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March 2015

The ADVENTURE IMPACT

These words are taken from a Shakespearean play called: “The Life

of King Henry the Fifth”. Personally, I’m not big on Shakespeare, but this is remarkable stuff, and this passage really rings my chime. That’s because everybody, or nearly so, wants to be part of something truly great – something greater than themselves, and in this play Shakespeare has King Henry appealing to his troops to do something truly legendary. The backdrop for this play is that the English King, Henry, has his troops on shore in 1415, in France, and a climatic battle is looming. It was the amazing battle of Agincourt, in France. This was part of the famous “100 Years War”, (which lasted 116 years). King Henry’s army was vastly outnumbered by the French army by about 4 to 1. The French were wearing armor – the Brits had almost none. So, as we pick up the scene, we see King Henry encouraging his men for battle. The battle would take place on the next day, a feast-day in honor of a Catholic saint, St. Crispian. (Apologies to Shakespeare; I’ve slightly modernized the language so we could make sense of it). King Henry is telling them that if they fight on this day, St. Crispian’s day, they will forever be proud to have been a part of it. He says: He that outlives this day, and comes home safe Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named, And rouse him at the name of Crispian. Then he will strip his sleeve and show his scars, And say, ‘these wounds I had on Crispian’s day.’” You see, everyone wants to be part of some epic, history-changing event…..Something that is absolutely heroic….something bigger than ourselves, and Henry is appealing to that passion.

We all want to be able to say: “I got these scars in the epic battle…I was there…I was part of that great day!” In the same way, today, guys who were at in WWII, or Viet Nam, etc. wear the hats from their service, put on the stickers on their car letting people know of those days. They’re glad to let you know they were there…they’re proud to have fought in that great, desperate, epic fight! King Henry continues, saying that fathers will tell their sons of their exploits in this great battle, and then he adds:

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother…And Gentlemen in England, now a-bed shall think themselves accursed that they were not here and hold their manhoods cheap whiles anyone speaks who fought with us upon St.Crispan’s day.” So, Henry speaks of those who weren’t there for the heroic battle. He says that some day they’ll be ashamed they weren’t there. And when anyone who had fought on St. Crispian’s would speak of it, they would consider themselves accursed for having missed this great battle. Clearly, Henry is calling his troops to greatness – but will they respond to the call? *

I’m sure you’re wondering where I’m going with all this.

We’ve now finished our 2nd

year of a 3 year

Doug Dykstra, Lead Minister “WE FEW, WE HAPPY FEW, WE BAND OF BROTHERS”

Inside

Stats/Birth & Bereavement 2

Children’s 3

In the Loop 4

Missions/Seniors Moment 5

Photo Gallery 6-7

Academy News 8

Learning Center/Sid & Sal 9

Sports 10

Feedback 11

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Financial Stats (average weekly) Extra $ Greater Gen’l Fund Missions Things Needed by Budget 15,767* n/a n/a, Nov Collected Ave 12,234 250 2,070 Dec Collected Ave 16,078 384 4,938 Jan Collected Ave 14,973** 133 7,687

* This need includes the 12% allocated for missions giving from general fund. ** Please remember that winter month collections are usually significantly higher than other months of the year

God’s People—from the First Cry to the Last Breath

Births: Daedra Roof (11-26-14) Marriage: Jeff & Diane Sanders (2/14/15)

Deaths: Ruth Gartner, James Conklin

commitment to reduce as much as possible the debt left on our church Many of our faithful soldiers are already involved, and have been involved for over 2 years.

“Greater Things” has already accomplished amazing things. As of 2/20/15 we’ve already paid down $614,394 through the faithful offerings of those who committed themselves to this.

Here’s the deal, though. Since we began Greater Things in January of 2013, many have be-come a part of Adventure C.C. and will want to share with us in this last year of the campaign.

So, for those who have missed the battle

so far, I want to challenge you to go farther than you’ve ever gone before. Don’t fail to share in this spiritual opportunity.

In every church there are some people who can give MUCH, MUCH, MORE than the others, like Arnold Schwarzenegger can outwrestle a 90 lb grandma

But, we’re not talking about equal gifts – we’re talking about equal sacrifice!

I’m so proud to be a part of ACC …. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!

OPEN HOUSE ADVENTURE KIDZ STORE SUNDAY—MARCH 1, 2-4 PM

Mount Dora Canal Plaza 504 Duncan Dr. (Rt. 19), Tavares

508-5923

All proceeds fund our Adventure Christian Learning Center

Infants 6 weeks to 4 years old

Seeking donations of gently used: Maternity clothing Children’s clothing Furniture for infants to teens We also will accept computers or printers. These are items that our 1st Thrift Store does

NOT sell. So, bring them down to us. If you have furniture, household items or clothing

for adults, please call 343-6800 for instructions on how to give to Adventure Christian Thrift

Center.

Kingdom Growth

Total Members Added Year-To-Date: 11 Average Weekly Attendance: 2nd Quarter-’14- 471 3rd Quarter-’14- 411 4th Quarter-’14- 623

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Children’s & Untamed Youth Ministries Mark Gaeta, Children and Youth Ministry Director

CELEBRATE! Since our previous

newsletter, it was great to see

Jonathan Harris baptized into Christ

here at Adventure. Jonathan was baptized by his

father, who is also Jonathan Harris. Please pray for

Jonathan as he begins his Christian journey and

our other young people who are seeking God’s will

in their lives.

Church Picnic. All families are invited to our

Church Picnic at Hickory Point on Sunday, March

8th from 3-8 P.M. Come out and enjoy a day of fam-

ily fun, time with friends plus good food at a great

park, the food will be served inside! Hope to see

you there.

Easter Egg Hunt. All kids from birth

to fifth grade are invited to our family

-friendly Easter Egg Hunt. Our Egg

Hunt is on Saturday, April 4th from

10:00 A.M. until approximately 11:30 A.M. We have

separate egg hunts for preschool kids, younger and

older elementary children. Our coloring contest will

return and children of all ages can win awesome

prizes! Before dismissing for egg hunts, we’ll spend

time remembering the real meaning of Easter- the

resurrection of Jesus. This is a free event so bring

your family and invite your friends!

Vacation Bible School is com-

ing! Are you feeling FROZEN

now? Come and chill with us this

summer at our EVEREST Vaca-

tion Bible School from Sunday,

June 7 to Thursday, June 11. Our kids from age

four to fifth grade will learn about conquering chal-

lenges with God’s mighty power. Please start pray-

ing for VBS. Pray for the children who will attend.

Pray for volunteers. Pray how YOU will get involved

and impact children this summer. THANKS!

Youth Group Times

Here’s a friendly re-

minder about our youth group meeting times. Our

Saturday night meeting is at 6:00 P.M. in the youth

building. Our current study is called “What’s Your

Kryptonite” and focuses on weaknesses that su-

perheroes (and most Christians) struggle with on a

daily basis. Hope to see you on Saturday nights!

We also meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 P.M. in

the youth building. This is a time for worship, study

and building relationships with other teens. The

youth building opens at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday’s

with our Snack Shack serving up drinks, chips and

candy. All middle and high school students are in-

vited to join in on Wednesday AND Saturday

nights.

UNTAMED CAFÉ. Join us for our next Untamed Café on Wednesday, March 11

th at 5:30 P.M. in the

Youth Building. Our food for the night will be sub

sandwiches! Enjoy a sub, drink and chips for $2.50

or you can buy items separately if you prefer. We

will follow this up with our youth meeting at 6:30

P.M.

Unspoken Concert. The youth are attending the

“Start a Fire Tour” with Unspoken, Jonny Diaz and

the JJ Weeks Band at First Baptist Church of Uma-

tilla on Sunday, April 12th at 6:00 P.M. The song

“Start a Fire” by Unspoken is one of the most popu-

lar songs currently on Christian radio. Tickets cost

$10.00 each but will soon increase to $12.00. If

you’re interested in attending, let Mark know ASAP.

CIY THIS SUMMER. Details about our CIY trip this

summer are coming soon. Stay tuned!

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IN THE LOOP

APRIL 5TH

CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

The choir at ACC is excited this year to again be presenting a powerful Easter musical. The musical this year is entitled, “Jesus Saves” and brings together a perfect blend of classic hymns, inspirational favorites and worship songs from writers such as Michael W. Smith, Matt Redman, Sue C. Smith Travis Cottrell, David Moffitt and Geron Davis. The musical is designed to involve everyone in congregational singing & provides a stirring DVD backdrop with narration, If you have any interest in joining the choir for this special event, please come to practice on Wednesday nights from 5:45 to 6:30. We provide individual listening CDs for at-home practice in your singing range. Practices are fun in themselves! We would love to have you join us! Please call Morry Osborn at 352-343-9020 x 214 if you have any questions. _________________________________________

GREATER THINGS GIVING 2013 & 2014 The chart below reflects the giving to the end of 2014 and does NOT reflect estate planning gifts that help on this project. So far $569,140 had been given by Dec 31, 2014.

Commitment $724,883 2013 Already Given 344,778 2014 Already Given 224,362 Balance To Come $155,743

Keeping you in the

OUR ANNUAL ACC CHURCH PICNIC!

March 8, 2015, 3:00 p.m. till dark @ Hickory Point Park

I’m pretty sure this is our 3

rd year at Hickory

Point Park. Once again, we’ve reserved both floors of the screen building. Every time we go there, we have a blast. Plenty of stuff for the kids to do, too. We’ll eat together at 5:00 – the grills will be hot! The Church will be providing hamburgers, hotdogs, buns & condiments together with paper plates and plastic ware. We ask church members to bring carry-in dishes (full of food—of course!) & snacks to share with everyone! Homemade pies are especially welcome! (We’ve heard Doug’s favorite is Banana Cream…). Bring your favorite board games & any outside games you wish. There are volleyball courts on site. The dock facilities are tremendous so bring fishing poles and such! Most of all—plan to bring yourself to a fun filled afternoon of fellowship with others and a great opportunity to see people from all the different worship services! SEE YOU THERE!

Zack Shelton & 64 to Grayson: March 14 & 15, 2015 (all 3 services)

Get ready! Zack Shelton & his group will be with us soon. Zack is a favorite around here, so be sure to bring a friend. A “love offering” will be taken to help support their ministry.

DISCOVER ADVENTURE MEAL & CLASS: March 15, 2015

This is the class that gives you opportunity to find out all about Adventure Christian Church. There’s no pressure – but you will be offered the opportunity at the end of the class to become part of the church. A delicious fried chicken meal with all the trimmings is included – and free child care, too.

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100000

200000

300000

400000

2013 2014

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Missions Moment

ACC Sending 13 Volunteers to Help at Niños de Mexico in March

Adventure Christian Church is sending a team of 13 short term missionaries to Mexico from March 22- 29. Lisa Mongiovi, team leader, said “I am so thankful for the generous support from the congregation that is making it possible for 4 of our teens and several of our young mothers to go. I think this trip is going to be life-changing for all of us.” The ACC team will work on badly needed service projects like painting and landscaping. In addition, some members of the team plan to serve as math tutors for the kids. Most importantly, the team will spend time loving and encouraging the kids that have been rescued from the streets by Niños. The 85 kids of Niños are divided between five homes and two dormitories on

the outskirts of Mexico City. The younger kids live as a family with house parents at one of the five homes. The older teens that are finishing their career studies are supervised by young adults at the boys’ dorm or girls’ dorm. Niños has helped hundreds of kids since 1967, some of whom have become doctors and policemen, many of whom have attended Bible College and are serving in Christian ministry. In addition, Niños has given birth to two healthy churches near Mexico City as well as a clinic in a remote mountain area that provides badly needed medical care. All of us at ACC will be praying that God uses the team to bless this ministry and returns them home safely.

Patricia Heaton

Missionary Trip Co-Chair

JOY (Just Older Youth)

Senior Ministry Activity Schedule March & April 2015

Thursday, March 5th Friday, March 27th Florida Strawberry Festival—Cost—$10 The Florida Passion Play in Wauchula Tommy Dorsey Concert at 10:00am—No Charge “Story of Jesus” Leaving church at 8:00am Sign up by Feb23rd is required! Will use luxury coach bus if 37 people are Thursday, March 12th Signed up. Cost—$20 & bus is $25 per person Young at Heart Day—cost is $12 Total Cost—$45 per person Lake Aurora Christian Camp To make reservations, call (863-696-1102 Sunday, April 5th—EASTER SUNRISE & WORSHIP By March 8th Resurrection Day—Don’t miss the services! Thursday, Friday & Saturday, March 19-21 Friday, April 17th “Senior Saints in the Sunshine” Senior Luncheon at 12:00pm At Johnson University Florida (formerly FCC) Golden Corral in Eustis on HWY 441 Entertainment, workshops & luncheon Theme is Safety in Home, Roads & Hurricanes 50 person limit Sunday, March 22nd Phyllis Morgan Concert at 6:00pm For More Information Contact: Freewill offering Morry Osborn—(352)343-9020 x 214 Tom Hoppe—(586)219-1908

ACC PHOTO GALLERY New Members

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B=Baptized

T=Transferred

R=Reinstate

B-Robert Anderson B-Emily Anderson

B—Jeremy Combs

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R-Margaret Ferrie B-Jonathan Harris

ADVENTURE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2015 GROWTH

ADDITIONS BY TRANSFER / REINSTATEMENT 6

ADDITIONS BY BAPTISM 5

TOTAL TO DATE 11

T-Donald & Courtney Payne

Kylee & Liam

T-Victoria Wasden

Picture Not Available

B-Terry Seawell R-Betty Lee

Out & About

At Adventure

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Gifts from “Angels”

for Very Happy Children for

Christmas

ORDINATION SERVICE (3 New Elders Seated)

Bill Batten, Allen Clinkenbeard, Charlie Evans, Jim Heaton,

Tom Hoppe, Dick Mills, Wyburn Osborn

Arnie Gomke, Gary

Derwick & Joe Russell

installing ramp at

Kellermeyers

Jeff & Diane

Sanders Vows

Adventure Christian Academy News Mr. Gary Johnson, ACC Administrator

Where Learning is an Adventure

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NEXT BIG EVENT THE STUDENTS WILL SURELY BE LOOKING FORWARD TO

SPRING BREAK!

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Info on Donations of Time or Goods

So, let us know if you are interested in helping with taking a shift once a week or by dropping off gently used clothes, toys, games, bikes, sports equipment, kids’ beds or furni-ture. Remember we also take computers or printers. And maybe jot these down for future reference: Adventure Kidz Store phone is 352-508-5923, fax is 508-5928. Please say a prayer that this is a successful venture. We want to bless more Lake County families in better and better ways. There are so many improvements we could make with the funds that could be generated.

Working for God’s Kingdom in new ways,

Cheryl Dykstra, church office manager

and ACLC administrator

THE BIRTH OF A 2ND THRIFT STORE!

Adventure Kidz Store is having its Open House on Sunday, March 1st. with cookie reception from 2-4 pm. It is located at 504 Ducan Dr. (Rt 19), Tavares, 32778 and is in the strip mall near the old Taco John’s. This is a dream come true. It is stocked and looking good and we are still seeking dona-tions of goods or volunteers. The official start date will be Monday, March 2nd. Hours are: Monday- Friday 2-6 pm (only 4 hours a day) , and Saturdays 9am – 2pm (5 hours that day). Questions Answered

Why have a second store when we already have one? The present Thrift Store has done an amazing job of raising funds for 11 years for our academy. We wanted a similar ministry to raise funds for our Adventure Christian Learning Center (dedicated to child care/ pre-kindergarten for in-fants 6 weeks up to age 4 ). But we wanted to make sure we did not compete with their success. Recently we figured out that they do not take children’s items, nor do they take computers or office equipment. We plan to take what they don’t (they decided years ago that there was not enough room for children’s goods) so that makes both places viable options and will bless TWO of our ministries instead of just one.

BIG NEWS......

Sports Update, and Then Some!

Brent Bickhart

Associate Minister/Athletic Director

Financial Help is Coming………

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY (“FPU”) COMES AGAIN TO ADVENTURE! The next installation of Dave Ramsey’s FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY begins on Wednesday, April 8.

It will be every Wednesday evening, and will conclude on Wednesday, June 3. The class times will be from 6:15 un-

til 7:30 p.m.

You will see two promotional videos during church services in March to let you know a little bit

more about FPU, but this is a class that is led by noted radio personality financial planner and teacher,

Dave Ramsey. Dave is nationally known for his ability to get across clearly how to be good managers of the money

that God has allowed us to use. From savings to debt, from mortgages to buying cars, from

shopping to insurance, Dave hits on about every financial subject that is important to us.

If you wish to be part of the class, just let me know and show up the first night of class,

April 8. Kits are $99 each, and can be purchased during the first class time. There are four

people registered at this time, so don’t miss out!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SPORTS UPDATE The basketball season ended in early February, with the varsity finishing with a 7-9 won-loss record in their

first year in the Florida Christian Conference. This was a good record, the best for a first year school in the last ten

years in the Conference. The varsity, also known as “the five guys” competed against full 12 member teams with

only five players for most of the season. It was amazing to see how hard they competed and the energy they exerted.

Middle School track is next on the agenda, with four meets held at Montverde from March 10-24.

Our joint venture with the YMCA begins with soccer at the first of March. Our kids will compete as teams in

each age group (K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8 grades) wearing our school colors and representing Adventure Christian. The ex-

posure for our academy will be huge, and there will be athletic benefits for our kids playing together for many years

before they enter interscholastic competition in the Florida Christian Conference. This joint venture will also include

volleyball and basketball throughout the year.

Our 2014-2015 athletic year will conclude with our big 3 on 3 basketball tournament in May. There will be a

high school division, a middle school division, and a girls division. The kids love this, and there is some great compe-

tition!

It’s All About Grace

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Feedback

Re: Angel Tree Shoppers—THANK YOU! If you picked a child’s name from the Angel Tree, went shopping, wrapped the present & returned those gifts to the Welcome Center..This BIG THANK YOU is for you. I have been told parents were brought to tears of joy, so touched that someone who doesn’t know them would take time & money to see that their child would have a Merry Christmas. You all were “Secret Santa” to 62 children. Thank you for caring and sharing. Joanna Kellermeyer, Angel Tree Director

Re: Christmas Service Great enriching service. Carolyn Breitweiser

Re: Christmas Greetings from all of these Bob & Thelma Tinsky, Tim & Tammy Wanless & family, Dr. Daniel Egeler-President ACSI. Shannon & Kai, Phillip & Kimberley Barrera, Lucille Blew. And: Thank you ACC for your faithful support of us in our ministry with Wycliffe Associates. You continue to bless our lives & we are so grateful! In His love, Mickey & Barb White

Re: Christmas Angel Tree Good morning. There are no words to describe the magnitude of gratitude I have for ACC. The amount of gifts that were donated to our children is beyond generous. We were able to bless local families and children who without your support would have never received a Christmas present let alone numerous ones per child. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for the generosity of your entire church. Lake County schools wouldn't be able to do near the amount of Christmas presents if it wasn't for your annual toy drive. Joanna is doing an amazing job. We are so grateful! Love, Rachel

Re: Cancer Treatments Thanks for prayers

Doug & Patsy Luttrull

Re: Passing of Husband Just want to thank this church for their love & support through this time in my life. Thank you all.

Dolores Argall

Re: Christmas Extra Gifts Just wanted to share..MANY THANKS to my “Angel”. God choose to bless me...wanted all to know your caring love gift blessed 14 people (4 families) with food, love and peace for Christmas day!

Many Thanks, Pam Lind

Re: Thinking of ACC I have adjusted to my new life in Lakeland but still miss the church very much. I’m getting acquainted at Leg-acy Christian and its much like ACC even in membership but after all these years I still miss Adventure. I’m doing well except some problems with my eyes. It’s great being near my family and I’m really enjoying Laci Marie, 9 months old already. I enjoy the Newsletter and thank you for “The Thinking of You” card with all the signatures. The day it came I wasn’t feeling too well and it really gave me a lift.

Love & God Bless, Lucille Blew

Re: Thank you I thank God for the sincerity of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am truly blessed to have met such a beautiful family. Thank you so much for opening your hearts to me. I have received your gift & I thank God for you. So Doug, Cheryl, & Ginny; bless your hearts. You are awesome. I look forward to further fellowship with you. Every day brings new blessings by a more intimate relation-ship with God & you have aided my by your reception of my life into yours. My prayers will be lifted up on behalf of you & the church. The Lord bless you &keep you. The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious unto you, Yours in Christ, Christopher Weber

Re: Thanks from Several for Thanksgiving Meal Thanks for the delicious meal you prepared for we who do not have family near us. Being at Adventure is my family. It has felt like that ever since we moved here. Thanks so much for using your holiday to continue to serve us. Anonymous Church Member To all the workers that gave all of us a wonderful & beautiful dinner. It is one I will never forget. God bless you all and we love you so very much. I am so blessed with a wonderful God & church family. Joyfully to the Lord, Love Beulah Pickens

Cheryl, Michelle, Renee’ & the entire Kitchen Crew. Thank you for such a wonderful dinner! It meant a lot to me & the people who were with me. Fran & Jim Wheeler. They have-n’t stopped raving about how good the dinner was & to offer it for free to them & my other neighbor as well! We are all so thankful for your generosity! You really made us feel so special & the plates, cups & saucers added “nicety” that just put this dinner over the top! May God continue to bless you & your families and our entire church. Love, Donna DeVito

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The Adventure Is Here!

3800 State Road 19, Tavares, FL 32778 † 352-343-9020 † www.adventurechristian.com

Service Times Saturday Music Style: Contemporary 7:00p Sunday Music Style: Traditional 9:00a

Sunday Music Style: Contemporary 10:45a

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID LEESBURG, FL

PERMIT NO. 1027

Adventure Christian Church Mailing/Physical Address 3800 State Road 19 Tavares, FL 32778 Change Service Requested

GPS & Emergency Vehicle Address 3701 N Eichelberger Rd Tavares, FL 32778

BOTTOM OF LABEL ON THIS LINE

Adventure Life Group Bible Study Times Nursery to Adult: Saturday 6:00p

Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 10:30a Wednesday 6:30p

Various Weekday Life Groups On-site or in Homes

Adventure Christian Academy Phone: (352)742-4543 Fax: (352) 343-3820 academy.adventurechristian.com (no www.)

Adventure Christian Learning Center 1650 Lane Park Cutoff, Tavares Phone: (352)508-5501 Fax: (352) 508-5505

www.adventurechristianLC.com

Phone: (352)343-9020 www.adventurechristian.com

E-mail: minister@adventurechristian.com

Ministerial Staff: Doug Dykstra, Lead Minister (x211) Brent Bickhart, Assoc Minister/Athletic Dir (x222)

Morry Osborn, Assoc Minister/Admin (x214) Kerry Kellermeyer, Visitation Minister (x210)

Mark Gaeta, Youth & Children’s Minister (x225)

Other Staff: Cheryl Dykstra, Office Mgr (x212)

Amelia Johnson, Secretary (x210) Ginny Leonard, Financial Administrator (x213)

Adventure Christian Academy & Learning Center Staff:

Gary Johnson, Academy Director (742-4543)

Renee Cohn, Academy Secretary (742-4543) Michelle Hanson, Academy Office Mgr (742-4543)

Cheryl Dykstra, Learning Center Admin. (406-9254) Pat Cusick, Learning Center E. Dir. (508-5501)

Adventure Thrift Center 1270 S Duncan Dr. (Rt 19), Tavares Phone: (352)343-6800, 10-3 Daily, no Sunday

Pick up by appointment.

March 2015

Adventure Kidz Store 504 Duncan Dr. (Rt 19), Tavares Phone: (352)508-5923 Mon-Fri 2-6, Sat 9am-2pm

Pick up by appointment.