By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Gran Torino was presented as Clint Eastwood’s swan song as an actor. After staying behind the scenes directing J. Edgar,” “Hereafter” and “Invictus, Eastwood must have felt the call of Thespis for Trouble with the Curve.

There are shades of the actor’s iconic past in this role, but Trouble with the Curve is Eastwood’s sweetest movie in 32 years, since the release of Bronco Billy.

As Gus, Eastwood portrays a veteran baseball scout who is suffering from either macular degeneration or glaucoma. He is too stubborn to get his eyes tested. Since he is unable to use a computer, Gus fears future unemployment.

Enter Mickey (the adorable Amy Adams), Gus’ estranged daughter who happens to be a hot shot lawyer on the verge of a partnership with a law firm. She is recruited by family friend Pete Klein (John Goodman) to help scout a hot shot recruit who cares more about future endorsement deals than improving his batting stance.

With all these character motivations in place, Trouble with the Curve takes its sweet time to reach a conclusion that will be satisfactory for these unsatisfied characters. Much like his character in Million Dollar Baby, Eastwood’s Gus dispenses Trouble with the Curve valuable life lessons about America’s Past Time.

While Eastwood is top billed, Trouble with the Curve is really Amy Adams’ motion picture. She is a tomboy without losing any femininity and holds her own on the big screen with the iconic movie star and veteran actors in small roles – Bob Gunton, Matthew Lillard, Robert Patrick and Justin Timberlake.

It is the fine ensemble cast that elevates this film. Without Eastwood and Adams, Trouble with the Curve would just be another made-for-television drama on the Hallmark Channel.

That said, this motion picture is unlike anything on the big screen these days. In contrast to the finale of Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood is given a more iconic exit for his screen image; and it is worth it to hear the soulful Ray Charles and the Raelettes sing “You are my Sunshine” during the closing credits.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Sept. 22 A woman reported that her apartment at 884 NW 45 St. was broken into and a laptop valued at $1,000 stolen.

Sept. 22 A woman was arrested and charged with grand theft. She stole $4,305 from her employer AI Medical Imaging at 1890 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Sept.22 A man was arrested and charged with felony narcotics. A deputy found powder cocaine on him at 200 SW 1 St.

Sept.22 A man reported his car stolen from the Atlantic Pavilion Parking Garage at 245 North A1A.

Sept. 23 A woman reported that another woman stabbed her while she was at a social gathering at 175 SW 3 St. The woman was stabbed in her left calf following an argument.

Sept.23 A man reported that his home at 212 SE 8 Terr. was broken into. Rear door was smashed. The man reported two laptop computers and a check stolen.

Sept. 23 A man reported that his home at 1309 SE 7 St. was burglarized. There were no signs of forced entry and the burglar may have entered through a dog door. The man reported that three guns were stolen.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Sept. 13 Residential burglary was reported in Crystal Key Point, on NW 53 Court at 3:46 a.m. Unknown suspect entered the residence via an unlocked sliding glass door and removed a blue dell notebook computer.

Sept. 17 Burglary occurred in an occupied residence on Jefferson Drive in Deer Creek at 4:07 a.m. Unknown person made an unforced entry into a home and stole a flat screen TV and clothing. Scene was processed, DNA recovered.

Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Sept. 12 The superintendent of a construction site at 3260 N. Federal Hwy. reported that his iPad valued at about $800 was stolen.

Sept. 12 A woman reported that she went to CVS Pharmacy at 3850 N. Federal Hwy. to pick up medication, diapers and training pants for her son. Upon arrival, she was told that the items had already been signed for. The woman said she had not picked up the items. A survellance camera showed that a man had picked up the items.

Remembering Ray McAllister

Dear Editor:

The South Florida nautical community has lost a great dive buddy in Dr. Ray McAllister of Lighthouse Point. He learned to SCUBA dive in 1952 and with a little help from his friends, was able to still dive even at the age of 89.

You can visit Ray McAllister’s favorite reef by going to GPS Coordinates 26 13.144’N/ 80 04.213’W. This site is a little south of the Pompano Beach pier and about a mile off shore. Filled with a variety of reef fish, this spot was dedicated on his 80th birthday (June 26, 2003) by him diving with a group of dive buddies.

I was first introduced to Dr. Ray by purchasing his book Diving Location in the early 1980s. This book was first published in 1971, prior to GPS. He taught us how to “mark” our dive spots using the alignment of buildings along the South Florida coastline. He defined the South Florida reefs with his verbal descriptions, along with black-and-white underwater pictures of dive sites from West Palm Beach to North Miami.

But it was his respect for the reefs and the ocean that Dr. Ray McAllister will be remembered for.

I had the pleasure of working with him to place an artificial reef off Deerfield beach that ultimately led to the sinking and dedication of the shipwreck the Miracle of Life on June 6, 2009. Dr. McAllister was an early advocate of saving the reef and worked tirelessly to protect reefs for the enjoyment of future generations. He had a full and legendary life with the pristine South Florida reefs as his legacy.

May he be blessed with mild winds and calm seas as he navigates the oceans in heaven.

Jim “Chiefy” Mathie

Nautical Views columnist, Observer

Community support for Relay for Life

Dear Editor:

Thanks to the efforts of our local small business owners and residents, Relay For Life of Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach has raised over $100,000 this year to make the 2012 fundraising campaign another great success in the Relay’s 11-year history.

We owe a special “thank you” to Loren and Pheona Strassburg of Deerfield Thrift for organizing and sponsoring our final fundraiser of the year, a treasure hunt and car wash at their business, held on Saturday, August 18.

To all those who participated, we appreciate your generous support toward our fight against cancer.

Other local businesses who contributed to the success of this event with their financial support include: A Summer Place Consignments, Scuba Network, East Coast Services, Dalsimer Atlas Floral & Event Decorators, 101 Liquors, Denture Plus, X Terminator, Inc., Sunshine Gold Buyers, Cove Bagel & Deli, Boats 4 Less, Payless Jewelry, Barbara’s Cleaning Service, Inc. and The Final Cut.

While one year ends, another begins with our first fundraiser for the 2013 [fiscal] year. Please join us Sunday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Masterpiece Barbershop, 3640 N. Federal Hwy. in Lighthouse Point for a “Cancer Cutoff” featuring $16 haircuts. All proceeds go to Relay For Life.

In some way, cancer affects every one of us. Thank you to all members of our community who support us in our efforts to eliminate cancer.

Relay For Life

Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach

Lunch & Learn: Business Organizing 101

Thursday, Sept. 27 – noon to 2 p.m.

50 NE 1 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Learn how to clean your clutter! $15 per person. Must RSVP: 954-586-1111.

Pompano Republican Club meets

Thursday, Sept. 27 – 6:30 p.m. (doors open)

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

Meeting ends at 8:45 p.m. Speaker: Ellyn Bogdanoff. 954-729-0192.

State of the City

Thursday, Sept. 27 – 7:45 a.m.

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

Mayor Lamar Fisher will talk about the past year and what is planned going forward. Breakfast: $25. Open to non-members too. RSVP: 954-941-2940. www.pompanobeachchamber.com.

4th Annual JohnAssante Memorial Walk

Saturday, Sept. 29 – 8:30 am.

Mizner Park Amphitheater 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Proceeds benefit Brain Aneurysm Foundation. John Assante passed away suddenly after a brain aneurysm rupture in 2009. Info., visit http:// bafound.donorpages.com/JohnAssanteWalk2012/.

Save a Life

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Colavito Chiropractic 3650 N Federal Hwy. (Publix Shopping Center) Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Chiropractic exams, X-rays and massages for donations to “My Candles of Hope,” charity that helps local women with Breast Cancer. Appointments preferred: 954-942-8300 or www.colavitochiropractic.com. More info: www.mycandlesofhope.com.

About Boating Safely Course

Saturday, Sept. 29 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HQ building, Spanish River Park 3939 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Topics: boating terminology, boat handling, navigation rules, aids to navigation, federal and Florida regulations, safety equipment, other boating techniques. Classes taught by Flotilla 36. $35 per person. For registration or info., call 561-391-3600 and leave a brief message.

Dunn’s Run pick-up & party

Saturday, Sept. 29 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2 Georges at The Cove 1755 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Dunn’s Run: Sunday, Oct. 7 (7:30 a.m. race begins) 5k walk & run / 5 mile run benefitting The Boys & Girls Clubs. $30 before /$35 on race day. www.dunnsrun.com

Family Fun Day

Saturday, Sept. 29 – noon to 4 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062 FREE admission. Bounce houses, bowling, magic show, music, sand art, basketball challenge, face painting, Lowe’s hands-on Kids Workshop. Guest emcee: Julie Guy-The Coast 97.3 FM. Proceeds from raffle benefit Kids in Distress. Info: www.facebook.com/ PompanoCitiCentre or www.pompanociticentre.com.

Blind Fish plays

Sunday, Sept. 30 – 4 to 8 p.m.

Kahuna Bar and Grill 249 N Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Reggae music – originals and covers. 954-725-0244.

“Women of Distinction” Awards

Wednesday, Oct. 3 – 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Boca West Country Club 20583 Boca W. Dr., Boca Raton, FL 33434

39th year for this Soroptimist Intl. awards breakfast. Honorary Chairwoman: Jan Savarick. Event Co- Chairs: Lorry Herdeen & Mariela Montgomery. $48 per person. For information, contact marielamontgomery@bluegreencorp.com or visit www.soroptimist4women.org.

7th Annual Singer’s Dream

• Workshop Wednesday, Oct. 3 & Thursday, Oct. 4 – 7 p.m. 230 Lock Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Learn the biz, covers various singing styles & genres, $35 to join-in!

• Showcase Friday, Oct. 5 – 8 p.m.

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

Family Fun Day

Saturday, Sept. 29 – noon to 4 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre 1955 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

FREE admission. Bounce houses, bowling, magic show, music, sand art, basketball challenge, face painting, Lowe’s hands-on Kids Workshop. Guest emcee: Julie Guy-The Coast 97.3 FM. Proceeds from raffle benefit Kids in Distress. Info: www.facebook.com/ PompanoCitiCentre or www.pompanociticentre.com.

Blind Fish plays

Sunday, Sept. 30 – 4 to 8 p.m.

Kahuna Bar and Grill 249 N Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Reggae music – originals and covers. 954-725-0244. Dinner and a show. See those who have learned the biz demonstrate their skills. (Dinner is lemon chicken and tilapia). $40. 561-436-0868.

Presidential Debate Watch Party

Wednesday, Oct. 3 – 8:30 p.m.

FAU Living Room Theaters 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33043

No charge. Must RSVP in advance at debates2012 @livingroomtheatres.com. Food and beverages available for purchase. 561-297-1556.

Save the date:

Test drive supports Pompano High

Thursday, Oct. 4 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parking lot by PBHS and Pompano Elementary NE 13 Ave. & NE 8 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

(Pompano High is located at 600 NE 13 Ave., Pompano Beach). Sponsor Pompano Ford/ Lincoln donates $20 to PBHS for every test driver. 754-322-2000.

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach football coach Alan Jackson said before last Thursday’s District 11-8A opener against Taravella that his team was still learning and trying to find out who they were.

With a talented group of juniors and underclassmen, Jackson’s team battled back twice from double-digit deficits only to fall 42-35 in overtime. While they found out a little bit more about themselves, this year’s team is still searching for its first victory of the year after three losses.

“We are still young and have a lot of juniors on this team,” said Jackson, who is in his second year at the school. The Bucks are coming off back-toback losing seasons and failed to make the postseason last year. “Our 2014 team should be pretty good.”

Trailing 14-0 after Taravella scored on its first two possessions of the game, Deerfield Beach roared back with 18 unanswered points to take an 18-14 halftime lead as Aeron McNeal scored on a 35-yard run and Kris Rosales added a 40-yard field goal to pull within 14-10 with 10:20 remaining in the second quarter.

McNeal finished the game with 11 carries for 172 yards.

DeerfieldBeach(0-3,0-0) took its first lead of the game on a 9- yard scoring pass from Levin to Justin Morgan before Humphries scored twice to stake the Trojans to a 28-18 lead.

The Bucks opened the fourth quarter scoring 17 points to jump back in front following a safety and Brandon Powell caught back-to-back, 22 yard TD passes from Levin to grab a 35-28 lead with 4:36 left in the game.

Taravella tied the game at 35-35 with 2:02 remaining on an 8-yard TD pass from Jerome to Robert Miller and won it in overtime on another Jerome TD pass.

“They are coming along,” Jackson said. “I am pleased with what we are doing. We are motivated. They wanted to make the playoffs this year. The 2014 kids wanted to make a statement this year. They don’t want to wait. That’s our motto. Let’s not wait until we are seniors; let’s do it now. That’s the kind of model we are in this year.”

Jackson said, despite the team’s record, there is more continuity this year because they have been in the system for a year. He believes they can still make the playoffs.

“We want to do the now,” Jackson said. “We have to be better now and can’t wait until later. We need to mature a little bit more. We have to cut down on all of the small, little mistakes and get tougher up front and offensively. We have two great backs, but we have to be consistent.”

Jackson said the team is counting on juniors Brandon Powell, LaJavious Thompson and senior Mike Gilbert, as well as junior Tyler Sayles, senior Royus Amos and Orlando transfer senior Aaron Williams.

Tigers roar, roll past Cougars

Blanche Ely’s Nelson Ervin passed for 227 yards and five touchdowns as Blanche Ely cruised past Coconut Creek, 55-6, in the District 14-7A opener on Friday night. The Tigers (3-1, 1-0) took an early 28-0 lead behind the efforts of Ervin, who completed three touchdown passes in the opening period. Running back James Butler added two first half scores as the Tigers took a 49-6 lead into halftime.

A Broward doctor is scheduled to be in court Friday accused of writing excessive pain pill prescriptions and failing to conduct proper medical examinations at what prosecutors called a “pill mill” in Deerfield Beach, court records show.

Federal prosecutors filed a lone conspiracy charge against Charles Neuringer, 73, of Coral Springs earlier this week.

Neuringer worked at the Coast to Coast Healthcare Management Clinic on the 300 block of Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach between January 2010 and Dec. 16, 2010, when federal agents raided the business and shut it down, according to court records.

Prosecutors said Neuringer wrote prescriptions for more than 1,000 pain and other pills for undercover agents. If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in prison, fines of up to $250,000 and possible forfeiture of property including nearly $477,000 he was paid for working at the clinic, according to the criminal charge filed Wednesday.

Boca Raton, FL —  ObserverTV a division of The Observer Newspaper, celebrates its 50^th year of publishing in Broward County, Florida by being  the premiere online broadcaster at the final 2012 Presidential debate to be held on Oct 22, at Lynn University.

“We are one of less than 25 newspapers in the US with the technology to stream live the proper way” said Jim Lusk, Vice President of The Observer.  “Our platform is very similar to TV broadcasting. We can punch multiple cameras

and locations live, all from a laptop. We can even run commercials during the broadcast. We have been streaming since early 2006, before it was cool,”said Lusk.

Visit www.observernewspaperonline.com to watch the presidential debate live and behind the scenes.

By Gary Curreri

The Deerfield Beach Sharks 11-Under girls softball team can call itself the World Champions after going through the United States Specialty Sports Association’s (USSSA) World Series undefeated Walt Disney’s Wide World of Sports recently.

Taylor Cochrane scored the lone run in the second inning and Brandi Antonio and Cochrane then shut the door with outstanding pitching by scattering seven hits as the Sharks blanked the Texas Hustle, 1-0, in the championship game.

The Sharks, who were limited to six hits in the championship game, managed to score their run after Cochrane reached on an error, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch before scoring on an Alexa Ares hit to centerfield. It was the second victory in as many tries against the Hustle, which was the highest scoring team in the tournament. The Sharks won an elimination game against the team from the Lone Star state, 9-1, two games earlier.

“Our girls really showed what they were made of at the World Series,” said Sharks manager Karla Antonio. “They really pulled together as a team. Our hitting was great in some of the games; yet, in others, we needed our defense and pitching to step up in order to win.”

The Sharks rattled off six consecutive wins before facing off in the semifinal game against their interstate rival and defending World Series Champions, the Orlando Aftershock.

The Sharks had played Orlando six times previously since 2010 and had lost all six games by narrow margins. In the pivotal game of the tournament, Brandi Antonio held the Aftershock to no earned runs for five innings. Jordyn Griffith came in as a relief pitcher and sealed the deal against the Aftershock. Brooke Antonio and Chelsea Brown also turned in key defensive plays in the 2-1 win.

Nova Southeastern University women’s softball coach, Lesa Bonee, has been working with the USSSA team since 2009, and her coaching role has significantly expanded since. She works consistently to improve the girls’ hitting and makes time to give weekly private lessons to many of the athletes. Since working with Bonee, the team as a whole has shown great improvement in their overall performance and attitude.

Antonio said Bonee “makes things fun.” Bonee has had the NSU softball team serve as role models to the young players. The college players have helped provide softball instruction to the Sharks, as well as participated in fun, team-building activities such as tie-dying T-Shirts, pumpkin carving and even having a pie throwing contest at coach Bonee’s expense.

“Coach Dawn Boothe (former Head Coach at Deerfield Beach High School) worked with the team’s defense this season and really turned things around for us,” said manager Antonio. “Ryan Rogge (former Western Kentucky University pitching star) worked with our pitchers.”

“Their hard work throughout the year in all aspects of the game is what gave them the edge in the championship,” manager Antonio added. “I am extremely proud of this group of girls. They had a goal of winning the World Series this year and they made it happen!”

The World Series MVPs for the Sharks were Taylor Cochrane and Brandi Antonio (pitching), while Sami Restrepo was the Tournament MVP.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

The 27th Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival will present the “Star on The Horizon Award” to 12-year-old actress and Ft. Lauderdale native Bailee Madison, who has had featured roles in Bridge to Terabithia, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark and will be seen in Parental Guidance to open this Christmas.

Madison will receive her award at the Oct. 21, 3 p.m. screening of Cowgirls N’ Angels at Sunrise Civic Center Theater (info: www.fliff.com). Madison stars as a rebellious girl who dreams of finding her father. Along the way, she makes friends with trick horse riders on the rodeo circuit.

This Sunday, Sept. 23, Madison will be selling lemonade to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness at the In Synch Cut-A-Thon in Imperial Point Shopping Plaza, 5975 N. Federal Hwy., in Ft. Lauderdale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Between making movies and school work, Bailee has been devoting her free time to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization that encourages children nationwide to raise money to find a cure for childhood cancer through running their own lemonade stands. For more details about this street party called Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye, call In Synch Hair & Body Works at 954-491-4961.

Despite intense box office competition, Arbitrage held its own in limited release at the FAU Living Room Theater. It is a timely story that explains the business concept of “arbitrage” or practice of taking advantage of a price difference between two or more markets.

For many decades, Robert Miller (Richard Gere) has been a master of arbitrage on Wall Street, until his cash flow constricts. While presenting an impeccable façade to the public, Miller’s home life has become a den of iniquity.

Much praise has been given to Richard Gere’s performance, though it is a role he was born to play, given his previous three decades of work on the big screen.

As Miller’s personal fury, British actor Tim Roth steals the show as a New York cop who would love to bust a Manhattan Master of the Universe.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Sept. 13 A woman said that her sister called her and told her the door to her home was open. When the woman came to her home at 3317 SW 3 St., she found that $100 and a watch had been stolen.

Sept.13 A woman reported that a man entered her home at 1300 SW 10 Terr. with a gun and demanded money. The woman gave the man $2,300. He escaped in a car.

Sept. 13 A man was speaking to another person when he noticed a man enter his office and take a gym bag containing $1,100 and clothing. The thief fled in a pickup truck. The man believes the individual with whom he was speaking was acting as a distraction so the theft could occur. Incident was reported at 665 SE 10 St., #100.

Sept.14 A man was stopped for a traffic matter at 500 SW 2 Ave. The deputy detected an odor of marijuana. He was found to be on parole for strong-arm robbery. Man was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest and violation of parole.

Sept. 15 A man was arrested and charged with obstruction and resisting arrest at 2201 W. Sample Rd. The man refused to leave a business and became belligerent.

Sept. 16 A man was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license and an expired tag at 2400 SW 10 Dr.

Sept. 16 An unknown person broke into a home at 605 Jefferson Dr. and stole a flat-screen television and clothing.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Sept. 7 Residential burglary occurred at Deer Pointe, NW 36 Avenue, at 12:59 a.m. Victim stated that between 7:20 a.m. and 5:45 p.m., unknown suspect(s) smashed a rear sliding door, gaining entry to the residence. Once inside, the suspect(s) removed jewelry. Total loss: approximately $20,000.

Sept. 8 Conveyance burglary was reported at 3901 W. Hillsboro Blvd. at 8:33 p.m. Victim stated that between 5 and 6 p.m., unknown suspect(s) smashed out the window of his 2004 Explorer. Once inside, suspect(s) removed a leather case.

Sept. 10 Auto theft took place in Riverglen, on NW 45 Avenue at 11:23 a.m. between 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 10. Unknown suspect stole the vehicle from the parking lot by unknown means. Affidavit was signed and entered into teletype.

Sept. 13 Armed robbery was reported at 3825 W. Hillsboro Blvd. at 7:55 a.m. Three black male suspects entered the store with firearms, wearing gloves, mask and hoodies. Once inside the store, they directed the only two employees present to open the office and the safe, while holding firearms toward their heads. Both complied. A perimeter was established using K-9 and Aviation. Suspects were not located. The suspects entered the store five minutes before closing. There were no customers present. Entire incident was captured on security video cameras.

Remember, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Sept. 6 A man reported that a man with whom he had been socializing stole his car and laptop computer at 2100 NE 39 St., #16.

Sept. 8 A woman reported an outboard motor and large cooler stolen from her boat at 2800 NE 30 Ave., #12C.