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Around the Village People, News, Notes and Events Further Firm Foundations for the Future LIBRARY, APARTMENTS, CERAMICS SHOP AND ARCHIVE WING DEDICATED Advent Christian Village loves to celebrate God’s continued provision for His ministry in Dowling Park. In 2013, ACV launched its 100th Anniversary Capital Campaign, A Firm Foundation for the Future. In 2015, the community dedicated the renovations in the educational wing of the Village Church and Phase I of Taylor Commons — its newest neighborhood, which included Lawrence House, McGranahan Place and Cleo’s Meeting House. On Sunday, June 11, the community celebrated again — it was the dedication of the Jo Kennon Public Library; Phase II of Taylor Commons; the Marion Polk Ceramics Shop; and the Shirley J. Brooks Archive Wing, which is part of the Kennon Library. The ceremony was a time of reflection, celebration and gratitude to God and to the many donors who made these projects possible. County leaders, community members and Village staff took part. These four new projects enhance the quality of life of those who call Advent Christian Village home, and increase ACV’s ability to serve the Suwannee River Valley. Taylor Commons added beautiful modern apartment homes; and the library, archive wing and ceramics shop — all public spaces — add to the vibrancy and community of Advent Christian Village. The library will serve all residents of western Suwannee County. The library became a reality through the efforts of county officials, Village administration, and many concerned citizens. The ribbon cutting ceremony held after the dedication was moved indoors due to rain, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of those in attendance. The library, with its shelves of books, computers, reading tables, and children’s activity room; the spacious meeting room; and the adjacent Village Archives wing bustled with activity as county residents and officials inspected the very impressive building. Suwannee River Regional Library Director Betty Lawrence officiated at the grand opening ceremony, and County Commissioner Ricky Gamble and First Baptist of Dowling Park Pastor Shawn Johnson participated. The main speaker was Frank Harshaw, son of Jo Kennon, for whom the library is named. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, an open house was held at the library and the ceramics shop. The Shirley J. Brooks Archive Wing houses Advent Christian Village Archives — over 100 years of ACV history told through photographs, articles and artifacts. The mini museum and research center is available for those wishing to learn more about ACV’s past, present and future. The Marion Polk Ceramics Shop, located in the “crafting circle,” joins the woodworking and lapidary shops at Watkins Hobby Shop and the art studio at the Chriss Building. The new ceramics shop is spacious and bright, providing an inviting setting for the craft. While construction is still underway on the final townhome in Phase II of Taylor Commons as of this writing, it is steadily moving toward its finish. The three new buildings are Adams Place, named in memory of Carmon and Minnie Maud Adams; Southlake Place, named for the Southlake Advent Christian Church; and Kamensky Place, named in memory of Warren and Euseba Kamensky. The completion of Taylor Commons adds another 18 modern, single-story townhomes to the beautiful neighborhood of 30 apartments. Advent Christian Village is deeply grateful for all those who contributed to make these projects a reality. Left: VP of Village Properties Jim Schenck turns over the keys to Taylor Commons to Village Board member Bill Knickerson. Below: Carroll and Carleen Polk pose beside the Marion Polk Ceramics Shop, named in memory of Carroll’s mother. 2 Advent Christian Village www.ACVillage.net


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