| November, 2012

Softball league flourishing

Posted on 29 November 2012 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

Ken Zeber has played in the Sunshine Seniors Softball League at the 4-Fields Complex in Pompano since 2003, and, despite having five bypasses 16 years ago, he still loves playing. Zeber, who will turn 69 in December and lives in Oakland Park, said he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The best part is probably seeing guys older than me out there playing and getting exercise even though I still go to the gym,” Zeber said. “The bypasses came after being too active at night with my playing softball, coaching little league for my son, the wife and I were bowling and my daughter at dance. With all this activity, we ate (fast food) five nights a week and I believe that’s what caused them.”

The league recently concluded its summer season as Wally’s Raiders rallied for an 11-inning, 18-14 victory over the Reds in the championship game of the slow pitch summer league that plays on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the complex.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Bill Coyne, who retired from the Town of Davie three years ago where he was a police lieutenant. “There is great camaraderie and you meet a lot of people from all walks of life and areas.”

Coyne, 61, of Coral Springs, is also a member of the No Stars All-Star team that plays in the Florida Half Century Softball Association. They’ve won three tournaments in the 60s age group this season and they play once a month around the state. The Pompano Beachbased league has many travel team players still competing at the highest levels despite their ages.

“I see myself playing as long as I am healthy,” Coyne said. “We have some guys that play in the league that play well into their 80s and (play) at a good level. You forget that they are that old and still doing that.”

This is the 16th year of the Sunshine Seniors Softball League, which will have between four and six teams during the three seasons the league holds.

“It is the greatest thing in the world, especially for the ages of players that we have,” said Bart Grillo, 83, of Deerfield Beach, who serves as commissioner of the league. “I would say the majority of our guys, at least 50 percent of them, are over 70. They enjoy the game.”

Grillo, who hung up his cleats three years ago because of health issues, said he tries to downplay the competitive nature of the seniors.

The 55-and-older slow pitch softball league plays on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will play occasional tournaments on Saturdays at the 4-Fields complex in Pompano. Grillo said there are players who are involved in the Florida Half Century Amateur Softball Association that features tournaments around the state for seniors.

Grillo, who was inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in January 2007, joked there is an age limit for his league. He credited the city of Pompano for its support and that the league has been able to succeed.

“You can play up to 100 if you can make it,” Grillo said with a laugh. “We have a dozen guys who are in their 80s. I would still be playing if I didn’t have a problem with my breathing. It is a lot of fun. It is enjoyment and something to do.”

For more information on the league, contact Grillo at 954- 421-6892.

Youth soccer registration

The city of Pompano is currently taking registrations for its youth soccer program. Registration began on Nov. 5 and the program begins on Dec. 17, for players ages 5-7 and 11-13 (Monday & Wednesday); Dec. 18, for players ages 8-10 (Tuesday & Thursday). Cost is $54 for residents and $110 for non-residents.

It is an opportunity to experience a great program that offers the fundamentals and skills in the sport of soccer. The city will be hosting evaluations for ages 8 and up to determine team assignments. For more information, call 954-786-4119.

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FLICKS: Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn 2 & Diana Vreeland, the Eye has to Travel

Posted on 29 November 2012 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Each year since President Obama was first elected, a “Twilight” movie has been released. The box office revenue generated has been more revenue than the president’s taxation policies. With this kind of economic incentive, one wonders if author Stephenie Meyer had secretly written a continuation of her vampire/werewolf middle school Gothic romance. When word “leaked” that a “twist” ending had been added to Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, one feared another four Twilight movies by 2016.

Fortunately, Breaking Dawn: Part 2 does present closure to the Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) saga. In the last flick, the newlywed Bella was on the verge of dying during the birth of her child. Thanks to the timely action of her husband, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), Bella becomes a vampire. This upsets the vampire status quo and an international civil war rages in the forests of Washington state.

As a series of five movies, the Twilight saga improved with each production. To the producer’s credit, they fulfilled fan expectations. It will be fascinating if, in the year 2022, the fan base will feel the same affection to Team Jacob, Team Edward or Bella Swan.

After The Devil Wears Prada and the Anna Wintour BioPic The September Issue, one can grow weary of the narcissism of the fashion industry. Then the documentary Diana Vreeland: The Eye has to Travel” is released, revealing what a joke the industry really is.

With an archive of interviews conducted by George Plimpton, this documentary features the “Forrest Gump” of fashion design, Diana Vreeland. Born in Paris, Diana and her sister witness the coronation of Britain’s King George V. The family moves to Colorado and Diana befriends former cowboy and carnival huckster, Buffalo Bill Cody. As a teenager during the Roaring Twenties, Diana parties with Josephine Baker, returns to Europe and finds Adolph Hitler’s mustache amusing.

Given her personal contacts with the hoi polloi, Diana gets a job writing for “Harper’s Bazaar,” before transitioning to “Vogue” in the early 1960s. Eventually, Vreeland was named consultant to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, cementing her image as a Manhattan elitist.

Given the footage that is revealed and her place in reporting current events, this film provides an entertaining history lesson about the 20th Century.

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 29 November 2012 by LeslieM

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 22 A man was arrested and charged with criminal mischief. He was identified on video surveillance as having scratched a car that resulted in $113.32 worth of damages. The incident was reported at 860 SE 6 Ave., #301.

Nov. 23 A man reported that his car parked at 248 S. Federal Hwy. was entered. A wallet, containing $150, identifications and credit cards, was stolen.

Nov. 23 A man reported that his car parked at 1000 E. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken into and ransacked. Nothing was reported stolen.

Nov. 24 A man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after he threatened a man with a knife at 4517 N. Dixie Hwy. The man was also found to be in possession of cocaine.

Nov. 24 It was reported that a man entered a business at 3318 W. Hillsboro Blvd. The man stole two computers and fled from the store.

Nov. 25 A woman reported her purse stolen from the Asian Buffet & Grill at 240 S. Federal Hwy. The purse was valued at $2,000 and it contained an iPhone, passport, jewelry, credit cards and cash. Total loss was about $3,000.

Nov. 25 A woman reported that her daughter was the victim of an assault. The mother confronted the man about a threatening message he left on her daughter’s voice mail. The man and the daughter had been dating but had broken up. The man pulled a knife and threatened to kill the mother or the daughter. The man then pushed the daughter to the ground, causing a minor injury. The man fled the area. Incident was reported at 5291 NE 10 Ave.

 

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Nov. 15 A woman came home from work and found that someone had broken into her home at 3150 NE 48 Court and rummaged through the bedroom closet. The thief found a jewelry container and stole two rings, 50 Native American jewelry items, 20 women’s earrings, 50 watches and one bed pillowcase. Total loss was $10,905.

Nov. 18 A woman reported that she hired a man to help her move some boxes from her residence. They decided to go to lunch at Arby’s. The man drove the car. The woman reported that while at the Arby’s drive-thru, the man reached into her purse and stole $200. The woman did not know the name of the man. The incident was reported at 3784 N. Federal Hwy.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Posted on 29 November 2012 by LeslieM

Graffiti in Deer Run

Dear Editor:

I recently took my 3-year-old grandson, who, by the way, can read simple words, to the park in Deer Run. I was appalled by the filthy words scribbled ALL over the playground equipment.

What is wrong with kids today, who think they have the right to deface property? Where were the parents to teach them right from wrong? Trying to figure out today’s youths is ONE BIG QUESTION MARK.

Lorraine Barsher

Deerfield Beach

 

Shirley, where are you?

Dear Editor:

For 52 years, he enjoyed our ocean and beaches. Several weeks ago, he parked at beautiful Deerfield beach and enjoyed the blue water with rounded white caps. Then, no view. It was blocked.

A woman stood between him and his ocean. When she turned, facing him and their eyes met, he asked: “Hungry?” She nodded slightly and her silent lips murmered softly, “Thank you,” as he passed a bill to her.

Then she turned around to again face their ocean.

She turned north to where the restaurants are. She disappeared into the crowd.

Harry wants to see Shirley again – for lunch or dinner at the new restaurant across from the new pier. He will park the little red car near the No.3 lifeguard station at 4 p.m. Thursday [today] through Sunday, and watch.

Shirley, where are you?

Harry

Lighthouse Point

 

Flying old glory

Dear Editor:

As a merchant marine captain, I find it a ‘disgrace’ and, as a matter of fact: illegal.

What I refer to is the way the American flag is or is not displayed on vessels leaving port and especially in the Intracoastal waters. And most amazing is that the BSO vessels don’t display ‘old glory!’

If you were to go to the Bahamas and did not display their flag, as required by international law, they can confiscate your vessel!

Protocol requires the vessel fly a flag of the country you are in, or a yellow ‘quarintine’ flag.

If you were to ‘get on this issue, maybe you could change the attitude of day sailors who don’t understand that we are at war … and flying the ‘colors’ is a matter of nation pride, along with being nautical protocol!

How about starting with the new [sheriff] and asking, “Why is it that your vessels don’t have a flag painted on their safety vessels … Or, for that matter, Why don’t the ‘BSO’ officers have a flag on their uniforms and equipment.

Are they not ‘American?’

Timothy R. Browne

Deerfield Beach

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 29 November 2012 by LeslieM

Cove Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Thursday, Nov. 29 – 7p.m.

Deerfield Beach CC Building 1601 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

If you would like more information or would like to be put on the distribution list, e-mail DFBCove@gmail.com.

About Boating Safety Course

Saturday, Dec. 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park Ranger Headquarters 3939 N. Ocean Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33431

Everyone who completes the class is given a certificate and will be sent a Florida Boating ID card, which is required for boaters under 22 years of age. $35 per person. 561-391-3600.

 

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 1 – 9 to 11 a.m.

The Butler House 380 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, Fl 33441

Santa and Mrs. Santa will be arriving with their elves. Hosted by Deerfield Beach Historical Society. $5. 954-429-0378.

Christmas Concert

Sunday, Dec. 2 – 2 p.m.

PB High School 600 NE 13 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE. Hosted by the New Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir will feature new Christmas Music for Organ and Brass. 954-448-5083

 

Disabled American Veterans Help

Tuesday, Dec. 4 & Wednesday, Dec. 5 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gold Coast Chapter #133 American Legion Post #162 820 SE 8 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE to veterans and their families, DAV will provide counseling and claim filing assistance for veterans confused about benefits and services they’ve earned. 727-319-7444.

Party for Pompano Beach Boys & Girls Clubs

Saturday, Dec. 8 11:30 a.m.

LHP Yacht & Racquet Club 2701 NE 42 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For members and guests of Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club. Includes lunch, live entertainment and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each child will receive a bicycle, a bicycle lock and a helmet. Reservations required. 954-941-3449.

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CLERGY CORNER: Fused together

Posted on 29 November 2012 by LeslieM

“The soul is the Lord’s candle.” (Proverbs 20:27)

Chanukah is soon upon us. Many of you may be thinking that Chanukah is coming early this year, but if you look at the Lunar Calendar that the Jewish People have been using for more years than I can count, you will find that Chanukah this year is actually on the very same day that it comes each and every year: it begins on the evening of the 24th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev.

On Chanukah, we light lights. We start with the highest candle, known as the Shamus. We light the Shamus with a match and then we use that particular candle to light the other candles (Whatever number is appropriate for that particular night). The Shamus represents the light of G-d. It was G-d who originally said, “Let there be light.” Each of the other candles on the Chaunkiah (The Chanukah Menorah) needs to be touched by the wick of the Shamus, by the light of G-d.

The wick is a fuse and just as each candle needs to be touched by the fuse of the Shamus to lighten up, we each need to strive to fuse ourselves to G-d and, in so doing, we light up our very soul.

But Chanukah isn’t just a time to fuse our souls with G-d; Chanukah is a time to fuse our bodies as well. The body that contains our soul is often referred to as a Temple. The modern day house of worship, our temples, our shuls, our synagogues house the Torah scrolls. Our bodies house our neshamot, our souls, during our sojourn on this earth. As a Rabbi’s son, I grew up knowing that the Synagogue was to be kept clean, it was to be kept in good repair and it was to be a place of warmth and comfort. On Chanukah, we recall a time when the temple (the great temple in Jerusalem) was ransacked, holy items were torn apart or burned and this wondrous place of holiness was turned into an idolatrous sty by Antiochus IV and his Greek hordes.

But lo and behold, there was a miraculous military victory by a small group of untrained Jews led by the family Maccabee, and we regained control of the great temple. The problem was that it was a total mess.

So began a period of rededicating the temple to make it, once again, a place of holiness, a House of G-d. While Chanukah reminds us of the rededication of the temple, let us not forget that our bodies are also a temple, and just as the synagogue houses objects sacred to our faith, our bodies house something else that is extremely sacred … our souls. This Chanukah, let us remember not only to light up our synagogues and our homes with the Chanukah Candles. Let us remember not only to rededicate the temple, but let us also rededicate ourselves to taking care of our bodies, the temples that house our souls during our time on this earth, and, in doing so, may we be a light unto the nations.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and serves in this capacity in a number of healthcare settings in the area including Advocate Home Care Services and L’Chayim Jewish Hospice in Partnership with Catholic Hospice of Broward County.

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Highlands bowling team has stellar season

Posted on 21 November 2012 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

Highlands Christian Academy sophomore Andrew Celesti made school history recently as he became the first member from his school to reach the FHSAA state bowling championships.

Celesti rolled a three-game total of 733 (255-198-280) to finish just 17 pins shy of tournament champion Pablo Cerda of Coral Springs Charter at Strikes at Boca recently.

“It was pretty cool,” said Celesti, who went on to place 109th out of 183 bowlers after rolling a four-game total of 697 (202-176-167-152) at the state tournament at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando. “It was amazing to be going to state. I didn’t really have that thought at the beginning of the year.”

Celesti said he averaged 180 in the league during the year, but put up a career-best, 280 in his final game at district to ensure his team would have a shot at the Baker games. His previous high was a 267.

“We were bowling good in competition and, in the third game, we went all out,” Celesti said. “I kept the mindset to strike out and I did it.”

Celesti’s brother, Chris, a senior, took fifth (205-212- 235-652) and narrowly missed advancing to state with his brother.

Knights’ teammate, Tyler Current, rolled a three-game series of 557, while Jonathan Cunningham totaled 461 for his three-game series. Ethan Peraza bowled a three-game series of 358.

Highlands Christian was a surprising qualifier for the Baker games at the statequalifying District 14 tournament as it made up a 36-pin deficit on Coral Springs Charter in its final game by bowling a 1,022. Coral Springs Charter School was only able to muster an 863 in its final game.

The Knights finished with a three-game total of 2,761, while Coral Springs Charter was fifth with 2,638 pins.

Highlands lost 3-1 to Boca Raton in the opening round of the Baker games, but rallied to top Santaluces, 3-1 in the second round. Boca Raton then swept Highlands in three straight games to advance to the final where it lost to Park Vista, 3-2. Only the Top 2 teams and Top 2 individuals advance to the state tournament.

First-year coach Timothy Celesti, father of both Chris and Andrew, said advancing to the Baker games didn’t surprise him.

“There was some good talent and I knew the boys could do it if they kept their minds clear,” the elder Celesti said. “What I did at districts was that they were loose so I left them alone. It would have been unbelievable to get a berth to states, but the fact that we were even in that position was a huge accomplishment because it is only our second year bowling at Highlands.”

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FLICKS: Fabulous Baker girls

Posted on 21 November 2012 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

While filming two of her classic westerns, The Big Country and How the West was Won, actress Carroll Baker wrote about her harrowing experiences driving a wagon buckboard with two teams of energetic horses. These experiences prepared her for her recent battles with Hurricane Sandy.

“After the hurricane and not having access to food and water, I never thought I would be so happy to be on an airplane!” said Carroll.

Her daughter, Blanche, added, “It was only after takeoff that we could see an overview of how bad it was in New York.”

Arriving in Ft. Lauderdale with just the clothes on their backs, Carroll and Blanche went shopping on Las Olas before their weekend of personal appearances for the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF). While mom was receiving the Lifetime achievement award, daughter, also an actress, screened two movies: Hypothermia and Ruth Madoff occupies Wall Street.

Both have worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Blanche in Deal and Carroll in Kindergarten Cop. Carroll compared actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood with today’s crop.

“They were not as casual as today’s actors. They had perfect manners and took the craft seriously. When shooting Kindergarten Cop, I had to get hit with a bat. I had padding on my stomach … somebody kept checking and adjusting the back. Eventually, I felt hands on my bottom and I turned around … it was Arnold! Gable and Stewart would never do or consider a thing like that.”

In her autobiography “Baby Doll,” Carroll wrote about her “second nervous breakdown” in the late 1960s and talked about her recovery.

“I got out of the pressure of Hollywood. I wanted to get the children out of Beverly Hills before the age of 8. I could see the drugs in the schools already. I was a single mom. I moved to Rome, which saved me,” she said.

An adolescent at the time, Blanche admitted that, “It was a bit of a culture shock, moving to and from Italy. Now knowing what I know, she put us first.”

Ten years later, Blanche earned an Emmy Award for the miniseries, Holocaust, costarring Meryl Streep.

The strongest memories I will remember from FLIFF will be the bond I witnessed with Bailee Madison, Steven Bauer and Blanche Baker with their Moms on the Red Carpet. Happy Thanksgiving!

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 21 November 2012 by LeslieM

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 18 A mobile home at 180 NW 51 St. was broken into. Televisions, DVD players and audio equipment were stolen for a total loss of $3,195.

Nov. 18 A man reported that his former roommate stole 15 bottles of liquor and about $70,000 worth of jewelry from him over the past several months. The incident was reported at 657 Hollows Circle.

Nov. 18 Two men were observed manipulating gas pumps to steal 50 gallons of gas at Texaco at 4517 N. Dixie Hwy.

Nov. 18 A woman reported that her home at 4250 NE 3 Ave. was broken into. She did not know if anything was stolen.

Nov. 18 A man was arrested and charged with a narcotics felony. The man was stopped for a traffic violation at 3770 NE 3 Ave. An investigation revealed he was in possession of cocaine.

Nov. 18 A woman left her apartment on 705 Mermaid Drive. When she returned, she noticed her television valued at $200 and her computer valued at $300 were stolen. There were no signs of forced entry and she believes her former roommate may have taken the items.

 

DEERFIELD – District 4

Nov.13 Burglary to a business was reported at Pollo Tropical, 1051 S. Military Trail, at 2:49 p.m. Deputies responded to an alarm and discovered the front door smashed. Surveillance video revealed a black male suspect wearing all black with a white shirt covering his head and wearing long dark gloves. One minute prior to the burglary, taillights (3 brake lights) from an unknown make/model car were seen driving near the back door. Suspect attempted to take the register drawer but was unable to remove it. Suspect left business 2 minutes after entering. Manager will call back when they are able to provide a copy of the video.

Nov. 13 Area canvass revealed an attempted burglary to a business (Bakery 2000) at 2100 SW 10 ST., #C. The hurricane-proof glass door was broken, but no entry was made.

Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

 

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Nov. 9 A man was arrested and charged with a bank robbery at TD Bank at 3600 N. Federal Hwy. The man entered the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money. The man left the bank with $872 in currency. He escaped in a car that was later found by police. They found his driver’s registration. Police used the registration to get a description of the suspect and were able to track him down.

Nov. 9 A woman reported that someone stole a lacrosse goalie net from their front yard on NE 24 Street.

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Letters to the Editor

Posted on 21 November 2012 by LeslieM

City’s response gets residents’ problem solved

Dear Editor:

For the past 3 years, the county has promised to install solid concrete privacy walls along the back of our development backing up to Military Trail.

The promises started with announcement of the expansion of the road making or adding turn lanes. To date, nothing has been done. The only thing we have received from the county engineer is one empty promise upon another. Each excuse thrown out would insult the intelligence of a frog.

I have tried unsuccessfully to reach our county commissioner, to no avail. Emails sent to her office go unanswered, text messages go unanswered, a request for an appointment with her more than 3 weeks ago was granted for Nov. 19 at 3:30 p.m. That was her ONLY time.

Deer Creek is the premier property in Deerfield Beach. There are over 4,000 residents living here.

I invited all the presidents of the other HOAs, including the master association of Deer Creek, city officials, along with county representatives to attend a Homeowners Meeting, Monday, Nov. 19, in the Hidden Woods clubhouse. We need answers, not excuses.

As of Monday, the county finally got a contractor to do the work they had promised.

I spoke to Commissioner Bill Ganz and he spoke to her [the county commissioner] to get things moving. I’m gonna tell you, that guy is phenomenal! If it wasn’t for Bill, I don’t think that project would’ve gotten done.

The other people in the city of Deerfield have been absolutely wonderful … [City Manager] Burgess Hanson, [Director of Environmental Services] Charlie DaBrusco and [City Landscape Architect] Harold Hoyte have bent over backwards to help us out.

Perri Cohen

President: Wildwood of Deer Creek

Deerfield Beach

 

Operation Shoe Box

Dear Editor:

With the cooperation of the Howard Beach Kiwanis Club NY and the Deerfield Beach Kiwanis Club in FL, we here in Deerfield Beach, with the support of the Mayor of Deerfield, Broward Sheriff’s Office with Fire Rescue of Broward County, have acquired a warehouse and necessities for the victims of the storm in Broad Channel and Breezy Point. This is called “Operation Shoe Box.”

Volunteers are filling the shoe boxes donated by the “99 cent stores” for distribution in those affected areas. “Atlas Van lines” has donated the truck and driver. It will have a Broward Sheriff’s police escort all the way to NYC.

The Mayor of Deerfield will fly to New York to personally oversee this distribution as she, Elaine, as well as myself, are former New York residents. We are working through the Howard Beach Kiwanis Club as to local logistics and coordination with the Police Captain of the local precinct.

If anyone from Florida wants to participate, they can volunteer or donate to the following address: Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach, 1901 Green Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33064. [Questions, call 954-830-5773.]

We have an approximate ETA [estimated time of arrival] of the day after Thanksgiving!

Frank Congemi

Deerfield Beach

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