Volusia County administrative offices and libraries will be closed New Year's Day.
On New Year's Eve, administrative offices will be open normal hours and library branches will close at 5 p.m.
No Votran service on New Year's Day
Votran will not operate bus service New Year's Day in the Greater Daytona Beach Area, Southeast and West Volusia County areas.
For more information, call (386) 761-7700 in Daytona Beach, (386) 943-7033 in West Volusia or (386) 424-6800 in Southeast Volusia.
Garbage pick up changed for holiday
There will be no garbage, recycling and yard trash collection for residents of unincorporated Volusia County on New Year's Day.
Unincorporated areas are outside city limits.
Collection days normally scheduled between Dec. 25 and Jan. 4 will be the following day. For instance, Wednesday collections will be on Thursdays.
The Tomoka Landfill and West Volusia Transfer Station will be closed New Year's days.
For more information, please call Volusia County's Solid Waste Division at (386) 943-7889 or visit www.volusia.org/recycle.
Bird count planned
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count will be Saturday, Dec. 29. Participants should meet at the Brannon Center at 7 a.m.
This is the longest-running citizen science wildlife survey in the world. It began in 1900 when Dr. Frank Chapman founder of Bird-Lore magazine, which became Audubon Magazine, proposed that during their annual hunt they count birds instead of shooting them.
Data from this survey is used not only by Audubon scientists to monitor bird migration, but also by government agencies like Fish and Wildlife Services, the Department of Interior, E.P.A. and state agencies, such as the Fish and Game Commission, to manage habitat and protect wildlife.
To participate e-mail president@sevolusiaaudubon.
Caregiver support groups offered
The Council on Aging of Volusia County will host a dementia caregiver support group for nonprofessional caregivers at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, at Coronado United Methodist Church,
201 S. Peninsula Ave.
New Smyrna Beach.
Respite Care is provided at all Council on Aging support groups for those in the early to mid-stage of dementia. Reservations are not required. For more information, call (386) 253-4700, Ext. 204.
Driver safety class slated
An AARP driver safety class for seniors will be from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Jan. 3 and Friday, Jan. 4, at Coronado Community United Methodist Church, 201 S. Peninsula Ave., New Smyrna Beach.
Cost is $12 for members and $14 for non-members. Reservations with instructors are required.
To register, call (386) 427-7373.
Belong to meet
Belong, the New Smyrna Beach Christian Women's Outreach Group, will meet from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the Venetian Bay Golf Clubhouse, 63 N. Airpark Road, New Smyrna Beach.
The speakers will be Dr. Terry L. Kahn and Dr. Mindy A. Weingarten. They will speak on strengthening spirit, fitness for body, mind and heart.
Participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for local food pantries.
Reservations are required by Thursday, Jan 3.
To make a reservation, call (386) 663-4593 or e-mail nsbbelong@gmail.com.
Event benefits humane society
Ropp's Automotive in New Smyrna Beach recently conducted its annual Christmas benefit drive for the Southeast Volusia Humane Society.
The Ropp family has had the drive for more than 25 years and provides food, drink and music for the event.
Guests are asked to bring a bag of dog or cat food to the event or give a cash donation.
This years event brought in more than 2,400 pounds of food, supplies and cash donations.
Garden club to meet
New Smyrna Beach Garden Club will meet Thursday, Jan. 3, at the clubhouse, 2000 Turnbull Bay Road.
"Fairie Gardens" will be presented by Jen Knight of Lindleys Nursery and her daughter, Taylor.
Social time is from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The business meeting will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by a catered lunch for $10. Meetings are open to the public, but reservations are required for lunch.
To make a lunch reservation or obtain information about membership, call (386) 409-7912.
DAR to meet
Daughters of the American Revolution, Jane Sheldon Chapter, New Smyrna Beach, will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan.3, 2013, at the New Smyrna Beach Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway.
John Mann will present a program on the history of Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
Women whose ancestors participated in the American Revolution and desire membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution may call (386) 428-2507 for additional information.
Edgewater library to host free tai chi classes
Residents can learn the Chinese practice of tai chi during a 12-week series of free classes at the Edgewater Public Library, 103 W. Indian River Blvd.
Representatives from the Northeast Florida Area Health Education Center will offer "Tai chi -- moving for better balance" from 2 to 3 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday from Jan. 7 through March 27. Instructors will focus on the prevention of falls during the progressive program.
Originally developed as a martial art, tai chi is now used to reduce stress and improve balance through slow, gentle movements and deep breathing. It's sometimes referred to as "moving meditation."
Space is limited. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the library at (386) 424-2916.