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!

Election Day

Don't forget to vote today in New Smyrna Beach. The most important race is the race for Mayor, incumbent Sally MacKay is taking on challenger Adam Barringer. For information on the race, where to vote etc. the city website has it all.

I am sure everyone has an opinion on this one. No matter who you are supporting please vote!

Volusia County Fair

The Volusia County Fair begins on November 5th. They will have an opening day food drive in honor of Edgewater resident Helen Pleterski. All the food donated will be distributed by Second Harvest Food Bank to over 50 churches and organizations in Volusia and Seminole County.

I assist with the Halifax Urban Ministry Community Meal a few times a month, many people benefit from the donations to the local food banks. Those that we serve are appreciative, kind people, for some it is the only meal they eat all day.

If you donate two items of canned goods you will receive a buy one get free admission ticket for any other night at the fair.

The fair runds through November 15th. You can access the schedule and event calendar below.

Fair Schedule

Special Events

Enjoy the fair!