By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

The tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001 seems as fresh today as it did on that lovely Tuesday morning. Since that day, we have witnessed folklore and urban legends about the attacks upon our American soil, mostly for political gain.

The fog of war created a world in which some heroes are considered villains, and villains have become martyrs.

The Debt is a taut espionage thriller with the depth to confront the issues of collateral damage in the face of conflict.

In 1997, a historical book is written about three Mossad secret agents – Rachel (Helen Mirren), Stefan (Tom Wilkin-son) and David (Ciarán Hinds), who killed a Nazi war criminal in hiding. As Rachel reads to an audience about her heroics, David walks in front of a truck and dies.

The Debt flashes back to the early 1960s, when the young Rachel (Jessica Chastain), young Stefan (Marton Csokas) and young David (Sam Worthington) investigate, plot and execute their plan to locate Dr. Bernhardt (Jesper Christensen), a gynecologist with a good bedside manner.  To reveal more would be a big disservice  to the plot. Suffice it to say that The Debt is not settled until the final moments of the movie.

The conflicted characters and their motivations propel the narrative. Yet, Director John Madden adds little touches with camera framing to make the violent sequences more tense and personal.  One particular scene in the gynecologist’s office presents a dangerous woman in her most vulnerable position.  If he could get away with it in his day, Sir Alfred Hitchcock would be proud of the character dynamics of that memorable scene.

Last year, Christoph Waltz earned his Best Supporting Oscar for his work as a Nazi in Inglourious Basterds. This year, Christensen may be considered for a similar role. Given the cold-blooded actions of Rachel, Stefan and David, one almost sympathizes with this Nazi villain.  It is when Dr. Bernhardt plays the “victim card” that one truly detests this bureaucratic terrorist.

Known for his big screen heroics with Avatar and Terminator Salvation, Worthing-ton portrays another violent character. This time, he is the odd man of the team.

Sadly, Worthington’s elder counterpart looks more like Tom Wilkinson’s younger counterpart.  Fortunately, for the pivotal role of Rachel, both Jessica Chastain and Helen Mirren are equally matched in looks, temperament and heart.

By Scott Morganroth

When I went to training camp to see the FAU Owls practice eight days ago, there was definitely a different feeling this time.

By now, everyone knows this will be the final season for Coach Howard Schnellenberger, who has built the Owls program from scratch. When I asked him about what it was like to enter his final season, he refused to address the subject. He rarely dodges a question, but I do know that he’s probably been asked it several times lately. More importantly, he’ll have an entire season to talk about it, thus, his focus remained on the Florida Gators on Sept. 3.

By now, though, Schnellenberger is probably trying to put the No. 22 Florida Gators behind him as his team suffered a 41-3 loss on Saturday in Gainesville. FAU’s only points came on a 27-yard field goal by Vinnie Zaccario.

Getting dominated in the following statistical areas were things the 77-year-old coach knows he has to improve on this week.

Against the Gators, Florida dominated in total offense by outgaining FAU, 468-137, and in first downs, 30-11. Anything close to these numbers Saturday against the Michigan State Spartans at noon on ESPN 2 will lead to yet another forgettable afternoon.

The last thing Schnellenberger needs is another embarrassment. Michigan State leads the all-time series 2-0.

Schnellenberger prepared for the Florida game the same way he has for so many.

“We prepare correctly for every game we play,” Schnellenberger said. “We prepare harder and more than put forth the effort. We think we have a full cup.”

He added that this training camp was no different than any other and never worried about retirement.

“I know this is the last time we’ll play Florida, Michigan State on down the line,” Schnellenberger said. “But it’s not as big a thing, you know. You coach for 52 years, and there were times that I thought it would be over already. You know it’s coming to an end, so it’s no big thing.”

I was recently asked by some friends and family about whether I was surprised by Schnellenberger’s retirement? I told them “NO.”

First of all, he was able to become the George Washington of FAU Football and since he won’t win a national championship in Boca Raton, what better way to go out on top than to coach the final year in a brand-new on-campus stadium.

Schnellenberger turned that dream into a reality. Icing on the cake would be taking the Owls to another bowl game and winning it. But even if he doesn’t reach the post-season, on Jan. 21, 2012, he’ll coach one more time against former FSU legendary coach Bobby Bowden at FAU Stadium.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at scottsports33.com. 

DEERFIELD BEACH

Aug. 31 An individual stole an electronic meter secured to the rear of the New Image Building, 159 SW 1 Terrace.

Aug. 31 A woman reported that someone stole her backpack with clothing, currency and sunglasses at 200 N. Ocean Blvd. Loss was estimated at $340.

Sept. 1 A man reported his Freightliner Century Tractor stolen from 4250 N. Powerline Rd.

Sept. 1 A man reported that someone entered his unlocked car and tampered with his radio. The man also said his trunk was entered and information regarding players on the Packer/Rattlers football team was stolen. Incident was reported at 939 Siesta Key Blvd.

Sept. 1 A man reported his home at 1331 SW 10 Ave. broken into. He said that 18 watches were stolen. Total loss was estimated at $20,000.

Sept. 1 An individual stole a Wabash Cargo trailer containing $73,600 worth of appliances, electronic items and personal items intended for military personnel overseas. The trailer was removed from a cab parked at 1520 S. Powerline Rd.

Sept. 1 A man reported that his home at 1901 SW 15 Place was broken into. He reported that jewelry and a handgun were stolen. Loss was estimated at $7,900.

DEERFIELD — District 4

Aug. 26 Residential burglary took place in Deer Run, on SW 2 Court, between 7:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. Complainant reported that unknown person(s) had broken into residence. Point of entry was via the rear window, which was pried open. Taken from the residence was a 2’x2′ Brinks safe containing miscellaneous and jewelry. Note: Two windows were broken in the rear of the residence as one of them was an efficiency that is rented. Scene was processed for latent prints and the area was canvassed.

Aug. 27 Conveyance burglary was reported at Deerfield Mall, 3912 W. Hillsboro Blvd. between 4 and 11:30 p.m.Victims state that suspect(s) entered their locked pick-up trucks in the parking lot of Cici’s Pizza. Both vehicles had the door locks punched. Nothing was taken from the first vehicle and entry was not made on the second vehicle.

Aug. 28  Conveyance burglary in Starlight Cove occurred at 4101 NW 6 St. between 4:10 to 5:40 p.m. Unknown person smashed driver’s window and stole wallet containing driver’s license and credit cards. Evidence suggests that suspect broke acrylic nail when smashing window. Broken nail taken as evidence.

Please remember, if you see suspicious activity, call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Aug. 25 A woman parked her car at Children’s Castle at 4771 NE 22 Ave. She reported that while she was inside the building, someone entered her car and stole her pocketbook.

Aug. 25 A woman reported that while she was in the Trinity Church building at 3901 NE 22 Ave., someone entered her car and stole her purse.

Aug. 26 A man reported that someone entered his car parked at 3500 NE 27 Ave. and stole his wallet with a driver’s license, $150 and four credit cards. Also, stolen was an iPhone.

Aug. 27 A woman reported that someone entered her car at 3500 NE 27 Ave. She said that her purse with $100, a driver’s license, six credit cards and three pairs of glasses were stolen. One of her cards was used at six gas stations and a fast food restaurant.

Aug. 27 A woman was issued a trespass warning at Publix Supermarket at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. Store management believed she was attempting to steal items from the store.

RE: Pioneer Park

Dear Editor

On Aug. 31, I attended the presentation of the revised plan for Pioneer Park. The plan calls for a new ball field that is not large enough for adult or teenagers to play baseball or softball. The coaches and ball players in attendance all agreed that the city does not need another Little League field. We need fields for older kids and adults. Also the plans for boat trailer parking are for two rows of back-out-while-turning parking. It looks like a design for a Publix parking lot. Boat trailer parking should be drive-thru parking. I know two boaters who have had their trucks hit while parked there. There is not enough land to put proper boat parking, and even the small Little League field that we don’t need. Now the FDOT has offered a $400,000 grant to put an 8 ft. wide walkway in so they are going to put it between the boat parking and the proposed ball field and start it within 90 days.

A lovely and wise lady [Amie Kay Tanner] told us that Pioneer Park was the city’s first park. Her father helped build it in 1947. They had live oaks and picnic tables and people had family reunions there. I think the smartest plan would be to forget about the ball field. We don’t need it. Quickly redesign the plan with the new walkway moved over so that there will be room for drive-thru boat parking, and plant trees and put some picnic tables where the ball field would go. Remember that this is a waterfront park.

A few years ago, we had three good ball fields with lighting there, but the city bulldozed them and put in a softball field and a small practice field. The three fields were grandfathered in. We could not build them again because now we are required to have more green space and retention ponds. We don’t even have space now for a paved parking lot. The new plan calls for car parking on the grass of the green space. We wasted millions of dollars on this park a few years ago, let’s do it right this time.

Robert Lloyd

Deerfield Beach

Moonlight Melodies

Friday, Sept. 9, 7 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot, SE 1st St. and Ocean Wy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Performance by Scott Ringerson (“The Elvis Experience”). Free. Bring beach chair or blanket. 954-480-4430 or www.DeerfieldBeach.com.

Friday Evening Talent Show Social

Friday, Sept. 9, 6- 8 p.m.

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

Free admission. Meet and greet directors, teachers, actors. Get info on upcoming auditions and classes. Theatre games and refreshments. 561-447-8829. www.solchildren.org.

Deerfield Computer Club Class

Friday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. 

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

954-725-9331, 954-570-9470 or www.db-cc.org.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, Sept. 10, 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 transportation fee. 954-942-2102 or www.hillsborolighthouse.org.

After-Labor-Day Pompano Beach clean-up

Saturday, Sept. 10, 8 a.m. to noon (rain or shine)

Beach Pavilion #2 (just north of pier), Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Organized by The Pompano Beach Recycling and Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Gloves, trash bags and water will be supplied for volunteers, Pompano Beaches were awarded the “Blue Wave Award” by the Clean Beaches Council. For more information, call 954-786-4185.

9/11 Gift of Life Blood Drive

Sunday, Sept. 11, 1 to 6 p.m.

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

Hosted with Community Blood Centers of South Florida. Public invited. www.miznerpark.com or 561-362-0606.

A Patriotic Tribute

Sunday, Sept. 11, 7p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheater, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free to public. An incredible night of entertainment, guest speakers and local Clergy. Performance by The Liberty Voices.  Emceed by Mayor Lamar Fisher. Guest speaker – Chuck Lanza. American flag souvenirs will be given to all who attend. 954-786-4111.

Interfaith Family Day “A Sunday Afternoon in the Park”

Sunday, Sept. 11, 1 to 4 p.m.

Patch Reef Park, 2000 W. Yamato Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Activities for all ages. Picnic, music, conversation, kid’s korner, games and sports. Silent area of reflection will be available at this event.  561-997-0791.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to noon

Elks Lodge, 700 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Open to the public. Adults-$5/Children-$2.50. Hosted by Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES Drove 142. 954-725-5192.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m.

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

First meeting of the season. Woman’s Club member Soutien Peng, former Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations, will give a presentation on her country. For more information, leave a message at 954-421-4700.

Greater Pompano Beach Senior Citizen’s Club

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m.

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

Focus on general welfare, health, education and security of senior citizens in our area. Fun trips and outings.

Save the Date: 3rd Annual Ministry Fair

Monday, Sept. 26, Tuesday, Sept. 27, Thursday, Sept. 29, 6 to 8 p.m.

S. Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary, 1100 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Vendors: Apply today! Exhibit business or ministry for $25 donation (includes table and 2 chairs). Each student required to do minimum of 20 Christian Service hours at local church or para-church organizations. Opportunity to introduce your ministry/ business to student body.  Limited space available. 954-545-4500 or www.sfbc.edu.

Not too long ago, I did a tongue in cheek column about health insurance. While the piece was supposed to focus on the outrageous prices and the difficulties of getting coverage, especially if you have a pre-existing condition, many people focused, instead, on my jokingly stated verbage about seeking a young bride to lower the cost of my insurance premiums.

Well, for many, my tongue in cheek style was more like a foot in the mouth piece. While I know that a large portion of readers out there understood what I was trying to do, there were many who simply did not get it. I was accused of being immoral, of being willing to break the law, of being a dirty old man and of hating America. To those naysayers, all I can say is: What happened to your sense of humor?

Once this story appeared in The Observer, it took off and went rather viral. First, it was picked up by one of my favorite columnist, Frank Cerabino of the Palm Beach Post. Next, it went to Kaiser Health and, from there, National Public Radio picked it up. Then, the local Fox and NBC affiliate TV Stations … and, I have been told that it even made an Israeli Paper.

There were a lot of nasty comments. Some were so bad that they were removed from various websites because they crossed the line of protocol … anti-Semitic comments, anti-Clergy comments.

Some accused me of being to the left and some accused me of being to the right. The truth of the matter is I have usually tried to stay clear of politics and politicians. But, I have often said that if you put the Congress and the Senate and their families onto an HMO plan for just six months, then we would see just how quickly major changes will be made in our healthcare.

Thank G-d there were those who focused on the issue at hand. There were those who shared touching stories … stories of single mothers who are not sure if the money they earn should go to pay the mortgage or their health insurance.

Many suggested to me that I look into the pre-existing condition plans, but you must be without insurance for six months before you can even apply and who knows how long it takes for the application to go through. If, G-d forbid, something happens during that time, you could be cleaned out and in debt for life.

My cardiologist, Dr. Lawrence Weinstein, read the story and called to tell me that, if the time comes that I have to drop my insurance, not to worry, he will continue to care for me and he will do so at no charge. That’s right, a heart doctor with a heart!

Of all the comments that I read, one from a woman named Trena, who I do not know, summed it up so well. She said, “He’s joking people. This is humor, not a serious quest for a wife. He’s making a statement about the health insurance insanity.”

Trena gets it, and I hope you are smart enough to get it, too.

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. 

The first of a six public workshops addressing the redistricting of Broward County Commission districts takes place tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, West Banquet Room, 1801 N.E. Sixth Street in Pompano Beach.   Commissioner Chip LaMarca will attend tonight’s meeting.

The Broward County Commission is preparing a new Commission District map based upon 2010 Census data. Redistricting is required by the Broward County Charter to balance the populations of the nine single member districts and ensure residents have equal representation on the County Commission.
The public is invited to participate in the process by attending the workshops and by submitting maps of their own for the Commission’s consideration.

The six public workshops are:

Tuesday, September 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, West Banquet Room, 1801 N.E. Sixth St., Pompano Beach

Monday, October 3, 5 – 7 p.m.
West Lake Park – Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood

Several map options have already been prepared by County staff for the Commissioners to consider.  All eligible maps must meet the “Fair Districting” principles for Federal congressional and State legislative districts which were added to the Florida Constitution by voter referendum in the November 2010 election. Submitted maps that meet Fair Districting Standards will be sent to the Commission and all maps sent to the Commission will also be posted at www.broward.org/redistricting.

Residents are encouraged to participate in any of the workshops and submit their own suggestions for redistricting, by submitting paper maps or maps created in a web-based software, My District Builder.

Emily Chen won three events and helped the Deerfield Beach Dolphins win the South Florida Recreational Swim League large division title for the eighth consecutive season in the summer championships at Coral Springs Aquatic Complex. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Emily Chen enjoys swimming as much as she does competing with her teammates.

The 10-year-old member of the Deerfield Beach Dolphins recently flexed her muscles during the South Florida Recreational Swim League summer championships at Coral Springs Aquatic Complex.

Chen won three events while teammate Greg Kohner also helped lead the team to win the large division title for the eighth consecutive season, including the last four summer titles. It amassed 1,818 points to easily best runner-up Boca Raton Mantas, who has 673 points.

“I like just having fun and being able to be with my friends,” Chen said. “I felt very good about my races. Improving your time is important, and that makes you feel good, even if you don’t win the race. The best thing about swimming is being with your friends and having a good time.”

Kohner also swam well as he also captured three events and set three meet records along the way.

“I like swimming because it is the best sport for you,” Kohner said. “You get the workout and you are weightless. It is not that much strain on the joints. It is the only sport that I play where I actually feel good after a workout.”

Dolphins swim team head coach Rafael DeSilva and his fellow coaches dressed in costumes each day. He said it is all part of keeping it fun for the swimmers. This year, they have 193 swimmers on the competitive team and 225 in their program.

“We do more than just swimming in the program,” DeSilva said. “We want them to become better swimmers. We worked them tremendously on their techniques the last five years. If you put the fun, technique and the work ethic together, the results will come.”

DeSilva said they don’t leave anybody out when it comes to swimming in meets.

“Everybody swims three events,” DeSilva said. “We motivate them to swim and have that personal improvement. We celebrate a whole lot more when the kid improves their time than if a kid breaks a record. That, of course, is also nice.”

The league also established the Julie Cusmano Outstanding Parent Award that went to Margate Motion parent Miguel Arteaga.

South Florida Recreational Swim League president Chris Hoch said the parent award was named in honor of Deerfield Beach Dolphins parent Julie Cusmano who has had children in the program and did a lot for the league. This was her final meet since her son aged out.

“We are going to miss her,” Hoch said. “She has done a lot for the league.”

Dave Montalbano & Michael Berryman

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Hurricane Irene damaged the box office. Don’t Wait Until Dark performed poorly, but this Guillermo Del Toro production has a second chance this weekend for much-deserved redemption. This great date movie is the summer’s best monster movie.

With no relation to the Lee Marvin classic from 1967, Point Blank is a French Film with English subtitles that needs no dialogue. This visual treat opens at a breakneck pace and never lets up, yet provides just enough character identification to merit audience empathy.

When a thief with mob connections ends up in the hospital, an unlucky male nurse is blackmailed by the mob bosses to free the thief. To make matters worse for the male nurse, his wife is suffering from a problem pregnancy when she is kidnapped by sinister forces. Point Blank draws the audience into a roller coaster world in which the bad guys are not so bad and the good guys are not as good as they appear. Not a moment of film is wasted up to the final frame.

As the summer blockbuster season slows down, the convention and festival season pick up. Six years ago, Petey Mongelli staged Screamfest in Coral Springs and Hurricane Wilma destroyed Broward County for two weeks. Screamfest, which began in 2002 originally, outgrew Broward and evolved into Spooky Empire’s Ultimate Horror Weekend, the biggest horror movie convention in Southern United States.

Staged in Orlando, this year’s Spooky Empire will be held Oct. 7-9 (www.spookyempire.com). Headliners include Malcolm McDowell, Lance Henriksen, Michael Berryman, and artist Barry Anderson and Night of the Living Dead’s Bill Hinzman continue their perfect attendance.

When asked about the migration to Orlando, Petey replied, “We outgrew Broward. The convention grew bigger and bigger, and the Wyndham Hotel on International Drive provided a suitable venue for the Creepy Car/Hearst Show and the Zombie Walk, which involves thousands of volunteers.” While Petey will continue his Spooky Empire in Orlando, next year he plans a 10-year retrospective in Broward County.

As Spooky Empire concludes, the 26th Annual Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival begins. Director Gregory von Hausch has been playing close to the vest, but this Labor Day weekend, he plans to reveal the listing of filmmakers, special guests and key dates for festival screenings, parties and events. (Fest runs Oct. 21-Nov. 11). For more information, visit www.fliff.com.