The Fort Atkinson Club (FAC) Community Center recently honored three individuals who were described in a recent news release as “very instrumental” in the inception of the Rock River Heritage (RRH) nonprofit organization, the fundraising campaign for the Fort Atkinson Club building, and the first several years of its operation.
They are the late James J. Vance, and Joan and Milo Jones.
According to the release, Vance’s family “recently held a Celebration of Life event on the river Level, and the FAC has dedicated the patio to Jim.”
FAC Director Jill Kessenich was quoted as saying in the release: “Jim was one of the first board members and longtime legal counsel for the RRH. He was also a generous donor, and made certain the grounds around the club were well landscaped and maintained. This is why we thought dedicating the patio to Jim would be a fitting tribute.”
Additionally, the release noted, “the RRH/FAC Board of Directors honored Joan and Milo Jones, by dedicating the 2nd floor theater to them.”
Said Kessenich: “Joan bought the building in a somewhat compromised condition, but it was determined to be structurally sound, and a lot of the original details and character could be found inside, and under the aluminum siding. Joan spearheaded the fundraising campaign and brought on many community members for tours and visioning sessions. Milo, her husband and partner, suggested and researched the historic preservation tax credits that became the beginnings of a small endowment for the FAC. Milo and Joan are both music lovers and patrons, so the theater seemed like a natural tribute, in their honor.”
To learn more about the Fort Atkinson Club, its programming and its community center, 211 S. Water St. E., Fort Atkinson, and making a donation, visit the website: https://www.fortatkinsonclub.org/.
The community center is available for private events like parties, showers and weddings, as well as business and organizational meetings. It also holds regular, free or low-cost programs, like the Summer Patio Concerts, Chamber Series Concerts, FACTalks, and yoga and painting classes, the release stated.
Lifelong friends, Milo Jones, at left, and the late Jim Vance display bowling pins. Contributed photo/FAC, Peter Vance.
Joan Jones, at right, addresses attendees at a recent FAC theater dedication. FAC Director Jill Kessenich, seated, is also pictured. Contributed photo/FAC, Cynthia Holt.
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