Midnight Madness

Friday, Oct. 19, 7 a.m. to midnight

Island Water Sports

1985 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Help celebrate their 40th year anniversary with this popular event. Yes, Midnight Madness is back! There will be a huge sale on almost all items in the store. They will have a ramp jam, live music, a raffle and the IWS generations showcase. This year’s event benefits the Max Brown Foundation. For more information, call 954-427-4929.

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 to 11 a.m.

Saint Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

You and your pets are invited to their annual event in which they gather in their Memorial Garden to remember St. Francis and give thanks to God for our pets and all animals.

7th Annual Brazilian Festival

Sat. & Sun. Oct. 20 & 21, 11 a.m. gates open

Pompano Beach Community Park

820 NE 18 Ave. (NE 10 St. & US 1)

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Enjoy the art, culture, music and food of Brazil! For more information, call 305-803-0338 or e-mail info@brazilianfestpompano.org.

18th Annual Health & Wellness Expo

“Fit through the Ages”

Saturday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Center for Active Aging

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Expo will include health screenings, vendors with “healthy” information and education for all ages. Free screenings include hearing, vision, skin cancer, balance, glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and stroke assessment. Walgreens will be administering Flu Shots. Bring your insurance card. The One Blood donor van and Broward Health Community Health Services HIV testing van will be on campus. Door Prizes, giveaways and entertainment. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. For more information, call the Center for Active Aging at 954-480-4447.

Constitutional Amendments disscussion

Monday, Oct. 22, 2 p.m.

Temple Beth Israel

201 S. Military Trail

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

The League of Women Voters presents a discussion on the 13 Constitutional Amendments on this November’s ballot. All Florida voters are encouraged to attend.

Team Carly’s Cruisers fundraiser

Monday, Oct. 22

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza

851 S. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Help raise some dough for Team Carly’s Cruisers for Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Stop into Anthony’s and mention Team Carly’s Cruisers for 20 percent of all tracked Dine In or Take out to be donated to FARA. For more information, call 561-338-3028.

State of the City

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m.

Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort

2096 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the Greater Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce and the City of Deerfield Beach for the 2018 State of the City. For corporate sponsorships, contact Denise Jordan at djordan@deerfieldchamber.com.

Save the Date:

Multi-Family Backyard “Garage” Sale

Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bargain hunter delights. Antiques and collectables. Be a vendor ($20) or a shopper (free entrance). For application, call or e-mail Judithofdfb@gmail.com, 954-461-1152; or elilly707@aol.com 561-299-8684.

Boca Raton Fine Art Show

Sat. & Sun. Nov. 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real,

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Professionally juried fine art & fine craft show. All art is original and personally handmade. Event is free to attend. There will be an art competition for K-8 or ages 5-13.

Ranse Volleyball Classic

Saturday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the Beach (North of the pier)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The tournament is held annually to honor the memory of Ranse Jones, an avid and up-and-coming beach player who had an aneurysm rupture while playing an AVP Young Guns tournament in 2004. Ranse passed away several months later and this tournament is to raise funds for the North Broward Health Stroke Awareness Fund each year. The event is managed by the Dig The Beach series gang. Come join them for a fun weekend on the beach.

62nd Annual 150 Charity Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 3, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sheltair Hangar of the Pompano Beach Airpark

1401 NE 10 St,

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Exchange Club of Pompano Beach will hold “A Night at the Races.” It will be a Derby Party with betting on old horse races to win prizes. There will be an open bar all night, buffet dinner, live band, dancing, TapSnap photo booth and contests for best hats and outfits. Fundraising activities including handicapped horse races, 50/50 raffle, wine wagon and booze cooler, 150 draw-down, and live, silent and Chinese auctions. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards local charities and community organizations, such as The Children’s Healing Institute, the Broward Children’s Center, the Boys & Girls Club, First Tee of Broward, Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, Woodhouse, Dynamos, the DAV, Honor Flight and many more, along with providing student scholarships. Tickets can be purchased online only for $150 at www.bidpal.net/nightattheraces. No tickets will be sold at the door, so please purchase them early. Dress is Derby attire required. For more information, contact Joel Rask at 954-663-7751 or Donn Atkins at donn.atkins@gmail.com.

Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 20, Noon to 4 p.m.

Pioneer Park

501 NE Eller St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Pick out the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, run through a hay maze, enjoy live entertainment, pet some animals in the petting zoo, ride on a hay ride, enjoy tasty treats and more! Complimentary shuttle from the Middle School Athletic Complex (501 SE 6 Ave.) to Pioneer Park. The shuttle will run continuously from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Trick-or-Treat Trail

Saturday, Oct. 27, Noon to 4 p.m.

Deerfield Island Park

1720 Deerfield Island Park

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Kids of all ages are invited to explore the Trick-or-Treat Trail at Deerfield Island Park. Visit the Mad Scientist’s Lab and try to figure out what’s cooking in the Crazy Chef’s Kitchen, and stop by the Creature Feature station! To sign up, e-mail info@friendsofdip.org by Oct. 24. (Please include name, phone number and number of attendees) $8 per person donation to the Friends of Deerfield Island Park. Donation includes water bottle and candy! A free boat shuttle for the island departs from Sullivan Park (1700 Riverview Rd., Deerfield Beach). Shuttles take approximately five minutes. For additional shuttle information, call Quiet Waters Park at 954-357-5100. For more information about the event, call 954-357-5100.

Shriek Week

Oct. 19 to 27

Sugar Sand Park

300 S. Military Trail

Boca Raton, FL 33486

Haunted houses, black-light games, animal exhibits, LED robots & DJ shows, magic shows and more are all happening on various days during Shriek Week. Kids can even Trick or Treat here. Find out all the details at www.sugarsandpark.org.

Have Halloween or Harvest Festival happenings? Let us know. E-mail observereditor@comcast.net Also, send us pics of your events too!

Our prayers go out to those who experienced the devastation of Hurricane Michael. In the aftermath, we pray for the restoration of the communities in the Panhandle. We continue to pray for our community as well through this season. When one part of our state is hurting, we all share the pain together.

I know that the phrase “act of God” is one used by insurance companies and will continue to be used regardless of my commentary. As a person who advocates God for a living, I do feel that I can weigh in on this phrase and its usage as well as challenge the people who use this phrase to broaden their perspective.

When a tornado devastates a town we call it an “act of God.” When a river floods acres of farmland, we call it an “act of God.” When an earthquake hits a poor nation killing tens of thousands of people, we call it an “act of God.” It seems that we avoid the word “God” in public lest we offend anybody, yet atheists, agnostics and believers alike use the phrase “act of God” when a tornado, flood, earthquake or a hurricane devastates their community.

Let us talk about times when you do not hear the phrase “act of God,” and you probably should. When my family rented kayaks and explored the mangroves on the gulf coast. I was so overwhelmed by God’s creation evident with the wildlife that I called it an “act of God.” When I went hiking with my Boy Scout troop through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and saw the majesty of snow top mountains in the heat of the summer, I couldn’t help but call it an “act of God.” When snorkeling in Key West with my church’s Youth Group near a natural reef with schools of colorful fish surrounding me I could not help but call it an “act of God.” We reserve the phrase “act of God” when we talk about the devastation of nature but what about nature’s splendor?

I know, in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, neighbors are going to pull together and help each other and form a lifelong bond. I call this an “act of God.” I know that families will mourn the loss of their home but come to a profound realization that they are blessed with their family who are safe and sound. When the gratitude of family eclipses the loss of material items, this is what I call an “act of God.” I know that people from all over the state and country will come from churches, synagogues and mosques lending a hand, praying and setting aside their divisions for the purpose of doing “acts of God.”

God created nature and nature seems to have a mind of its own. Hurricanes, tornados, floods and earthquakes have been our constant companions and when we experience “acts of nature” we respond with “acts of God.”

I grew up in a state where blizzards happen in the winter and tornados happen in the summer. I went to college in a community with a river that flooded almost every spring after the thaw of snow and ice. I did my pastoral internship literally on the San Andreas Fault and experienced an earthquake. And, for the last 20 plus years, I have lived in Florida and can recall several hurricanes.

I am pretty sure blizzards and tornados occurred in Minnesota long before my family settled there. I know that the Red River of the north flooded Fargo, North Dakota long before there was a place called Fargo. The San Andreas Fault went through the San Bernardino Mountains long before San Andreas and San Bernardino were even born. And you can bet Florida always had hurricanes even before we started naming them.

The only thing more constant than “acts of Nature” is God. Like “acts of Nature,” God has always been our constant companion. In the wake of natural disaster, it is my prayer that good things will happen. And when that does, then I will know what to call it. It is an “act of God.”

Pastor Gross is a pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, located at 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-421-3146 or visit www.zion-lutheran.org.

There is no doubt that there is a need for better integrated physical and mental health services, especially in order to support people with long-term health conditions. The King’s Fund, an independent charity that works to improve healthcare, reports that people with long-term physical health conditions are two to three times more likely to also experience mental health disorders. This month’s Therapy Room column focuses on migraine headaches and various mental health conditions.

Peter Goadsby, a professor at King’s College in London, defines migraine as an inherited tendency to have headaches with sensory disturbance. It is an instability in the way the brain deals with incoming sensory information, and such instability can become influenced by physiological changes, such as sleep, exercise and hunger. There is no known cause for a migraine, although most people with it are genetically predisposed to it. There are certain common triggers, which include stress, lack of food, alcohol, female hormonal changes, lack of sleep and one’s environment.

Jodi Langston, a migraine sufferer for the past 3 ½ years and a contributor to The Mighty (www.themighty.com), shares “I am disabled and while misunderstanding individuals claim that I am faking it, migraine is my scary monster in the closet and it has friends. It is bad enough to have a migraine, but depression and anxiety have become my migraine’s constant companions. Depression takes away my will to fight another day and anxiety tells me my pain will spike if I try to do anything besides hiding out in the darkness of my bedroom.”

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (www.adaa.org) explains that migraine headaches can precede the onset of mental disorders. In a 2009 study, researchers found that 11 percent of participants with migraines also had various disorders, including major depression, general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, agoraphobia and simple phobias. New research suggests that people who have migraines are more susceptible to developing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when exposed to trauma, like a car accident or an abusive partnership, than those who do not experience migraines.

Special treatment challenges exist for physicians treating those with migraines and mental health conditions. A physician may select medication because it is effective for an anxiety disorder as well as headache pain and then the physician must closely monitor the patient for possible side effects caused by the prescribed medication.

Research also suggests that people with migraines and a mental health disorder, such as PTSD, consider seeing a licensed psychotherapist who practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

CBT, along with relaxation training and medication specifically prescribed for migraines, can also improve the conditions.

One can certainly manage migraines and mental health disorders in order to lead a full life. Change is possible!

Dr. Julia Breur is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private clinical psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton, FL. Further information is available on the website: www.drjuliabreur.com.

By Rachel Galvin

If you have never ridden on Brightline’s high speed train before, you are in for a treat. From the beautiful architecture of its train station to its well-lit large parking structure, Brightline begins to impress before you even get aboard its train. The inside of the station is spotless with a modern seating area complete with a place to charge your phone and access to a cafe where you can buy something to eat or drink, and other items, before hopping on board. (Check out the bathroom with a high tech faucet that has water, soap and a dryer within it).

Brightline began serving passengers from Ft. Lauderdale (101 NW 2 Ave.) to West Palm Beach on Jan. 13 and from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami (600 Miami Central Ave.) on May 19, so now it is taking passengers daily tri-county. Next expansion will be from West Palm Beach to Orlando, and then extend beyond that. It is the only privately owned and maintained passenger rail system in the country.

They certainly have taken great care to maintain their trains. The inside is spotless with some seats facing each other with tables, to make it easier to do work with their onboard WiFi or eat snacks that are available for purchase. The staff is very friendly and accommodating.

They are going out of their way to come up with unique ideas to attract passengers. On Oct. 5, they had their second Tasting Train event. Passengers were greeted on board in either West Palm or Ft. Lauderdale. On the train, they were offered their choice of Antinori wines.

Family-owned, Antinori Wines is the oldest wine producer in the world. They control everything from seed to fermentation and beyond.

This reporter’s selection was the Villa Antinori Toscana Bianco 2016, which was a light and refreshing perfect first choice. They offered up a plastic container of snacks to pair with the wine consisting of crackers, cheese, brie, cheddar and walnuts. There wasn’t too much time for chit chat with fellow passengers as the train made it to Miami in about a quick half hour; time sped by and the ride was so smooth.

Once there, everyone left their seats and headed into the Miami station with a similar feel and setting, but with vibrant artistic murals by Typoe that screamed Miami with its color palette and design. Everything here was carefully thought out, down to the barely noticeable scent pumped in, which was vanilla with a hint of citrus. Guests were treated to a musical performance by Mr. Trombone and a DJ from My Party My Way while they mingled and snacked on more cheese, crackers and the like, as well as a cup with burrata topping chopped tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, passed hors d’ oeuvres like rice balls, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs and more.

“We are focusing on creating a unique experience and re-imagining the way people think about trains. Where else can you have wine tasting with the oldest family-owned wines?” said Ali Soule, director of Public Affairs and Media Relations, who said the next Tasting Train will be scheduled sometime in December, but may not necessarily be centered around wines. Stay tuned…

On the way back to Ft. Lauderdale, another plastic box of treats awaited passengers, including dried fruits and nuts, and pretzels, and a bottle of water.

To find out more about Brightline, visit www.gobrightline.com.

Periodic column on companies that grew up with our community

By Karen Lustgarten

When she was 13, Adolphine “Dodie” Keith remembers heading out on survey and mapping jobs with her father, William “Bill” Keith, along with his crew and watching how the work was done for construction projects.

Mr. Keith began making a mark on South Florida in 1956 when he joined the Broward County Engineering Department as a surveyor. Then, in 1972, he started the engineering firm Keith & Schnars. It would become synonymous with Broward’s growth.

His firm helped plan Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and bought the land and developed the route for the Sawgrass Expressway. It was responsible for planning Parkland and the redevelopment of Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach and Boca Raton. They surveyed 390 miles from Florida to Georgia and bought 4,000 parcels of land for a Florida Power & Light transmission line.

In 1998, Mr. Keith established Keith & Associates, his own Pompano Beach-based civil engineering, planning, surveying firm. Daughter Dodie grew up to become a professional surveyor and mapper working in that capacity for her father.

By the time Mr. Keith died in 2006, he had spent his life working towards the development and improvement of the south Florida community and giving back to it, helping improve the county’s infrastructure and way of life. Dodie Keith-Lazowick succeeded her father as company president and managing principal.

Under her leadership, KEITH, as the firm has been rebranded, has grown to include civil engineering, surveying and mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), urban & comprehensive planning, landscaping, permitting, construction management and construction engineering inspection.

“I work in the development field, so believe growth is good,” she said. “Dad always taught me respect for the community. I try to make projects better for both the residents and the city.”

The Ft. Lauderdale airport, a key KEITH client since her father’s early days, is a case in preservation. A huge African Baobab tree was set to be cut down when a new airport runway was being planned. Dodie proposed a slight redesign shift in the runway plans that preserved the historic tree.

Dodie helped draft the Pompano Beach 2020 business plan and Mayor Fisher’s stimulus task force. Her firm helped raise funds and advocated to pass the Pompano Beach bond referendum for capital improvement projects that will revitalize the city.

KEITH is at work on several major construction projects you are witnessing around Pompano Beach to revitalize the city. Successful advocates for permitting and approvals, staff has coordinated the site plan approval process through the city and provided civil engineering design, project management, permitting coordination, planning, surveying, construction management, infrastructure convergence and roadway improvements, assessments and recommendations.

Among the projects you notice are the following: the pedestrian-friendly Pompano Beach Blvd. streetscape, Old Pompano Area streetscape improvements, as part of the Downtown Connectivity Plan, MLK Jr. Blvd. streetscape improvements, MLK Blvd., the Pier Parking Garage, John Knox Village and in-kind site design services to preserve the Sample-McDougald historic House/Museum.

Coming up: The new Mullet Alley — turning an existing parking lot in the Old Pompano area into a lively plaza — awaiting the site plan design and development approval.

“I enjoy Pompano Beach. It has a different feel than other cities and we want our own distinct city identity in South Florida,” says Dodie. “Pompano Beach is a community-based and family-oriented place. Our parks and roadway projects, for example, help give our city its own identity as a community.”

As a business community leader, Bill Keith was committed to causes he cared about such as the Broward Urban River Trails and homelessness. He was founding chair of Broward Partnership for the Homeless helping people stabilize their lives. Dodie is the 2018 board chair and a fundraiser.

Dodie’s son Alex and daughter Elizabeth serve as third generation professionals at KEITH. Alex Lazowick, a civil engineer, is executive vice president, and Elizabeth, with a marketing degree, is corporate manager, overseeing more than 100 employees in five state offices. They are committed to the company values established by their grandfather and mother. With young children of his own, Alex sits on the board of the Parks Foundation of Broward County, raising funds for Broward County parks.

The business transition plan has the 3rd generation taking over KEITH with Alex stepping into his mother’s role as president, “so, hopefully, I can sit on Pompano Beach watching the sunrise,” said Dodie.

Karen Lustgarten is president of Multi-Media Works, a multiple award-winning media company specializing in video, PR, print and social media with offices in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She founded a newspaper in Washington, DC, was a syndicated columnist and a bestselling author. www.multi-mediaworks.com

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Looking for a positive experience at the movies? The Samuel Project opens this weekend and it could be the film for you. Starring Hal Linden (as the curmudgeon Samuel) and Ryan Ochoa (as the artistic Eli, the Grandson), The Samuel Project is about individuals who cross generational and cultural divisions.

Eli is an art student who is given an assignment to tell a story through his craft. His grandfather, Samuel, considers Eli’s art as a bunch of “doodles.” One afternoon, Eli is recruited by Samuel to go see an elderly Jewish woman on her deathbed. Revealing an emotional crack in his grandfather’s stoic persona, Eli realizes he has a personal story to tell about his grandfather surviving the Holocaust.

The subject is serious, but the humor is respectful. Director/writer Marc Fusco presents Eli and Samuel’s behavioral quirks in an endearing way. Like a good Hallmark channel type movie, politeness triumphs over pettiness and the grand finale builds to an agreeable climax. While there is no kicker in the end, stick around and watch the animated credits.

This Saturday, Oct. 13, the Deerfield Beach Percy White Library acknowledges the popular TV show The Walking Dead with its Walking Dead Day, which celebrates nine seasons of the zombie apocalypse on the AMC Cable Channel. At 2 p.m., there will be a screening of a classic black & white Val Lewton terror movie starring Frances Dee and Tom Conway, released 75 years ago. (Due to licensing agreements, the title cannot be revealed; however, there are plenty of flyers available at the library.)

Set on a fictional Caribbean island, this noir classic eschews gore and decapitations to set up a fearful mood. With a very modest budget, the techniques of light and shadows have influenced modern filmmakers. Evidence of Val Lewton’s production values can be found in modern classics like It, The Sixth Sense and Halloween. The images from this film are haunting.

Thanks to the sponsorship of the AMC cable channel, the first 20 people to attend the screening at 2 p.m. will receive artifacts from a box that mysteriously arrived at the Deerfield Beach Percy White Library. After screening the 70 minute movie, there will be a Walking Dead Day Trivia Contest, hosted by this reporter, as well as volunteer extraordinare Lita Andreano.

Walking Dead prizes will be awarded to individuals who finish in first, second and third places. For those who want to study for the Trivia Contest, the answers can be found within the Walking Dead television show, the previous movie being screened, horror literature, monster movies, and Halloween culture and rituals. Like The Samuel Project, the emphasis is not doom and gloom, but entertainment and fun.

Deerfield Beach

Sept. 25: A man got into an argument and hit his girlfriend repeatedly causing injuries to her lip. The incident was reported at 631 Anderson Cir.

Sept. 25: Someone broke into work trucks parked at 1040 E. Newport Center Dr. and stole battery-operated tools. The loss was estimated at $2,250.

Sept. 25: A woman reported that someone tried to break into her home at 4250 NE 3 Ave.

Sept. 25: A woman reported her car parked at LA Fitness at 1000 E. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken into and her purse stolen.

Sept. 26: It was reported that a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was stolen from the parking lot of Love Fellowship Church at 77 NW 5 St.

Lighthouse Point

Sept. 25: A resident reported a dog loose at 4521 NE 22 Ave. Police arrived but were unable to locate the dog.

Sept. 25: A resident found a black wallet at 2831 NE 26 St. He turned the wallet and its contents over to police.

Sept. 28: The victim said he last saw his tag at 2101 NE 41 St. The victim said he placed the tag on the roof of his car while he placed a new dealer tag on the vehicle. He forgot that he had placed the tag on his roof and drove away. He discovered it was missing when he arrived in Weston.

(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.)

Arboretum Meeting

Thursday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum at Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker will be Lee Gottlieb. He will speak about Broward’s project ROC and the Youth Environmental Alliance, in collaboration with hands on Broward, which is an environmental alliance group involved in performing coastal reclamation through stewardship, via installing native plants and removing invasives. It’s an important project and thousands of students are trained and instrumental in restoring our coast. Light refreshments will be served. There will be drawings for free plants. This meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, call 954-480-4494.

10th Annual Halloween
Horse Show & Fair

Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sand & Spurs Equestrian Park

1600 NE 5 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Bring the family. Costume parade for all ages (on foot), Costume contest on horseback, food for purchase, pony rides, carnival games, bounce house, face painting, hay rides and arts & crafts. Food proceeds to benefit U Can Ride Therapeutic Sessions. Children 10 & under are free. $1 for age 10 & up.

Fall Harvest Festival

Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House Museum

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Petting Zoo, crafts, Gem Mining and more games. One of Pompano Beach’s First Fire Trucks, antique tractors, Pumpkin Patch and music. Food and beverage provided. Adults are $5, children are free (must be accompanied by adult). Tickets available at Atlantic Tax Service -1000 E. Atlantic Blvd., Suite 112 and Mission Critical Systems, 1347 E. Sample Rd.

Fine Food & Wine Celebration

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 6 to 9 p.m.

Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek

555 NW 62 St.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

A “Red Carpet Champagne Fountain & Sushi Reception,” over 25 local restaurants, fine wines, bourbons, brews & ales, desserts and coffees, and more! Live Auction, Silent Auction & Chinese Auction for great prizes! A great way to promote your business. Check out their sponsorship packages or donate a prize! Tickets are $75, which includes all tastings, complimentary valet, souvenir wine glass & program! Tickets available online at: www.pompanobeachchamber. For more info contact Connie Davis at 954-941-2940 or cdavis@pompanobeachchamber.com.

DB Commission Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m.

City Commission Chambers

City Hall Complex

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Save the Date:

18th Annual Health & Wellness Expo

“Fit through the Ages”

Saturday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Center for Active Aging

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Expo will include health screenings, vendors with “healthy” information and education for all ages. Free screenings include hearing, vision, skin cancer, balance, glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and stroke assessment.Walgreens will be administering Flu Shots; Bring your insurance card. The One Blood Donor Van will be on campus. Broward Health Community Health Services HIV testing Van. Door Prizes, giveaways and entertainment. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. For more information, call the Center for Active Aging at 954-480-4447.

7th Annual Brazilian Festival of Pompano Beach

Sat. & Sun. Oct. 20 & 21, 11 a.m. gates open

Pompano Beach Community Park

820 NE 18 Ave. (NE 10 St. & US 1)

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

SE coast’s largest, the 7th Annual Pompano Beach Brazilian Festival returns with a multicultural, multi-genre, multi-ethnic, multi regional and multi Grammy-winning line up. For more information, call 305-803-0338 or email info@brazilianfestpompano.org.

9th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser

Saturday, Oct. 20, 6 to 11 p.m.

Pompano Beach Historical Society

217 NE 4 Ave at Founders Park

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Prohibition is coming to Pompano Beach for one night only. After a little fun in the park and they know the coast is clear; they will move to an undisclosed location and have a roaring ‘20s style dinner with wine, beer and a specialty cocktail. Casino tables and games too. Silent and live auction. Dress is Flapper & Zoot Suits optional. Tickets are $75 per person, includes dinner, wine, beer, specialty cocktail. 200 chips for the casino tables They are available at www.pompanohistory.com/casino_night_2018 or call 954-782-3015.

St. Paul’s Annual Craft Bazaar

Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

701 W. Palmetto Park Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33486

Interested vendors contact Vicki at 954-818-0457. For more information, email Vicki at dagirls27@bellsouth.net or Donna at madreloco@aol.com.

Since 1992, the month of October has been Clergy Appreciation Month. It is designed for you to encourage and thank the religious leaders in your life. You should let your pastors know that you love them and support them. In addition, let them know why you appreciate their hard work and labor of love. We tend to always hear about all the Ministers that mess up or make a mistake, but we don’t hear very much at all about all the good things that are happening in churches all across the country. Pastors are saving lives, helping families, feeding the poor, and helping hurting people and we do it with God’s help. The scriptures I have here are ones that you really need to pay attention to and apply them to your life.

HEBREWS 13:7

7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. NLT

The ministry provided by pastors and their families is very unique. God has chosen them to watch over His children and take care of the spiritual well-being of their congregation.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-13

12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.

13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. NLT

When a pastor becomes worn down and worn out, the very souls of his congregants are at risk. Pastors and their families live under unbelievable stress and strain. Their lives are played out in a glass house, with the whole congregation and the whole public scrutinizing their every move. They are expected to have model families, to be wonderful people, to always be ready to help, to never have problems, and to have all the answers you need to keep your own lives on track. These are unrealistic expectations to place on anyone, yet most of us are let down when a pastor becomes overwhelmed, seems sad, lets us down, or totally burns out. That is why God teaches us to identify and honor His servants.

1 TIMOTHY 5:17

17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. NLT

The good news is that you can make a difference! Clergy Appreciation Month is one way you can return the favor and encourage your spiritual leaders and let them know that you care about them.

There are four easy ways to help your pastors and their families feel appreciated:

1. Buy them a card

2. Buy them a gift card to a restaurant, movie theatre, or department store

3. Share with them, in writing, how much they have blessed you and helped you and your family

4. Encourage others to do the same. Show appreciation and honor your pastor and his family this year. It will encourage them more than you ever may realize.

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