Come and see this spectacular Bradenton house with a fabulous view of Sarasota Bay. Furnished by over 20 designers, it is owned by the pro golfer, 22 year old Paula Creamer, known as the Lady in Pink in golf aficionados. The house, at 6,500 sq. ft., is on sale for almost $5,000,000. There will be an upscale Boutique Marketplace on the premises and a floral arranging presentation. This Showhouse is a fund raiser for the West Coast Orchestra and its Youth Orchestra programs.

Before touring the house, we will have an included lunch at the IMG Academies Country Club nearby on the Bay. IMG is a world famous, multi-sport school for athletes destined for tournament fame or Olympic participation. Come and enjoy the setting.

Departure Time: 10:15 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 4:30 pm
Cost: $47.00
Maximum: 45

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February 26         MOSI
Friday

A special exhibit of the works of Leonardo Da Vinci the "Genius" will lure us to the Museum of Science and Industry. While Da Vinci is widely known for his Renaissance era art, he made many contributions to the field of science and technology, such as flying machines, scuba gear, as well as musical and time-keeping instruments. There will be models of his inventions.

We are taken on a journey through his thoughts with reproductions of his art in actual size, including a presentation in 3D of the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Their secrets are revealed.

Included will be an OMNIMAX Theater film presentation with all around sound.

After the film and exhibit, lunch will be OYO in the Museum cafeteria.

Departure time: 8:45 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 2:45 pm
Cost: $36.00
Maximum: 45

March 5             Dinner at the Bradenton Yacht Club and Bradenton Evening Art Walk
Friday

We have a special invitation to dinner at the Bradenton Yacht Club (which is in Palmetto) with its fine view of the wide Manatee River. After dinner, we will drive to Bradenton’s Village of the Arts for a charmingly lighted, evening walk-around. The Village is a special area in downtown Bradenton with a mix of colorful galleries and residential bungalows from the 20s. It is home to photographers, jewelry makers, painters, potters, and all kinds of artists. We can enjoy its charm and find some treasures. The artists will offer their visitors wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Departure Time: 4:45 pm (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 9:45 pm
Cost: $45.00
Maximum: 45

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How is this for variety? The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa is eager to show us their newly painted, beautiful church by giving us a guided tour. We will hear the history, note the architecture, and learn about the mission of the church. In contrast, we will have a guided tour of Tampa's Fire Station #1, a 100 year old building with plenty of history, and personal action stories. There is a Fire Museum also which shows the advances in firefighting equipment and photos of the past.

After a drive along beautiful Bayshore Blvd., we arrive at the stunning Tampa Yacht Club where, by special invitation, we will have lunch. Bring your cameras. Appropriate dress, please.

Departure Time: 8:30 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church:3:30 pm
Cost: $39.00
Maximum: 45

((This is a change to the previous Tampa tour that was listed here prior to January 7))

March 29            Port Manatee, the Gamble Mansion, and Lunch at the Crabtrap II
Monday

Enjoy a guided tram tour of Port Manatee, located at the entrance to Tampa Bay.

It is the closest deepwater port to the Panama Canal providing speedy access to Pacific Rim Markets. The port is a leading forestry importer as well as a large importer of Del Monte Produce.

A Government Issue photo ID is required and your name and birth date must be submitted. Cameras are permitted.

Lunch is OYO at the Crabtrap II. You have your choice of the whole menu!

After lunch we have a guided tour of the Gamble Mansion in Ellenton. Originally a sugarcane plantation, the story of a succession of owners is of great interest. The United Daughters of the Confederacy rescued the Mansion from destruction in 1926.

Departure Time: 9:00 am (Sign in at the church 20 minutes ahead)
Return to Church: 3:15pm
Cost: $27
Maximum: 45