Resolutions

 

I was sitting here thinking about New Year's resolutions and really could not think of anything profound that I felt worthy of sharing. Mine are really exciting things like:

1. I promise to vacuum up the black dog hair everyday instead of once a week and 2. Figure out how to keep my almost 14 year old from leaving wet towels on his bedroom floor.

Yes, I am a barrel of excitement as we greet 2011. I will keep you posted how those work out for me as we go forward.....some things to seriously consider as "goals" for 2011 include some shared by a friend (yes I stole these from her, she is awesome) 

1. Say yes to my children more often
2.Take more time for me
3 Work smarter not harder
4.Try not to sweat the small stuff

Last but certainly not least, resolve to support your economy in 2011. Shop local whenever possible, visit locally owned restaurants and stores. (relax, Dunkin Donuts in Edgewater and NSB is locally owned and they are very nice people). 

Welcome 2011!

New Year's Eve-Flagler Ave

Welcome 2011 on Flagler Avenue starting with a fireworks show at 9pm. Then drop into Flagler Tavern, Om Bar, Peanuts, Traders and Clancy's for great food, refreshments and fun!



Need a ride on New Year's Eve? Give Elegant Limos a call.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

Christmas Eve Services

Crossroads Christian Church will hold their Christmas Eve Service at 6pm.

Edgewater Alliance Church will hold two services at 5pm and 7pm.

Coronado Community Methodist Church will hold two services at 5pm and 11pm.

Please feel free to comment with additional services that we are not aware of!

His Hands Puppet Team Christmas Show

Sorry for the short notice on this one! It is tomorrow December 19th!

The "His Hands" Puppet Team present their 2010 Christmas show inside the new worship center Crossroads Christian Church in New Smyrna Beach. The children from Crossroads Kids and the Crossroads Worship team will also be performing. The fun starts at 6pm there will be hot chocolate and cookies served after the show. Please bring one can of soup per person for their annual Souper Bowl of caring Soup Drive held in January.

Crossroads Church is located  at 3838 State Rd 44 in New Smyrna Beach.

Around Town~Weekend Events

There are a ton of things to do around town this weekend! To recap earlier posts - The Farmer's Market will be held on Canal Street Saturday morning from 730am-1230pm, there is also a Market at the United Church of Christ on Washington Street, another in Edgewater at Turgot in front of the YMCA. The Art Walk on Flagler is Saturday beginning at 10am, the Winter Carnival also starts Saturday on Flagler Ave. Don't forget the Open House at the Canaveral National Seashore on Sunday beginning at 1pm. Closer to the Edge, Art and Music Festival is also this weekend at Edgewater Ranch at Cow Creek Road and I-95 in Edgewater. 

Support your local business!

How Do You Serve?

Life is tough right now, money is tight for everyone. Donations to food banks, toy drives, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army...all are down. If you are interested in serving others it is not always about money, you can serve without giving cash. Clean out your pantry, there is certainly some canned goods your family does not like or you don't feel like cooking. Drop it off at Halifax Urban Ministries or your local food bank. I bet one of your children has a toy that was never opened. Drop it in a Toys for Tots bin at CVS or stop by your local fire station and drop it off.

If you are short on money, you may have time. Check out Volunteer Match to locate a volunteer opportunity near you. Even an hour a week can be a huge benefit to an organization that relies on volunteers. Halifax Urban Ministries, local animal shelters and pet charities like SEVHS, Edgewater Animal Shelter, and Sophies Circle always need help. Volusia County Meals on Wheels  has opportunities available for volunteers. Your local church can hook you up with all sorts of ways to help others if you need some ideas. Volunteer at your child's school, be a mentor....

I have noticed that people wanting to help come out of the woodwork at Christmas, they all disappear again mid-January. I know this because I see them come and go, from feeding the homeless right here in New Smyrna Beach, to cleaning cat boxes at the animal shelter. My challenge to you is this....pick something you believe in and feel strongly about, make a commitment to serve that cause now and all year long. It is not easy, I have had to DRAG myself on occasions to meet my volunteer commitments, but once you get there, you will be glad you did, I know I am!



Friends of Canaveral Open House

Looking for something festive and fun to do this weekend? Join the Friends of Canaveral at the Eldora State House for a Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 19th from 1pm-4pm. Lindley's Nursery has decorated the house for Christmas, there will be music provided by Ray Guiser, plenty of food and refreshments to put you in the Holiday spirit!

The open house is free and you can contact the Friends of Canaveral at 386-428-3384 for more information.

Art Walk on Flagler

You have one more opportunity to stroll along Flagler Ave and purchase your last minute Christmas gifts from local galleries and vendors. The monthly Art & Wine Walk will be this Saturday, December 18th beginning at 10am. The Wine Walk will begin at 1pm, you can purchase your wine passport at Ta Da Gallery or in the tent at Flagler and Cooper.

Support your local business!

NSB Barracudas Band Winter Concert

The NSB Barracudas Band Winter concert is December 15th at 7pm at the NSB High School Auditorium. Come out for some great music and support your band!

Samsula Tractor Parade

If you missed the Tractor Parade in Samsula today we have it here for you in living (John Deere Green) color. It was a gorgeous day and a ton of fun for everyone!

Ice Rink on Flagler

Beginning December 18th running through January 2nd there will be ice skating on Flagler Avenue. At the corner of Flagler and Cooper. Check out NSBNews.net for full information on the rink and on the Winter Festival being held on Flagler Avenue this year.

Support your Southeast Volusia business and shop local this Christmas!

Closer To The Edge

The Edgewater Ranch will host the 2010 Closer To The Edge Music & Art Festival from December 17th-19th. Check their website for advance ticket information and schedule.

Naturally Maid Cleaning

If you are getting ready for the holidays and are craving a clean house you are in luck! Naturally Maid Cleaning is located right here in Southeast Volusia County. Michelle and her staff will clean your house with all natural products, completely free of toxins. Your home will be really clean and safe to live in! I recommended them recently to a friend, she was thrilled with the excellent service they provided and will recommend them to others. Check out their website, it is packed full of information on green cleaning, advice and cleaning tips, organizing and so much more!

Support your local business!

Elizabeth Edwards~Rest in Peace

 

I always liked Elizabeth Edwards, she suffered plenty in her life, the loss of a child, the loss of a husband she loved and trusted, cancer for which there was no cure. She was graceful and kind, she forgave the sins of the past for the good of her children. If we could all be so generous the world would be a better place. She deserves some peace. Godspeed Elizabeth Edwards. 

Remember Pearl Harbor

Take a minute and remember those lost at Pearl Harbor. If you would like some great historical information check out National Geographic.  There are some excellent photos and images here.  Pearl Harbor.org also has some good information and images.

Fly your flag and thank a Veteran!

2010 Bed & Breakfast Tour

Have you ever wanted to wander in to one of our local Bed & Breakfast's and check them out? On Sunday, December 12th you will get a chance. Beginning at 2pm you can explore them with FREE self-guided tours paired with delicious cuisine from local eateries.

The Night Swan, The Longboard Inn, Riverview and Nuns and Roses will be open to the public. Come and enjoy these beautiful homes decorated for the holidays!


Remember to support your local business during the Holidays and all year long!

Parades...and More Parades....

The 20th Annual Edgewater Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 11th at 10am. The parade will begin at SR442 and Air Park Rd. and travel east to US1. There will be bands, floats, marchers, horses and Santa will make his yearly appearance.

The Annual Samsula Christmas Tractor Parade will be also be held on Saturday, December 11th at 3pm.  The parade will leave Polka Ave. at the SNPJ  Lodge 603 Hall and travel south on Samsula Dr. to State Road 44, then turn to return to the Lodge hall for dinner and winner announcements. The parade is open to the public.

Santa Run & Toy Drive

Whoops, I forgot a toy drive earlier. Saturday, December 11th at 6pm join in the fun on Flagler Ave when the Santas Run. Dress up, get in the spirit and bring a new unwrapped toy! The Santa Run Starts at the Flagler Beach approach and continues down Flagler Ave.

While you are running down Flagler Ave in a Santa suit, you can stop in to one of the many great businesses and purchase great original gifts from your local businesses! 

Toy Drives

 

 What a nice weekend at the beach! The New Smyrna Christmas Parade was great fun and the Boat Parade was beautiful! If you are looking to share your Christmas with local children here are two ways to make that happen.

McKenna's is hosting a Toy Drive on December 13th and December 20th. Stop by with a unwrapped gift and receive a complimentary appetizer card valued at $5.95. All gifts will be given to the Fireman's Association of Edgewater and will be distributed to local children. 

New Smyrna Beach Police Department is conducting their 21st Annual "Operation Christmas Cheer" campaign. They are accepting new toys, clothes, non-perishable food items, and grocery store gift cards to be distributed to local families in need. Last year 125 local families were assisted by this local drive. 

Items should be dropped off prior to December 20th at City Hall, 210 Sams Avenue, The Fire Department on Faulkner Street and at the Police Department on Industrial Park Dr. If you need more information contact Sgt. Donna LaVallee at (386) 424-2243.

 

Norwood's Annual Holiday Food & Wine Festival

Norwood's Seafodd will host the fifteenth Annual Holiday Food and Wine Festival.  New this year, the weekend’s festivities start out on Friday, December 3rd. Saturday is the main event, the Holiday Food & Wine Festival. Sample over 500 wines from around the world and receive great discounts on wine purchases through the month of December. New this year is the Bubbles and Brew area featuring champagne and beers, Martini, Bourbon.

Hospice volunteers of New Smyrna Beach and Atlantic Center for the Arts and the UCC Teens in Action will all benefit from money raised through the silent auction and raffle.

All of the wine, food, Beer, Spirits and music are included in the price of admission.  Tickets are available for $60 per event.   A special combo ticket is available for both events at $90.  

Tickets are available in Norwood’s Wine Shop.  For more information, call Norwood’s at 386-428-4621. go to Norwood's website and join the E Club and get a $5.00 discount on the ticket price.

IMAGES Tour of Homes

The IMAGES Tour of Homes is this Saturday from 9am - 3pm. Tour some of the unique homes in New Smyrna Beach all decorated for the holidays! Tickets are $20.00. This event is presented by Atlantic Center for the Arts, the tour benefits the 35th annual IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts in January.

There will also be a special cocktail party held from 4pm-7pm on Friday, December 3rd in the oceanfront Designer Showhome on North Atlantic Avenue.  Delectable food and cocktails, an opportunity to meet and talk with the designers, and a ticket to Saturday's Tour of Homes is included in the $50 ticket price.

Information and ticketing can be found on the IMAGES website. 

Marine Discovery Winter Camp

Marine Discovery Center is holding Winter Camp for children ages 6-14 during Christmas break. You must RSVP to Chad by December 15th.

Full details on the link above or call  (386) 428-4828.

NSB Boat Parade

The 23rd Annual Boat Parade will be held this Saturday, December 4th at 6pm. Judging will be at Riverside Park in New Smyrna Beach. The parade runs from George Kennedy Park to the North Causeway and back. This is another great community event for the whole family!!

11th Annual Firefighter's Auction

The 11th annual Firefighter’s Auction will be held this Thursday, December 2nd at 7p.m. This annual event is held at Peanut’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, 421 Flagler Ave. Support the Local IAFF 2271 NSB Professional Firefighters. The proceeds from this event will benefit NSB High School Scholarship Fund. This is great fun for a great cause!

For more info contact Tom at (386) 566-5184 or Elaine at (386) 846-5426

New Smyrna Beach Christmas Parade

Come on down to Flagler Avenue this Saturday, December 4th for the Christmas Parade! 

The Annual Christmas Parade will begin at the Flagler Avenue parking lot and will travel west along Flagler Avenue and the North Causeway, south on Riverside Drive and will turn west on Canal Street and will end at Orange Street. The parade is great fun for all ages! 

Photo-12/2009 - Red Hat Ladies float

Light Up Flagler

The annual Light Up Flagler Celebration will be held this Friday night from 5:30-7:30pm on Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. Presented by the Merchants of Flagler Avenue, there will be refreshments, Holiday decorations and live entertainment all along Flagler Avenue.

Flagler Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Peninsula Avenue to Atlantic Avenue (just west of the Beacon Restaurant) from 5-8 p.m.

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 27th is Small Business Saturday! Support our wonderful local businesses here in South East Volusia County this and every day! Did you know that for every $100.00 spent at a local business $68.00 comes back to the local community.

Eat out, shop local and have a great weekend!!

2nd Annual Salt Spray 5K

The 2nd Annual Salt Spray 5k will be held Sunday, November 28th. Registration opens at 6:30am.The run starts at 8:00 am with a children's fun run at 9:00am.


This Event is Sponsored by the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce to Benefit Halifax Health Hospice & New Smyrna High Cross Country Team.

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Wine & Art Walk

Saturday, November 27th is the Art & Wine Walk on Flagler Ave. The Wine Walk starts at 1pm. The Art Walk starts at 10a. Shop local for Christmas at our wonderful local merchants on Flagler!

Thanksgiving Meals

The First United Methodist Church of New Smyrna Beach will hold its annual Community Thanksgiving Meal on Thanksgiving Day. The church is located at 310 Douglas Street, New Smyrna Beach. Doors open at 11:30am.

Norwood's Seafood is taking reservations for their Thanksgiving Meal.

Manny's Pizza is open for breakfast on Thanksgiving.

New Smyrna Steakhouse is open on Thanksgiving, you can make reservations now.

If you know of other places that are open please comment or send me an email!

Christmas On Canal Street

Christmas on Canal Street begins on November 26th with Spark the Spirit. The lighting of the Christmas tree followed by Christmas Caroling. Click the picture in the left side toolbar for a complete schedule of events!

Manzano's Fine Foods

I had lunch with a friend yesterday at Manzano's. They are located at 311 Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. We started out with some grape leaves (I was starving and could not wait to eat). They were delicious and I love some good grape leaves. My friend ordered the NSB, which is turkey, bacon, swiss, avocado, tomato and ranch dressing. I had the Dippity Doo, which is roast beef, provolone served with au jus. I added horseradish. As always the food was fantastic....we ordered half size sandwiches and still took half of each one home. I think the full size could feed a family of four.....seriously it is that big. The ingredients are fresh and the bread is the best! Service was friendly as always!

You can check them out on their Facebook page if you want more information.

I highly recommend Manzano's for some fantastic food on Flagler! Remember to support your local business!

Local Fun For Kids

There is a great new website called Local Fun For Kids. They have compiled the best sites from around the country that feature local activities for families and kids. Check it out if you are vacationing in another location, there are some excellent blogs and websites from all over!

Military Vehicle Show

Timeless Wings and Wheels is holding their 3rd Annual Military Vehicle Show this Saturday, November 20th from 10am-3pm. If you would like to register your military vehicle you can do it online on their website.

1st and 2nd Place trophies will be awarded. WWII Bombers and Fighter Aircraft will also be on display. This will be your first opportunity to purchase the new Timeless Wings And Wheels book "Old Soldier's Club" and meet the authors.

Please bring a pet food donation for the Southeast Volusia Humane Society.  Food and drinks will be sold to benefit the museum.  There will be no smoking and no coolers allowed.  All proceeds benefit Timeless Wings & Wheels, which is a non-profit organization. This event is being held in memory of Jerry Rae.

This event is fun for all ages and is being held at the New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport at 333 South Street in New Smyrna Beach.

For more information, please call Carole at 386.314.4499 or Jennifer at 386.690.8557

Purple Cow Festival

Enjoy a day in the country at the 2nd Annual Purple Cow Festival.

There will be Free Seminars on Gardening, Composting, Herb Infused Vinegars, Beeswax Candles, Butterfly & Hummingbird Gardening, Beekeeping and Planting a Dish Garden. Free Cooking Demonstration on Easy Elegant Holiday Appetizers from Your Herb Garden. Workshops on making your own herb vinegars and beeswax candles. There will be activities for the kids including a scavenger hunt and lawn games. There will also be a Local Holiday Marketplace featuring: Beautyberry, Elderberry & Pokeberry Jams, Mulberry Mountain Farm Goat Milk Products, Local Honey and more. Wild About Birds, Inc will put on an environmental educational program with live birds of prey.

The fun will be this Saturday from 10am- 5pm at:

Full Moon Natives

1737 Fern Park Drive

Port Orange, FL

New Farmers Market

The local Farmer's Markets are held Wednesday at the Volusia County Fairgrounds and on Saturday on Canal Street from 730am-1230pm.

There are now two additions to the list! There is a new Market open from 8am-2pm in Edgewater at Hawks Park Recreational Complex, it is held in the front parking lot adjacent to Turgot and S. Ridgewood. There is also a new one at United Church of Christ on Washington St in New Smyrna Beach, they are also open on Saturday morning at 8am.

Get out and support your local business and buy some healthy produce!!

Four Corners of the World~Benefit Boys & Girls Club

Flip Flops will be holding a benefit for The Boys & Girls Club of Volusia and Flagler. The Four Corners of the World Food & Wine Extravaganza will be held November 20th from 11am-4pm. The cost is $55.00 per person in advance and $65.00 at the door.

Support your local business!

13th Annual Holiday Charity Ball

 

The 13th Annual Holiday Charity Ball will be held on November 20th at Brannon Center. It is 7pm-midnight and the cost is $50.00. This years event will feature an open bar donated by Pub 44, food, dancing entertainment and a silent auction with some fabulous items. All of this to benefit local charity!

Honor Our Veterans

Pancakes in the Park

Support the New Smyrna Beach History Museum and enjoy a great breakfast! Pancakes in the Park is this Saturday, November 13th from 7am-11am. A $6.00 donation will get you an awesome breakfast in our beautiful Old Fort Park! You can get tickets in advance at the museum located at 120 Sams Ave, or purchase in the park the day of the event!

Veteran's Day Ceremony

There will be a Veteran's Day Ceremony tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Riverside Park. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4250, along with other local groups and citizens, is sponsoring appearances by Mayor Adam Barringer and retired Army Col. Irving Davidoff. Please join in honoring our Veterans.

The News Journal has a complete list of Veteran's Day Events in Volusia County.

5K Run For The Fallen

On Saturday, November 13th at 10am, there will be a 5K Run For The Fallen held at Riverside Park in New Smyrna Beach. There is no registration fee, all donations will go to The Wounded Warrior Project. Following the run there will be food and refreshments. Full information can be found here. Please come out and join in support and remembrance of those in the "Iraqi Freedom War."

Flamingo Follies

The best art show of the year is November 13th and 14th from 9am-5pm on Flagler Avenue. This extra special art show will feature local and nationally known artists, crafts, entertainment and food. Finish up (or  start) your Christmas shopping on Flagler and support your local business!

Around Town~Things to Do

There is plenty to do the next few days...there is something for everyone! Here is a sample...

There will be a Chicken Barbecue at the NSB Lions Club, this Saturday, November 6th from 11am until it's gone. For $7.00 you can enjoy a full meal, eat in or take out. The Lion's Club is located at 2340 Sunset Drive. This event will benefit Marina Alonzo Eye Treatments.

Bouchelle Island is holding their annual sale inside the clubhouse this Saturday from 8am-12noon. Lots of great items for sale by residents, from furniture to household items. Check it out!

The Isle's of Sugar Mill Community Sale is also this weekend, Friday - Sunday from 8am-3pm. SR44 to Sugar Mill Dr, on the left.

Oak Hill Seafood has fresh local oysters, they are open Thursday - Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-3pm.

 

VFW Post 4250 has bike night every Thursday, drink specials, contests, music and fun. They are at 2350 Sunset Dr, New Smyrna Beach.

 

Arts on Douglas Gallery Walk is Saturday, November 6th from 4pm-8pm. Art, demonstrations, food, drink and entertainment on Canal Street.

 

Enjoy the weekend and support your local business!

Support Cudas Baseball

Come on out to McKenna's Place next Monday night, November 8th and support New Smyrna Beach Baseball! 

The great people at McKenna's are sponsoring a fundraiser to support the baseball program. This program supports baseball for grades 7 and up and encourages not only improving baseball skills but also strength training, endurance, good grades and citizenship.

From 5-9 pm, enjoy dinner with your family and 10% of your check will go to the baseball program. Please tell your server you support Cuda's baseball.

McKenna's is located at 1443 S. Dixie Freeway in New Smyrna Beach.

Support your local business!

Volusia County Fair

The Volusia County Fair starts this weekend. The Fair runs from November 4th through 14th. It is held at the Volusia County Fairgrounds. Complete details, schedules and directions can be found on their website.

Vote

If you need information on where to vote. Go here, type in your address and Google will tell you!

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!

Art Weekend Contest

Check out the fabulous contest running right now, win a great art weekend in New Smyrna Beach. Go to www.nsbfla.com/art and register to win!

Black Cat Ball

The 4th Annual Black Cat Ball is this Sunday night at Om Bar on Flagler Avenue. This annual Halloween event benefits No Pet Left Behind. There is a huge charity raffle, costume contest and admission is FREE. Break out your best costume and head on over to Om.

Letter To My Children

I am taking a break from my normal programming to speak to my children....and maybe to yours too.

Hello My Baby Girl,

I know you sat next to your best friend this week and listened to her talk about going to a Halloween party that you were not invited to, I know your heart was breaking but you waited to get in the truck on the way home to say, "why, was I not invited?' I was you once...we all were, at one point or another we were all not invited to the "party"..snubbed by the popular kid or picked on by...whoever. You are beautiful and special and please remember...nothing ruins your life forever. NOTHING. No matter how bad it is today, it will be forgotten, if not tomorrow, next week, next year, it will be forgotten. One more time, Nothing ruins your life forever....NOTHING.

My Darling Boy,

To the kid who has gone to 5 schools in 7 years and is the only kid at the baseball field whose father has never seen him play. You are awesome..I know I am not the best at playing catch and throwing batting practice and I suck at math. I get that you have had a couple kids picking on you at school, I know you are 6' tall and skinny and goofy, I also know that you play baseball, lift weights and run and the day will come that you will be 6'5" and be a stud and the kid with the trumpet case will be begging to be your friend. Please remember.....nothing ruins your life forever. NOTHING. No matter how bad it is today, it will be forgotten, if not tomorrow, next week, next year, it will be forgotten. One more time, Nothing ruins your life forever.....NOTHING.

Someone I consider a friend discovered her 14 year old son hanging in the garage last week. He killed himself because he had been picked on by kids at his school. His mother had no idea. His father was not around.

So, to my beautiful children,  never think something cannot be fixed.  NOTHING you do will ever keep me from loving you.  NOTHING you do could be so awful you can't get past it.

And if someone is mean to you, ignore it if you can. If you cannot, tell someone. If you ever need help and can't talk to me, call your uncles or write a letter, there are many people who love you.   

Finally, treat others as you want to be treated and don't be mean.  Don't let other people be mean.
Stand up for what you know is right. Protect those who aren't as smart or confident or as kind as you.
Treat people's feelings carefully. Be that person you admire.

I love you and I know you know all this but I have to tell you.....it's my job.



Love,

Mom

Trunk or Treat & Fall Festivals

It has not felt much like fall the past few days but here are some family events to celebrate our non-fall weather!

The YMCA will be having a Haunted Forest and Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 30th at 7pm. They are located at 148 W. Turgot in Edgewater.

Venetian Bay United Methodist Church will be having a Fall Festival on Friday, October 29th from 5:30-830pm. There will be live music, free food, inflatables and plenty of fun for all ages.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Live Oak St will be having an All Saint's Eve Party on October 31st from 4pm-7pm.  Carve a pumpkin, trunk or treat, admission is free.

Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church in Port Orange is having a Hallelujah Harvest on October 30th for children to 12 years old. Free Rides, Free admission, puppets, hay rides and trunk or treating, the event will run from 4-6pm.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

New Smyrna Ween - Creepy Crawl

Celebrate Halloween on Flagler Ave with the New Smyrna-Ween Creepy Crawl. Starting at 8pm. Flagler Tavern, OM Bar, Peanuts, Traders and Clancy's will have costume contests, prizes, drink specials and much more for all the adult Halloweeners out there.

Support your local business!