About The Advance. (Vidalia, Ga.) 2003-current | View Entire Issue (April 19, 2023)
W$t Aiiuancg The ADVANCE, April 19, 2023/Page 11A > edwardjones.com | Member si pc Library continued from page 1A wavering commitment and generous contributions, we have been able to em bark on a much-needed renovation project that has transformed our library into a state-of-the-art facil ity Your support has been nothing short of astound ing, and we are deeply humbled by your gener osity,” Vidalia-Toombs County Library Board of Trustees Chairman Barry Dotson told the crowd. “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who contributed to this project, whether it was through financial dona tions, volunteering your time and expertise, or simply spreading the word about our fundraising ef forts. Your dedication to our library and our com munity is truly inspiring, and we are grateful beyond words,” Dotson said. The library renovation was previously not set to begin until next year, and was not expected to be completed until at least 2026; yet, because of funds raised by the community, the Vidalia-Toombs Coun ty Library was able to ob tain state funding, which allowed the $4 million ren ovation to occur. “Our Llibrary is more than just a building with books. It is a cornerstone of our community, a place where people of all ages come to learn, explore, and connect,’’Doston noted, adding,“It is a safe haven for our children to discover the joy of reading, a hub for lifelong learners seeking knowledge, and a resource for those in need of infor mation and assistance. The impact of this renovation will be felt by generations to come, and it is all be cause of your support. “This project has not only modernized our fa cilities but also allowed the library to expand its servic es, enhance our program ming, and create a more inclusive and welcoming space for all members of our community” During his address, Dotson thanked many of the people who made the renovation possible, such as Dr. Mark and Tonya 1-year 4.80 APY* * Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 4/14/23. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. 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Brent Owens Financial Advisor 302-3 East First Street Vidalia, GA 30474 912-538-7344 Photo by Makaylee Randolph COMMUNITY THAT LOVES THE LIBRARY - Many community members braved the rain to attend the Dr. Mark and Tonya Spivey Public Library grand opening ceremony, where State Library Director Julie Walker described Vidalia and the surrounding area as being an epicenter for library excellence, Photo by Makaylee Randolph THE PUSH BEHIND THE PROJECT - Described by Senator Blake Tillery as "the push behind the project," Vidalia-Toombs County Library Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Howard Holman thanked several members of the community and allies who had helped to expedite the library's previous expected renovation date. Spivey, Senator Blake Til lery, State Library Direc tor Julie Walker, and the library staff. He then turned to Vidalia-Toombs County Library Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Howard Holman to thank him for his work in gaining fun draising for the project. “Many of you today may not realize that this proj ect was not even supposed to start until next year — 2024, with an expected completion date of early 2026. Howard said, ‘That’s not good enough. We can do this now, and we should do this now.’ He became the wind in the sails for this project, and the renovation ship sailed much sooner than we ever thought pos sible.” Dotson said of Hol man, “He encouraged, ca joled, and yes, maybe even chastised some of us to re member our mission and our charge. We described him as a force of nature for this project. We are two years ahead of schedule, due in large part to this man — Howard Holman. He has been a friend and men tor to me and many others for a long time. Howard, thank you from the bottom of our library hearts.” Holman then ad dressed the crowd. “I’d like to thank Marlene Tomlin and the Friends of the Li brary. Marlene is incred ible, and the Friends of the Library has helped to put on this event and provide goody bags to attendees. They’ve done a great job and are always so support- ive. He continued, “I just cannot say enough about our staff - they do a great job. Anybody that thinks less of the younger genera tion, come to work a day with these kids. They do a wonderful job.” According to Holman, the library received an av erage of 50,000 visits a year before the COVID-19 pan demic, and the staff hopes to continue that trend throughout the coming years. He also explained that unlike most libraries, the Dr. Mark and Tonya Spivey Public Library is owned by the Vidalia- Toombs County Library Board, who understands their duty to care for the library and help it continue to be its best. Holman added, “Mike Walton stays quietly in the background keeping books. Brian Bishop, any time we needed something from a politician, we called Brian. The 5 women - Re- bekah Arnold, Lisa Chess er, BJ Davis, Pat Dixon, and Carol Rice - every step of the way, they were here. That’s not to take away from anyone else on the Board who worked for this project, but these folks did a very outstanding job.” He noted, “When we needed someone with a construction background, Gary Campbell certainly filled that bill. From day one, he babysat this project with our architect Kevin Palmer and Carol Williams with Harry Moses Con struction Company. Gary, thank you very much.” Holman also praised Ohoopee Regional Library System Director Cameron Asbell. “You do not know Cameron unless you have worked with Cameron,” he explained. “She is an in credible, incredible asset to our community.” Holman commented, “Finally, the last person I want to thank would be the City, and [former City Clerk] Bill Bedingfield and [current City Man ager] Nick Overstreet. Early on, when we needed support, we would ask for something and they would double it. Thank you to the County, we appreci ate [Vidalia Mayor] Doug Roper, [County Commis sioner] Wendell Dixon, and [County Commission Chairman] David Sikes. Please see Library page 12A N 9 2 4 5 3 0 7 1 8 3 1 8 9 2 7 4 6 5 6 7 5 4 8 1 3 2 9 7 5 9 3 4 2 0 8 1 1 8 3 7 5 8 9 4 2 8 4 2 6 1 9 5 3 7 2 9 8 1 7 4 8 5 3 4 3 1 8 9 5 2 7 8 5 8 7 2 6 3 1 9 4 Edwardjones Compare our CD Rates Bank-issued, FDIC-insured 6-month 4.85 % APY* AT ALSTON BAPTIST CHURCH Sausage Foldovers & Coffee wiii be provided! 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