By Gary Curreri

Pompano’s Lara Annunziata skates in Sunshine State Games. Photo by Gary Curreri

Three local ice skaters fared well in the recent Sunshine State Games figure skating competition at the Saveology.com Ice Plex in Coral Springs.

Lighthouse Point’s Netanya Kaufman and Pompano Beach’s Jhazmin Calderon and Lara Annunziata were among the record number of 400 skaters from around the state who took part in the recent competition.

“Skating is fun,” said Annunziata, 8, who has been skating for three years. The North Andrews Elementary 2nd grader won the Preliminary Spins and placed fourth in the Preliminary Compulsory Moves Group. She also took third in the Pre-Preliminary Girls Free Skate.

“It is hard to be in a competition,” Annunziata added. “It is exciting to be on the ice and I like when the crowd cheers for me. It is important to win a medal and it shows that I worked hard. I want to be in the Olympics.”

Kaufman, 12, a North Broward Prep 6th grader, has been skating for the past four years. She also plays tennis, but likes skating more.

“You learn to be good in front of judges and an audience,” Kaufman said. “You learn what you have to work on. If you didn’t do good on an element, you have to go back and work on it.”

Kaufman admits that practicing can be hard. It helps her prepare for the competition, however.

“I fall a lot in practice and you keep practicing it and hope you land it in the competition,” said Kaufman, who finished second in the Pre-Bronze Solo Dance. “It’s a good feeling when you think you are going to mess up in a routine and then you do well.”

Kaufman said she tries to focus on the next element of her routine and blocks everything else out.

“You can’t think if
the people are clapping,” Kaufman said. “I am hoping to be more confident in front of the judges and the audience. It doesn’t matter if I win. It is more important to know that you did well and you tried your best. It is really cool if I win a medal. I want to go to the Olympics.”

Calderon, 14, a Coral Springs Charter School 8th grader, earned two silvers (Free Style Open Juvenile and Compulsory Open Juvenile), and a bronze (Intermediate Jumps). She also placed fourth in the (Intermediate Spins).

She practices 14 hours a week on the ice and eight hours off the ice.

“My goals are to compete in the regionals this year for intermediate and then qualify for the junior nationals,” Calderon said. “I also have to finish all my moves and compete in a senior level in the future. I want to go as far as the Olympics.”

Calderon also competed in the recent South Florida Challenger Figure Skating competition where she won four medals, including two gold, a silver and a bronze medal and at the Florida Open where she won a gold and silver medal.

By Dave Montalbano

Two movies playing at our local cinemas are the commercially-hyped Super 8 and the critically-acclaimed Woody Allen movie Midnight in Paris. Both movies fulfill their dedicated audiences’ expectations.

Super 8, in part, is about some middle school students who produce a zombie film in small town Ohio, circa 1979, the year most Class of ’81 graduates earned their driver’s licenses. Production Assistant and model-maker Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) is the troubled son of Deputy Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler), who is a recent widower. Deputy Lamb blames white trash Louis Dainard (Ron Eldard), whose daughter, Alice (Elle Fanning), is the leading lady of the boy’s Super 8 zombie opus.

To writer/director J.J. Abram’s credit, he has captured the joy of creative teamwork as the young people produce their movie inspired by George Romero. Discussion about plot, characters and audience empathy will make English teachers and film columnists hopeful towards the future of filmmaking. During the post-credit sequence, patient ticket buyers are rewarded with the punchline of the student’s masterpiece.

But, Super 8 splits between the teenagers’ movie making, Area 51 and a shadowy monster. The action sequences overall are well-directed with an important message about understanding and cooperation. Sadly, verisimilitude is lost when teenagers dodge train wrecks, tanks and explosions with nary a scratch.

Super 8 seems like an homage to producer Steven Spielberg’s earlier motion pictures like E.T: The Extra Terrestrial and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In turn, Spielberg was inspired by films like Earth Vs. The
Saucers and The Day the Earth Stood Still. There is no denying that Super 8 will have a positive influence on today’s young people.

Woody Allen wears his intellectual and artistic influences on his sleeve in Midnight in Paris, a witty romantic comedy about a rich couple who visit France before their wedding. On a midnight stroll in the streets of Paris, Gil (Owen Wilson) encounters Ernest Hemingway. Heming-way invites Gil to a party that includes Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates) and Salvador Dali (Adrien Brody) – three idols who died a few generations ago.

With gorgeous cinematography capturing the hues and colors of Monet, Midnight in Paris shares much in common with Super 8. Both films pay homage to nostalgia, while imploring their respective audiences to enjoy the manna of the day.

“Wines of Passion” dinner

Thursday, June 16, 6 p.m.

Carmens Top of the Bridge, Bridge Hotel, 999 Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Will feature “pairings” of Argentinean wines from Septima, a subsidiary of the Codorniu group, Spain’s largest wine company with culinary selections from Chef Dudley Rich. 561-886-4570 or www.bocaratonbridgehotel.com.

Deerfield Chamber After Hours

Thursday, June 16, 5:30 p.m.

Comfort Inn, 50 SE 20 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

One drink and snacks included. 954-428-0650.

Cresthaven Neighborhood Watch

Thursday, June 16, 7:15 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Social Hall, 901 NE 33 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Moonlight Melodies

Friday, June 17, 7 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot, SE 1st Street and Ocean Way, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Concert Series kicks off with performance by retro rock band 441. FREE. Bring beach chair or blanket. 954-480-4430 or www.Deerfield-Beach.com

2nd Annual Clint Session 55 Football Camp

Saturday, June 18, 11a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mitchell Moore Center Park, 901 NW 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL  33060

Hosted by professional football player, Blanche Ely High School graduate Clint Session and City of Pompano Beach. FREE lunch and T-shirts for first 400 registered participants. Drills, tournament, speeches, awards and autograph session with celebrity players from 2:45 to 3 p.m. Registration forms/waivers can be picked up at any Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation facility. 954-786-4111.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, June 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Tour historic lighthouse. Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society members free, non-members: $15. www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.html or call 954-942-2102.

Ice Cream Social

Saturday, June 18, 2 to 4 p.m.

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

Ice cream provided by Kilwin’s. 561-368-6875. www.cmboca.org.

Father’s Day Car Show

Sunday, June 19, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mizner Park, 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free fun for Father’s Day. Take a look at classic cars from 1920s to 1960s and post-war European sports and exotic cars by Lou La Vie. Street parking will be taken, park in garages.

North Broward Democratic Club

Wednesday, June 22, 7:30 p.m.

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

FREE. Speaker: School board member Robin Bartleman. Light refreshments served. 954-783-8232.

Deerfield Packer Rattlers Football & Cheerleading

Through July 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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

$70 per child. 561-756-0834.

Save the Date: Fishing for the Dream Tournament

Friday, June 24, 6 to 8 p.m. & Saturday, June 25, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club, 2701 NE 42nd St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Kicks off with Captain Party, including silent auction on June 24 at 6 p.m. The next day, boats will be fishing from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weigh-ins at the club at 2 p.m. June 25. Post-tournament BBQ and pool party from 2 to 5 p.m. to follow. Proceeds go to non-profit organization Deliver the Dream, which provides retreats for families experiencing serious illness or crisis. www.DeliverTheDream.org

I officiated at a funeral the other day. This family had tsouris (problems). But, they knew the import of family, of loving and of caring. The widower had been married for 64 years and he arrived at the chapel an hour before the funeral service of his beloved wife.

He hurt, he hurt a lot, and, yet, he concentrated on the positives in his life. He spoke about how wonderful his sons were and I let him know that he and his wife must have done something right to have raised such caring children. Then, he talked about how loving his grandchildren were. And they were indeed a pillar of strength and a blanket of warmth for the elder members of the family.

But, it was when I saw the first friend come in to the family room to extend condolences that I realized what a fine example he was to his children and his grandchildren because, as the woman approached with a look that seemed to say, “I wish I knew the right words to say,” the widower took her hand in both of his and said, “I know your husband has not been well, how are you holding up?”

In the midst of his pain, he could still recognize pain on another’s face. He still knew that others had troubles in their lives and, even in the midst of his own pain, he wanted to let them know that he, just like them, wanted to be a source of comfort and strength.

As he inquired as to the woman’s well-being and that of her husband, tears began to fall down the woman’s cheeks. She was awed as this widower, whom she had come to comfort, came out of his own anguish and became the comforter … and I believe that that moment of sensitivity and awareness, that moment of being there for someone else, reminded him of the strength he had within. It was then and there that he knew he would find a way to go on.

It was shortly afterward that one of his grandchildren began to weep and he held her close to him. I believe that at that moment, somewhere deep inside, this sweet man knew that he was still the patriarch of the family, that he was still a source of strength and comfort for his children, and his grandchildren.  And, now he had a reason for sticking around because anytime he was with his family, a part of her would be there as well. This reminded me that the day before the service, when I met with the family, no one could talk about one of them without the other, for they truly were, and to the family will continue to be, one heart and one soul.

We all have awe-inspiring moments – it might be a half hour, 15 minutes or just a minute or two at a time. So, let’s not waste a moment. Let’s make every minute count.

Shalom My Friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a Hospice Chaplain and Member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. He also provides Professional Pastoral Care Services to a number of health centers in Broward County.

RE: Utility tax

Dear Editor:

It was interesting reading the Editorial page of the Observer this past week [June 9]. There was more opposition than support for the utility tax, yet it passed.

There was a claim that the city could no longer put the financial burden on the backs of its employees. However, the majority of city employees have not suffered any real burdens beyond those that its citizens are already bearing. Most of the individuals who were laid off were victims of waste and duplication fostered by the city commission for years. Furthermore, the city commission has not contributed any of its compensation or benefits, nor has the union representing public safety employees done so, except for temporarily freezing already lucrative pay and benefit packages.

On top of that, one of the commissioners is still questioning why a rate increase on property taxes from 5.79 to 6.7688 is not a 17 percent increase. Yes, there may have been some lower tax bills in the mix, but the only way that someone’s property taxes stayed the same or went down would have been because that property suffered a 17 percent or greater decline in value, year after year. I doubt that anyone would feel good about that. It’s surprising that any of the city commissioners still do not get that. Maybe if it’s said often enough, people will start believing it.

It’s also amazing to me that this city commission continues to approve tax increases that the people do not want, while not recognizing the additional burdens placed on a citizenry that has been hit with layoffs, stagnant or declining fixed incomes, and a continuing distrust of elected officials. It is correct to say that we voted for these folks. I’m just wondering, why?

David Nace

Deerfield Beach

Cove Entrance

Dear Editor:

The New Cove Entrance is something we have needed for a long time, thank you, but since when do we accept substandard work? I’ve been a State Certified General Contractor for 30 years, and I want to know, who are the ones setting the standards for “Quality Control” of our construction?

It has happened again at the beach, elevations of the columns and their metal roofs, and now the stucco job on our New Cove Entrance building – it is so thin, you will see the joints after it’s painted, for what, maybe $75? It needs to be fixed, now, before the roofing is applied.

As a 50-year resident of this city, I should be proud of my city, not embarrassed by the quality of workmanship our leaders are allowing. I, and others, have paid good taxes and have accepted your raises of our taxes, and duly feel, as a “tax paying citizen,” we deserve better.

Scott E. Martin,

Deerfield Beach

Will paint cover this up?

Impressed by Allen West

Dear Editor:

How I envy many of you reading this today. A number of you live in the Congressional district [District 22] represented by [Lt.] Col. Allen West. You truly have in office a rare commodity. U.S. Representative West is a man of intellect, honor, loyalty and dedication. I wish he were my congressman. Better yet, I wish he were to be the next President of the U.S.A. Some have approached Congressman West about running for the office of President, but he maintains he already has a job as your Congressman, and would never consider leaving the post you elected him to without your encouragement to do so.

Would you do that? Would you contact the Congressman, his offices in Washington D.C., Ft. Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach and tell him that you would release him to seek the office of President of the U.S.A? What a gift that would be! More than ever, we need the best. You have the best right now, and he is not seeking any other job. Sometimes, the best have to be sought out and encouraged to move up, to accept the challenges of a higher mission. In effect, the most highly qualified person must be drafted. West is that person who would always have the best interests of our nation and its citizenry at heart. Please encourage him to run. He is your Representative. West is best!

Creston D. Hall

Washougal, WA

DEERFIELD BEACH—DISTRICT 4

June 9 Burglary at Deerfield Mall at CiCi’s Pizza, 3912 W. Hillsboro Bl., and American Nail and Spa, 3936 W. Hillsboro Blvd., at 3:10 a.m. Deputies responded to an alarm at CiCi’s Pizza, and, upon arrival, a shattered front door was observed. While checking the area, a shattered door was also discovered at American Nail and Spa. Interior of both businesses checked. Restaurant management advised that nothing was missing, but provided video of the incident. Owner of nail salon advised of missing 50” LCD television valued at $700.

June 9 Armed robbery at 2573 W. Hillsboro Blvd. at 3:19 a.m. Victim was walking home to Lantana from Coconut Creek, eastbound on Hillsboro Boulevard., when a black male emerged from the bushes, produced a gun and demanded victim’s money. Victim fled on foot and was chased by two other black males. Victim flagged down a passing motorist, at which point suspects fled in the other direction. Aerial unit responded and established a perimeter with negative results.

June 9-10 Conveyance burglary in Deer Creek, 3352/3376 Lakeshore Dr., between 10 p.m. and 7:15 a.m. Unknown suspect(s) gained entry to the victim’s vehicle via unlocked door and removed loose change valued at $30. Scene was processed for latent prints.

June 9 Grand Theft at 1799 W. Hillsboro Blvd. at 7:30 p.m. Victim reported that while working at Checker’s, he placed his cell phone next to the register and, when he checked back, it was gone. Total loss: $600. Teletype notified. Victim indicated he will obtain the video surveillance video as soon as he can.

June 10 Conveyance burglary at Hess gas station, 2515 W. Sample Rd., at 4:54 p.m. Victim reported she arrived at station for gas and when she went inside, unknown subject entered her unlocked vehicle, removing  purse which contained wallet with credit cards, driver’s license and $75 cash. Total loss valued at $325.

June 10 Conveyance Burglary at Starlight Cove, 4003 NW 5 Dr., at 4:40 a.m. Deputies responded to dispatch call that subject was observed trying door handles to vehicles in the area. Units responded, perimeter established. Two subjects located and they possessed victim’s wallet and Florida driver’s license from victim’s vehicle. Subjects also were in possession of change and credit cards from other possible victims.

June 10 -12 Grand Theft at 3191 SW 11 St. and 1052 S. Powerline Rd. (warehouse district) between 6 p.m. on June 10 and 7 p.m. on June 12. While on patrol, officer noticed A/C unit to rear of building was pried apart in attempt to steal the copper and aluminum from the condensing unit. Area check to see if surrounding businesses had suffered the same resulted in finding three more units missing from 1052 S. Powerline Rd.

June 11 Conveyance burglary in Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd.,  between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.Victims’ vehicles were forcibly entered via smashed door windows, and a wallet containing credit cards and cash was stolen. Both vehicles were processed and area canvas was negative.

June 12 Conveyance burglary in Riverglen, 261 NW 47 Terr.,10-10:30 a.m. Victim said unlocked vehicle was parked in the driveway when she discovered her interior ransacked and a Magellan Maestro GPS valued at $200 was taken. No suspects or witnesses.

Remember, If you see suspicious activity, call 911 immediately.

Thursday, June 16, is 6th annual National Dump the Pump Day. Begun when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this day encourages people to ride public transportation and save money. Today, with even higher gas prices, the day seems a perfect opportunity to seek out alternatives.

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) is celebrating the day by offering FREE rides on Tri-Rail. In addition to rides, there will be several radio stations broadcasting live from train stations and members of SFRTA staff will be present to talk to passengers about the benefits of public transportation and Tri-Rail.

Riding public transit is the quickest way to beat high gas prices. The latest APTA Transit Savings Report shows that a two person household that downsizes to one car can save – on the average – more than $10,000 a year.

In addition to helping the pocketbook and creating jobs, public transit reduces our carbon footprint by 37 million metric tons annually:

According to the American Public Transportation Association, on www.apta.com, “This is equivalent to the emissions resulting from the electricity generated for the use of 4.9 million households or every household in Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta; Denver; and Los Angeles combined.”

If only one person switches to public transit, they are reducing daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds, or 10 percent. That quickly adds up to 4,800 pounds over a year.

If you haven’t tried the Tri-Rail, today would be a perfect opportunity to ride the rails and explore what it has to offer!

BSO’s Pompano Beach District is starting a Law Enforcement Explorer Program for youths between the ages of 14-18 years of age who are interested in a career in law enforcement. Explorers are afforded a unique opportunity to learn the different aspects of our agency, including hands on training and practices of our deputies .Applications will be excepted during their open house on Tuesday, June 14, from 6:00-7:00 pm at the District Office (located at 100 S.W. 3 Street Pompano Beach). For more information, contact Sgt. Wargin at 954-786-4201.