When a female called 911 to report a burglary at a friend’s house, police never expected to interrupt a family’s Easter dinner, at the wrong house.

On Sunday night, April 24, the Deerfield Broward Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on SW 4 Avenue where they met Nikeya Curry who directed deputies to a home she said was being burglarized.

Click here to listen to the police audio: 911 Deerfield Audio ClipEasterRunin

“We were directed by a resident who directed us to a house and told us that house with lights going on and off was not supposed to be occupied,” said Jim Leljedel, Media Relations Director. “Police were responding to a burglary in progress and handled it by the book.”

Deputies however,banged on the door of the home of Broward Circuit Court Judge Ilona Holmes’s family who was not happy at having her Easter dinner interrupted by police pointing guns at her and her family to exit the home. Holmes even came outside armed until BSO asked her to place her gun down.

It was quickly realized that the house allegedly being burglarized was the house next door to Holmes’ family and BSO investigated, finding it unlocked but nothing missing.

Kendall Coffey, Judge Holmes’ attorney, said that Holmes is currently focusing on her work, but confirmed he has been contacted for her case.

“I have, on her behalf, been in contact with the General Counsel for the Broward Sheriff’s Office and have communicated our concerns about the recent incident,” said Coffey. “We have been assured that the matter will be appropriately reviewed and have no further comments at this time.”

Leljedel said police did their job and went to the house they were directed to by the resident.

“We’re trying to reach out to them (Holmes and family) and explain this was a burglary in progress and is the reason why it was handled the way it was.”

Click the following for the official police report: DR information reportjudgeholmeseaster

DEERFIELD — District 4

April 21 Over the past two days, BSO deputies have responded to several vehicle burglaries that occurred in the Deer Creek area. In all of the cases, the victims left the vehicles unlocked and items of value inside. Please lock your doors and remove items of value from your vehicle. Call 911 to report any suspicious activity.

DEERFIELD BEACH

April 19 A victim on NW 45 Street left his M-50 electric wheelchair on his front porch and returned to find it being loaded into truck by thieves.

April 19 Deerfield BSO Traffic Unit participated in Train Safety Awareness Week by conducting a two-hour blitz near the track on West Hillsboro Blvd. A total of 73 citations were issued — 39 for stopping on the tracks, 12 for running the gates. Educational material was included in each mailer for the violators. The area will see continued enforcement.

April 19 Unknown suspects entered a home on SE 2 Terrace that was unlocked and stole a 42” flat screen TV, $5000 cash, a Gold Bolouva watch, gold cuff links and Gateway laptop for a total loss of $9,500.

April 19 Thieves stole a 2-ton A/C compressor valued $2000 from a hoe on NW 2 Way.

April 20 Dorian Rodgers, of Spring Circle in Deerfield Beach, was arrested and charged with trafficking in Cocaine (28-200 grams). Rodgers had approximately 125 grams of crack cocaine on him.

April 23 A victim left her beach bag unattended on the sidewalk and went walking. Two suspects took the bag and used vehicle remote to locate the victim’s vehicle from the lot. The thieves stole the car and also used her credit cards in at least two locations.

April 23 An operational plan through several neighborhoods garnered 20 arrests on various drug and alcohol charges.

April 24 The management at Gas City reported pump #18 broken into and 200 gallons of diesel stolen via a white semi-truck that fled when confronted by the clerk. Loss worth $850.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

2nd National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day — Saturday

Lighthouse Point Police Department will be accepting any controlled, non-controlled and over the counter medications for disposal at Dixon-Ahl Hall, 2220 NE 38 Street Lighthouse Point, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Suspect arrested after burglary attempt to Undercover Officer’s vehicle

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 20, an undercover Lighthouse Point officer was conducting surveillance in the 2600 Block of NE 27 Street in an unmarked police vehicle. The officer, Shane Kruse, was participating in an operational plan designed to identify and apprehend burglary suspects.

At 02:32hrs, Officer Kruse observed a crouched suspect creeping up to the passenger side of his vehicle. Suspect attempted to open the passenger door and was immediately challenged by the officer. The suspect, Mario M. Young (DOB 5/11/1990) of Pompano Beach, fled the scene on foot. A perimeter was established by Lighthouse Point officers and Broward Sheriff’s deputies. Broward Sheriff’s Office K-9 and Aviation units also responded to assist.

The suspect was observed by BSO aviation unit as he ran behind a residence in the 2600 block of NE 22 Ave. A BSO K-9 unit located the suspect as he was attempting to break into the rear door of the residence, the suspect then fled westbound, refusing orders to stop. After a brief chase, a BSO K-9 caught Young as he resisted efforts to apprehend him. Young was subsequently transported to North Broward Medical Center, where he was treated and cleared for booking into Broward County Jail.

Young, who was on pre-trial release for burglaries committed in Pompano in  late 2010, was charged with Burglary/Attempt to an auto and residence, two counts of Resisting Arrest w/o Violence, Obstruction by Disguise and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Registration for the Doreen Gauthier Lighthouse Point Library Summer Camp begins on Monday, May 2 during regular library hours.  This year’s camp runs June 13^th through 17^th at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Education Building.  Children who have completed kindergarten and not yet entering sixth grade are eligible to participate in the “Fun and Fit 2011” events.  Mad Science will be offering hands-on science experiences on how the human body works.  In the afternoon Miss Black, certified physical education instructor from St. Joan of Arc will be coaching sports clinics.  Surprise special guests are planned for each day.  The first 100 students will receive tee shirts provided by Balkan & Patterson, LLP.  Cost for the week is $185 if you enroll by June 1^st; $205 after June 1^st.  Call Doreen Gauthier 954-946-6398 for additional details.

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, 4/20/11, an undercover Lighthouse Point officer was conducting surveillance in the 2600 Block of NE 27 Street in an unmarked police vehicle. The officer, Shane Kruse, was participating in an operational plan designed to identify and apprehend burglary suspects.

At 02:32hrs, Officer Kruse observed a crouched suspect creeping up to the passenger side of his vehicle. The suspect attempted to open the passenger door and was immediately challenged by the officer. The suspect, Mario M. Young (DOB 5/11/1990) of Pompano Beach, fled the scene on foot. A perimeter was established by Lighthouse Point officers and Broward Sheriff’s deputies. Broward Sheriff’s Office K-9 and Aviation units also responded to assist.

The suspect was observed by the BSO aviation unit as he ran behind a residence in the 2600 block of NE 22 Avenue. A BSO K-9 unit located the suspect as he was attempting to break into the rear door of the residence, the suspect then fled westbound, refusing orders to stop. After a brief chase, a BSO K-9 caught Young as he resisted efforts to apprehend him. Young was subsequently transported to North Broward Medical Center where he was treated and cleared for booking into the Broward County Jail.

Young, who was on pre-trial release for burglaries committed in Pompano in  late 2010, was charged with Burglary/Attempt to an auto and residence, 2 counts of Resisting Arrest w/o Violence, Obstruction by Disguise and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Florida Power and Light (FPL) is trying again to force you and me to pay for expenses which should really be for their own corporate account. Specifically, I’m referring to the $1.5 billion they, and their sister power companies in Florida, are trying to ram through the Legislature to charge us at the rate of an additional $400 million per year to pay for them to experiment with “renewable” energy sources.

Every other business pays for their own R&D from their earnings. Why should they be any different? They are purposely installing energy sources from their own subsidiaries, which are not competitive and have to be subsidized. However, it is a “business plan” that has worked for them for years, as they donate the maximum amount of money allowed to each and every member of the Florida Legislature every session. They then go to these same legislators to get approval to charge us more for electricity. Citizens should thank Gov. Rick Scott for pulling the circuit breaker switch down on them.

David Eller

Dear Editor:­ ­

It sure is a gift to volunteer and give back what has been given to me.

Sadness hit me when I lost four members of my family in one year.  Each week, I would go for grief counseling at Holy Cross Hospital.  After my session, full of tears, I would browse through the Thrift Store at Holy Cross, noticing the lovely ladies behind the counter with the blue-and-white smocks on.  Two women who worked in the boutique part of the Thrift Store made eye contact with me and started to engage in conversations.  Each week, they would ask me how I was doing.

As I got stronger and more positive, I moved into volunteer work.  I worked with children, teaching them jewelry making and how to knit at the Boys & Girls Club.  ­­

When the opportunity came to do a career day, as a radiology technician, I approached the Dept. of Radiology at Holy Cross Hospital for pamphlets and pictures of X-rays that I could use in my approach to children to become radiology students.  I met the manager of the department of radiology and she was lovely.  She encouraged me to share the X-rays that I had and hang them on the windows of the school.  She gave me a box of gloves. I blew up a few and wrote “be an X-ray student.”  It was quite a success for me that day.  ­­I missed my field after 57 years in the hospital rooms and reached out to the Director of Volunteers and requested to be assigned to the radiology department, hoping that I would be accepted.  Of course, I was welcomed after a very thorough interview and passed two TB, PPD test and I became a dependable and trusted volunteer at Holy Cross Hospital.  I can’t wait to come in and do my tour of duty each week.

A positive attitude is back in the mainstream of my life.  I am grateful for the opportunity to give back what I learned in my career and my life skills.  At the free lunch, I sit down with any volunteer who has the blue-and-white smock on and am welcomed like an old friend.  Such a gift to feel wanted and loved by all at Holy Cross Hospital.­­

Lois Radding­

Century Village,  Deerfield Beach

Cameron Ogbourne returns a shot during the District 11-4A tennis tournament final against Douglas’ Scott Korefsky. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

If Cameron Ogbourne were to rank his first year playing high school tennis on a scale from 1 to 10, it would be an 8.5.

“I think I won more matches in the season than I lost,” said the Blanche Ely High School freshman. “My game is not where it needs to be. I need to improve my backhand.”

A favorable draw on the bracket, plus a victory over an opponent to avenge a regular-season loss, put Ogbourne in a rare notable spot for his high school tennis team.

For the first time in 15 seasons, a Tigers tennis player earned one of the final spots in the post-season district tournament. Ogbourne, who sports a 3.8 GPA in the BEHS magnet program, made a splash during the 11-team, District 11-4A tournament hosted by Taravella at Cypress Park Tennis Center in Coral Springs.

Representing the Tigers in the No. 3 singles bracket, Ogbourne used an unspectacular but patient baseline-to-baseline style of play to eliminate Coral Glades’ Jesse Sehr, 6-4, 6-2, in the first round.

The victory earned him a match in the semifinals against Coral Springs’ Jason Petusevsky, who a month earlier edged Ogbourne, 9-7, in a regular-season match at Coral Springs.

The Tiger freshman took advantage of his error-prone opponent, who committed 28 unforced errors (including 11 double faults) in the first set as Ogbourne prevailed, 6-3. In the second set, Ogbourne was even more flawless. After committing 18 errors in the first set, he cut it down to just six to prevail with a final score of 6-3, 6-2.

“As always, Cameron does a good job of keeping his cool no matter what the situation of the match is,” said Tigers fifth-year coach Concepçion Ledezma. “He’s been steadily improving as the season went along, and that’s a tribute to him, as well as the other guys, considering we hadn’t been able to practice at our own courts (due to construction work) all season long.

“I definitely see him challenging our No. 1 (junior Hashan Bhim) and No. 2 (junior David Bryan) next year,” Ledezma added. “As the season went along, the gap between them was narrowing.”

His district finals match against Douglas’ Scott Korefsky was cut short in the second set when Ogbourne twisted his ankle running down a deep, cross-court backhand winner. Korefsky went on to earn the points for repeating district champ Douglas with the victory (6-3, 4-2, ret.).

“It was pretty surprising for me to get as far as I did considering there wasn’t consistent practice time,” Ogbourne said. “I’ve been playing tennis since I was 5. I like tennis because it is a non-contact sport, unlike football or basketball. You can stay away from injuries and it is good exercise and a good way to have fun.”

Ogbourne doesn’t believe he will pursue a pro career in tennis; however, he would like to parlay his talents into a college scholarship.

“I believe that I will start next year at No. 3 and, hopefully I will move up to at least No. 2,” Ogbourne said. “I will have to work really hard and improve my backhand.”

Ogbourne and the rest of the Tigers found practice a challenge this year, as they scrambled for training locations because of the athletic facilities construction.

“A group of two to three (players) would go to a nearby court and others would go to another,” Ledezma noted. “I think Cameron’s biggest improvement was stamina, improving his advantage in the long rallies.”

It is a tough call, however. Ogbourne said it was more impressive to do well in the classroom than make history on the courts.

“Grades are important,” Ogbourne said with a laugh. “It was a nice accomplishment though. That’s a tough question.”

By Dave Montalbano

Franc D’Ambrosio (R) and Sharon Brooks, director of education, Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

www.AdventuresofCinemaDave.com

In the past month, Franc D’Ambrosio has worked in South Florida on at least three occasions — between business trips to California, New York and the Midwest.

Besides holding the record for being The Phantom of the Opera on-stage longer than anybody, D‘Ambrosio  portrayed Al Pacino and Diane Keaton’s son in The Godfather Part III, in which he sang the opera  Cavalleria Rusticana and “Speak Softly Love,” the famed “Love Theme from The Godfather.

When asked about a potential Godfather IV, D’Ambrosio said, “There has been discussions recently. I’d love to do it and will free myself from the concert schedule. Coppola is a genius.”

While he admitted that the set was ‘tense’ at times, D’Ambrosio stated that it was a thrilling experience.

“On my first day, I show up on the set and watched Al Pacino and Andy Garcia doing a scene. Al is such a method actor, we were only Anthony and Dad. Even off the set, I called him Dad and he called me Anthony.”

After viewing The Godfather Part III,” Luciano Pavarotti took interest in D’Ambrosio and he became Pavarotti’s apprentice. This is a tradition that D’Ambrosio has continued by teaching Master Voice Classes worldwide, including a recent stop at Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

For a nominal fee, D’Ambrosio listened to six singers, age 15 to middle aged. With each instruction, each student presented a stronger, more authentic performance. When class ended, D’Ambrosio stayed after school to work with additional students.

“A performance is not about you, but giving to the audience. That is what the people want and it is my job to provide that experience.”

Like his mentor Pavarotti, D’Ambrosio taught more than vocal technique. Pavarotti once said, “Franc, if you have to stop living to sing, stop singing.”

D’Ambrosio stressed this point further.

“I spend little time with high maintenance people. Life off-stage is full of adventure, not drama. I stay with good friends and drink good wine. I don’t let my mind get ahead of me, and I am careful about sleep.”

Beyond success in movies, opera and Broadway, D’Ambrosio explained his motivation.

“When you do what you love, it gives you energy. My Catholic faith is the center of my life, focusing on putting God first and nothing else … that’s how I live, to live for happiness and peace.”

Happy Easter, dear readers!

Flashlight Egg Hunt

Thursday, Apr. 21, 8 p.m.

Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

For children ages 7-14. Bring flashlights, search for over 7,500 prize-filled eggs. Refreshments.954-480-4494.

Maundy-Thursday service

Thursday, April 21, 7 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Choir will present “A Service of Shadows” by Lani Smith in Sanctuary.  Holy Communion open to all who are baptized, regardless of denomination.

Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, Apr. 22, 6 p.m. sharp

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

Children 10 and under can search for over 5,000 eggs with candy and prizes scattered throughout park. 954-480-4480.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, Apr. 23, 10 a.m. sharp

DBMS  Athletic Complex, 501 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hunt divided into age groups. Prizes for children who find special eggs.
954-480-4433.

3rd Annual Easter Bunny Celebration

Saturday, April 23, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre, 1955-201 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Meet E.B., take pics. Bunny petting station, bounce house, live music, prizes. Karate demonstration by Supreme ATA, dance demonstration from the Artistic Dance Explosion Dance Team. www.pompanociticentre.com.

Egg Hunt/ Service

Sunday, April 24, 8:30 & 10:30 (service), 9:43 Easter Egg Hunt

1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

954-427-0222 or www.communitych.org.

Deerfield Beach Sunrise Service

Sunday, April 24, 6:30 a.m.

On Main beach, just south of the pier

Non-denominational, sponsored by Deerfield Beach Ministerial Assoc.

Networking for Deerfield Chamber

Thursday, April 21, 5:30 p.m.

Casa Maya Grill, 301 SE 15 Terr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Connect and thrive, meet local business members and enjoy the evening. 954-570-6101.

S. FL Coast Guard Assoc. Evening under the Stars

Thursday, April 21, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Hillsboro Lighthouse, 901 Hillsboro Mile (Hillsboro Inlet), Pompano Beach, FL  33062

Light refreshments, desserts, beverages to be served. $10-SFCGA Members/$20 for non-members. Reservations: www.thesfcga.com or send check to: Gwen Leys, 620 SE 5 Terr., Pompano Beach, FL 33060; e-mail: gsleysRN@bellsouth.net.

Moms Club of LHP Annual Spring Party

Friday, Apr. 22, 10 a.m.

Dan Witt Park, 4521 NE 22 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Enjoy coffee & doughnuts under new sun canopy. Egg hunt, games, seed planting, fun with LHP Sprouts. Bring 12 filled eggs per child for hunt (no nuts/chocolate). Donation of food pantry items or toiletries for needy requested. 954-784-3439.

17th Annual Spring Fling Family Fun Day

Saturday, April 23, noon to 3 p.m.

Children’s Museum & Memorial Park, 498 Crawford Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Games, arts & crafts, entertainment, rides, face painting, world’s largest Easter Rabbit, unique egg hunt, concert by The Puppetone Rockers and more. 561-393-7827.

2nd Annual Blue Barrettes for SIDS Family 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, April 23, 4 p.m. – Race Registration, 5 to 8 p.m. – Race & Family Fun Night

Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Benefits London Rose Hebert Memorial Fund at First Candle for SIDS research/education. Entertainment, bounce house, food. $25- single/$45-family.  www.bluebarrettes.com.

Arbor Day Spring Plant Sale

Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Tropical Plants, orchids, palms, fruit trees, flowering trees and more.  954-480-4494.

Boca Green Market

Saturday, April 23, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Place, S. Federal Hwy & S. Mizner park Bl., Boca Raton, FL  33432

561-368-6875.

Intracoastal Tour

Sunday, April 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Deerfield Island Park, 1720 Deerfield Island Park, Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

$5 per person. Space is limited; preregistration is required. You must be at the dock at Sullivan Park by 9:30 a.m. to catch boat shuttle to island. For ages 6 and up. 954-357-5100.

Sonja Larson Memorial Golf Tournament

Saturday, April 30

Palm Aire Country Club, Cypress Course, 551 S. Pompano Pkwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach hosts 16th annual tournament, honoring Sonja’s memory and providing funds for Sonja Larson Scholarship Fund. For more information or to register as a player (deadline is April 24), call 954-745-6106.

Save the Date: Sunfest

Wednesday, April 27 to Sunday, May 1

Flagler Dr. along Intracoastal , (Okeechobee exit off I-95), West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Music fans will love this event that attracts more than 270,000 yearly. Line-up includes Jason Mraz, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Ziggy Marley, O.A.R., Styx, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Gregg Allman, Jeff Beck and more. Guests enjoy food, drinks, wine tasting, a Juried art & craft show, and even fireworks the last night! The TGI5k race on April 29 includes admission to the festivities. For details, visit www.sunfest.com.

Save the Date: Pig Out in the Park

Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sullivan Park, 1601 Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bands performing throughout the day: Mikayla Duvall, Southbound Train and Uproot Hootenanny. Bounce house, dunk tank, lemonade stand, face painting, delicious BBQ and more. Sign up for Mayor’s Challenge Singing competition — with studio time as prize. (Deadline for registration May 1: 954-464-7584).