RE: Utility Tax, FPL bills

Dear Editor:

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” That is a fitting quote for what the city has done to thwart the will of the voters who signed the Rescind Unfair Taxes petition.

In the beginning, the city attorney told us the goal was 10 percent of 41,850 registered voters at the last municipal election. Not so, said the Supervisor of Elections (SOE). The number is 41,280. So we did not have to get 4,200 signatures to have our petition validated …  only 4,128.

On Wednesday, Rescind Unfair taxes paid the city $47 to have copies made of all the signatures we had submitted to the city clerk on Sept. 6. That gave us the opportunity to count every signature, for a total of 6,220. The SOE only got 5,614. What happened to the other 606?

In addition, a letter to the Supervisor of Elections, the Deerfield City Clerk with the approval of the city attorney, asked that the precinct numbers be verified. The Supervisor of Elections stated that they have never been required to validate precinct numbers to verify that the signer was a registered voter. The Deerfield charter asks that the precinct be added, but nowhere does the charter ask that the number be verified. In our conversation with the Division of Elections, we were told that if the city charter did not specify that the precincts had to be verified, the SOE could have ignored the directive from the City of Deerfield Beach that made that demand, since the state statute does not require precinct verification to identify a registered voter.

Since Dr. Snipes claims their hands were tied, the SOE threw out 973 names and disenfranchised those voters at the request of the city clerk and the city attorney. The map given to us to determine the precincts was defective and inadequate, to say the least. The job done by the SOE was not stellar either. They threw out any voter who had a Pompano Beach address, thereby eliminating at least 12 registered voters, although these were newly-annexed registered voters. They threw out the name of Gloria Battle as being in the wrong district, whatever that meant.

With FPL charging residents a 10 percent utility tax for usage in September when the tax was not effective until Oct. 1, and the city making the same error on the water bills, maybe it’s time for the city to listen to the majority of the city residents and rescind this oppressive tax.

Jean Robb

Chairperson, Rescind Unfair Taxes, Deerfield Beach, FL

Editor’s note: “Management has become aware of a billing cycle issue regarding the public service tax (utility tax). “We are in the process of working to address the situation, and will provide an update as soon as more details become available,” said the city last Friday.

As of press time Wednesday: “We are still reviewing the Florida Statutes to determine what actions to take. We recognize there is a misperception about the October billing cycle, but would not describe it as a ‘problem.’ Nonetheless, we are reviewing what option the City may take if in fact we deem it to be an issue.”

RE: FPL bill

Dear Editor:

Well, it’s here … my electric bill at my repair shop in Deerfield. Ready for this? These are the actual numbers of all the taxes on the bill. Gross receipts tax: $8.05, Utility tax: $23.19 and Florida Sales Tax: $23.89. Never mind the Franchise Charge: $19.31, whatever that is. So the Grand Total of taxes is $55.13. Multiply that times 12 … the Grand Total per year just in taxes is $651.56. What about the electric? Oh, that’s only $310.78. Thanks to all, we will be out of business soon, or we will have to raise our prices just to pay taxes.

P.S. Did not see the house electric bill yet, which is also in Deerfield. Double tax … why not?

Steven Fabrizio

  Deerfield Beach, FL

Got Books?

Collection boxes located at: Boys & Girls Club of Broward County                             

Jim & Jan Moran Unit, 27 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

954-725-5545

Contributions of new and gently used children’s books are being collected during Oct. and Nov. for distribution on Nov. 18 to families who cannot afford books.

Family Halloween Hoedown

Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 to 9 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Halloween games, activities, petting zoo, costume, pie eating, pumpkin carving contests.  Hayrides, pumpkin patch and refreshments for a small fee. 954-480-4495.

Pompano Republican Club meeting

Thursday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.

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

Speaker, Mark McCarthy, Treasurer of Broward Republican Executive Committee, speaks about Florida Presidential Primary. Open to public and refreshments served.

954-786-7536 or www.pompanobeachgop.com.

City of Pompano Beach Halloween Fun Fair

Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

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

For children 10 and under. $2 per child or bring two canned goods to be donated to Our Father’s Soup Kitchen and St. Laurence Chapel. Children’s activities, including bounce houses, rock climbing wall, games, food, antique fire truck, face painting, magic show, costumes on parade, pumpkin carving and decorating contest. All pumpkins should be carved and decorated prior to the event. 954-786-4111.

Movie in the Park: Tangled

Friday, Oct. 28, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6 St. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Bring blanket or lawn chairs. Refreshments available for purchase. 954-480-4430.

Family Hayride and Campfire

Friday, Oct. 28, 7 to 9:30 p.m.

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

$3.50, includes hayride and one bag of s’mores. Reservations required. 954-357-5100.

2nd Annual Halloween Spooktacular Costume Party

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Christine’s on the Green, Deerfield Country Club, 50 Fairway Dr. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 

Featuring the Live Wire band playing R&B, Dance, Top 40 music from 8 p.m. to midnight. No Cover Charge! Costume Contests – Most Original, Sexiest, Scariest. 954-427-4400, ext. 201.

Free Community Day/ Health Fair

Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Food Bazaar, 202 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free services including health fair, entertainment, car wash, words of inspiration,  kids’ corner, haircuts, clothing bank, giveaways, unlimited food and multiple vendors. Commissioner Preston will also speak.

Family Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 29, 3 to 6 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church  , 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Kids can wear costumes and trick-or-treat in classrooms. Also, games, crafts, pizza/pasta plus trimmings $4. Bring canned goods for Gateway Community Outreach. Bring entry for pie/cookie baking contest and bake sale. Music by Fiddleworks and Maria’s House students. Church service after festivities. 954-427-0222.

Intracoastal History Tours

Sunday, Oct. 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Deerfield Island Park , 1720 Deerfield Island Park, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Walk and boat tour discusses changes at Deerfield Island Park and relevance to South Florida. Ages 6 and up, $5 per person. Participants must be at Sullivan dock by 9:30 a.m. to catch the boat shuttle. Limited space, pre-registration required. 954-357-5100.

Halloween Festivities at Westside Park

Monday, Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m.

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St. (west football field), Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Carnival-like atmosphere with games, prizes, treats and costume contest. 954-480-4481.

SAVE THE DATE: Job Fair

Saturday, Nov. 19, noon to 4 p.m.

Hilton Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sponsored by Toyota of Deerfield Beach. Free, except table and sign charge.  Contact Ted Smith: 561-310-0109.

Classic Car Show

Sunday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Rescheduled from date of Pink Heals Tour. Sponsored by Olympia Flame, BSO, City Of Deerfield and others. $20 classic car registration. Benefits Greater Broward Firefighter Cancer charities. Gourmet food trucks. Dash plaques and trophies, kids activities. 954-410-5536 or jpmiranda@comcast.net.

It was just one year ago, Oct. 26, 2010, that Joseph Stein passed away. He was the man who took a short story written by Sholom Aleichem and turned it into both the stage and screen production of Fiddler on the Roof.

“If I were a rich man…”

Ah, to be rich… How many of us haven’t wondered what it would be like? How many of us haven’t thought, if only we had money… all our problems would disappear, we could do whatever we wanted, we wouldn’t have a worry in the world?

But now, rich is not enough… you have to be mega-rich. If you’re wondering what mega-rich is, I took a very non-scientific poll.

Most people I asked came up with a number between $12 and $17 million in order to be considered mega-rich.

Many said, “What’s a million dollars these days?” Well, I can tell you this… it’s a lot more than many of us will ever have. And most said they would not feel fully secure with $2 or $3 million in the bank (or tucked inside their mattress for that matter).

I recently worked with some people that I strongly suspect are in the category of the super wealthy and, oddly enough, even though they needed care (24-hour care at that), they either felt that they could not afford it, or they simply did not want to part with their money. One, who is in his 90s, even said that he needed to save his money for his old age.

So let me ask you, how much is enough? How much money would it take to make you happy?

The other day I dealt with the children of an extremely wealthy woman. She had died and they were fighting over the estate. It seems their mother had the nerve to divide everything equally between them. But each wanted more; each wanted a greater share.

The children were so busy fighting with one another that I took it upon myself to call the Private Duty Aide and thank her for the way she had cared for the deceased so angelically in her final years on this Earth.

She thanked me for the call and, before I hung up, she said, “Rabbi, did you hear what she did?” I asked what, and she told me, “Rabbi, I can’t believe it, she left me a lot of money. Rabbi, I never expected it and I have never had so much money at one time in my entire life.”

I can assure you that to the children it is not a big amount (if it were, I suspect they would contact a lawyer)… but while they are busy fighting over their inheritance and filled with hate, anger, and jealousy… the Aide is praising the memory of the woman she took care of and thanking G-d for granting her such wealth.

“Who is really rich? The one who is satisfied with their share.” (Sayings of our Fathers, 6:9).

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.

Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives have caught three criminals who burglarized two homes Oct. 5 as the homeowners slept in their beds.

Two of the suspects were caught on video concealing their faces and spray painting the lens of a surveillance camera on the patio of a Deerfield Beach home. Then they slipped inside and stole $30,000 dollars in jewelry, electronics, checks, and other property. Detectives believe the teens possibly intended to steal the family Corvette but the dog scared them away before they could take it. Detectives recovered some of the stolen property, but they have yet to find Barbara Rysavy’s wedding ring. Earlier in the night, they crept into a Tamarac woman’s home as she slept, and stole a computer and a 2008 BMW. They drove the car to the Deerfield Beach burglary and later abandoned it.

The burglars, Brianna Anderson, David Nicholas and a 17-year-old suspect have been charged with multiple counts including burglary, grand theft, grand theft auto and criminal mischief. The 17-year-old was also charged with violation of probation. After the burglaries, detectives got a crucial clue when Anderson tried to cash checks stolen from the homeowners. She was charged with two counts of uttering a forged check.

Anyone with additional information about these suspects, the location of the missing wedding ring or the other unsolved burglaries can contact Det. Scott Nida at at (954) 480-4316, Det. Mike Colantuno at (954) 720-2225 or report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.

This year, Island Water Sports cancelled its Midnight Madness, but in its place, they created Daytime Radness from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m on Oct. 21. Teens came in droves to the Island Water Sports parking lot where vendors like Vans and QuikSilver set up tents. A Van’s goat skate ramp was set up for teens to show their skating skills. There were raffle prizes and even a bit of a dance off. Kids mingled, shopped in the store and beat the heat with water guns. Proceeds benefitted The Observer’s Karen Rice, who is battling lung cancer. They also received denim jeans (over 700 pair) for the homeless.

BSO deputies are investigating a child bitten by a dog at the 300 block of SE 1 Street. The eight-year-old boy was outside his residence when a loose pit bull attacked him. As the child ran into his house, the dog chased him inside. Family members shooed-off the dog and first-arriving BSO deputies gave chase on foot after the dog. They ran after the dog for about two blocks, and as they reached the pit bull, it was attempting to attack another dog. Deputies confined the pit bull until Broward County Animal Care and Regulation workers arrived and removed the dog. The child was treated by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Deerfield Beach units then airlifted via BSO Air Rescue to Broward General Medical Center, arriving at the hospital at 7:19 p.m. Sunday. The child was reported to be conscious and breathing and sustained a laceration to the face and multiple bites. Injuries are non life-threatening. The call was received at 6:40 p.m.

By Scott Morganroth

On Oct. 15, 2010, ground was broken on the new FAU stadium and, exactly one year later, the $70 million facility hosted the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers as the start of a new era began in FAU Sports History.

Construction workers worked seven days a week, giving up their Sundays, to make Saturday’s opener a reality. This is the only stadium in the United States where you can see the Atlantic Ocean, only 2.1 miles away.

But the road to this beautiful venue saw Coach Howard Schnellenberger, Athletic Director Craig Angelos, former President Frank Brogan and his successor Dr. Mary Jane Saunders witness some lopsided defeats to some of the most heralded football programs in the country.

FAU took the guaranteed large payouts to Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Texas and USF.

There were four notable wins as FAU defeated Hawaii, Central Michigan, Memphis and Minnesota.

A year ago, the Michigan State Spartans were supposed to open up FAU Stadium, but that never materialized. FAU’s home game was moved to Ford Field as the Owls shared a home with the Detroit Lions. FAU lost this game, 30-17.

So instead of seeing the Spartans, Owls fans saw their team lose 0-20 to the Hilltoppers in front of 29,103 people. Score could have been worse for FAU if Western Kentucky would have converted three field goals and an extra point.

But these numbers tell the story!

FAU had only six first downs, 25 rushing and 121 total yards. More importantly, Owls fans will have to wait until Saturday against Middle Tennessee State to see the first points in the new stadium at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, No. 23 Michigan State defeated state rival No. 11 Michigan 28-14 in East Lansing, a place that wasn’t kind to the Owls earlier this year. The Spartans whitewashed FAU 44-0 on Sept. 10 in East Lansing.

When the contest was over, there was a huge sense of happiness and relief that the new on-campus stadium dream has become a reality.

By the same token, now that the opener is over, reality has set in that FAU is, currently, 0-6 and 0-3 in the Sun Belt Conference. Owls are in last place and know they have to start winning games.

Quarterback David Kooi said, “Our offense was shaky and we put no points on the board. We didn’t execute and just hurt ourselves. This was a great atmosphere and we didn’t get the job done. I just want to say I’m sorry to the fans.”

Running back Alfred Morris added, “I’m very disappointed and wanted it so bad. We just couldn’t get it together. This was a very exciting atmosphere. It was crazy. We’ll try to get them next time.”

Senior defensive back Marcus Bartels was in a somber mood when he said, “I never expected this. We feel like we let everybody down. I want to apologize to the fans.”

Coach Schnellenberger said,” I’ve never been in a situation like this before. We worked so hard and so long to make this stadium. We played badly on the offensive side of the ball. We expected to win this game, but, yet, played so poorly in front of dedicated fans. That’s what happened and I have to deal with that. I’m the coach and I have to do fix this situation.”

Former Owls QB Rusty Smith, now of the Tennessee Titans, came in town due to his teams bye week. On this day, the Owls could have used him in his old No.11 jersey.

But now, the stadium is open for business. The team has to focus on winning since there will be no more hype. It’s all business as the Owls hope to send Schnellenberger out on a respectable note with six games left in his 52-year coaching career.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Variety is the theme for this weekend’s movie openings, Sholem Aleichem is a spirited documentary about a Jewish writer who came to America and helped define his culture. A contemporary of Chekhov and Gogol, Aleichem was a major influence on Philip Roth and Woody Allen. Fiddler on the Roof is based upon his stories about Old Europe.

A French film with English subtitles, Mozart’s Sister is a tale for music historians. The older sister of the famed Wolfgang Amadeus, Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart (Marie Féret) lives in the musical shadow of her famed brother. A musical prodigy herself, Nannerl sheds gender conformity by making friends with the royal children of King Louis XV.

This weekend formally  kicks off the 26th Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), which moves the opening night gala at the Signature Grand to Saturday night. Besides Penelope Ann Miller, Senator George Mc-Govern and Dennis Haysbert, Beau Bridges has been added to this weekend’s festivities.

Bridges will be screening Don’t Fade Away on Sunday at Cinema Paradiso. It’s likely he will discuss “the family business;” his brother is Jeff Bridges, his father is the late Lloyd Bridges. The family Bridges filmed the classic television show Sea Hunt, which was partially shot in South Florida.

Beau played husband to Norma Rae, the film that garnered Sally Field her first Oscar. Jeff and Beau portrayed The Fabulous Baker Boys and attempted to woo Michelle Pfeiffer by tickling her ivories.

It is on television that Beau received his most critical praise, most notably earning the Emmy Award for portraying a historical figure in Without Warning – The James Brady Story. Not one to stay typecast in a genre, Beau had a recurring role in Stargate SG-1 and was the patriarch in Harts of the West, co-starring Harley Jane Kozak.

With the expansion into the Bahamas, Sunrise and Pompano, the emphasis for FLIFF26 is community outreach, which is why I have donated a hardcover edition of my book, The Adventures of Cinema Dave in the Florida Motion Picture World to the gala’s silent auction.

Along with the 665-page volume, I have donated various cinema artifacts from my “cave,” all encased in an old-fashioned suitcase that used to transport a ventriloquist’s dummy. For film and party listings, celebrity sightings and information about “The Cinema Dave Adventure Pack,” contact FLIFF staff at 954-525-FILM.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Oct.14 A man reported that an air conditioning unit was stolen from a residence at 248 SW 3 St.

Oct.14 A woman parked her car at 1000 E. Hillsboro Blvd. When she returned, she noticed that her car had been broken into and her purse stolen.

Oct.14 A woman reported that her car parked at 1959 SE 3 St. was entered and a tennis racket and two bags of clothing were stolen.

Oct.15 A woman reported her car parked at 2201 W. Sample Rd. broken into and her purse with personal identification and papers was stolen.

Oct.15 A man reported his bicycle stolen from a shopping plaza at 1895 W. Hillsboro Blvd. The man was eating lunch at a restaurant when the bicycle was stolen.

Oct.15 The company office at Westway Towing, 2571 W. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken into. The individual responsible for the break-in used tools from the storage room to cut into the company safe. An undetermined amount of cash was stolen.

Oct. 15 Two men reported that four men with a gun approached them in a parking lot at 2430 Country Club Blvd. The women had their purses forcibly removed. Later, police detained for investigation four men suspected of the crime.

Oct.15 A man reported that his car parked at 4031 NE 4 Ave. was broken into and an empty duffel bag stolen.

Oct. 16 A man was arrested for possession of marijuana at 1433 SE 8 St.

DEERFIELD — District 4

Oct. 15 Armed robbery arrest in Deer Creek at the 2400 block of Country Club Blvd.,  just after 2:30 a.m.   BSO deputies responded to an armed robbery that had just occurred.Two female victims were exiting their vehicle when two suspects approached, demanding their purses. One suspect was armed with a firearm. Suspects fled in a vehicle with the victims’ property; deputies quickly BOLO’d the information. One of the on-duty Deerfield Beach supervisors spotted the suspect vehicle and coordinated a felony traffic stop. Four suspects were taken into custody. District deputies did an excellent job with communication and apprehension of suspects. Investigation is continuing.

If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please call 911.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Oct. 10 A woman reported that her car parked at 2151 NE 42 Court was broken into. Papers were scattered and a GPS was stolen.

Oct. 11 A man reported that the woman who owns the apartment he is living in stole his cell phone. Police have reported many altercations between the man and the woman. The woman said the man has not been paying rent and she is in the process of evicting him. The man reported that the woman has been harassing him. The incident was reported at 2100 NE 38 St.

Oct. 11 A police officer noticed evidence that a car parked at 2701 NE 53 Court had been entered. The officer contacted the woman who owns the car. She saw her car had been entered and noticed that her GPS and its charger had been stolen.

Oct. 11 A man rented a car while his was being repaired. He became ill and required hospitalization. When he returned to his home at 2100 NE 38 St., he noticed the car missing. He reported the car stolen.

Oct. 12 A man reported that the left wheel of his car was stolen. The incident was reported at 2700 NE 46 St.

RE: Immigration — Excerpted from letter from retired border patrol agent

Dear Senator Frist:

There is a huge amount of propaganda and myths circulating about illegal aliens, particularly illegal Mexican, Salvadorian, Guatemalan and Honduran aliens.

• Illegal aliens generally do NOT want U.S. citizenship. Americans are very vain thinking that everybody in the world wants to be a U.S. citizen. Mexicans, and other nationalities, want to remain citizens of their home countries while obtaining the benefits offered by the United States, such as employment, medical care, in state tuition, government-subsidized housing and free education for their offspring. Their main attraction is employment, and their loyalty usually remains at home. They want benefits earned and subsidized by middle class Americans. What illegal aliens want are benefits of American residence without paying the price.

• There are no jobs that Americans won’t do. Illegal aliens are doing jobs that Americans could otherwise take and still support their families. Illegal aliens take low-wage jobs, live dozens in a single residence, share expenses and send money to their home country. There are no jobs that Americans won’t do for a decent wage.

• Every person who illegally entered this nation left a home. They are NOT homeless and they are NOT Americans. Some left jobs in their home countries. They come to send money to their real home, as evidenced by the more than $20 billion sent out of the country each year by illegal aliens. These illegal aliens knowingly and willfully entered this nation in violation of the law and, therefore, assumed the risk of detection and deportation. Those who brought their alien children assumed the responsibility and risk on behalf of their children.

• The United States is welcoming legal immigrants. Illegal aliens are not immigrants by definition. The U.S. accepts more lawful immigrants every year than the rest of the world combined.

For about four decades American politicians have refused to secure our borders and look after the welfare of middle class Americans. These politicians have been of both parties. Do you have the courage to do what is right for America? Or, will you bow to the wants and needs of those who don’t even have the right to remain here?

David J. Stoddard

US Border Patrol (Ret.)

Hereford , AZ