As a Chaplain for L’Chaim Jewish Hospice (in partnership with Catholic Hospice of Broward and Dade Counties), I have watched how people say goodbye to a loved one. I have seen and read touching accounts of that most holy of moments, when we acknowledge to our loved one and to ourselves that it is okay to “Let go!”

It might surprise you to know that when a member of the Tribe gets to that point with their father, you will often hear them (either in a whisper or a shout) cry out “ta-ta”… at least that’s what it might sound like to those unfamiliar with Yiddish.

What they are really crying out is “tata,” which happens to be one of the Yiddish words for “father.” Obviously, I bring this up today as Father’s Day is approaching, and, while many still have the joy of having their father on this earth, for many of us, we use this day to remember how incredibly blessed we were to have had our fathers in our lives, and, even though they no longer walk this earth, we try to honor and sanctify their memory.

During the Yiskor Memorial Service, we have a time when we concentrate on prayers for our dearly-departed fathers, and, during that moment in the service, I sang the first words of one of the most famous of songs about fathers.

“Oh, my tata, to me he was so wonderful, oh, my tata, he always understood.” Okay, that might not have been exactly how the lyricist wrote the song, but it just seems so natural for someone who uses a bissel (a little) Yiddish to change the word ‘papa” to “tata.”

After singing those beginning words to the song, I told the members of my flock that, while the words sound wonderful, they are a bit too idealistic. The truth is that no matter how wonderful our fathers may have been, no matter how much we may have idolized them, they were not G-d. They were human beings, and, as such, they did not always understand, and, they were not always so wonderful. Don’t get me wrong, tata may have understood more than most. Tata may have been truly wonderful. But, if we are honest with our memories and ourselves, tata also had his faults. For instance, if you ask momma about him, momma might remind you that tata snored like a freight train and kept her awake many a night. The snoring might have been so loud that you even heard it in the next room or across the hall. But, as much as that snoring annoyed momma, did it (for one second) stop her from loving your tata?

None of us is perfect. We all have our own little flaws. Come to think of it, we all have some pretty big ones. But, that does not stop us from loving or from being loved. May we learn from our dearly departed tatas, our fathers. May we learn from their virtues what to do, and may we learn from the things they did wrong what to avoid, as both honor their memory.

Shalom my friends and a very happy Father’s Day,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and serves in this capacity in a number of Health Care settings in the area including Advocate Home Care Services and L’Chayim Jewish Hospice in Partnership with Catholic Hospice of Broward County.

A year-long investigation led by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Unit culminated with the closing of a Pompano Beach pain clinic and the arrest of its owners Tuesday.

Frank and Bernice Turturo face more than a dozen of state racketeering, prescription drug trafficking and money laundering charges. They were booked at BSO’s Main Jail late Tuesday afternoon.

BSO detectives said the husband and wife team operated their business like an organized crime enterprise. The Turturo’s employed two armed guards and adorned their business walls with framed photographs of Marlon Brando as The Godfather, deceased mobster John Gotti and the Sopranos. They even used a device to detect if their telephones were being tapped.

Clients would come from all over the state to get their prescriptions filled at the Pompano Beach Pain Management clinic located at 1341 S. Powerline Rd. Hence the operation was dubbed “Operation Powerline.” Employees filled the prescriptions through mail order and paid one price while charging their customers double and triple the price.

With assistance from BSO’s SWAT team, Gun Squad and Pompano Beach district personnel, the Organized Crime Unit executed search warrants Tuesday morning at the pain clinic and the Turturo’s Coral Springs home. Members of BSO’s Gun Squad confiscated dozens of guns from the couple’s Coral Springs residence. In addition to the weapons, hundreds of thousand of dollars were seized. Investigators also froze the couple’s accounts at a bank in Deerfield Beach and a bank in Pembroke Pines.

During the course of “Operation Powerline,” investigators said two patients who received prescriptions for controlled substances from the pain clinic died from overdoses.

This investigation continues.

Pompano Beach: State Representative Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed is pleased to announce
that Citizens Property Insurance Corporation will be holding “Office Hours” in her
Pompano Beach office on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 p.m. A
senior staff member within Citizens will be available to answer questions and to assist constituents who have been experiencing difficulties with their policy.

Citizens is currently the largest insurer in the State of Florida and is charged with providing insurance coverage to Floridians unable to find affordable coverage in the private market.

You MUST make an appointment. No walk-ins allowed. First come first served. Please
call Representative Clarke-Reed’s Pompano Beach office at 954-786-4848 to schedule
your time to meet with Citizens staff.

By Gary Curreri

Pompano Beach’s Chasity Martin has always idolized Laila Ali.

The 15-year-old has taken a similar approach to boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s daughter as she first noticed women’s boxing on television. Martin, who is homeschooled, ran into problems at her local high school and started boxing.

“I had problems in school with fighting so I went to home-schooling to stay on track and not get caught up in all of the street fighting and get in trouble,” Martin said. “Boxing is very important to me. It is 50 percent of my life. This is what I focus on other than school and my schoolwork. Boxing is one of my main priorities.”

Martin turned to Stacy McKinley, who spent 10 years as Mike Tyson’s trainer, to help guide the local teen in the boxing ring. She said she feels like Hilary Swank in the 2004 Clint Eastwood movie “Million Dollar Baby.”

“That’s crazy,” Martin said. “It is a once in a lifetime thing to get someone like him to train me. I am his first female fighter he ever trained. He calls me a female Mike Tyson. It’s a good thing.” The admiration is mutual.

“It is hard to find girls who want to fight her,” McKinley said. “She is strong and she is fast. She reminds me of Mike a little bit. When the bell rings, she goes through a transformation and she is a different person.”

Martin said she hopes to fight in the Olympics someday and eventually turn pro.

“I still have to stay humble and keep my attitude in check,” said Martin, who trains every day of the week, four hours a day. “I would like to go to the Olympics and box before I try and go pro. I get up and do my schoolwork and then it is nothing but boxing. When I get in the ring, I am a whole different person. I don’t remember much of what happened in the fight.”

She said she also looks past the stigma of being a female boxer.

“I don’t worry about what other people say about me,”

Martin said. “I enjoy what I am doing. That is what keeps me calm and that is what keeps me on track. It doesn’t really matter what everyone else says. That’s just what I focus on. If you were to see me on the street and I am not in my workout clothes … It is very discreet and I tend to have a lot of people know about it, but in a good way.”

SOCCER CAMPS SLATED

For the first time ever, Simply Soccer will hold four summer camps in the city of Pompano. The dates are: June 11-15; June 25-June 29; July 23-27 and Aug. 13-17. Registration will be held at the Pompano Beach Civic Center. Camp is for boys and girls, ages 5-14, of all skill levels, who will be taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting.

There are three sessions each day (for the Pompano camp) ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cost is $100 weekly); extended hours camp is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $125 each week, and a Tiny Tot program is offered for kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m.to noon for $55 weekly.

Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Department at 954- 786-4119 or 954-786-4111.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

This week’s column will review two diverse motion pictures, winner of Cannes Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize, Elena, and the Museum of Discovery IMAX theater documentary To the Arctic 3D. Despite widespread production values, both films share a similar theme about maternal survival.

From Russia with English subtitles, Elena (Nadezhda Markina) and Vladimir (Andrey Smirnov), who are 60-year-old spouses on their second marriage. While the two enjoy this symbiotic relationship, both individuals dislike their new step children. Vladimir’s daughter has been estranged for many years and Elena’s son is struggling to feed his own child.

When Vladimir falls ill, the family dynamic changes. Elena becomes concerned about her future domestic life when Vladimir’s daughter returns to visit her ill father. Elena is oddly reflective of the South Florida senior culture. For those seeking a respite from high octane summer blockbusters, Elena is the slow-paced film for you.

To the Arctic 3D presents the story of mother Polar Bear’s fight to protect her cubs from predators and global warming. The film is pure Darwin; it is about the survival of the fittest.

Narrated by Meryl Streep with musical accompaniment from Sir Paul McCartney, To the Arctic 3D presents eyefilling landscapes and waterfalls on the IMAX six-story screen. Yet, for all of the beauty, the polar bears are presented as vicious beasts and are frequently shown with blood on their white fur.

FYI: Ridley Scott’s longawaited Prometheus will be shown at this IMAX; this is the first time in their history a rated “R” motion picture will be screened there.

I have a friend who holds her troubles close to her heart. Foolishly, I’ve tried amateur “shrinkage” with her, pointing out how much worse off so-and-so is, to which she replies, “Her troubles don’t make mine hurt any less.” I respond with a weak, “Yes, but…” and hold my tongue. I know I cannot get into the depths of anyone else’s heart. And I respect and acknowledge her genuine hurt and certainly listen to her litany of miseries without judgment.

But I am here to tell you that, for me, there is nothing but gratitude when I know that so-and-so faces far worse challenges than do I.

My husband just emerged from a month of harrowing health problems, at one point, experiencing life-threatening complications. At each crisis in this saga, I found something to be grateful for. The care he received during his three-week stay in the ICU and subsequent stay in a room at West Boca Medical Center could not have been better. Each nurse went beyond the call of “duty” and treated him as the human being he is, rather than the patient in room number XXXX. I cannot rave enough about the quality of professional nursing care he received. And this, I must say, surprised the heck out of me, as I had anticipated a “rag doll” approach to his care. His doctors were (all 8 of them) responsive to my every question and telephone call. Again, a surprise, as I hear so many complaints about healthcare services and doctors in particular.

His eventual release to the rehab facility at Regents Park in Boca was also an unanticipated pleasant – as much as such an experience CAN be pleasant – surprise, as we encountered a staff – at every level of service – of helpful, smiling, cooperative people dedicated to making his stay as positive as possible.

This probably sounds like some kind of paid advertisement – but, it is really an expression of gratitude.

So many of us are quick to complain when we receive rotten service, but never bother to convey accolades when they are deserved.

And as my husband finally made his way around the rehab facility, first, as I pushed him in a wheelchair, and then on a walker, and as we observed so many of the residents in a state of semi-consciousness and helplessness with vacant stares and hopeless affect, we became acutely aware of what “worse” really is.

We may still have to endure “worse” at some future time, but for now, he anticipates coming home soon in a state of relative independence. A month out of our lives, with moments of panic, is little in the scheme of things when there is light at the end of that tunnel, light that many people do not have.

This is all about gratitude.

DEERFIELD BEACH

June 2 It was reported that seven cars were entered and rummaged through. Nothing of value was taken. Report was made at 428 SE 11 St.

June 3 A woman reported that a man came up to her and stole a gold chain from her neck and then entered a waiting car. Incident took place at 4200 NW 3 Ave.

June 3 A man reported his dump truck and a trailer containing about $17,000 worth of lawn equipment stolen from 3470 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd.

June 3 A woman reported that someone smashed the passenger side window of her car and stole two credit cards and a checkbook. Incident took place at 2403 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

June 3 A man was arrested and charged with felony retail theft, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of cocaine. The man stole $40,67 worth of items from Home Depot at 60 SW 12 Ave. He was found in possession of a crack cocaine pipe and a concealed weapon.

June 3 A man was arrested and charged with disorderly intoxication at 191 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

June 3 A car was stopped at 1000 SE 4 Ave. after passengers were observed throwing narcotics out the window. Two individuals were arrested and charged with possession of narcotics. One person was arrested and charged with DUI.

DEERFIELD – District 4

May 19 – 29 Residential burglary attempt was reported in Deer Creek Run, Deer Creek. Owner was notified by a neighbor that the side door next to the garage door to his home was open. Closer investigation showed attempt was made to push in plywood placed inside that door’s entrance. However, it was not breached. Person(s) easily pulled open side door but were unable to make entry into the home because of the plywood. Alarm inside home was activated. Interior was also checked by housekeeper, who found no entry damage or loss.

Remember, if you see anything suspicious call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

May 30 It was reported that an attempt was made to break into two cars parked at the Sheehan Autoplex at 2800 N. Federal Hwy. Both cars were damaged in the attempt.

May 29 A man reported his car parked at 2401 NE 36 St. broken into and coins stolen.

May 29 A man reported that he rented a car in Albany, NY from Hertz Rental Company and drove it to Florida. The man said he allowed a woman to use the car and she never returned it. Eventually, he was able to contact the woman, who said she would return the car to Hertz in Albany. This never happened. A representative from Hertz spoke with the man and said the car was never returned. Report was made at 2359 Vintage Dr.

Thanks for Little League coverage!

Dear Editor:

Instead of feeling sad that we had to miss the Deerfield Beach Little League Championship game in which two of our grandsons were participating, we got to see the whole thing on the Internet last week, thanks to you.

Can you imagine what it felt like for grandparents to see their grandchildren play baseball nationwide? Especially when one of them, Kyle Petri, 12, was not only the winning pitcher but also part of a triple play that ended the game in his team’s favor, 8 – 5, and especially when the other one, Ben Petri, 10, stole home for two of the winning runs?

And to top it all off, our son Steven, a U.S. Dept. of Justice lawyer, was the winning acting coach.

How much more perfect can it be than that – thanks to you!

Ann and Bill Petri,

McLean, VA

Don’t let criminals ruin your Summer fun!

Dear Editor:

As our thoughts turn to relaxation and family fun this summer, keep in mind that thieves and burglars don’t take vacations from criminal activity. Stay vigilant about protecting your home, your belongings and your identity. Don’t let crime ruin your summer fun.

The best advice is to stay alert. Be aware of what’s going on in your neighborhood. Never hesitate to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

If you notice activity at your neighbors’ house when you know they are away on vacation, call 911 immediately. Your tip might be the one that helps BSO detectives catch up to an otherwise elusive burglar.

If you notice someone lurking around cars in a parking lot, phone in that tip.

If you recognize a suspect from a surveillance video, call Crime Stoppers of Broward County. You may remain anonymous, and Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Teaming up and keeping the lines of communication open between law enforcement and observant residents is the best defense against criminals.

At home, lock your doors and don’t forget to arm your alarm systems if you have them. When you are out and about, lock your car doors and never keep valuables in plain view. It only takes a few seconds for a car burglar to grab your purse, wallet or cell phone from your car while you step away to walk your dog, pay for gas or put flowers at a gravesite. Don’t make it easier for criminals by leaving a door unlocked.

Thinking of making some repairs before a hurricane approaches? Be wary of unlicensed contractors. They might take your money and run, do sub-standard work or have a criminal history. To make sure the workers in your home are licensed, visit the Florida Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation’s website at www.myfloridalicense.com.

Be suspicious of anyone who shows up at your door uninvited. Sometimes, criminals knock first, and they can be very charming. They might ask for a drink, for directions, to use the phone, or say they were sent to do work at your house. These are common tactics of scam artists and thieves. If you weren’t expecting them, don’t let them in!

Make your house look occupied when you are out. Leave a television or radio on, or set some lamps on timers.

If you go away, stop your newspaper delivery and have someone collect your mail. You can even deter burglars with your landscaping. Plant some thorny bushes under windows that might make an illegal entry difficult. Trim back foliage that might block the view of your home from the street, and add some outdoor lighting so that criminals can’t operate unnoticed.

Once you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your belongings and your family, you can relax and enjoy a fun and safe summer.

Sheriff Al Lamberti

Broward Sheriff’s Office

Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel meets

Thursday, June 7 – 11:30 a.m.

201 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Final meeting of the season. Mini-lunch served. Donation – $2.50. Amateur talent show. Donor luncheon Thursday, June 14. Info: 954-428-6265.

South Florida Success Expo & Career Fair

Thursday, June 7 – 3:30 to 9 p.m.

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

Over 100 exhibitors and 2,000 attendees are expected. Bring business cards. VIP ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Raffle prizes, food, drinks, chair massage & entertainment. 954-565-5750. www.BrowardBiz.com. Register: www.ChamberRSVP.com.

Splash-tacular Family Celebration

Friday, June 8 – 6 to 9 p.m.

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

Games, bounce house and other activities, along with splash time in the park’s Splash Adventure water park. $5.50 per person. Info: 954-347-5100.

2nd Annual Winnie Frazer Memorial Golf Tournament

Saturday, June 9 – 9 a.m. (shotgun start)

Deerfield Beach Country Club, 50 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presented by Deerfield Beach Kiwanis. Tournament benefits Horses and the Handicapped, Kiwanis Scholarship Fund, Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) and Disabled American Veterans. Honorary Chairman: Sheriff Al Lamberti. Ball drop, putting contest. Ask about their various sponsorship levels available from individual player: $90, includes awards/ lunch, to Platinum at $1500, including foursome, tee-sign, awards lunch, name and logo on ads, event banner, recognition at lunch and website banner. 954-242-6083.

Pier Clean-up

Saturday, June 9 – 9 a.m. to noon, 8 – 9 a.m. Diver’s registration

International Fishing Pier, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Yearly event. Divers can sign up to help remove waste under the pier. Volunteers also needed to pick-up trash on the pier. 954-420-0009. More on pg 19.

Deerfield Beach Democratic Club meets

Monday June 11 – noon

Century Village, LeClub, 3501 W. Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Meet candidates, Chris Mancini (State Attorney), Louie Granteed and Scott Israel (Sheriff) and Bill Schoolman from ACLU re/Amendment #8. Lunch served to members. 954-415-5658.

FREE VPK

Monday, June 11 to Aug. 9 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NE Focal Point Intergenerational Child Care Center, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Child must not have attended VPK this past year and must be entering kindergarten this fall. To register, must make appointment. Go to www.familycentral.org/VPKparentappointmentbc. Also openings for preschool (June 11- Aug. 17). Thematic program, music and computer activities. $130 per week. Info: 954-480-4473.

Deerfield Beach Summer Camp

2012 Summer Camps held June 13- Aug. 3 still have openings, except Grant Camp. For information, call 954-480-4426 or visit www.deerfield-beach.com.

Why do we love? Do we love because of what we can get out of a relationship or because of what we can give into a relationship? God, our Father, has given us good examples of what a loving father is to be like. We have a Father in Heaven who loves us unconditionally and gives us wonderful gifts. We have a Father who cares for our pains, trials and triumphs. God tells us not to worry and takes care of our needs. God longs to hear from you, His child. Don’t miss your chance to do the very same thing for your Father in Heaven, who loved you so much He sent his Son to die for you.

MATTHEW 7:11

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

KJV

I don’t know about you, but Father’s Day really conjures up a lot of conflicting emotions for me. I am blessed to be the father of two wonderful children. I am also equally blessed for having a good father in my life. I was not the best kid and I was not the worst kid either. While others judged and even pronounced me a failure, “My Dad” just kept on loving me. I attempted to run from that love, but like the “hound of heaven,” he would not let me get away. His influence in my life cannot be overstated. “My Dad” – he really loved me. And, by the way, I turned out okay (crazy, but okay)! I really don’t know if we can love our kids too much. But, I do know that love needs to be expressed and valued. Your children – regardless of their lot in life or their adherence to your desires – need to know your love for them is constant and secure. You can love them and not support the lifestyle they have.

PSALM 103:13

“The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”

NLT

So, if you are a father, turn the tables on your kids on Father’s Day. When they tell you how special you are, make sure they know how you feel about them. You might even say, “Son/daughter, I love you!” There is no doubt in my mind that my dad knows how much I love him. It is also nice to say why sometimes.

Some of you may not have a pleasant memory of your father or you might not have any memories at all. This may be the time to start down the road to forgiveness and/or reconciliation, or it may be a chance to thank others in your life who have offered you fatherly wisdom and tell them why you appreciate them.

I can’t help but feel slightly conflicted, for when have I shared this kind of a moment with my Heavenly Father? Maybe your prayers often reflect more of what you want and less of how wonderful the Lord is, or more of what you need and less of how thankful you are for what you have.

Father’s Day is not that far away, so begin to plan now. Plan to tell your father why you love him and appreciate him. Also, if you have children, make sure you tell them that you love them and why.

Tony Guadagnino is the pastor for Christian Love Fellowship Church.