Rehearsals for the annual Christmas Concert Choir will begin on Thursday, September 10, at 6:30 pm in Our Lady’s Chapel, launching preparations for a festive musical celebration scheduled for Friday, December 11, at 7:00 pm.

The Christmas Concert Choir offers participants a unique opportunity to perform alongside an orchestra and a Children’s Choir, creating a rich and inspiring holiday experience for performers and audiences alike. An orchestral rehearsal will take place on the day of the concert beginning at 5:00 pm.

Known for bringing together voices of all ages in celebration of the season, the concert has become a highlight of Blessed Sacrament’s Christmas festivities. Organizers describe the event as a dynamic musical journey that captures the joy, wonder, and spirit of Christmas through sacred and seasonal music.

Individuals interested in joining the choir are encouraged to contact Music Director Earl Green or enroll through the parish’s Liturgy webpage. Whether a seasoned vocalist or someone simply looking to share in the joy of Christmas music, all are welcome to become part of this memorable holiday tradition.

Registration is available online at https://form.jotform.com/221936827828065.

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The international event will invite Rotary clubs, peacebuilders, families, children and community members across every time zone to connect virtually via Zoom, creating a global chain of participation hour by hour. Organizers encourage individuals and groups to join, even briefly, to share greetings and messages of peace from their communities.

Highlighting the event is the participation of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Costa Rica Óscar Arias Sánchez, who will serve as Guest of Honor. Arias, internationally recognized for his efforts to promote peace and democracy in Central America, has agreed to contribute to the program.

Rotary IMPACT Club of Orlando Charter President Sue Thompson recently met with President Arias at his home in Costa Rica. During the visit, the two discussed the ongoing importance of peacebuilding, international cooperation and the need for dialogue in addressing conflict around the world.

Locally, Central Florida residents will gather at the organization’s Peace Farm for a day of family-friendly activities celebrating peace and community. The event will feature art projects, music, Peace Fans, children’s activities and live international Zoom connections with participants from around the globe.

A centerpiece of the local gathering will be a Human PEACE Circle, bringing community members together in a symbolic display of unity. Organizers plan to photograph the formation from above as a visual representation of people joining together across cultures and borders.

The event is designed to serve as both a local community celebration and a worldwide invitation to promote understanding and peaceful coexistence.

“24 hours. Hour by hour. One world coming together for PEACE,” organizers said.

Event organizers are encouraging community organizations and peace advocates to participate, share the story and help spread the message of global connection and cooperation on the International Day of Peace.

 Join on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84675670356
Passcode: 511017

For additional information contact contact Susan Thompson at  impactcluborlando.org 

The post Former President and Nobel Peace Laureate Óscar Arias Joins Global 24 Hours for PEACE Initiative (Sept 20-21) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Score: The Village Charter 28 Vs South Lake High School 21; Season record 0-2

For the second game in a row the South Lake Eagles lost on the road. The Eagles took the lead early with a Sam Wood 15 yard touchdown run in the first half.{Wood would rush for two touchdowns and 96 yards on the night}. The Villages would come back to tie the game 7-7  late in the second quarter with a touchdown run of their own. The Eagles Offense would march down the field after a great kickoff return by Wood. The offensive line had a very strong night for the Eagles. Andrew Carter, Landon Coning, Mark Elder, Brian Bedingfield, Caleb Fuller, Andrew  Boris and Joffett Salgado were very physical and created some great holes for Wood, Tre Kelly[ 40 yards rushing}, and Khristian Gustave (76 yards rushing}.  The Eagles rushing attack would average 5.9 yards per carry. The Defensive front seven for the Eagles were playing very well keeping the high powered Villages offense at bay until late in the second quarter. A blown coverage by the Eagles Secondary resulted in a Buffalo touchdown right before the half making the score 14-7 in the Villages favor at halftime.

The Eagle defense would stiffen early in the second half with some great play from Ky’mani Gardner, Terrance Cummings, Jayden Kaley, Quoy Nelson, Shamar Murray, and Kade Kynard Felder. Ahvioume Scott would intercept the Buffalos and the Eagles would capitalize on another strong run by Wood for an Eagle touchdown tying the score at 14. The Buffalos would take advantage of another blown coverage by the Eagles secondary to go up 21-14. Again South Lake would drive down the field getting into the buffalos Red Zone but a costly block in the back penalty with a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on top of it put the Eagles back 30 yards.  The Buffalos would take advantage and hit another long pass for a touchdown making the score 28-14. The Eagle defense would rise up and pin the Buffalo offense on their own 15 yard line with 6 minutes left in the game.  The Buffalos would be forced to punt and South Lake Senior Wide receiver Willie Dixon would take the punt to the house for a touchdown on a 45 yard return  narrowing the score to 28-21. The Eagles defense again rose up but a very questionable interference call against the Eagles gave the Buffalos a first down where they could then run out the clock.

“ Our players played hard this week and we did some really good things on offense and defense. We have to cut down on costly penalties that for the second game in a row have made it very difficult  for us to win . Back to the drawing board on Monday. We have a very talented team, We have to get more disciplined and less emotional.”

The Eagles have powerhouse The First Academy at Home this week.

Date of Next opponent: 9/11 Vs The First Academy

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The event will be held from 4 to 6 pm at the VFW Post located at 855 W. DeSoto Street, downstairs. Residents will have the option to dine in or take their meals to go.

The dinner menu will feature spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and a choice of desserts. A suggested donation of $10 per person will be accepted, with cash payments only. Beverages will also be available for purchase.

Auxiliary members say the dinners provide an opportunity for residents to enjoy a home-style meal while supporting local veterans and the programs that serve them. The monthly gatherings have long been a favorite among area residents and offer a welcoming setting for friends, families, and neighbors to come together.

Organizers encourage the community to attend, enjoy a delicious meal, and help make a positive impact on the lives of local veterans.

For those looking for an affordable evening out while supporting a worthy cause, the return of the VFW Auxiliary Spaghetti Dinners promises to be a rewarding experience for all.

The post VFW Auxiliary Monthly Spaghetti Dinners Have Returned (Sept 19) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Koulchar, a double amputee, was critically wounded on August 26, 2008, while conducting counter-improvised explosive device (IED) operations in Sadr City, Iraq, as a member of Task Force 1/6. Following his injuries, he spent two and a half years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center undergoing extensive recovery and rehabilitation.

During his recovery, Koulchar developed a friendship with fellow wounded veteran Michael Frazier, who was also rehabilitating at Walter Reed. Frazier recently received a specially modified motorcycle through the Combat Hero Bike Build program, which helps restore independence and enhance quality of life for severely injured veterans.

The September 27 presentation will recognize Koulchar’s extraordinary courage, perseverance, and service to the nation. The custom motorcycle has been specially adapted to accommodate his physical needs, providing both mobility and the opportunity to continue enjoying the freedom of the open road.

The event is open to the public, and organizers encourage community members, veterans, law enforcement officers, and patriots from across the region to attend. Guests will have the opportunity to celebrate the lives and sacrifices of both Koulchar and Frazier while showing support for the men and women who have served and sacrificed for America.

“Events like this remind us that the commitment to our nation’s heroes does not end when their military service concludes,” organizers said. “It is our privilege to honor veterans who have given so much in defense of freedom.”

About Last Ride

Last Ride is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to provide assistance and support to veterans and law enforcement officers facing hardship or unexpected challenges. Through fundraising events, community partnerships, and direct assistance programs, Last Ride works to ensure that those who have served others receive help when they need it most.

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Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ South Lake Ministry gathered their Executive Board, coaches, educators, advisors, community leaders and local dignitaries at the Clermont Wesley Center to help kickoff their support for their affiliated students in the new school year. FCA programs are now in progress involving students and coaches from all local South Lake County high schools, middle schools, colleges, and universities. With FCA now successfully operating in 84 countries over the past 7 decades, FCA has been dedicated with a common cause to help empower our youth.

FCA Area Director, Tim Hancock and team of FCA leaders opened the program by sharing their own personal missions, visions, rewards and prayers from their own experiences while helping to share the FCA ministry mission, vision and goals over the years. Each leader shared wonderful heartfelt stories about FCA energy, strength, values, and respect. With true love in their hearts, some said, “We thank God and our ministry for our servants’ hearts!” “We thank our families with vision, strength, abundant energies and all of the extra love for our student athletes.” They proudly shared their own ministry with the FCA Mission, Vision, and Core Values.

Each FCA program and event purposefully share comprehensive athletic, spiritual and leadership training as a very positive life-changing experience. These faith-based inspirational programs held on and off the athletic fields have been designed to celebrate local athletic youth through a commitment to integrity, community service, teamwork, and excellence throughout the year.

FCA Area Director, Tim Hancock noted, “Our FCA Pep Rally was an event to say thank you to all our teammates and partners in ministry. This motivating event was shared with our board members, huddle coaches, donors and churches. This special event was also a way to help us set up our important annual Vision Night Fundraising Event on November 8^th.

Pastor Ken Smith of the new Beginning Baptist Church in Ocala took the stage as a very special keynote speaker. He shared numerous thought-provoking questions, quotes from famous coaches and prayers for the FCA Pep Rally attendees. He said, Lou Holtz once noted ‘I only learn something when I ask questions. The first question should ask what are you doing with your faith to keep growing in knowledge and understanding.’ Smith added, “To minister our kids, we need to help them grow in their faith with God!”

FCA Board Chairman Dr. Jeff Duke shared his own FCA life story adding, “I started my career as a basketball coach. I tried many different ways to motivate my athletes over the years, including once having my 14-year-old students sleep on the school basketball court in sleeping bags the night before a big game, so they would be inspired to really feel a true sense of ownership to win on their court. By helping our students, their teams and their families, we are also helping our entire community. Our international goal remains to help change lies for our FCA kids. We need to reach every coach and student with guidance, fellowship, mentorships and all of the tools to best lead a good Christian life.” Duke also added, “Our entire FCA Ministry is run entirely by shared donations.”

Their annual FCA Heart & Soul Golf Tournament, will be held at the Clermont National Golf Club on Friday, October 2 starting with a provided breakfast, shotgun scramble golf by four person teams, and lunch. Mary Berens of the FCA South Lake County Staff proudly notes, “All proceeds from this event will benefit local FCA missionaries, athletes, and coaches, and families while helping to further FCA’s mission in the community.” For More Information and to register for this Golf Tournament, visit: https://fca.regfox.com/2026heartandsoulgolf.

FCA Vision Night is their only fundraiser of the year. At the Pep Rally, most everyone stepped up to sponsor a table. Everyone was invited to this November 8, 2026 fundraiser showcasing the ministry and mission of Fellowship of Christian athletes here in South Lake County with great fellowship and food. The leaders and speakers will share stories and videos from coaches, athletes, staff, and community leaders to highlight their mission to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Everyone in the South Lake Community is asked to become a financial partner and teammate for FCA that night, to help raise up our valuable resources to pour into our youth.”

For more information about South Lake County of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, their programs and events, visit: www.SouthLakeCountyFCA.org. Volunteers, donors and sponsors are always appreciated. Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/southlakecountyfca.

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Spirit Halloween -Clermont has officially opened its doors at 1325 Sandy Grove Avenue, in the former Dick’s Sporting Goods location, transforming the space into a seasonal wonderland of spooky sights, sounds, and surprises.

From the moment visitors step inside, they are greeted by a hauntingly festive atmosphere complete with thrilling animatronics, eerie sound effects, glowing Halloween lights, and larger-than-life displays designed to bring the spirit of the season to life. Whether you’re a Halloween superfan or simply looking to add some seasonal fun to your home, the store offers something for everyone.

Shoppers will find a selection of costumes for men, women, children, and even pets, featuring fan-favorite characters from blockbuster movies, hit television shows, popular video games, horror classics, and the latest pop culture trends. Whether you’re aiming to be heroic, hilarious, magical, or downright terrifying, Spirit Halloween makes finding the perfect costume an adventure in itself.

Beyond costumes, the Clermont location is packed with everything needed to create a memorable Halloween experience. Home decorators can browse an extensive collection of Halloween décor, including giant animatronics, fog machines, outdoor lighting, creepy wall hangings, tabletop displays, pumpkin-themed decorations, spider webs, and countless other spooky accessories.

Halloween

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For those looking to create the ultimate haunted house, fog machines add an extra layer of mystery by filling the air with chilling mist, while strategically placed Halloween lights cast an eerie glow that transforms ordinary spaces into unforgettable attractions. Whether your decorating style is playful and family-friendly or dark and spine-tingling, Spirit Halloween offers endless inspiration.

The new Clermont store arrives just in time for residents to start planning Halloween parties, decorating for trick-or-treaters, and preparing for one of the year’s most beloved celebrations. With aisles full of creativity, excitement, and seasonal magic, Spirit Halloween is ready to help the community make this Halloween its most memorable yet.

For more information, call (855) 704-2669.

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submitted by Jean Luc, Spokescat, Orlando Cat Cafe

Ten years. That’s a very long time in the life of a cat. Why, I’ve personally aged at least… well, let’s just say I’ve become considerably more distinguished.

But ten years is also a long time in the life of a dream.

And when I look back at what began ten years ago at Orlando Cat Cafe, I have to admit that even this handsome, sophisticated feline never could have imagined what we would accomplish together.

More Than 3,700 Second Chances
The number that means the most to me is 3,700+.
That’s the number of cats and kittens who have found their forever homes through Orlando Cat Cafe.
Think about that for a moment.
More than 3,700 cats who arrived needing someone to believe in them. More than 3,700 stories that began with a shelter cat and ended with a family. More than 3,700 times someone walked through our doors, fell in love, and said, “Yes. This is my cat.”
As a cat, I know there is nothing more important than finding the right human.
To every person who has adopted a cat from us over these ten years: thank you. You didn’t just adopt a cat. You changed a life.
And to all of you who have come to visit, play with the cats, have a cup of coffee, tell your friends about us, share our posts, make donations, or simply cheer us on from afar—you have been part of every one of those 3,700+ happy beginnings.

250,000+ Guests—and So Many Stories
More than 250,000 guests from around the world have walked through our doors.
From right here in Florida to visitors from across the country and around the globe, people have come to Orlando Cat Cafe looking for something a little different.
Maybe they came for the coffee.
Maybe they came because they love cats.
Maybe they were tourists looking for a memorable Orlando experience.
And maybe—just maybe—they came in expecting a fun afternoon and left with a new member of the family.
That’s the magic of a cat cafe.
For ten years, we’ve watched strangers become friends, families discover the joy of cats, children learn compassion, and people who needed a little happiness find it waiting behind our doors.
I like to think that every guest took a little bit of our magic home with them.

From Florida’s First to a First for the Country
Ten years ago, Orlando Cat Cafe became the first cat cafe to open in Florida.
That was a pretty big deal.
But apparently, one first wasn’t enough.
Today, Orlando Cat Cafe has become the first cat cafe in the country to offer a franchise opportunity.
That means the dream that began here in Florida can now travel far beyond Florida.
Imagine that: more cat cafes, more communities, more people experiencing the joy of being around cats—and, most importantly, more shelter cats getting the chance to find loving homes.
I may be biased, but I think that’s a pretty wonderful legacy.

It Takes a Lot of Humans to Help Cats
Of course, no cat—no matter how charming, handsome, or photogenic—can do something like this alone.
So, I want to offer a very special thank you to the incredible Orlando Cat Cafe team. You have cared for thousands of cats, welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests, cleaned more litter boxes than any human should ever have to clean, and somehow continued to smile through it all.
You are the heart of this place.

And to our wonderful partners at SPCA Florida: thank you for trusting us with the cats who needed a little extra help finding their people. Our partnership has allowed us to turn a simple idea into something that truly changes lives.

To Minch Coffee Company, thank you for being such an important part of the Orlando Cat Cafe experience. After all, cats and coffee are a pretty terrific combination—and you’ve helped make that combination possible.
And to every person, organization, business, volunteer, donor, media partner, community leader, friend and family member who ever said, “I believe in what you’re doing”—thank you.
You helped keep the dream alive.

Ten Years Later…
When I think about those first days, I don’t think about numbers.
I think about the cats.
I think about the first adoptions. The shy cats who finally came out of their shells. The kittens who grew up in loving homes. The families who returned to tell us how much their adopted cat had changed their lives.
I think about the people who walked through our doors and became part of our extended Orlando Cat Cafe family.
And I think about what comes next.
Ten years is not the end of the story.
It’s the beginning of the next chapter.
There are still cats waiting for homes. There are still people who haven’t discovered the magic of a cat cafe. And there are still communities across the country where a place like Orlando Cat Cafe can make a difference.
So, on our 10th anniversary, I have just one thing to say:

Thank you.
Thank you for believing in the dream.
Thank you for opening your hearts—and your homes—to shelter cats.
Thank you for visiting us, supporting us, sharing our story and helping us grow.
And most of all, thank you for proving that sometimes, the smallest creatures can make the biggest difference.
Here’s to the first ten years.

Here’s to 3,700+ forever homes, 250,000+ guests, countless cups of coffee, thousands of purrs—and whatever comes next.
With gratitude, whiskers and a very full heart,
         Jean Luc
            Spokescat, Orlando Cat Cafe

 Visit the Orlando Cat Cafe at 532 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont.  Reservations Recommended, Call (352) 989-4820
 

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