Friends of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum meet

Thursday, March 12, 7 p.m.

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

Speaker: Noel Ramos RE: tropical agriculture and food sustainability in South Florida. Plant giveaway. Light refreshments. FREE, open to public 954-480-4495. www.treezoo.com.

Cupcakes & Cocktails

Thursday, March 12, 6 to 9 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre 1955 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Decorate cupcakes. Admission ($20) includes instruction, food sampling, one glass of beer or wine. Bring your ID. 954-943-4683 or www.pompanociticentre.com.

St. Peter’s Anglican Church

Friday, March 13, 7 p.m.

1416 SE 2 Terr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33063

“Come walk with our Lord.” Stations of the Cross. Fridays during Lent at 7 p.m. For information, call 954-695-0336.

Rummage sale

Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pompano Beach Elks Lodge 700 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Shop til you drop. Try a hot-dog for $3. 954-781-2300.

Granny’s Attic

Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

Free. Giant indoor garage sale features over 80 vendors selling housewares, toys, collectibles, tools, clothes and more. Food and drinks available for purchase. 954-786-4111 or www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

The Pap Corps Walkathon

Saturday, March 14, 8:30 a.m.

Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33431

1960s theme, with Beatles tribute band, Nowhere Band, meet and greets with leading cancer doctors. $20, includes T-Shirt. Benefits The Pap Corps, which donates money to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for research on all types of cancer. www.thepapcorps.org.

ANONYMOUS 4 concert

Sunday, March 15, 3 p.m.

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church 100 N.E. Mizner Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33429

After nearly 30 years and over 20 recordings (with two million+ albums sold), 2015-16 is the last touring season for this internationally renowned ensemble. $40 (general), $20 (student), $60 (premium). 561-395-8285. www.anonymous4.com.

DBICA Potluck Picnic

Sunday, March 15, 1 p.m.

Neighborhood Park (behind Community Presbyterian Church) SE 6 St. & 19 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

DBICA supplies soda, water, hot dogs and flatware. Bring a dish, enough to serve 6 to 8 people, to share with fellow members, neighbors and friends. 954-224-8006.

Zumba Fitness Class

Tuesday, March 17 & Thursday, March 19, 9 to 9:50 a.m.

Johnny Tigner Community Center (Westside Park) 445 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Classes are low impact for beginners. Walk-ins: $6, pack age of 10 classes: $50. Bring a friend to get a free class. For more information, contact Westside Park at 954-480-4481.

Democratic Women’s Club of NE Broward meets

Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m.

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

Speaker: Joanne Sterner, feminist and political activist. Topic: Women’s History Month, Refreshments served. Free and open to public. 954-942-8711.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, March 18, noon to 1 p.m.

City Hall, Commission Chambers 150 NE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach FL 33441

Guest speaker — historian and author Sally J. Ling — shares her book “OUT OF MIND, OUT OF SIGHT: A Revealing History of the Florida State Hospital at Chattahoochee and Mental Health Care in Florida.” Free. 561-429-0378 or www.deerfield-history.org.

LHP Chamber seeks board members

LHP Chamber is looking for 3 to 5 new members. These voluntary positions are for two years and require a meeting once a month on Tuesday night. For more information, call 954-946-3838 or email rene@azurerealty.com.

Hillsboro Youth Sailing Club

Saturdays, March 14,21 & 28, 9 a.m.

Did you know that this sailing club is starting up again? Interested in having your child, ages 8 to 18, be involved? Check out www.hisc.org to find out more.

Dream the impossible dream. Whenever I hear that song, I cannot help but think that with God all things are possible. We all have dreams and hopes that we want to see happen in our lives. Even dreams that come from God seem impossible at first. However, do not forget that all things are possible with God.

DEUTERONOMY 31:8

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

NLT

When you feel discouraged, take heart: God’s promise to never leave you or abandon you is always there to get you through your troubles. Why is it that we tend to turn to Him as the last resort when He is always faithfully by our side? Are you afraid of your future? Are you afraid to go after your dreams? Are you afraid to believe that you can achieve your dreams? Do you ever feel lonely? Do you ever feel like what you are going through, you are going through it alone? Do you ever feel like you were stuck in a pit with no way out? Reread the above verse, Deuteronomy 31:8. What does this verse do to your fears or feelings of loneliness? Read Psalm 23 and let it encourage you in times of trouble! Take a fresh look at this famous Psalm and be comforted that God has walked with you, not only during the good times, but through your bad times as well. Do you ever feel like you are in a pit and your dreams have no chance of ever coming true? Always remember that the dream never dies, just the dreamer. Remember that God is always with you leading you and guiding you, and protecting you. You are never alone. Don’t quit when you’re in the pit. You only lose if you quit. Don’t be afraid to dream the impossible dream and live each day to accomplish it. Continually encourage yourself with the Word of God. Does it remind us of an awesome poem we might have read before?

“Footprints” poem

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him, and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You, You’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You most, You would leave me.” The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

-Author Unknown

Even when we do not think God is there with us – He is! Be encouraged today and keep believing. Pastor Tony Guadagnino

Tony Guadagnino is the pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church, 801 SE 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more info., call 954-428- 8980 or visit www.clfministries.org.

Antique tractors on display.

Farm Heritage

By Rachel Galvin

The historic Sample McDougald House in Pompano Beach was the perfect setting for a Farm Heritage event March 7 & 8 since the house was originally on a pineapple farm. Antique tractors from the ‘40s to ‘60s were on display. Cock-A-Doodle-Doo provided pony rides and a petting zoo. Inside was a thorough display showcasing Pompano’s rich farming roots, as well as old quilts, from as early as a century past. The Old Time Jammers also served up music “Hee Haw” style. Artist Pat Anderson was on-hand to demo her artwork. Guests could sit down with some BBQ or shaved ice.

Executive Director Dan Hobby said, “We started talking to some of the farm families and it turned into celebrating agriculture with exhibits showing farming history. Local produce brokers donated vegetables so we could sell them and raise money for the house. [This event] has a nice feel. Kids are out. It is starting out as a manageable event and we will allow it to grow.”

Fred Segal, of the Broward County Farm Bureau, continued, “Sample McDougald farm is an ideal location. I am hoping in future years it will continue.”

Wes Baker brought a tractor that belonged to his father, which was used to farm an orange grove.

He said, “It is amazing how few people really know farming in the area.”

“I think this is a great event. It’s nice to know about history of Pompano. We put several months into planning, borrowed pictures from the historical society, etc. It took about 12 hours to put it together,” said docent Laura Salerno about the indoor displays.

Board member Shirley Farris, whose father, R.V. Jones, was one of the farming pioneers pictured and written about on the display, said the quilts on display were donated. One was from as early as 1850. Many quilts were made from flour sacks.

“This is the first time we are doing this event,” she said. “This is a great start.”

Cherryl Cook, once a McDougald who grew up in the house, said, “I hope they make this an annual event so young people can celebrate farm life. So many families are going back to healthy eating, going to healthy stores, like Whole Foods. Farming has come full circle.”

Rob Whitsett holds up a tiny pair of overalls that he wore as a child. They have been passed through his farming family through the years.

Cherryl Cook and Laura Salerno.

Petting zoo.

Old quilts on display.

Old Time Jammers play.

Pony rides.

Fresh vegetables for sale.

Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach and Lighthouse Point all held Municipal Elections on March 10.

In Deerfield Beach, voters chose to keep Commissioner Joe Miller in District 1 (by 59.52 percent) over candidate Ron Coddington. But in District 2, they picked Gloria Battle over incumbent Commissioner (and current Vice Mayor) Ben Preston (by 61.20 percent).

In Hillsboro Beach, three Commissioners were chosen: Carmen Racine McGarry, Victoria Feaman and Deb Tarrant.

In Lighthouse Point, seat #2, Michael Long was the winner. In seat #3, it was Jason Joffe.

For details about the election, see Thursday’s printed Observer.

Laura Salerno, Cherryl Cook and Suzanne Boschetti.

Curio Nocturno

By Rachel Galvin

The Sample McDougald house was the perfect backdrop for Curio Nocturno Feb. 21. The gothic décor transported guests back in time to enjoy a dark Victorian romance complete with a masquerade ball.

Indoors, classical music was played while a professional photographer, Tim Breaseale, captured moments and guests strolled through the historic home. They even discovered a cache of chocolate covered strawberries near the kitchen!

Outdoors, guests could have their fortunes read, sample jambalaya, beignets and other decadent selections while dancing to the gothic electronic sounds of The Black Bats, a band that also was selected to play at the Vampire Ball for author Anne Rice. Entertainment was also provided by burlesque dancers who danced on the verandas. As the moon rose, the music of the band changed to a DJ’s rhythms as he spun the likes of Madonna, Prince, the Eurhythmics and other 80s hits and 70s disco. They even played the Monster Mash.

While dancing or sipping cocktails, guests could take photo ops among the prop gravestones. Overall, the evening, put together by Charlotte Sundquist and Artistic Productions in conjunction with Sample McDougald, was a unique experience unlike any found in the area.

Everyone had a wonderful time!

Posing by the gravestones.

Guests dress in period costume.

Burlesque dancers titilate the guests.

The Black Bats perform.