Photo by Mike Jachles, PIO/ BSFR

Around 2 p.m. yesterday, a fire was reported to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue (BSFR) in the 5300 block of NE 8 Avenue in Deerfield Beach. When units arrived, heavy smoke was showing. A search of the house produced a 80-year-old woman from the back bedroom that was removed by fire fighters.  The woman is in good shape.

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.

MS Society held its 32nd annual luncheon Jan. 23.

By Rachel Galvin

Long tables filled with auction items awaited guests at the Broward County Convention Center Jan. 23. The occasion was the annual MS Gala benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Honored at the event was David Schulman, who received the Society’s highest volunteer award, the MS Hope Award. At the event, guests learned the personal reason behind his dedication to finding a cure for the disease, his wife of 45 years, Carrie, who has been battling through it with David by her side. His children and grandchildren were among the many presenters who stood and/ or spoke in his honor.

Presented by the company Schulman is a general agent for, Mass Mutual/ DBS Financial Group, the event included a fashion show by Mayda Cisneros, a sit-down three course meal served family style and a video presentation, including introduction of several guests with MS and how the society has benefited them.

Among them was Joanne Postis, a Mental Health Counselor diagnosed in 2010.

Postis said, “[The MS symptoms] started with a limp and tingling in my arms and legs. My right side was weak. I was not able to write as fast. The tiredness was the most debilitating. It took them two years to figure out what it was. It took me falling and getting a concussion to finally be able to see a neurologist. I had to stop working in 2011. The scariest thing is that you have to be able to have someone take care of you.”

She added, “The MS Society has been amazing, [offering] counseling, when I was first diagnosed, financial assistance, a support group, women’s retreats, day meetings, education …”

Postis, working to “transform her purpose,” has ridden in an MS bike ride the last two years in addition to participating in walks. She said any funding toward the society helps and is hopeful about finding a cure.

Tareeq Pupani also struggled to be diagnosed. For him, the symptoms were different with cramps, burning eyes, headaches and tremors. It turned out he not only had MS, but also Lupus, which made the diagnosis more complex.

“It took them 18 months to figure out,” said Pupani, a Certified Project Manager who was diagnosed in 2004. “one of the biggest things is the fatigue.”

He also has biked, walked and more to help the society, who he said has been there for him.

“It made me feel I was doing something, not just complaining,” he said.

The society, he added, “has helped me to understand things I could do day to day to make life easier, the medicines out there and the research going on. I don’t think I could have done it without support.”

Doug Bonds, whose life partner was diagnosed with MS, said, “The National MS society was there to guide us on everything from where to buy ramps to finding the best doctors.”

Among the sponsors for this event was JR Dunn Jewelers, from Lighthouse Point, who donated a live auction item, a Rolex worth $10,000, and offered a 25 percent discount on purchases, giving a portion back to the charity.

“We have been doing this for about nine years,” said owner Jim Dunn. “It is one of the easiest charity organizations to work with. It is a wonderful cause.”

Approximately $550,000 was raised this day for the Society, according to the MS Society President of the South Florida Chapter Karen Dresbach. About 1200 people attended.

Hope Award recipient David Schulman and family.

Mayda Cisneros launched her new collection.

JR Dunn Jewelers was one of the event sponsors. Pictured-owner Jim Dunn.

Guests could bid on auction items electronically through bid pal.

About 1200 guests attended.

By Rachel Galvin

Timothy D. Cook, chief executive of Apple, announced the release of the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch Tuesday at the Flint Center in Cupertino, CA, where Apple co-founder Steve Jobs unveiled the Macintosh 30 years ago. People will line up around the country at Apple stores anxious to buy the newest technology; but if they line up now, they may be waiting awhile (release begins Sept. 19, pre-order starts Sept. 12).

The benefit of the iPhone 6 is two larger size options (a 4.7-inch version and a 5.5-inch version (iPhone 6 Plus), instead of the current 4 inch). Plus there is increased resolution, faster speed and a better camera.

In addition, they launched Apple Watch, a wearable computer that includes fitness and health tracking. It will be available early next year.

Apple Pay, available in October, hopes to eliminate the need for a wallet by offering an easy digital way to make payments.

At the end of the Keynote speech, the band U2 performed and announced the free immediate release of their new album “Songs of Innocence” to iTunes and Beats Music customers, available through Oct. 13.

For more information, visit www.apple.com.

(Pics of iPhone, iPhone Plus & Apple Watch not available as of press time)

By Rachel Galvin

She’s back! Local sensation Joanna Rohrback a.k.a. “The Prancercise ® Lady” has already wowed the world with her unique approach to fitness. Now she is back with a new YouTube video http://youtu.be/cIXIZ_8aGM8, “Official Prancercise ®Fitness with Passion.” In this video, which also features horses, she works with a partner to demonstrate the additional depths and possibilities that her Prancercise ® program is worthy of.

In addition, she is offering a Director’s Cut DVD in which she also offers her fitness tips, to stretch what her program can do to whole new heights. She offers a sneak peek behind the scenes of the production of her uber-popular YouTube videos. The work put into the videos and the passion behind the program are evident, as well as the sense of fun. Joanna has even included bloopers.

The liberating movement is certainly a break from the ordinary fitness scene. This Director’s Cut DVD will be offered via her website www.prancercise.com. You can watch the DVD streaming or it can be shipped as a disc.

“Cinema” Dave Montalbano Photo by Barbara McCormick

The Observer’s Flicks columnist celebrates 15 years

Congratulations to “Cinema” Dave Montalbano for successfully completing 15 years of coverage with his Flicks column. Steadfastly relaying information on current films playing at a theater near you, Montalbano, a 1981 Deerfield High School graduate and Florida State University alum, incorporates film history into every piece. His knowledge of the classics is evident and his love for cinema keeps him writing year after year. When not writing and watching movies, this former teacher and WAXY radio promotions coordinator spends time at local film festivals and Spooky Empire events, and dining with his mother, who just celebrated a 90^th birthday not long ago. His “mortgage-paying job,” as he terms it, is with Broward County libraries. In addition, he is just finishing up his third novel. This one, still untitled, is themed Christian Horror, whereas his last, “Davy Jones & the Heart of Darkness” was set on the high seas. His first book, “The Adventures of Cinema Dave and the Florida Motion Picture World” includes many of his columns from The Observer as well as other historical tidbits and essays. What’s next in the world of Cinema Dave? Visit his blog to find out: http://cinemadave.livejournal.com.

Marilyn Wilson is one of the volunteers serving judges

By Rachel Galvin

Sanborn Square was packed with people for the Boca Burger Battle on July 12. Nineteen contenders showed off their grilling prowess for the judges. But the victor was Salt 7, located in Delray, with its Motley Burger. Classic Rock Therapy entertained with rock rhythms. Meanwhile, others strutted to their own sounds doing Zumba. Guests strolled through vendor booths and left satisfied after indulging in plenty of burger varieties and gourmet sides. Besides wine, there were also plenty of craft beers, rumored to be a taste of a new event to come, from the BocaRaton.com crew.

Find out more about Boca Burger Battle at www.bocaburgerbattle.com.

Craft beer was prominent this year–a taste of a new event to come…

Potions in Motion created a tasty combo —

Salt7 wins!

Judges ate until they could eat no more…

BocaRaton.com’s Russell Spadaccini, who put on Boca Burger Battle, with Tom Leeman, one of the principals of BirthdayComp.com.

Classic Rock Therapy rocked it out.

They even had a food truck giving out French fries!

Potions in Motion preps.

Katz Deli in NYC

Katz Deli in Deerfield Beach

The famous Katz Deli in New York City filed a cease-and-desist letter on April 29 to stop Deerfield Beach Katz Deli in The Cove from using their name. The NYC deli, founded in 1888, accused the local deli of infringing on its federal trademark rights. The Cove Katz Deli opened less than a year ago. Both restaurants sell New York style and Kosher deli food. The NYC deli has been featured in movies like “When Harry Met Sally.”

 The case is listed under Katz’s Delicatessen of Houston Street Inc v Pump-a-Nickel Corp d/b/a Katz’s Deli of Deerfield Beach et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 14-04245.

By Rachel Galvin

For director Gaetano Fasulo, as well as about 60 cast and crew, their movie, “Bonk,” a romantic Christian comedy, was a labor of love. Created for the Gideon Film Festival, to be held July 11-16 in Orlando, the film was filmed in locations all over the Deerfield Beach area, including the Eller Building (home of the Observer). The film, the first of many by the group, premiered May 30 at Centro Cristiano church in Deerfield Beach. Boca Live, who usually performs at Church of All Nations in Boca Raton, led the large crowd in worship through their powerful music. For more information, visit http://christianfilmers.com.

(On left): Boca Live performed.

(On right): Director Gaetano Fasulo with Director of Photography Gabriel Kipling Tyner.