Festival of the Arts

Dear Editor:

Thank you to the citizens of Deerfield Beach for coming out to the 32nd Annual Festival of the Arts last weekend. Your attendance makes all the hours of effort worthwhile. Our goal has always been to bring quality, affordable, family-oriented events to the city, and, by you coming to the Festival, it proves that we have done it right.

Thank you, also, to every single volunteer who helped to make this event a reality. The Festival of the Arts is completely orchestrated by volunteers, along with a small but dedicated group of Deerfield Beach city employees who supply their particular technical expertise. Unless you live it, you cannot imagine the hours of work, time and effort it takes to bring an event to reality, not to mention the bumps in the road and frustrations potentially at every turn. You also cannot realize the satisfaction at the end of the event ,when we know we have done a great service for enhancing the reputation of Deerfield Beach and bringing pleasure to the citizens of Deerfield Beach.

Care to volunteer and feel that warm and fuzzy feeling? Phone the Parks and Recreation Dept. at 954-480-4429.

Judi Stanich

Cultural Committee Chair

Deerfield Beach

Nuisance property demolition

Dear Editor:

Thank you [Keven Klopp] for all you have done to help us!  The balconies across the water are holding spectators. One of our daughters’ fiance texted me a photo that was sent to him by a friend who lives on the Boca side … not knowing that I was home to watch.

There have been sightseers from around Deerfield Beach and Boca. Our neighbors have gotten together to organize a BBQ in our driveway at 5:30 p.m. and another neighbor brought a bottle of champagne.

We truly appreciate all that you and Andy have done to help end these last 12 years of aggravation. We can feel our property values rise hour-by-hour!

Lynne Newberry

Deerfield Beach

I am e-mailing my Brazilian friend concerning the state of  U. S. politics. She’s lived here for over 25 years and is a U.S. citizen. Her 15-year-old son was born here, but the family has strong ties to Brazil. They visit there annually and sometimes more frequently, and relatives come here often.

Referring to her son, she writes, “Joe is so confused. He thought that bad politicians only lived in Brazil, not here. It is a reality shock for him and he gets depressed about it.  He loves this country so much.”

I am not sure what Joe meant by “bad politicians,” except from a 15-year-old perspective, watching the debates, the accusations and, recently in Florida, the constant TV harangues  and robocalls, it might be really difficult to claw through all that rubble  and arrive at a rational assessment  of each candidate. So here’s how I responded to my friend’s email:

“Tell Joe that this spectacle is what makes America great! The fact that these candidates can get up there and say whatever they want – and then actually be fact-checked, as they are by the media, and also the fact that the general hubbub of excitement exists without violence or muzzling  –  is the genius of our country.

And warn him that the political front will become even more bizarre when a candidate is actually selected, as we observe the rejected ones rallying to support the chosen one. It’s a good show. This is how it works , with many flaws that, hopefully, will  get fixed, eventually.

Remind him that things do get fixed here. Women got the vote. African Americans gained civil rights.  Gays are accepted in the military and, sooner or later, we’ll reform our tax code, as well as the electoral college system, our immigration policy, and the series of entitlements that no longer work for the good of the many. Perhaps, we will reform the way political campaigns are financed. Joe will be witness to all of that, and might even want to become proactive in the implementation of one or more of those reforms to the system.

We work slowly for change here because we have extremes of opinion and philosophy, and we encourage articulation of many viewpoints even as we manage to live peacefully together despite vast differences.

And you might also mention to Joe that the kind of circus we are witnessing during this primary season has brought politics and issues to the national forefront in a way that previous sleepy primaries have not done. Therefore, there is considerably more interest generated among young people and the population in general. Of course, this is a good thing. And give him a hug for me. I’m thrilled to know that he is engaging in the process, as every citizen should be doing.”

Sometimes in life, things happen that we don’t expect and we get shaken to the very core of our being.

We get caught off guard and events in life just rattle us. It is not a matter of being ready for bad things to happen, but to know where your help and strength comes from when they do. When you learn to rely on God for your help and strength, the devil can’t rattle or shake your life anymore.

HEBREWS 12:27-29

27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.

28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

29 For our God is a devouring fire. NLT

The kingdom we belong to, as children of God, is unshakable. So let’s give thanks to God by worshiping Him with fear and awe. The fire of God will devour things in our lives that don’t belong, like poverty, sickness, gossiping, lying. You will not waver and you will not be shaken. You will stay strong and courageous. The only unshakable thing that remains will be you.

PSALM 16:8

8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. NLT

PSALM 62:2

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. NLT

God is always with us and right beside us. God, and God alone, is our rock and our refuge. Nothing else will do – just God. We will not be shaken!

When we are continually shaken, it steals our motivation and energy. It is like we are stunned or in shock. We get scared and don’t make any decisions at all, good or bad.

The devil is not just trying to knock you down; he is trying to destroy you. When the devil is trying to shake your life, you will shake his instead because you will trust in God and be unshakable. When the devil shakes, you will be set free from your chains and, then, you will be filled with courage and boldness.

When you pray and worship God, the devil shakes. You will never be shaken, but your circumstances will be and your chains will be. You don’t ever shake or waver. You shake the things and circumstances around you, instead of life shaking you. YOU WIN!  You will stay strong and courageous.

Luke 6:38

38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full — pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. NLT

Although, when God is shaking your life, you win. When God shakes you, it is to make room for you to receive more and more. He is shaking everything together. Therefore, start to stir up those things on the inside of you, and start to say, and start to believe, “I shall not be moved!”

When you agitate someone, you get their attention, so begin to irritate those things in your life that you don’t want and tell them to get out. You will stay strong and courageous.

Pastor Tony Guadagnino

Christian Love Fellowship Church

Open House and BBQ

Saturday, Feb. 3, 11:45 a.m.

American Flyers Flight School, Pompano Beach Airpark, 801 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE event and BBQ. Tours, presentation by certificated flight instructor, training aircraft on display, tour flight line and simulators. No reservations needed, guests encouraged to bring guests. 954-785-1450 or www.americanflyers.net/about/aviation_seminars.asp.

Pompano tops “Sensitive Men” list

Friday, Feb. 3, 6 to 9 p.m.

2700 block of E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

East Village Uncorked celebrates Pompano being No. 1 on Chemistry.com’s list as best city in the U.S. for women to find sensitive, loving, caring single men. Singles attending will be invited to special VIP section to mingle, meet and greet while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting. Stroll and look at art, wine, featured specialty merchants, restaurants and planned improvements for everyone. FREE parking available. 954-786-7824.

“The Truth about Health and Healing Naturally”

Friday, Feb. 3, 7 p.m.

Hilton Deerfield Beach , 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speaker: International natural health authority Dr. Peter Amlinger will discuss benefits of natural health from an international standpoint. Hear how to get out of pain and feel great without need for drugs and surgery. Free event/ticket required for limited seating. 954-426-3200 for reservations.

Unity in the community

Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Community Park, 2001 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free food, entertainment. Bounce houses, clowns, fun bus, DJ Joe Balistreri will manage entertainment. 954-899-5557.

Wishing on a Star Fashion Show & Luncheon

Saturday Feb. 4, Social-11:30, Luncheon-noon

Royal Fiesta Caterers­, 1680 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sponsored by St. Gabriel Council of Catholic Women. Raffles, door prizes and more. Donations: $35. Reservations necessary. 954 786-0667.

Boca/DB Christian Women’s Connection: Valentine’s Luncheon

Monday, Feb. 6, 11:30 a.m.

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

Speaker: Henry Poates on “Peace and Everlasting Love,” program on golf tips. Vocalist: Mary Beth Williams, keyboard: Jane Forbes. $21. Reservations required:  561-715-6426 or 954-427-8434.

AAUW-Pompano meets

Monday, Feb. 6, 12:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Presentation on “Elected Women in Power,” after brief membership meeting. New members welcome. No charge. RSVP: 954-524-2938.

PB Highlands Civic Improvement Assoc. meets

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Highlands Park, 1650 NE 50 Ct., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Speaker: Real Estate Broker Gerry Contrino. Topic: Current market trends, opportunities in bank-owned properties. Also, Attorney Paul DeBianchi will discuss foreclosure process, options available to homeowners. FREE admission, all welcome. 954-933-6393 or www.pbhighlands.org.

Coed Volleyball League Open Nights

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

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

Every Tuesday, same time. Have a casual game of Volleyball with friends. Once enough participants come out, teams can be formed. They hope to start the league mid-February.

Also – Adult basketball and Women’s Flag Football set to begin new seasons in February.

954-480-4439.

Classical pianist Francesco Attesti in concert

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center, 800 SW 36 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Performance will include pieces by Beethoven, Chopin, Bach and Piazzolla. Opening guest performer – pianist Emily Nourishirazi. $12 – general admission/ $18 – V.I.P tickets. Semi-formal to formal attire preferred. Valet parking available. 954-786-4590.

Sunset Green Market

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2240 NW 19 St (corner of Butts Rd. & 19 St.), Boca Raton, FL 33431

Farmer’s market featuring locally-grown produce, bakery items, plants & flowers, organics, doggie treats, Amish foods, soaps, teas & coffee, fresh herbs, and more. 954-270-9917.

Nathan Revell was recently named Highlands Christian Academy’s new football coach on Jan. 24. Submitted photo

By Gary Curreri

Revell, who graduated from Highlands Christian Academy in 2006 where he played football (linebacker and fullback), basketball and track, was named the school’s new football coach on Jan. 24.

“Nathan is an incredible young man who has a positive future as a head coach,” said Jim Good, athletic director and boys varsity basketball coach at Highlands Christian Academy.

“It’s amazing how God is in control and literally has worked out all the details. Coach Revell is definitely an answer to prayer. It’s obvious he has a love for football and the weight room, but his ultimate priority is to honor and glorify Christ, and football is just the platform.”

Revell graduated from Liberty University in 2011 with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Youth Ministry. He played five years at Liberty as a fullback and linebacker.

Last season, he was the special teams coordinator and offensive line coach for Calvary Christian, also the defensive coordinator for the J.V. He is currently leading the HCA seventh hour weight training class and after school weight training programs. Revell is also an assistant coach for the track team, specifically working with the throwers.

Abbate records first ace

Pompano Beach’s John Abbate recorded his first-ever hole-in-one at the Oriole Golf Club when he used a 3-wood on the Par-3, 150-yard third hole recently.

“That’s my first one,” said the 69-year-old Abbate, who has only been playing golf for the past three years. “I have only been playing three years, so I am pretty happy when I just get on the green. I hit the ball up, it bounced before the green and I am walking up and figured with the 3-wood, it probably went over.

“I am picking up my tee and one of the guys said, ‘I think it went in,’ ” Abbate recalled. “I am thinking, ‘yeah, he’s kidding me.’ We walked up to the hole and I am looking behind the green and couldn’t find it. I looked in the hole and there it was, in the cup.”

When he saw the ball in the hole, he smiled and said the three other members of the group, three Canadians who he was paired with that morning, were probably more excited than he was.

“I thought I was pretty damn lucky,” Abbate said with a laugh. “I like being outside and I like sports. Golf is a pretty tough game because it changes every day.”

The retired construction worker said he had played “maybe twice” in his life before some men who live in his condo got him started.

“It is mostly me against the game and me against the course,” Abbate said. “It is funny because when you play against better guys, you sort of up your game. You try a little harder maybe.”

Paragon’s Mike Whalen with Lt. Commander Leo Gray and Mayor Peggy Noland.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

The Paragon Theater in Deerfield Beach deserves honors for screening Red Tails last Friday evening with a featured appearance by Tuskegee Air Core pilot, Lt. Commander Leo Gray, (ret.) USAF.

More than 14 World War II veterans were acknowledged with prolonged applause in the sold-out auditorium.

In the past, I have written how certain movies from my childhood provided inspiration. These older films contain outdated production values today, yet a film like The Alamo still influences my life. I wonder how young people will respond to a movie like Red Tails (Many were in attendance, wearing cadet uniforms).

Red Tails tells a traditional story with a clear beginning, middle and end. With the backdrop of the World War II European campaign, Red Tails celebrates the Negro pilots from the Tuskegee Air Core training program.

The characters are archetypes. The flight commander secretly drinks alcohol to cope with the stress of command and the second-in-command has a rebellious streak because he is an excellent daredevil pilot. Then, there is “the innocent,” a young pilot who is yet to be tested in battle. Each character fulfills his character arc with little emotional connection with the audience.

Fifty-two years after release, The Alamo retains classic status due to the well-directed action sequences. The same can be said of Red Tails, which features five aeronautical action sequences that even impressed Lt. Commander Gray.

Avoiding attention deficit disorder editing techniques, Director Anthony Heming-way provides clear and concise attention to detail without sacrificing human empathy.

Red Tails has not been a critical darling of the elitist critics circle, yet the sold-out audience at Paragon applauded the film at its conclusion. This crowd behavior is a harbinger for Red Tails durability for the next five decades.

Lt. Commander Gray best sums up my feelings of Red Tails with this quote: “This is a Hollywood version and enjoy it as such. Don’t let it bother you that a little bit of history was overlooked. It is still a good movie and the aeronautical sequences are going to blow your mind.”