New Year's Eve on Flagler

The party is on Flagler tomorrow night. Ring in the New Year on Flagler Ave at any one of the several bars and restaurants hosting a New Year's Eve Party!



Our friends at the Om Bar are hosting the Black & White Ball....

What's a Black & White Ball? Simply wear black or white or both - or neither if you like red!

There is no cover charge and the evening includes complimentary party favors and champagne toast at midnight. Plus LIVE MUSIC with Shadow Cabinet. VIP Packages available!

VIP TABLE PACKAGES AVAILABLE

Get a complimentary VIP Package with your advance purchase of a bottle of French Champagne for New Year's. If you would like one of the VIP Table Packages, simply call the lounge 386-423-2727 from 11am to 6pm to select and advance purchase a bottle of selected French Champagne and you will receive a complimentary VIP Table. Here is what is included:

Reserved VIP Table for up to 6 people. The table is yours for the night! (Only a limited number of tables available!)

Upgraded party favors, hats, noise makers and streamers
Upgraded champagne toast at midnight
VIP table service
Complimentary taxi ride home (New Smyrna Beachside only)

Whatever you do, be safe!

Around Town~For The Kids

New Smyrna Beach High School will host a six-week Spring Training 2010 baseball program for players in grades 1 through 12 from Jan. 9 to Feb. 13. New Smyrna Beach High School head coach Jose Fernandez will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching and catching at a cost as low as $99 for six weeks. Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit USBaseballAcademy or call toll-free 866-622-4487.



Jan. 6 marks the beginning of a new round of acting classes at New Smyrna Beach’s Little Theatre for the young thespians in Southeast Volusia. These are held after school on early release Wednesdays. Go to the Wonderland Theatre website for more information.

Happy Day After Christmas

Christmas was a rousing success in our house and now the countdown to back to school starts!! My house looks very similar to a war zone today and no one has any interest in picking it up including me....there are a few things going on next week to amuse the kids.

The Port Orange Public Library, 1005 City Center Cr., Port Orange is holding a childrens film festival, each day from Dec. 28-31. Bring a snack or lunch and enjoy a first run family movie in the auditorium. Movies start at noon.

The theme this holiday season is: “Not Even a Mouse.”

Monday, Dec. 28 – The Great Mouse Detective

Tuesday, Dec. 29 – The Secret of NIMH

Wednesday, Dec. 30 – Mousehunt

Thursday, Dec. 31 – Stuart Little

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ"

Luke 2: 8-11

Merry Christmas Eve!

Have a safe and happy Christmas Eve!

Play Wii at The Library

Head over to the Library in New Smyrna Beach tomorrow at 3pm....children ages 9 - 15 are invited to play Wii sports, Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution and Drop in Jamz. For more information, please call (386) 424-2910, ext. 111. They will do it again next week on December 30th. The event is free.

Mom, I'm Bored

The week before Christmas and two days into vacation the "I'm Bored", has started....there is not much to do this week to amuse the kids but here are a few ideas:

Beacon Theatre - Fandango has daily showtimes, remember you can hit the box office prior to the show and purchase tickets, so no waiting before showtime.

Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is reasonably priced and is just a short distance away. This is a good way to kill a few hours. They are open from 9am-5pm everyday except Christmas.

This is a great week to take advantage of the free 7-day guest pass at the SE Volusia YMCA.

There is also this great place that we go to every Sunday, the Volusia County Public Library. Free movies, books and all kinds of activities for kids. You can find the schedule for your branch on the website link above.

Enjoy the school break and stay sane!

Around Town~Weekend Events

The Nashville-based “Blackwood Legacy” gospel group, featuring former Blackwood Brothers Quartet lead singer and Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductee Rick Price, will be performing Friday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., at the Free Will Baptist Church in New Smyrna Beach. Also performing is Luke Yates, a dynamic pianist and vocalist and former Florida Boys Tenor, Don E Thomas. The Free Will Baptist Church is located at 847 Turnbull Street. For more information on this event call (386) 428-4741. Admission is free.

Also this weekend on Saturday, December 18th at 5pm, Coronado Community United Methodist Church invites the community to attend its “Service of the Longest Night.” This special worship service is being held near the winter solstice, the longest night of the calendar year.It recognizes that during the Advent season of joy and celebration many people find it difficult to be “merry” because of circumstances in their lives.

Art Walk on Flagler

The Art Walk on Flagler is being held on the third Saturday, December 19th, instead of the usual 4th Saturday this month. This gives you one more chance to shop our local artists and vendors for that special Christmas gift. It starts at 10am on Saturday and runs til 5pm. Several restaurants are holding wine tastings and offering food samples from 3pm-5pm. There will be over 120 resident artists displaying and selling their arts and crafts.

Support your local business.

Open Hanger Day

This Saturday from 10am-2pm head over to the New Smyrna Beach Airport for Open Hanger Days, you can check out what American Aero Services is working on. They have been restoring these old birds for over 28 years. There are some fantastic old planes available to check out, and it is all for a GREAT cause. They are collecting donations for the Southeast Volusia Humane Society. So bring a big bag of pet food or feel free to donate cash! The shelter pets need your support!

It Is Not To Late To Give

There is still time to give to members of our community who are in need this Christmas.

Operation Christmas Cheer is in its 19th year. Run by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department. They are collecting thru December 22nd and welcome toys, canned goods and clothing. Collection Boxes are at Fire Station 50, 103 Faulkner St. Fire Station 52, 500 E. Third Ave, and at the Police Department 1400 N. Dixie Freeway. They are collecting until December 22nd.

Edgewater Fire-Rescue is accepting donations of new unwrapped toys, wrapping supplies, non-perishable food items and personal care items. No deadline for donations and they can be dropped off at Station 55, 1605 S. Ridgewood Ave.

Halifax Urban Ministries feeds our community year round. The New Smyrna location is at 715 Canal Street, with the help of several local churches they serve a hot meal daily to those that need it at the First Presbyterian Church on Magnolia St. They need donations year round but especially this time of year. Here is a list of what they typically need.

All three of these groups keep the donations right here in this community. If you are able please consider donating to one or all of them this Christmas season.

Christmas Eve Services

Hard to believe there is less than two weeks until Christmas, below is a list of some of the services that we have been made aware of at our local churches. If we missed any please comment and we will add it.

Crossroads Christian Church - service begins at 6pm and is held outside, in the event of rain it will not be held.

Edgewater Alliance Church - three services 4pm, 530pm and 7pm.

Coastline Christian Church - one service at 630pm

Coronado United Methodist Church - two services 5pm and 11pm

First Baptist Church of New Smyrna Beach - one service at 5pm

Bed & Breakfast Tour and Taste

Looking for something to do on Sunday, December 13th? The Bed & Breakfast Tour and Taste beings at 2pm and runs until 4pm. Start at any of the following B&B's in New Smyrna Beach:

Longboard Inn - 312 Washington St

Night Swan - 512 S Riverside Dr

Nuns & Roses - 213 Washington St

Coquina Wharf - 704 S Riverside Dr

Riverview Hotel - 103 Flagler Ave

Each location is decorated for the holidays and will have a unique food/drink event for your tasting pleasure.

Samsula Tractor Parade - Watch It Here

So I went to the Samsula Tractor Parade this afternoon. My daughter was riding in it. That is her and her horse. Below you can watch an entertaining slide show of the days entries. It was actually quite entertaining. I learned a few important things, there are alot of old tractors that still run and look great. Open container is not an issue in Samsula and there are those that still fly the Confederate Flag (sad but true). Click on the slideshow to watch it in fullscreen.

Happy Friday!

It is the weekend! Finally! Things to do this weekend:

Flagler Ave:

Light Up Flagler tonight at 530pm

Santa Run tomorrow at 6pm on Flagler

Flagler Avenue Christmas parties all along the street all evening

Edgewater Christmas Parade starts at 10am tomorrow

Samsula Tractor Parade and Lasagna Supper tomorrow at 3pm

Farmers Market on Canal Street starts at 7:30am on Saturday

I am sure there is more, comment or email me with your events!

Samsula Tractor Parade

If you don't have any plans Saturday afternoon you have to head over to Samsula.....The 9th annual Samsula Tractor Parade will be held along Samsula Road at 3pm. The SNPJ Lodge sponsors the parade each year for the community. It is pretty much anything goes including animals and pets. Horses and riders will follow at the end of the parade (yes my daughter is riding in it on her artfully decorated horse with her fellow Marcody Ranch riders.)

Lineup for parade entries begins at 1 p.m. and the parade route leaves the lodge at 3 p.m., travels south on Samsula Drive and makes a turn at S.R. 44 onto the corner lot and returns back to the lodge for dinner and prizes.

The parade is open to the public and spectators are welcome to line up along Samsula Drive to watch the parade. After the parade, a lasagna dinner complete with salad, green beans and dessert will be served buffet style at $8 for an adult meal and $5 for children through age 12. Travis Stratton and Salt Water Bluegrass will play for dancing. The lodge bar will also be open, I imagine after this one might need a cocktail. I hear it is quite something and I am looking forward to it!!

OM Bar Holiday Party

After the Santa Run, head on over to the Om Bar for their annual Holiday Party, they are offering buy 1 get 1 drinks from 8pm-10pm. Live music starts at 9pm, their very own Santa (I am kind of frightened to imagine who this might be) will be prancing around like Dasher and Dancer giving out free drink tickets to unsuspecting patrons. You can get your picture taken with Santa or even enter to win prizes in the Santa Contest.

They are also now serving food daily from 1130am - 1am on Friday and Saturday night, weekdays til 11pm.

Lots to do this weekend, more to come!!

Pearl Harbor Day

December 7, 1941, the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Take a minute today and remember this horrible day. I was fortunate enough to visit the Memorial to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor when my brother was stationed there. It is an amazing memorial and pictures do not do it justice.

National Geographic has an excellent section on this on their site.

Santa Run~Toy Drive & Pub Crawl

Don't miss the 2nd Annual Santa Run, Toy Drive & Pub Crawl on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 6PM. The Santa Run & Toy Drive is a great way to share the joy of the holidays with children in need and have fun doing it! Here is how it works…

Meet at the Flagler Avenue Beach Ramp at 6pm on Saturday, December 12, 2009. Come dressed as Santa (or related holiday character).

Don't have a Santa Costume? NO PROBLEM!!! Present a completed registration form along with your unwrapped toy and receive a free Santa Hat and Souvenir Santa Run T-shirt. This is limited to the first 1,000 Santas.

RUN, WALK or CRAWL to the finish line at Cooper and Flagler Street, it is only a block and a half so everyone should survive......drop your toy in the toy bin. Toys benefit Toys for Tots and The Boys & Girls Club of Volusia.

Then stay for the Christmas Cheer one of the parties at your favorite pub! Bud & Bud Light specials at all the pubs for those first 1000 Santas all night!

Support Toys For Tots~if you cannot make the Toy Run please bring your unwrapped toy to Mullinax Ford in New Smyrna Beach, they are a local drop off location.

Light Up Flagler - Do Over!

Light Up Flagler was a wash out last night and will be held next Friday, December 11th at 5:30pm.

The Christmas Parade and the Boat Parade will go on as scheduled today at 4pm.

Have a great weekend! Support your local business!

Christmas Parade & Boat Parade

The annual Christmas parade will march down Flagler Avenue this Sunday, December 5th at 4pm. It starts at the Flagler Beach Ramp parking lot and proceeds down Flagler, across the North Causeway and on over to Canal Street. We attend this event every year and it is worth the walk over to Flagler. It usually concludes at about 6pm. Then you can make your way over to Riverside Park and enjoy the Boat Parade, which starts in Edgewater and winds it way to the Riverview Hotel where it turns around and heads back.

Both events are an excellent way to start off the holiday season with your family!

Be sure and bring a bag for candy for your smaller children!

Light Up Flagler

Light Up Flagler is this Friday, December 4th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. The Grand Lighting is at 6 pm. There will be live entertainment by school groups, choirs, strolling carolers, light displays and Santa and his sleigh.

Many of the merchants will have an open house, serving refreshments and most will be decorated for the season. Merchants will be competing for the “Best Window Display” and “Best Building.” The winners will be announced at 6 p.m. at the gazebo.

The Dream-A-Wish Foundation will be at the corner of Flagler Avenue and Cooper Street with Santa, his helpers and his big bright red sleigh. It will be the perfect place to take some festive holiday photos of family members.

Flagler Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Peninsula Avenue to Atlantic Avenue from 5-8 p.m.

Please support your local business!

Just Don't Put It In Writing.......

I received the monthly newsletter from my son's school today, imagine my delight when I saw he was on the Dean's List. So he came home from school, I told him he came over and looked at it and said "wow" and walked away. OK WHAT!! He was thrilled when he got straight A's so this was NOT the reaction I expected.....

So.....I said "Curt, come here, are you not happy?"

Curt - "yes Mom I am happy, but look at those kids on the list, they are all smart and good kids"

WHAT!

"Curt, you are smart and a good kid, what are you talking about???"

"Mom, I know I am smart, you know I am smart, but having it in writing is going to ruin my social reputation."

Please deliver me.....

Norwood's Holiday Wine Festival

This weekend is the 14th annual Norwood's Holiday Food and Wine Festival.

This wonderful event brings in wine and food lovers from all over Florida. Complete details can be found on their website.

Support your local business!!

Lights Of Love

The 20th annual Lights Of Love Christmas Concert at Bert Fish Hospital is Tuesday, December 1st at 5:30pm. It will be held at the Palmetto St Entrance.

The program features holiday music by local bands and choral groups and a visit from Santa. It is free to all but donations to benefit the 2010 improvement of the Intensive Care Unit will be welcomed. You can get the full program brochure here.

Having spent a good bit of time visiting the Bert Fish Intensive Care unit this summer, I would say it is a worthy cause for your donation. All donations are tax deductible.

What a long weekend...it is nice for the kids to have a break from school, but is is really nice for Mom to get a break when they go back to school. My son has been out of school since the Friday before Thanksgiving, but he is not high maintenance....my daughter....well let's just say she is up my ass just about every minute of the day, from the minute she wakes up til bedtime......I am pretty sure some of it is related to her missing father (and no he is not missing in action in the military or the victim of crime or illness) whatever the reason it results in NO PEACE for Mom.

But I digress, against my better judgment and to just shut her up I got out the Christmas decorations before December 1st.....something I do not do...I put up the tree and let her go to town decorating....she opened boxes of my mothers, my grandmothers, mine....I have Christmas coming out of every orifice, attached to every doorknob, windowsill and light switch.....she painted the dogs toenails red....(one of them is an 85 lb male boxer)....you get the idea.....

I will try and rid myself of the Bah Humbug attitude before the big parade, light up Flagler etc. weekend that we have coming up....check back later in the week for a full schedule of events!

Christmas On Canal Street

Christmas on Canal Street kicked off this evening with the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree. Tommorrow will be the Coastal Christmas Market on Canal Street, this features the usual Farmer's Market as well as Christmas Crafts, wreaths, ornaments greenery etc. all along historic Canal Street from 9am-5pm.

Wednesday, December 2nd will be Girl's Night Out, featuring a fashion show, shopping and refreshments.

Check out the entire schedule of events on the Christmas on Canal Street site.

Christmas Village Art Walk

This Saturday, November 28th from 10am-5pm is the annual Christmas Village Art Walk on Flagler Avenue. Many local merchants and vendors will be on hand selling everything from paintings to Christmas ornaments and gifts. Food, entertainment and a visit from Santa will all be part of the day!

Shop local, support local business!

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Black Friday Favorite!

I don't usually, actually I never hawk products on this site. However, this is one of my favorites and everyone I have told about it loves it too. Last year I purchased a Mom Agenda All in One Folio Home Organizer. It has everything, It is a great product to help you get organized and also makes a great gift. Their website offers free printable pages that fit in any of their calendars and has useful tips for getting organized. They have some great sales going on this weekend and FREE shipping thru the holidays. Check them out and let me know what you think!!

Holiday Closings and Schedule Changes

There are several deviations to the trash and recycling schedules this week:

City of Edgewater Schedule

There will be no garbage, recycling and yard trash collection for residents of unincorporated Volusia County on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Unincorporated areas are outside city limits.

The makeup day for Thanksgiving will be Saturday, Nov. 28; the makeup day for Christmas will be Saturday, Dec. 26; and the makeup day for New Year’s Day will be Saturday, Jan. 2.

Port Orange trash pickup will be on Saturday, no pickup Thursday.

City of New Smyrna - Recycling will be picked up Thursday, no trash pickup.

Click here for a complete list of Holiday closings

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Who's Cooking?

If you don't want to cook and cannot find some friend to mooch off of, or if you just like to eat out on Thanksgiving there are plenty of options for dining out in the area:

Norwood's Fine Seafood

Stella's Skyline Cafe - 11am- 6pm

Pub 44 - 11m-8pm

First Turn - beginning at 4pm

Enjoy the holiday!

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

The 9th annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner will again be held at First United Methodist Church located at 215 Palmetto Street, New Smyrna Beach

The traditional turkey dinner, open to all residents of Southeast Volusia, will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. There is no charge for the dinner, but donations will be accepted to help the sponsoring churches in their cost to provide this community service.

The full course “sit down and be served dinner” will consist of roast turkey, dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, green peas, waldorf salad, sweet potato souffle, cranberry sauce, rolls and butter, assorted pies, tea and coffee.

The 2009 dinner is sponsored by 14 churches in the Southeast Volusia area: Coronado Community United Methodist, Edgewater United Methodist and First United United Methodist churches; Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sacred Heart and Saint Girards Mission Catholic churches; Christ Community Church, Edgewater Alliance Church, Friendship Community Church, First Presbyterian Church, New Smyrna Beach United Church of Christ, Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church, Allen Chapel AME Church and Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Last year, more than 600 dinners were served to individuals, couples, family members and friends groups. Cheryl Davis, dinner coordinator said at a recent committee meeting that 700 meals would be prepared for the 2009 dinner. When the first dinners was served 9 years ago about 150 people attended.

For additional information and/or to register you or your group’s plans to attend please call the First United Methodist Church office at (386) 428-4371 between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday.

Shopping

There are a few good opportunities to shop on Saturday, November 21st.....

The Flagler Avenue Merchants are having their annual sidewalk sale beginning at 9am. Great bargains for the Holidays!!

Indian River Self Storage in Edgewater is holding their annual Community Benefit Yard Sale from 8am-1pm. There will be refreshments.

The Farmer's Market on Canal Street is open from 730am-1230pm.

Support your local business! Shop Local!

Around Town~Weekend Events

Plenty to do this weekend at the beach and around the area:

Oliver!

The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach is presenting Oliver! based on Charles Dickens’s well known Oliver Twist. This production is sponsored by the Little Theatre’s WonderLand Theatre Company.

Reserved seating is available for purchase at the Box Office by calling (386) 423-1246 or by visiting in person. Tickets are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors and $9 for students under 18. The Box Office is open weekdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and two hours before each performance.
Evening Performances (7 p.m.) Nov. 20, 21, 27, 28 & Dec. 3, 4, 5, and Sunday Matinees (2 p.m.) Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6


Jalapeno Open

Join the folks from Clancy’s at Hidden Lakes Golf Course on Nov. 21, beginning at 8 a.m for the Jalapeno Open. The format is a two person scramble. Gulf Atlantic Vehicles and Malibu East Motorcars are the hole in one sponsors again this year.

Sign up at Hidden Lakes Golf Course, 35 Fairgreen Ave. or call (386) 427-4138 or at Clancy’s Cantina, 301 Flagler Ave. A $50 entry fee includes range balls, cart, coffee, juice, donuts, breakfast burritos, 18 holes of golf, and an awards banquet lunch at Clancy’s Cantina following the event. Checks may be payable to Clancy’s Cantina. $25 Hole Sponsors. Make hole sponsorship checks payable to the American Cancer Society/Relay For Life.

Open Hangar Day

American Aero Services, 333 South Street, New Smyrna Beach Airport will house an Open Hangar Day on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WWII Bombers and fighter aircraft will be on display.

Please bring a pet food donation for the Southeast Volusia Humane Society. Food and drinks will be sold to benefit the museum. Visit Timeless Wings and Wheels for more information.

Bake Sale and Auction

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 285 Edgewater, Inc. will be hosting their annual bake sale auction to raise money for two nursing scholarships on Saturday Nov.21. A variety of baked goods will be available for sale. This event will begin at 2 p.m., and ends at 5 p.m. or whenever we sell the last item. Come in and bid for your favorite! This event will held at the American Legion Post 285 in Edgewater.

Family Fitness

Mark your calendars for Nov. 21st it is Family Outreach Fitness Festival at New Smyrna Beach Middle School.

There will be many events to participate in, including athletic events, kickball, blood pressure checks, cancer screenings etc.

There will be plenty of water and medical aid will be on-site provided by the NSB Fire Department. PTSA will be providing food and drink, along with a few other vendors. Please come out and have some fun and show your stuff.

The OM Bar has entertainment all weekend and is now serving food, drop by from some wine, good music and a snack!

Holiday Charity Ball

The 12th Annual Holiday Charity Ball will be held next Saturday, November 21st at Brannon Center. The wonderful event runs from 7pm until midnight, the Brannon Center is located at 105 Riverside Drive in New Smyrna Beach. Tickets are $50.00 per person. You can purchase tickets online here or pick them up at the Chamber of Commerce, Brannon Center, Watson Realty (Patsy Bradley) or Bob Garriques and Associates. You can also purchase your tickets at the door.

Some of the local charity's that benefit from this event are Habitat for Humanity, NSB Caps, Meals On Wheels and Kidds Are First.

Along with dinner dancing and great entertainment there will be a Silent Auction with some fantastic prizes including fishing charters, hotel and NC Mountain Cabin stays as well as spa baskets and gift cards to local merchants.

This wonderful community event would not be possible without the generous sponsors that support it.

For more information contact Kaye Walker at 423-4384 or Carol Thomas at 424-8430.

Sell Your Gold

Bert Fish Medical Center Auxiliary is holding a combination event today Thursday, Nov. 19 in the Schildecker Lobby from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A jewelry sale will be held by “Masquerade” where all items are $5. This is a good time to select holiday gifts and a gold exchange will occur from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring in all unwanted gold or silver jewelry, dental fillings, and flatware in exchange for cash.

All major credit cards/debit cards, cash, and payroll deductions (for BFMC Employees) will be accepted. This even is open to the public and proceeds will benefit BFMC.

Wine Tasting~Relay For Life

The City Slickers Relay for Life team cordially invites you to a wine tasting event at SoNapa Wine Co. on November 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to benefit the American Cancer Society.

A wide selection of reds and whites from Napa and Sonoma will be served including sparkling wines for the holidays. Tasty hors d’oevres will be served also.

Your $20 donation per person will benefit a great cause while having a wonderful time tasting new wines. RSVP to SoNapa at (386) 402-8647 no later than Nov. 16 as space is limited. For further information, call Renee at (386) 405-0622.

Festival of Trees and Wreaths

The annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths, presented by the New Smyrna Beach Garden Club, is scheduled for November 20th from 9am to 3pm and November 21st from 9am to 1pm at the clubhouse at 2000 Turnbull Bay Road.

A silent auction of more than 25 trees and wreaths and centerpieces designed and decorated by club members in various themes will be offered for the holiday season.. Winning bids will be announced on Saturday at 1 pm.

Additionally, there will be a Golden Elephant Boutique comprised of various gift items and delights, a bake sale, a plant sale, plus a raffle featuring fabulous treasures, themed baskets and more.

Admission is free and there will be refreshments. Everyone is invited.

Shop At Home

No, I am not promoting online shopping...quite the opposite. It is more important than ever to support our local Volusia County businesses. Tourism is down and many businesses are struggling to stay afloat.

I challenge you to shop locally for all your Christmas and Holiday shopping needs. The Flagler Ave giftshops and jewelry stores have some great specials and beautiful gifts, The Big Bamboo has the largest selections of Webkins around. Quiet Flight and Red Dog Surf Shops have clothing on sale and surfboards/skateboards galore. You can pick up cigars and fine wines at The Om Bar.

Check out Restaurant.com for huge discounts on Merks, Stella's Skyline, and Bella Napoli. You can purchase a $25.00 gift certificate for $10.00. Give it as a gift or use it yourself!

There are countless ways to shop locally instead of giving your dollars to WalMart, you just need to be a little creative!

Amazing Animals

Never underestimate the power of an animal. My daughter is a relatively happy child...most of the time (when she is not around her brother)....she has good reason to be pissy, her father ignores her, her mother has a litany of issues, I am always broke, I suck at math, I dress funny....on it goes...but 3 days a week she heads out to Marcody Ranch in Samsula and rides her horse. This is a horse I found her on the side of the road in NC, we shipped him here from NC and he is not an inexpensive hobby. He is however her best friend....he clearly loves her, rubs his head on her, stands on her, does horse things that only horse people can understand means "I love you".....but this kid looked at me tonight and said, "Mom, don't get me anything for Christmas." I said "huh", she said I have Marco (the horse) and that is all I want....save your money....SO I am thinking to myself... "self, she has lost her mind." But then I look at these pictures....enough said....

Marine Discovery Center~Winter Camp

On December 21 and 22, 2009, Marine Discovery Center will hold a Winter Camp from 8am-3pm. The cost is $60 per camper

Activities will include: Kayaking, Team Building Challenges, GPS Ecocaching, Plankton Investigations, Invertebrate Discoveries, Beach Seine Netting and more.

Reservations and payments are required by December 11, 2009

Both of my children attend the summer camp programs at Marine Discovery and they have fantastic programs, I am sure this one will be no different!

Around Town~Weekend Events

Plenty to do again this weekend at the beach!

You can recycle your old electronics in Edgewater this weekend. The City if Edgewater"s Environmental Services Department will be participating in America Recycles Day (Sat). Bring your old computers, printers, radios, video games, CD Players, VCR's, cell phones etc. to 1108 S. Ridgewood Ave between 8am and 2pm. They will not accept TV's, Washers and Dryers or any other white goods. If you need more information contact Tyna Hilton at 386-424-2494.

HARP's Florida Westie Rescue is having their Annual (SOAR) Save-Our-Animals-Relief Event this weekend. It will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday and includes a garage sale, bake sale and car wash. This will be held at 2379 Old Samsula Rd in Port Orange. There are several local animal rescue organizations involved in this event.

The Southeast Volusia Historical Society presents Pancakes in the “Old Fort Park” on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The “Salt Water Grass Band” will provide entertainment. The cost is $6.00.

Coronado Community United Methodist Church will host a “Fall Arts and Crafts Show” on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Relax and enjoy home baked goodies while you explore and shop.

Join Family Promise for the 3rd Annual Dinner/Dance Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Brannon Center in New Smyrna Beach. Music will be by the Conti Family. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. There will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. For more information, and to purchase tickets, contact your church, or call (386) 423-8348.

The American Legion Post #17 at 619 W. Canal Street is hosting dinners this week. Tonight is spaghetti night from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday is Surf and Turf from 4:30 p.m. to 6 :30 p.m. Sunday is breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information, call (386) 427-5013.

If you have an event this weekend, leave a comment or email me and I will get it posted!

Enjoy the weekend and support your local business!

Flamingo Follies

This Saturday is the annual Flamingo Follies Art Show on Flagler Ave. Come down to Flagler Avenue and get all your Christmas shopping done with over 100 artists and vendors. There will be food, entertainment, great local vendors, even a visit from Santa. The fun starts at 10am and runs until 5pm. There is plenty of parking available at the Coronado United Methodist Church and in the Flagler Beach Ramp Parking area.

One of the wonderful artists, Kim Kaiser of Kim's Beach Art is responsible for the gorgeous Flamingo Screen featured at the top of this post. You can check out her work by clicking on her name as well as at the show on Saturday!

Happy Veteran's Day

November 11th is Veteran's Day. Take a moment and thank a veteran for their service to our great country.

The National Veteran's Day Ceremony information is available here. Locally there are a few things going on:

• Active duty and retired military will get in free to the Volusia County Fair

• Volusia County Public Schools are closed

• The Parade in Deland begins at 11am honoring Volusia County Veterans.

• Outback Restaurant is offering free Bloomin Onions and Dessert to active duty and retired military.
  

• Applebees is offering free meals to active duty and retired military.

• On Thursday, November 12th the annual Salute to Veterans luncheon will be held in New Smyrna Beach. The Republican Club of Southeast Volusia County will meet at Smyrna Yacht Club at 11:15 a.m. with a buffet lunch served at 11:45 a.m. Guest speaker, Major Mario D. Ochoa, head of Spruce Creek High School Junior ROTC program, will be accompanied by Battalion Commander Hannah Herrero and their Color Guard. For further information, to make a reservation, or to sponsor a veteran at this important event please call (386) 427-2543.

Sunday Stumble

What gorgeous weather this weekend. Here are a few sites with good local information.

Volusia County Moms - this is all about our great county and all the things for Mom's & kids to do. I know this writer and she is awesome both as a writer and as a person!

Florida Beach Blog - information about our beautiful beaches, from all over the state.

Orlando News - Roger Simmons gives the scoop on our local tv stations and the things they do.

Have a great week and stay tuned for more local stuff!

Spa Day

The Spa At Riverview is featuring a "Girl's Night Out" today from 5pm-7pm. This will feature:

Mini Manicures and Mini Pedicures
Complimentary Skin Analysis
Complimentary Chair Massages
Fashion Show, compliments of "My Girfriend's Closet
Great Product Discounts
Live Music
Pevonia Gift Bags
Reflexology
2 Grand Prizes

For more information or to RSVP call -386-424-6262

Around Town~Weekend Events

A few more things happening this weekend......There will be a wine walk on Flagler on Saturday from 2-6pm. Not sure what a wine walk is but if there is wine, I will walk on over to check it out....after being in line for the day with two kids waiting for a vaccine, some wine will surely be in order....

The Coronado United Methodist Church is having their annual Rummage sale Friday and Saturday in the church parking lot.

Send me anything else you have and we will get it up!

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic This Weekend

This Saturday from 9am until 3pm there will be a H1N1 Vaccination clinic at the New Smyrna Beach High School. The link provides information on who this clinic is intended for. It applies to certain zip codes and age groups and at-risk groups. You can download the vaccine consent form here. Your child will not be vaccinated without this form.

Did You Lose Your Dogs?

A large Male Saint Bernard and a large Labrador were found wandering on Saxon Ave this morning. If you know who owns these dogs or you own them please email me or call 386-481-4124.

These dogs are missing their people!

Around Town - Gallery Walk & More

The first Saturday of every month is the Gallery Walk on Canal Street.

Enjoy fine art, music, food and fun from 4pm-8pm. Arts on Douglas and The Clay Gallery are two of the venues that host this event. Check out The Clay Gallery for unique art, pottery and jewelry. They also offer a gorgeous garden to host your special event!

Bouchelle Island Community is holding their annual sale this weekend. It will be held in the clubhouse. They will have coffee, baked goods and all kinds of great used "stuff" to take home with you!

Oak Hill Seafood has completed their remodeling and has new hours. Get great local seafood at good prices, they will even cook it for you. New hours are 10am - 6pm. Every day but Wednesday!

The 4th annual Run to the Sun Annual Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, November 28th at 8:30am. If you sign up to participate before November 9th you will receive a FREE 3 day-2 night stay at one of 600 hotel locations around the US and Canada.

Calvary Christian Church-New South Location

Calvary Christian Center is launching the new "Calvary South" Campus! Calvary Christian Center's new campus is located at the New Smyrna Beach High School Auditorium. They will kick of this Sunday, November 8th at 10:30 AM for an incredible service. Many of my friends attend Calvary Christian in Ormond Beach and love it, I am sure this service will be a great addition to the community!