Charlie Brown Christmas

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving! I want to spend just a minute or two and offer a few words on one of my favorite holidays.

But first I need to go back to this past weekend. I did what I find myself doing a couple times a month. I go to the storage unit that now houses all of my parents belongings. An entire houseful of stuff. Furniture, lamps, collectibles, books, china, some clothes, hundreds of pictures, memories...and lots more. An entire life housed in a 15 x 20 air conditioned unit with a roll up door. A life that we now have to figure out what to do with.

So I did what I do...walked in picked around a few boxes, found a box or two to take to donate and rolled that door back down and left. It is overwhelmingly sad to think that these great parents, incredible grandparents, funny, nice people's whole life is in that 15 x 20 air conditioned unit with a roll up door.

Every year since I can remember we have spent Thanksgiving with my parents. I have a picture from every year with my kids, my Dad and the turkey. We have another one of my brother, my dad and my son, marking each year how tall my son was, until he eventually passed his uncle and grandpa. This year there will be no such pictures.

So, I say to you, give thanks for all that you have. Spend that money you work so hard to earn on experiences and not "stuff." Make memories instead of having "things."

Chances are one day someone will be trying to figure out what to do with your life, give them more great memories and less boxes.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Santa in Christmas Park

Santa will be in Christmas Park, Canal Street in NSB to pose for pictures and talk to the children. 

• Friday, Nov. 27 @ 6 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 28 @ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 4 @ 6 – 8 p.m.
•  Saturday, Dec. 5 @ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 11 @ 6 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 12 @ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 18 @ 6 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 19 @ 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  For more information: please call (386) 424-2175

New Smyrna Beach Christmas Parade

It is parade time! The New Smyrna Beach Christmas parade is December 5th at 4:00 pm. It starts at Flagler Ave beach approach and travels over the north causeway ending on Canal Street. This years theme is "Candy Canes and Christmas Carols"

If you would like to participate in the parade contact NSB Recreation and Events at 386.424.2175.

Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner

The Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner is held at the First United Methodist Church - Hollister Hall which is at 215 Palmetto Street

Dinner is served fom 11:30am-3pm. It is open to all and free to the public. Donations are accepted. Reservations are not required. For additional information, contact the church at 386-428-4371.

www.FirstMethodistNSB.org

Polar Express in Port Orange

2015 Operation Christmas Cheer

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department is once again collecting items to help those in need in the community this Christmas! This annual community effort is in it's 26th year. They are gathering toys, canned goods, and clothing. You can find collection boxes located at:

New Smyrna Beach City Hall, 210 Sams Avenue
New Smyrna Beach Police Department, 246 Industrial Park Avenue
New Smyrna Beach Fire Department, 500 E. 3rd Avenue

"Operation Christmas Cheer" continues through December 18th, at which time all collected
items will be distributed to families in need throughout Southeast Volusia County.

Spread the word, donate if you can and help others enjoy the holiday! 

Rock On in NSB

Holiday Tour of Homes

Puppy Classes at Edgewater Animal Shelter

Samsula Women's Club Craft Show

Mark your calendars for this one! This is an excellent event and will get you in the Christmas spirit!

Veteran's Day 2015

Veteran's Day at the Veteran's Memorial in Riverside Park here in NSB on Wednesday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m., sponsored by our VFW, keynote speech by Mayor Hathaway.

Let's turn out to honor our Veterans!

Flamingo Follies

The 25th annual Flamingo Follies Holiday Art Show is this weekend! This is one of my favoriteFlagler Avenue events! It is November 14th & 15th from from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. More than 120 artists and crafters from around the state will display their work. Artists, entertainment and food vendors will line the Avenue. Admission is free.

Please call the City of New Smyrna Beach Recreation Department at 386.424.2175 for more information! 

Allen Chapel 125th Anniversary