| March, 2011

Letters to the Editor

Posted on 31 March 2011 by LeslieM

Sea turtle lighting

Dear Editor:

Regarding Margaret Feerick’s comments about lights on the beach near Embassy Suites [March 24 Observer], I was walking (I am 77) and my toe hit a crack or obstacle on the sidewalk. I fell flat forward on my chest and face and then flipped onto my back, head against the sidewalk. A man came over and helped lift me up. They have the lights shut off all the way back a block west of the beach. This is very dangerous for those who walk the area. Are turtles more important than people?

Dr. Charles Laser

Deerfield Beach

Schools questions

Dear Editor:

It is very interesting that the Broward School Board has been chastised for building too many classrooms and the [Observer’s March 24] School’s page article [“DBHS graduation day announced, location moved”] says that Deerfield Beach High School’s 2011 graduating class increased by more than 55 students over 2010? There is obviously something wrong in the numbers.

The next question is why do our schools have such a large student population? Doesn’t quality drop when enrollments are so high – DBHS has 2,800+ students. This means that the lower classes have more students than this year’s Senior Class.

My last question is why is there no facility in North Broward County that can handle a high school graduation? It doesn’t make sense.

Jack Burrie

Pompano Beach

Editor’s note: Recent grand jury report against school board noting “thousands of empty seats at under-enrolled schools” doesn’t identify actual schools. Deerfield Beach High School is above its projected enrollment by 53 students this year, according to http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/schoolboundaries/counts/1011/20th/AppendixE_
Grade1011.pdf. Michael Roland, school board business activities liaison, said one reason for showing too many classrooms is unused “portables are being called empty classrooms;” moving them is economically not feasible.

March 29, 2011

Dear Editor:

On this date, 65 years ago, I terminated a commitment to this country after serving for three years in the U.S. Navy, from 1943 until 1946

Standing in the cold rain in a courtyard at NAS Jacksonville, FL, at the same base I attended boot camp in 1943, here I received my honorable discharge. I was dressed in my navy blue dress uniform with the “ruptured duck” emblem newly sewn on the left breast of my uniform. One hour later, I was on a train heading south to Pompano, arriving here at 6 p.m. just at dark, and beginning a brand new chapter of my life.  As I look around today, I can only account for seven men from Pompano still living here and that is out of the hundreds who served from here. My only comment at this time is “WHAT A RIDE”

Bud Garner

Pompano Beach

Cove business owner wants answers
RE: landscaping maintenance

Dear Editor:

I called Commissioner Miller after his re-election to congratulate him. I also called him on March 22, early a.m. to ask why the new landscaping hasn’t been cut or maintained since its completion [December 2010]. No call backs.

Residents and shop owners in The Cove Shopping Center are also questioning the abandoned new sign tower. No one has been here for three weeks. It’s an eyesore.

You were quite proud of the accomplishments in The Cove Parking Lot during your recent campaign. Who is responsible for no maintenance to the landscaping or the halt to the entry. Where do we go from here?

Steve/Cove Bagel & Deli

Deerfield Beach

Editor’s Note: According to CRA Director Keven Klopp, landscaping maintenance for The Cove is in the process of transitioning from the city’s Public Works Department to the CRA hiring a private contractor. The Cove Parking Lot Construction is a phased project that isn’t done yet, and has not been technically turned over to the city. It is considered an active construction site.

• Maintenance work done as of March 25, was done by Public Works in assistance to the CRA to help the CRA write specifications for hiring out a private contractor. Klopp said it will be a much bigger job when the project is complete.

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Crime Watch

Posted on 31 March 2011 by LeslieM

DEERFIELD BEACH

March 21 Wilnick Lozandier was arrested for trying to break into a bedroom with a large chef’s knife.

March 23 Orville Thomas worked at Terminix and used that as a cover to steal $5,100 in jewelry from a homeowner in Deerfield.

March 24 A victim loaned an iPhone 4 to an unknown who walked away with it.

March 25 Thieves stopped by an unlocked door on Crystal Lake Drive and stole a Sony Vizio laptop.

March 25 A jeweler on W. Hillsboro Boulevard purchased five bracelets from a customer and realized she gave $1,500 for fake jewelry. Buyer tried to get her back money, but seller refused.

March 26 A suspect was issued a notice to appear in court for diving off the pier and swimming nearby.

March 27 Three vehicles were burglarized at St. Ambrose. Windows were smashed to get purses left inside.

DEERFIELD – District 4

March 18 Residential burglary occurred in the Deer Creek community, 549 Emerald Way W, between 1 and 1:20 p.m.Unknown suspect(s) entered victim’s residence by removing the screen to an open, front window. Suspect(s) stole a gun, computer, cash, jewelry and passports totaling approximately $7,000. No house alarm or surveillance video. Scene processed and neighborhood canvassed.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

March 13 A 2010 Chevy Mailbu was rented from Thrifty Car Rental and never returned.

March 16 A BMW parked outside Bonefish Mac’s on Sample Road was burglarized.

March 17 A man tried to pass a counterfeit $100 at Publix in Lighthouse Point and management caught the bill as he tried to use it at the register. The suspect, Duan Moreno, attempted to flee, traveling northbound on Federal in the southbound lane. Driver had a suspended license and is also facing counterfeit charges in addition to tampering with evidence since the suspects threw an envelope with  counterfeit money out the window.

March 21 Two unlocked cars on NE 26 Street and NE 26 Avenue were burglarized.

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Ernest Borgnine & Doris Roberts visit, Insidious opens

Posted on 31 March 2011 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

There is just too much happening these days in our cinematic neighborhood!

No fooling, this Saturday evening, 90-year-old Ernest Borgnine will romance Ray Romano’s Mama (Doris Roberts) at Cinema Paradiso. Both Borgnine and Roberts will attend the screening of their new movie Another Harvest Moon.

Set in a nursing home, Another Harvest Moon examines the aging process and the effects upon the family. While the subject is serious, life affirming humor rules the day. Besides Borgnine and Roberts, this fine ensemble cast features Piper Laurie, Anne Meara, Cybil Shepherd and Amber Benson. Already there is Oscar buzz for Borgnine’s performance. Besides Cinema Paradiso, Another Harvest Moon will also be screened at the Living Room Theater on the FAU campus.

Besides opening Potiche this weekend, the Living Room Theatre has screened The Human Resources Manager, a foreign film in Hebrew about a bakery in Jerusalem with financial problems. After an employee is killed in a terrorist bombing, the Human Resources Manager is accused of indifference. While he did not really know the individual while she was alive, the supervisor learns to respect the woman in memoriam.

Insidious will open on many screens this April Fool’s Day Friday. From the creators of the original Saw and Paranormal Activity, Insidious is a creepy horror movie made for the fans of the genre. With nods toward Poltergeist, The Sixth Sense and The Exorcist, writer Leigh Whannell and Director James Wan deliver the jolts and laughs required for a film of this genre.

While playing in the attic of their new home, Dalton (Ty Simpkins) becomes catatonic. After visiting medical specialist after medical specialist, the father (Patrick Lambert) learns from his mother (Barbara Hershey) that the solution could have a paranormal answer. Noted Paranormal Psychic Elise Rainer (Lin Shaye) investigates the mystery that involves visiting the astroplane in the 4th dimension.

Don’t let the paranormal mumbo jumbo distract you. Insidious is a triumph of technical artistry over low budget. Instead of overwhelming the viewer with CGI special effects, Insidious contains “old school” special effects, creating a more intimate experience. It proves that stagecraft is alive and well in the motion picture world.

While Insidious, The Human Resources Manager and  Potiche look interesting, meeting Ernest Borgnine and Doris Roberts at Cinema Paradiso this weekend seems an extremely entertaining choice for this April Fool’s weekend. Info: www.fliff.com

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Happenings

Posted on 31 March 2011 by LeslieM

Parties at Butler House

Thursday, March 31, 5:30 p.m.

Butler House, 380 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Disco party benefits Relay for Life. Food, fun and dancing. $10. And on Saturday, April 2, 1  to 4 p.m., Ice Cream Social with antique cars, firetruck and ice cream from Kilwin’s of Deerfield. $5. Info Deerfield Historical Society – 954-429-0378.

‘Bean & Pepper Jamboree’

Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic downtown, Atlantic Blvd. & Dixie Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Harvest festival includes GreenMarket vendors and others, live music, food, 4-H competition, games, children’s activities and more.

Deerfield Beach Railroad Museum Model Swap Meet

Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Trains, tracks, books, scenery and RR memorabilia. Donation: $2 adult, $1 children. 954-260-7013.

Canine Corner Golf Outing

Saturday, April 2, Registration: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Canine Corner Dog Park, 1101 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Golf scramble. $100/ person, includes continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, range balls, luncheon, opportunity to win a car. Proceeds benefit Canine Corner Dog Park. 954-632-2112.

AAUW meets

Monday, April 4,12:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olsen Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

American Association of University Women (AAUW), Pompano Beach Branch holds meeting. Guest speaker discussing The Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign/ Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act. New members welcome. Free. 954-524-2938.

Ladies Who Lunch

Wednesday, April 6, 2 p.m. (and Sunday, April 10, 2 p.m.)

Herb Skolnick Center, 800 SW 36 Ave. , Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Songs & comedy (award-winning talent), coffee. $15. Benefits Senior Outreach Program. 954-274-8537. www.kpproductions.org.

Spa a Thon

Thursday, April 7, 4 to 8 p.m.

Spa 4 Life, 5036 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Services available – hair, nails, facials, massage and make-up tutorials. Proceeds go to Relay for Life. 954-281-8727 for appointment.

Cookout/ auction for Cancer

Saturday April 9, noon

Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6 St. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Ladies of Life sponsor. Bring one re-gift, put hint on wrapping paper. Items auctioned off starting at $1. 954-801-4550.

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Footprints poem

Posted on 31 March 2011 by LeslieM

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him, and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You, You’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You most, You would leave me.”

The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you.  During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

-Author Unknown

Dream the impossible dream. All dreams that come from God seem impossible at first.  However, do not forget that all things are possible with God.

DEUTERONOMY 31:8

8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

NLT

When you feel discouraged, take heart: God’s promise to never leave you or abandon you is always there to get you through your troubles. Why is it that we tend to turn to Him as the last resort when He is always faithfully by our side? Are you afraid of your future? Are you afraid to go after your dreams (Maybe even to dream your dreams)?  Are you afraid to believe that you can achieve your dreams? Do you ever feel lonely?  Do you ever feel like what you are going through you are going through alone? Do you ever feel like you were stuck in a pit with no way out? Reread the above verse, Deuteronomy 31:8. What does this verse do to your fears or feelings of loneliness?

Psalm 23 can be such an encouragement in times of trouble! Take a fresh look at this famous Psalm (read it today, do not wait) and be comforted that God has walked with you, not only during the good times, but through your bad times as well. Do you ever feel like you are in a pit and your dreams have no chance of ever coming true? Don’t quit in the pit. Always remember that the dream never dies, just the dreamer.

Remember that God is always with you leading you, guiding you and protecting you.  You are never alone. Don’t quit when you’re in the pit. You only lose if you quit. Don’t be afraid to dream the impossible dream and live each day to accomplish it. Continually encourage yourself with the Word of God.

Pastor Tony Guadagnino

Christian Love Fellowship Church

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Driver of stolen vehicle arrested in Lighthouse Point

Posted on 30 March 2011 by LeslieM

BSO deputies were alerted by Lighthouse Point Police Department of an occupied stolen vehicle driving through their city.  Deerfield Beach deputies, with assistance from the BSO Aviation Unit located the vehicle at NW 2 Court and NW 4 Avenue.  Three suspects were quickly apprehended.  The scene should be clearing shortly.

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Fort Lauderdale woman killed in Pompano crash

Posted on 29 March 2011 by LeslieM

A Ft. Lauderdale woman died after her car jumped the median and collided with a truck Monday evening in Pompano Beach.

Shortly before 7 p.m., a green Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Carol Lashan Brooks, 21, was traveling southbound on North Powerline Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle, jumped the concrete median and collided with a northbound delivery truck.

The driver of the truck, Alvaro Ghisays, 58, of Pembroke Pines, attempted to avoid the oncoming car but was unsuccessful. Brooks was transported to North Broward Medical Center by Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, where she died at 7:18 p.m.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit detectives believe the driver may have lost control of her vehicle due to inclement weather. A portion of Powerline Road was closed while the on scene investigation was conducted.

Cars burglarized at St. Ambrose Church

Posted  March 28, at 12:59 p.m.

Three vehicles were burglarized at St. Ambrose Church between 10:15am – 11:30am Sunday morning.  The suspect smashed the windows and removed purses from each vehicle.  Please do not leave items of value in your vehicle and call 911 if you see suspicious activity.

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Deerfield has new customer care program for residents

Posted on 28 March 2011 by LeslieM

The City of Deerfield Beach Customer Connection is a new three-fold customer service approach developed to be responsive to the needs of Deerfield Beach residents, businesses and visitors. More than a one stop shop, Customer Connection offers several ways to request information, report concerns and resolve issues. Best of all, this service is being provided by recalibrating the duties of current staff,
Customer Connection Help Desk – 954-480-4477
Live telephone assistance is available Monday-Friday, from 8 AM-5 PM. A customer service representative will route your request to the correct department and follow up to ensure you receive the information you need.

Customer Connection E-Help
web.customerconnection@deerfield-beach.comFor security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address.
This is the e-mail version of the Help Desk.

Customer Connection Online Help Center
Includes the backbone of the Customer Connection plan, the A to Z Guide. This document answers frequently asked questions from residents, and is continually being updated.

We need your feedback. Customer Connection is ever-evolving, and based upon what’s most important to you. If you have suggestions or requests, or just want to let us know what you like about Customer Connection, we’d love to hear from you.

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Tip-a- Cop raising money March 29 for Special Olympics

Posted on 28 March 2011 by LeslieM

The Deerfield Beach District will be hosting a Tip-A-Cop event Tuesday, March 29, 2011 (tomorrow) from 11:30am – 2:00pm at Duffy’s, 401 N. Federal Highway.  Proceeds will go to the Special Olympics.  Please join the Broward Sheriff’s Office for this worthwhile event.

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Bar-B-Que Competition

Posted on 24 March 2011 by LeslieM

Saturday, May 7th from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tickets on Sale at www.Deerfieldchamber.com

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