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!