L’Chu N’Ranena from the Book of Psalms begins with “Let us sing unto G-d.” But, it does not say to sing the Blues. No, it says that we should “sing unto G-d in joy.”

What an interesting thing to be commanded to feel joy. What if you are not feeling so happy? What if you have been having a bad day, a bad week or a bad year?

Well, I guess we need to read further because the next part of the Psalm tells us how to lift our spirits. It tells us to approach G-d with praise and Thanksgiving. You heard me right, we are to approach not with a list of requests each of which remind us of what we feel we lack, but rather with a list of the things that we have.

So here we are with the Great American Festival of Thanksgiving and I would ask each of you to think of what you are thankful for. I know many people will sit with family and friends to a scrumptious turkey dinner and they will go around the table and each will get an opportunity to say that they are thankful for this or that, but what of those who can’t seem to think of anything to be thankful for?

Well, if nothing else, on Thanksgiving Day, at least, be thankful that you are not a TURKEY!

Those of you who read my column regularly know that I love to dance. I even help teach beginning students in the Adult Education Program. In recent classes, we had a wonderful couple, newly married, and, watching them, I saw in their every action, their every glance at one another, that they were filled with joy; they were so thankful that they had found each other. They know that there are many people who go through life without ever finding that special match that lights them up like the brightest of Shabbat Candles.

We recently read about the first matchmaker in the Bible. His name was Eliezer, the trusted servant of Abraham who was sent on a mission to find a wife for Abraham’s son, Isaac. He could have gone looking for the wealthiest woman in the land, but he chose to look for someone who was kind, caring and gentle. Okay, it didn’t hurt that she also happened to be gorgeous. But remember, the woman he chose was kind and caring before she ever met her husband.

If you are not married yet, if you are looking for a partner in life, I would urge you to start being kinder and more caring right here, right now; it just might lead you to your bashert.

My new friends from dance class know this well. They both spend their days collecting food for those who are hungry. They have blessed so many others and G-d has indeed blessed them and they are ever-so-thankful.

May you each learn to be thankful, not just for what you have, but for what you can give.

If you would like to share in the joy of my newlywed friends, and, as we will all have a feast on Thanksgiving, consider giving some food or a donation to “Boca Helping Hands” at the Remillard Family Resource Center in Boca Raton. www.bocahelpinghands.org. Or you may choose to give to any of the other fine organizations that help feed the hungry, and may I be the first to say, “THANKS!”

Shalom My Friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a Hospice Chaplain and Member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. He also provides Professional Pastoral Care Services to a number of health centers in Broward County.

By David Volz

Tuesday, Nov. 22 at noon, Vice Mayor George Brummer, Commissioner Barry Dockswell and Commissioner Rex Hardin won their respective elections by default. No one filed to run against them in the Jan. 31, 2012 election.

See more in the Dec. 1 Observer newspaper.

Dan Marino, left, will be joined by chef Anthony Bruno (Anthony’s Runway 84) and John Offerdahl on Friday. Submitted photo.

By Gary Curreri

John Offerdahl spent eight seasons roaming the middle of the Miami Dolphins’ defense on the gridiron and now he has turned his attention to raising money for charity.

Offerdahl will be among 20 former Miami Dolphins, including Dan Marino and Broward’s best chefs, who will take part in the second annual Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Tailgate Festival at Pompano Beach Amphitheater on Nov. 18 from 4 p.m. to 11 p m.

“It is all about bringing people together for a good cause,” said Offerdahl, who played for the Miami Dolphins from 1986-1993 and was a 5-time Pro Bowl selection. “This event is where Celebrity, Competition & Charity collide!”

Each athlete has been paired with a chef and has created their own signature Gridiron Grill-Off recipe. Attendees will eat and vote on their favorites, and a pair will be voted the Gridiron Grill-Off Champion! There will also be a bean-bag tailgate tournament that teams up Celebrity Pros with Community Joes (fans).

Last year, Louis Oliver and Jason Smith from Steak 954 won. Proceeds are supporting 4Kids of South Florida, the Miami Dolphins Foundation and Here’s Help Culinary Program. Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.
GridironGrilloff.com.

Ely routs Dillard in Soul Bowl

Darren Allen threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns and added three touchdown runs as Blanche Ely rolled to a 41-13 victory over Dillard at Lockhart Stadium on Nov. 12.

Avery Johnson caught five passes for 130 yards and three scores as the Tigers prepared for this week’s Class 7A playoff game against host Dwyer High School on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Highlands finishes 6-4

Tyson Graham scored three times, while Arelious Burns added the fourth as Highlands Christian Academy closed out the season with its fourth consecutive victory to finish the year 6-4.The team outscored the opposition during that span, 174-20.

The victory was bittersweet for Knights head coach Jordan Adair, who said he is stepping down as football coach. He said he is exploring some new coaching opportunities for next season.

“The final game was emotional, and it was great to send the seniors out with a win, as well as finish out my time here with a victory,” said Adair, who has been coaching at the school for eight years at different levels. “I had been coaching many of the seniors since they were in 6th grade (Logan Cole, Matt Elder, Gabe Hantsbarger were all on the elementary basketball team I coached my second year here. I’m really looking forward to seeing where some of them land in college and watching them continue their football career.”

Adair, who had a 23-17 record as the head coach for the varsity team for four years, said he was very pleased with the way the team kept playing hard after it started the year 0-3.

“It took some time for the new players to acclimate to our system and style of play,” Adair said. “I feel like we kept improving each week, and that is why we were able to finish strong, winning 6 out of our last 7 games.”

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

The Artist claimed the “Best in the Fest” award at the 26th Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival. A black-and-white silent movie with a grand musical score, this film was a labor of love for the participants involved, including Uggie the Jack Russell terrier.

In a recent telephone interview, Malcolm McDowell commented on his involvement – ”I met with the director about another part, which I could not do due to my commitment to Franklin & Bash. However, we managed to shoot my part in one day.”

McDowell’s one-day cameo became the focus of attention at the recent Cannes Film Festival.

“Cannes was celebrating the 40-year anniversary of A Clockwork Orange, but 25 percent of press conference questions were about The Artist. I am happy about how well-received The Artist has become,” he added.

Like The Artist’s celebration of a bygone era, FLIFF 26 has become cinema history. With the exception of two uppity celebrity handlers for the opening weekend festivities and the illness of Senator George McGovern, this fest fulfilled its unique promise of understanding the challenges for future filmmakers while acknowledging the debt of our founding filmmakers.

Despite volunteer staff shortages locally, the outreach programs in Pompano, Sunrise and the Bahamas proved to be a financial boost to local business. Muvico Pompano sold extra tickets during a traditional slow period at the box office.

Given Dennis Farina’s surprise appearance for the screening of the award-winning The Last Rites of Joe May at Muvico Pompano, expect more volunteer opportunities in North Broward County for FLIFF 27.

An Evening with Piper Laurie was one of the most talked about events of the fest. Foregoing the planned screening of The Grass Harp, Piper reflected upon her six decades in the movies and her experiences with stars like Ronald Reagan and Paul Newman, and playing Carrie’s harpy mother. Cinema Historian Foster Hirsch conducted Piper’s insightful interview.

The ocean conservation documentary Islands of Life, which earned a Spirit of Independence award, featured Sidney Poitier and his daughter Pamela. Pamela Poitier attended the screening 3:10 to Yuma starring Glenn Ford. Ford’s son, Peter, was in attendance to discuss his new book Glenn Ford: A Life. Ford and Poitier’s meeting acknowledged a piece of cinematic history. Both of their fathers starred in an important film – The Blackboard Jungle, released 61 years ago.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 12 A man reported that his home was entered at 750 NW 38 Ave. and $14,000 worth of jewelry and a computer valued at $1,500 were stolen.

Nov.12 A man reported that his home at 1351 SW 9 Ave.  was broken into. He said a side door to his garage was kicked in and his home was ransacked.

Nov. 12 A witness observed three men steal dumbbell weights from the clubhouse of Tivoli Apartments at 603 Siesta Key Circle. The weights were placed in a vehicle and recovered. The men were observed fleeing in a car.

Nov. 12 A woman reported her 15 solar-powered yard lights stolen from her property at 1448 SE 7 St.

Nov. 13 A man reported his skateboard valued at $150 stolen from his property at 414 NW 41 Avenue. The man said he believes he knows who took the skateboard.

Nov. 13 A man reported that his car was stolen from 490 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Nov. 13 A man was arrested and charged with possession of narcotics. Deputies were called to 223 SE 13 St. regarding a domestic situation. Deputies then found a Xanax bar and 5.5 grams of marijuana on him.

Nov. 13 A man entered Snappy’s store at 115 SE 10 Street for a few minutes. When he came out, he found that his bicycle had been stolen.

DEERFIELD — District 4

Nov. 12 Trespassing arrest was made at 3401 W. Hillsboro Blvd. at 3:56 a.m. BSO Deerfield Beach detectives working an early-morning operation in response to a recent spike in crime in Deer Creek spotted a suspicious person looking into a van window behind Tropical Fitness. When detectives attempted to make contact, suspect fled on foot and swam across a canal into the Preserves Apartment complex. With assistance from road patrol, the Aviation Unit and K9, the suspect was apprehended. In the suspect’s possession were burglary tools and gloves. Suspect was charged with possession of burglary tools, resisting arrest, loitering and prowling, and trespassing.

Nov. 12 Residential burglary arrest was made in Starlight Cove, 750 NW 38 Ave., at 11 p.m.  Victim reported that an unknown subject entered the residence without permission by cutting a lock on the rear gate, entering the screened-in patio, and prying open the rear sliding glass door. Once inside, subject took jewelry from the master bedroom valued at $14,000, and a Mac notebook computer valued at $1,500. Scene was processed.

High schoolers’ final game

Dear Editor:

Someone needs to inquire why the graduating class of 2012 is not allowed to play in their last high school game, due to a couple of hurt egos by the coaching staff … After a disappointing season, they took Monday off from practice to de-stress. At this point, meetings are being held to discuss the punishment, but no parents have been notified. In these meetings, the coaches were threatening the players that they would not help them get into college. It’s no wonder why the parents of Deerfield are looking for [schools] outside the city limits to send their children. I hope this isn’t the future that the students will have to endure — the unprofessionalism of the teachers, coaches and other employess of the system.

Upset Parent

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

I am extremely disturbed by events that are transpiring at my old high school, Deerfield Beach High School (DBHS). It has been reported to me that the Senior Class of 2012 football players are not being allowed to play the final game of their high school careers at their home stadium and players are even being silently retaliated against for voicing their opinions and disgust with the situation.  These kids deserve better. I will personally be writing the school and the school board of Broward County on this. Please review and investigate, as I was informed this is a group being punished for the actions of a few. Thank you.

Carlos Luis Maysonet Hernández Jr.

Deerfield Beach

Editor’s note: According to DBHS football coach Allen Jackson, “They played that game — last Friday.” Were any not allowed to play because of disciplinary action? “They all played.”

 Vinny Tozzi, the school’s athletic director, said, “If it’s a situation where a coach was disciplining players who obviously didn’t come to practice – if you don’t show up to practice, someone has to practice in your spot, and they deserve the right to play. If that’s what you’re asking, I support the coach 100 percent!”

LHP Annual Fall Book Sale

• Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 19 (bargain day, $1 a bag), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m

Dixon Ahl Recreation Building, 2220 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Items include fiction, non-fiction, childrens’, books on tape, DVDs, CDs. Proceeds support collection development of Doreen Gauthier Lighthouse Library. 954-946-6398.

Luminotti plays

• Thursday, Nov. 17, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.                                                                                                                             

The Dubliner Irish, Mizner Park, 435 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL  33432

561-620-2540

• Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.                                                                                                                               

The Wishing Well, Royal Palm Plaza, 111 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, FL  33432

561-750-5208

Catch local classic rock band at two new venues!

Cresthaven Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Thursday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church-Social Hall, 3331 NE 10 Terr., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Last meeting of year. Guest speaker: Sherry McDaniels, Chief Business Tax Inspector. Light refreshments served. No charge, everyone welcome. 954-786-7536. Park on west side of hall.

Deerfield Democratic Club meets

Thursday, Nov. 17, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Café & Bakery 2000, 2100 SW 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speakers: Congressional Candidate Lois Frankel (Dist. 22) and Commissioner Ben Preston. Light snacks, pastries and coffee served. 954-684-3690.

2011 Gridiron Grill-Off

Friday, Nov. 18, 4 to 11 p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheater, 1806 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Chefs and Dolphin fans collide to eat, drink, vote and compete for South Florida’s best grill recipe and bean bag toss championship. Benefits 4KIDS of South Florida. (See story, pg 8)

“25 Years of Caring and Sharing”

North Broward Medical Center-Conference Center

Friday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

201 E. Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

For Health Care Professionals, Aging Network Staff and Care-givers. 954-745-9567.

His Caring Place Dinner and Auction

Friday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.

Banyan Air Hanger, Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, 5360 NW 20 Terr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

Event features LIVE and silent auction and Asian Cuisine themed dinner. $50 per person. Online registration required: HisCaringPlace.org/newsandevents. 954-905-5177.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sands Harbor Boat Dock, 125 N. Riverside Dr., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Tour historic lighthouse, see the Keeper’s Cottages, Barefoot Mailman and the new Centennial Comemmorative Brick Patio, plus a Boat ride from Sands Harbor Hotel’s North dock. Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society members free, non-members: $15 transportation fee. 954-942-2102 or www.hillsborolighthouse.org.

Youth Group’s Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive

Through Sunday, Nov. 20 (Tuesday-Friday), 9 a.m.to 4 p.m., (Sunday), 8 a.m. to noon.

First Presbyterian Church of Pompano, 2331 N.E. 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Goal is to fill 100+ baskets with food, each including 15-lb. turkey, canned and boxed goods, etc. Baskets given to most needy local families. Donations of food or cash accepted. 954-941-2308 ext. 111.

Classic Car Show

Sunday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Toyota of Deerfield, 1441 Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rescheduled from date of Pink Heals Tour. Sponsored by Olympia Flame, BSO, City Of Deerfield and others. $20 classic car registration. Benefits Greater Broward Fire-fighter Cancer charities. Gourmet food trucks. Dash plaques and trophies, kids activities. 954-410-5536 or jpmiranda@comcast.net.

DB Chapter of Hadassah meeting

Monday, Nov. 21, 12:15 p.m.

Century Village E., Le Club, Activity Room B , 3501 West Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Dr. Stephen Schwartz, Podiatrist. Topic: “Foot Care for Seniors and Diabeties.” Refreshments served, guests welcome. 954-428-6265 or 954- 427-9902. Bus 5/6 stops at Le Club.

Thanksgiving at Zion

Wednesday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church & School, 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Following service, there will be a pie-tasting event. Bring a pie to share or just a fork!

Here is a little Thanksgiving history for you. Don’t worry there will not be a test. In 1789, following a proclamation issued by President George Washington, America celebrated its first Day of Thanksgiving to God under its new constitution. That same year, the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which President Washington was a member, announced that the first Thursday in November would become its regular day for giving thanks “unless another day is appointed by the civil authorities.” Yet, despite these early national proclamations, official Thanksgiving observances usually occurred only at the state level. Much of the credit, for the adoption of an annual national Thanksgiving Day may be attributed to Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book. For 30 years, she promoted the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day, contacting president after president until President Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by setting aside the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. Over the next 75 years, presidents followed Lincoln’s precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. Then, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday.

PSALM 100:4-5

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.  NLT

To be thankful means to be full of gratitude and appreciation. Ephesians 5:20 says, “Give thanks always for all things.” Why are we to always be grateful?  Because God is good and His love, mercy and His Word endures and lives forever. And it also lives in us.

PSALM 107:1-2

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

2 Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.  NLT

1 CORINTHIANS 15:57-58

57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.  NLT

Our life should show that we are thankful and grateful. You must be willing to be grateful because then the things you do will reflect how you really feel and show what is truly in your heart. Thankfulness is an attitude. It is a condition of the heart. What kind of condition is your heart in, not just this Thanksgiving, but year-round?

As we commemorate Thanksgiving this year, I hope you will retain the original gratefulness to God displayed by the Pilgrims and many other founding fathers, and remember that it is to those early and courageous Pilgrims that we owe not only the traditional Thanksgiving holiday, but also the concepts of self-government, the “hard-work” ethic, self-reliant communities and devout religious faith. Along with all the commotion, companionship and cooking, take time to give thanks and praise to God and to the special people in your life.

Pastor Tony Guadagnino

Christian Love Fellowship Church

 UPDATE 12:01PM The jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts.

Sentencing to be in 10 days

The swift trial moved quickly and included Poitier taking the stand for nearly an hour. The closing arguments will begin at 8am today and go to the jury shortly after.

If she is acquitted, Poitier would be allowed to be reinstated as

District 2 Commissioner and serve the remainder of her 4 year term. The complete story including an exclusive only

interview with Poitier will be in the Observer.

DEERFIELD BEACH – Broward County residents are invited to view new preliminary flood insurance rate maps for the County at three public open houses, November 14-16, 2011. Flood maps show the areas at risk for flooding, and help determine flood insurance rates and building requirements.

Open house dates and locations are:

Monday, November 14, 4-7:45 p.m.
South Regional Library
7300 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024

Tuesday, November 15, 4-8 p.m.
Volunteer Park Community Center
12050 W. Sunrise Blvd.
Plantation, FL 33322

Wednesday, November 16, 4-8 p.m.
Herb Skolnick Center
800 S.W. 36 Ave.
Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Property owners — both homeowners and business owners — renters, realtors, mortgage lenders and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open houses and take advantage of this opportunity to meet one-on-one with specialists, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other local representatives, to ask questions and learn more about flood risk within their communities.

Broward’s preliminary maps have not yet been officially adopted. Maps will become effective after a public comment period, during which property owners can submit appeals and protests if they can show that any parts of the maps are in error.

For more information on the flood map timeline and new building elevation standards for Broward County, visit broward.org and click NEW BROWARD FLOOD MAPS under Hot Picks. There is also an interactive map viewing tool that allows residents to enter their address and determine their flood zone designation and flood risk.