| December, 2017

Bucks win Kreul title

Posted on 28 December 2017 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

Bracket MVP Victor Robinson scored 10 points to help lead Deerfield Beach to a 57-45 victory over McArthur for the BCAA Challenge championship in the 28th annual Kreul Classic basketball tournament at the Coral Springs Gymnasium.

Robinson, a junior, was helped by junior Faizon Francis, who also scored 10 points in the win for the Bucks (7-3) in the championship contest.

We’ve been getting better,” said Deerfield coach Kenny Brown, who has won four straight. “The strength of the team is our numbers.”

The Bucks are off to a 7-3 start and were slated to play Naples in a tournament game last night, which was unavailable as of press time.

Senior captain Lutelson Jerome is averaging 10.3 points per game and 6.3 rebounds a game, while Robinson is knocking down an average of 10.1 points per game and 8.0 rebounds a game.

Even though the Bucks have lost three games, they have all been within single digits – losing to Palm Beach Lakes, 60-55, and then Coral Springs twice, 61-55, in overtime and 60-54 just four days later. Coral Springs leads the District 11-9A race with a 6-0 record, while the Bucks are 4-2 and tied with Taravella.

Altieri competing at Nationals

Deerfield Beach’s Lucas Altieri is competing among the top skaters in the country this week at the 2018 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, Calif. from Dec. 29 – January 7, 2018.

Altieri, 16, a sophomore at North Broward Prep School, is looking to win the Novice Men’s Division. He is a member of the Coral Springs-based Panthers Figure Skating Club.

Three other members of the club will join him at Nationals, including Coral Springs’ Sophia Chouinard (Novice Ladies) and Senior Division skaters — Coral Springs’ Andrew Torgashev and Franchesca Chiera, who are also hoping for spots on the U.S. Olympic Team.

Nationals, it’s the biggest event, so I really want to skate great there,” said Altieri, who finished fifth in the same division last year. “Nationals is pretty big for me. It is not like it is the only thing in my life, but it is definitely a huge part of it. I spend a lot of time skating and thinking about it.”

Altieri punched his ticket by finishing in the top four at U.S. Figure Skating’s Eastern Sectionals in Boxborough, Massachusetts in November. Only 12 skaters from all over the U.S. qualify for Nationals in each discipline.

Altieri, who finished third in the Novice Men’s Division at the Sectional event, has skated for almost six years and said he is looking for his best performance of the season.

He certainly puts in the time, skating from 5 to 6:30 a.m. every day.

This season has been okay,” he said. “I haven’t broken out yet. I haven’t skated great yet. I am hoping to skate my best programs possible at Nationals. I want to finish first.”

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FLICKS: 2017 in Review & evolution 2018

Posted on 28 December 2017 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Much like Aeneas fleeing the fall of Troy 5000 years ago, this film columnist is feeling a kindred spirit with this fictional character from the Aeneid written by Virgil, the Roman playwright. During the holiday season 18 years ago, the theaters would be packed with consumers viewing movies like The Green Mile, The Sixth Sense and Toy Story 2. In the past, people had to plan weeks or months in advance to purchase a ticket for a blockbuster. Even with the current box office champion, there is no need to plan that far in advance.

There were some good movies that looked great on the movie screen this year with big epic visuals. Among the standouts were Kong: Skull Island and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, to name a few. There were also strong stories like Moonlight and The Last Word that did not need to be seen on the big screen. These films were just as good on your television set at home. Thus, my major dilemma, being the longest standing film columnist in Broward County, has Flicks outlived its usefulness?

This swashbuckling journalist & information scientist still enjoys the challenge of coming up with seven paragraphs about the motion picture industry each week. Yet, with dropping box office revenue, there is no denying the shrinking interest in seeing a movie on the big screen. Entertainment spending is being spent on many alternative consumer items, like cell phones that can download movies for free with a library card.

Ninety years ago, Al Jolson brought sound to the big screen with the debut of The Jazz Singer. The doom knell for movies was sounded 60 years ago when Americans purchased black & white television sets for home entertainment and mass communication. The movie industry responded with Technicolor epics like The Searchers, Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ and Rio Bravo. The motion picture industry survived because it consistently evolves.

Prurient scandals have been part of Hollywood history since its inception, from Charlie Chaplin’s peccadillos to Harvey Weinstein’s full-blown harassment scandals. As a journalist, one can not pursue news and information about the movie industry without being sidetracked by these scandals. This writer prefers to read stories about the business side of the industry or interviews with actors who talk about their craft and character development.

These types of stories and interviews are getting harder to find in this information age filled with #FakeNews.

Next week, Flicks will present our annual Top 10 List with Honorable Mentions. As long as I keep writing this column, Flicks will always have a movie component to it. Yet, there is so much more to the world of arts, entertainment, theater and culture than just sitting in a dark room watching projected celluloid images on a big screen.

Starting with Jan. 11, 2018, Flicks will be undergoing its first step of its evolution. it is my hope that my dear readers since 1999 will grow along with me. Until then, have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve weekend.

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 28 December 2017 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

Dec. 12: A man reported his vehicle tag stolen at 4220 NE 1 Terr.

Dec. 12: A man reported that a former employee stole printers, wire cutters and spools of wires and may be reselling them on eBay. The incident was reported at 1980 NW 44 St.

Dec. 13: A woman reported being attacked and having her cell phone stolen at 201 E. Sample Rd.

Dec. 13: A woman reported her vehicle broken into and a purse, iPad, iPad mini, iPad nano and bank cards stolen.

Dec. 15: Two women were observed stealing 25 cans of baby formula from Publix at 150 S. Federal Hwy.

Lighthouse Point

Dec. 1: A subject concealed over-the-counter medications and left the store at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. without paying for them. He was apprehended at a nearby bus stop and the medications, valued at $144.95, were recovered.

Dec. 4: The homeowner was hospitalized and had someone check her residence in the 2400 block of NE 26 Ave. for her and an open door was discovered.

Dec. 4: The reporter said he was making a turn with a delivery truck and caught low hanging wires and pulled the truck into a driveway at 2000 NE 25 St.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 28 December 2017 by LeslieM

Holiday Home Tour

Through Jan. 6

Sample McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Enjoy a tour throughout the 1916 Sample McDougald House all decorated with holiday spirit. The house is closed Sunday and Monday but continues tours Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 754-307-5446. (See story, Pg. 9).

Community Backyard ‘Garage’ Sale

Saturday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Deerfield Beach Historical Society invites you to clean out your attics (or re-gifting items) and bring your garage sale to their Backyard “Garage” Sale. The event will allow you to be a seller or a buyer as part of a large community garage sale. For buyers, there will be loads of unbelievable “stuff,” antiques and collectibles, bargain delights! For more information, contact Emily Lilly at 561-299-8684 or e-mail elilly707@aol.com.

Comedy Basement

Saturday, Dec. 30, 8 to 10:30 p.m.

American Rock Bar & Grill

1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Headliner Artist Treece will be sharing the stage with the hilarious Pat Largo! Special guests Jared Sandler, Khalil Rashad and Chris Zee will be stopping by to bring the funny and your host for the evening is Dan Long! As always, there is free parking at The Cove and 2-for-1 drinks all night!

New Year’s Eve Celebration!

Sunday, Dec. 31

Two Georges at the Cove

1754 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come spend the night ringing in the New Year on the water … watching the boats cruise by! Live entertainment, champagne toast at midnight and party favors! New Year’s Eve Specials: Seafood Risotto, Veal Marsala, Chicken Chesapeake, Prime Rib Dinner and Stuffed Yellowtail Snapper, and full menu available. Call early for reservations! For more information, call 954-421-9272.

Roaring ‘20s New Years Eve

Sunday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. (doors open)

Blue Martini

6000 Glades Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Sip into 2018 as Blue Martini hosts a swingin’ NYE Celebration! General Admission Tickets include: Premium open bar & hand passed hors d’oeuvres from 8 to 10 p.m. Champagne toast & countdown to midnight! Live music all night! LoveChild Band performing live at 8 p.m. & DJ until 2 a.m. Elegant attire encouraged. This is a 21+ Event. For NYE table reservations, contact Marcie at MarcieC@bluemartinilounge.com or by phone at 561-350-9643. For more information, visit http://bocaraton.bluemartinilounge.com.

Ring in the New Year

Sunday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to midnight

CEIZS Florida Brazilian church

2205 W. Hillsboro Blvd.
(across street from Century Village)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Ring in the New Year with a high-energy worship concert. (Headphones available, translating into English and Spanish). Approaching midnight, join in the fun with live onscreen video feed from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while huge glittered beach balls and confetti drop from the ceiling. Sumptuous midnight buffet dinner following. For more information, call 954-421-7737, e-mail info@ceizsflorida.com or Google search CEIZS Deerfield.

Winter Children’s Fair

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

James A. Rutherford Community Center

Patch Reef Park

2000 West Yamato Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Lots of fun for children ages 2-12. Free attractions: Strawberry the Clown, Boca Raton Fire Fighter & Fire Truck, arts & crafts, free admission to the park. Cost: Rides $5 each or buy a ride bracelet for $20 & ride all day! Fun foods, carnival games & face painting by Fantasy Faces available for purchase. Group & credit card sales accepted in the community center.

Worth the Drive:

New Year’s Delray Beach

Sunday, Dec. 31, 5 to 9 p.m.

Old School Square

51 N. Swinton Ave

Delray Beach, FL 33444

This is a family-friendly event with free activities like kid’s crafts, face–painting, celebration crowns, resolution wall, vintage game room, live entertainment and DJ, outdoor family games and more! The carousel, mini-golf and ice skating will be available for $3. Food trucks will be on-site. The fireworks finale will launch from the Old School Square Parking Garage at 9 p.m. For more information, e-mail tmazer@delraybeach.com or call 561-279-1380.

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CLERGY CORNER: Press for the prize

Posted on 28 December 2017 by LeslieM

The approach of a new year often brings hope and anticipation for a better tomorrow. It’s a time of reflecting on the things that didn’t get done, and planning how to see the desired outcome in the future. Write the book, lose the weight, finish the degree and start the business. These are the ideas and projects that beckon or taunt us as we look toward a new year and a potentially fresh start. But without a definite plan in place and a commitment to persevere, we may find ourselves in the same position a year from now. How many times have we made resolutions in January, that were abandoned by March?

In his letter to the believers at Philippi, Paul reveals his mindset and hints at a plan of action for accomplishment. “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize” (Philippians 3:13,14 NIV). While the apostle is dealing primarily with matters of spiritual development and Christian service, his insight points to undeniable principles necessary for achieving the goals we set for ourselves.

The first step has to do with “forgetting what is behind”. Put the past in the past and stop reliving the failures or successes of years gone by. No one can safely navigate a car forward by looking in the rearview mirror. There is a danger in constantly looking back at what once was or what used to be. Life is comprised of right-now moments that demand our attention and focus. Learn what you need to know from the past and keep moving forward.

The second step involves “straining toward what is ahead.” In other words, put your prospects in perspective. What are the opportunities in front of you? Where are your strengths more needed? Where are the areas that fit your unique abilities? Invest your time and effort in those things that are within your reach, even if you must stretch a little. This step will require focus and the ability to dismiss distractions so that you can stay on course.

The third step is to press for the prize. With the goal in front of you, and determination to get it you can push forward. It may not be easy. To press means to face resistance, and there will be challenges, obstacles, and frustration that must be overcome. But the goal is in front of you and you can reach it if you try. At this stage, you can consider how far you’ve come and find the motivation to finish strong. Why get so close, only to give up after you’ve invested so much effort? Shake off discouragement, refuse to quit and press forward.

There were many memorable moments of achievement in the 2016 Olympics. One of the more daring and outrageous accomplishments came in the Women’s 400m finals. Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas was the frontrunner for much of the race but the American champion, Allyson Felix was closing in fast on the last stretch. In a desperate move to cross the finish line first, Shaunae Miller dove headlong into the tape beating Allyson Felix in a photo finish. It was an unorthodox and unconventional move that caused a lot of stir on social media, but it was allowable in the rules of track and field. Shaunae won the race because she pressed for the prize.

As we prepare to enter another year of events and experiences, position yourself for the accomplishment of your goals. Put the past in the past, put your prospects in perspective, and press for the prize. Have a happy and blessed New Year!

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

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City Facilities Closed for Christmas

Posted on 22 December 2017 by JLusk

All city facilities, with exception to the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 and Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 in observance of Christmas. The Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center will be closed Sunday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 25. The Aquatic Center will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 26th from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The City of Deerfield Beach will be adjusting the garbage and recycling collection schedule for the week of Dec. 25 through Dec. 30. There will be no service provided on Monday, Dec. 25 due to the Christmas holiday. Most services for the remainder of the week will take place one day later than normally scheduled.

All collections will return to normal starting Jan. 1. There will be no change in service for the New Year’s holiday

For additional information contact the City of Deerfield Beach at 954.480.4201.

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FYI: Wawa Grand Opening moved to Friday, Dec. 22

Posted on 21 December 2017 by JLusk

The Wawa at 20 SW 12 Ave. in Deerfield Beach was supposed to open on Thursday, Dec. 21, but, after press time, they decided to move it to Friday, Dec. 22. Festivities, which include a hoagie building competition between Broward Sheriff’s Office and Broward Fire Rescue personnel, a parade, giveaways, tastings and more, will begin at 10 a.m. (but the store actually opens at 8 a.m.) They usually have extremely low gas prices during their openings. They will have free coffee through Dec. 31.

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Posted on 21 December 2017 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

cinemadave.livejournal.com

When I began writing “Flicks” 18 summers ago, Star Wars: Episode I -The Phantom Menace was the most hyped movie of 1999. Unlike previous Star Wars movies which opened on Memorial Day weekend and stayed on the big screen past Labor Day weekend, Star Wars: Episode I lost momentum after the 4th of July weekend. For the next six years, two more Star Wars movies were released to a good box office, but with critical disdain. Creator George Lucas claimed the Star Wars story was over, but Disney purchased the franchise and we have seen three movies that last three holiday seasons. Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi, is the most recent endeavor.

The Last Jedi picks up where Star Wars: Episode VII -The Force Awakens left off. The good guys — the Resistance — are under assault from the bad guys — the First Order. Hot shot pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac) defies General Leia Organa’s (Carrie Fisher) orders and ignites a space battle with Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). The battle is decisive for the Resistance, but with a great loss for the heroes.

Meanwhile on an abandoned planet, Rey (Daisy Ridley) has found legendary hero Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who is old, disillusioned and cantankerous. As Rey tries to persuade this war hero to help fight the bad guys, Luke feels grief over his nephew’s conversion to the dark side and the rise of the First Order. Luke’s nephew is Kylo Ren, who is the son of Princess Leia.

In terms of understanding the narrative information leading up to The Last Jedi, the pedigree between mother, son and nephew is all one needs to know to enjoy last weekend’s box office champion. Director Rian Johnson does a fine job revealing a fresh story with archetypal conflict. The lessons of war are presented with reverence, filled with clear and concise visuals. The computerized special effects enhance, but do not distract, from the fast-paced narrative drive.

Given that the director was only 3 years old when the original Star Wars (known as Episode IV: A New Hope) was released, The Last Jedi emphasizes the theme of passing the generational torch. The robots from the first six movies — R2-D2 and C-3PO — are given less screen time compared to the new prodigy, BB-8. Harrison Ford’s character is gone and we know that the late Carrie Fisher’s character will not return, so Episode IX will revolve around the conflict between those kids, Rey and Kylo Ren.

Yet, being the longest Star Wars movie on record, The Last Jedi does not cheat on entertainment. There are moments of pure Saturday matinee popcorn-eating fun that transport the ticket buyer to the thrilling days of yesterday when Flash Gordon battled Ming the Merciless. Of all the performers, Mark Hamill does a fine job balancing the serious nature of Luke Skywalker’s dilemma, with a humorous wink to the Star Wars core fanatics.

With the recent passing of my publisher David Eller, my old boss Rick Shaw and colleague Skip Sheffield, 2017 marks the end of an era. Given my generation’s 40-year history with this film franchise, Star Wars: The Last Jedi taps into the collective grief of our days. Yet, in its darkest moments, The Last Jedi draws from the need to be optimistic and celebrate our loved ones in this world and the next. Without meaning to, The Last Jedi says “Merry Christmas!”

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 21 December 2017 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

Dec. 5: A woman reported her motorcycle stolen from her parking space at 660 Cypress Club Way.

Dec. 5: A home at 630 SW 11 St. was broken into and four watches, computer equipment, shoes and a checkbook were stolen.

Dec. 10: A man reported he went into Ali’s Market at 5361 N Dixie Hwy to make a purchase. He left his car running. When he returned, the car had been stolen.

Dec. 11: A woman reported her scooter stolen from 155 SE 5 Ct.

Dec. 11: A woman reported her purse stolen from 779 S. Federal Hwy.

Lighthouse Point

Dec. 1: A tenant had moved out earlier in the day and the residence at 4821 NE 27 Terr. was found with the door open. There were no signs of entry or criminal activity.

Nov. 28: A Yorkie was struck by a vehicle and had labored breathing at 4201 N. Federal Hwy. Animal control responded and euthanized the dog because of the severity of the injuries.

Nov. 30: Police responded to a hit on a stolen license plate. A female subject returned to the vehicle at 3580 N. Federal Hwy. and led police on a high speed chase through the city before it was called off.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 21 December 2017 by LeslieM

Exercise Classes

Thursday, Dec. 21, 9 to 9:45 a.m.

Steeple on the Beach (Briggs Hall)

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Zumba Gold: Beginners welcome! Low impact. Improve your flexibility, focus & overall movement. Silver Sneakers free! Walk-ins: $7 a class! Classes continue every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. For more information and to sign up, call Angel at 954-224-0886.

A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration

Friday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

A Civil War Christmas” (known as the American version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”) weaves a tapestry of fictional and historical characters, such as President and Mrs. Lincoln – together with holiday music, marches, hymns, and spirituals of the period – to tell a story of companionship and communal hope arising from one of our nation’s darkest hours. This is a delight for people of all ages and contains many of the classic Christmas songs that we all know and love. The show will continue throughout the day with more shows at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and will continue to Sat. Dec. 23. To purchase tickets, visit ccpompano.org/event/a-civil-war-christmas.

Bill Hartmann performs

Saturday, Dec. 23, 9 p.m.

American Rock Bar & Grill

1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

With special guests Gloria, Steve Minotti, Lina Marquez and Mitch Clarvit. For more information, call 954-428-4539.

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Johnny Vincent will be playing for your entertainment just south of Hillsboro Boulevard at the ocean. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Event is free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

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