Church hosts Roar training event
PENNEY FARMS – An upcoming Vacation Bible school training and networking event called VBS FunShop is being hosted at First Black Creek Baptist Church, 3904 State Rd 16 W., Penney Farms, on March 9 from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Area churches that are planning to present Group Publishing’s Roar VBS this summer will receive hands-on training from a Group VBS expert to maximize the impact of their VBS program.
In addition to tons of fun and helpful info, participants can network and share ideas. For more information and to register, contact Debbie Ebersole at VBS@firstblackcreekbaptist.com.

Clay archivist to discuss local lumber industry
PENNEY FARMS – Take a trip back in time at the next meeting of the Penney Farms Historical Society.
Guest speaker Vishi Garig, Clay County archivist, discusses the history of “Lumbering in Clay County.”
At one time, the lumber industry was big business in Clay County. Back in the early 1920s much of the area around Penney Farms was already clear cut and the sawmill in Green Cove Springs picked up and moved on after the mill burned down.
Garig will present her research about this industry that played a key role in the formation of Clay County. The program will be held in the Penney Farms Town Hall, 4100 Clark Ave., on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. Guests are welcome to this free program.

Pharaoh Hatshepsut is lecture topic
JACKSONVILLE – The Archaeological Institute of America - Jacksonville Society will meet at noon on Feb. 23, 2019 in Building 51 at the University of North Florida to hear a lecture by Christianne Henry, formerly with the Walter’s Museum in Baltimore. Henry will explain the rise of Hatshepsut – King’s daughter, King’s sister, King’s wife – who ultimately became pharaoh. Declaring herself as the offspring of Egypt’s supreme deity, Amun-Re, she seized control of one of the ancient world’s greatest kingdoms. Free and open to the public with free parking. Complimentary refreshments served afterwards in the Archaeology Lab. For more information, contact Melva Price at (904) 241-9411 or aiajaxsoc@gmail.com.

Duval Fields acquires Keystone Heights firm
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – DuVal Fields CPA Group recently purchased Draper & Boyd, PA, a CPA firm located in Keystone Heights.
Draper & Boyd, PA has served the Lake Area Region for over 35 years. DuVal Fields purchased Draper & Boyd after the death of Jerry Jackson “Jack” Boyd III, sole owner of Draper & Boyd.
Jack Boyd was a seasoned certified public accountant who built a loyal cliental over the decades.
The acquisition is a result of his retirement preparations. Boyd began merger and acquisition talks with DuVal Fields in late 2017. Planning for retirement, he wanted to secure a firm for his clients that shared his approach to service and professionalism.
“He was very impressed with DuVal Fields,” said Boyd’s daughter, Christina Boyd. “He regarded the people at DuVal Fields as incredibly talented and highly ethical. Dad thought they would be a good match for his clients. He was planning to finalize the transaction after this year’s tax season.”
“We are saddened by the loss of Jack,” said Steve DuVal, President of DuVal Fields CPA Group, PA. “He was an exceptional professional and he cared deeply about the success of his clients. We want his clients to know that we pledge to provide them the same great service and attention that he gave them."
Boyd’s family and DuVal Fields are working to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. The Keystone Heights office located at 210 SW Nightingale Street will remain open. Boyd’s staff will continue to play a major role in the office and are available to help answer any questions.

Clay County Cruzers accepting scholarship applications
CLAY COUNTY – Students who are graduating this spring from the Clay County School District can apply for a $1,500 scholarship from the Clay County Cruzers.
Students are eligible if they are going to attend any post-secondary program of study including colleges, universities or vocational/technical schools.
Applicants are requested to write an essay of approximately 150 words and complete a short application form. Scholarship applications must be received by Clay County Cruzers on or before the application deadline of March 31.
The scholarship documents will be provided to each high school guidance office. The instructions and application form provide all relevant information a student needs to apply. These forms are also available on the Clay County Cruzers website at claycountycruzers.com.
Selected candidates will be asked to attend a Clay County Cruzer meeting to introduce themselves and describe their plans. Applications and essays should be mailed to Clay County Cruzers, P.O. Box 65010-9998, Orange Park, FL 32065-9998.
Each applicant will be notified once their application is received. Winners will be announced in April 2019.