| December, 2012

Grappler looking to make state

Posted on 27 December 2012 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach High senior Biko Lobban is looking to reach the state wrestling tournament for the first time.

Lobban, 18, of Margate, lost in his last match at regionals last year and narrowly missed qualifying for the state event. “Right now, I want to be state champion,” said Lobban, who will wrestle in the 152lb. division. “I was one match away from going to state last year and it is still with me. I still picture it in my head all of the time. It motivated me a lot for this year.”

“Whether I am at practice, in the gym or on the treadmill working out, I go to practice every day,” Lobban added. “If it is not practice, I am at home refining my skills doing whatever I can do.”

Lobban has been wrestling since his freshman year and knows that a slight mistake on the mat could cost him.

“All of the emotions start pouring in,” Lobban said. “You think, ‘how did I let that happen? I saw that coming, why couldn’t I stop it?’ When time is running out, it can go either way. If you get that pin, it is the best feeling in the world.” Lobban said he likes the challenge the sport presents. He knows that practice makes him better.

“I like that I can get on the mat and actually see my skills getting better and bettering myself,” Lobban said. “I like the one-on-one aspect that the sport provides. When I get on the mat, everything else is blocked out. It is just that person and me. I love wrestling people who are better than me because it helps me better myself. It’s a great feeling.” Being this is his senior year, Lobban said there is a lot of pressure.

“The younger wrestlers, the rookies, are looking up to me, and at the same time, I am refining my skills too.”

Lobban said. “I know I have a lot of competition this year. I have to keep wrestling and try my best.”

Lobban, who is also a member of the Deerfield Beach- BSO PAL wrestling team, said the best feeling is when the referee raises your arm after winning a match.

“It is the greatest feeling when the referee raises my hand,” Lobban said. “You are thinking, ‘wow I actually did it! I did what I had to do to win.’”

 

Simply soccer coming to town

One week after Santa Claus hit Pompano Beach, Simply Soccer returns to hold a soccer camp from Jan. 2-4, 2013.

Registration is being held at the Pompano Beach Civic Center. The soccer camp is for boys and girls, ages 5-14, of all skill levels, who are taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting. There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; a Tiny Tot program for kids ages 5 and 6 is from 9 a.m. to noon.

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

 

Stuart wins President’s Cup

Janet Stuart was recently named the 2012 President’s Cup Champion for the Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association.

Stuart finished with the best two out of three rounds as she carded a low net score of 138.

Comments Off on Grappler looking to make state

FLICKS: Class Acts & Backstage Angels

Posted on 27 December 2012 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

As has been tradition for over a decade in this column, I name my Class Acts & Backstage Angles from this year.

PBIFF, MegaCon, Spooky Empire, Museum of Discovery and Science IMAX Theater and FLIFF are consistently successful, thanks to diligent individuals. However, the term “Angel” takes on certain poignancy this year given the loss of my DBHS classmate [fallen firefighter] Bill Elliott, Observer’s Senior Sales Advisor Karen Rice and my father.

I must acknowledge the Angels who helped ease my father’s transition on Columbus Day, especially VITAS staff from North Broward Hospital (I donated my book, “The Adventures of Cinema Dave in the Florida Motion Picture World,” to their waiting room library).

I am thankful for comforting e-mails that the Hunters sent me during some dark hours and am proud to be a contributor to their upcoming album, Manhattan Blues. I am thankful for witnessing a moment of silence before the first screening of The Dark Knight Rises after the Colorado shooting.

Whether it was devotion to their craft (Mucklebones Traveling Museum) or helping animals (K9 for Love Homestead Dogs Rescue), Class Acts quietly made this world better.

Local favorite Jack’s Hamburgers celebrated their 40th birthday with a month of parties for their community. Some Class Acts & Angels were just fun to be around, like 13-year-old actress Bailee Madison, who exhibited textbook Dale Carnegie style during FLIFF.

Class Acts of 2012:

• Caroline Williams – actress (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Hatchet 3)

• Peter Wein – host (“Peter’s Living Room,” WEI Network .com)

• Oliver Robbins – actor (Poltergeist)

• Stefan Ruzowitzky – director (Deadfall)

• Mucklebones Traveling

Museum – Spooky Empire exhibit

• Bailee Madison (& family) – actress (Parental Guidance, Bridge to Terabithia)

• June Lockhart – actress (Lost in Space, Lassie)

• Steve Hunter (and Karen) guitarist, (Manhattan Blues)

• Linda Hamilton – actress (Beauty and the Beast, The Terminator)

• Demmie Grimm – CosPlay actress extraordinaire

• Actresses Carroll (Giant, Baby Doll) & Blanche (Ruth Madoff Occupies Wall Street) Baker

• Peter Gererson, Donald Comiter – doctors

Next week’s column will feature my Top 10 list for 2012 and movies and events to look forward to in 2013. In the meantime, thanks, dear readers, for all of your kind words and support during such a challenging year.

Comments Off on FLICKS: Class Acts & Backstage Angels

CRIME WATCH

Posted on 27 December 2012 by LeslieM

DEERFIELD BEACH

Dec. 18 A man was arrested and charged with grand theft. He stole $45,000 worth of specialized sprinkler and irrigation equipment from Hector Turf at 1301 NW 3 St. Some of the items were found for sale on eBay.

Dec. 19 A man left a work site in Miramar with a spool of copper wire. He dropped off the wire at the home of an exemployee using a company work vehicle (vehicle has a GPS system that shows that it was at the home of ex-employee). Theft was reported at 790 NE 48 St. and involved copper wire valued at $400 belonging to Infratech Corp.

Dec. 20 A man was arrested and charged with a narcotics felony at 4591 N. Dixie Hwy. He was found to be in possession of crack cocaine.

Dec. 20 A motorcycle was stolen from a parking lot at 666 Siesta Key Circle.

 

DEERFIELD District 4

Dec. 3 Burglary to a business was reported at 1803 S. Powerline Rd. at United Rental. Between 12 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 6 a.m. on Dec. 3, a hole was cut in the rear perimeter fence and a $16,000 blue Miller welding machine (model BB500CCCV) was taken along with a wheeled trailer that it was placed on.

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

 

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Dec. 15 A woman reported her bicycle stolen from the Beacon Light Shopping Plaza at 2470 N. Federal Hwy.

Dec. 18 A woman who works at Publix at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. reported her bicycle valued at $150 stolen

Comments Off on CRIME WATCH

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Posted on 27 December 2012 by LeslieM

RE: BSO Chief Sudler to resign

Dear Editor:

Merry Christmas and may God bless you and your family into the future… with health and good fortune forever.

To me, you will always be way more than Chief, much more than a father, and transcend anyone who has to tell you how much integrity or professionalism they possess.

I have had the pleasure of working with BSO and the many chiefs through the years since moving to Florida. I maintain many relationships through all commands and districts. I represent many professional police officers throughout the country and I know leadership and professionalism when I see it.

Your efforts on behalf of the residents of Deerfield Beach and your fellow officers sets you apart in regard to those attributes, because real leaders earn their respect through self-effacing service and loyalty, which is why many are sad to hear of your status and the way you were treated.

Loyalty is earned, trust is earned, integrity is earned and respect is accumulated over time.

Everyone appreciates all of your efforts in regard to everything you have accomplished – which has added immeasurable value through the years you have served Deerfield Beach.

If there is a way to keep you in Deerfield Beach in some capacity, I will work on your behalf.

Real men with the qualities you possess only come along in life sporadically.

As we say in the survivor group Voices of Sept. 11, “We must always remember the sacrifices of our heroes for they have made our lives possible.”

“God speed,” my friend. You will always excel in any endeavor you undertake and I will always be your friend.

All the best and God bless!

Frank Congemi

Deerfield Beach

 

RE: Beloved mail carrier killed on motorcycle

Dear Editor:

We read [recently] about our mail carrier Jeff [in the Nov. 29 Observer newspaper] and his death while riding his motorcycle.

We are so, so sorry to hear this sad news. Jeff was never too busy to not say “hi” and always asked about our scuba diving.

He read this newspaper and whenever I would write a letter, he would jokingly tell me I was famous. He will be very much missed. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Donna, and Tom Allan

Deerfield Beach

 

Mail carriers make a difference

Deerfield Beach is a great place to live. We have so many city services at our fingertips. Led by our dedicated Mayor Peggy Noland and her supporting cast, we have a clean, safe city and beautiful beach.

There is a star player, [who is] seldom, if ever, mentioned. But if you use our local post office, you will know her.

When postal worker Jackie Wallace is on duty, you will always see a smile on her face and you will leave with a smile on yours, walking a little lighter and feeling happier because of your encounter with her.

Sue Oliphant

Deerfield Beach

Comments Off on LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

CLERGY CORNER: Wrestling

Posted on 27 December 2012 by LeslieM

When I was a kid, my brothers and I loved to wrestle with each other. The matches, all in good fun, usually ended with one of them pinning my arms and legs down and tickling me until I screamed, “Bloody Murder,” at which point our mother would rush into the room and call the fight. That’s right, my mother, the Ref.

I might not look like it now, but when I was younger, I used to wrestle. I would thumb wrestle, arm wrestle, foot wrestle, Indian wrestle … and, after a hard rain, I might even do a bit of mud wrestling.

But I was always more of a lover than a fighter. That is until I read about Jacob and realized that life itself is one big wrestling match, a match in which we wrestle not with others, but rather with ourselves and our conscience.

Wrestling with ourselves requires us to learn and improve on our technique; we need to be willing to pin ourselves down in regard to our values and how we will live our lives.

The Torah text for the man that Jacob is wrestling with uses multiple pronouns for he/him … to the point that we are not really quite sure who he/him is …. or, perhaps it was Jacob wrestling with himself.

Some of you may remember a marvelous program on TV called Genesis: A living Conversation. On that show, Bill Moyers said, “I often don’t know whether I’m struggling with G-d or with myself. And, if I’m struggling with myself, I’m struggling with both the demonic and the divine within me.”

Having a wrestling match with an unknown or a masked opponent is not unusual if you are a part of the World Wrestling Federation, but the truth of the matter is that there are many times that we think we are struggling with someone else, some unknown adversary or someone we are pointing blame at, when the one we are really doing battle with, the one we are really struggling with, is ourselves.

I don’t ever remember actually getting hurt when I wrestled with my brothers … annoyed, yes, but, hurt, no … and each time I fought them, they and I both became more accomplished at offensive and defensive techniques, and we not only got to know each other’s moves better, we became more aware of our own moves and we learned which moves worked and which didn’t. Jacob may have been wrestling with an angel or with G-d or with himself; whatever the case, he winds up getting hurt. His hip is never the same and he walks with a limp from then on. Who among us hasn’t had to deal with arthritic pain and faced times when we find ourselves limping or unable to stand up straight?

But while Jacob is physically injured at the hip, he is also more hip after his struggle; he is more attuned to who he is and what he wishes to become. If you want something done right, you have to struggle with it, wrestle with it …

In the New Year ahead, I wish your Yetzer Tov, your good inclination, well in your struggles and may the Ref., whether it is G-d, an angel, your father, your mother or yourself, see you pin your evil inclination down for the count so that you know you are indeed a champion.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is a member of the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and of the Association of Professional Chaplains. He works professionally in this capacity with a number of healthcare facilities in the area and with hospice. He is the Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach.

Comments Off on CLERGY CORNER: Wrestling

2012 Pompano Boat Parade

Posted on 20 December 2012 by LeslieM

Comments Off on 2012 Pompano Boat Parade

81st Hollywood Christmas Parade Red Carpet

Posted on 20 December 2012 by LeslieM

Comments Off on 81st Hollywood Christmas Parade Red Carpet

Highlands looking to improve

Posted on 20 December 2012 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

The Highlands Christian Academy boys’ basketball team had nowhere to go but up after it limped through the worst season in school history last year.

So far so good, as the Knights have already doubled their win total of a year ago. Highlands Christian entered the week at 4- 6 overall, but 0-3 in the difficult District 14-3A standings.

“It took us to January last year to get to two wins and we have two before December, so we were feeling real good,” said Highlands Christian coach Jim Good, who is in his eighth year as head coach and has already improved on last year’s 2-21 mark.

“Last year was frustrating, but going into that year, I knew what was to be expected. We knew going in that we are really a 1A school playing 3A.”

Good said his team graduated eight seniors from the team that won back-to-back district championships in 2010 and 2011.

“Last year, we had no returnees and we were basically a JV team trying to get better and trying to improve and I can honestly say that they are maturing,” said Good, who has three seniors, including two starters this year. It’s coming. It’s a process.”

The Knights opened the season with a preseason victory over Berean Christian and then a victory over Community Christian in the squad’s home opener.

They suffered back-to-back defeats in the 35th annual Highlands Christian Holiday Classic basketball tournament earlier this season.

“We have everybody back from last year,” Good said. “We graduated one senior and have seven returning. It is an inexperienced group and now this is their second year on varsity. We are startinganeighthgrader(Herman Robinson) who still has to mature. He is our point guard and putting things into perspective, heshouldbeonourmiddleschool team. We are just investing six good years in him.”

Good said the team is a tough district with Sagemont, Coral Springs Christian and Westminster Academy. He said the team is looking forward to a “featured game” against Community Christian on Dec. 22 at the American Airlines Arena. Following the game, the Knights will take in a Miami Heat game against the Utah Jazz.

“There is a lot of stuff we have to work on,” Good said. “Maybe the idea will set in that they don’t want to lose. We are going to lose games. You play sports and it is very rare that you go undefeated. I want them to work hard in practice and I want to get better.”

 

Simply soccer coming to town

One week after Santa Claus hits Pompano Beach, Simply Soccer will return city and hold a soccer camp from Jan. 2-4, 2013. Registration is being held at the Pompano Beach Civic Center. The camp is for boys and girls, ages 5-14, of all skill levels, who are taught a variety of soccer skills, from dribbling to shooting. There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., extended hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a Tiny Tot program kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Dept. at 954- 786-4119 or 954-786-4111.

Comments Off on Highlands looking to improve

FLICKS: Life of Pi & Hitchcock

Posted on 20 December 2012 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Based on the best-selling book by Yann Martel, The Life of Pi has been honored by The Golden Globes with three nominations – Best Picture, Best Score and Best Direction. Given his previous work (Brokeback Mountain, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Director Ang Lee is the perfect director to tell this simple story with amazing visual symbolism.

As a child growing up in India, Pi lives in zoo run by his parents. When finances dwindle, Pi’s family is forced to relocate the animals to Canada via boat. During rough weather, the ship sinks and the only survivor is the vegetarian Pi and the carnivorous tiger. In order to survive, the man and the beast must learn to share a small lifeboat for 227 days while cast adrift on the Pacific Ocean.

At 127 minutes, The Life of Pi opens at a leisurely pace with much humor. As the drama unfolds, the humor remains with a touch of danger. Like a good episode of The Twilight Zone or an O. Henry short story, the conclusion raises more questions about the nature of reality.

Based on Stephen Rebello’s excellent book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of “Psycho,” Hitchcock recycles the story, but puts emphasis on Hitchcock’s (Sir Anthony Hopkins) inspirations and psychic relationship with serial killer Ed Gein (Michael Wincott).

This film suffers from some historical errors, but director Sacha Gervasi captures the spirit of a typical Hitchcock flick. The film is a roller coaster ride from scares to laughs, though the domestic drama is a bit heavyhanded.

Merry Christmas!

Comments Off on FLICKS: Life of Pi & Hitchcock

CRIME WATCH

Posted on 20 December 2012 by LeslieM

DEERFIELD BEACH

Dec.14 A man was arrested and charged with burglary of a dwelling armed, grand theft firearm and grand theft. The man broke into his cousin’s home at 836 NE 52 Street and stole $7,750 worth of property including a firearm.

Dec. 15 A man was arrested and charged with a narcotics felony at 800 S. Dixie Hwy. The man was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and Xanax.

Dec.15 A woman reported that her car parked at 887 Siesta Key was entered and a bipod and GPS were stolen.

Dec. 15 During a traffic stop at 200 W. Hillsboro Blvd., one man was arrested and charged with driving with no valid driver’s license and another man was arrested and charged with a narcotics felony after being found in possession of cocaine.

Dec. 16 A woman reported that a man snatched a purse from her shoulder while she was in the Publix parking lot at 3740 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Dec. 16 A woman was arrested and charged with strong arm robbery at 5109 NE 1 Terr. The woman threw the victim down to the ground by her hair and stole $100 from her. The woman was located later and arrested.

Dec.16 A woman reported that on Dec. 12, someone broke into her home at 4090 NW 3 Terr. through the back window and stole a camera valued at $110 and a laptop computer valued at $600.

DEERFIELD – District 4


Dec. 3 Burglary to a business was reported in the 600 SW 12 Ave. quadrant between 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and 8 a.m. Dec. 3. Accordion shutters were removed from the railing. 

Remember, if you see anything suspicious call 911 immediately.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Dec. 7 A woman reported that an attempt was made to break into her home at 2142 NE 27 Court. She said some of the glass on a door to her home was broken and window sealing was pulled from a window.

Dec. 8 It was reported that a woman’s sunglasses were stolen from a car parked at 4851 NE 27 Terr. The woman was able to recover the sunglasses from a collection of items taken in multiple burglaries.

Dec. 9 A man reported that his home at 2510 NE 44 St. was broken into and closets in the home’s bedroom were ransacked. Nothing was stolen from the home.

 

Comments Off on CRIME WATCH

Advertise Here
Advertise Here