a welcoming catholic community devoted to living out and celebrating God’s Word and Sacraments by connecting people to Christ through faith, love, and ministry.

2506 Gulf Gate Dr. Sarasota, FL 34231 | 941-923-1691 | stthomasmoresrq.org

St. thomaS moreCatholiC ChurCh | SaraSota

March 8, 20153rd Sunday in Lent

www.stthomasmoresrq.org

join our liturgical ministry

teamsmore info on page 6

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MASS TIMES

MASStimes

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info@stthomasmoresrq.org

SATURDAY8AM, 3PM, 4:30PM

RECONCILIATION 2PM

SUNDAY8AM, 9:45AM (TRADITIONAL CHOIR),

11:30AM (CONTEMPORARY CHOIR)

WEEKDAY8AM & 11AM

connect941-923-1691 (office)

941-923-1692 (fax)941-927-7689 (chelsea center)

www.stthomasmoresrq.org

JOIN THE PARISHstthomasmoresrq.org/register

Or contact Mary or Susan at the Parish Office: 941-923-1691

PARISH

Fr. Jack Rathschmidt. OFM, CAP., Ph.D.

“Walking Together Towards Easter” - Parish Mission to take place March 9th-11th @ 6:30PM Fr. Rathschmidt is a Capuchin Franciscan Friar, who holds an M.Th. in spirituality and a Ph.D. in Historical Theology. He has worked as the Director of the Capuchin Post Novitiate program, Chaplain and Adjunct Professor of theology at the College of New Rochelle, (1995- 2002) and the Provincial of the Capuchins from 1987-1993. His home-base is White Plains, NY.

He has published articles on the future of religious life in the United States. With Gaynell Cronin, he has written more than fifty video programs, among them the six-part series, “Celebrating the Church Year With Children,” and “Sacraments: Loving Actions of our Church.” They also were columnists for FaithWorks for eight years and together wrote various reconciliation programs, including: “The Forgiveness of the Lord,” & “The Blessing Candles, 58 Simple Mealtime Prayers.” Their latest collaboration: “Doorways to Holiness,” (Paulist Press, 2006).

Besides the Parish Mission (days and times listed above), he will be the celebrant for the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00 am daily Mass, held in the main sanctuary. For more info visit stthomasmoresrq.org/mission2015

New Member Church Tour Join parishioners Cheryl Stock and Sue Stofko at 9:00 am, Saturday, March 28 as they lead an informational tour of our campus, beginning with the church.

You will learn about: parish history, architecture, artwork, the chapel, where to park and our church ministries. There will be a walk through Spirit and Chelsea Centers. We wrap up with Q&A.

NEWSare youNEW?

WHAT TO EXPECT AT STM -

WelcomingOur parishioners love meeting new people and sharing their lives with

others. You’ll also be greeted by some of the most welcoming people you’ve ever met at a Church - and we’re not

just talking about the Hospitality Team.

Family-focusedIf you have children, they are ALWAYS welcome to celebrate Mass with the community! In fact, our Church was

purposefully built without a cry room and a special family bathroom with child-sized “facilities” because we

want children at Mass!

visit stthomasmoresrq.org/children

Dynamic WorshipThroughout the Mass, you’ll be

encouraged and envirgorated by the community’s full, conscious, and

active participation in the Liturgy. Our community loves to SING!

The Word of God is proclaimed in a dynamic fashion. The homilies are

geared towards loving people where they are - and challenging them to

get better.

A CHURCH UNLIKE ANY OTHER!

There’s so much more to talk about! Our Parish is a wonderful, dynamic

community and we welcome you to celebrate liturgy with us this weekend!

It doesn’t matter if this is your first time, 50th time, or first time in 50 years -

know that you always have a place to worship, and a community to belong to

at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

To learn more, visit, stthomasmoresrq.org/imnew

Remember & Honor Loved OnesOne of the highlights of Easter decorations is the 7 foot lily tree,

containing lilies and candles, standing proudly in our Gathering Area.

This is a memorial tree, giving parishioners an opportunity to remember or honor a loved one by sponsoring a beautiful plant as well as all the Easter lilies and decorations in the church and chapel.

We will publish a list those who made a $20 contribution, and the names of those to be remembered or honored.

Mail or drop off your donation to the Parish Office: St. Thomas More Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, FL 34231.

Checks are to be made payable to St. Thomas More Church. Please include, clearly printed and on a separate sheet, the name(s) of the person(s) you wish to remember or honor.

Photo taken by Duncan Harris & downloaded from FlickR used with permission

Intentions, March 8-15Sunday Fr. Michal 8:00am Mike McGraw Paul & Kay Gillis

Fr. Morris 9:45am Robert Whitman Harry Bender

Fr. Michal 11:30am Martha Jean McGarry Barbara Ansel

Monday Fr. Jack 8:00am Milewski family, living & deceased John Bowler

Fr. Michal 11:00am Giuseppe Giannini

Fr. Jack 6:30 pm Prayer, 7:00 pm Retreat

Tuesday Fr. Jack 8:00am Walt Eck Fr. Michal 11:00am Patricia M. Anderson William Ross

Fr. Jack 6:30 pm Prayer, 7:00 pm Retreat

Wednesday Fr. Jack 8:00am Donald Hernberg Fr. Michal 11:00am Margaret Reynolds

Fr. Jack 6:30 pm Prayer, 7:00 pm Retreat Thursday Fr. Michal 8:00am John & Christine O’Loughlin Fr. Dave 11:00am James Cain Friday Fr. Sepich 8:00am Walt Eck Jackie Okulski

Fr. Dave 11:00am Keith Rooks Phyllis Frazar

Saturday Fr. Dave 8:00am Janet Mulhern

Fr. Guarino 3:00pm John & Sara Moran Connie Burpee

Fr. Michal 4:30pm Rudy Pellicer Jim Stevenson

Sunday Fr. Michal 8:00am Ann Marie Savoy Howard & Madeline Tinkham

Fr. Guarino 9:45am Kevin Kowalski Bob Haas

Fr. Morris 11:30am Barbara Ansel Bob Haas

Sanctuary Candle - is lighted this weekend by Paul and Maxine Giacobbe, Linda and Hugh Hoy and Pat & Jim Lehman to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Jim & Mary Jo Sherman.

STAFFFr. Michal Szyszka Parochial Vicar

Sr. Judy BaldinoPastoral Associate

Rev. Mr. Bob GaitensDeacon

Alex DilanOrganist and Music Director

Chuck LynchSacristan

Tom LelyoYouth Ministry

Mimi FitzgeraldHealth Ministry

Coordinator

Jim SelinskiDirector of Operations and Stewardship

CarolAnn Lovejoy-Jessup

Executive Assistant

David FelicianoParish Accountant

Mary MaxwellParish Secretary

Susan JacobsFront Office Coordinator

Joanne TararaChelsea Coordinator

Paul UrbanGrounds/Maintenance Supervisor

Ramon AlveroMaintenance/Set up

John DriscollMaintenance/Set up

Rev. Mr. Kevin MonahanDeacon

stewardshipcreating a caring and

welcoming environment

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Become a part of the Stewardship Committee. Learn new and exciting ways to introduce and build Stewardship within our parish.

CONTACT:

Stewardship co-chairs: Meghan Layton301-991-9821 meggi311@gmail.com

Dar Sery 941-926-2632 darmary4@gmail.com

LENTEN PRAYER God of mercy, You have given us this

special time to reflect on our lives, embrace the Good News and draw

closer to You.

During this season of Lent help us use this time to fast and pray,

be more generous and show others how to live in Christ.

Let us see each day of this season as a new opportunity to renew our lives

and gain a deeper appreciation of Your active presence in our hearts and our community of faith.

Give us the grace to see Your face in others, especially the poor and those who suffer.

And through your Spirit, kindle in us the fire of Your love

so that we may be better stewards of Your redeeming work throughout the world.

We ask this through Jesus, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God, forever and ever. Amen.

Peggy Nardi - Choir member, Nurse, Youth Ministry Team Member & SO MUCH MORE!

STEWARDSHIP IN

ACTION

There are a lot of people who contribute to creating a caring and welcoming environment, but Peggy does this so effortlessly just by walking in the room and smiling! Her Stewardship of time and talent goes well beyond “showing up” for whatever activitiy she’s involved in - whether it’s contemporary choir or youth ministry.

Anyone who meets her is instantly welcomed by her smile and gentle way. Students LOVE sharing their lives with her at Youth Group, and as a nurse, she is always ready to help them if they get a scrape or two. Thank you Peggy for continuing to share God’s love working in your life with our community!

Do you have someone you’d like to thank or acknowledge for his or her Stewardship of time, talent, or treasure? If so, please contact Meghan or Dar from the Stewardship committe. Contact info in side column ----------------------------------------------------------->

Peggy’s story submitted by Tom Lelyo

Rosary Weekdays @ 7:30 am

in the Church

Women at the Well & Micah’s Men

1st & 3rd Wednesdays

6:30 pm in the Chelsea Center

Roger Grenier 941-993-2908

Serve Your Church and Fellow Parishioners in a Special Way: Consider being part of the STM Ministry Team

We now have openings:Eucharistic Ministers at the 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm Saturday MassesContact: Sr. Judy Baldino, 941-923-1691; sjbaldino@aol.com

Eucharistic Minsters at the 8:00 am Sunday MassContact: Sr. Judy Baldino, 941-923-1691; sjbaldino@aol.com

Lectors at the 8:00 am Sunday MassContact: Gail Pettit mamagsp@aol.com

Altar Servers at the 8:00 am Sunday MassContact: Fr. Michal Szyszka michal.t.szyszka@gmail.com Deacon Bob Gaitens bobgaitens@eaton.com

Altar Assistants at the Saturday and Sunday MassesContact: Sacristan Chuck Lynch chucknshebatoo@verizon.net

Assistant Sacristan at Saturday and Sunday MassesContact: Sacristan Chuck Lynch chucknshebatoo@verizon.net

prayersmall groups

Centering/Contemplative

PrayerThursdays @ 6:30pm in the Spirit Center

Ed Savoy 941-923-5706

Prayer ChainDale Eppig 941-923-4961

RosaryWeekdays @ 7:30am

in the Church

Spirit of Love Prayer Group

Monday Mar 9 @ 2:00pm in the Chapel

Women at the Well& Micah’s Men

1st & 3rd Wednesdays@ 6:30pm

in the Chelsea CenterRoger Grenier 941-993-2908

MORE PRAYERstthomasmoresrq.org/pray

VBS Needs YOU! - Join us THIS Sunday March 8th from 1-2PM in the Spirit Center to learn more about becoming a volunteer for this year’s Vacation Bible School (July 27-31).

WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH HELP! - Last week we had to cancel our

Mini-Disciples program during the 11:30AM

Mass, which many families count on! If you’re interested in helping by working with children Sunday mornings, please contact Tom Lelyo 941-374-6884

GET INVOLVED!

CHILDREN MINISTRIESstthomasmoresrq.org/childrenTom Lelyo 941-374-6884

YOUTH MINSITRY:stthomasmoresrq.org/youthTom Lelyo 941-374-6884

FAITH FORMATIONstthomasmoresrq.org/ffSr. Judy Baldino 941-923-1691

FAITH FORMATIONstthomasmoresrq.org/momsNatalie Lelyo 215-620-1184

S.E.T for all volunteers AT ST. THOMAS MORE THIS MONTH!!!Thursday March 26, 6-8pm or Saturday, March 28 9:30-11:30am

Please call the Parish Office at 941-923-1691 to register. You must have been finger-printed prior to registration.

More info at stthomasmorerq.org/set

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING AT STM THIS MONTH! - If you want to volunteer in

ANY capacity at STM you must attend this

training. Details in side column -------->

Support Groups: AA, Al Anon, Nar Anon & NA Meetings

• Alcoholics Anonymous at 5:30 pm Mondays, Chelsea Center, Garden Room This is a sober living group with an open-meeting format consisting of a reading and discussion of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book.

• Al-Anon at 7:00 pm Mondays, Chelsea Center, Garden Room Al-Anon family groups are made up of relatives and friends of alcoholics who meet for fellowship and share experiences with strength and hope in order to solve common problems.

• Alcoholics Anonymous at 6:00 pm Wednesdays, Chelsea Center, Westminster Room The focus is prayer and meditation, as proposed in the eleventh step of Alcoholics Anonymous.

• Alcoholics Anonymous at 6:00 pm Fridays, Chelsea Center, Garden Room This is a sober living group with an open-meeting format consisting of a brief reading followed by discussion.

• Narcotics Anonymous at 8:00 pm Sundays, Spirit Center, Gathering Room This is a Twelve-Step program of recovery from drug addiction for men and women for whom drugs have become a major problem. The program is group-oriented and is based on the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions adapted from AA.

• Nar-Anon at 8:00 pm Sundays, Spirit Center, Faith Room Nar-Anon is a Twelve-Step program designed to help relatives and friends of addicts recover from the effects of living with an addicted relative or friend. Nar-Anon’s program of recovery uses Nar-Anon’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

Spirit of Love Prayer Group All are welcome to join for prayer in the Chapel. The group gathers to pray for:

• parishioners • clergy • our world • each other • requests • all those listed in our prayer book (located in the chapel)

Along with prayer, there are testimonials of God’s love and healing, hymns and songs, Scripture readings and more. So come to the chapel this Monday, March 9 at 2:00 pm and prepare to be uplifted!

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St. Thomas More BikingSaturdays at 8:00 am: We begin at the McIntosh Road parking lot (one-half mile

south of Palmer Ranch Parkway East). Reminder: bikers must wear a helmet.

ScoutingGS Troop 780 sold over 500+ boxes of cookies this past weekend! They would like to thank the parish community for helping them raise funds to assist a mothers shelter in Arcadia. Want to get involved in Scouting?• Cub Scouts Pack 100 & Boy Scouts Troop 100: Mondays - 6:00pm in Spirit Ctr.• Girl Scouts Troop 780: Thursdays - 6:00 pm in the Chelsea Center. More info visit stthomasmoresrq.org/children

Casserole ClubThis group of men, widowers, married and single, meet on the last Monday of the

month at noon for lunch. We meet to enjoy camaraderie and to support widowers reminding them they are not alone, are part of our community and to keep them involved in parish life.

Send Jack Dyer your email address so he can inform you of the restaurant the group will be going to and answer your questions. Contact: Jack Dyer: salanjack65@verizon.net or (941) 921-4901.

Christian Singles Mingle MoreSingle and looking for fun Florida adventures with other singles? Dancing, movies,

plays, boating, pot lucks, picnics on the beach are all on the agenda for group members.

For more information about Mingle More, STM’s ageless SINGLES GROUP,call Rob Hand at 941-355-2159. You will be able to find out what is happening next, or request that your name be put on our roster and e-blast list.

ATTENTION: Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers, & Hospitality Ministers Written notice required by the FIRST of each month of away dates for the next month. If unable to serve, you must secure a replacement. Email Joanne for a sub call list. EM’s, Lectors, & Servers Contact Joanne Tarara: tarjmt1@verizon.net Hospitality Ministers, contact Charles Ballschmieder: cjball01@verizon.net

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Weekly Offertory

March 1, 2015 $27,732St. Vincent dePaul $197Parish Pay - weekly $1530.01Ash Wednesday $55Meet the Need $20Missions/Outreach $61March 1, 2014 $32,300

Online gifts can be made using the website: www.stthomasmoresrq.org/ways-to-give/

Catholic Faith Appeal

2015 Catholic Faith Appeal Goal: $345,000

To make a gift: www.stthomasmoresrq.org/cfa

Weekend of March 1-2:

Checks should be made to “Catholic Faith Appeal” and placed in the collection basket or brought to the Parish Office.

Restaurant Nights Benefit CFA

Let your server know you’re from St. Thomas More and 15% of your bill will be donated towards our CFA goal!Sunday: Beckham’s on the Trail 941-706-1654Sunday & Monday: Mattison’s 41 941-921-3400Any evening: The Italian Grill 941-966-6565

Cardinal Mooney High School Rummage SaleSaturday, March 14, 2015, 8:0o am-1:00 pm at the school: 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Proceeds

benefit the students’ Mission Council activities. Monetary donations can be made to Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Mission Council. Call JoAnn Weber at 941-371-4917 ext. 295, for more information.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Red Mass in Sarasota The Red Mass for the 12th Judicial Circuit will be celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on Friday,

March 13, 4:00 pm at St. Jude Parish, 3930 17th Street.The Red Mass dates back centuries and includes prayers for peace, justice and wisdom for those

who serve in the law. Lawyers, judges, law enforcement and public service officials, their families and staff are invited to attend the Red Mass.

Please send RSVP or inquiries: Evelyn L. Moya, Esq., at elynlmoya@icloud.com; or to Rudy Vazmina, Esq. at rudy@vazminalaw.com.

Clothing Drive St. Martha Parish, 200 North Orange Avenue, Caritas and the Salvation Army will hold a joint clothing

drive on Sunday, March 22, from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Volunteers from Caritas and the Salvation Army will collect clothing in the church parking lot across the street on Fruitville Road and Orange Avenue. Look for the Salvation Army truck and bins. All donations will stay in the local community for the needy and the homeless in Sarasota County. Please donate any casual or work clothing you no longer need.

Sunday, March 8 - Meat the Need/Coffee & Donuts8:00am, 9:45am, 11:30 am Masses - Church8:00pm N.A. Meeting - Spirit Center8:00pm Nar-Anon Meeting - Spirit Center

Monday, March 97:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Gracia Garrido 941-922-3656)8:00 am & 11:00 am Masses8:30am Guardian Ad Litem Breakfast/Meeting - Chelsea Center10:00am Quilters of St. Thomas More - Spirit Center (Bonnie Lagner 941-921-1261)1:00pm St. Vincent dePaul Society - Chelsea Center 2:00pm Spirit of Love Prayer Group - Chapel (Alice Lavitt 941-927-2647)2;30pm Concert Committee - Chelsea Center (Barbara Blackburn 941-927-5670)5:30pm AA - Chelsea Garden Room6:00pm Cub/Boy Scouts - Spirit Center (Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133; Javier Aristimuño 941-232-8073)6:00pm Mingle More Singles Group - Chelsea Center (Rob Hand 941-355-2159-4437)7:00pm Al-Anon - Chelsea Garden Room6:30pm/7:00pm Prayer/Parish Mission - Church

Tuesday, March 10 7:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Gracia Garrido 941-922-3656)8:00 am & 11:00 am Masses No Faith Formation6:30pm/7:00pm Prayer/Parish Mission - Church

Wednesday, March 117:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Gracia Garrido 941-922-3656)8:00am & 11:00am Masses9:30am Mothers’ Circle - Spirit Center (Natalie Lelyo 215-620-1184)4:00pm Growing Through Grief - Chelsea Center (Patt Lail 941-927-4853 or p_lail@yahoo.com)6:00pm AA - Lancaster Room, Chelsea Center6:00pm Youth Group - Spirit Center (Tom Lelyo 941-374-6884)6:30pm/7:00pm Prayer/Parish Mission - Church8:00pm Traditional Choir Rehearsal - Church (Alex Dilan 941-923-1691)

Thursday, March 127:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Gracia Garrido 941-922-3656)8:00 am & 11:00 am Masses9:30am Crafty Ladies (Mary Hautanen 941-922-8892)10:00am Quilters of St. Thomas More - Spirit Center (Bonnie Lagner 941-921-1261)6:00pm Girl Scouts (Virginia Lawlor 941-894-7975; vlawlor2237@comcast.net)6:30pm Contemplative Prayer - Chelsea Center (Ed Savoy 941-923-5706) 6:30pm Scouts Pack Committee - Spirit Ctr. (Michelle Dunn 941-806-8133; Javier Aristimuño 941-232-8073)6:30pm Mingle More Singles Group - Chelsea Center (Rob Hand 941-355-2159-4437)7:00pm R.C.I.A. - Chelsea Westminster Rm. (Sr. Judy Baldino 941-923-1691; sjbaldino@aol.com)7:00pm Contemporary Choir - Church (Alex Dilan 941-923-1691; stmmusic@comcast.net)

Friday, March 137:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Gracia Garrido 941-922-3656)8:00 & 11:00 am Masses9:15am Adult Bible Study - Spirit Center MAIN RM. (MaryJo Dranttel 941-343-0522; jgdmjd@juno.com)1:00pm Cards & Mah Jongg - Chelsea Center6:00pm AA Meeting - Chelsea Center Garden Room

Saturday, March 14 - Stewardship Speaker7:30am Pray the Rosary - Church (Gracia Garrido 941-922-3656)8:00am Mass - Chapel9:00am Lenten Reconciliation - Chapel Reconciliation Room9:30am Memorial Service for Richard Enos - Chapel3:00pm, 4:30pm Masses - Church

Sunday, March 15 - Youth Group Food Drive/Stewardship Speaker/Concert Ticket Sales8:00am, 9:45am, 11:30 am Masses - Church8:00pm N.A. Meeting - Spirit Center8:00pm Nar-Anon Meeting - Spirit Center

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This trip is not sponsored by St. Thomas More Church, but by Fr. Henry, per diocesan policy.

Join Fr. Henry on a Cruise to the Eastern CaribbeanWe set sail for a 7-night cruise, Nov. 15-22, 2015, aboard the Royal Caribbean “Freedom of the Seas”

cruiseliner. Travel is set to take place from Cape Canaveral, FL and sail to Coco Bay, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maartin; as well as 3 days sailing the high seas.

Join us! Contact Kathy Coll at Berkshire Travel Agency to be part of the trip. Contact: 1-800-223-3884 or btagroups@gmail.com.

 

Women’s Club News Striving  To  Create  a  Caring  Community  of  Christian  Women  Within  Our  Church      

THE  STMWC  INVITES  YOU  TO  JOIN  THEM  FOR  LUNCH  &  A      VISIT  TO  THE  BIG  CAT  HABITAT  

AND  GULF  COAST  SANCTUARY    

 11:30  AM    Lunch  at  Joey  D’s,  3811  Kenny  Drive,    (Corner  of  Bee  Ridge  &  Cattlemen,  arrive  at  11:00 am  for  a  more  leisurely  lunch)    

Hosted By Sue Stofko & Pat O’Connell

After  Lunch  We  Will  Proceed  To  The  Big  Cat  Habitat  &  Gulf  Coast  Sanctuary  on  7101  Palmer  Blvd.    “Big  Cat  Habitat  and  Gulf  Coast  Sanctuary  is  a  non-­‐profit  safe  haven  for  big  cats,  bears and native    wildlife.  World-­‐renowned   educator  and  behaviorist   Kay  Rosaire  and  her   son  Clayton   present   training  demonstrations  with   their   rescued  big   cats   in  an  educational   forum.  During   the   demonstrations   they  gently  encourage  the  cats  to  show  off  their  magnificent  natural  behaviors.  You  will  be  enthralled  and  entertained   by   these   majestic   animals   as   they   demonstrate   their   characteristic   athletic   ability   and  unique  individual  personalities.”  

12:30  PM      Big  Cat  Habitat          Animal  Show  2  PM                          Price          Adults  $15          Children    $7    

Individual  Payments  Accepted  at  Joey  D’s  and  Big  Cat  Habitat  RSVP  By  Friday,  March  20

Sue  Stofko  email:  suestofko@gmail.com,  phone  941-­‐445-­‐5422  or  Pat  O’Connell  email:  patnutley@aol.com,  phone  201  349-­‐4556  

 Lunch  &  Habitat_____   Lunch  Only_____   Habitat  Only_____  

Wednesday, March    25  

ST THOMAS MORE

CONCERT COMMITTEE PRESENTS:

Performance will be in the Chelsea Center There are still a few tickets left!!General Admission $15 Reserved Seating $25Cash or check only For information 941-923-1691