DEERFIELD BEACH

Sept. 8. A realtor reported that an apartment at 1337 S. Dixie Hwy. was broken into and a garbage disposal unit was stolen.

Sept. 9. A man was arrested and charged with grand theft. While working at Reagan Wireless, at 720 S. Powerline Rd., he stole cell phones and cell phone accessories and sold them on eBay.

Sept. 10. The manager of a Chevron Station, at 3355 W. Hillsboro Blvd., reported that a man entered the store and stole an 18-pack of Bud Light beer. The man fled the store.

Sept. 10. A man reported that while his car was parked at 1300 W. Hillsboro Blvd., a catalytic converter was stolen from his car.

Sept. 10. A man was arrested and charged with felony possession of narcotics at 200 W. Hillsboro Blvd. The man was observed discarding two rocks of crack cocaine.

Sept. 10. A woman reported her home at 330 SE 4 St. broken into. She reported that a jewelry box with pieces of jewelry was stolen.

Sept. 11. A man reported that his home, at 4464 Crystal Lake Dr., was broken into and two flat-screen televisions, a surround sound system, a computer and DVD were stolen.

Sept. 11. A man was observed stealing items while he worked at Target, at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. When questioned by store security, the man fled.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Sept. 1. A man reported that he lost his wallet after taking a taxi home from North Broward Hospital. Report was made at 1901 NE 28 St.

Sept. 3. The manager of Publix Supermarket, at 3700 N. Federal Hwy., reported that a man stole two sandwiches from the store. The man was briefly detained and admitted to the theft. The man was issued a trespass warning and told not to return to the store.

Sept. 5. A woman reported a burglary at her home at 2800 NE 30 Ave. The woman reported that her safe had been entered and $10,000 worth of jewelry stolen. There was no sign of forced entry to the safe.

RE: Utility tax

Dear Editor:

The registered voters who signed the petitions circulated by the Rescind Unfair Taxes committee knew they were being offered 2 options. Either the commission rescinded the action taken on June 7 or voted to send it to referendum. Whose brilliant idea was it to give a 1 mil ad valorem tax reduction to the big businesses and the owners of plush real estate on the backs of the elderly, the city’s worker bees, and the poor with the introduction of this new tax.

If the goal is millage reduction and since the 5.7688 total millage rate has been advertised and passed on first reading, then the rate can still be reached without the public service tax. The administration admitted at the Sept. 6 meeting that the $2.9 million saved with the BSO merger was not included in this budget. That money, plus $500,000 from the undesignated reserve and an increase in the tax-deductible fire assessment fee, would reduce the millage by 1 mil and still leave $10,000,000 in the undesignated reserve. Then there would be no need to nickel and dime the residents with a non-deductible tax increase.

On Sept. 6, the Rescind UnfairTaxes committee presented the city clerk with petitions with 6,200 signatures and paid 10 cents to have each signature verified. In reality, we had until Sept. 28 to complete our mission. By then, we could have had 10,000 signatures, but we wanted the commission to take action while the budget hearings were being held, and a decision on the tax had to be made by Sept. 20. Once again, we shall be there on the 20th to watch what action the commission chooses to take.

Jean Robb

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

I am appalled at the conduct of one of the commissioners at the Sept. 6 commission meeting. He chastised a resident who misspelled a word and then stated, “This is the person I should be listening to about the economic welfare of Deerfield Beach?” This is another example of the arrogance of this commissioner who thinks he is superior to the people he is elected to represent. He also claimed that there were renters who paid nothing in taxes. I am a landlord, and I pay the taxes for these people while they pay for water and electric usage. I was also disappointed in the mayor’s attitude, as I felt she was abrupt and condescending. I can sympathize with the speaker who claimed you were taxing the very air we breathe. My mother’s electric bill for her oxygen usage was well over $300 a month, and, even with the fuel adjustment charge subtracted, the tax would have been much more than the $12 or $15 a month you claim.

The vice mayor claims he will not apologize to Century Village for his vote to approve this tax. He is supposed to represent them and not himself. If he can’t represent them, he should move out or resign. Let’s hope that everyone turns out on the 20th, to let these commissioners know what we think of their performances thus far.

Martha J. Mckee, RN

Deerfield Beach, District 2

Volunteers needed: NE Focal Point Thrift Shop

301 NW 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Retail experience needed to sort and price donated items and assist customers. Flexible hours. 954-480-4447.

Yard sale

Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m. to noon

First Christian Day School, 1860 NE 39 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Toys, books, clothes, misc. items for sale. 954-942-2549.

Auditions for Narnia the Musical

Thursday, Sept. 15, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2 to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to noon

Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Auditions by appointment only. Call 561-447-8829 for appointment or e-mail at solchildtroupe@aol.com. Details: www.solchildren.org.

Deerfield Beach Chamber After Hours

Thursday, Sept. 15, 5 p.m.

The Whale Raw Bar & Fish House, 7619 N. State Rd. 7, Parkland, FL 33073

Grand re-opening. Open bar 5 to 6 p.m., live entertainment for kids and adults. Free new menu samples. 954-345-9190. www.thewhalerawbar.com.

Exclusive showing of Senna

Friday, Sept. 16, Saturday, Sept. 17, Sunday, Sept. 18, time varies

Paragon Deerfield 8, 3984 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Only Broward County theater to release award-winning film about Brazilian motor racing champion, Ayrton Senna. 954-571-2445 or www.paragontheaters.com.

26th Annual Coastal Cleanup in Broward County

Saturday, Sept.17, 9 a.m. to noon

Sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy and coordinated by Broward County Natural Resources Planning and Management. Sign up at any participating beach, such as Deerfield or Pompano, on day of event. Bring hat, sunscreen, gloves and water. Info: www.broward.org/NaturalResources and click BEACH AND MARINE or call 954-519-1270.

Musical tribute to Elvis

Saturday, Sept.17, 7 to 11 p.m.

St. Coleman’s Parish Hall, 1200 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Men’s Club sponsors this dance social. Music from the ‘50s-‘70s. “David Morin,” an Elvis tribute artist, performs. Dance Contest, Lip Sync, Hula Hoop, Limbo contests. $15 per person includes hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, root beer floats and soda. $2 (beer), $3 (wine). Proceeds provide improvements to hall and for other philanthropic endeavors. 954-661-8007.

Passport Fair

Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Main Post Office, 212 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Need a passport for an upcoming vacation?  Bring required documentation and update your passport today! Bring proof of American citizenship or naturalization (a state-issued certified birth certificate, a previous official passport or a naturalization certificate if you are foreign-born); one officially acceptable state or government photo ID (a driver’s license or military ID); one recent photograph that meets specific passport requirements (available at participating Post Offices for $15); and fill out passport application, which can be downloaded and should be completed prior to visiting the Post Office (available at www.usps.com/passport). Do not sign the form ahead of time. 954-436-4451.

About Boating Safety (ABS) Course

Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m.

Dixon Ahl Recreation Center, 2200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Conducted by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-7.  Meets requirements for Florida’s Boater Education ID card for boaters born after Jan. 1, 1988. New and experienced boaters welcome. Topics include: identification of navigational aids, elementary boat handling, required safety equipment and rules for using local waterways. $45, includes all materials and lunch. Limited space. 954-557-0582.

Operation Kidsafe

Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Toyota of Deerfield Beach, 1441 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free digital fingerprint and photo safety program. Get free Child Safety Kit, including digital fingerprints and photograph, and petting zoo, video games and more. 866-962-5487 or www.toyotaofdeerfieldbeach.com.

Reduction sale

Through Sept. 29

Monday, Wednesday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to  6 p.m.,

Tuesday, Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.  

Percy White Library, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Friends of the Percy White library are having an inventory reduction sale in their bookstore. All books, CDs and VCR tapes will be half price during September. Magazines, jewelry and other items are not on sale. 954-427-3259.

Save the date: Cresthaven Neighborhood Watch

Thursday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Social Hall, 3331 NE 10 Ter., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

(The Sept. 15 meeting was cancelled.) Meet new BSO officers and talk about upcoming events. Bring compliments and complaints. Refreshments served. 954-786-7536.

By Pastor Tony Guadagnino, Christian Love Fellowship Church

My wife and I have been married for over 14 years now and we have two children (Anthony and Marrina). Life is great and marriage is wonderful, but I can remember before I met my wife, how alone I felt. I want to share a poem I came across that helped me realize that I needed to love God first before I could ever love anyone else. If you are married, I hope you found the love of your life and live together happily ever after (just like I am). If you are not married, or if you know someone who is not married, you can pass this along to them – I pray that this poem touches your heart the same way it did mine.  God has someone just for you.

God’s Message to Singles:

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone – to have a deep soul relationship with another – to be loved thoroughly, and exclusively.

But God, to a Christian, says, “No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone – with giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me, with having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone, discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, will you be capable of the perfect human relationship I have planned for you.

You will never be united with another until you’re united with Me – exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or longing.

I want you to stop planning, stop wishing and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing ­— one that you cannot imagine.

I want you to have the best. Please allow me to bring it to you.

You must keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things – keep experiencing the satisfaction that I AM, keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.

You just wait. That’s all. Don’t be anxious. Don’t worry.

Don’t look around at the things others have gotten, or that I’ve given them.

Don’t look at the things you think you want.

You just keep looking off and away up to Me, or you’ll miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would dream of.

You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready (I am working even at this moment to have both of you ready at the same time), until you both are satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I have prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, and this is the perfect love.

And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love, I want you to see, in the flesh, a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy, materially and concretely, the everlasting union of beauty, perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.

Know that I love you utterly. I am God.

Believe it and be satisfied.

– Author Unknown

Thanks to an alert neighbor who called police, one suspect is in custody for an attempted burglary in the 200 block of SW 3 Court. Deputies were quickly on scene, established a perimeter, and apprehended one suspect. Two suspects are still at large as detectives continue the investigation. If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood call 911 immediately.

The School Board of Broward County has selected Robert Runcie as superintendent of the sixth largest school district in the country.  Following final interviews this morning of the two finalists, Runcie and Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr., Superintendent, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Board members held a final discussion and cast their votes. A motion to make the vote for Runcie unanimous was then approved.

Runcie currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Board of Education, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, Illinois, the third largest school district in the nation, with 410,000 students.   He holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard College and Master of Management degree from Northwestern University.  He is also a Broad Fellow, having completed an education executive training program presented by the prestigious Broad Superintendents Academy.

In addition to serving the Chicago Public Schools as Chief of Staff, Runcie has also served as Chief Instructional Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Information Officer.   Prior to joining Chicago Public Schools, he served as a senior consultant for a computer science corporation.

From an applicant pool of 47, the Board selected six semi-finalists to be interviewed.  That field was then narrowed to Runcie and Taylor. Prior to their final interviews, the finalists took part in one-on-one interviews with Board members, participated in a “Meet the Press” news conference, a “Meet and Greet” with community members and a Community Forum.

The School Board has authorized contract negotiations with Robert Runcie.  His start date as Broward’s new superintendent has yet to be determined.

By Rachel Galvin

Beginning on Sept. 9 and ending on Oct. 31, 25-year-old local FAU graduate Fabio Barbieri will venture on a harrowing and heroic 2,000-mile journey for 51 days across Japan to raise money for those affected by the March 2011 tsunami. His sojourn starts in Japan’s northernmost point at Cape Soya and ends at the Southern tip, Cape Sata. This is the Lighthouse Point resident’s first trip to Japan.

Barbieri, who attended Cardinal Gibbons High, but was a senior at Zion Lutheran and graduated from there, said, “I have traveled a lot and have always wanted to go to Japan. Having recently graduated with an MBA and being done with school for good, I decided to treat myself to a trip. I have been saving up money for a new car, but one day, I thought to myself ‘I could go the safe route … buy my car, get a 9-5 job right away and start saving for a house … or … what else could I do?’ At that point, Japan came into my mind, having always been a dream of mine to go there. So, after some research I figured that, with my budget, the only way for me to see the country would be to camp out. Finally, I said to myself, why not also make it into a fundraiser while I am at it? So I did, and came up with the idea to cycle the length of the country to raise money for disaster relief. You can’t really raise funds unless you do something out of the ordinary, so that’s how the idea came about.”

Barbieri, who graduated with an MBA in Operations Management, does not classify himself as a cyclist or a camping enthusiast, but obviously, he is a philanthropist, using his heart to lead him to give back to those in need. He is hoping to raise at least $5,000 in disaster relief.

Funds will go to Second Harvest Japan, a food bank that will ship supplies to affected people. He will be donating time to work with Second Harvest while in Tokyo. He also will work with All-Hands to help with rebuilding efforts.

Asked what he is most looking forward to, he said, “I am looking forward to reaching Cape Sata (the finish line) and screaming at the top of my lungs in satisfaction!” He added, “ I am afraid mostly of where I will be sleeping at night as I have never camped out in random places, or anywhere for that matter!”

Several companies have pitched in to help Fabio’s journey by providing supplies and discounted services that he may need along the way. He plans on camping out in a tent or possibly in the home of a kind stranger.

He hopes this effort will not only help countless people in Japan, but also open his eyes into a new culture and inspire others who follow his blog. To see pictures and videos of Fabio’s adventures along the way and to help him reach or exceed his goal by donating, visit his site: www.pedalforjapan.com.

Fabio Barbieri hopes to raise over $5,000 for Japan.