| May, 2011

Letters to the Editor

Posted on 12 May 2011 by LeslieM

RE: Teen violence

Dear Editor:

I wanted to give the community an update on the beating of the 15-year-old boy in Pompano Beach [April 14 Observer, Letters to the Editor]. His name is Jason Carvalho. At this time, Jason is still at a major hospital in South Florida. He has had two major brain surgeries and the family is hoping that will be all. He did suffer from pneumonia, but that also has mended. At this time, we are watching blood clots in his arm and possibly his leg. He is now out of the coma and resting. Surgeons are not sure what the final outcome will be at this time nor in the future. Once he continues to stabilize, we will know more.

Many people have contacted us and have sent their prayers and warm wishes. The family would like to thank you all from the bottom of their hearts. Jason has a page on facebook, if you are interested in keeping up and sending well wishes.  www.facebook.com/jasoncarvalhopage. At this site, you will also be able to see when an upcoming benefit will be.

Again, we thank all of the well-wishers and the Observer for giving us this opportunity to speak out on Jason’s behalf.

Dana Wade

Deerfield Beach

 

“Saving Medicare”

Dear Editor:

I heard a radio commercial asking me to call Allen West and thank him for saving Medicare. Allen and the GOP didn’t mean they were saving Medicare for elderly Americans, but saving wealthy Americans from the rising costs of Medicare. Instead of dealing with the rising costs of healthcare, the GOP gives the wealthy another 10 percent cut in taxes. Instead of trying to fix Medicare, the GOP have voted to engage America in two wars which weren’t funded, voted to give the wealthiest Americans tax cuts that were not funded and voted for a Medicare prescription drug entitlement program that wasn’t funded and is more expensive than President Obama’s healthcare bill. Allen West and the GOP voted to end Medicare by changing it to a voucher/subsidy system run by private companies. If the elderly are fortunate enough to find coverage, it will cover about 20 percent of their medical costs.

Bradley Burtner

Deerfield Beach

 

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Everything Must Go

Posted on 12 May 2011 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Finishing my book, The Adventures of Cinema Dave in the Florida Motion Picture World, forced me to confront the many things I have accumulated. The last chapter presents a plan to eliminate the artifacts of my life, which is similar to the dilemma Will Ferrell’s character faces in Everything Must Go.

The film begins with the termination of the 16-year career of Nick (Ferrell). Despite being a champion salesman, Nick has a problem with alcohol and blackouts.  When he returns home, the locks have been changed and his personal items have been left on the lawn by his future ex-wife. When his car is repossessed and his credit card
is blocked, Nick becomes trapped on his own front yard.

With enough petty cash to purchase beer, Nick sits on his front yard and spies on his new pregnant neighbor across the street, and hires Kenny (Christopher Jordan Wallace) to watch his lawn when he needs a potty break. Despite coping with his situation, Nick is harassed by his neighbor (Stephen Root), who contacts code enforcement. Fortunately for Nick, Detective Garcia (Michael Pena) is a sponsor from Alcoholics Anonymous.

Once Nick becomes stuck on the front lawn, Everything Must Go had the potential to become a boring bomb of a movie. Yet, director Dan Rush’s unfussy camera work allows the viewer to meet and greet Nick and his neighbors. Particularly affecting is Nick’s relationship with Kenny.

Despite his success as over-the-top characters in movies like Talladega Nights the Legend of Ricky Bobby and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Ferrell gives his most controlled performance. As an alcoholic salesman, he has many opportunities to overact, but the actor never gives in to the temptation.  This discipline pays off in the stark setting because the comedy becomes more humane.

This film is based on a short story, Why Don’t You Dance? written by Raymond Carver, who died of cancer in 1988. Posthumously, Carver’s work has produced two award nominated motion pictures on DVD, Jindabyne and Short Cuts.  Short Cuts features an all-star cast and is directed by the late Robert Altman. Carver’s voice is strong in all three motion pictures.

For people seasoned by life, we realize that we make situations out of our control. It is how an individual acts that defines their behavior and character.  Everything Must Go features a personal journey with humor and truthfulness.

 

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FAU football building history

Posted on 12 May 2011 by LeslieM

By Scott Morganroth

A year ago, quarterback Rusty Smith made history as he was the first FAU player to ever be selected in the NFL Draft as the Tennessee Titans nabbed him in the sixth round, 176th overall.

In 2010, Smith saw some playing time by replacing the injured Vince Young.

Now, another Owl will have a chance to see his NFL dreams come true once the league’s labor dispute, lockout, comes to an end.

Tight-end Rob Housler will take his 6-5, 248 lb. frame to the Arizona Cardinals. In 2010, Housler caught 39 passes for 629 yards and four touchdowns. He was selected in the third round, 69th overall. It remains to be seen who will be throwing Housler the football since there is a dilemma at quarterback.

But as these two players write their way into Owls history books, the buzz around campus is due to construction of the new FAU Football Stadium. The 30,000 seat structure, located on the north central side of campus, is due to be completed by Oct. 15 when the team can finally forget about Lockhart Stadium and play in a real facility.

On May 4, the athletic department received a real financial boost as a $2 million gift came from longtime FAU supporters Richard and Barbara Schmidt, through the Schmidt Family Foundation. Their contribution will be recognized with permanent signage on the stadium scoreboard.

“We are extremely grateful to the Schmidt Family Foundation for this gift,” said FAU President Mary Jane Saunders. “The support FAU has received from the Schmidts over the years has helped it become the internationally recognized university it is today. With these funds for the stadium, the Schmidt family continues to leave its mark on FAU, and we will be reminded of the extraordinary generosity every time we look at the scoreboard that bears their family name.”

The $70 million project is slated to feature 6,000 premium seats, including 24 suites, 26 loge boxes, 1,000 premier club seats and 4,000 priority club seats, along with the latest state-of-the-art amenities. It is estimated to bring in $1.8 million to the local economy on each game day.

One person very appreciative of the gift is Head Football Coach Howard Schnellenberger.

“On behalf of the players, coaches and fans, I thank the Schmidt Family Foundation for their commitment to the future of Owl Football and for their generous gift to our new home,” Schnellenberger said. “Oct. 15 will forever be a day of great significance in FAU history.”

Scott Morganroth can be reached at www.scottsports33.com.

 

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Happenings

Posted on 12 May 2011 by LeslieM

Eat smart – live strong

Thursday, May 12, 1 to 3 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Also May 19, 26 and June 2, 6. For members of senior center, ages 60 and over (join for only $15/ yr.). Learn about nutrition and exercise. FREE food demonstrations. Gift for attending all 5 classes. 954-480-4446.

 

Deerfield Beach Rotary Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament

Friday, May 13, 7:15 (check in), 8 a.m. (Shotgun start)

Deer Creek Country Club, 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Benefits scholarships given to local students by Rotary. Call for pricing and info, prices range as low as $100/(sponsor) or $125 each for foursomes. 954-640-6225.

 

Mayo Howard Park: Dedication of “green” fitness trail

Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m.

Mayo Howard Park, 1131 FAU Research Park Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Brief ceremony, ribbon-cutting, and fitness demonstration by participants of the city’s boot camp program.  954-480-4433 / www.Deerfield-Beach.com.

 

10th DB-LHP Relay For Life

Saturday, May 14, 5 p.m. to Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m.

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

See Front Page for details.

 

19th Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Saturday, May 14

Help South Florida’s letter carriers help the hungry. Leave donations of non-perishable food items like soup, canned meats and fish, canned vegetables and fruit, pasta or rice in a bag next to your mailbox before the time of your regular mail delivery. Carriers will collect and donate to local food banks. Don’t include expired products or glass items. www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger.

 

Frank Congemi 2011 Beach Tennis World Cup

Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the beach, north of the pier, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Third year for this paddleboard tournament that brings in players from around the world, pros and novices. Vendor tents, lessons, after party at Oceans234. Benefits Saxophonist Markus Howell, Deerfield resident/ Dillard student who has been accepted to Sanford University’s summer program. $35 ea. to play, juniors: $20. Mixed doubles: $20 ea. Free to watch! 954-662-9658. www.mybeachtennis.net

 

Balistreri Realty’s 8th Annual Rock-N-Bowl

Saturday, May 14, 6 p.m.

Diamond Strike Lanes, 2200 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Proceeds benefit Quarterback Scholarship at Florida Atlantic University. Bowling, sports celebrities, fun giveaways, food and dancing. Non-bowlers welcome. Meet Coach Howard Schnellenberger face-to-face. Corporate Sponsorships and lane sponsorships available starting at $100, lanes: $210/lane for 6 bowlers. 561-654-8673.

 

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Sands Hardbor Boat Dock, 125 N. Riverside Dr., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Tour historic lighthouse, see the Keeper’s Cottages (usually closed to public). Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society members free, non-members: $15 transportation fee. www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.html or call 954-942-2102.

 

Zonta comes to Deerfield

Tuesday, May 17, 5:15 p.m.

Old Schoolhouse, 232 NE 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Meet & Greet to learn more about Zonta International, a worldwide service organization dedicated to improving and promoting the status of women and helping those less fortunate in the community. RSVP, 561-750-7355.

 

History at High Noon

Wednesday, May 18, noon

City Hall, Deerfield Beach Commission  Chambers, 150 NE 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

By Deerfield Historical Society. Guest Speaker: Helen Landers, about WW2. 954-429-0378.

 

Sunset Yoga

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

On the beach, near JB’s, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

www.kellyziff.com

 

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Pray for our youth

Posted on 12 May 2011 by LeslieM

Last week, I was invited to speak at the Day of Prayer for Deerfield Beach held at City Hall. The topic I was given was “Youth.” It is not a hard topic to tackle since I’ve worked with youth for many years. I thought it would be appropriate to share with you some of the things shared. You see, I believe that the part of society in the greatest danger today is our youth. We must remember to pray for our youth.

One problem is that, in our earnestness to think about and pray for our youth, we sometimes forget to be proactive. We must not forget or neglect training, teaching and influencing our children to be productive members of our society, our city and our nation.

John Maxwell in his book 21 Laws of Leadership says, “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. In order to influence this next great generation, we must be willing to do the work of putting ourselves in a position of influence. How do we put ourselves in a position of influence? Through time, sacrifice, dedication, and integrity … time listening, understanding and nurturing. Sacrificing the things that in the present seem important but lose their significance when compared to the eternal impact of investing in a child. Someone said, “100 years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of clothes I wore. But the world may be much different because I was important in the life of child.”

Psalm 78:6-7 says this, “That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell to their children, that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.

We must be dedicated to the cause of creating a safe environment for our children, setting an example our children can follow. This environment must foster growth and tap into the infinite potential of each child. We need to integrate our faith practically in the way we live our lives in front of our children. Someone once said, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Let me give you an example.

On Saturday morning, our family participated in surfing lessons hosted by Island Water Sports. My middle son is a person who does not like to try new things. In fact, he hates to try new things. We loaded up the car and headed down to Island Water Sports to sign up. Once we went to the beach, I was convinced that my son would want nothing to do with surfing. What the instructors did is create a safe and nurturing environment for anyone interested in surfing, even a scared 7-year-old boy. Mike shared Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him…” and encouraged all of us to enjoy the morning. My son got up on the board on his first attempt and said, “Look Mom! I’m doing something new, and I like it!” Proverbs 14:26: “In the fear of the Lord, there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge.” An environment for growth — physical, emotional and spiritual growth, was created that morning on the beach.

Influence is like respect in that it is earned and cannot be demanded or manufactured. To gain influence, we must be willing to get involved, and getting involved sometimes means getting dirty. We must be willing to live lives that provide our youth an objective to be reached, not an obstacle to be avoided. Many may say it’s hopeless, there is nothing I can do, I cannot make a difference. I like to remember the quote by E.M. Foster, which is written on the wall at Deerfield Beach Elementary: “One person with passion is worth more than 40 merely interested.”

 

Deron Peterson is the Pastor/Elder at First Baptist Deerfield Beach

 

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Former Deerfield commissioner Gonot convicted

Posted on 10 May 2011 by LeslieM

Former Deerfield Beach commissioner Steve Gonot has been convicted by a jury on three felony charges related to his 2008 political campaign. Gonot, who turned himself in and resigned from the commission in December 2008, finally saw his case go to trial last week before Judge Barbara McCarthy.

After days of testimony, including his ex-wife and other witnesses who revealed in a surprise testimony that Gonot went to Las Vegas to play in a poker tournament the day after he wrote a check for $5,100 from his campaign account to a personal family friend, allegedly for computer equipment.

In 2008, Gonot was charged with grand theft in the 3rd degree, official misconduct and falsifying public records. On Tuesday, May 10, Gonot was convicted, and could face up to five years in prison. McCarthy told Gonot he could remain on bond but required he leave his passport behind pending sentencing.


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Take precautions in smoky South Florida conditions

Posted on 10 May 2011 by LeslieM

Photo reported at the Incident Information System Website: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2212/. This site is a gathering point for information for all fire-related and other incidents by multiple statewide agencies.

Photo reported at the Incident Information System Website: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2212/. This site is a gathering point for information for all fire-related and other incidents by multiple statewide agencies.

Most of Broward County, including the Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point areas, awoke to a smoke-filled environment Tuesday morning, Continue Reading

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Broward County Public Hearing Re: Proposed Pain Management Clinic Ordinance

Posted on 10 May 2011 by LeslieM

Broward County Commissioners will hold the first of two public hearings tomorrow, May 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Broward Governmental Center, 115 So. Andrews Avenue, Room 422 in Fort Lauderdale, regarding an ordinance to regulate Pain Management Clinics in Broward County. (*see attachment)

The proposed ordinance provides a specific legal definition for Pain Management Clinic, creates zoning regulations in unincorporated Broward County and mandates a “Certificate of Use” which requires the following:

  • name of the owner/operator
  • proof of registration with the Florida Department of Health
  • an affidavit stating that no one convicted of a drug-related felony within a five year period will work, volunteer, or be allowed on the premises
  • limited hours of operation between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday
  • posted Certificate of Use in a conspicuous and easy to read location
  • that no Pain Management Clinic will be located within 1200 linear feet of another Pain Management Clinic with land survey confirmation
  • one parking space per ten gross square feet of customer waiting area and one parking space per two hundred gross square feet of the remainder of the building
  • all activities be conducted within a completely enclosed building

The proposed ordinance states that Pain Management Clinics already legally in existence must comply with the requirements within 60 days of the effective date and provides one year for pre-existing clinics to comply with parking and location requirements.

The proposed ordinance is sponsored by Broward County Commissioners Ilene Lieberman, Kristin Jacobs, Stacy Ritter and Chip LaMarca and includes additional amendments requested by Commissioner Jacobs approved by the Commission in April.

Currently there are no Pain Management Clinics in unincorporated Broward County. Any Pain Management Clinic wishing to operate in the unincorporated Broward County area would have to apply for a Certificate of Use and associated business fees would be collected under the proposed ordinance.

In March, the Broward County Pain Management Clinic Task Force issued its final report with recommendations for the licensing and location of pain management clinics otherwise referred to as “pills mills”.   The Commission instructed the County Attorney to draft a model ordinance based on those recommendations.

Broward County has been referred to as the “pill mill” capital of America. In 2009 a Broward County Grand Jury issued a report noting the proliferation of pain clinics throughout the County. The number of pain management clinics in Broward more than doubled from August 2008 to November 2009.

Any member of the public may participate in the discussion held at public hearings. Discussion is limited to the subject being discussed, as listed on the Agenda. If you require communication aids, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 954-357-7350 or Hearing Impaired/TTY 954-831-3940.

The second public hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

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Pigout in the Park – 2011 Results

Posted on 09 May 2011 by JLusk

Category Team Name
Chicken 1st Place Backyard Barbeque
Chicken 2nd Place Village Smoke
Ribs 1st Place JCC’s BBQ
Ribs 2nd Place Backyard Barbeque
Brisket 1st Place Red-Kee B.B.Q.
Brisket 2nd Place Backyard Barbeque
Pork 1st Place Village Smoke
Pork 2nd Place Backyard Barbeque
Peoples Choice Backyard Barbequeeee
Reserve Champion Backyard Barbeque
Grand Champion Village Smoke

 

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Peterson gets draft call

Posted on 05 May 2011 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

Patrick Peterson

Patrick Peterson realized a boyhood dream last week when he was the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

The 6-1, 219-lb. Peter-son, who was considered by some to be the best player in the draft, will keep a family tradition going. His cousins Bryant and Walter McFadden, and Santana and Sinorice Moss all play in the NFL.

Peterson, who was known as Patrick Johnson during his days at Blanche Ely, clocked a 4.31-second, 40-yard dash in the NFL combine and also had a 38” vertical jump, a 10-6 broad jump and ran 4.07 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle, 11.01 in the 60-yard shuttle and 6.58 in the three-cone drills.

“It is a great opportunity for me and my family to start a new journey,” Peterson said. “It was something I waited for my entire life. You work so hard to get to this moment. Playing in the NFL is a dream come true.”

He was named the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year, the SEC’s Special Teams Player of the Year, and captured both the Jim Thorpe Award, as the nation’s top defensive back, and the Chuck Bednarik Award, as the nation’s best defensive player.

Tornadoes fall in regional semifinal

Pompano Beach High’s Shelby Petik throws the ball to first base during the Class 3A regional semifinal game against American Heritage-Plantation. Photo by Gary Curreri

Pompano Beach girls’ softball coach John Thigpen made the most of his first year at the school. The Tornadoes reached the semifinals of the Class 3A regional playoffs before falling 13-0 to powerhouse, American Heritage-Plantation.

“My goal for this team was to win the first regional game,” said Thigpen, whose team made its first trip to the postseason. “We had a lot of great players on this team and a lot of freshmen on the team that came in and were good. I thought we had a chance to get here.”

Pompano Beach (15-7) came up short in the semifinals as Aimee Chapdelaine tossed a no-hitter and American Heritage batted around in the first two innings, sending 14 batters to the plate in the first and 11 in the second,  grabbing a 13-0 lead.

“We have four seniors who are graduating,” Thigpen said. “This team has a lot to offer next year.”

He will miss Shelby Petik, who is one of the four seniors  graduating.

“She is a really big leader of the team,” Thigpen said. “She’ll play anywhere. She just wants to play. She really enjoys the game. There is a lot of drive.”

Thigpen, who coached a couple of travel teams in Coral Springs and his daughter through league ball, said he learned a lot during the season. He said the team performed well.

“They have a lot of integrity,” Thigpen said. “They don’t give up. They know if they are down, their bats are so strong that they can come back. There were a couple of games that we were really down and they fought back. There is a lot of will there.”

Pompano Beach High’s Danielle Conboy fires a pitch. Photo by Gary Curreri

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