outdoor Stewardship grant, which will be used to improve Milton City Park and Preserve. “Our team is also committed to actively listening to our community when it comes to our parks and greenspaces,” Jamison said. The second phase of the Milton City Park project includes replacing a failing stormwater system associated with the golf course with green, natural landscaping. The need for active park space has grown with the community’s population, Jamison said. In the past five years, youth sports registrations have increased 120 percent, from 2,500 to 5,500. “That’s a whole bunch of Milton’s children battling for active field space,” Jamison said. To find a solution, Jamison said the entire community will have input as the city searches for active park space that does not jeopardize the city’s rural heritage. City Manager Krokoff has announced that a joint committee, composed of representatives from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Milton Equestrian Committee and Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee, will begin the search soon. “We are going to move forward in 2024,” Jamison said. “I anticipate significant progress when it comes to active parks.” Curating economic development The State of the City, sponsored by the Jenny Doyle Group and the Reid Casey Real Estate Team, included an audience of Milton residents and leaders from throughout North Fulton County. Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, Mountain Park Mayor Bill Kolbrener, Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson and Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry showed up early for the reception. Samir Abdullahi, economic development director for Select Fulton, a wing of Fulton County government, discussed his role working with Milton and surrounding cities to bring business growth and desired projects. Select Fulton leverages tax incentives, workforce programs and site selection to serve as a liaison between businesses and
PHOTOS BY HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
From right, Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin; Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson; Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry; and Mountain Park Mayor Bill Kolbrener listen to opening remarks Jan. 24 from Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison. Jamison said all five North Fulton cities were named in a list of the top 10 places to live in Georgia. communities. “Consultants reach out and say… ‘We would love to bring this unique development,’” Abdullahi said. “I filter those opportunities, based on my sense of communities and what their demands are.” Abdullahi reiterated the importance of aligning potential development projects with the unique goals of each North Fulton city. Mayor Jamison said strategic planning from the Community Development and Economic Development departments helps establish residential lots on more than 3 acres and urban growth boundaries, Jamison said. “The team understands why people love Milton,” Jamison said. “And they continue their work to protect and preserve it.” Jamison spoke of pursuing a developmental style to suit the Deerfield area, similar to the character approach taken with Crabapple Market and the Market District. Milton will work with Alpharetta and True North 400 CID on future projects in the Ga. 9 commercial hub. “If we’re serious about expanding our tax base for the sake of taxpaying homeowners and businesses, this is where we should focus,” Jamison said. When asked about his vision of citizencentric government, Jamison reiterated his commitment to the city. “We put citizens first in everything that we do,” Jamison said. “We are elected by the citizens… they are always first.” Toward the end of his address, the mayor said the City Council seeks input from all 42,000 residents, not just the loudest folks in the room. “That’s what I wanted to get across,” Jamison said.
Mayor Peyton Jamison addresses a crowd of 150 people Jan. 24 at Milton City Hall for the 2024 State of the City. Jamison discussed accomplishments from 2023, long-term planning and the importance of preserving the city’s uniqueness.
Milton residents listen to the 2024 State of the City Jan. 24. The address from Mayor Peyton Jamison served as an opportunity for residents to celebrate Milton’s past successes while looking ahead to the future.
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Insights into the current real estate landscape in our community Brought to you by – Allison Kloster, REALTOR® HOME Real Estate, The Kloster Group Greetings as we embark on the first month of the new year! We extend our warmest New Year wishes and trust that you’ve had a splendid beginning to what promises to be your best year yet. Undoubtedly, you’ve come across various reports on the real estate market through different media channels. It’s crucial for all of us to stay informed about the happenings in what is likely our most significant asset – our homes. In October 2023, mortgage rates surged to a peak of 8%, causing apprehension among eager buyers who took a step back, choosing to wait through the holiday season to observe trends in 2024. Their patience is now rewarded as interest rates have
eased down to a more palatable 6.5%. Armed with pre-approvals, prospective buyers are actively seeking their next homes. However, a persistent challenge they face is the continuation of low inventory, a nationwide issue we’ve not encountered before. The root cause lies in the fact that approximately 60% of all current mortgages originated during the pandemic. While not everyone purchased new homes, many opted to refinance, bringing their mortgage rates down to the 2.5%-3.5% range. This has led to a “lock-in effect” as sellers are hesitant to part with their current homes due to the financial implications of paying off existing mortgages, securing new ones at current rates, and potentially purchasing pricier properties. This lock-in scenario is anticipated to persist through 2024. Nevertheless,
our local community is experiencing an energetic start to the 2024 spring market, which traditionally began in March but is now kicking off in January. Our team, The Kloster Group, has successfully placed every home we’ve listed since the year began, often within days of entering the market. This trend indicates a robust readiness among buyers, and sellers should seize the opportunity to list their homes. If you’re contemplating selling, it’s crucial to consider your next move before entering the market. Exploring options early, especially with the possibility of sellers allowing a stay until the end of the school year, can create a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers. Engaging a Realtor sooner rather than later is imperative to strategically plan for your ideal timing. While national forecasts anticipate the housing market’s lock-in effect to
persist, our community in North Atlanta is thriving. Boasting desirable schools, a strong sense of community, safety, easy access to an international airport, and the inherent beauty of our region, there’s an abundance of reasons to call North Atlanta home. If you’re curious about what 2024 holds specifically for your home and your potential move, we invite you to reach out. Let us assist you in navigating the unique real estate landscape of the coming year. Investing in your home is one of the hardest and most important decisions you will make for your family. Our team is here to serve you. Call Allison Kloster for a no pressure, no obligation appointment to find out what your home is worth! Call 404-784-5287 or email allison@ homegeorgia.com and get a response within 24 hours.
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
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Stay at the newly opened Trilith Guesthouse, explore the new homes in the vibrant community of Trilith Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties In the heart of Fayetteville, Georgia, a new haven for creativity and inspiration has emerged with the opening of the Trilith Guesthouse in January. Nestled in the award-winning community known as the Town at Trilith, this boutique hotel stands as a testament to luxury and artistic expression, offering 192 grand rooms designed to awaken the storyteller in every visitor. Trilith Guesthouse prides itself on providing not just accommodation but an experience curated for comfort and style. The hotel’s versatile indoor and outdoor venues are crafted to inspire collaboration and productivity, making it an ideal choice for creatives, artists, and storytellers. Guests will enjoy a signature restaurant, Prologue Dining & Drinks, a European-inspired rooftop
bar, Oliver’s Twist Bar & View, culinary delights, and breathtaking views of Trilith. The Town at Trilith, located just 30 minutes south of downtown Atlanta, is a unique community adjacent to Trilith Studios, known for producing blockbuster movies and hit television series. The town’s pedestrian-friendly layout encompasses a meticulously curated Town Centre featuring distinctive restaurants and retail establishments, including Enzo Steakhouse & Bar, Sensu Sushi, and Woodstone Bakery & Cafe. In addition, the newly opened Forest School at Trilith is a 21st century micro-school— grades K-12—with learner-driven technology, Socratic discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world apprenticeships in an intentionally diverse and character-forging community. What sets Trilith apart is its diverse architectural influences, with homes
ranging from enchanting Provencal cottages to grand Mediterranean estates. Rob Parker, president of the Town at Trilith, describes it as “a place where makers live, create, and inspire the world.” The homes are not just residences; they are individual works of art seamlessly blending into the town’s overall aesthetic. For those eager to become part of this vibrant community, a selection of homes is currently available on the market, including Cottages from $769,900, Terrace Homes from $699,900, and Village Homes from $1,225,000 plus Custom lots to design your own home. Trilith has captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike with its natural beauty and recreational offerings. The community boasts 51% green space, offering an array of amenities for all ages and interests. Fifteen miles of walking trails wind through lush surroundings, providing
breathtaking views and fostering a sense of community. A dog park and outdoor art collection add to the outdoor experience, creating a haven for pet owners and art enthusiasts alike. Sports enthusiasts will find a paradise in Trilith with tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and well-equipped playgrounds. Numerous fire pits throughout the community provide the perfect ambiance for gatherings and shared moments. The commitment to a holistic lifestyle is evident in the Piedmont Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art facility offering health and fitness services to residents. For those considering a move to Trilith, model homes are available for touring seven days a week. To schedule a private tour or gather more information, call the sales office at 678-519-1008 or visit TrilithRealEstate.com.
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and Kitchen Galleria. Manufacturing innovation and cutting-edge technology have come together to create a solution that’s gorgeous, durable, hygienic and easy to clean. This product’s trade name is Dekton, is manufactured in Spain and has been tested globally. It has finally arrived in Atlanta and is being made available to homeowners through Bath and Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta, a turnkey design-remodel company. North Atlanta was significantly builtout in the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s and there are many homeowners seeking innovative solutions to update their homes. Now homeowners have one more reason to remodel bathrooms. “We remodel over 240 homes each year and for the past few months the grout-free bathrooms have been selling incredibly well”, says Bobbie Kohm. To learn more about full-wall tile solutions and Dekton you can visit Bath and Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta or call them at 678-4592292.
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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Award-winning Cresswind active adult community Live better, longer and set yourself free!
Brought to you by – Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes by Kolter Homes An award-winning active adult lifestyle and a new home built around you? YES, you can have it all at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes, metro Atlanta’s 55+ Community of the Year. * The heart of the community is Club Cresswind, an expansive lakeside clubhouse featuring the Cresswind SmartFIT Training Center powered by EGYM, a state-of-the-art circuit training system. The resident-only Club amenities also include a zero-entry pool, an indoor pool with lap lanes, an arts studio with kiln, a billiards room, a social lounge, a game room, a demonstration kitchen and more. Cresswind is home to Georgia’s largest private pickleball center. Residents enjoy two community lakes for fishing and light boating and a community dock with kayak launch. The nationally recognized lifestyle program is coordinated by the full-time lifestyle director and includes numerous clubs, speakers and entertainment. The event lawn and bandshell provide the perfect setting for outdoor concerts and events. The Cresswind lifestyle is designed to help residents live better, longer with the
Set Yourself FREE mantra – focusing on Fitness, Relationships, Education and Entertainment. After a full day of the exciting lifestyle at Cresswind, where you call home is not an area that is overlooked. Kolter Homes designs flexible floorplans with endless possibilities – all centered around the 55+ lifestyle. You can personalize your new home at the onsite Design Studio; from features and finishes to structural options that make your home your very own. With 15 designer-decorated model homes open daily for tour, it’s easy to envision your new home here at Cresswind Georgia at Twin Lakes. Enjoy resort-style living in an ideal northeast Georgia location near I-85 with easy access to Atlanta, Athens, Lake Lanier and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cresswind Georgia is within the vibrant, master-planned community of Twin Lakes in Hoschton, just minutes from downtown Braselton. New homes are priced from the $300s to $1M+. Visit CresswindGeorgia. com to learn more or call 770.455.5844 to speak with a new home guide. The Welcome Center is open daily at 118 Hartwell Ct., Hoschton, GA 30548. *OBIE Awards 2023, GAHB.
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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
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Five strategies for a winter home detox Brought to you by – Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty As the winter season settles in, consider using the extra time indoors Bill Rawlings to freshen up and Sherri Conrad your living space. Winter decluttering helps make your home feel warmer and more inviting and promotes a sense of order and control. It also helps you organize season-specific items such as holiday decorations, warm clothing and coldweather gear. Efficiently managing these items sets the stage for a smoother transition into the new year. Here are five effective strategies for organizing your surroundings and
creating a living environment that promotes wellness and warmth during the chilly days ahead: 1. Closet cleanout. Begin by assessing your wardrobe for unused, threadbare, out-of-style or out-of-season clothing, bidding farewell to items that no longer serve you. Consider donating gently worn garments and organize your remaining wardrobe to make getting dressed a breeze during the winter months. Store out-of-season clothing in under-bed storage or a designated closet section to free up room for current-season items. 2. Holiday décor organization. Sort through your decorations, keeping only those that hold sentimental value or bring genuine joy. Store items in labeled containers and consider creating a designated space for holiday decor to prevent clutter in
other areas of your home. 3. Paperwork purge. Take the time to sift through piles of documents, old bills and unnecessary paperwork. Shred or recycle items that are no longer needed and organize important documents in labeled folders or storage boxes. This not only declutters your physical space but also contributes to mental clarity, reducing the stress associated with a disorganized home office. 4. Kitchen cleanup. Start by decluttering countertops and cabinets, discarding expired pantry items and organizing cookware and utensils. Wipe down surfaces and appliances to create a fresh and sanitary environment. Consider donating unused kitchen gadgets or dishes. 5. Tech/gadget organization.
Assess and declutter your collection of electronic devices, cables and accessories. Tidy up charging stations, untangle cords and dispose of obsolete gadgets responsibly. Establish designated spaces for different devices, making it easier to locate and charge them efficiently. The benefits of decluttering extend beyond a tidy space. Embracing these practices allows us to enter the new year with a fresh perspective, ready to embrace the warmth and serenity that a well-organized home brings. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you! Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor
REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section
Capital gains tax Brought to you by – Geerdes & Associates You’ve invested a lot of your energy and time into obtaining real estate, and oftentimes, you’ll want to make sure that the property you worked so hard for is inherited by your loved ones. While inheriting a property may sound easy on paper, there are specific tax features that come into play when your beneficiaries inherit an asset of significant value from you. The capital gains tax is one of these tax features. It is calculated based on the difference between the original value of the property, or the price you bought it at, and the selling price. Usually when you sell a property, you’ll have to pay capital gains tax on the transaction. When it comes to inheriting a property, however, there is a tax feature called the “step-up in basis.” Simply put, if you are inheriting a property, the property’s original price is revalued to be the current market price, meaning that the beneficiary can avoid having to pay capital gains tax. Of course, the step-up in basis does not apply to all inherited assets, and whether this tax feature comes into play will depend greatly on your circumstances
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and the inheritance situation. For instance, whether the property is inherited through the probate process or via a right of survivorship are both situations your heirs may encounter. Or, if you didn’t do any estate planning prior to your death, your beneficiaries may not even be able to inherit your property at all. Tax implications and inheritance are complex, and you should never wait until it’s too late to start learning about them. By delving into the intricacies of estate planning early on, and speaking with a local estate planning attorney, you can make sure you’re fully aware of all the minimized tax liabilities and other benefits that a solid estate plan will bring you.
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Unsolicited advice Brought to you by – Lara Dolan, Realtor, Ansley Real Estate
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I look forward to the opportunity to write articles for Appen Media, but frankly do any of you want to read another story about low inventory and dropping interest rates? The latter is fabulous news, call me if you want to chat about it. But for now, how about some examples of real experiences, real clients, and real life in the world of real estate? Let’s talk a minute about staging. I have a client with exceptional taste and decorating skills. She owned a home that while lovely, had some big challenges: synthetic stucco, polybutylene pipes, and a driveway so steep the bottom of my car scraped no matter how slow I drove down it. However, when prospective buyers walked inside, they were completely blown away by the sensuous fabrics, layered bedding, gorgeous lighting, highquality paint and perfectly displayed collections. That incredible staging got us multiple offers even with our disclosure of the home’s core challenges. The moral of the story is two-fold: as a seller, don’t underestimate the power of staging, and as a buyer, be sure that staging is not playing too big a role in your decision-making. Surveys. Yes, we know buyers should get a survey. Selling your house? Please
get a survey, especially if you live on a larger or unique parcel. Perhaps you’ve made improvements (or your neighbor has), another good reason to get a survey before listing your home for sale. Don’t wait until you have your home under contract to find out you don’t own all the land you think you do, or that your neighbor’s fence is several feet across the property line. Save the stress, save the future deal, get the survey. Hoarding is real and it does not always look like what you see on television. If your children have left the nest and you are saving their old baby crib for the grandkids, please reconsider. Technology changes rapidly not just for your iPhone… cribs, strollers and highchairs are all very different than they were 25 years ago. Unless you are a home caterer or professional chef you likely do not need eight strainers and 14 wooden spoons. Inherited six pieces of antique furniture from Nana and feel obligated to keep them all? Pick your favorite and sell or donate the rest. We hold on to things that we don’t need or really want. If it can go in a storage unit, it can probably just go altogether. Our advice? Staging and a fresh coat of paint, surveys and decluttering are assets that can produce a higher return when we list your home. Get ahead of the game, and get these things done. Please reach out, we have resources to help.
AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | February 1, 2024 | 25
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26 | February 1, 2024 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton
AIKENOMICS
OPINION
Economic outlook for 2024, from housing to inflation Let’s fast-forward into the year with some quick forecasts: Oil Prices: Brace yourselves for a continued dip in oil prices. With the growing shift toward electric vehicles and solar power, demand D.C. AIKEN for oil is set to Guest Columnist dcaiken.com plummet. Expect gas prices to drop below $2.25 per gallon by fall, contributing to the steady march toward the Federal Reserve's coveted 2% inflation mark. Unemployment: The Federal Reserve's optimism puts unemployment at a modest 4.1%, but I'm leaning toward a reality check. Our recession runs deeper than they admit, and I foresee unemployment nudging closer to 4.5%
by year-end. The silver lining? Higher unemployment tends to pull mortgage rates down. Home Prices: Last year's housing price prediction hit the bullseye, and I'm not expecting a different story in 2024. Inventory constraints persist, and new home construction struggles to keep pace with demand. While apartment rents are dropping due to increased construction, housing prices in Metro ATL are likely to climb by around 5% again this year. Inflation: Calculating our current inflation rate might bring us close to the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Assuming they stick to their calculation methods, I foresee us hitting that 2% mark by midsummer. Rising unemployment, lower producer prices, and an overall economic slowdown are the driving forces behind this trend, influencing mortgage rates downward.
Fed Cuts and Mortgage Rates: Predictions abound about the Federal Reserve making three rate cuts this year, totaling around 0.75% lower in the FED Funds rate. I find this conservative. With housing slowdowns and a debt-burdened population, I'm leaning toward more cuts—potentially six moves (1.5% lower in Fed Funds) by late spring. If I'm on the money, mortgage rates could dip below 6% by summer, possibly settling around 5.5% or lower by year-end. Housing Sales: The magic number for sparking home purchases in Metro ATL is a mortgage rate below 6%. Expect a surge in housing sales, potentially up by 10% compared to 2023, once we breach that threshold. Despite the anticipation of lower rates, a return to a 4% "handle" on mortgages in 2024 seems unlikely. In a nutshell, 2024 holds promise for home sales, with lower rates on the
horizon. However, a return to the 4% mortgage realm might be wishful thinking. Remember, the best rate is a locked rate... with a float-down option! Ensure you're ready to make an offer by getting pre-approved. Thank you for reading my column. D.C. Aiken is Vice President, Producing Production Manager for BankSouth Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com. The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of BankSouth Mortgage or its affiliates. BankSouth Mortgage Company, LLC, NMLS #690971, is not a bank or other depository institution and is not FDICinsured. Equal Housing Lender.
THE INVESTMENT COACH
Market forecast: Strap in for possible turbulence Readers are urged to regard “early in the year” stock market and economic forecasts as a form of entertainment. No one really knows what markets will do. Forecasts are LEWIS J. WALKER, CFP educated opinions Columnist at best. The Investment Coach Last year, the inflation rate was accelerating and the Federal Reserve Bank aggressively raised interest rates. Many economists predicted a significant slowdown, a bear market, even a potential recession in the second half of the year. Many investors fled Wall Street in favor of rising yields in FDIC guaranteed savings vehicles, as the bond market struggled with rising interest rates. When interest rates rise, bond values decline. But the bear went into hibernation. A bull appeared and the market surprised to the upside. On Dec. 30, 2023, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed just shy of its all-time record high of 37710.10 set two days prior on Dec. 28. The S&P 500 Index closed a shade below its all-time high set on Jan. 3, 2022. The Nasdaq Composite Index closed about 1000 points below its record high. Major indexes have waffled during the initial trading days of 2024 as some headlines warn investors to “buckle up for a potential bumpy 2024.” “Buckle up” is good advice whether driving, riding as a passenger in a vehicle
or when flying. As a frequent flyer I often see little ones on an airplane bouncing around unbuckled because they can’t sit still. After this writer left the U.S. Air Force, I worked for a major airline for a number of years, initially in a two-year management training program. On two occasions I experienced a pilot training exercise in dealing with a simulated “explosive decompression” in the passenger cabin, such as occurred on Jan. 5, 2024, on an Alaska Airlines plane at 16,000 feet when a faulty door plug blew out. Airplanes often fly at altitudes above 35,000 feet in very thin air. While securely buckled up, a planned deep dive decline from over 36,000 feet to below 10,000 feet in mere minutes in a Boeing 727 jet was an amazing experience! Thankfully, decompressions are extremely rare, but pilots are trained to deal with such emergencies and others. On the Alaska flight, the row where the door plug blew out was not occupied, fortunately. If an unbuckled child had been sitting looking out of the window when a massive hole emerged with explosive force, most likely the infant would have been sucked out into the night sky blackness over 3 miles in the air. The mere thought of that is horrifying. Yet flying is one of the safer forms of travel. There were no fatal aircraft accidents in 2023 involving international flights or passenger jets. Over 19,000 people died in U.S. traffic accidents in 2023, yet we think nothing of driving virtually every day. Traffic fatalities are down compared to prior years because more people are buckling up. Nevertheless, per the National Highway Safety Traffic
Administration, about 37 people a day in the U.S. die in drunk-driving crashes, about one person every 39 minutes. That’s why seat belts and car seats for kiddies are recommended. You may not be drinking, but other drivers may. Because stock market averages are subject to unexpected market turbulence, to the downside as well as the upside, “financial seatbelts” are recommended. There are certain things that should be in place as one embarks on a long-term investment program. A written comprehensive life-centered financial plan should guide all financial strategies. A person or couple ideally should have at least six months to a year’s worth of living expenses in a guaranteed or otherwise conservative liquid money market account before embarking on a long-range market centered asset accumulation program. However, from day one, enroll in the matching program of an employer’s retirement plan if available so as not to forfeit “free money.” A comprehensive legally documented living and testamentary estate planning program should deal with the ever present risk of injury, illness, disability, and death. Investing in the stock market is a longterm strategy. The best time to invest is when you have the money! “Market timing” really doesn’t work. You will never catch markets at the bottom. But if you buy when stocks appear to be on sale, over the long run you’re likely to look like a genius. With stocks it’s about “time,” not timing. Alternative investments, often subject to net worth restrictions, can provide diversification to a portfolio in addition to
stocks, bonds, and money market instruments. Do not “bet the house” on any one investment. Diversification counts. One goal of investors as they pass age 50 or so on the way to whatever retirement will be is to build an income and dividend generating portfolio, along with the potential for growth over time. Even during market dips, when you don’t want to sell stocks if you can avoid it, it’s a good idea to have cash reserves to see you through along with good dividend flows. If you live long enough, you want to have financial peace of mind and a sense of purpose to sustain you, along with faith in God and His eternal promises of salvation as the ultimate reward no matter how crazy the world around you seems or becomes. Scary headlines, sadly, are not rare. Inflation is still running at 3.5% annualized, and between inflation and taxation your net buying power is under attack. There’s a major leak in your financial bathtub. A solid tax planning strategy is very important, working with your financial advisor and your tax advisor. Here’s wishing you and yours a happy and blessed 2024! Lewis Walker, CFP®, is a life centered financial planning strategist with Capital Insight Group (CIG); 770-441-3553; lewis@ capitalinsightgrp.com. Securities & advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), which is otherwise unaffiliated with CIG. Lewis a Gallup Certified Clifton Strengths Coach and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).
PRESERVING THE PAST
OPINION
AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | February 1, 2024 | 27
The amazing Rucker family of North Fulton Celestine Sibley, the famous author and syndicated columnist, once said “Give your family a gift of stories told and written.” Crabapple resident Sheila Rucker Chapman, who BOB MEYERS knows many Rucker Columnist family stories, says “Our family stories are part of the glue that holds our families together.” This week’s column will go beyond the celebrated Nap and Johnny Rucker baseball legends to highlight some lesser-known facts about this amazing family. The Rucker family is numerous and widespread. According to House of Names, there are some 30,000 people with the last name Rucker in the United States. There are two towns named Ruckersville in the U.S. Ruckersville, Virginia near Charlottesville was founded in 1732 with a population today of about 1,200. Ruckersville, Georgia, in Elbert County was founded in 1773. The town’s historic Rucker House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The local family’s story begins with Peter Rucker who arrived in Virginia in the late 1600s. His grandson George Rucker and his wife Catherine Ehart were the first Ruckers to settle in Georgia, but they did not settle in this part of the state. Their son Simeon Blueford Rucker and his wife Jane Barnwell were the first settlers locally. Their house, built circa 1833 still stands on the corner of Old Rucker Road and Broadwell Road in Alpharetta. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as “an excellent intact example of early 19th-century log house construction in north Georgia.” Such homes were once quite common but now are very rare. Simeon and Jane had nine children. One of them, John, inherited the house after the Civil War. John and his wife Sarah Hembree Jameson also had nine children including George Napoleon, who became the famous professional baseball player Nap Rucker. Nap’s nephew John also played professional baseball, with the NY Giants and was featured on the April 1, 1940 Life magazine cover with the caption “Spring Training: Rookie Rucker.” Another of John and Sarah’s children was Joel Jackson Rucker who married Lenora Rusk and founded the Rucker Cotton Seed Company and built the Crabapple Cotton Gin. B.Y. Cole-
Historical marker on the exterior wall of the historic Simeon Blueford Rucker house. The National Register states “The Rucker Log House is significant … for its direct historical associations with the first wave of Euro-American settlement in this part of the state.”
PHOTOS BY BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA
The historic Simeon Blueford Rucker log house was built circa 1833. Among its features are heart of pine floors, walls and ceilings and two small rooms on the front for traveling pastors.
Representatives of North Fulton early pioneer families are buried in the Rucker family cemetery. Of special note are James Dorris and his Cherokee wife Nancy Cooke Dorris who were well known in the area. Nancy avoided going on the infamous Trail of Tears because she was married to a wealthy white man. man, descendant of one of the pioneer families in Crabapple, remembers that “around October you could hear the gin crank up. Noise was not a problem because not many people lived nearby.” Joel Jackson lived in the original Simeon Blueford house until he and Lenora built a house of their own across the street from the original house. That house also still exists. Rucker Road which extends for 3 miles from the intersection of Crabapple Road and Arnold Mill Road to the inter-
section of Old Milton Parkway and Wills Road was home to numerous Rucker families. The Queen Ann style Troy and Edith Rucker house with an Alpharetta historical marker beside it is one example. Troy was a cotton farmer and cotton inspector for the state of Georgia. B.Y. Coleman remembers when a bridge was built on Rucker Road over Foe Killer Creek. “Before then we had to ford it. Rocks were placed in the water for wagons and cars,” he says.
B.Y.’s son Mark Coleman recalls swimming in Foe Killer Creek which crosses Rucker Road near the Troy Rucker house and catching crawfish and tadpoles as a boy. He recalls when Rucker Road was first paved in the early 1950s. The Old Rucker Farm community garden occupies 10.7 acres purchased by the City of Alpharetta in 2017 to serve as a garden center where adults and students can grow vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs and can take classes. Any profit generated goes to the North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry. For more information about the farm go to https://alpharetta-community-agriculture-program. square.site/ Finally, I want to note the Rucker private family cemetery in Wallace Woods off Rucker Road. It dates back to 1835 and, according to Find a Grave, has 62 memorials. It also has a number of unmarked graves. Some of our earliest pioneer family members are buried there. Of note are the graves of James Dorris (1801-1877) and his Cherokee wife Nancy Cooke Dorris (1799-1877). The couple were among the Crabapple area’s first settlers. James owned a general store in today’s Crabapple. Because Nancy was married to a wealthy white man, she was not forced to take part in the infamous Trail of Tears in 1838 and 1839. Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.
28 | February 1, 2024 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton
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Roy Harold Blackwell was born in Asheville, North Carolina on October 21, 1952, where he lived until 6 years of age. As his Daddy received promotions with the railroad, the family moved frequently to various cities -- Columbia, Atlanta, Salisbury and Richmond. They spent summer vacations camping, which were a highlight for the children as those were the only times they had sweets. Roy had rheumatic fever and was bedridden in a darkened room for almost a year resulting in a heart murmur, but never let that dull his love of life. While in Cub Scouts, Roy was playing in a field and cut his leg which led to finding out he had bone cancer in his leg. The cancer was removed, the bone packed, and he was good to go. He attended Boyden High School in Salisbury, North Carolina, and Briarcliff High School in Atlanta, where he met his first wife. As life happens, Roy welcomed his first son John into the world. To support his young family, Roy went to work in a grocery store and a cotton mill, became an apprentice electrician, and managed a warehouse that manufactured ball-bearings. In 1980, Roy and John moved to Washington, D.C., settling in Alexandria, Virginia. Roy worked for the US House of Representatives Office of the Clerk, started a successful office cleaning business, and a successful painting business. Roy took a 6-month adventure to explore Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. On top of exploring the beautiful landscapes and making new friends, he worked on a
Roy Harold Blackwell
sheep farm and tried his hand with beekeeping. When he returned to Virginia, he met his wife and life-long partner, Lisa. He was wearing a Fijian wrap when they were first introduced, and she said he had better legs than she did! Roy moved to be near John, who was preparing to attend college in Georgia. He took up woodworking and joined the Woodworkers Guild of Georgia where he held several officer positions. He entered a number of his creations in competitions and found a new passion. Many of his art pieces are treasured today by family and friends, as he loved giving them away. Roy and Lisa married in June of 1993 and had two sons, Parker and Jason. Roy was trail blazer, taking on the role of an At Home Dad. Roy never missed an opportunity to get involved with what the boys were doing – volunteering at school, sports, and with the community. He also continued in woodworking, and eventually went into business with his dear friend, Donna Patrick, to produce PitchRx, a pitch and resin remover/cleaner for the woodworking industry. Through his avid volunteerism and involvement at the schools, Roy introduced his boys to the world of Scouting. He became a leader for Cub Scouts and later helped in founding Troop 3000. He was involved in
the Atlanta Area Council while also guiding his sons to become Eagle Scouts. The three of them spent years hiking, camping, backpacking, rafting and canoeing. They were fortunate to travel to Camp Daniel Boone, Philmont Scout Ranch, Sea Base - Abaco, and Washington D.C. for the National Jamboree. They created countless memories while also surviving hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods during that time! He loved knowing that he was making a difference in many young men’s lives. He was also very involved with supporting Parker in marching band at Milton High School and helping Jason start up his own lawn care service and other entrepreneurial endeavors over the years – like father like son. As the boys went off to Georgia Southern University, Roy travelled to Colorado on a regular basis to visit John and his family. John introduced him to the beauties of fly fishing and another new hobby – tying flies! In November 2022, Roy was diagnosed with lung cancer, however he did not let that hold him back. He continued to travel with the family and have adventures where he could — taking a cruise to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, and Haiti was a highlight of 2023. He was thankful for his oncology team, and always tried to make them smile and laugh when he had office visits. Roy deeply appreciated the support of “Team
In Memoriam Blackwell,” which included family and friends throughout the country. Special thanks to all of Team Blackwell for your love, assistance and prayers during this journey. Roy will be remembered as a great storyteller, but more importantly, an incredible listener – as so many individuals in Team Blackwell counted Roy as one of their best friends. Roy Blackwell passed away on January 15, 2024, at his home surrounded and cared for by his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Madison Blackwell, his mother, Peggy Ruth Watts Blackwell, and his sister, Cathy Rockecharlie. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa Wickwar Blackwell, his three sons: John Madison (Rachel) Blackwell, Parker Madison (Maggie) Blackwell, and Jason Patrick Blackwell; his sister, Dianna ( Jeffrey) Goodman; and granddaughters Amelia and Caroline; nieces and nephews: Vance Goodman, Catherine ( Joe) Lordi, Dorothy (Kevin Tobin) Goodman, Eleanor (Spencer) Wynant, Brian (Mina) Rockecharlie; and grand nieces and nephews: Sam, Alex, Michael, Annalise, Julia, Jack, Leo and Ruby. The Celebration of Life for Roy Blackwell will be held on February 3, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Birmingham United Methodist Church, 15770 Birmingham Highway, Milton, GA 30004, with a reception following in the Meeting Hall across from the Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Roy’s memory to your favorite charity.
AppenMedia.com/Milton | Milton Herald | February 1, 2024 | 29
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30 | February 1, 2024 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton
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32 | February 1, 2024 | Milton Herald | AppenMedia.com/Milton
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ACTIVE ACTIVE ACTIVE ACTIVE ACTIVE DUNWOODY CLUB ESTATES OLD OLD ROCK IVYIVY | 3752 TRAIL ROCK IVY TRAIL OLDIVY IVY| ||3752 3752 ROCK IVY TRAIL OLD IVY 3752 ROCK IVY TRAIL 1500 MASTERS CLUB DRIVE, SANDY SPRINGS $5,200,000 $5,200,000 $5,200,000 $5,200,000 $1,995,000 $1,795,000
YIVY MILLS |ROCK 2010 CALADIUM WAY, ROSWELL VY OLD IVYIVY | 3752 TRAIL ROCK IVY TRAIL IVY| ||3752 3752 ROCK IVY TRAIL 3752 ROCK IVY TRAIL 75,00 0,000 0,000 $5,200,000 0,000
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UNDER CONTRACT
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©2023 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information presented is deemed
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