Deerfield’s Jason Pierre-Paul celebrates winning Super Bowl. Submitted photo

By Gary Curreri

Two years ago, Deerfield Beach’s Jason Pierre-Paul was a relative unknown.

The 23-year-old Deerfield Beach High School graduate was a first round draft pick in 2010 for the New York Giants (15th overall). Now he has quite a resume starting with Super Bowl XLVI champion after the Giants held on to defeat the New England Patriots, 21-17, recently.

“It didn’t really hit me until the parade,” said Pierre-Paul, a 6’5”, 278-lb. defensive end, named to the Pro Bowl this season despite not being on the ballot. “It is a great feeling. I’m having a great time. I am soaking it all in until it is ready to go again for next season.”

Pierre-Paul had a breakout season this year as he was named to the Pro Bowl after he recorded 65 tackles, 16.5 sacks, a safety and two forced fumbles during the 2011 season. Pierre-Paul became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, forced fumble and blocked field goal in the same game in a 37-34 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 11. With injuries plaguing the Giants’ starting defensive ends, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, Pierre-Paul received a significant amount of playing time, including 12 starts.

Pierre-Paul’s father, Jean, who is blind, took in his son’s Super Bowl performance in Indianapolis in person.

“I talked to him about it,” Pierre-Paul said. “He said it is a blessing to see me play. He said this is the happiest he has been in his lifetime. Even though he couldn’t see me, he knew I was doing good. He listens to the game and my whole family tells him what is going on and he understands it.”

The Giants were 7-7 and facing elimination before winning its last two regular season games and finishing the year winning six straight. Pierre-Paul said the team never gave up and he is looking forward to defending the title and contributing again.

“I knew I could be good,” Pierre-Paul said. “Two years ago, I was going into the draft and now I am a playmaker in the NFL. I am still learning the parts of the game and I am taking it all in.”

Another local, Blanche Ely High School grad, Patrick Peterson, also had a stellar rookie season for the Arizona Cardinals as he set several NFL marks and was also named to the Pro Bowl.

Peterson had the most punt return yards by a rookie in a season with 699, tied for most punt returns in a season for touchdown with four, longest game-winning punt return touchdown in overtime with 99 yards.

Peterson was selected fifth overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2011 NFL Draft and immediately made his mark on his first NFL play when he intercepted a Philip Rivers pass and returned it for a touchdown.

Pompano’s Patrick Peterson. Submitted photo

Peterson, 21, a 6’-0”, 219-lb. cornerback, was selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl and was the only rookie to be selected to the 2011 All-Pro First Team, as a kick return specialist. He finished the season with 64 tackles, a sack, 2 INTs and four punt returns for TDs.

Peterson said his teammates, Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes, have kept him grounded.

“Those guys have definitely given me the keys to success and taught me how to be a professional,” Peter-son said. “They taught me how to grow up fast – faster than I probably needed to.”

By Carol Porter

The first order of business at the Lighthouse Point city commission meeting on Feb. 14, was to accept the results of the Jan. 31 election, according to the city charter, and then swear in three commissioners: Commissioner Earl Maucker, Commissioner Rebecca “Becky” Lysengen, and Commissioner Michael Long.

After the results were certified, Hasis and Gordon, who were sitting on the dais for the last time, gave some closing comments and thanked their fellow commissioners and staff for serving with them.

Hasis said that the time he had spent on the commission would be something he would treasure forever. Commission President Susie Gordon concurred with Hasis and also thanked her family for being behind her while she served on the dais.

After Gordon and Hasis left the dais, Commission Vice President Michael Long asked for nominations for President and Vice President from the floor. Commissioner Michael Long was nominated for President, and Commissioner Sandy Johnson was nominated for Vice President.

[  ] City Administrator John Lavisky asked for commission approval of a resolution awarding the bid and approving the agreement with Florida Coastal Services for $9,475 for corrective pruning of trees in the city’s right of ways, and to authorize expenditure of $15,600 to take full advantage of the grant funds awarded by the state.

[  ] Lavisky also asked for commission approval on a resolution for a grant application in the amount of $287,200 for the 2012 Transportation Enhancement Cycle to install solar powered pathway lights on Lighthouse Drive in the area from NE 24th Street to NE 36th Street (Sample Road.) After a few questions about both items, commissioners approved both resolutions.

[  ] Commissioners then recognized Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, who was in attendance that evening and asked him to say a few words. LaMarca, a former Lighthouse Point Commissioner, congratulated the new commissioners, the new President and Vice President, and said, “Let me know if there is anything I can do at the county level for you.”

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

If you enjoyed the cold temperatures from this past weekend or received a cold-hearted Valentines, then Thin Ice is the movie for you. Greg Kinnear portrays Mickey, an insurance salesman in Minnesota. While attending a convention in the tropics, Mickey meets a blond femme fatale. When he returns home to his broken marriage with Jo Ann (Lea Thompson), Mickey realizes that he might have the potential expense of alimony.

To score quick cash, Mickey finds a cash cow in Gorvy (Alan Arkin), a seemingly senile man with a valuable violin. Taking advantage of Gorvy’s mental condition, Mickey tries to steal the artifact, but runs into the crosshairs of a prissy salesman (Bob Balaban) and a greedy handyman (Billy Crudup).

This is a dark comedy with a definite payoff. Kinnear is adept at playing sleazy roles like Mickey, yet he manages to find a way for the audience to sympathize with him. Arkin’s Gorvy is the most
sympathetic character and Crudup’s brutal handyman is funny with a touch of Moe Howard.

On a far more serious note, the French Film La Rafle opens this weekend. An award-winning film from American film festivals, including the best audience award from the Miami Jewish Film Festival, this film stars Jean Reno and Mélanie Laurent. La Rafle (translation – The Round Up) explains lost French innocence under Nazi Germany.

On a far less serious note, MegaCon in Orlando commences this weekend. Held in the cradle between Universal and Disney World, this annual convention features the best, and worst, synergy between the comic book and motion picture universes.

While this summer’s corporate blockbusters feature a showdown between the Marvel Comics Universe (The Avengers) and D.C. Comics (The Dark Knight Rises), look for small business to rake in some profits.

My buddy for over 33 years, CJ of CJ’s Comics, is taking two van loads of Superhero supplies. CJ expects to return with one empty van. www.megaconvention.com.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Feb. 9 It was reported that two individuals approached a homeowner about cleaning the gutters of a home at 1111 NW 48Place. One individual walked with the homeowner to the back of the home. The homeowner reported that the other individual entered the home and stole $800 and jewelry from the home. (Incident took place on Feb. 8 but was reported on Feb. 9.)

Feb. 9 A woman was arrested and charged with grand theft at 820 Hillsboro Blvd.. The woman had been employed at a doctor’s office but was no longer working there. It was reported that the woman used a business checking account and routing numbers to pay $2,450 worth of personal bills online.

Feb. 11 A man was observed stealing a flat-panel television along with an anti-theft device at a Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Feb. 11 A man reported that his vehicle ran out of gas at 1750 W. Hillsboro Blvd. When the man returned to his car, he found it was missing.

Feb. 11 A man was arrested and charged with grand theft from a CVS Store at 1350 S. Federal Hwy. The man stole a flat-panel television and photo converter.

Feb. 12 A worker at Public Storage at 3350 SW 10 Street discovered a lock on one of the facility’s bays was a not a Public Storage lock. Upon entering the bay, it was discovered that a Porter cable generator, a dresser containing various personal items and Christmas ornaments were stolen.

Feb. 12 A car in the parking lot of United Pentecostal Holiness Church at 77 NW 5 St. was entered and a book bag containing school books was taken.

Feb.12 Two women reported their home at 1436 SE 4 Place broken into and money taken from two wallets. Total amount taken was $290.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Feb. 7 A man reported that a man who identified himself as a Comcast service technician came to his home at 3100 NE 28 Ave. The man was left alone in an upstairs office. After he left, it was discovered that an envelope containing currency was taken from a briefcase.

Feb. 7 It was reported that a man was observed stealing groceries from a Publix at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. It was not known what was stolen.

Feb. 7 A woman reported that she allowed the niece of a friend to stay at her home at 2200 NE 44 St. The woman reported that a motor scooter, clothing, a snowboard, paintings, 50 DVDs, two clocks, a vacuum cleaner and dishes were stolen.

Reasons to change date of next election

Dear Editor:

On Feb. 8, I celebrated my 80th birthday. I tell you this to emphasize the fact that I have been in Deerfield for 54 years, and I have seen the municipal elections change from time to time. So it is not as though there is not history in making changes.

I do believe that this [city] commission has been sincere in attempting to save the taxpayers money. I am sure that the Supervisor of Elections can ascertain the differences in costs.

The proposal I am making would not only be a cost saver, but it would also have more voter participation as a goal.

That is why I think you should consider moving the next municipal election from March [2013] to November 2012, to coincide with the next presidential election.

We have 42,000 registered voters in the city of Deerfield Beach.  When we attempted our Rescind the Unfair Taxes, we collected over 7,000 signatures from registered voters. That number was more than voted in the last municipal election. Hopefully, if we change to coincide with the presidential election, we will see an increase in local participation.

This change could be formulated to have those who are incumbents but are not re-elected hold their seats until the installation date in March. The president is elected in November but is not installed into office until January, so this is not an unusual concept.

It has been suggested that those not re-elected would be lame ducks and could do a great deal of damage in the interim. It still takes three votes to do anything, so let’s hope that there are at least three who really want what is best for the city and that they would prevail.

According to 6.01 in the Deerfield city charter, the city commission, by ordinance and subject to the provisions of the Constitution and laws of Florida, Broward County, and this charter, shall have the power to call for regular and special elections as may be required for the city and to make all necessary regulations for the conduct thereof.

The commission has the power to make this change. Call City Hall at 954-480-4262 and voice your opinion.

Jean Robb                                                                                                                                            

Deerfield Beach

Editor’s note: According to Mary Cooney from Brenda Snipes office, based on a cost estimate for another city with the same number of precincts [38] as Deerfield:

Projected cost for the regularly-scheduled election on March 13, 2013 is just under $67,000.

There were no comparables for a Nov. 6, 2012 election with a city with the same number of precincts. However, for a city with 32 precincts, estimated cost of a Nov. 6, 2012 election would be just under $20,000.

Dive-in movie: Karate Kid

Friday, Feb. 17, dusk

Main beach parking lot, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bring blanket or chair. 954-480-4430.

www.Deerfield-Beach.com.

DB Computer Club meets

Friday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 

Classes: $1. 954-725-9331 or www.db-cc.org.

Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Pompano Bch.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m.

PB Green Market (PB Historical Society’s booth), NE 1 Street & Flagler Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE. Handicapped accessible. 954-292-8040 or visit www.pompanohistory.com.

Community yard sale

Saturday, Feb. 18, 8 a.m. to noon

Boca Raton Children’s Museum, 498 Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432

Benefits Boca Raton Children’s Museum. Food/beverages available for purchase. 561-368-6875.

Annual Pre-Mardi-Gras Festival

Saturday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m. to midnight

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 417 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Food, music, dancing. $5 per person.954-428-0111.

Safe Boating Course

Saturday, Feb. 18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Imperial Point Medical Center, 6401 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308

Presented by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Pompano Beach. $50 per person, includes materials. Lunch provided. 954-421-0502.

Renaissance Festival

Saturday, Feb. 18, Sunday, Feb. 19 & Monday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. to sunset

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Step back in time! This week: Pirates Weekend. $20, adults. $7, children (6 to 11), 5 and under FREE. 954-776-1642 or www.ren-fest.com.

LHP-Pompano Beach Doll Club Show & Sale

Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2700 NE Sample Rd., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

$3, under 10 FREE. 954-783-2158 or 561-278-8683.

Andrew Morris Band plays

Sunday, Feb. 19, 9 p.m. to midnight 

Oceans 234, 234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

No cover. 954-428-2539. Also, Funky Biscuit, Feb. 23, 8 p.m. (303 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, 33483, $5 cover, 561-395-2929.)

Family Life Celebration Week

Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 26

Trinity Church, 3901 NE 22 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For more info.: 954-941-8033. www.TrinityChurchLHP.com.

Save the Date: 3rd Annual Tea in the Garden

Saturday, Feb. 25, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.                                                                                                                         

100 NE 44 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

English Tea and pastries. Learn about local hunger issues, explore the tropical Food Forest, and stroll Tiki-lit garden paths while listening to LIVE music. $15 per person/$25 per couple. Limited seating. Purchase tickets at www.teainthegarden.info or call 954-247-1087.

Last Week, Beth and I were in Ecuador visiting a close friend of ours and setting up a mission trip for June. Our church is going to go to Quito, Ecuador in June for a Medical/Construction trip.

My friend there also works with youth who have problems with drugs. This friend, Rolo, wanted us to see a city where he was working. He said it would only take about two hours to get there.

Our plans were to go to a museum located at the equator but, since it was only two hours, we figured we’ll go visit this city and then go to the museum. Rolo’s friend, Walter, was driving and we headed off on our little adventure.

After a little more than two hours in the car, I asked if we had much further to go. Rolo, said “no.” Walter, the driver, said “yes,” about three hours more. I was shocked. Instead of two hours, it was going to be five. We asked them to turn around and head back. We didn’t want to spend 10 hours in the car our only day in Quito. We wanted to see the city. Rolo was upset. He felt he had ruined everyone’s plans, including his own. We turned around. Shortly afterward, the traffic came to a complete stop. There was a major accident. We would have to wait until they cleared the road. After another hour or so, we were back on the road.

After finally returning to Quito, we stopped at the house of Walter’s mother where his three children were. Walter, we learned, had just lost his wife a little over a month earlier to Cancer. The whole family was still dealing with this loss. After visiting for a little while, Beth, Rolo and I decided to walk to the center of town, about 10 blocks away. While walking around the city, where we had a wonderful time, we received an invitation from Walter’s mom to stay for dinner. We had a great evening with Walter and his family, an experience we will not forget.

The following day, we finally did get to go to the equator and had a wonderful time. Later in the day, Rolo and I were talking. He was still frustrated by what had happened the previous day. I asked if he remembered the only thing Beth and I had asked to do.

I said, “We wanted to go to the ‘Center of the Earth’ and see the equator. The one thing we asked to do, we didn’t get to because of the misunderstanding about the length of the trip.”

But I then asked him if he knew my favorite part of the whole trip.

He said, “No.”

I said, “Walking around the city with you and having dinner with Walter and his family. And, it wasn’t planned. It was a total accident.”

Just like John Piper says, “God has no afterthoughts. Every plan is Plan A. If he reverses a trajectory, that was the plan.”

What a wonderful truth. We can trust fully in God’s plan for our lives. 1Corinthians 2:9 says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

This is an incredible promise. We have never seen, never heard and cannot even conceive of what God has planned for our lives. Bottom line, we can trust God! He has eye-popping, ear-blasting, mind-blowing plans for us, usually where and when we least expect them to be.

Deron Peterson is is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach.

As a result of this forecast, Broward County has declared a cold weather emergency from 6:30 p.m. Saturday night to 7 a.m. Sunday morning, and from 6:30 p.m. Sunday night to 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13.

Homeless persons are advised to report to the following locations no later than 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for transportation or access to special cold night shelters:

• Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach City Hall
100 W. Atlantic Blvd. (Southeast Corner)

• Fort Lauderdale
The Salvation Army
1445 W. Broward Blvd.

• Hollywood
Broward Outreach Center
2056 Scott St.

If you have any questions or need additional information on the plan for your area, contact Michael Wright, Broward County Homeless Initiative Partnership Administration, 954-357-7167 or 954-300-8739 (cell).

Due to possible inclement weather and thunderstorms, the Keeper’s Day parade tomorrow, Feb. 11, has been canceled. In addition, the festivities at Frank McDonough Park have also been canceled.

Still happening:

The nighttime festivities are still being held, including the 6 p.m. food, fireworks and live entertainment at Dan Witt Park. Bring a lawn chair. The Sunday, Feb. 12 Family Sports Day  from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Frank McDonough Park is also planned to be held.

For additional information, call 954-784-3439.

On Thursday, Feb. 16, city of Deerfield Beach Code Enforcement officers will conduct a daytime sweep through the Deer Run residential community, to improve cooperation and compliance with the city’s codes. Warnings will be issued for noted code violations and will be followed up to ensure compliance.

Property owners who receive a warning but do not correct the violation could receive a code enforcement citation during the follow-up process. For questions about the sweep, or to report a code violation, e-mail web.code@deerfield-beach.com, or call 954-480-4241.