By Gary Curreri

Highlands Christian Academy track and field coach Mark Veynovich has done a solid job building the school’s program during the past five years, despite not having a true facility.

Four of his athletes recently returned home from the FHSAA Class 1A state track meet at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida with medals.

“I came in without anything,” said Veynovich, who had 60 athletes on this year’s team. “We train on the grass at Highlands. We take the hurdles out and mark them off with a tape measure.

“Their performance at state really didn’t surprise me that much since I have been with them for three to five years and have seen them growing,” Veynovich added. “What did surprise me was how fast and quick they took to the hurdles. To hit ninth as a team in states with two juniors and a senior make me think next year could be even better.”

Knights junior Ryan Davis, who had finished seventh in the 400-meter dash at the state meet last year, won the state title in the 300-meter hurdles (37.54) and took third in the 110-meter hurdles (14.91).

Teammate and senior Randy Hage was fourth with a careerbest effort in the pole vault (13- feet), while junior Kyle Audet took eighth in 300-meter hurdles (39.54). Audet was also 10th in the 110-meter hurdles (15.60).

“Ryan went into the state meet with one goal-be a state champion,” Veynovich said. “All year long, he stepped up to any challenge on the track in the 300-meter hurdles and was victorious. To meet his goal in the 300-meter hurdles and to exceed his expectations in the 110-meter high hurdles was a huge blessing and proof that hard work does payoff!”

Grayson Mack, a senior, who just signed a track scholarship at Liberty University, was sixth in the pole vault at state after clearing 10-ft; 6-in., which was just shy of her season-best jump of 11-ft.

Mack was the district champ in long jump, triple jump and pole vault, and took second in regionals for pole vault. Mack, who home schools, started with the school in the 10th grade. The boys and girls were the District 14-1A runners-up this year and the boys’ team placed fourth in the Regionals.

“Grayson had been working very hard all year to put herself into a position to compete at states,” Veynovich said.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Given the juggernaut release of Marvel’s The Avengers and Dark Shadows at the Museum of Discovery IMAX Theater, this weekend’s big release, Men in Black 3 lacks the excitement of previous Memorial Day releases (There is no Batman, Star Wars nor Pirates of the Carribean).

For those wanting to go out of town this Memorial Day weekend, May-Hem, a horror convention, is being held this weekend May 25-27 in Orlando at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. (This is the last time at this location.) A long list of horror actors are scheduled to attend, everyone from The Terminator’s Linda Hamilton to Austin Powers’ Verne Troyer. The horror convention concept was begun nine years ago in Plantation by Petey Mongelli and moved to Orlando seven years ago. The popularity of the event has grown now that Petey has two conventions, his usual Weekend of Horrors in October and Memorial Day Weekend May-Hem.

Petey explained, “Spooky Empire grew bigger and bigger; we simply outgrew Broward County. We became one of the most respected horror event promotions companies in the United States, bringing to life two of the most popular horror conventions in the nation, with fans attending from all over the world.”

At some conventions and festivals, there is an invisible wall between the fan and the celebrity. Spooky Empire has consistently invited stars who are fan-friendly. As Malcolm McDowell said last October, “I try to do two or three of these appearances a year. It gets one in touch with the fan base. Ironically, you meet the sweetest people at horror conventions.”

To find out more about the convention, including the full schedule of events, visit www.spookyempire.com.

Have a great and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

The National Memorial Day Concert on PBS at 8 p.m. EST on Sunday, May 27, featuring Gary Sinise, Trace Adkins and Natalie Cole, looks like the best bet if you are staying local for the weekend.

DEERFIELD BEACH

May 18 A woman reported that her car parked at 1601 E. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken into and a backpack and purse were stolen.

May 19-20 It was reported that five vehicles parked at the Hampton Inn at 660 W. Hillsboro Blvd. were broken into. Items stolen included golf clubs, camera, headphones, coins and other items.

May 20 A woman reported that her car parked at Constitution Park at 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken into and a HP TouchPad was stolen.

May 20 A woman reported that she allowed a person to borrow her car, but that person never returned. Incident was reported at 109 Lock Rd.

May 20 A man reported his lawnmower and trailer stolen from the side of his business at 849 S. Deerfield Ave.

May 20 A vehicle parked at 1271 SW 6 Way was entered and a handgun was stolen.

May 20 A man and a woman were arrested and charged with burglary of an occupied residence at 5051 NE 6 Ave.

DEERFIELD – District 4

May 16 Burglary arrests were made in Deer Run at SW 3 and SW 4 streets. There were two residential burglaries in Deer Run over the past week. Detectives arrested three individuals on Wednesday. The arrested individuals confessed to the crimes. Broward Sheriff’s Office also recovered all the property for the victims.

Remember, if you see anything suspicious call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

May 15 A woman reported her car parked at 4500 N. Federal Hwy. broken into. Attempt was made to steal the car’s radio and in the process, the interior of the car was damaged. A steam vacuum cleaner was stolen.

May 15 A man reported his cell phone stolen from 2715 NW 27 Ave.

PB Republican Club meets

Thursday, May 24 – 7 p.m.

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

Richard DeNapoli, chairman of the Broward Republican Executive Committee, will install newly elected Club officers, report on status of Victory 2012. Team Romney Broward Co- Chair Bob Wolfe will give update on campaign in Broward County. Refreshments served. 954-786-7536.

Pig Out in the Park

Saturday, May 26 – 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sullivan Park, 1601 Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Tasting from Backyard BBQ Cookers and Pros. Raffling off three Weber Grills at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Entertainment: Andrew Morris Band, Shadow Creek and Kaleidoscope. FREE parking at The Cove on east end. $3.50 discount coupon for parking at USA Parking Garade available at www.deerfieldparking.com/coupons. 954-464-7584.

Shavuot Services/Memorial Day

Sunday, May 27 – 9 a.m.

Temple Beth Israel, 201 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Conducted by Cantor Bell. Yiskor services on May 28. Jewish War Veterans, Post 265, and auxiliary will participate in honor of Memorial Day. Everyone welcome. 954-421-7060.

Dixieland/Hot Jazz Session

Sunday, May 27 – 1 to 4 p.m.

Henry’s Hideaway at St. Henry’s Catholic Church

1500 S. Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Admission: $10. 954-563-5390 or 561-394-0269.

Food Truck event

Sunday, May 27 – 5 to 9 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

FREE event organized by LHP Cultural Arts Committee and the LHP Chamber. Food trucks, BC Tacos, Dog Eat Dog and Sugar Yummy Mama provide tasty treats. Event includes dancing to DJ Joe Balistreri’s entertaining music. Face-painting and magic show by Strawberry the Clown.

Memorial Day – Boca Raton

Monday, May 28

• 9 a.m. – Ceremony

Boca Raton Cemetery, 449 SW 4 Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33432

FREE. Features veterans’ groups, city officials, music by Ft. Lauderdale Highlanders, Boca Raton Community High School Band and Coastmen Chorus, drills by Boca Raton Community High School NJROTC and New Young Patriots. 561-367-7073.

• 7 p.m. – Concert

Count de Hoernle Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

FREE. Indian River Pops and Robert Sharon Chorale (Full concert band patriotic music) under the direction of Owen Seward. 561-367-7073.

Boca Raton Museum of Art to participate in Blue Star Museums Program

Memorial Day (May 28) through Labor Day 2012

Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

FREE admission to all active duty military personnel and their families. 561-392-2500. www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Neighborhood Watch mtg. – District 1

Wednesday, May 30 – 6 p.m.

1193 SE 1st Way, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bring lawn chair. 954-360-5247.

Save the Date: 17th Annual Brad Vestal Memorial Golf Tournament

Saturday, June 2 – 7 a.m. (registration), 12:30 p.m. (lunch/awards ceremony)

Pompano Beach Golf Course & Galuppi’s, 1101 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Sponsored by Allied Doors Foundation. Family-oriented tournament with opportunities for prizes and lots of fun. All monies generated, less golf fees, go directly to various charities. 954-553-8738.

Pastor Deron revisits his memories from last Memorial Day.

This past Memorial Day weekend [5/30/11], I had the opportunity to travel to upstate New York where I grew up. I always enjoy going back there for a visit. This place is in the heart of the Adirondack National Park. The town, Schroon Lake is a small community with a population of 1,735, according to City- Data.com. It transforms itself into a thriving metropolis the day after Memorial Day.

We used to say, “They roll out the sidewalks on Memorial Day and roll them back up on Labor Day.” A short drive through Schroon Lake belies the sparse population as you see small houses, cottages really, scattered along the shores of the lake. The reason for the inconsistent population, however, is the summer residents. They begin to invade Schroon Lake not long after Memorial Day, as tradition dictates, and return home around Labor Day, leaving behind a little ghost town … our little ghost town.

I try to make it a habit to spend 4th of July in Schroon Lake … parade, patriotic concert on the beach and the most amazing fireworks you could ever imagine. I went there last July with my kids, believing there is no way it would live up to my memories. I was wrong. It’s not that it’s the biggest parade, it’s actually quite small. The concert is not the best, just local artists singing their best in honor of God and country, and the fireworks are not the biggest, but quite impressive for a small mountain town of only 1,800. What makes this place so spectacular? Tradition. You’ve heard the saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Well, that’s Schroon Lake.

I talked with an 89-year-old man a couple of weeks ago that used to vacation in Schroon Lake. He showed me a picture of the town from 1985. When I arrived on May 27 and drove down main street. That picture from 1985 could’ve been taken today and it would look exactly the same. Stewarts is still one of only two gas stations and the only one that serves Ice

Cream. “Make your own sundaes” are their specialty. Then there’s Decesear’s Pizza – the only pizza place you pay $20 for a pizza you would pay $10 for anywhere else and you still feel like you got a bargain. Why, it’s the only pizza place in town. Then there’s my personal favorite, Pitkins, the local diner where the owner, Marie, still waits tables with a smile as she sits down at your table and talks about the good old days. She’ll remember your name and even ask you how your family is doing. It’s a place where every stranger feels at home. It’s a place where it’s still like it used to be in the “good ole days.”

Do you have a Schroon Lake? Do you have a place that always feels like home, which never seems to change, that

you can count on year after year?

At our church, we celebrate Jesus Christ. You know what it says about Christ in Hebrews 13? It says, “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.” Isn’t that amazing? Finally, something you can count on, someone who cares, someone who loves you enough to die on the cross for you, someone who says, “There is no one left to judge you, and neither do I.” Someone who will receive you with open arms and someone who you can depend on day after day. While trying to keep up with our fast-moving, ever-changing world, there is Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Deron Peterson is a pastor at First Baptist church.