DEERFIELD BEACH

Dec.16 A man was arrested and charged with a narcotics felony at 300 NW 1 Ave. He was in possession of an MDMA tablet and marijuana.

Dec.17 The theft of 10 cell phones valued at $5,844.95 was reported from Verizon Wireless at 3656 W. Hillsboro Blvd. There were no signs of forced entry. Person who filed the complaint said that a person who was recently fired from the company had a key to the building.

Dec.17 A man reported his home at 3861 NW 3 Ave. broken into. He said that an X-Box 360 and 10 video games, an MP3 Player and clothing were stolen. He estimated the value of the stolen items at $1,065.

Dec. 18 A woman was arrested and charged with petty theft after stealing four bottles of perfume valued at $84.96 from T.J. Maxx at 3812 W. Hillsboro Blvd. She was issued a Notice to Appear and released.

Dec. 18 A woman was arrested and charged with petty theft after stealing $135 in clothing and jewelry from Rainbow Apparel at 3860 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Dec.18 It was reported that three vehicles had three windows smashed at 1901 SW 15 St.

Dec. 18 A man reported his home at 920 NE 50 Court broken into and an X-Box 360, 100 CDs and a DVD player stolen.

Dec.18 A man reported his home at 1030 SW 14 St. broken into, two rooms ransacked, company checks and one uncashed business check for $14,000 stolen.

Dec. 18 A man reported his apartment at 821 SE 9 St. broken into and a gold watch and $1,500 stolen.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Dec. 7-8 Residential burglary took place in Deer Creek, 3135 Lakeshore Dr., between 3 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. Neighbor of victim reported that unknown suspect(s) entered through a rear-window (possibly jimmied lock), checked interior, but did not leave with any property that reportee is aware of. Victim is in New York. Scene was processed with positive results; canvass negative.

Dec. 7 Residential burglary was reported in Riverglen, 120 NW 45 Ave.  between 7:30 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. Unknown suspects entered the victim’s home, by breaking the front glass window, and removed numerous TV’s, computers and cameras while the victim was at work. Total loss $5,200. Scene was processed with latent fingerprints obtained.

Nov. 28-Dec. 7 Residential burglary occurred in Deer Creek, 2690 Kelleybrooke Lane. Caretaker of residence advised between noted dates, unknown suspect(s) broke into residence by smashing rear sliding glass door. Once inside, unknown suspects(s) ransacked bedrooms and bathrooms. It is unknown if anything was taken. Owners live permanently in New Jersey and could not be reached.

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

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Dec. 10 A man reported four hubcaps stolen from his car at 3801 NE 26 Ave.

Dec. 10 A man reported two hubcaps stolen from his car at 3721 NE 27 Ave.

Dec.14 A man was arrested and charged with burglary and battery. He forced his way into his mother’s home at 2880 Marina Cir. She has told her son that he is no longer welcome at her home. The woman said her son has broken into her home and stolen items.

Dec. 14 A woman reported jewelry from her home at 1961 NE 35 St. stolen. She believes two former neighbors stole the jewelry. She said that when the neighbors abandoned their apartment and left the area, she was permitted to enter the apartment. The woman reported finding some of her jewelry items. She estimated the value of her stolen jewelry to be $1,300.

Holiday scam hits home

Dear Editor:

This is the time of year when we are busy with holiday preparations, looking forward to seeing family and friends. That is what I would like to be doing.

Instead of last-minute shopping and gift wrapping, I am cleaning fingerprint dust off nightstands, doors, jewelry boxes and filing cabinets.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, we were lured into our backyard on the pretense that a neighbor cutting his foliage was going to have it fall into our yard. We were kept in the backyard long enough for someone else to enter our house and steal our possessions.

I hope that everyone will remember: Do not open your doors to strangers and do not get lured away from your door for even a second. It’s not the first time this has happened in The Cove area.

We always feel safe in our own homes, which is the way it should be, but those days may be gone, which is really sad. My family has lived in this house since 1957.

My wish for everyone is to have a safe holiday, and a safe year.

Sallie E. Jenkinson

Deerfield Beach

Candlelight, carols with Rock Band

Friday, Dec. 23, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 24, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater , 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Get into the Christmas spirit with Journey Church band outdoors at Mizner Park. Candlelight service. Families, local residents, visitors welcome.

All People’s Day Puppetry Extravaganza

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m.

Heart Painter Studio/Gallery, Royal Palm Place, 310 Esplanade, Suite 50 A, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Children can make puppets and perform on a puppet stage. The theme is bullying and resolution. $10 donation. Half of proceeds go to create the free All People’s Day Diversity Festival in Delray Beach this March. PRE-REGISTER to save a place and get more info – call Susan at 561-495-9818.

Holiday Fantasy of Lights

Through Jan. 2, 6 to 10 p.m.

Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Drive through three miles of animated holiday displays. $13 per car. Mon-Wed, $10. $3 for 3 pair of 3-D glasses. www.holidaylightsdrivethru.com.

North Pole Village

Through Jan. 8, 6 to 8 p.m. (daily)

1498 SW 2 St., Boca Raton, FL 33486

For the past eight years, Boca Raton resident Lance Liebl has delighted the community with this holiday display of lights and a miniature village complete with a train running by it. No charge for admission, Donations benefit Hospice by the Sea, Inc. Tomasso’s Pizza certificate for 20 percent off one of their delicious meals will be given to anyone donating more than $10 or more. 561-376-1198.

Chanukah

Pompano Beach

Thursday, December 22, 5:30pm

Pompano Citi Centre (in the courtyard), 1955-201 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Menorah lighting. Local dignitaries, sand art for kids, hot latkes, doughnuts, music, raffles! FREE!

Deerfield Beach

Sunday, December 25, 5 p.m.

S. Ocean Way (between 1 and 2 streets by the Main Beach Parking Lot)

Grand lighting of 9′ Menorah. Local dignitaries, sand art for kids, hot latkes, jelly doughnuts, music, dreidels, raffles!  FREE! For more info., call 347-410-1106 or visit www.JewishLHP.com.

Christmas Services

Deerfield Beach

Christian Love Fellowship Church

Christmas Day, 10 a.m.

747 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For information, call 954-428-8980.

Community Presbyterian Church

Christmas Eve, 6 p.m., Christmas Day, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-427-0222.

First Baptist Deerfield Beach

Christmas Eve, 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Day, 10:30 a.m.

701 NE 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, 954-427-1216

New Horizon Church

Christmas Day, 10 a.m.

841 SE 2 Court, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For information, call 954-427-3045.

St. Ambrose

Christmas Eve, 4, 5:30, 7:30, 9 p.m. and midnight

Christmas Day, 7:30, 9, 10:30, noon and 6 p.m.

380 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-427-2225.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

417 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Christmas Eve, 5 p.m., Christmas Day, 11 a.m.

For more information, call 954-428-3040.

Zion Lutheran Church

Christmas Eve, 5:30, 8 and 10:30 p.m.

Christmas Day, 10 a.m., 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For information, call 954-421-3146.

Pompano Beach

First Presbyterian, “The Pink Church”

Christmas Eve, 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m., Christmas Day, 10 a.m.

2331 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

For more information, call 954-941-2308

Grace Baptist Church

Christmas Day, 10:45 a.m.

501 NE 48 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

For more information, call 954-421-0190.

I remember the feelings I had when I first found out I was going to be a father.

Most fathers have nine months to prepare. You get the news, you look at the calendar, you figure out the day of the birth and you begin to prepare. These days, you can even find out what the gender is, so you can even prepare by having everything set up whether you are having a boy or a girl.

In our case, all of our children are adopted so we really didn’t have that kind of preparation time. In fact, the amount of time we had to prepare was actually in reverse order of their birth.

With Ana, we had no notice. Someone literally knocked on the door, put her in Beth’s arms and said, “I’ll bring her things tomorrow.” She has been with us ever since. Because of that visit, our lives will never be the same. She completely changed the dynamics of our family forever. For one thing, after two boys, I was not prepared for a little girl.

Isaiah was a little longer. We were notified about five days before he was born and Beth actually was able to be there and see him a couple of hours after he was born. For me, it was a little bit longer because we had to finalize all the legal documents for Isaiah to leave Pennsylvania and travel to Texas. What an exciting time! Samuel and I arrived at the airport a bit early, waiting for Beth to walk through the door with this little boy who would change our lives forever.

The longest we had to wait was for Samuel. In April of 1997, we were notified that we might have the opportunity and then, about four months later, he arrived.

I have been studying for some weeks now Luke 1 and 2 getting ready for Christmas messages. The thing that has impacted me is Joseph. He had made all the right choices and was obviously a Godly man who could be trusted.  Why else would God choose this man to raise His only begotten Son? He was doing all the right things. He had learned a trade. We know he was a carpenter. He was successful enough that he was in a position to get married and provide for a family. He had all the hopes and dreams that a man getting ready to begin his life would have. Then, his wife-to-be shows up pregnant, proclaiming that the baby was God’s son. Now, that’s a major change. How does he respond? Matthew says he took her into his house to live as his wife. Joseph was really an amazing man. So little is known or written about Joseph, but, at the same time, we learn so much from him about what it means to be a Godly father and Husband.

First of all, he put aside all of his pride and rights as a man to follow God’s plan for his life, even though it was a plan that really made no sense to him. Secondly, he cared for a woman that was carrying someone else’s child.

Thirdly, he raised the child as his own, the whole time knowing that this child was the Son of God.

We know that Joseph did teach Him the Word of God because, at the end of chapter two, we hear the story of Jesus at the temple. The passage says that, after three days in the temple courts, the religious leaders of the day marveled at his knowledge of the scripture because he was 100 percent man, as well as 100 percent God. He had to learn the truths of God’s Word. It was Joseph who taught him.

We also know Joseph taught his other children, because the New Testament book of James was written by James, the brother of Jesus.

When we think of Christmas, we think of the baby Jesus, Mary his mother, the wise men, the shepherds and the angels’ announcement. Let’s take some time this Christmas to learn from one of the greatest fathers in history, Joseph.

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

Melvin Randall entered this week with a 403-131 career coaching record. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

And the wins keep coming.

Blanche Ely boys’ basketball coach Melvin Randall moved into an exclusive club when he won his 400th career game on Nov. 29 with an 84-41 victory over Monarch.

Randall, in his 11th year at Ely, credited the influence of four former Broward coaching greats for his success – the late Butch Ingram, Greg Samuels, John Keister and Wade Edmond.

Randall began his coaching career as an assistant to Edmond at Ely and then moved on to Deerfield Beach where he was a head coach starting in 1992 through 2000 and won state titles in 1997 and 1999 with the Bucks and in 2007 with the Tigers.

“To be in it for this long and still have that energy,” said Randall, who is 403-131 in his 19-year coaching career, including 203-78 at Ely. “I don’t know if it is strange or abnormal, but I know that there have been many like (Dillard girls coach) Marcia Pinder [who] has been in it for many, many years.”

“I am still having fun doing what I am doing,” Randall added. “I am blessed and I feel that I am giving back what I have gotten out of it when I was in high school and in college.”

The Tigers went on a 20-6 run in the second quarter to open a 35-19 halftime lead and coasted to its fourth victory of the season, 69-51 over visiting Boyd Anderson on Saturday night.

Clide Geffrard finished with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Derek Walker added 19 points and eight rebounds. Josephus Bell added 10. Krishaun Myers had five points and five assists.

Randall, a 1981 South Plantation High graduate who went on to Mercer University in Macon, GA before returning to South Florida, said he still enjoys the Xs and Os and said his assistant coaches continue to bring the energy to the gym.

“They keep me going as well with new ideas,” said the 48-year-old Randall, who lives in Ft. Lauderdale. “Whether it is offensively or defensively, I am always open to new ideas. If you were to walk in the gym, you wouldn’t know who [is] the head coach and that is how I have been for years.”

He said he is also pleased with the success he has had throughout his career, in which he has averaged more than 20 wins a year.

“I am very proud of that,” Randall said. “It is not so much the Ws and the Ls, but to have a record of my seniors going off to school. That is the most important thing to me and then seeing them come back or to see them do well as young men.”

Simply Soccer Camp

The city of Pompano will host a Simply Soccer holiday break camp from Dec. 19-22 for boys and girls, ages 5-14, and of all skill levels, who will be taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting.

There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cost is $75); extended hours camp is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $100, and a Tiny Tot program is offered for kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to noon for $50. Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. You do not have to be a city resident to attend. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Department at 954-786-4119.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Last weekend may go down as one of the most dismal Decembers in box office history. Gary Marshall’s New Year’s Eve was the top of the heap, with a meager $13 million and bad reviews. The award-winning Hugo is losing money. Even the positive word of mouth has done very little to boost the profile of Arthur Christmas.

Of all the movies on the big screen, The Muppets is perhaps enjoying the strongest word of mouth and steadiest revenue. From beginning to end, it is an entertaining motion picture for both children and adults who grew up with the Muppets for the past 40 years.

Brothers Walter (A new Muppet voiced by Peter Linz) and Gary (Jason Segal, who co wrote the screenplay) travel to Hollywood to meet the Muppets. Taking Gary’s girlfriend Mary (adorable Amy Adams) with them, Walter and Gary tell the Muppets that they have not been relevant to the public since 1978.

Taking advantage of the Muppet’s low profile in pop culture, Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) has plans to destroy the Muppets’ studio and build oil wells.

Of course, Kermit the Frog comes to the rescue and decides to produce a show, just like the old days.  Celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, Mickey Rooney and Selena Gomez donate their time to serve on the Muppet Tele-phone. Along the way, Fozzie Bear tells some stupid jokes and Amy Adams gets to sing two good songs. Right up to the clever closing gag, The Muppets deserves its success for being so entertaining.

Opening tomorrow in local theaters is Blackthorn, an  intriguing western. James Blackthorn is the alias of infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy (Sam Shepard), an old man with regrets. Deciding to reconnect with his only remaining family, Blackthorn treks back to the United States after years in exile.

Lacking the big budget of last summer’s Cowboys & Aliens, Blackthorn succeeds with character development and unique situations. One shoot-out echoes the vastness of David Lean’s Lawrence  of Arabia. As Blackthorn, Shepard gives his most confident performance since playing Colonel Chuck Yeager in The Right Stuff.

For those seeking traditional Christmas fare, the Miami City Ballet will be bringing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker to the Broward Center for six performances starting Wednesday, Dec. 21. For tickets and show times, visit www.miamicityballet.org/nutcracker.php

DEERFIELD BEACH

Dec. 8 An individual reported a car break-in at 3135 Lakeshore Dr. Nothing was reported stolen.

Dec. 8 A woman who works at Target reported her car stolen from the store parking lot at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Dec. 9 A man was arrested and charged with trafficking in narcotics. He was found in possession of 56 grams of rock and powder cocaine at 1400 SW 9 Ave.

Dec. 9 An automobile was reported stolen from Tropical Motors at 4921 N. Dixie Hwy.

Dec. 9 A man reported that a package delivered to the door of his apartment at 770 SE 2 Ave. was stolen.

Dec. 10 A theft of six truck tires valued at about $350 each was reported at 1250 W. Newport Center Dr.

Dec. 10 A man reported his car parked at 4501 NE 2 Ave. broken into and $2 in change stolen.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Dec. 9  Auto theft, Target, 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. between 3 and 3:20 p.m. Victims reported that unknown suspects removed their silver van from the parking lot, and attempted to steal another van via punched door lock and broken ignition column. Video surveillance revealed suspect vehicle circulating the area. Stolen vehicle entered into TT, and processed with negative results due to inclement weather.

Dec. 3-9, Residential burglary, Villas on the Green, 2643 N. Emerald Way. Victim was out of town during the above-listed days. Caretaker came over on Dec. 9 and found that the rear slider door to the residence was damaged. It appears that unknown person(s) had pried the slider door open and gained entry. Once inside, subjects stole several pieces of jewelry and gift cards. Total loss: about $15,000. Area was canvassed with negative results. Scene was processed.

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

Cove Parking Lot improvements

Dear Editor:       

I am writing this letter to give our appreciation to Pam Militello, the past commissioner of Deerfield Beach, who served four years in District 1. She worked hard to initiate the city involvement in planning renovations of The Cove Shopping Center.

At the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Saturday night, Dec.10, held in The Cove Shopping Center, the results of Pam’s hard work shone brightly, with the tower at the entrance, Royal Palms and other tree plantings and the pavers on the sidewalks and new lighting fixtures.

The businesses have seen the improvements and are now starting to fix up their storefronts in the Key West style, voted on by citizens of the city at a number of workshops held by Pam.

We want to thank the citizens who participated in the workshops and worked so hard to help with the vision that is now a reality.We know that Pam does not expect accolades, but we think she deserves to be recognized for her accomplishments.

The Original “Save Our Beach” Group Membership

Marge Hilton – OSOB PAC Chairman

Deerfield Beach

Holiday Shopping Advisory

Dear Editor:

I was at Boca Town Center mall on Friday afternoon, 3 p.m., walking out to my car from Saks, right out the front door, just five cars down. As soon as I got in the car, there was a man pulling on my door handle and knocking on the window.  Fortunately for me, I always lock my doors as soon as I get in my car.  There was a woman in the car behind me, waiting for my parking space. The man walked over to her car, pulled on the door and knocked on the window.  I drove out of the parking area, called 911, told the security guard and later called Saks to tell them what was going on.  The only agency that was interested in what had happened was Saks.

So I posted the incident on my Facebook page and one of my friends said the exact same thing happened to her last week.  Then today, I was getting my hair done and talking to some ladies at the salon and warning them of what has been going on.  Another lady told me that two weeks ago, her friend got robbed outside Bloomingdale’s outside Boca Town Center!  The girl had reported it to mall security and Bloomingdale’s, and they just blew her off.

The public needs to be aware.

Colleen

Lighthouse Point

Editor’s note: Monday, Dec. 12, was the four-year anniversary of the still-unsolved shooting of a woman and her daughter in a black SUV parked at the Boca mall. Security measures have reportedly been increased and cameras installed since. Unfortunately, panhandlers and criminals prevail at holiday time. See Winter Frauds and Scams, pg 17. to better protect yourself.