DB Chamber After Hours

TONIGHT (Dec. 15), 5:30 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Chamber, 1601 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

“Giving N’ the Holiday Spirit.” Food from several restaurants, music, decorations, networking. Bring unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Bring food or drinks to share. $15 at door. 954-427-1050.

AARP Driver Safety program

Thursday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Save money, earn a discount on your car insurance and update your driving skills! Provides those over 50 years old with updated information on current Florida Statutes, as well as coping with changes. $14 for 6-hour course ($12 AARP member). Space limited, reservations required. 954-480-4447 or e-mail mflower@deerfield-beach.com.

Percy White Library Holiday Fair

Through Dec. 23, Mon.,Wed., Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues.,Thurs., noon to 8 p.m.

Percy White Library, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Holiday decorations/cards. Come early for best selections. Call 954-360-1380.

Winter Wonderland

Thursday, Dec. 15, 3 to 5 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Enjoy an afternoon of frolicking fun featuring two snow hills, horse-drawn hayrides, a giant peppermint twist game, refreshments and holiday treats. www.Deerfield-Beach.com.

Kung Fu Panda 2

Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

“DB FilmFest” provided by Paragon Deerfield 8. Bring blanket or lawn chairs. Refreshments available for purchase. 954-480-4430.

Prime Timers Yard Sale

Sat., Dec. 17, 9 a.m. to noon

1008 SE 3 St. (first right off 12 Ave.), Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Clothes, furniture, books, bedding, assorted items. Proceeds go to Community Presbyterian Church. 954-642-6419.

Christmas Coffeehouse with carols

Saturday, Dec. 17, 6 to 7 p.m.

Community Presbyterian, “Briggs Hall”, 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Observer editor plays with Luminotti bassist. Bring your friends. Christmastime message by Rev. Dennis Andrews. Part of the Saturdays at Six series at Steeple on the Beach. 954-427-0222.

35th Annual Boca Raton Boat Parade

Saturday, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.

Along with a spectacular boat parade and fireworks display, also featured is the famous ‘on the water’ U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots drive featuring dockside donation pickups during the parade to benefit needy children in our area. Tow boats travel the parade route and collect new, unwrapped toys from folks using flashlights to signal the tow boats along the route.

Registration is free and all entries are guaranteed to win prize packages and/or cash prizes, valued at over $10,000. Parade is FREE and open to the public with bleacher viewing areas at Red Reef Park and Silver Palm Park. The parade begins in the Intracoastal Waterway at the C-15 Canal at the Delray Beach/Boca Raton border and continues south to the Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge just south of the Boca Raton city limits.

For more information, call 561-239-1536  or 561-393-7827. www.myboca.us/rec/specialevents.

Christmas set-list w/rockin’ 5-piece band

Sunday, Dec. 18, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Boca Raton High School, Performing Arts Theatre, 1501 NE 15 Ct., Boca Raton, FL 33486

Rock into Christmas with band. Journey Church, a young, open to the public, hip group, that has fun learning about the Lord. For more information, call 561-245-8264.

Dixieland Jazz

Sunday, Dec. 18, 1 to 4 p.m.

Henry’s Hideaway, 1500 S. Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach, FL  33069

Presented by the Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society. $10. 954-563-5390 or 561-394-0269.

Surfers for Autism Holiday Happy Hour and 2012 Tour Release Party

Sun. Dec. 18, 3 to 8 p.m. 

Oceans 234, 234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

LIVE entertainment, happy hour drink prices, discounted menu. 954-428-2539.

The Deerfield Beach Chapter of Hadassah Meeting

Monday, Dec. 19, 12:15 p.m.

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

Speaker: Irving Baker on “The Impact of Islam on Judaism.” Refreshments served.  Guests welcome. 954-428-6265 or 954-427-9902.

Yappy Hour

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.

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

Celebrate the season with The Florida Humane Society. Refreshments and treats for you and your dog! Get a holiday pic with you and your best four-legged friend. RSVP: Ted@neweyesmarketing.com.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, Dec. 21, noon to 1 p.m.

Old School Museum, 232 NE 2 St., (near City Hall), Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE lecture by Deerfield Beach Historical Society. Speaker: Owner of Dixie Divers, Pavan. Topic: Underwater history. Donations welcome. 954.429.0378.

Holiday food giveaway

Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to noon

408 Hammondville Rd., Pompano Beach, Florida 33060, (Street next to the E. Pat Larkins Community Center)

State Representative Gwyn Clarke-Reed, Dist. 92, in conjunction with Jack Cory and the Pompano Beach Farmer’s Market bring this event to Pompano. Bags are courtesy of Broward Health. There is no cost for produce.

Most people really don’t enjoy life; they endure it. Their lives are filled with anxiety, stress and pressure and there’s very little joy. The Christmas season is the most stressful time of the year. We worry about presents, finances, etc. I want us to look at a strategy for dealing with seasonal stress.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  NLT

STEP ONE: WORRY ABOUT NOTHING

Worry is assuming responsibility that God never intended  you to have. Worry is worthless. It cannot change the past or control the future. It is an incredible waste of energy.  Some people are born worriers; they have the ability to find a problem in every solution. Worry is not natural, it is something you learn; you have to practice to get good at it. If it is learned, it can also be unlearned. In order to relieve stress, live one day at a time.

STEP TWO: PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

Paul is saying, don’t panic – pray. If those people who say “I don’t have time to pray” would spend their time praying instead of worrying, they’d have a whole lot less to worry about. God is interested in everything in your life. Prayer is a tremendous release of pressure. A life insurance company did a study. They learned that people who attend church once a week live on average 5.7 years longer. Why? Perhaps, people who attend church every week are more likely to pray than to worry. There is no problem too big for God’s power or too small for God’s concern.

STEP THREE: THANK GOD FOR ALL THINGS

Ungrateful people also tend to be unhappy people. Nothing ever satisfies them, it’s never good enough. We have so much that we take for granted. Develop the attitude of gratitude and watch the stress level in your life go down. It gets your eyes off the problem and on the many things we have to be grateful for. There is always something to be grateful for.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  NLT

STEP FOUR: THINK ABOUT THE RIGHT THINGS

To reduce stress in your life, you must change the way you think. You have been given by God the freedom to choose what you think about. Many people are allowing all kinds of garbage into their minds. What you think affects the way you feel; the way you feel affects the way you act. Guard your mind. Keep your mind on the right things. If the thought is not right, true, pure, lovely, etc., don’t allow it to get into your mind because it’s going to create stress. Whatever I think about, is what I am becoming.

People are looking everywhere for peace of mind. They try pills, fads, therapy, alcohol, stress reduction seminars and books – anything to give just a little peace of mind. God’s peace is a gift to you. It is a gift that cannot be explained, duplicated, fabricated or understood. God will guard your mind and heart when you have a relationship with Jesus Christ and trust Him. Instead of worrying about everything, you pray about everything. You thank God for all things and keep your mind on the right things.

Pastor Tony Guadagnino

Christian Love Fellowship Church

Broward Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit detectives have made an arrest in a golfer’s murder from earlier this year.

On January 13, 2011, BSO deputies responded to the Deerfield Country Club after a golfer was shot near the 17th hole early that evening. Lataurus Randall, 35, of Deerfield Beach, was golfing with his cousin Melvin Philpart, when they were approached by two armed and masked suspects that came out of the bushes. During the course of a robbery attempt, Randall was shot and critically injured by one of the gunmen. The two suspects fled into a residential neighborhood to the east of the 17th hole. The wounded golfer was taken by then-Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue to North Broward Medical Center, where he died the next morning.

In the days and months that followed, BSO homicide detectives pursued the search for Randall’s killers. Through the course of the investigation, numerous leads and witness statements led them to Lamont Mayweather, 25, and another man, Charles T. Moye, 25. While Mayweather has been charged with murder while engaged in a felony, Moye is only considered a person of interest at this time.

If anyone has additional information about this homicide, they should contact BSO Det. John Berrena at 954-321-4210 or Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

Cinema Dave stands with “The Blues Brothers” at Art Basel last week.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Opening tomorrow, Le Havre is a Finnish/French film about a sad shoeshine guy who struggles to make ends meet for his ill wife. Despite his depressive situation, he finds a person who is in a worst dilemma, a young Nigerian boy separated from his family. With this simple plot set in motion, “Le Havre” reaches its climax in a sweet and entertaining way.

Since my interview with Alice Cooper years ago, his band made the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame and Welcome 2 My Nightmare became his most successful album since the 1980s. Yet, his most satisfying experience may be personal.

On daughter Sonora’s acquisition of her driver’s license, he said, “She is one of the best drivers I’ve ever seen. In school, she was the more timid kid, less aggressive of my three kids. She is now a freshman in college and drives herself to school.”

Oldest daughter Calico is part of the comedy troupe Groundlings and is making a niche for herself in independent movies. His son Dashiell recently married a beautiful blond he met on the hockey rink; Dashiell hit a slap-shot and his future wife, Morgan, was the goalie.

In two weeks, Alice and his band will be ending their No More Mr. Nice Guy Tour at the Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock.

Like a good carnival barker, Alice exclaims, “This is my best live band ever. We have Steve Hunter (Cooper band mate from the 1970s), Orianthi (from American Idol and Michael Jackson’s last band) and the voice of Vincent Price opens the show.”

The Vincent Price gesture reveals debt to the past.

He explains, “My generation, like Ozzy Osbourne and I, have a harder edge, but we were all taught by the Beatles. We had good teachers and we learned to incorporate melody lines.”

The Grammy Award noms. snubbed Welcome 2 My Nightmare but Cooper was unfazed. He acknowledges the current culture of the music and radio business.

“Some of the nominations were boring; good songs are not getting played. Radio does not play what is good, but who is supposed to be the next big thing. An album like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band would not get airplay today. I feel sorry for young bands today. My advice would be become the best live band around, learn melody and lyrics from 70s bands.”

The Howard Schnellenberger era is officially over, as the only coach in FAU Football History leaves the program with a 58-74 mark. Schnellenberger’s all-time record in 27 years of coaching college football is 158-151 with a National Championship for the Miami Hurricanes in 1983.

The Owls can thank the UAB Blazers to avoid going winless this season as FAU pulled out a 38-35 win Saturday, Nov. 26, thanks to Senior Running Back Alfred Morris’ 198 yards and four touchdowns. Morris became the first person in Schnellenberger’s career to surpass 1,000 yards twice in his career. He finished with 1,186 yards in 2011 with a 72-yard effort against ULM. In 2009, he amassed 1,392.

The embarrassing defeat by UAB led to the firing a few days later of its’ Head Coach Neil Callaway, who had a 3-9 season and was 21-51 in five years.

When the game was over, FAU sent Schnellenberger out with a fireworks display. He also gave a game-ending speech thanking everyone in the stadium for their support. It took him longer to address the media because he spent extra time talking to his players. At the end of the press conference, the popular coach was busy signing media members’ press passes.

Schnellenberger said, “This is the first time I’ve turned a football team over in this type of situation. But I want the players to know that I value them being here. I didn’t want these players to go out as losers. There are a lot of good football players on this team.”

But Schnellenberger was pleased that his retirement would turn out differently than legendary coaches like former Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden and Penn State’s Joe Paterno by leaving on his own terms.

“I talked to Bowden about this and with the way coaches are getting disposed of. I didn’t want to leave like that. I wanted this to be a seamless transition. I’ve never missed a day of work in 52 years of coaching, and I’m glad that I can retire, relax, spend time with my wife Beverlee, children and grandchildren,” Schnellenberger added. “I’ll be moving out of my football office Sunday and into a new one in the administration building Monday, helping out any way I can, but “won’t be in the way of the new coach.”

My time with Coach Schnelleberger dates back to our days with the Miami Hurricanes in the early 1980s. It will be different without my friend in the future, but the UAB win meant so much that it would have been a major injustice for him to end his final season as the only winless team in NCAA Division I FBS. Thankfully, it didn’t happen and I’m pleased he left on his own terms.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at scottsports33.com.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 30 A man reported that he believes three men stole an iPad and an iPod from his home at 660 Siesta Key Circle.

Dec. 1 A man was arrested and charged with two residential burglaries. The arrest took place at 387 SW 34 Terr.

Dec. 2 The theft of two irrigation pumps from Crystal Lake Golf Club at 1391 Nw 45 St. was reported. Total value of the stolen pumps was estimated at $3,000.

Dec. 3 An automobile was reported stolen from 1056 S. Military Trail.

Dec. 3 An automobile was reported stolen from 1333 S. Dixie Hwy.

Dec. 4 A man reported that the front right door of the car he was renting was stolen. The report was made at 427 Lock Rd.

Dec. 4 A witness reported that the windows of two cars parked at 331 NE 48 St. were smashed. Change and cosmetic jewelry were reported stolen from the cars. The witness believes two men were responsible for the damage and thefts.

Dec. 4 A housekeeper at La Quinta Inn, Deerfield Beach, at 351 W. Hillsboro Blvd. reported that a flat-screen television was missing from a room.

Dec. 4 A woman reported her automobile stolen from 351 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Dec. 4 A man reported his automobile stolen from 1223 SW 1 Way.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Nov. 30 BSO was working a bank robbery at Chase Bank, SW 10 St. and Military Trail
at approximately 2 p.m. Deputies detained one suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please call 911.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Nov. 22 A home at 2780 NE 25 St. was broken into. A laptop and two wooden jewelry boxes were reported stolen.

Nov. 23 A woman reported a vessel bench stolen from her home at 2150 NE 48 Court. She estimated the value of the bench at $400.

Nov.27 A woman who works at Sally Beauty Supply at 2474 N. Federal Hwy. reported that 300 pieces of nail polish were stolen. She believes four women who were in the store may have stolen the nail polish. The estimated total value of the stolen nail polish is $1,797.

Nov. 28 A woman reported her wallet stolen from her car parked at 2620 NE 53 St. The wallet contained $140.

Nov. 29 A woman was observed stealing medication from Publix at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. She is believed to have stolen eight packages of Zantac and 10 packages of Zyrtec.

Nov. 30 A man reported his cell phone stolen from his car at 2250 NE 44 St.

Nov. 30 An employee of Simonize Car Wash at 5190 N. Federal Hwy. reported that a commercial pressure washer machine was stolen. The value of the washer was estimated at $2,000.

Detox battle of rights

Dear Editor:

A storefront at 504 S. Federal Hwy. has become ground zero in a classic case of David vs. Goliath. In this case, David is a band of neighbors from The Cove neighborhood, whose homes are next to or near the property. Goliath is a business owner who owns Deerfield Florida House, Inc., a substance abuse treatment facility across the street from the storefront, formerly known as Reel Smokers World.

Even without a change of land-use approval from the city, the owner purchased the property for over $1 million and sank $100,000 in architectural fees for a 24- to 28-bed detoxification facility for drug and alcohol abusers with dual diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric illnesses. Patients will arrive at the facility while under the influence of substances with the goal of removing the substances from their bodies, so they may be admitted to the Florida House directly across Federal Highway for long-term drug rehabilitation. Florida statutes prevent the facility from retaining patients against their will, so they may leave treatment after six hours. Needless to say, neighbors became concerned and organized to fight the plan.

The business owner met with neighbors and denied that patients had committed crimes or were a threat to the surrounding community.

However, in February 2011, a Florida House patient fled the facility and stole a knife from Publix prior to burglarizing and vandalizing cars in The Cove parking lot and at homes on SE 17 Ave. and SE 17 Terr. The patient’s rampage didn’t stop there. He entered an occupied home on SE 5 Court then stumbled out onto the lawn. The resident recognized the patient was in distress and offered assistance, but the patient punched him in the face.

Prior to that, a Florida House resident robbed Papa John’s pizza on S. Federal Highway in 2009. Neighbors currently report being solicited for money and rides to the airport at local businesses from patients from the Florida House.

In September, the Planning and Zoning Board [recommended to the city commission] denial of the change of land use request, stating the proposed facility was not compatible with the residential zone next to it. In addition, city code states that a substance abuse treatment facility cannot be within 1,000 feet of another substance abuse treatment facility. The city rejected the application.

End of story? Not so fast. The owner has appealed the ruling, stating that the planned facility is merely an extension of the substance abuse facility across the street, even though different services will be provided there. He has also vowed to spend up to $6 million to defend his right to build the facility. He has retained counsel of an attorney who specializes in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That lawyer has already sent a threatening letter to city officials alleging “hostile and irrational community prejudice.” If his appeal to the Planning and Zoning Board special master is denied, it is expected he will turn to the ADA for ammunition against the city.

What’s at stake for the business owner? Millions of dollars in profit from the desperate families of addicts who will pay any amount for help for their loved ones. What’s at stake for the neighbors? At the very least, a drop in property values of their biggest investment — their homes. At worst, their safety and security. Who has already won this battle? The previous owner of the property, who purchased it for $600,000 in 1999 and sold it to Deerfield Florida House for $1.3 million in 2011.

Can Deerfield Beach afford to fight this battle? If we don’t, does that mean a dual diagnosis detoxification facility may be built anywhere in our city? Will the next one be built next to your house?

Donna Ihle

Deerfield Beach

RE: Paid Advertisement

Dear Editor:

Congrats to Frank “It’s all about me” Congemi. After his power play struggle failed, he felt it necessary to take out a full page ad in the Observer in an attempt to undermine those who still believe in the Chamber. Frank, get over yourself. In my opinion, you’re still a bull in a china shop. You challenge the integrity of people. As for your last line, “God bless,” who are you kidding? Live with yourself, you deserve you.

Steve Miller

Deerfield Beach

RE: Publisher’s Perspective

Dear Editor:

I always enjoy reading Op-Eds written by the publisher, because of their clarity and conciseness.  However, the Opinion piece in the Dec.1 issue is particularly worthy of praise.

Politicians frequently say that raising taxes will kill jobs. Rarely, if at all, do they explain why. The publisher does this with a logical, yet simple case and argument explaining why increased taxes and, therefore, increased costs decreases business and lessens the ability of a business owner to pay employees.

Don Kolb

Deerfield Beach

“Friends” of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum meeting

Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Speaker: Alan Chin-Lee. Subject: Butterflies (Lepidoptera). Refreshments served. Arboretum plant give-away, auction. 954-480-4494 or Jerry@treezoo.com

RAD Community Day

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to noon

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 

Free lunch, health fair, education fair.  Sponsored by Radiant Worship Center. 954-531-0200 or www.radiantliving.com.

Pet CPR & First Aid Class

Saturday, Dec. 10, 11am – 3pm

Florida Humane Society, 3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Certified PetTech trainer Laura Kays covers pet first aid, restraining/muzzling injured pet, CPR & rescue breathing, choking, management, excessive heat, drowning, snakes & bufo toads. Limited space, reservation required. 561-809-3213 or nopaws4concern@msn.com.

Yuletide Christmas Concert

Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free admission, features performances by Fiddleworks Children’s String Ensemble (Keili Kids) and Steeple Singers.  954-427-0222 or www.communitych.org.

Gold Coast Youth Orchestra “Christmas Concert”

Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church , 2331 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Corelli Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8 (The Christmas Concerto), selections from Handel’s Messiah and more. Freewill offering at door. 954-501-0401 or 954-594-3990.

Broadway Costume Luncheon

Sunday, Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m.

Costume World Museum, 2313 NW 30 Pl., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

View costumes, get behind-the-scenes stories about favorite Broadway shows. Lunch served on china and under crystal chandelier from “Tavern on the Green.” Hear toe-tapping tunes from best Broadway shows. Seats: Front/Center-$95 ea, other: $85 ea. Reservations: 954-463-8028. Symphony office: 954-335-7002 or www.symphonyofthe
americas.org.

Gingerbread Holiday Concert

Sunday, Dec. 11, 3 p.m.

Boca Raton Resort and Club Great Hall , 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Lynn University Philharmonia performs under baton of Maestro Albert-George Schram. Benefits scholarship for Lynn Conservatory’s students. $35 includes valet. www.lynn.edu/tickets or call 561.237.9000.

George Brummer Park Grand Opening

Monday, Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m.

George Brummer Park, 3500 West Palm Aire Dr., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Information, call 954-786-4191.

Pompano Beach Garden Club Holiday Luncheon

Monday, Dec. 12, noon/meeting, 1 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Ida Molfetto presents “Creative Dried Flower Greeting Cards.” Refreshments served. Open to the public.  954-943-2699.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach meets

Tuesday, Dec. 13, noon

Deer Creek Country Club Banquet Room, 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Holiday luncheon. Enjoy informative presentations and yummy refreshments.954-421-4700 for info.

(Park in lot on SE 9 Terrace, across from the rear of the fire station)

Trinity Church’s Annual Live Nativity

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m.

Trinity Church, 3901 NE 22 Ave, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

5:30 to 6:30: Hot dog/ chili dinner, 6:45: Trinity Worship Team sings Christmas Carols outside sanctuary entrance.  7:15 p.m.: Live nativity. All children welcome to participate.  Performance and live nativity are free to attend.  Cost for dinner: $6- adult, $2- child, $15-families.

Ice Cream Social with Santa

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Get in holiday spirit with games, family activities, a visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and elves and an ice cream snack! $2 adult, $1 child. 954-480-4481.

“Eloquent silence often is better than eloquent speech.”

– Leo Rosten’s Treasury of Jewish Quotations

“If a word be worth one sheckel, silence is worth two.”

–Talmud: Megillah, 18a

Last night in the mall, they  happened to be playing one of the most famous of Christmas songs. It was called “The Sounds of Silence.” No, that  was Paul Simon. This one was called “Silent Night.”

The truth is that silence is talked about in Scripture. “There is a time for every purpose under heaven” and you had better believe that there is a time for silence. The other day, I was watching two workers set up a long ladder to do some painting. As one of them was climbing the ladder, the other suddenly called out, “Be careful” and the one on the ladder looked down and darned-near fell off the ladder. That was a time that silence would have been the wise call. But later, on his way back down, his companion yelled out, “Be careful” and it was a good thing because he had left a can of paint in the middle of one of the rungs on his way up the ladder.

There is a time to call out. But, there is also a time for silence. It seems people have forgotten about the importance of silence. Perhaps modern technology has been partially to blame. If you have been to a funeral lately, you know that we have to announce for people to turn off their cell phones. And I’m sure you’ve heard those phones ring at movies and concerts and, I would not be surprised if you have heard them go off in the midst of your Minister’s sermon.

I was officiating at a wedding the other day and, in the middle of this incredible ceremony where two people bind their hearts and souls together in the gift of love, the groom’s phone rang … and do you know what? He actually took the call.

So today I am proposing a new custom for Jewish wedding ceremonies and for all other faith’s weddings as well. I am proposing that at the end of the ceremony we don’t just break a glass. I think that a cell phone should be stomped on as well.

Let it be a reminder that there are times they should stop listening to and conversing with others and simply take time to listen to and talk to our spouse. Otherwise, your marriage will be like the glass. It will be broken and unable to be put back together.

There is a time for silence … Silence is golden!

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.

The Florida Ethics Commission has found no cause to pursue complaints against a current and four former Deerfield Beach officials over allegations that they failed to properly disclose free tickets they received to the Mango Festival previously held in the city or solicited tickets to it from city lobbyists.

The complaints were filed by blogger Chaz Stevens and stem from a report done for the city by Kessler International that raised questions about the ticket distribution in 2006 and 2007.

Vice Mayor Marty Popelsky, suspended Commissioner Sylvia Poitier, former Mayor Al Capellini and former Commissioners Steve Gonot and Pam Militello were listed in separate complaints brought before the Ethics Commission on Friday. The commission’s findings were made public today.

Kessler’s report said Poitier, Militello andGonot requested and received blocks of tickets to the Mango Festival for free and distributed them to garner political support. It said Popelsky and Capellini also received tickets to the festival.

But the Ethics Commission said the evidence did not support that the five had broken state ethics rules for accepting and not reporting gifts.