Preschool Open House

Friday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NE Focal Point Preschool 227 NW 2 St Deerfield Beach, FL 33431

Also Thursday, August 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tour the 5+ quality rated school, meet the quality teachers and volunteers who make the school a success, learn about their unique intergenerational programming. Tuition is affordable and includes breakfast and lunch, as well as Computer, Music and Art classes. The preschool serves children ages 3-5 years and is committed to making a difference in the lives of the children, seniors and families in the community.

Tour Deerfield Island Park

Saturday, July 18, 9 to 11 a.m.

1720 Deerfield Island Park Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Also August 29, Sept. 19, Oct. 10. Transportation is by boat, from Sullivan Park. Explore the unique coastal habitat of Deerfield Island Park. Learn about the island’s history and discover the ways Indians and pioneers used the land to survive. Guided by a naturalist. Water, a small snack of Florida delicacies and a set of species identification cards provided to take home. Close-toed shoes are recommended. For ages 8 and up. $20 ($10 each for group of two). Pre-registration required, call 954-357-5100.

CPR & First Aid Class

Tuesday, July 21, see times below

501 S. Flagler Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Adult/Child/Infant CPR at 9 a.m. First aid at 11:30 a.m. Space is very limited, and you must register ahead of time. $45/both classes $40 CPR or First Aid only. Also Aug. 10 & Aug. 19. CPR Training 2 Go, LLC can be reached at 954- 461-8203 or at cprb2b@gmail.com.

Budget Presentation and Workshop

Wednesday, July 22, 9 a.m.

City Commission Chambers 100 W. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Budget Workshop will include a presentation and discussion of the recommended Fiscal Year 2016 budget. After the presentation and public input, the City Commission will recess for 30 minutes and reconvene in the City Manager’s Conference Room on the 4th floor of City Hall for discussions on non-profit funding requests, proposed capital improvement projects and the Fiscal Year 2016 recommended operating budget. If more time is necessary, the City Commission will reconvene on Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24 in the City Manager’s Conference Room beginning at 9 a.m. to continue budget discussions.

School Supply Collection

Through July 24, Children’s Home Society of Florida is collecting backpacks and school supplies for more than 1,000 of Broward County’s most vulnerable children. Donations are being accepted until July 24 at 401 NE 4 St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301. For information or to arrange a drop-off/pick-up, contact Samantha Thomason at Samantha.thomason@chsfl.org or call 954-453-6401.

There is a prayer that is traditionally recited upon wakening in the morning. It is the Modeh Ani which basically says, “I thank You G-d for this new day.”

What a wonderfully positive expression of gratitude to begin anew.

Oddly enough, I recently read an article online that talked about the most important thing in a happy marriage and, according to that particular analysis, the No. 1 ingredient that was found to exist in happy marriages was that both partners took the time to express gratitude to their partner on a daily basis.

I used to sarcastically tell a story about gratitude in marriage.

I would say how wonderful it was (and please don’t call me a male chauvinist for this … it is just a story) about how after a couple returns home from their honeymoon, the wife lovingly works in the kitchen to prepare these amazing meals each evening.

And, for the first two weeks, or, if you are really lucky, for the first two months, the husband lavishes praise upon her, letting her know each and every night how grateful he is, how delicious the food is, how loving it is for her to take the time to prepare each of his favorite dishes.

And then, you should pardon the expression, the honeymoon is over.

The husband now takes all those wondrous meals for granted and does not express any gratitude at all.

Now, instead of the wife feeling that what she is doing is appreciated, what used to be a joy to her now feels like she is stuck slaving away in the kitchen.

Make no mistake about it, gratitude is important and it is important not just to the recipient but to the acknowledger.

Now let’s turn back to the prayer that is traditionally recited upon waking.

How many of you get up in the morning and your first thought is, “Oy, my aching back?” How many of you wake up in the morning and simply think, “Oh no, not another day?”

Not a very positive way to start the day, and it immediately triggers your brain to put the emphasis on negatives.

Modeh Ani, on the other hand, has you start your day with words of thanks, of gratitude. The practice of thanking G-d each and every morning just for waking up teaches an important lesson. You see, just because we get up each and every day does not mean that we should take it for granted.

Neither should we take other daily things for granted.

Funny, we don’t give a thought to breathing until we have difficulty catching our breath. We don’t give a thought to our heart beating until we feel those beats out of sync.

A friend of mine recently needed some eye surgery. I was on the phone with her late at night to see how she was doing and she said that it is amazing that she is beginning to be able to see again.

I learned something very special from those words. How many of us close our eyes at night to go to sleep and, when we wake up in the morning, we rub our eyes and open them up to start the day? How many of us take the time to thank G-d, not just that we have a new day, but that we can see again?

Blessed is G-d who enables us to open our eyes and see.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach (201 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442). Regular Shabbat services are open to everyone on Saturday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Over the last holiday weekend, I’ve been seeking music that has been simple and truthful, thinking back to my early years on Long Island.

In my preschool years, California Girls by the Beach Boys was the 33 & 1/3 single I constantly played on the family record player before the days of Hi Fi. The Beatles dominated the 1960s, but the Beach Boys, though beat up, are still a dominant force 50 years later. The most creative Beach Boy, Brian Wilson, received a Kennedy Center Honor during the Bush Administration.

Unlike successful linear bio pics like Coal Miner’s Daughter and Walk the Line, Love & Mercy focuses on Brian Wilson and the focus is split between two actors. Detailing the musician’s fall and rise, Paul Dano portrays “Young Brian” and John Cusack portrays “Middle Aged Wilson.” The result is a fascinating motion picture about madness, acceptance and creativity.

After years of successful concert touring, Young Brian suffers a panic attack on a jet airplane. Upon returning home, Brian informs his brothers and Mike Love (Jake Abel) that he will work on the music for their next album. The result is Pet Sounds. Released in 1966 in reaction to The Beatles’ Rubber Soul LP, Pet Sounds is a critical favorite, but a financial disappointment. As the brothers seek to return to the old surfing sound, Wilson seeks to go off the deep end.

We later see Middle Aged Wilson impulsively purchase a blue Cadillac from Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks). There is an instant attraction between the two people, but she is put off by Brian’s bodyguards – in particular Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti). Dr. Landy eventually tells her that Wilson is a paranoid schizophrenic. Melinda suspects that Dr. Landy is abusing him.

By splitting the focus between young and middleaged Wilson, the theme of redemption becomes obvious. The closing credits featuring documentary footage of the real Brian Wilson singing his current curtain call song, Love & Mercy, makes this film a life affirming movie.

This film takes one into the mind of a genius musician, and how the fine line between genius and madness is often crossed for a man like Brian Wilson.

We also listen to the simple beauty of Wilson’s world.

With all the chaos in the world today, take the time to listen to some Beach Boys songs this summer. If you do, your world will be filled with “Love & Mercy.”

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

DEERFIELD BEACH

June 22 A man entered a woman’s home at 439 NE 1 Ave. by force after she asked him to leave. The man hit the woman.

June 22 Two women got into an argument and one subject punched the other one. Incident was reported at 2379 SW 15 St.

June 22 A man reported that someone tried to break into his home at 105 NW 7 Court.

DEERFIELD – District 4

June 26 Trespassing occurred in Pine Tree Apartments at 710 Hibiscus Dr., Deerfield Beach. BSO responded to a burglary in progress. Deputies located a subject trespassing on the railroad tracks, possibly matching the description of the subject involved in the burglary. Subject was subsequently detained and transported to the Deerfield Beach District Office for further investigation. The subject was later arrested.

June 30 Theft – Retail Shoplifting took place in Trail Plaza at 1829 W. Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach.

June 30 Counterfeiting occurred at Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach.

Staff reported receiving a counterfeit $20 bill in exchange for admission to the Splash Park.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

June 10 A police officer observed doors open to a Comcast Power relay box at 2235 NE 27 St. It appeared someone attempted to steal the power meter from the box. Damage was $500.

June 12 A Yeti cooler was stolen from a 31-ft. vessel docked behind a residence at 2831 Marina Circle. Loss was $400.

June 12 Light fixtures and glass panels were broken behind a residence at 2831 Marina Circle. Damage was estimated at $330.

RE: Termination, Town Clerk of Hillsboro Beach

Dear Editor:

In 2008, under the mayorship of Carmen McGarry, four Town Clerks were terminated and one Town Clerk resigned during a 10-month time-frame.

During her tenure, Ms. McGarry arranged for the water bill and trash removal bills for the elite Hillsboro Club to be absorbed by the taxpayers.

Former Mayor Dan Dodge was the club manager at that time, and the practice of Hillsboro Beach taxpayers footing the bill for the club continued up to Former Mayor Dodge’s abrupt resignation as Mayor and swift, unexplained departure as Manager of the Hillsboro Club.

We have also been blessed with private, multi-million dollar homeowners at the south end of town who have not paid their water bills in years.

Prior to Richard Maggiore being assigned the position as Mayor, he was the Commissioner in charge of finances. Invoices from the Town Planner that were run up by various condo boards, billed to the town by the Town Planner, paid by the town out of taxpayer dollars, and the town never recouped the money from those condos.

In 2015, once again residents have voted Ms. McGarry back on the commission, in spite of her track record.

The first item on the agenda of her first term back on the dais in April, and that of Mayor Richard Maggiore’s (her personal friend for years) was to fi re the Town Clerk.

The three Commissioners who voted to remove the Town Clerk were privy to the details of the termination prior to the Special Meeting, and two other Commissioners had no idea of the details.

In spite of incessant requests by residents, the Mayor refused to give details at that Special Meeting [late Friday afternoon, June 19].

The problem was not with Jean-Marie Mark the Town Clerk.

She should be applauded for having the fortitude to remain in that position after all of the threats, racial slurs, and abuse she endured when pointing out the malfeasance.

The problem in the town of Hillsboro Beach is with the individuals that residents are electing.

March 2016 is the next Town Election. A lot of damage can be done in 9 months. We cannot let this continue for another day. The residents of this town need to stand up and demand an explanation of the chronic misappropriation of our tax dollars since 2008, and demand the immediate resignation of these individuals.

Lee Craine

Hillsboro Beach

Bike Night

Friday, July 10, 6 p.m.

American Legion, Post 227 141 NW 20 St. Boca Raton, FL 33431

Riders and guests, join in the fun with comrades … and pork chops. Donation: $10. For more information, call 561-395-1090.

CarFit

Friday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fire Station # 11, 109 N. Ocean Dr. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Ensure you car is fi t. Technicians inspect everything from proper seat belt use to properly adjusted head restraints. FREE. Takes about 20 minutes. Held by Pompano Beach Fire Rescue and Broward Sheriff’s Office. Not a mechanical inspection or driving test. To schedule appointment, call 954-240-8105.

About Boating Safely

Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish River Park HQ Building

3939 N. Ocean Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33431

Presented by Coast Guard Auxiliary in Boca Raton, this class covers navigation topics essential for any boater. Materials fee is $35. Bring lunch. For questions or RSVP, call 561-391-3600 and leave a message.

Memorial Paddle Out Eddie Wright

Saturday, July 11, 7 p.m.

International Fishing Pier (North side overlook) 200 NE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The City of Deerfield Beach Ocean Rescue lost a beloved member of its team on June 14, 2015. Eddie Wright was 65 years old and has worked for the City of Deerfield Beach since 1994. He was a retired Pompano Beach Firefighter and worked for several South Florida municipalities as an Ocean Lifeguard. Eddie’s commitment to making a difference in the lives around him was a testament to the amazing individual he was.

Hillsboro Lighthouse tour

Saturday, July 11, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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

Boats run hourly from the Sands Harbor Resort 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. $25, free for HLPS members. Must wear fl at shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. No sandals, flip-fl ops or shoes with heels. Children must be with adult and be at least 4 ft. tall. No pets. Info: 954-942-2102 or visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Boca Burger Battle

Saturday, July 11, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sanborn Square Park 72 N. Federal Hwy. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Area restaurants compete to see whose burger is voted best. Quench your thirst with a craft beer or glass of wine. Live entertainment. 21+ only. Rain or shine. Portion of proceeds benefit PROPEL. $50, VIP: $125 ($75 pre-sale). Info & tickets: 561-338-7594. or www.bocaburgerbattle.com.

A conservation scientist theorized that much of the negative feeling toward sharks is in the presentation, specifically the background music.

For example, when sharks are shown onscreen, ominous music is playing, almost vilifying them. However, for dolphins, it is always an upbeat and joyful tone — playful and fun. (No wonder everyone loves dolphins). During his experiment, when sharks were onscreen, cheerful music was playing, and just the opposite for the dolphins. As the researcher guessed, our brains were tricked. The sharks appeared to be the heroes of the sea, and the dolphins, the vicious creatures lurking below. And while it may be awhile before public opinion sways toward shark acceptance, one thing is for sure: What is heard affects human response.

So I am left wondering. Because people hear the old adage “going to church,” does this simple statement wreak havoc upon the mission of Christianity? How can one both go to church, and, what’s this now, be the church? Something does not align. And because of this misalignment, we sit comfortably in the pews playing church.

We are go-ers not do-ers of the Word. I don’t know about you, but that is not acceptable for me. I want my community to hear (through our actions) about the Church — its people loving others as He first loved us.

To do this we must recognize the Church is not a place one goes. The Church is the body of believers with a heart to serve and on a mission for God, taking the Word and putting it into action.

A popular First Baptist outreach event is our Laundry Love. Each year, we flood a couple of laundry mats with rolls of quarters and eager hands. Beyond the free wash, dry and fold are the hours of meaningful conversations and prayer. Inevitably, both patrons of the laundry mat and volunteers alike leave the event changed. On that day, we are the Church. Yet, the day is about something more. The point of an outreach is not to leave our safety zone, do a good deed and run back to base camp. No. Outreaches equip people to be the Church in all facets of their life — beyond Sunday. Trust me. There is nothing more humbling than folding another man’s tighty-whities. But it is in that moment of humility when hearts are changed. The reality of God is revealed and people’s faith becomes real; a paradigm shift occurs — from being about the sermon (going to church) to serving (being the Church). They are two very different things. One is a thing; the other is a way of life that brings glory to His name.

Truly, at the end of the day, what else matters than bringing glory to His name? It is not a request, but a calling. Yes, each of us is called to share the Good News. What’s that? You do not feel qualified … something about needing a degree to teach about Jesus?

Well, I’ve read and studied the Bible over. I have yet to find where Jesus denies someone based on their lack of formal education. Christ is about the surrendered heart, knowing Him, not just knowing about Him.

So be encouraged; check out what Hebrews asserts, Christ “equip[s] you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.” That is right; you are called and He will equip you to be the Church — to complete His will, to bring glory to His name.

Does that get your heart racing? To know the Creator of everything has placed within you a mission to reach His people for the Kingdom? My prayer is that from this day forward you never just go to church again. Instead, you would be the Church.

Pastor Jeremy Earnest is pastor at First Baptist Church, 701 NW Eller St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. www.deerfieldfirst.com.

Photos by Rachel Galvin

Avis Swenson, well-known in Deerfield Beach for her never-ending community service, brought in a large crowd to Muddy Waters July 3 to celebrate her birthday. But, in typical Avis style, the celebration also gave back.

This time, money went to Honor Flight. The program brings vets and volunteers who assist them to Washington D.C to see the memorials there free of charge. She had the privilege of attending on April 15, 2015. Ironically, the story on Honor Flight, written by Sid Birns on July 2 in the Observer, proved to be timely.

The story was such a hit, it was framed and put next to the donation bucket near the door to collect donations for Honor Flight.

Avis encouraged those in attendance to give back when possible, whether it is being a part of a club like Rotary or Kiwanis, or helping Horses for the Handicapped or even “adopting a teacher.”

After all, the smallest effort can bring great rewards for someone else.

By Gary Curreri

Former Highlands Christian Academy basketball coach and athletic director Reg Cook first staged a summer basketball camp at the school 30 years ago.

It was attended by 19 athletes and not only is it still ongoing, but it is still going strong. The two weeks brought in 60 campers in the first week (7th-12th graders) and 50 in the second week (2nd-6th grade).

“It was one of our most successful camps in the past 10 years,” said current Highlands Academy basketball coach and athletic director Jim Good. “We had a great group of coaches who provided energy, enthusiasm and quality instruction.”

The high school student/ athletes attended the first week of camp and then acted as assistant coaches for the second week of camp with the elementary school campers and earned community service hours.

There were also two guest speakers – Andrew Smith, a 2011 HCA alum, and Casey Wohleb, who is the head coach at North Broward Prep and also the founder of Ball by Design.

Smith attended both the elementary and high school camp sessions while he attended Highlands Christian, and recently graduated from Liberty University (Big South) where he played for the past years.

Smith is currently in China playing with an All-Star team and will then be traveling to Europe in July to pursue playing professionally in Latvia.

“Andrew’s a great role model for our athletes and did a great job explaining the importance of hard work and sacrifice while trying to achieve your goals,” Good said. “Andrew uses basketball as his platform to proclaim the name of Christ.”

Good was also impressed with Wohleb, who played locally at Westminster Academy where he helped the team win a state title in 2002 as a junior and then transferred to North Broward Prep for his senior year. He went on to play at Florida Gulf Coast University and also professionally overseas.

“Casey was able to come in the afternoon,” Good said. “He provided and led several quality and productive shooting drills.”

A typical morning always started off with a devotion in which several of the coaches were able to provide a spiritual thought and Scripture for the day.

The basketball activities included warm-up runs, stretching, ball handling, dribbling, and speed and agility stations.

The campers were then broken up into specific age groups to work on layups, “cone” drills and shooting. Several Gatorade contests were done throughout the day.

The trophy contests included a 1-on-1 tournament, 2-on-2 tourney, free throw shooting and a Hot Shots Competition.

Campers enjoyed lunch at Chick-Fil-A and CiCi’s Pizza. The day concluded with 5-on-5 full court games in the afternoon.

The coaches included John Wilson (boys elementary head coach/girls varsity assistant), Jim Good (Athletic Director/Boys Varsity Head Coach), Kyle Lassen (11th grade), Josh Good (boys JH head coach), Luke Still (Boys JV head coach), Matt Veynovich (10th grade), Herman Robinson (11th grade), Caris Everette (HCA alumnus 2014) and Danielle Domino (11th grade).

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Following in the brotherly footsteps of the Peter/ Robert Farrelly and Joel/ Ethan Cohen, Jay and Mark Duplass are poised to be the next fraternal force in the entertainment industry.

Their HBO show Togetherness has already become a critical and ratings success. Co-starring Melanie Lynskey, it is an intimate portrayal of married couples and their comedic sexual foibles. While the Duplass brothers only serve as executive producers, the movie The Overnight feels like one of their productions.

Written and directed by Patrick Brice, this film presents an ensemble actor’s showcase for Jason Schwartzman (Shopgirl), Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation), Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black) and French actress Judith Godreche. Scott and Schilling portray Alex and Emily, a married couple who have transplanted from Seattle to California with their little boy.

One day in the park, the little boy makes a new friend, who is the son of Kurt (Schwartzman). Kurt invites Alex, Emily and their son to his mansion for a sleepover. Once the boys go to sleep, things get very strange for the grownups.

In this low budget independent film, Brice proves to be an economical director. He makes the most of every moment with shot composition that highlights the verbal interaction between the actors.

Case in point, when Alex and Kurt talk about their artistic influences, Kurt’s paintings of human anatomy are in the background – which undercuts the artist’s pretension. Not all the comedy is so cerebral. The film sets private moments of serious intimacy (often involving nudity) that sometimes get interrupted at the worse possible moments.

While Kurt and his wife come across as California’s version of Gomez and Morticia Addams, Alex and Emily are to represent the conduit for the audience. The way they quickly devolve into recreational drug usage is where The Overnight loses its verisimilitude.

Unlike the disappointing Memorial Day box office weekend, this 4th of July weekend is projected to be a winner as Terminator Genysis opens. Given that Jurassic World is still a box office juggernaut, seating might be easier to get for The Overnight.

For those who wish to stay at home during the fireworks launch, PBS will feature A Capitol Fourth. The concert will include everything from Barry Manilow and K.C. and the Sunshine Band to reliable tough guy Robert Davi, who will be paying tribute to Frank Sinatra on what would be the crooner’s centennial year.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day !