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Entertainment Series

Three Men and a Tenor

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COLDWATER – Last seen on the Tibbits stage in spring 2011, the pop vocal group Three Men and a Tenor will make a return trip to the historic Opera House Friday, April 22 with a special school performance in the afternoon and a public performance in the evening.

Great pop vocal music, quick-witted humor, and overall likeability make The Three Men and a Tenor show a unique, unmatched musical experience for audiences. The group has a national touring schedule and has opened shows for entertainment legends like Jay Leno and The Beach Boys. They’ve performed the national anthem to start the NASCAR FireKeepers 400, and had a national PBS-TV special that was shown from Los Angeles to Nashville.

Three Men and a Tenor was formed by Paul Felch, Chuck Colby, Mark Stiles, and Glenn Williams in 1992 when the foursome were all members of the MSU Men’s Choir. Born and raised in different cities in Michigan, the group formed expecting to only sing one song together as added entertainment for a concert for the MSU Choir and Jazz Band concert in Grayling. Now, after 30-years together, they’ve won “The Best Entertainment in Michigan” four times, and presented nearly 4,000 performances, including two performance tours of our US Military Bases and Landstuhl Hospital in Germany, for our troops and their families. 

For their appearance at Tibbits, the group will hold a special performance at Tibbits in the afternoon for music students at Coldwater High School, Legg Middle School and Lakeland Fifth grade band. Coldwater Community Schools Superintendent, Terry Whelan says, “I’m excited to work with Tibbits to bring in this amazing group. We really wanted to say thank you to all of our students in the music program, both band and choir, for all of their dedication and perseverance through the last couple of years. They had a lot of additional restrictions during Covid and yet they stuck with it. In honor of their hard work and flexibility, we dedicate this concert to them!”

Three Men and a Tenor have regularly sold-out shows at performing arts centers, theatres, and festivals and fairs including a long history working with schools sharing their love of music and their signature blend of powerful vocal harmonies and feel-good music for all ages.

The group’s most recent recording THREE MEN and a TENOR 25 includes several new songs including a stirring tribute to veterans, A Hero’s Prayer. In every performance, the group performs this song and honors our nation’s veterans. This is a show that will be enjoyed by all ages and people will leaving feeling better than when they walked in and begging for more. 

The concert begins at 7pm with doors to the theatre, Ghost Light Bar, and Art Gallery open at 6pm and seating beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets range from $10-15 including fees with a $4 discount for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Tibbits.org, stop at Tibbits business offices at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029. The performance will be held at Tibbits Opera House, located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI.

Professional Stand-Up Comedy Returns to Tibbits March 25

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COLDWATER – Laughter abounds as Coldwater Comedy Fest, last seen on Tibbits’ stage in 2020 just days before theatres and public venues across the country were shut down, returns to Tibbits Opera House March 25.

Three professional stand-up comedians —headliner Leighann Lord, featured comic Lee Hardin, and emcee Wesley Ward — will perform at the historic theatre.

Coldwater Comedy Fest returns to Tibbits Opera House with three professional stand-up comedians. Headliner Leighann Lord will perform along with featured comic Lee Hardin and emcee Wesley Ward at the historic theatre on March 25.

Headliner Leighann Lord has been seen on Comedy Central, HBO, and The View, and was recently seen on Netflix in the Def Comedy Jam 25th Anniversary Special. She was a national finalist in the American Black Film Festival-HBO Comedy Wings Competition and received the 2019 Humanist Arts Award from the American Humanist Association. Lord is a veteran stand-up comedian and author of several humor books. She is the creator of the People with Parents podcast (where she talks about the role reversal between adult children and aging parents); and is a former co-host on StarTalk Radio, with Neil de Grasse Tyson.

A Queens, NY resident who has performed internationally, including for U. S. troops stationed in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, Lord says “I believe that humor makes people happy. Happiness gives us hope and my hope is that if we can laugh together we can live together.”

Featured comic Lee Hardin, based out of Nashville, Tennessee, has been touring the country relentlessly, performing in comedy clubs, churches, corporate events, and once on a farm for prisoners. His work on the road paid off in 2019 with the release of his Drybar Comedy special, “Not Quite a Grown-Up,” which is available to watch for free on the Drybar Comedy app.

His quirky and clever approach to comedy, his stories about Taco Bell, and being an only child with bunk beds, have led him to share the comedy stage with acts like Henry Cho, Ryan Hamilton, and Nate Bargatze. Hardin has also performed as a warmup act for The Mike Huckabee Show and was a Top 10 Finalist for Jeanne Robertson’s “Comedy with Class” competition in 2019.

Emceeing the evening is Detroit-based Wesley Ward. A finalist in the Border City Comedy Festival and frequent performer at Laugh Fest, Ward can also be seen across the Midwest performing at comedy clubs, universities, and any stage with a microphone.

Comedy Fest begins at 7pm with doors to the theatre, Ghost Light Bar, and Art Gallery open at 6pm and seating beginning at 6:30. Tickets range from $19-26 including fees, with discounts available to Tibbits members. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Tibbits.org, stop in at Tibbits business offices at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029. The performance will be held at Tibbits Opera House, located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI.

Start the New Year Rocking with Queen at Tibbits

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Absolute Queen, a Queen tribute band, will kick off Tibbits’ 2022 Entertainment Series when they take the stage on January 22, 2022 at the historic theatre in Coldwater, MI.

Coldwater— Experience the hyper-realistic sights and sounds of what a Queen concert was like in the early 1980s, when Tibbits Entertainment Series kicks off 2022 with the tribute band Absolute Queen on January 22.

The show is filled with all of the many hits, incredible vocals, stories about Queen and the songs, costume changes, and high energy sing-along songs. Absolute Queen is a realistic Queen show replicating the songs, effects and music, with each member of the group boasting an impressive resume of musical tours and performances. Martyn Jenkins, lead singer and their “Freddie” from Wales, UK, has toured throughout Europe in a famed Queen tribute show for years. He has had the pleasure of sharing stages with both Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen and performed at many Queen International Fan Club Events. Jenkins will regale the audience with stories about the band and his own personal experience with former members and his visits to original recording studios. The band also features Chris Kinder on percussion well known for playing and touring and recording music for Jon Oliva the mastermind behind Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

The band has spent hundreds of hours perfecting the exact multiple harmonies of the real Queen records. They pride themselves on their ability to perform Bohemian Rhapsody live with the mastery of the original Queen. The concert features every song from the Bohemian Rhapsody film and many more deep cuts and hits like “Best Friend,” “Keep Yourself Alive,” “We Are The Champions,” “Love Of My Life,” “Play The Game,” and “Another Ones Bites the Dust,” just to name a few.

Tickets for Absolute Queen range from $20-$43, with discounts available for Tibbits members. Tickets for Tibbits members Benefactor level and above are exclusively on sale now through December 15 by calling 517-278-6029. Tickets will go on sale to the general public December 16 at Tibbits.org. Generously sponsored by HaasCaywood PC, attorneys with offices in Coldwater and Sturgis, this is the firm’s third year sponsoring a tribute concert.

The concert will be held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St in Coldwater, MI. Doors to the lobbies, art gallery, and Ghost Light Bar will open at 6pm, with seating beginning at 6:30pm for the 7pm performance.

Plans for additional events in Tibbits’ 2022 Entertainment Series, including additional tribute band concerts, Comedy Fest, classic films and more are being finalized. From the theatre’s opening in 1882, touring artists have been offered for the community. Tibbits continues the tradition with a season of concerts, cultural events, movies and other such programs for all ages.

Additional information and tickets for Absolute Queen and all other events at Tibbits can be found at Tibbits.org, by visiting the Tibbits administrative offices at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or by calling 517.278.6029.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA TRIBUTE

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Siberian Solstice, with music performed in the style of the nationally acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), will return to Tibbits Opera House on December 18, 2021 to present their exciting and inspirational Christmas show.

Coldwater— Experience the magic of the holidays in Trans-Siberian-Orchestra style as Siberian Solstice returns to Tibbits for a musical Christmas concert December 18 at 7pm.

Last seen on the Tibbits stage in December of 2019, Siberian Solstice provides an exciting and inspirational Christmas show with music performed in the style of the nationally acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). With more than 10 million albums sold, TSO has inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera. On the road, they have become one of the world’s top acts, with Billboard magazine naming TSO one of the top touring artists of the past decade.

Enhanced by lighting and video, Siberian Solstice will feature traditional Christmas music and classical pieces presented with a rock feel using electronic keyboards, drums, and guitars.  Siberian Solstice has eight members on stage to accurately reproduce the TSO style. The touring group from Ohio includes founding member Dave Coonrod on bass, Dave Deal and Marie Moore on keyboard, Chuck Mauk on percussion, Jamie Blank as narrator, Mary Jackson and Jenn (Britsch) Shook on vocals, Garnet McGladdery on guitar and vocals and Kevin Peters on guitar. All are accomplished musicians with extensive recording and performance experience.

Tickets for the Siberian Solstice range from $10-$25, with discounts available for Tibbits members. Generously sponsored by Longstreet Living, it will be held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St in Coldwater, MI. Doors to the lobbies, art gallery, and Ghost Light Bar will open at 6pm, with seating beginning at 6:30pm.

Plans for Tibbits’ 2022 Entertainment Series tribute band concerts, comedy fest, and more are being finalized. From the theatre’s opening in 1882, touring artists have been offered for the community. Tibbits continues the tradition with a season of concerts, cultural events, movies and other such programs for all ages.

Additional information and tickets for Siberian Solstice and all other events at Tibbits can be found at Tibbits.org, by visiting the Tibbits administrative offices at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or by calling 517.278.6029.

International Opera Singer to Return to Hometown Stage

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COLDWATER – Coldwater’s own Chelsea (Hart) Melcher, now internationally acclaimed opera singer, will return to the Tibbits stage with her award-winning pianist husband Paul Melcher for a special benefit concert on September 18, 2021 at 7:30pm.

The duo will be performing for the 20th Annual Smith Memorial Concert, with proceeds this year benefiting area high school choir programs, including Coldwater, Reading, Bronson, Pansophia Academy, and Union City.

Concert organizer Diane Pridgeon says, “I knew Chelsea as an elementary standout in the 5th grade Honors Choir. I wanted to benefit the chorale programs in the area and she was a good fit vocally because she came through the Coldwater program.” Pridgeon continued, “It’s generous of her to return and care about the music program in Coldwater and the surrounding areas.”

Chelsea also has deep connections to Tibbits having started with the Tibbits Young Audiences program, and then performing in Coldwater High School musical theatre performances. She also performed as a soloist for St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church choir.

Internationally acclaimed opera singer and Coldwater native Chelsea (Hart) Melcher will return to the Tibbits stage with her award-winning pianist husband Paul Melcher for the Smith Memorial Concert on September 18, 2021 at 7:30pm. Proceeds will benefit area school choir programs.

Chelsea Melcher has been described as “coolly captivating” and “a woman to be reckoned with” onstage. Chelsea has performed Verdi’s Requiem and Strauss’ Vier Letzte Lieder, the Messiah, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and Mahler’s Second Symphony. Melcher’s performing includes collaboration with Opera Columbus, Opera Seabrook, Opera Project Columbus, Bay View Music Festival, New Albany Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, Columbus Symphony, Ohio Light Opera, Midland Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Amherst Symphony, Central Michigan Orchestra, and The Ohio State University Orchestra.

Internationally acclaimed composer and pianist Paul Melcher has performed in concert halls around the world. Featured on CBS “Christmas in Norway,” Paul has toured with the St. Olaf Choir where he performed for Queen Sonja Haraldsen of Norway and worked closely with the renowned Anton Armstrong. Paul’s award winning compositions have world premiered in the Midwest and featured in RED Chapel Concert series programs. Paul has served as music director for various opera company programs and accompanied professional singers and choirs including Opera Columbus, Opera Project Columbus, Bay View Music Festival, Encore Theater, Refectory Dinner Music Series, Grand Rapids Ballet, BalletMet of Columbus, and more.

Chelsea is the founder of Vocal Career Academy and Nerves Be Gone Academy. Together, Chelsea and Paul have co-founded RED School of Music with professional teachers and unlimited performance opportunities.

The Ruth, Robert, Douglas, and Dean Smith Memorial Concert was originally organized by Diane Smith Pridgeon and her sister Susanne Smith Wise to celebrate the lives of their father and two brothers, Robert, Douglas and Dean Smith. Pridgeon explains, “At the 25th year after their passing, my mother and I thought we would like to do something to give back to our community.” After Ruth’s passing, the sisters continued the tradition, adding their mother to the list of the lives they celebrate.

Tickets for this performance are $25 including fees with student rate of $10. For tickets or more information, go online to Tibbits.org, to the Tibbits offices on 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater 9-5 Mon. through Fri., or by phone at 517.278.6029. All events are at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, Coldwater, MI.

Purchase tickets HERE

John Keck Jazz Quartet Comes to Tibbits

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Coldwater- Smooth live instrumental jazz featuring the John Keck Jazz Quartet will fill Tibbits Opera House on Sat. August 28 at 7:30pm.

Battle Creek native and bass guitar player John Keck leads the band, playing since the early 80s. A self-taught musician who also was a self-proclaimed orchestra nerd back in high school, Keck jokes that he only became the band’s leader because he “left practice early the night they were picking out the name for the group!” Joining Keck is guitarist Gary Watkins and flutist Brandon Marceal.

Much like jazz music itself, the group is fluid, changing based on each gig. Keck said, “Sometimes we’re a duo or a trio. One time we were a quintet. I have a pool of talented good friends who want to come and jam. That’s the good thing about what we do and we’ve been able to work with some of the best musicians in Michigan.”

Smooth live instrumental jazz featuring the John Keck Jazz Quartet will fill Tibbits Opera House on Sat. August 28.

Though the quartet was officially formed only five or six years ago, members of the group have been professional musicians playing together off and on for the past 20 years. Aside from playing locally at JT’s in Coldwater a number of times, the band has also played at Crickets and 3030 West in Battle Creek, Sandhill and Stagecoach in Marshall, Fall of the Arts/Spring of the Arts in Battle Creek, charity work with The Ark in Battle Creek, as well as a variety of other locations in Jonesville and Kalamazoo.

The concert includes renditions of well-known songs that the group turns into their own entity, interspersed with several original songs and some fun stories from band members.

Keck expressed, “People will laugh, enjoy some delightful music and have a good time. That’s really what it’s all about.”

This event is generously sponsored by Damiron Truck Center: Home of the Chrome Warehouse  in Fremont, IN. They carry all makes of semi-trucks and also accessories such as bumpers, visors, pipes, lights, and more.

Damiron Truck Center owners Dale and Kim Waligora said, “We proudly sponsored this event to share our love of jazz and bring enjoyment to the community.”

The event will be by donation at the door at Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI. Doors to the lobbies, art gallery, and Ghost Light Bar will open at 6:30pm, with seating beginning at 7pm. For a full listing of events at Tibbits, please visit Tibbits.org.

Russell Gates Concert on Stage July 31

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COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera Foundation will present a special piano concert featuring Russell Gates Saturday, July 31 at 7:30 pm at the Tibbits Opera House as a way to say thank you to the community while also welcoming a new donation of a baby grand piano from the estate of Dzidra Bonfiglio Shamuluas.

Pianist Russell Gates will perform in concert at Tibbits Opera House Saturday, July 31 at 7:30 pm. The concert is free and open to the public as a way for Tibbits to say thank you to the community.

Gates will perform selections of film music for the first act of the concert. The second act will be devoted to “Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto #2.” The concert is free and open to the public.

According to Tibbits Executive Director, Christine Delaney, “The community and so many individuals have been there for us through this unprecedented year. We want to say thank you in a way that’s special. The delivery of the grand piano gave us the perfect instrument, literally and figuratively!”

Delaney explained, while the theatre was closed, donors gave to membership with many increasing their gifts, others gave to the Board Match Challenge for which the board of directors were also generous. As work continued while the building was closed, many also contributed to match the Sound & Tech improvement grant. “Tibbits is truly blessed to have such overwhelming support,” Delaney added.

While many have heard him play at events throughout the community, few have had the chance to hear Gates play in a full concert setting. He has performed piano professionally for 20 years. From an adage of a college advisor— “You don’t get a degree in music- you get a life in it”—Gates has made a life filled with unique musical experiences.

He performed in show band orchestras on worldwide tours with Holland America, Regent, and Royal Caribbean/Celebrity/Azamara Cruises, accompanying thousands of shows. Guest entertainer highlights were actor/comedian Marty Allen, the Temptations Tribute, Sesame Street Musical Director Marty Henn, X-Factor finalist Austin Drage, Britain’s Got Talent saxophonist Julian Smith, and American Idol singer Lou Gazzara. As a Stowaway Pianist, Russell also put his spin on the ups and downs of “elevator parties,” creating sing-alongs and unforgettable memories.

A Coldwater graduate, he won the Kalamazoo Symphony’s Youth Composition Contest in 2001 with his composition “Moment of Triumph” which was performed in multiple venues by the KSO and the MESA Symphony Orchestra. During his teen years, he was a student of jazz pianist and Gilmore Artist Ron Di Salvio. He received his Bachelor of Science in Music Composition / Piano Performance at Hillsdale College. Highlights of his college career include performing with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, at the Music School of Prague, and Loyola University for the 16th New Orleans Piano Institute. Gates has participated in master classes with international piano competition winner Alan Chow and Woody Herman Band Pianist Chip Stephens. Accompanying Metropolitan Opera Countertenor Andre Nemzer in his personal concert was a memorable outlier. Regularly busking Grand Rapids’ Art Prize and engaging in Play Me, I’m Yours festivals domestically have provided him the perfect excuse for travel and meeting new friends.

Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI. The concert is at 7:30 pm, seating will begin at 7 pm. The building opens at 6:30 to enjoy the art gallery, gift shop and Ghost Light Bar. For more information, go to Tibbits.org or call 517-278-6029.

Elton John Tribute Concert Coming to Tibbits in September

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Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute concert, will take the stage at Tibbits on Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm. It is sponsored by Coldwater Sunrise Rotary.

COLDWATER –With replica costumes and Elton John’s trademark outrageous glasses, Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute concert, will take the stage at Tibbits on Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm.

Yellow Brick Road will entertain at the evening Elton John tribute concert, featuring performer Gerald Brann and his five-piece band. Brann not only bears an uncanny resemblance to the international superstar-complete with gap-toothed smile and many of his mannerisms, but recreates Elton John’s vocals and playing. A trained jazz pianist, Brann has been a lifelong Elton John fan. His admiration for and love of this music comes shining through as he plays one hit after another with remarkable likeness to the pop music icon while singing along to “Rocket Man” and “Your Song,” swaying to “Candle in the Wind,” or hopping and bopping to “Crocodile Rock.”

With an unprecedented nod from the man himself, Gerald Brann was granted permission to use Elton John’s own orchestral scores to perform with the August Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Brann and Yellow Brick Road have been officially endorsed by Hercules, the International Elton John Fan Club, and have played extensively through the world to rave reviews.

Tickets for Yellow Brick Road go on sale to Tibbits members on June 1, with tickets to the general public on sale June 8. Ticket prices range from $20-34 with Tibbits member discounts. Yellow Brick Road begins at 7:30pm with doors to the theatre and Ghost Light Bar open 45 minutes prior.

The performance, generously sponsored by Coldwater Sunrise Rotary, will take place at Tibbits Opera House, located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Tibbits.org, stop in at Tibbits business offices at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029.

BUY TICKETS HERE!

Coldwater Sunrise Rotary to Sponsor Elton John Tribute Concert

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Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute concert, will take the stage at Tibbits on Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm. The concert is generously sponsored by the Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary.

COLDWATER – With replica costumes and Elton John’s trademark outrageous glasses, Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute concert, will take the stage at Tibbits on Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm, sponsored by Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary.

“Yellow Brick Road” features trained jazz pianist and Elton John performer Gerald Brann, along with his talented five-piece band. They will entertain at the evening concert with classic Elton John hits including “Rocket Man,” “Your Song,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Crocodile Rock.”

The performance is being sponsored by Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary. Rotary International is a service-oriented club that provides humanitarian service and support to people and organizations, and advances goodwill and peace in the communities they serve. The Sunrise Rotary has supported scholarships at KCC, the food bank, numerous shelters and non-profit organizations in Branch County. It helped form the COVID Task Force which joined with other organizations to purchase masks for all area schools and a low temp freezer for Vaccine storage to Promedica Hospital in the past year.

“As a club who values Service above Self, we strive to support projects and activities that improve the quality of life for all residents of Coldwater and Branch County,” said Sunrise Rotary President David McMillan. 

Tickets for “Yellow Brick Road” go on sale to Tibbits members on June 1, with tickets to the general public on sale June 8. For more information or to purchase tickets once they go on sale, visit Tibbits.org, stop in at Tibbits business offices at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029. The performance will be held at Tibbits Opera House, located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI. All current restrictions and guidelines such as social distancing and universal masking will be followed at the time of the concert.

Those looking to become involved with the Sunrise Rotary Club should visit their website at www.ccoldwatersunriserotary.com.

SANTA PRESENTS “SANTA’S NORTH POLE TALES” AT TIBBITS

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Coldwater— Experience the magic of the holidays as Santa presents a special reading of several classic Christmas tales with “Santa’s North Pole Tales,” a virtual Tibbits production December 19 at 7pm.

Filmed at the historic Tibbits Opera House, Santa will read two books, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” as well as “The Night Before Christmas or a Visit From St Nicholas.” The program will also include Santa’s responses to videos sent in advance from audience members with their Christmas wishes.

“We know it’s going to be hard to meet with Santa this year, so we have arranged for him to visit the opera house to film this special message,” said Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney. “Even though we haven’t been able to open our doors, we’re so excited to continue to provide arts opportunities to everyone.”

There is no cost to view this event.  The link will be posted at Tibbits.org and on Tibbits’ Facebook page on Dec 19. To stay up-to-date on future events at Tibbits, please visit Tibbits.org.

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