Deerfield CRA meeting

Tuesday, March 19, 6 to 7 p.m.

City Hall, 150 NE 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 

954-480-4264

BSO deputies conducting an investigation discovered a chop shop at 116 S.E. 3rd Street, Deerfield Beach.  So far, at least 6 stolen vehicles have been found inside multiple bays at this warehouse. One man is in custody: Delano Carlo Henry, B/M 07/01/1987, 8040 N.W. 54th Court, Lauderhill. The scene is still active. Vehicles and car parts are being inventoried.

Video on ObserverTV 

A Deerfield Beach warehouse employee spotted a body floating in a canal near I-95 on Tuesday afternoon.

At 12:45 p.m., a Publix warehouse employee made the gruesome discovery of a body floating in the canal underneath the elevated SW 10 Street exit from southbound I-95. A BSO deputy was in the area and arrived on scene one minute later. Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue units were also dispatched.

BSO homicide detectives, divers and crime scene investigators were called out, as well. BSO divers recovered the body of an adult male and turned it over to the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office, which will conduct an autopsy. At this time, foul play is not suspected.

By Dave Montalbano

Between the loud openings of The Lorax, John Carter and The Hunger Games  will be a quiet little French film starring Audrey Tautou titled Delicacy. Compared to the cinematic high-volume energy drinks aforementioned, this classy film is a sip of fine wine.

Best known for her work on Amelie and The DaVinci Code, Tautou portrays Nathalie, a newlywed with a successful job. For three years, Nathalie and her husband keep their puppy love alive. One day, the husband goes for his morning jog and gets run over by a car.

Grieving, Nathalie buries her emotions in her work. On her first date in romantic  Paris, she rejects the sexual advances of her boss. During  a routine office visit by  the shrubby Markus Lundl (Francois Damiens), the absent-minded Nathalie rises from her desk and kisses him.

The kiss proves to be the tipping point for Markus and Nathalie, as office politics and individual desires are mashed together. The tone becomes broader with many American cultural influences inserted into the narrative. Delicacy is such a sweet movie that one can expect an American remake in the not too distant future.

Yet, an American producer will unlikely be able to cast another Audrey Tautou. The film is in French with English subtitles, but Tautou’s performance translates beyond language. Whether depressed from grief or born again in love, Tautou reveals so much with a subtle glance.

As the goofy Swede Lundl, Damiens is given an international spotlight. At first, Damiens’ character is used for broad comic situations. It is in the final moments of Delicacy that he reveals a hidden strength that lets the audience know that Nathalie will be all right.

Don’t get me wrong, I am looking forward to seeing John Carter, The Hunger Games and The Three Stooges, but Delicacy is something special for a mature audience who enjoys romance.

By Gary Curreri

Everybody loves a parade and what better way to celebrate Blanche Ely’s Class 7A boys’ basketball state championship than with a ride down victory lane on Saturday?

Blanche Ely’s boys recently punctuated a stellar season with a 78-46 victory over Orlando Oak Ridge in the FHSAA Class 7A state championship game as senior 6-ft., 6-in. star forward Clide Geffrard scored a game-high 33 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to power the Tigers to thier third state title in school history.

The victory gave Ely coach Melvin Randall his second state title at Ely (2006-07) and fourth overall, following two at Deerfield Beach (1997, 1999). The Tigers also won in 1993.

“The young men played very well,” Randall said. “Not taking anything away from Oak Ridge, but these young men did a very, very good job. For the seniors to go out in style like this is a plus … They deserve it because I know how hard we worked.”

It was a belated 49th birthday gift for Randall, who is 429-133 in his 20th year of coaching.

When asked to pick which team, the Class 7A No.1 Tigers or his 1999 Deerfield team (which went 34-1), was more dominant, Randall didn’t hesitate.

“You’re looking at it,” Randall said, “not just because this team won a state title. It’s the way they went about doing it, getting up Saturday mornings and hitting the beach … two-a-day practices and the intense workouts. Not saying the ’99 team didn’t do it, but the cohesiveness this team had consistently through-out made them better.”

The Tigers (30-2), winners of 18 consecutive games to close out the season, are ranked No.16 in the ESPN FAB 50 poll and have accepted an invitation to participate in the ESPNHS National High School Invitational at Georgetown Prep in Bethesda, MD March 29-31.

The only blemishes on the Blanche Ely ledger are a one-point loss to ESPN FAB 50 No. 13 Bishop Gorman (NV) and 67-53 to ESPN No.14 Montverde Prep (21-3) on Dec. 30.

Geffrard, who scored 12 of his team’s 22 first-quarter points, felt he had to deliver on a promise.

“I wanted to keep my word I made in ninth grade when I told everyone we would win one before we left high school,” Geffrard said. “I guess I helped keep that word.”

The Tigers are also the third school in Broward – joining Deerfield Beach in 1999 and Dillard in 2003 – to win a state championship and win at least 30 games.

The 32-point margin of victory marked the 14th time this season the Tigers won a game by at least 30 points. It was also the 14th time the Ely defense held opponents under 50 points, including the state semifinal which produced a 62-29 victory over Saint Petersburg.

DEERFIELD BEACH

March 8  Woman reported her car stolen from a parking lot at 305 Lock Rd.

March 8 Man reported his kayak stolen from 909 Rich Dr.

March 9 Resident of a home at 902 Spring Circle saw a man exit his home with a backpack. Resident reported a computer monitor and receiver stolen.

March 9 Man at American Rock Bar & Grill, 1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd., placed his iPhone 4 on the table and became distracted. He later reported the iPhone 4 missing.

March 10 Man reported his truck and trailer with lawn maintenance equipment stolen from 4251 NE 2 Ave.

March 10 Six tires were reported stolen from three vehicles at Florida Bin Management at 4100 N. Powerline Rd.

March 11 Man at 950 S. Powerline Rd. reported his van broken into and a floor jack, and toolbox on wheels containing hand tools and specialty cable tools, stolen.

March 11 Man reported two rear outer tires stolen from his truck parked at 520 SW 12 Ave.

DEERFIELD — District 4

March 11 Criminal mischief felony was reported at Crystal Heights, SW 15 Street, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Victim exited his residence and observed all four tires on 2000 Kia Utility vehicle flat and punctured. Total loss: approximately $300.

March 10 Criminal mischief felony was reported in Deer Isle, on NW 6 Court between 7 and 8 p.m. Victim reported that unknown person spray-painted his two vehicles. Deputy conducted an area check, finding at least 10 other vehicles spray-painted. Detectives are investigating.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

March 6 Apartment at 2141 NE 41 St. was broken into. Master bedroom closet was ransacked. A dresser and jewelry box were gone through. Two laptops and a BB gun were stolen.

March 7 It was reported that someone entered a home at 2265 NE 24 St. and stole a washing machine, dryer and countertop stove.

Remembering Karen

Dear Editor: 

I deeply regret that I am not able to attend the service for my friend Karen Rice.  Poets and noted authors have used descriptive words of endearment throughout history to describe the word “friend.”  I would like to take the liberty of defining the friendship that I found with Karen.

I am first of all grateful that our last phone conversation shared some words of encouragement and ended with the words, “I love you.”  I loved Karen.  Our friendship was not defined by agreeing on everything. Actually, we often had different agendas, but always knew that we could call on one another at any time, day or night, to share our hearts, our fears, our joys, and our commitment to trusting each other with the deepest concerns of our hearts.

I remember when Karen was looking for part-time work, I suggested she check our Observer newspaper for sales.  She had the energy, the smarts, and the commitment to making some extra money.  It was a win-win situation, and, after 20 years, she worked until her little body couldn’t.

I remember when I was teaching aerobics at the church, and Karen again took a leadership role in the classes.  She was a high-energy type of soul, and, even when her babies were born, she toted them to class in their carry-on seats.  As the children grew, they were the first thing she talked about when we got together.  I know she was proud of them, and, more than that, I know how much they were loved.

After I moved to Virginia, I would always try and catch up with the old gang on my return visits to Florida to spend time with my mother and family.  We had all experienced some mountain tops and valleys in our lives. Yet, there was something that kept us together… and that is “friendship.”  It doesn’t define itself by borders, judgment, or time and space.  It is true and can always be counted on.  It means you can trust me with your heart, and I will share my life with you, the good and the bad.  The masks come off, and the soul is revealed.

Perhaps, some of our most intimate conversations were faith-based.  I told her often that I was praying for her, and, in my heart, I believe she felt a sense of peace, knowing that I kept her in prayer.  I know that Karen knew faith is really all we have that is truly meaningful.  Everything else will pass away.  Our bodies will age, sickness can be our enemy, and material things are still just things.  All things shall pass away, but the love of the Lord and that spirit that lives within our souls does endure the test of time.

So my precious Karen, I know you are whole again.  No more pain, no more regrets, no more what-ifs.  You have seen the face of Jesus, and He is now your counselor. Your redeemer. Your prince of peace. Your savior and friend.  You are in His presence, dear one, and I personally rejoice in knowing that.

Perhaps the greatest gift we can give our friends is knowing that we will share eternity with them.  It is “good-bye for now,” but I know we will meet again.  I will always love you.

Your friend for eternity,

Carol Ann Draper

Movie in the Park: “Little Giants”

Friday, March 16, 7 p.m.

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

Last movie of the series, provided by Paragon Deerfield 8. Bring lawn chair or blanket. No fee for movie, refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call 954-426-6898.

Palms Senior Olympics

Friday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

425 NW 1 Terr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Wheelchair and scooter races, bicycle/ tricycle races, arts and crafts, entertainment, food and refreshments. FREE health screenings. 954-428-0678.

Surfing Florida: A photographic history

Friday, March 16 & Saturday, March 17

Florida Atlantic University

University Galleries, School of the Arts, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Friday, March 16:

6:30 p.m. – Exhibition introduction by Steve Pezman, co-founder of The Surfer’s Journal

7:30 – 10 p.m. – Exhibition opening, LIVE music with Cutback and GuyHarvey. Cash bar.

Saturday, March 17:

10 a.m. – History museum / collecting / archiving workshop. Intro. by Steve Pezman, reps. from area historical museums, etc.

12-1:30 p.m. – Lunch break

1:30 – 3 p.m. – Old school slideshows & video film screenings

* Darrell Jones, Bruce Walker and Tony Arruza

 4-5:30 p.m. – Lecture by Mark Long, historian, University of Central Florida. Topic: Florida’s Pre-Surfing Maritime History

For more information, call 561-297-2661 or visit www.fau.edu/galleries.

4th Annual Prayer Breakfast Fundraiser

Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Westside Park Recreation Center, 445 SE 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guest speaker: Shevrin Jones, Koinonia Worship Center & Village. Topic: “Our youth, do you hear their cry?” Featuring: Royal Priesthood Worshippers and the OS Movement. Hosted by I Am My Brothers Keeper Ministries, Inc. 954-418-0216. www.iammybrotherskeeper.net.

8th annual Relay for Life YARD SALE

Saturday, March 17, 7 a.m. to noon

Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Sale includes home goods, clothing, knick-knacks and more. Browse FREE as a shopper or participate as a vendor. Vendors pre-register at Constitution Park by Friday, March 16 at 1 p.m. $20 for a table and chair or $15 for a space only.

Fees are donated to the American Cancer Society’s Deerfield Beach/Lighthouse Point Relay for Life, which will take place at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach on May 5-6. For more information about Relay for Life, call 954-480-4494 or visit www.Deerfield-Beach.com/relayforlife.

2nd annual “Everything Sale” & Silent Auction

Sunday, March 18, 9 a.m. to noon

Temple Sholom, 132 SE 11 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

954-942-6410. www.templesholomflorida.org.

Bake sale

March 18, 8:30 to 11a.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach, 2331 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach FL 33062

Lenten Cantata: “Who is this King?”

Sunday, March 18, 11 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, 1920 SE 5 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Moving choral meditation on the last days of Christ.  Community welcome, admission FREE; freewill offering available. 954-427-0222. www.communitych.org.

Deerfield Hadassah meets

Monday, March 19, 11:30 a.m.

Century Village, Activity Center, 3501 W. Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Debby Regent and Judy Delman present program on Jewish National Fund. Guests welcome. Refreshments served. 954-428-6265.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, March 21, noon to 1 p.m.

Old School Museum, 232 NE 2 Ave. (behind City Hall), Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE, donations welcome. Speaker: Juan Riera, “Pirate treasure and shipwrecks of South Florida.” 954-429-0378.

Save the date: Deerfield Beach Storytelling Festival

Saturday, April 14, noon to 10 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33060

Come listen to storytellers and musicians. Face painting, caricaturists, puppeteers and food concessions. www.deerfieldbeachfestivals.com.

If there was one thing I could never have to do again, it would be to move! I cannot stand even the thought of moving. It just gives you one of those really bad feelings you get when you think back to all the stuff your mom made you eat when you were a child that you just hated. If it was me and I had a choice between moving and a visit to the dentist with no drugs – I would choose the dentist!

Now that you know how I feel about moving, the irony is that I find myself in the middle of moving our church facility from one location to another. This brings a whole new meaning to spring cleaning. I thought moving a house was difficult. Just imagine moving your house, but about 15 times more difficult.

Now as we prepare to move from a rather large facility to a much smaller and more cost-effective space, we have begun the cleaning out and paring down process. I think cleaning out our stuff is the hardest part for a lot of us because we have to get rid of some of our stuff that we desperately want to hold onto and never let go of. When you move from one place to another, you must clean out some old stuff, decide which are your essentials and make room for some new things to come your way.

I think it would be great if we could all look into our own lives and give ourselves an honest evaluation of all the baggage we carry. Then, after we decide what our essentials are, we can remove some old stuff, and begin to make room for some new things to come our way.

Some essentials that we should want to keep include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Add to that prayer (talking with God), going to church, family, friends and love. Yes, I said love twice because it is so important that it needs to be said twice. Everything should begin and end with love. Remember that God’s kind of love has no conditions on it, but rather is giving unconditionally with no strings attached. God’s love does not say ‘I love you because you did something for me,’ it simply says, ‘I love you, no matter what.’  Some of our baggage might include painful memories, hurt feelings, wounded pride and unforgiveness. We need to take those bags out to the garbage where they belong and get rid of them for good. Then and only then will we be ready for the new things God wants to bless our lives with. I don’t know about you, but I like God’s blessings in my life.

I want you to know there is someone in this world who loves you and cares about you, so keep your head up and stay strong. I always pray that everyone who reads the articles will be encouraged and blessed. This time is no different, but if you could please pray for us as we prepare to move and  get ready to have our first service in our new facility by April 1. Thank you and God bless you.

Pastor Tony Guadagnino

Christian Love Fellowship Church

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

When Rango was announced as best animated feature at the Oscars, I came to a revelation. This was the first year I did not review any nominated animated motion pictures.

With the $70.5 million box office take over the weekend, I knew Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax would be the film for me to review this week.

Published 41 years ago, this 72-page easy reader was considered a serious children’s book that became required reading for Earth Day.

The Lorax told the story of a hermit named Once–ler, who was responsible for destroying all the trees in this particular neighborhood of Dr. Seuss.

After causing the departure of the Lorax, the guardian of the trees, the Once-ler tells his tale of woe to a child. With trademark Dr. Seuss wit and rhyme, The Lorax is a poignant fable about man-caused disasters.

If only the producers of Dr.Seuss’ The Lorax had the courage to be understated.

Instead, the audience is given a romantic subplot between characters voiced by Zac Efron and Taylor Swift, whose grandmother (Betty White) makes non sequitur statements that ultimately become profound pearls of wisdom.

As The Lorax, Danny De Vito sounds miscast as a nature god. We are given two chase sequences that are used to sell 3-D. The musical numbers are toe-tappers, but the tunes are not memorable.

Despite these flaws, there is no denying the entertainment value of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax for young children.

In particular, the early sequences in which young Once-ler moves into the forest and encounters singing bears and goldfish. With less frenetic actions, these are sweet moments.

Children will not forget the sad eyes of the animals when they are forced to leave the forest. It is a subtle moment that best presents the theme of conservation.

In a world where people don’t drink water from the tap, but purchase it in plastic bottles, Dr, Seuss’ The Lorax provides pointed criticism to consumer behavior.