Sunday, Oct. 9,  9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Duffy’s Sports Grill

401 N. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

Sponsored by Olympia Flame Diner and BSO Fire Dept. Awards, dash plaques, live music and fire truck parade. Register at Duffy’s and caravan down to beach. 954-410-5536.

Ft. Lauderdale’s George Deeb, 70, runs the South Florida Senior Softball Club in Pompano Beach. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

For three days a week, members of the South Florida Senior Softball Club hit the diamond in Pompano Beach. There are no set teams and it is inexpensive. However, the competition can be fierce.

Ft. Lauderdale’s George Deeb, 70, runs the club, which is an offshoot of the club that started in Deerfield Beach in 1962. Deeb started the Pompano Beach-based club three years ago when Deerfield began renovating Pioneer Park.

“We started here three years ago when we were left with one field and over 100 men,” Deeb said. “The older men stayed up there, and the younger men came down here. We created an Over-50 club and that became South Florida Senior Softball two years ago,” he said.

It costs $35 a year. The members get shirts and hats, plus they will go out once every other month during the season when the snowbirds are down, and they will also host a Christmas Party. Games are played Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning at 9 a.m.

“I make up all of the teams and assign the players to the teams based on who is there that day,” Deeb said. “It is the best thing we have ever done. It is also good for the guys who just turned 50, so they don’t have to play with guys who are in their 20s.”

Deeb said there are retirees, as well as firemen, police officers and EMS workers who can play multiple days based on their schedules. Players come from as far away as Aventura and as far north as Delray Beach.

Normally, the games are played at 4-Fields complex, but have been at Kester Park in Pompano Beach after spending some time at Blanche Ely High School. They should move back to 4-Fields in a few weeks.

“I retired when I was 65, and I am 70 now,” said Deeb, who had a hip replacement last year. “Many of the members in our club play on national championship travel teams. The guys are terrific, and we have made a lot of friendships over the years.” The players range in age from 49 to 76, and the average age is in the mid-60s. Deeb said the mission statement is to provide seniors, like themselves, who are retired, or on the verge of retirement, an opportunity to come and play ball at their leisure with no pressure.

Ely continues to roll

Darren Allen completed seven of nine passes for two touchdowns and returned a punt 55 yards for a score as host Blanche Ely throttled Coconut Creek, 56-8, to run its record to 3-1.

Robert Scott hauled in a 40-yard score from Allen and added a 3-yard run for another Tigers’ score. Also scoring for Blanche Ely were Edensky Loremues, Jordan Fields, Adrian Burton and Avery Johnson. Alex Edwards threw for two scores, while John Belfort added seven extra point kicks.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

At the poster unveiling at the Hilton Hotel last Thursday, Sept. 22, Festival Director Gregory Von Hausch announced the expansion of the 26th Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (Oct. 21-Nov. 11). While Cinema Paradiso will act as the main hub, venues are expanding as far west as Sunrise and as far north as Muvico Pompano on Federal Highway. Info: www.fliff.com

Among the films premiering at the Muvico Pompano is the documentary about cowboys, Florida Cracker, and a WWII documentary titled Lost Airmen of Buchenwald. About 50 is a comedy about middle age. Newlyweds is a project from FLIFF25 honoree Ed Burns. The Last Rights of Joe May features Dennis Farina in a performance generating Oscar buzz.

Dennis Farina, Penelope Ann Miller, Piper Laurie, Senator George McGovern, Dennis Haysbert and son of acting legend Glenn Ford, Peter Ford, will be at this year’s festival. Ford has recently compiled his father’s biography, Glenn Ford: A Life and will attend a retrospective at Cinema Paradiso on Nov. 10. Besides selling and autographing his book, Ford will answer questions about his family (his mom is Eleanor Powell) after the screening of original 3:10 to Yuma, starring Glenn Ford in the Russell Crowe role.    FLIFF remains a vacation from ordinary film and a
celebration of our unique Florida culture. On Tuesday, Oct. 25, FLIFF will present The Legend of Ivan Tors, a documentary about the producer of such iconic Florida animal shows as Gentle Ben and Flipper. Sponsored by Carrabba’s Grill, this evening will feature a baked dinner alfresco in the courtyard. A regular sponsor of FLIFF, Carrabba’s also sponsors a monthly opera series at Cinema Paradiso featuring the works of Verdi and Puccini.

Released last week, Alice Cooper’s Welcome 2 My Nightmare should be considered a modern day Rock Opera. A sequel to the similarly-titled album rock classic from 1975,W2MN features Alice’s modern nightmare involving inferno, hip hop music, elevator music and auto tuners. For the most part, the W2MN music is fun, energetic and humorous with songs titled Disco Bloodbath Boogie Fever and Ghouls Gone Wild. However, there are some tear jerking ballads (I Am Made of You, Something To Remember Me By) and two operatic moments worthy of the opera Don Giovanni. With the Miami Dolphins going zero and three this season, W2MN provides a comforting solace.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Sept. 19. A man was arrested and charged with burglary of a home. He attempted to pawn a television, laptop and DVD. The arrest was made at 4464 Crystal Lake Dr.

Sept. 19. A man reported that a mobile home owned by his parents was broken into and ransacked. A neighbor reported that he saw a man taking property from the mobile home at 5211 NW 3 Ave.

Sept. 19. A man was arrested and charged with breaking into a home at 1491 SW 7 Terr. Owner of the home reported that a laptop, Nintendo Wii game system and jewelry were stolen.

Sept. 19. A woman reported that her Honda Accord was burglarized and a pocketbook, shoulder bag, cell phone, $20 and checkbook were stolen. Incident was reported at the Chevron Gas Station at 998 S. Federal Hwy.

Sept. 19. A woman reported that her car, parked at 1041 E. Hillsboro Blvd., was entered, and a purse, two credit cards, Florida driver’s license and checkbooks were stolen. Car was unlocked.

Sept. 20. A man reported that his home at 1456 SE 7 Court was broken into and two flat screen televisions, a Fender guitar and laptop were stolen. House was ransacked.

Sept. 20. A woman hired Nina’s Cleaning Service to clean her home at 917 SE 11 St. Woman reported that the individual who cleaned her home stole a 2.02 carat platinum diamond ring valued at $16,325.

Sept.  20. A victim reported an air-conditioning unit stolen from a rental property at 1200 SW 6 Terr.

DEERFIELD — District 4

Sept. 26  Auto theft was reported at Tecta America, 1431 SW 30 Ave.,  between 3 p.m. on Sept. 24 and 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 26. Unknown perpetrator stole the business’ 2005 dump truck (white cab and black bed.)

Sept. 24 Residential burglary occurred in Deer Creek, at 2286 Country Club Blvd. Victim reported observing an unknown male in front of residence, who questioned about the lake behind the residence. Victim and subject walked through the residence to the lake. Upon returning to the residence, victim observed jewelry on the floor and, upon checking further, noticed more jewelry missing. Victim reported the garage door was left open during this time. Reported loss: $6,000. Scene was processed.

Sept. 21 Residential burglary took place in Crystal Key Pointe, 1243 NW 51 St. Victim reported that unknown suspect(s) entered residence via the front door (unlocked door via broken side window) and ransacked the den and family room. Scene processed for latent prints with positive results. Total loss of TV, electronics and jewelry: $3,600.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Sept. 15. A man was reported as being observed trespassing in an apartment complex at 4103 NE 22 Ave.

Sept. 18. A man reported his Toyota Tundra stolen from his driveway at 3021 NE 36 St.

Sept. 19. A woman reported that her car was broken into at 3100 N. Federal Hwy. She said her briefcase and pocketbook were stolen.

RE: Taxes

Dear Editor:

With times being so hard financially, everybody is cutting back where they can. Recently, looking at my cell phone bill, I noticed a $4.59 charge that says “Deerfield Beach City – Comm Service Tax. In last week’s Observer, the mayor said we should know our facts. I would like to know where that money goes. Let’s stop the taxing. We just can’t afford it. Period!

Steven J. Fabrizio

Deerfield Beach

RE: Utility Tax

Dear Editor:

“I find it ironic … The people who are paying the least are the ones screaming the loudest.”

Have you thought, commissioner, that these people paying the least because they are using the least is because they cannot afford to use more? And now, more $$ on their bills that they probably cannot pay?

I don’t see how that is hard to understand. My A/C is set at 82. I guess now I will have to set it at 84? And water? It costs over $80 a month to water correctly. I haven’t done that since Deerfield Beach raised the water rates. Talk about flushing money down the drain!

Donna Lavoie

Deerfield Beach

Rosh Hashanah Services

• Thursday, Sept. 29

10 a.m. – Morning Prayer Services, 11 a.m. – Shofar Blowing, 7:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer Services

• Friday, Sept. 30

10 a.m. – Morning Prayer Services, 7:30 p.m. – Evening Prayer Services

Chabad Jewish Center, 4081 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

No membership required. RSVP: 347-410-1106. www.JewishLHP.com.

Bird Walk / Intracoastal History Tour

Saturday, Oct. 1, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

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

Ages 6 and up. $3 per person. Limited space, pre-registration required. 954-357-5100. Be at Sullivan dock by 8 a.m. to catch shuttle.

Semi-Annual Garage Sale

Saturday, Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2500 NE 22 Court (behind bowling alley), Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Proceeds benefit The Florida Humane Society (Rain date Oct. 8). Donations also accepted. 954-785-2165.

Volunteer Day

Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m.

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

Held by Friends of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum. Bring work gloves. Water and lunch provided. Jerry@treezoo.com or 954-480-4494.

Broward Water Partnership

Starting Oct. 1, Deerfield residents can begin applying for rebates for WaterSense®-approved High-Efficiency Toilets. Must be pre-approved before buying toilet. Rebates up to $100, or the cost of the toilet, whichever is less. Must replace toilet that currently uses more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, visit (starting 9/30) www.ConservationPays.com for info and eligibility.

Calling All Concerned Residents of Deerfield Beach

Monday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m.

All My Children Daycare IV, 355/377 NW 3 Court, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come with all issues, problems and concerns. Sponsored by Community Action Team of Deerfield Beach. 954-871-2280 or www.myperspectives.blogspot.com.

Pompano Beach Chamber meets

Monday, Oct. 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Zuckerello’s, 3017 E Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308

$10-Chamber members/guests (RSVP by 10/3), $15 at the door (members), $20 (visitors).  Must  RSVP by Monday, Oct. 3 to info@pompanobeachchamber.com or call 954-941-2940.

Fall Fashion Luncheon

Monday, Oct. 3, 11:30 a.m.

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

Held by Boca/Deerfield Christian Women’s Connection. Speaker Linda Moore. Topic: “When the Going Gets Rough is Shopping Enough?” and Fashion Show by Black/White. $21. Reservations required. 954-427-8434.

Highlands Neighborhood Meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

Highlands Park, 650 NE 50 Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Pompano Beach Highlands Civic Improvement Assn. welcomes Tiffany Holloway, Broward County liaison for the street improvement project, currently underway.  Residents can ask questions and relay concerns about street reconstruction, water and sewer utilities replacement, and other issues related to the County’s work extending through 2013. The PBHCIA meets the first Tuesday of each month. 954-933-6393, www.pbhighlands.org.

Save the Date: Benefit for the Observer’s Karen Rice

Sunday, Oct. 9, 4 p.m.

Boca Raton Plaza , 2901 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33431

DJ, beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, jello shots and a raffle. $20-adults/$5-kids. Karen is currently battling Cancer. Please come support her and her family! Contact Ariel Rice: 954-324-6994 or Denise Jann: 561-702-5294. To donate: www.wepay.com/donate/181410.

Save the Date: Pink Heals Truck & Car Show

Sunday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Duffy’s Sports Grill, 401 N. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

Sponsored by Olympia Flame Diner and BSO Fire Dept. Awards, dash plaques, live music and fire truck parade. Register at Duffy’s and caravan down to beach. 954-410-5536.

My wife and I spent about 10 years living in Argentina.  During that time we learned a great deal about the language and culture of Argentina.  Some things we did not like, and some we did.

One of the things we absolutely love about the Argentine culture is the Argentine Asado. Some would translate that as “barbecue” but it is so much more. An Asado is an event that brings people together. It’s so much more that just preparing a meal and sitting down to eat together. We used to have Asados almost every Sunday at our house.  Our neighbors, who now are more like family, would come over at about 10 in the morning.  First myself and my friend Juan would start the fire, and while we were starting the fire, Beth and Juan’s wife, Silvia, would prepare the salad and drinks.  While the coals were getting hot, we would prepare the meat, and nothing compares to Argentine beef.  To prepare properly an Argentine Asado, it takes about 3 hours.  During that time Juan, his son Nahuel, and my son Samuel, would talk, and, through these Asados, our relationship grew from one of neighborly friendship to family. I actually refer to the Gonzales family as our Argentine family. When the meat was almost done, we would prepare the table and sit down to a feast. The conversation would continue as we ate, and then long after we were done eating, as we sat around the table, satisfied by the wonderful meal we had all prepared and enjoyed. These little events happen all over Argentina on a daily basis.  Everyone looks for any excuse to have an Asado.  My soccer team would meet twice a month for an Asado. We would say it was important to get together to talk strategy, but in the four hours we spent together, we rarely talked strategy.

Last week, my son Isaiah prayed to receive Christ.  My wife described to him that Heaven is like a big Asado, where all your friends and family sit around the table, enjoying each other’s company.  In Matthew 7:21-23 it says this, ”Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father, who is in heaven, will enter. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

What I believe these verses mean is that not everyone is going to be at the big Asado.  God has given us an invitation. Matt. 11:28  says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” The invitation is to cast your burdens on Him, and one day, sit down at a big table filled with friends and enjoy the best Asado ever.  Have you accepted the invitation?

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

Plans by the owner of Florida House in Deerfield after purchasing the property at 504 S Federal of opening a 24 bed detox facility are apparently dead after city manager Burgess Hanson uncovered a technicality in zoning regulations. The neighborhood was totally against the idea and did not want it that close to residential homes. Read full story in the Observer Oct 6.

The Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue Department will join the Broward Sheriff’s Office family Friday evening after its 160 firefighters are sworn in by Sheriff Al Lamberti.

“We’re pleased and honored to have the men and women of Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue join us in continuing to deliver a high level of service to the community,” Sheriff Lamberti said. The Deerfield Beach City Commission unanimously supported the merger. “The city’s leaders should be commended for their vision and commitment to writing a new chapter in public safety service for their residents.”

The merger will take effect officially at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 1 when the uniforms and trucks reflect the change.

“As the City of Deerfield Beach expands its partnership with BSO, we are also laying extraordinary groundwork as a role model for regionalization. In the end, the winners will be the city’s more than 77,000 residents, who will benefit from the wealth of resources that this merger will bring to our community,” Mayor Peggy Noland said.

The $20.5 million annual contract includes a value-added savings of $2.9 million for the city. Part of the plan includes increased staffing at Fire Station 75, which is the sole station on the beach, and plans for opening a sixth fire station to better serve the southwest section of the city, including the Crystal Lakes area.

“The merger underscores the city’s commitment to streamlined efficiency and excellent service provision and builds upon a well-established partnership that we’ve enjoyed with BSO for more than 20 years,” Vice-Mayor Marty Popelsky said.

Deerfield Beach and Hillsboro Beach will be the newest addition to the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue family. They join Dania Beach, Cooper City, Lauderdale Lakes, Pembroke Park, West Park and Weston as municipalities served. Under the leadership of Fire Chief Neal de Jesus, BSFR also provides fire-rescue services to Broward County’s Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport and unincorporated areas of the county including the western Broward I-75/Alligator Alley corridor through Everglades Regional Fire Station 106. BSFR also provides regional services countywide through dedicated air rescue, Hazardous Materials Team and Technical Rescue Team response, as well as fire marshal and regional logistics services.

A former sheriff of Broward County passed away Wednesday, the Broward Sheriff’s Office chaplain told employees. Navarro was sheriff from 1985 to 1992. According to Wikipedia, “Navarro won election for sheriff in 1984. During Navarro’s tenure the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) approximately doubled to 3,000 personnel and its budget increased from $75 million to $200 million. Contracts were added for the BSO to provide law enforcement services to three Broward cities – Dania Beach, Tamarac and Deerfield Beach.^[1]”  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Navarro.

With his health failing fast, Navarro was escorted home from the hospital Wednesday afternoon by sheriff’s deputies, where he died about 2:30 p.m., surrounded by family and friends.

Navarro recently underwent a second surgery at Holy Cross Hospital for a recurrence of colon cancer. He was 81.

All BSO flags are at half staff, and personnel have been instructed by current Sheriff Al Lamberti to wear their mourning band.

Funeral arrangements are pending.