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.