Around Town~Weekend Events

Late as usual on the weekend events.....partly because there is just not much going on.

Farmers Market on Canal Street is this and every Saturday beginning at 7:30 am until 12:30 pm. Great local vendors, produce, bread, Oak Hill Seafood Co-Op, The Orchid Lady. It is worth the trip and there is always ample parking.

The Om Bar on Flagler Ave has live entertainment Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, they have a full bar and I highly recommend the Margaritas, made with fresh lime juice and nectar, no mix is used here!!

Family Promise of Volusia County will be hosting its Third Annual BBQ Chicken Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 1, on the grounds of Coronado Community United Methodist Church, 201 S. Peninsula Drive from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the Knights of Columbus will be preparing the menu, which includes one half of a chicken, baked beans, cole slaw and a roll for $7 per person. Take-outs will be available.

The beach is great, weather will be typical August in Florida weather with afternoon showers.

Check out the new and improved website over at our friends The Observer. It looks great!! It is also very functional, you can access each city website, each local school and a great business directory right from the home page.

Enjoy the weekend!

Allowance

Do you give your kids allowance? The experts have differing opinions on the issue for kids of different ages. Here is a group of articles on the topic if you would like to see what the "experts" have to say.

I have given allowance up until recently, one dollar for each year of age per week. Kind of a costly proposition with kids over 10 years of age. The deal was they each had daily chores to do in order to collect. The bad side of this is even if they did not do the chores or whined and complained they got the cash. Not a great system.

One parent I know puts the allowance on the fridge in dollar increments, he takes away for whining, not completing tasks, anything not meeting standards. That is an interesting idea as well.

A few days ago I informed my children that the gravy train was over, no chores, no money. So my 10 year old daughter said, "can I consult with you about this?" Once I stopped laughing I told her she was welcome to have a consultation but this is a dictatorship so whatever her idea was it better be good....she proposed that I pay them "by the job". Okay, I am interested in hearing more...

They each began asking me for jobs, they were keeping a running list of what they were doing and I was to put a price on it at the end of the day. Sweeping was 75 cents, vacuuming the whole house one dollar, cleaning the bathroom counters 75 cents. Dusting one dollar and so on. After about two hours, my house was clean, the garbage and recycling was out, linens were changed on the beds, dogs were fed, it was amazing. My daughter made $12.50 and my son $9.50.

Yes, I know, this is barely above slave wages. It was wonderful....next week I teach them how to do laundry!!

So I am curious to see how others handle this situation. Email me what you think works and what doesn't.

Park & Recreation Fall Sports

Happy Friday! The Fall Sports Sign ups are taking place at the Parks and Rec Office located at 1000 Live Oak Street, NSB. This is right by the Public Library. Soccer signups are thru August 28th. Baseball & Softball are thru August 7th.

Baseball Softball Registration Form

Soccer Registration Form

Beach Patrol

We have talked about our friends at the Volusia County Beach Patrol in earlier posts, but in the middle of summer it is worth repeating. It is important to note that the Beach Patrol Officers are members of Law Enforcement. If you are visiting our area it would be worth remembering that, they can and will pull you over if you are breaking the law on our city and county streets. Having observed numerous traffic stops by the beach patrol on A1A in New Smyrna Beach, I know it to be so. I was talking to a group of visitors yesterday as one of these stops was taking place in front of my house, one of them said he was unaware they had that power.....uh, hello, check the truck the big blue letters, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, that kind of gives it away.....


The Beach Patrol officers are a fairly unique group. They are lifeguards, EMT's, police officers, they can open your car door if you lock your keys in it (I have done this), help you change a flat tire, save baby sea turtles, find lost children, the list goes on. They keep Volusia County Beaches safe for residents and visitors and they do a fantastic job. Thank a Beach Patrol Officer today!


Here is information on Volusia County Beach Services and all the things they do, you will find access maps for all areas of the county, beach rules, hours, conditions and the webcam.


Surfzones


New Smyrna Beach Access Map


Have a great Wednesday!

'A' Report

I nearly choked on my coffee this morning when I opened the News Journal and found this article on our Volusia County School Superintendent. Margaret Smith earned the highest possible rating by "her bosses" the school board. WOW, that is a shocker. Too bad Volusia County has not gone the way of most companies and conducts 360 degree evaluations. If they did then the school superintendent would be evaluated by the teachers, the parents and the students, not just the school board. Bet it would be a vastly different rating if that was the case. What do you think...

In case you were wondering Mrs. Smith makes a yearly salary of $171,665, this is after her 2% pay cut last year. She also receives $25,750 that goes into a tax sheltered annuity on her behalf (starting teachers salary is $26,080). She receives $650.00 a month in car allowance (do the math that is another $7,800). She is eligible for a bonus of up to $17,166 per year but has not put in for it and does not plan to this year. (well I would think not) That being said her total compensation is a whopping $205, 215. The average teachers salary is $34,251.

There is a school board meeting today at 4pm if you want to be entertained, you can listen live.

Here is some interesting numbers on teachers, schools, number of students etc. if you are interested.

More Points To Ponder

I got an email from a reader asking why I never tell funny kid stories anymore, my kids are still funny, but they are home for the summer so my amusement level is low!!! However...here you go...


Do you Facebook? Twitter, LinkedIn? MySpace? There are any number of ways to stay connected these days, some good, some not so good, I use Twitter and LinkedIn for work and recently starting finding old friends on Facebook. It can be quite entertaining, but you must be careful with privacy settings and what you post etc. My being on Facebook is a constant source of amusement to my children who cannot believe their 40 something mother likes to play Mafia Wars....I have started talking to people I went to high school with, new friends in town, people from college, old work friends...the list goes on.


So I am riding the exercise bike in the gym yesterday when a friend request pops up on my Crackberry (another addiction) imagine my surprise when it is my ex-husband wanting to be my friend on Facebook. Once I recovered from my initial shock I was fairly amused, since we do not speak, and barely communicate via email, the man does not like me. Ok, so I don't really like him either. After my initial shock and horror subsided, I laughed and thought to myself, he needs to lay off whatever he is smoking.


So this morning my son is getting ready for camp eating his cereal and playing his voicemail on his phone, he hands me his phone so I can hear a message from his father (the same ex that wants to be my friend). As he does not hear from his Dad often, he is always kind of amused when he gets these random messages and loves to let his sister or me listen.


So after he hung up I asked him if he had been on Facebook lately, he said no and I am not really interested (I was glad to hear this) but he wanted to know why I was asking, so I told him well your Dad asked me to be his friend on Facebook so I figured he has asked you too.


It was a Kodak moment, priceless, he stopped dead in the middle of his cereal, it went something like this:


Curt: "what??!!??"

Me: "yes he wants to be my friend."

Curt: "Mom, he doesn't like you."

Me: "Yes, I know."

Curt: "That is messed up"

I did not speak and he kept looking at me....like I had two heads

Curt: "You did not do it did you?"

Me: "No, I am still thinking about it."

Curt: "WHAT!!!!???"

Mom: "uh huh"

Curt: "Mom, he just wants to spy on you, that is messed up"

I again made no comment, I got the you just grew a third head look.

Curt: "that's messed up, kind of funny, but messed up"


My daughter walked in at that point and he told her "hey did you hear Dad wants to be Mom's friend on Facebook?"


Sam: "WHAT???!!!!"


And it started all over. After several minutes of discussing it amongst themselves and me trying not to break into laughter, they informed me "that's messed up"


I said well "maybe he will join my Mafia."

"WHAT??!!!!"

Hurricane Season 2009

We are well into Hurricane Season and happily nothing to report....but here are some Sunday Stumble resources and just interesting sites about Hurricane Season.

Farmer's Almanac Florida Long Range Forecast

Central Florida Hurricane Center

National Hurricane Center

History of NSB Hurricanes

Local 6 News Hurricane Special

Enjoy a hurricane free week!

More Christmas In July

Come on out to South East Volusia Humane Society on Saturday from 10am til 3pm. Open house, fun pet contest, pictures with Santa for 5.00 and lots of fun with the animals. They are located at 1200 S Glencoe Rd in New Smyrna Beach.

Christmas in July

Start your shopping early this Saturday from 10am-5pm on Flagler Ave. It will be Christmas in July at the monthly art walk. Sponsoring galleries are Galleria di Vetro, 310 Flagler; Jewelry of Joy, 307 Flagler; Palms Up Pottery, 413 Flagler; and Ta Da Gallery, 113 Flagler.

Many of the galleries and merchants along the avenue will be serving holiday candy and cookies and will be decorated for “Christmas” in July, so be sure and check out the local shoppes as well.

The Gallery Group has issued a “call for artists” for upcoming Art Walks. Visiting artists’ works are judged on “originality, skill, workmanship and uniqueness” each month. Prizes include ribbons and cash awards: first place, $100; second place, $75; and third place, $50.

Support your local business!

Marine Discovery Center

My daughter came home from camp today talking about the ecosystem, her encounter with a manatee, a stone crab with no claws and her upcoming trip to the Crystal River.

It was Marine Discovery Center Camp and it is one of the best camps our area has to offer. The education department at the Center led by Chad Truxall is fantastic. This is the second year my children have attended and if you only spring for one camp this summer this one is worth the price.

There are still some spots left in some of the weeks so check it out at the link above for more information.

Upcoming Events

Lots of things to do this week around town:

The American Legion, Post 285 will host a ham dinner on July 24 from 5:30 p.m. until it’s gone. The proceeds will go to to Children and Youth and Veterans and Rehabilitation. There will be a donation of $7 for the dinner. QTQ, a 50s Doo-wop band, will be the entertainment. The Legion is located at 2102 S. Ridgewood Ave. Suite 3A in the Edgewater Plaza behind Peggy’s Restaurant.

The Southeast Volusia Humane Society will host a “Christmas in July” event on Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5 for a 5” x 7” photo of your pet with Santa. There will be a just4fun pet contest starting at 11 a.m. for best Christmas outfit, best trick, cutest mug, and a wet-pet t-shirt contest. SEVHC is located at 1200 S. Glencoe Road. For more information, please call (386) 428-9860.

Art Walk on historic Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, will be celebrating “Christmas in July” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 25. More on this later in the week.

Coronado Community United Methodist Church will host its third annual Children’s Music Day Camp July 26 to 30. The music camp is open to all six-year-olds (those entering first grade) through those who have just completed fifth grade. The kick-off session will be on Sunday, July 26, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. From Monday through Thursday, the camp will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. A presentation of a musical will be held at the church Thursday evening, July 30, at 7 p.m. to close the camp. For more information, please call Anita Wimbish at (386) 428-6252.

Family Promise of Volusia County will be hosting its Third Annual BBQ Chicken Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 1, on the grounds of Coronado Community United Methodist Church, 201 S. Peninsula Drive from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Once again, the Knights of Columbus will be preparing the menu, which includes one half of a chicken, baked beans, cole slaw and a roll for $7 per person. Take-outs will be available. Tickets may be purchased from Family Promise Board members, at various church offices or by calling Chuck MacDonald at (386) 423-1715 or Ann Andreano at (386) 423-8348.

Have a great week!

Sunday Stumble

Back to the blogs for this week's Sunday Stumble:

Jem Photoblog This is a great photoblog taken around Daytona, New Smyrna, Flagler County.

A1A South - this is written by the elusive Swampie, some politics, some Florida life, good stuff.

Kraut Art - Beautiful Art and Painting by Ruth Vines who lives in Port Orange.

Yes 2 Local News - All Local Events All The Time - Excellent Local Site

Travel Buddy - All kinds of Travel Info on New Smyrna Beach

Have a great week!

Points To Ponder

The mysteries of the world, points to ponder....here are a few great places to go to find things that make you say what???

Points To Ponder

Can Atheists get insurance for acts of God?

What are your personal points that you ponder......?

Here are some things I will no longer wonder about:

Why I suddenly LOVE garage sales? (blaming you Leslie for this one....)

Why after two years I still worry that my children have no relationship with their father. (they have moved on and don't worry about it.)

Why the laundry will NEVER be caught up? (ya got clothes on, they are dirty)

Why my kids fight......

Check back tomorrow for the Sunday Stumble, I will attempt to have something worth reading!!

Spoon's Lawn Care Service

I has the pleasure of meeting Dave from Spoon's Lawn Care this week. I had him come and give me an estimate on extensive cleanup in my yard, tree trimming, and cleaning up my jungle of foliage. He gave me a very, very reasonable estimate and began work the next day. Two days later I am thinking of submitting a picture to Coastal Living Magazine. It is incredible. He did a fantastic job and is a pleasure to deal with. They are kind, honest and professional people who do a great job at a great price. I can easily recommend them to you.

The Party's On Flagler

Once again the party is on Flagler. Tomorrow night the Sizzlin Summer Nights Block Party is happening on Flagler! From 6pm-10pm there will be entertainment, food adn of course drinks on Flagler. Contests, Vendors and a Free Kids Zone! Come on out and support our local economy!

Twilight Pediatrics Is No More

I was hanging out at Bert Fish hospital last week and was sad to learn that Twilight Pediatrics has closed. I guess I missed the announcement. Same Day Surgery is now in their old area. This was a great service that I used more than once and I am sorry to see them go. A nurse at the hospital said it was not making enough money.

There is a new Urgent Care in Venetia Bay. Bayview Urgent Care is open from 8am-8pm-Monday thru Friday and 8am-6pm on Saturday. They also have Sunday hours from 10am-5pm. Bayview is in conjunction with Bert Fish Hospital and is more convenient than going to Daytona but not great for beach residents. I have not used them but I am sure they are excellent.

There is also Port Orange Urgent Care (been there too), they are right off of I95 on Dunlawton. They are open 7 days a week 8am-9pm Monday thru Friday and weekends 9am-5pm. I went on a Saturday, was seen quickly and the staff was very nice and professional.

What's Your Favorite Local Restaurant?

Tell me what your favorite local restaurant is and why you like it. You might win a free meal at that restaurant! The only requirement is it must be located in the New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater area and cannot be a chain. No Taco Bells or Denny's please!!

Leave a comment on this post or send me an email.

Beach Dental & Larkin Orthodontics

Beach Dental is located at 751 3rd Avenue, in the Publix Plaza beachside. Their staff is very friendly, professional and dedicated. Beth, the "teeth cleaning" person as my daughter puts it is very through, gentle and fast. Dr. Rable has a great sense of humor and is also very thorough, kind and professional. Contact them at 386-428-6491.

Larkin Orthodontics is located at 811 State Rd 44, in New Smyrna Beach. Dr. Larkin is VERY popular with the kids, he is an avid surfer and his office is bright and decorated with a variety of surfboards and of course, video games to play while you wait. When we moved here my son already had braces on, I was told by two other orthodontists that they did not use the same equipment that he had on and we would have to start over....Dr. Larkin is the exception. Although the appliances are different than those he uses he told me we would make it work, and he has. Their fees are reasonable and it is easy to get a convenient appointment. You can reach them at 386-427-1400.

Support you local business!

AA Nails & Hairlines

It is beauty day on the blog!

AA Nails located at 626 E 3rd Ave, beachside New Smyrna is a great choice for manicure, pedicure, artificial nails, waxing and permanent makeup. The staff is friendly and courteous and it is spotlessly clean. Their prices are extremely reasonable and walk-ins are welcome. You can call ahead for an appointment or just run in when you have time. I have been a happy customer for almost 2 years and highly recommend Tom and his staff. They are open every day except Sunday until 6pm. Their phone number is (386)428-6700.

Hairlines located right next door at 628 E 3rd Ave offers the only tanning salon beachside. They also have a full array of products and services, including haircare for men, women and children. They have recently added a massage therapist who is available most days and by appointment. I have been a client of Heather for about 2 years and am extremely happy with the service. They are open Tuesday thru Saturday and you can reach them at (386) 426-2887.

Enjoy your Wednesday and support your local business!

Perrine's Produce

Perrine's Produce has three locations, their original in Titusville, one in South Daytona and our local location at 1042 North Dixie Freeway. I normally hit the farmer's market on Canal Street on Saturday morning but this past weekend I was running late and could not find a parking place so I decided to live dangerously and head over to Perrine's.

Great choice....the produce was fresh and the prices excellent, they had sweet corn that was excellent as well as tomatoes, lettuce, blueberries, cherries and melons. I got a huge basket of produce and a bottle of salad dressing and a basket to carry it in for $22.00. We are set for the week.

The service was excellent, the friendliest, nicest man waited on me and the entire staff was as nice as can be.

Perrine's is worth a visit,check it out!

Support your local business!

Bridgeton Deli

Each day the sign outside the Bridgeton Deli displays their sale item. These items are usually hugely discounted off say what you would pay at Publix or a mainstream supermarket. I picked up a couple of sirloin steaks on Friday for the holiday weekend. They were hand cut by the butcher who called me over to see how thick I wanted them.

They offer a full selection of deli meats, cold cuts and cheeses. Their menu is extensive providing everything from hot and cold subs to fried chicken to shrimp platters. They offer salads, breakfast sanwiches and fresh bread made on site. You can get your catering done at Bridgeton, they need 24 hours notice and can provide party trays, 5-foot subs, just about anything you can imagine.

The sirloin steak I purchased was ridiculously inexpensive and delicious. On a previous visit I sampled "Dennis' Famous Fried Chicken", if it is not famous, it should be it was terrific. I also tried a sub last week, they offer three sizes, 6 inch, 9 inch and 18 inch. I tried a six inch and I saw an 18 inch being prepared. My whole family could eat one of those and probably have leftovers. The service is friendly and fast, if you stop by to pick up lunch you can call ahead and they will have it ready for you.

Bridgeton Deli is located at 319 S. Dixie Freeway, right under the overpass. It is not easy to get to unless you are coming down under the bridge but it is worth the inconvenience for the great food and prices. They are open from 8am-7pm Monday thru Saturday and on Sunday 10am-3pm.

Check it out and support your local business!

Reviews by patrons.

Support Local Business

It was nice to see the huge holiday weekend crowds around town this weekend eating, shopping and spending money at our local businesses. I was also happy to see them go...quiet is back... it is important now more than ever to support your locally owned and operated restaurants, shops and services.

Each day this week we will feature a locally owned and operated business that we have visited at least two times. We will give an honest opinion of their services and let you know if you should take the time to visit.

Check back tomorrow for Day 1....

12 for 12K~Eye Care For Kids

The July 12for12k charity is Eye Care for Kids

A 501-c (3) non-profit organization, Eye Care for Kids has provided humanitarian aid to more than 20,000 children for more than six years. Their program helps visually impaired kids from poor and low-income families get the treatment they so desperately need.

Children in Utah, including rural Utah and Native American Reservations benefit from Eye Care For Kids wonderful services. They see as many as 200 kids per week.

$25.00 will provide one child with an eye examination and a free pair of glasses.

The goal of Eye Care For Kids is to help restore every child’s vision. Help 12for12k throughout July to help make it more than just a vision – help make it a reality.

The premise of 12for12K is simple:

12 months 12 charities $12,000 per charity

You’ve already taken the first step of the challenge by reading this.

The next step is up to you.

Independence Day

Have a safe and happy July 4th holiday.

Independence Day

Take a minute today to remember our troops here in the USA as well as serving in foreign lands.

The Things Kids Say

My daughter attended Vacation Bible School at Edgewater Alliance Church this week. She went kicking and screaming the first day, she hates to get up on Sunday's for church, has never really cared for Sunday school, I have not tried to shove church down her throat so she won't grow up hating church and thinking of it as an obligation. So imagine my surprise when she came home and told me she had a great time! Could not wait for Tuesday....some highlights of the week....

Day One: "Mom, we had a burning bush for snack today." "I think that has something to do with Moses...." (ok, maybe I should get her to church more...)

Day Two: "Well, we are on the plague of locusts, we made it thru the boils, and have moved on to bugs......" (not much to say to that)

Day Four: "Mom, did you know if you kill a lamb and smear the blood on your door, your son will be spared? If I had known about Curt I would have skipped that one." (Curt is her brother and good for him they did not grow up during the book of Exodus")

50 volunteers led about 125 children in the week of activities. It was a great time for all, and I am hoping it served the purpose of helping me get my daughter excited about church!

Enjoy the weekend!

Around Town~Weekend Activities

Big Holiday weekend starts today....well we are starting it today!

Tonight the Summer Concert Series continues at Riverside Park on Riverside Drive. Tonight will be a special pre-4th of July concert with P.T.’s Gatortail Dixieland Band.

The Coke Zero 400 is this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway. The Speedway has donated a suite for the Coke Zero 400 4th of July Race. All proceeds go to Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia Flagler for the SEV Care Center. Because this is a fundraiser for Hospice it is tax deductible. What better way to see the race than for a great cause. For tickets call Rose Traub, 386-846-3429 or email rose.traub@halifax.org.

Edgewater will host our local fireworks celebration at Kennedy Park.

Port Orange will host their Fourth of July Spectacular from 5:30-9:00pm at City Hall. They will have Kids Zone, live music, a classic car show and food. Fireworks at City Center begin at 9pm.

The OM Bar will have a full menu of activities for the weekend beginning tonight at 9pm it will be Ladies Night with DJ Troy, tomorrow at 9PM - Lauris Vidal (Full Band) and Saturday, July 4, 9PM - 4th of July Bash with Acoustic Swamp Project, on Sundays from 2-4pm there is a free wine tasting.

The monthly Gallery Walk will be held on Saturday from 4-8pm on Canal Street and the weekly Farmers Market will also be going on from 730am until 1230pm on Canal Street.

The Public Library is closed both Friday and Saturday, garbage and recycling in New Smyrna Beach is normal, Edgewater has their usual adjusted holiday pickup schedule.

If you have an event you want posted email or leave a comment!

Have a safe and happy Holiday weekend! Remember to support your local business!