To My Neighbors, Friends, Residents and City Businesses

Dear Editor:

It is with a heavy heart that I leave the Office of Mayor of Deerfield Beach.

I was so proud to serve as Mayor of the city I love. I feel that in those four years, much was accomplished. Because of my love of the people, as well as the city in which I served a total of 16 years, my wish is that it will continue to flourish.

I, personally, want to thank all those who supported me and helped me on this journey. Thank you for your vote of confidence; the fact that it was a loss of only 27 votes shows that we, with your support, put up a good fight!

My wish is for continued health and happiness for all my fellow residents of Deerfield Beach.

Sincerely,

Peggy Noland

Deerfield Beach

Cookin’ for Charity

Thursday, March 21, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Heart of the Olive 816 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Heart of the Olive (soon to be The Heart of the Gourmet) is hosting Chef Jeff Milner of FLIPANY(www.flipany.org). Milner will demonstrate how to quickly make custom salad dressings and other creations. Donation: $20 for two-hour cooking class. Funds go to FLIPANY. Call 754-222-8071 to RSVP.

Light the Broadway Lights for a Cure!

Friday, March 22, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Butler House 380 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Wine & cheese. Presented by Deerfield Beach Kiwanis Kare Bear Team. $15 per person benefits Relay for Life.

Rising Lights

Friday, March 22, 6 to 9 p.m.

Greight Spaces 2611 E. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Artists from St. Coleman School showcasing their artwork. LIVE music. FREE. 100 percent of sales go back to artist.

Boy Scouts annual pasta dinner

Saturday Mar. 23, 4:30 to 7 p.m.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church Rectory Social Hall 380 S. Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Held by Boy Scouts Troop 119. Cost: $5 (includes salad, dessert, beverage)/Children under 5-free. Tickets available at the door. 954-629-8304 or 954-675-5683.

Earth Hour

Saturday, March 23, 8:30 p.m.

Join people around the world as they turn off their lights for one hour. This annual event puts attention on environmental issues and how we can save our planet together. http:// worldwildlife.org/earthhour.

DB Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast

Saturday, March 23, 9 a.m. to noon

Westside Park, Johnny Tigner Community Center 445 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

954-480-4480

Gospel Explosion

Saturday, March 23, 5 p.m.

Westside Park 445 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Local churches sing, dance and make joyful noise. Hosted by Broward Sheriff’s Office and City of Deerfield Beach. Sponsored by Deerfield Beach Rotary Club–FREE food and refreshments. 954- 422-5818.

34th Annual Hatsume Fair

Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens 4000 Morikami Park Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446

Taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, garden tours, artisan booths, anime dealers, plant sales, food vendors, beer garden, sake station, children’s activities, tea ceremony, $15 adults, $10 children ages 4-10, FREE for museum members and children 3 and under. www.morikami.org/hatsume or call 561-495-0233.

Messiah in the Passover

Sunday, Mar. 24, 10:45 a.m.

Grace Baptist Church 501 NE 48 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Gives Christian community insight into Jewish traditions to help understand common heritage. Open to the public. Offering will be received. 954-421- 0190, ext. 1100.

Comm Pres: Palm Sunday-Sunrise Service

March 24, 7 a.m.

Deerfield beach, Lifeguard stand No. 5 Between SE 2 and SE 3 Sts. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

(Regularly scheduled services at 8:30 in chapel and 11 a.m. in sanctuary at Community Presbyterian Church at 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Following 11 a.m. service, in park across from church is Deerfield Beach Association’s “Picnic in the Park.”) (Regular “Saturday at Six” worship service on Saturday, March 23 at 6 p.m. in Briggs Hall). Holy Communion offered. 954-427-0222 or www.communitych.org.

Dixieland Hot Jazz

Sunday, March 24, 1 to 4 p.m

Henry’s Hideaway 1500 S. Andrews Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Presented by the Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo. $10. 954-563-5390.

Passover Seders

Monday, March 25 & Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.

Chabad — 4431 NE 27 Ave. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For more information and to RSVP, call 347-410- 1106 or visit www.JewishLHP.com.

Elks card party

Tuesday, March 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Held by Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Bring table of friends or group. Open to public. $4 includes dessert and coffee. 561-479-2002 for reservations.

North Broward Democratic Club meets

Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.

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

Speaker: Mitch Ceasar, Chair of Broward Democratic Party. Installation of officers and directors. FREE, open to public. Refreshments served. 954-783-8232.

The world has a new Pope and I suspect that you were not expecting the Rabbi to be writing about the new Pontiff in this column, let alone be connecting him to the Festival of Pesach. But, as I am a Jewish Chaplain working with Broward County Catholic Health Services and Catholic Hospice and their L’Chaim Program for Jewish Patients, I couldn’t help but make a connection.

We are taught that the name we are given is of great import, as it may well prove to be a harbinger to the type of person we will grow up to be. The New Pontiff has chosen the name Franciso, or Francis. I, for one, think he chose his name well. The name Francis comes from Middle English and refers to a “Free man.” Being free is what the entire Festival of Passover is about. It is why we retell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom at each and every Seder Meal. And, if you look up the Hebrew name for Francis, you will find that one very real possibility (in fact, the one that I would give to him) is, none other than, Pesach …

Of course, even though I am a Rabbi, I am familiar with the most famous Francis … St. Francis of Assisi. At a very young age, he, too, knew the pain of being a slave as he was locked away in a jail for a full year. And yet, it was during his incarceration that he was able to begin his spiritual journey and turn his life around to become a champion of the poor and a striver for peace for one and all.

There is no question that we live in an age where there are still far too many poor… not just in economic terms, but in spiritual terms as well. And, surely all you have to do is look at any newspaper and you know that the world is in great need of peace.

The Pope has been called to lead our Catholic Brothers and Sisters just like Moses was called to lead us. As a Rabbi, it is no secret that I cannot help but see the world through Jewish eyes. It is, after all, who and what I am. And I know that many reading this column follow the same path and you might be wondering how will this Pope be in regard to the Jewish People?

Last November, he led a special memorial in remembrance of the victims of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, with Rabbi Avruj by his side and he held the memorial in the Buenos Aries Metropolitan Cathedral no less. He spoke out strongly against the bombings at the Jewish Center of Buenos Aires. He has close ties to the Latin American Jewish Congress and worked with them in their New Generations Program. He is no stranger to attending synagogue services as he has been to Shul on more than one occasion. And, if you look for a book written by Rabbi Sergio Bergman, be sure to look at the Forward because then Archbishop, now Pope, wrote the forward for Rabbi Bergman and called the Rabbi “one of my teachers.”

As we Jews begin to celebrate Pesach, our Festival of Freedom, let us extend a hearty Mazal Tov to Pope Francis and join him in helping to bring more love, peace and freedom to one and all.

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.

Visiting the Czech Republic, Shayne works on the sequel to her book, which has a huge teen following.

By Rachel Galvin

Deep in the mysterious realm of the Czech Republic sits a young red-haired spitfire of a girl writing thoughtfully on a notepad lit by candlelight. The written words relay the stories of characters Charlotte and Valek and their world of vampires and fantasy. The young 22-year-old writer is none other than Lighthouse Point’s own Shayne Leighton (Machova), author of “Of Light and Darkness: The Vampire’s Daughter.” Now, she just finished its sequel, which is set to release in March or April, and is working on her third book. She has been writing since she was a teenager and now has many teenage fans (and adults) that follow her every move.

When not penning her next fantasy novel, Shayne is location scouting in Prague for the movie based on the book. Although still in pre-production, she already has some well-known actors attached, including Michael Welch from the “Twilight” Saga, Cassie Scerbo from “Make It or Break It” on ABC Family, Johnny Pacar from “Playback,” and others.

Leighton has acted and directed before, and is best known for her film “Incubus,” which she co-directed with Marcie Gorman. The film received limited distribution in theaters and in venues like Blockbuster through Maverick Entertainment in 2011.

But making movies and writing books isn’t all that this jet-setter is about. She also is a singer and has just been picked up by Spectra Records. She is working on her debut album, which promises to be a throwback to the days of 80s glam rock.

She explained, “It will be heavily inspired by classic ’80s rock anthems like the ones from Pat Benatar, but with an edgy, modern flair. I begin working on the album as soon as I get back to the U.S. in April. The entire debut album will be original songs with the exception of one cover tune.”

She added, “All of my songs are very personal and stem from real life experiences. That’s what makes good music memorable – when other people can relate to what you’re feeling.”

When it comes to writing, she finds solitude and the right atmosphere to be key.

“The Czech Republic is perhaps the most inspirational place to be for a writer like myself who favors in vampires and dark, fantasy subjects. The entire country is clad in ancient mystery within the many historical buildings and baroque bell-tower helmets and statues. It’s as if the place is frozen in time and is perfect to get the creativity flowing,” said Leighton, who is in Czech with her husband, Frantisek Mach, the “soulmate” she fell in love with as a teenager.

She prefers to write her stories by hand in the silent wee hours of the morning, coffee in hand.

“If I’m inspired and have a good direction in my head, I write. If the story seems stale, I let it percolate for a few days. I do a basic outline in my head first … how the story starts, the major obstacle, how it’s solved in the end; but the rest just streams from my consciousness. If I have to go back and rewrite … then I go back and rewrite.”

Her advice for would-be writers or entertainers?

“You can’t be disappointed in the success you don’t have for the work you don’t do. It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. Do it for the love, and not the fame or money. Don’t look at other people’s journey. Everybody’s success is different. If you feel you have accomplished what you set out to accomplish, you are successful. Jealousy will get you nowhere.”

To find out more about Shayne and her projects, visit www.shayneleighton.com.

It was a tight race between incumbent Mayor Peggy Noland and former Mayor Jean Robb and there was a recount held Friday, March 15. At 11:40 a.m., the SOE officially declared Jean Robb mayor by 27 votes.

Friday Mar 15 at 10 a.m. ObserverTV will broadcast the Official re-count LIVE on ObserverTV

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The disappointing box office of The Last Stand, Bullet to the Brain and A Good Day to Die Hard has been predicted as the death knell of action movies starring actors who are over 55 years old. If cinema history has taught us one thing, don’t count out Arnold Swarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis.

The 5th film of the series, A Good Day to Die Hard features John McClain (Willis) in Moscow, Russia. McClain is trying to see his son Jack (Jai Courtney), who is a political prisoner. Things explode, people betray one another and John McClain gets another boo boo on his forehead.

This is the weakest entry of the Die Hard series. While John McClain is still a great movie character, the overwhelming use of special effects stifles the human element. In fact, this does not seem like a Die Hard movie, but more like a weaker James Bond or Bourne Identity flick.

Lore opens this weekend at the Living Room Theater on the Florida Atlantic University Campus. This German movie with English subtitles has been winning awards on the film festival circuit.

Lore (Saskia Rosendahl) is a

14-year-old girl whose parents are Nazis. As the allies overtake Germany, Lore and her siblings become separated from their parents. To find a safe haven, she must escort her four brothers and sisters across the treacherous black forest in Germany. Along the way, she learns to trust a person she had been socialized to hate.

Lore is simple and gritty. After witnessing death, sex and brutality, this film concludes on a serious note. Lore and her siblings have witnessed things that will haunt the rest of their lives.

DEERFIELD BEACH

March 6 A woman reported her vehicle stolen from 165 SE 4 Ave. The woman said her home had been burglarized and she believes the person who stole her car may have stolen the key to her vehicle during the burglary.

March 8 It was reported that a home at 18 Little Harbor Way was burglarized. Two televisions and two laptop computers were stolen for a total loss of $3,000.

March 8 A man was arrested and charged with stealing two televisions from Target at 1200 S. Federal Hwy.

March 9 A man reported his motorcycle stolen from 632 Trace Circle.

March 9 Someone broke into a van parked at 1520 S. Powerline Rd. and stole a spare tire.

March 9 A residence at 1001 NW 45 St. was entered and two gold rings, one gold bracelet and a gold necklace were stolen. Total loss was estimated at $16,500. The owner of the property believes that a man who recently moved out used his spare key to enter the residence.

March 10 A woman reported that two men approached her at 1200 W. Hillsboro Blvd. One man knocked the woman off her bicycle and grabbed her gold chain. Both men ran away.

DEERFIELD District 4

Feb. 10 Auto theft was reported at 3840 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Person reporting advised that the vehicle was parked in the Aldi shopping plaza lot on Feb. 5 at 12:30 a.m., after a flat tire. When the person came back the next day, the vehicle was missing from the lot. After checking with all towing companies in the area with negative results, the person contacted BSO. Tow log was checked and the vehicle was not entered. Affidavit was completed.

Feb. 27 Residential burglary occurred in the Gates of Hillsboro at 280 NW 41 Ave. Between 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., an unknown suspect broke a window to the master bedroom to gain entry. Suspect targeted the master bedroom and stole a laptop computer. (Total loss: approximately $500.) The crime scene was processed.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

March 6 A man left his wallet on a counter at the U.S. Post Office at 2091 NE 36 St. When he returned to the counter, he noticed the wallet had been taken. The man then reported two purchases made on one of his cards.

March 6 The manager of a McDonalds at 4830 N. Federal Hwy. requested that a man who has been pouring fountain sodas into a cup be issued a trespass warning not to return to the restaurant.

Municipal Election

Dear Editor:

It’s Wednesday after the election and I went online to find out the results.

The winner was not known yet, but right now, I am ashamed to be a Deerfield resident… with an election I think so important, which will really affect our daily lives, like the utility tax.

I can’t believe under 6,000 thousand people voted! I do not know the exact number of registered voters in Deerfield, but I damn well think it’s more than that.

I am disgusted.

Steven J. Fabrizio

Deerfield Beach

Freedom of Speech

Dear Editor:

At Brooklyn College, police were called to check people attending a “Program in favor of Palestinians” presented by Jewish professor from Columbia University Judith Butler and activist Omar Barghouti.

Jewish groups, including [American lawyer, jurist, and political commentator Alan] Dershowitz wanted the college to withdraw sponsorship — which didn’t happen.

President of the College Karen Gould was attacked for allowing a program sponsored by the Political Science Dept. and other student groups. Karen said she didn’t agree with the program but was FOR free speech, as are many people. There was plenty of “hate mongering to shut down the event.”

The event sold out and received a standing ovation.

They said anti-semitism in Europe was equal to racism today in Israel against Palestinians. By the way, there are many professors and Israelis who also believe Palestinians have been treated poorly.

In the film “Gatekeepers,” top Israeli secret service people also felt that their policy was too rigid and not looking for peace. In the program, they supported equal rights for Palestinians and the event had a “waiting list.”

I am sure many people were upset when Dershowitz was banned from speaking and would be just as upset if Jewish groups who believe Israel is never wrong were not allowed to speak.

In other words, “free speech” for both sides is what all Americans should be FOR.

Marty Weisberg

Coral Springs

Deerfield Beach Arboretum Mtg.

Thursday, March 14, 7 p.m.

Constitution Park 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker, Doug Young, President, S. FL Audubon Society. Free plant raffle, refreshments. Free event, open to public. Call 561-391- 3735.

Men’s Club’s ‘Lunch and Learn’

Thursday, March 14, 12:30 p.m.

Young Israel of Deerfield Beach 202 Century Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Lecture by General Brigadier Israel Drazin. For info and reservations, call 954-418-9378.

Housing Counseling Workshop

Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church 262 SW 10 Court Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

State Representative Gwyndolen “Gwyn” Clarke-Reed together with We Help Community Development Corporation (HUD approved housing Counseling Agency) offers FREE service. Need to bring: Driver’s license, 90 days of bank statements, last filed tax return (all pages from all bank. accts.), current mortgage settlement statement, most recent 60 days of pay stub, most recent communication received from your lender, recent utility bill. By appointment only: 954-786-4848. Appointment MUST be made by 3 p.m. Thursday, March 14.

Photography presentation

Saturday, March 16, 2-3 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Photographer Jerry Saxon will present a slide program centering on the natural beauty of South Florida parks, specifically Quiet Waters Park. Light refreshments served. 954-357-7680.

Voice lessons starting

Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Source 230 Lock Rd., Deerfield Beach, Fl. 33442

Hosted by Gene Townsel. 561-436-0868.

About Boating Safety

Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Materials fee: $35. Bring lunch. For questions or RSVP, call 561-391-3600, leave message.

5th Annual Boating & Beach Bash

Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spanish River Park 3001 N. A1A Boca Raton, FL 33431

FREE event for people with physical and/ or intellectual challenges. 561-715-2622. www.boating-beachbash.com.

7th Annual Florida Turkish Festival

Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Huizenga Plaza 32 E. Las Olas Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Presented by Istanbul Cultural Center. $5 adults, kids free. 954-590-0184. www.floridaturkishfest.com.

Florida Renaissance Festival

• FINAL WEEKEND

Saturday, March 16 & Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. to sunset

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

St. Patrick’s Weekend – “We’re going Green.” www.ren-fest.com.

5th Annual Prayer Breakfast Fundraiser

Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Westside Park Recreation Center 445 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guest speaker: Cyril G. Guerra Jr. Youth Pastor of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. Free door prizes and giveaways. Presented by I Am My Brothers Keeper Ministries, Inc. $10 per person. $954-418-0216. www.iambkm.org.

DB Hadassah

Monday, March 18, noon

Century Village, Le Club 3501 W. Dr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Refreshments. Speaker: Sophie Gottlieb, VP of Education. 954-427-9902.

ArtHall

Wednesday, March 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Historic Downtown Pompano Beach 50 NE 1 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Art, music and refreshments – FREE. Features Florida’s natural beauty by artists Pat Anderson and John Wetzstein, singer/ songwriter Jamie Mitchell. 954-586-1111.

Save the Date: Messiah in the Passover

Sunday, Mar. 24, 10:45 a.m.

Grace Baptist Church 501 NE 48 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Gives Christian community insight into Jewish traditions to help understand common heritage. Open to the public. Offering will be received. 954-421-0190, ext. 1100.