By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

With science fiction becoming a big thread in popular culture, San Diego’s Comic-Con, held July 12-15, is as much a summer pastime as baseball, hot dogs and pecan pie. While predicting next summer’s blockbuster hits, (Iron Man 3, Pacific Rim), Comic-Con acknowledges the universe of Star Trek and Star Wars, Marvel Comics with ancient myths and legends. Last year, Snow White was the woman in the Spotlight.

A German oral tradition that was put to paper by Brothers Grimm, the retelling of Snow White usually involves these elements – seven dwarfs, a forbidden forest, a talkative mirror and an evil queen who wants to harm an innocent adolescent girl.

While the most iconic film has been Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this young lady has worked steadily for 65 years and met The Three Stooges. This year, two Snow White flicks have been released, but the evil queen stole both shows.

Julia Roberts looked into Mirror Mirror in her guise as the evil queen. Directed by Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall), this rendition contains spellbinding visual composition and a vivid color palette. The emphasis is on humor and Roberts exudes broad comedic villainy. Mirror Mirror is over-the- top, but fun.

Snow White and the Huntsman features Charlize Theron as the evil queen. Seduced by her own beauty, this evil queen is more warrior than Robert’s evil queen. Therefore, she is more of a match for Snow White, portrayed by Kristen Stewart.

Given Stewart’s resume, Snow White and the Huntsman feels like an episode of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. This time, Snow White is aided and abetted by Thor, oops, I mean actor Chris Hemsworth, as the Huntsman.

More grounded in “reality” than Mirror Mirror, Snow White and the Huntsman will satisfy the medieval crowd until The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is released in December.

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 13 A woman reported that a man broke into her car parked at 2201 W. Sample Rd. and stole a bag containing clothing.

July 13 Two men were arrested and charged with burglary. They broke into a home at 4161 NW 9 Ave. #5 and stole a Sony PSP3, games, two watches and $600 in cash.

July 13 A man reported his vehicle stolen from 605 Jefferson Dr. in Deerk Creek.

July 13 A man was arrested and charged with a narcotics felony. The man was found in possession of marijuana at 300 SE 1 Terr.

July 13 Two men were seen via video surveillance taking two rear tires from a delivery truck parked at 12 SW 9 St. Value of the tires was estimated at $1,050.

July 15 It was reported that an unknown suspect gained entry to Cosmetics Depot at 4100 N. Powerline Rd. via a hole in the wall. It was reported that between $60,000 and $100,000 worth of cosmetics were stolen.

July 15 A man reported that his car window was smashed and his girlfriend’s purse was stolen. The purse contained a green card, passport and four personal checks valued at $1,000.Incident was reported at 200 S. Ocean Blvd.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

July 9 The manager of a Publix reported that a man stole a few items from the store at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. The manager declined to prosecute, but the man was issued a trespass warning.

July 9 A man reported that his pickup truck parked at 2333 NE 30 Court was entered and $30 stolen. A man was observed on closed circuit television, committing the act.

July 9 A woman reported that someone smashed the window of her rented car. The woman reported that credit cards were stolen and used to make purchases. Incident was reported at 4500 NE 22 Ave.

July 5 A man was arrested and charged with stealing $127.82 worth of items from Publix at 3700 N. Federal Hwy.

Playing it safe at the ATM

Dear Editor:

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are a great convenience, but they can compromise your safety. A motivated criminal only has to keep watch on an ATM for a short time to scope out the availability of a potential victim.

I remind you, as consumers, to always be cautious of your surroundings and conduct your business only in areas where you feel comfortable.

Due to the availability of surveillance cameras, ATMs at banks are typically the safest option, but that does not mean you have to steer clear of the ones at shopping malls, airports and sports venues.

When you need to get cash, be sure to plan ahead before making an ATM withdrawal. If possible, always have someone with you.

There are several safety tips you should follow to avoid becoming a victim at an ATM.

• Always be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM. If you notice someone or something suspicious, do not stop to use it! Go to another ATM or return at a later time.

• Avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, do so only in a well-lit area. Be mindful of tall or overgrown shrubbery and vegetation in the area.

• Have your ATM card and any other documents you need ready when you approach an ATM. Fumbling with your wallet or purse makes you an easy target for thieves.

• When you use a drive-up ATM, be sure your passenger windows are closed and all doors are locked.

• If you are using an enclosed ATM, be sure the door completely closes and locks behind you. Do not allow anyone to enter while you are making your transaction. Authorized bank customers will have their own access (not holding the door for someone entering a secure area is not rude; it is safe).

• When entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN), use your hand or body to shield the screen or keypad. Never give your PIN to another; this is the leading cause of theft.

• When your transaction is finished, be sure you put your card, cash and receipt away before leaving the area.

• Do not display or count large amounts of cash in front of the ATM. Count your cash in the safety of your home or locked vehicle .

• If you are threatened for your money or your card by a thief, do not fight. Cash and cards are replaceable; your life is not.

• If at any time you need emergency assistance, do not hesitate to call 911.

While we all enjoy the convenience of today’s technology, these conveniences can come at a price.

When you’re out getting cash this summer, Broward Sheriff’s Office reminds you to always be alert, be cautious, and follow these tips to stay safe.

Sheriff Al Lamberti

Comedian Clayton Fletcher performs

Friday, July 20 – 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 21 – 7:30, 9:30 p.m.

New York Comedy Club New location: Deerfield Country Club 50 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Info: 561-470-6887.

“Fire & Ice Art & Jewels Event”

Friday July 20 and Saturday, July 21 – 7 p.m.

Karen Ledbetter International Galleries 760 NE 44 St., Oakland Park, FL 33334

Food, wine and more. New jewelry and art! 954-822-2922. www.yessy.com/karenledbetter

FREE tree giveaway

Saturday, July 21 – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Beach Nursery 1000 NE 3 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Two trees per residence. First come, first served. Must live within city limits and provide ID, such as driver’s license or water bill to verify your residency. Trees available: Mahogany, Live Oak, Jacaranda, Royal Poinciana, White Geiger, Crape M y r t l e , G u m b o Limbo, Foxtail Palm and Triangle Palm. 954-786-4527.

Old-fashioned Republican political jamboree

Saturday, July 21, noon to 4 p.m.

South County Civic Center (Lawton Chiles Memorial Pavilion) 16700 Jog Rd., Delray Beach, FL 33446

Great food, music, family entertainment with the New Young Patriots, face painting, souvenirs. $20. Children under 8 – FREE. For information, call 561-997-9381.

About Boating Safely

Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Imperial Point Medical Center Auditorium 6401 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308

Offered by U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Pompano Beach. Cost: $50 per person (includes materials & lunch). 954-942-8108 for registration and information.

Fruitful Field workday

Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m. to noon

Parkway United Methodist Church 100 NE 44 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Move dirt, mulch trees, plant papayas. Snacks and light garden lunch, cold water, lemongrass tea available. Bring work gloves, sun protector, hat, closed-toe shoes. Info: www.thefruitfulfield.org.

Card party

Tuesday, July 24 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pompano Beach Elks Lodge 700 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Open to the public. Bring your table of friends or group. $4, includes dessert, coffee or tea. 561-479-2002 for reservations.

North Broward Democratic Club meets

Wednesday, July 25 – 7:30pm

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

Speaker: Vice Mayor Kristin Jacobs, Broward County Commission, District 2.

Rev. Dennis Andrews

Many years ago, a friend and his wife learned they would not be able to have their own natural-born children. They decided to adopt. It took the patience of a judge for them to move through the process, but they finally succeeded.

They imagined an infant from the beginning. An infant, they thought, would be perfect and know them as parents from the outset.

What they received were not one, but two young boys. These boys were anything but infants and anything but perfect. They had been abused by their drug-addicted parents. The boys arrived with mental, psychological and emotional baggage.

But my friend and his wife were steadfast in their parental duties, long-suffering in their love for these two boys through formative years of school expulsions, arrests, juvenile detention and one heart-wrenching problem after another.

My friend once told me, “As hard as it has been, our faith has grown alongside these boys. The experience may have given us insight as to how God feels watching us grow!”

Adoption meant these boys received far more than a new last name and safe place to stay. They were adopted into a family. They were forgiven even when they didn’t deserve it. They were loved. They survived.

Did you ever wonder what would have become of baby Moses had he not been adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter or what would have happened to Hadassah, the beautiful young woman who became Queen Esther, had she not been adopted by good ole Uncle Mordecai?

Moses likely would have been drowned with the other male babies. Hadassah probably would have been killed with the rest of her people. The course of human history and the development of Judeo Christian faith traditions would at the very least be different were it not for God’s plans for adoption.

What are God’s plans for adoption today?

There are thousands of children in South Florida in need of physical adoption. If you are able, then I encourage you to consider adoption. But the truth is, we all have need of adoption, just an adoption of a different, more permanent kind.

The Apostle Paul says it this way: “Even before God made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ….”

[Ephesians 1:4-5, NLT]

Our most important adoption is made possible by the cross, not by the courts. There is no lengthy legal process. We consent to our adoption when we accept Christ as Lord.

No perfection required. None of us remain innocent as a newborn child. We all have baggage. None of us are always loveable and we may not deserve forgiveness, but we can all have it through Christ.

Pray God continues to be steadfast and longsuffering with the open loving arms of adoption, patiently watching us grow and accepting us into the family.

Ever think about adoption? I hope so, because the most consequential adoption you will ever think about is your own …

Reverend Dr. Dennis Andrews is a former Indiana Sheriff and Mayor and a graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is a member of the Tropical Presbytery of Florida (Presbyterian Church USA) and installed pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (Steeple on the Beach) of Deerfield Beach located five blocks south of Hillsboro on AIA.

By Rachel Galvin

The incident took place two years ago, on March 17, 2010, but the consequences have reverberated and affected the entire community.

It was then that Deerfield Beach High Schooler Wayne Treacy and Deerfield Beach Middle Schooler Josie Lou Ratley shot barbs at each other via text messages, leading to Treacy attacking Ratley in person.

The trouble began when Treacy’s girlfriend, Kayla Mason, two years his junior, asked to use her friend Josie’s phone to text him. At some point later, after returning it, Treacy sent another text to Mason, but now the phone was in Ratley’s possession. Ratley did not agree with the relationship between them and began to tell Treacy just how much she disapproved. The conversation became heated back and forth. The final

straw was a comment she made about his brother, who committed suicide Oct. 10, 2009. Treacy set out to find Ratley, whom he had never met. When he arrived at DBMS, Mason pointed her friend out. Treacy, enraged, proceeded to attack Ratley at the bus stop, to kick her about the neck and head with his steel-toed boots even after she was unconscious. The incident landed Ratley in critical condition, in a coma at Broward General Medical Center, and landed Treacy in jail. While Treacy dealt with the repercussions on his end, Ratley fought for her life and the community rallied to support her, throwing walks, bike rides and other events to generate money to help fund her care.

Treacy’s lawyer, Russell Williams, argued that Treacy was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after his brother’s suicide and that he was insane. The jury thought otherwise and proclaimed Treacy guilty of first-degree attempted murder. He faces up to 50 years in prison.

Williams said he is “physically and mentally drained” following the verdict and plans to appeal. He feels a key piece of evidence that was not allowed hurt his case.

“I am disappointed [in the verdict,] but I respect the jury. Exclusion of the interrogation video 2½ hours after [Treacy was brought in] is a key piece of evidence. It showed his state of mind at the time.

I am hoping the appellate court sees how the exclusion of the tape was critical in my defense. Everyone agrees he has mental illness. But the jury didn’t agree with that.” Williams’ next step is the pre-sentencing interrogation report, which will be turned in by the end of August. Sentencing will be after that. He plans to file an appeal.

He also compares this case to a similar one in 2009 in which a Ft. Lauderdale woman was convicted of aggravated battery and only given 10 years in prison for using mace on a woman and stomping on her head. He plans to bring up this case on appeal and also to discuss it during sentencing.

Williams’ further intentions aside, this has been an important milestone in this case.

Ratley’s family released a statement saying, “We want to thank the jury for seeing the truth and doing justice. It is not a day to rejoice, however. This is a tragedy for all involved. Thank you to the jury for having the courage to make the right decision. It is one more step on the road to moving on with our lives as best as we can. Thank you to [prosecutor] Maria Schneider for her hard work, compassion and dedication.”

Meanwhile, although Ratley has made an amazing recovery, her life will never be the same. Once a promising young artist, now she has trouble learning the basics and remembering simple things. A neurosurgeon testified in court that she will always need someone to watch over her.

Previous Story Below

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Posted July 16, 2012

Wayne Treacy guilty of attempted first-degree murder

The case of Wayne Treacy has come to a close today as a jury decided his fate. He now faces up to 50 years for his brutal attack of Josie Lou Ratley on March 17, 2010. It was a back and forth of hateful emails that stemmed this confrontation of two strangers — a middle schooler (Ratley) and a high schooler (Treacy), When Ratley mentioned Treacy’s dead brother, who died several months prior after committing suicide, Treacy tracker her down and proceeded to kick Ratley repeatedly on the head and neck with steel-toed boots, landing her in the hospital unconscious and landing him in jail.

In the courtroom, Treacy’s defense attorney argued that he was insane, affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from his brother’s suicide. But the jury sided with the prosecution.

This is a tragic tale that has lasted two years in the courts and affected an entire community, who rallied for Josie with walks, bike rides and other events to support her in her battle to survive the attack. Today, she survives, but will never be the same, and, although this case has come to a close, the families of these two teenagers will forever be affected by the drama that began back in 2010. More information and details on the case will be found in this week’s Observer.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Ten years ago, Sam Raimi wrote and directed Spider- Man, with Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, which became the No. 1 Box Office Champion for 2002.

Five years ago, the same team produced Spider-Man 3, which disappointed many.

So there was little enthusiasm when Columbia Pictures announced The Amazing Spider- Man, a reboot of the comic book myth.

While we could have avoided another origin story involving the shooting of Uncle Ben (this time, Martin Sheen), The Amazing Spider- Man does work as a comic book recreation with a vivid color palette. Director Marc Webb’s palette is film noir, much influenced by the Dark Knight Returns and Sin City short story collections.

In the pre-credit sequence, we learn a little why a young Peter Parker came under the care of Uncle Ben and Aunt May (Sally Field). In High School, Peter (Andrew Garfield) falls under the spell of Gwen Stacy (Emma “The Help” Stone), the daughter of tough Police Commissioner Stacy (Denis Leary).

Gwen works for Dr. Connors (Rhys Ifans), an amputee with a connection to the disappearance of Peter Parker’s parents. As Peter investigates this link, he is bitten by a spider and undergoes a transformation. In his zeal to re-grow his amputated arm, Dr. Connors injects himself with an untested serum and terrorizes Manhattan as the notorious Lizard.

While most of the action scenes occur at night, Director Webb manages to create vivid battles between Spider- Man and the Lizard. It is special effects whiz bang, but manages to capture the smart aleck wit of Stan Lee’s original creation. (Lee’s cameo brought forth a round of applause at the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery IMAX Theater).

With last weekend’s record-breaking box office gross, Columbia Pictures has announced that The Amazing Spider-Man is the first of a planned trilogy that should conclude during the 2016 Presidential election season.

The Amazing Spider-Man is a complete story within itself, a visual treat and very entertaining. The opening narrative grabs you from the very beginning. What more can you ask from a big budget summer blockbuster?

There will be one face missing at the FAU Football Opener on August 31 – for the first time since 2003.

Craig Angelos won’t be in attendance when the Owls face Wagner College. He was fired as Athletic Director on March 21, 2012 from his position where he earned $192,000. The main reason he was let go was utilizing his fundraising. There was a lack of money.

Add that to the fact that FAU failed to sell out its Oct 15 opener at the new stadium, in addition to fewer than 4,000 showing up at the final football game of a 1-11 season, and it’s safe to say that Angelos will watch future Owls games on TV.

On July 2, the Owls decided to go to Big Ten Country to hire Angelos’ replacement. Now, the challenge of fundraising falls in the hands of 37-year old Patrick Chun. He has spent the past 15-years in numerous roles with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

He worked in endowment building, strategic planning, management and leadership.

Ohio State University (OSU) provides services for more than 1,000 student athletes, 36 intercollegiate athletic programs, 100 coaches and more than 330 full-time athletic department staff in 15 facilities.

The Ohio State athletics operating budget is in excess of $126 million.

Chun’s colleagues gave him strong endorsements.

Among those who voiced positive reviews: OSU Associate Vice President/ Athletic Director Gene Smith; Clark Kellogg, who is CBS Sports College Basketball lead analyst/ vice president of Indiana Pacers; football coach Urban Meyer; basketball coach Thad Matta; former football coach Jim Tressel, who is the current Vice President of Strategic Engagement at the University of Akron; Dutch Baughman, executive director of Division IA Athletic Directors Association and Joseph R Castiglione, vice president of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Oklahoma.

During the past year, the FAU Athletic Program has experienced numerous changes. In May, Women’s Basketball hired Kellie Lewis- Jay, 36, who spent five years at the University of Nebraska, where she coordinated the Cornhuskers recruiting efforts. Lewis-Jay becomes the fourth head coach in FAU’s 28-year existence.

Current Football Coach Carl Pelini was an assistant coach for Nebraska last year, so the road from Lincoln to Boca Raton has filled two coaching vacancies, plus it could lead to games in the field with FAU facing Nebraska in women’s hoops along with football. FAU is scheduled to travel to Nebraska on August 30, 2014 to face the Cornhuskers.

Don’t be surprised to see FAU face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the future with the automatic connection between Chun and the Buckeyes.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at www.scottsports33.com.

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 7 A woman walked in on a man who was burglarizing her home at 4080 NW 3 Terr. The man entered the home by opening a kitchen window. The man stole an Xbox, laptop computer and earphones. Loss was estimated at $800.

July 7 A woman reported that she was confronted by a man with a knife at 401 E. Sample Rd. The man demanded her purse and then fled on a bicycle.

July 7 A man reported that someone broke into his vehicle while he was eating at a restaurant. A mountain bicycle and backpack were reported stolen. Incident was reported at 721 S. Federal Hwy.

July 4 A man pointed a gun at two men in the parking lot of Extended Stay at 1200 SW 11 Way. He demanded they empty their pockets and drop their belongings on the ground. The victims complied, dropping their wallets and cell phones. One wallet had $400, the other wallet had no cash. The subject made a statement to the victim, “I should kill you for not having cash.”

July 4 A woman reported that her boyfriend and her got into a verbal argument. It become physical and the boy-friend grabbed her by the hair, pulling out a clump of hair. The incident was reported at 380 SW 10 Court.

DEERFIELD – District 4

July 9 A residential burglary was reported at Waterford Courtyards on N. Waterford Dr. between 8:20 and 9:05 a.m. Unknown suspect(s) gained entry to the residence by smashing living room sliding glass door. Point of exit was through the front door. Residence was ransacked. Miscellaneous jewelry and a citizens eco watch with a black metal band were stolen.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

July 2 The manager of Publix at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. reported that a man walked out of the store with a cart full of alcholic beverages. The manager stopped the man. The man fled the scene.

June 29 A woman reported that her wallet was stolen while she was shopping at Dollar Tree at 3780 N. Federal Hwy. She said that the wallet contained $400, a Florida driver’s license and credit cards. The woman reported that she did not feel anyone take her wallet.

Happy Birthday to Our Constitutional Republic

Dear Editor:

[On July 4 ] we come together as Americans to celebrate the day on which we declared our independence from Great Britain. Fifty-six rebels came together 236 years ago in the heat of a Philadelphia summer to write a declaration the likes of which had never occurred in recorded history.

As lawyers, merchants, farmers and land owners, they had plenty to lose. But as revolutionaries, fighting against an imperial, despotic ruler, they had everything to gain. Their goal was to establish a new form of government, which derived its power from the individual and not from the monarch. Our Founders shared a unified vision for our nation. They understood this unity of the many was necessary to uphold the sovereignty of the individual, and the fundamental rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Then, they took to the battlefield to secure this liberty. And since the founding of our nation, we have taken to the battlefield on numerous occasions to defend our freedoms and our way of life. We remember the men who laid down their lives at Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and Yorktown to secure our freedom, and all service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in all battles throughout our nation’s history to preserve our cherished freedoms.

Founding Father John Adams wrote his wife, Abigail, regarding the signing of the Declaration of Independence “I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival … It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other…”

From sea to shining sea, we light up the skies with fireworks in a celebration of the longest enduring Constitutional Republic, and in remembrance of the men who mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to create the United States of America.

U.S. Rep. Allen West, District 22

RE: Collection bins

Dear Editor:

A charity should not advocate their cause to the detriment of another charity. Who is ultimately damaged by the dispute? Children.

Our Shoe Bin initiative is one of many fundraising projects which allow us to make our donations and contributions. Not only does it help children financially, it enhances awareness about recycling and encourages citizens to “think green.”

For the record, permission was requested and given for every shoe bin placed public and private. Accusations of favoritism because one of our members sits on the city commission is without basis and denigrates the hard work, dedication and service of all Kiwanians.

With all due respect for what the Salvation Army represents and accomplishes, Kiwanis funds stay within this community, the city of Deerfield Beach.

Before passing judgment and denigrating our local Kiwanis and its members, I invite you [the writer of the first Letter to the Editor, 7-5-Observer] and any other interested person to attend one of our weekly meetings and find out what service to one’s community truly means.

Last year alone, we donated over $42,000 in scholarships, dictionaries to all third-grade students, Horses and the Handicapped, SOS Children’s Village, NE Focal Point, the BSO PAL program, Deerfield Beach Historical Society and many more.

Not one penny of our funds raised, whether through the Shoe Bin program, Golf Tournament, Bus Bench Advertisings, Christmas Tree Sales goes to administration.

We meet every Thursday at noon at the Deerfield Beach Country Club.

Henry Gould

Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach

Past President 2010-2011