By Gary Curreri

Fourth-year Deerfield Beach High School girls flag football coach Cameron Thomas paused for reflection after his team’s heart-breaking 14-12 loss to visiting Atlantic that ended the best season in school history.

“Last year, we went 4-7 and everybody had a point to prove,” Thomas said. “It’s frustrating, but last year at this time, we weren’t here. This is one of the biggest stepping stones we’ve ever had. I’m just happy the girls fought. Most teams lay down when their backs are against the wall, but we continued to fight.”

Deerfield Beach (9-4), which won the first district title in program history, struck first when sophomore quarterback Stefaterra Boykins scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 8:55 left in the first half. Boykins added another 1-yard run in the third quarter, cutting Atlantic’s lead to 14-12. Thomas is looking ahead to next season with 10 of 14 girls returning next year. “We had a couple big missed opportunities, but that’s football,” Thomas said.

“We made school history. It’s our first time here, first time to have this opportunity, and I’m proud of these girls. I can’t be mad at them. They played hard.”

Thomas said this year’s team got along and had good chemistry, which was the main reason they were successful.

Thomas said the play of Boykins, juniors Courtney Lee and Darrion Cowart, along with seniors Terra Johnson and Ashley Johnson contributed to their success.

Thomas said a 7-0 victory over host Douglas during the season was the turning point for the squad.

“They (Douglas) were the No. 2 team in the state and the No. 1 team in the county,” Thomas said. “At that point, they knew we could do it.”

Thomas said he also changed his coaching style in working with the girls and it reaped dividends. He is also the junior varsity football coach and said the girls had asked him to tone it down.

Phillip Scott and Lester Atmore assisted Thomas this season.

“I am so used to coaching boys, I could yell and scream and with girls you can’t,” said Thomas, who has been 5-2 with the Bucks JV football team the past two years.

“They asked me to tone it down a little bit and it worked miracles … This was a fairy tale year for us. We have a saying, ‘if it is destined to be us, let it be us.’”

Atlantic quarterback Justice Porter ran for one score, threw for one and added two extra point passes that proved to be the difference to lead the Eagles to the state tournament.

Atlantic linebacker Andrea Maccow had three interceptions in the game, including her third off a Vanessa Ragnarsson pass with just under 40 seconds left that clinched the Eagles’ victory.

DEERFIELD BEACH

May 3 A home at 820 Tivoli Circle was broken into and jewelry and watches were stolen.

May 3 A woman reported her home at 124 SE 11 Court entered and her dog taken.

May 3 A man reported his home at 530 SE 3 St. broken into and a digital camera, iPod and three jars of coins stolen.

May 3 A woman was arrested and charged with grand theft. Earlier, on April 11, she entered her mother’s bedroom and stole a digital camera valued at $300. She then sold the camera for $70 to a pawn shop.

May 4 A man reported his tailgate stolen from his vehicle parked at 4570 NW 6 St. Value of the tailgate was estimated at $1,200.

May 4 A car parked at 2363 SW 15 St. was entered and a wallet containing credit cards and power tools were stolen. Loss was estimated at $220.

May 4 A man reported his home at 618 Emerald Way W. entered into and money and two guns stolen.

May 4 A man was arrested and charged with felony narcotics at 166 SW 3 St. He was seen loitering on a property and found to be in possession of cocaine.

May 5 A man was arrested and charged with felony narcotics at 100 SW 3 St. He was found to be in possession of cocaine.

May 5 A man was arrested and charged with burglary of a dwelling and grand theft. On March 25, the man entered a home at 269 SE 8 Ave., ransacked it, then stole $5,000 worth of property — including electronics, jewelry and other items. The man was located on May 4. Arrest was recorded on May 5.

DEERFIELD District 4

May 2 Commercial burglary was reported at Enterprise Commerce Center, 1501 Green Rd. Complainant, who represents Storage and Moving Inc., reported that between 7 p.m. on May 1 and 7 a.m. May 2, unknown person(s) took eight truck batteries from three trucks parked at this location. Area was canvassed, with negative results.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

April 29 A physician’s office at 5340 N. Federal Hwy. reported that a former receptionist wrote prescriptions for drugs. The woman was reported for fraud and embezzlement.

May 1 Police questioned a man for having chemicals in his possession often used in the manufacture of methamphetamines. Police did not have enough evidence to make an arrest. Incident took place at 3400 NE 21 Ave.

May 2 A woman reported that an online account was opened in her name. She was alerted to the situation by the Social Security Administration. Incident was reported at 2829 NE 32 St.

DBHS graduate/Pompano resident completes Navy basic training

Dear Editor:

Navy Seaman Recruit Shaneka R. Devonish, daughter of Rosanne J. and Ralph D. Alleyne of Pompano Beach, FL, completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL on March 21.

During the eight-week program, Devonish completed a variety of training, including classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. Emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly “Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Devonish is a 2012 graduate of Deerfield Beach High School.

Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE)

Norfolk, VA

RE: Visit to Deerfield beach

Dear Editor:

This is in response to Larry from Omaha, who has written to two Deerfield newspapers [April 18 Observer] to complain about our beautiful beach.

As someone who has lived here, grown up here, and who never, EVER, wants to leave, I disagree with his opinion that we don’t have any restaurants and that our beach is dirty.

I can go to the beach every day of the week and eat at a different restaurant. I have a choice between ones that have an ocean breeze and view of the water, one that was featured on a well-known TV program, or another favorite of the locals with great service and food, etc…

I can think of 10 off the top of my head.

I take advantage of our beautiful beach at least twice a week. Whether I’m north or south of the pier, everywhere I go is clean and well-maintained.

I’m sorry Larry had such a “terrible” experience visiting our beautiful beach, but from his comments, I’m certain no beach could live up to his high expectations. All I can say to him is “Thanks for visiting Larry, please don’t come again.”

Lesley Howard

Deerfield Beach

National Mom’s Nite Out

Thursday, May 9, 6 to 9 p.m.

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

FREE event. Radio personality Julie Guy, from 97.3 FM The Coast; Professional stylists creating hairdos; makeup, perfume and beauty product sampling; fashion show; girlie giveaways. Refreshments available. www.pompanociticentre.com.

“Search for the Ark of the Covenant”

Saturday, May 11, 6 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, Briggs Hall 1920 SE 4 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE documentary. Refreshments served! www.communitych.org or find on Facebook.

Join Quiet Waters Trail Maintenance Team

Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to noon

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

Need volunteers to help do trail maintenance. Serving hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks from 11 a.m. to noon. Meet at Quiet Waters Bike America Clubhouse at 9 a.m. Info: customerservice@bikeam.com.

BOCA Green Market– FINAL WEEK!

Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Place Boca Raton, FL 33432

Fresh fruit and veggies, and more!

Mother’s Day Dance

Sunday, May 12, 2 to 5 p.m.

Star Ballroom 2309 E. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

$15-per person/2 for $25-donation. Bring mother, friend, sweetheart for dancing, refreshments, door prizes. Proceeds benefit NE Focal Point CASA. 954-480-4447.

Deerfield Democratic Club–Finklestein speaks!

Monday, May 13, noon

Le Club Century Village Deerfield Beach, 33442

Howard Finklestein, Public Defender a.k.a. ‘Help me Howard,’ will speak at the Deerfield Beach Democratic Club in Century Village on Monday. Lunch will be served to paid up members.

Sip, Savor and Style

Tuesday, May 14, 7-9 p.m.

The Heart of the Gourmet 816 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

FREE event. Samples of infused oils, balsamics and finger foods, presentation by Wines for Humanity and Leeza Hanson of J. Hillburn, men’s style consultant. Portion of proceeds donated to The Pantry of Broward. RSVP: leeza. hanson@jhilburnpartner.com.

Deerfield Beach Orchid Society Meets

Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Club of Deerfield Beach 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Chuck McCartney speaks on native orchids of Everglades National Park. d e e r f i e l d b e a c h o r c h i d society@gmail.com.

Democratic Women’s Club of NE Broward Meets

Wednesday, May 15, 7 p.m.

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

Speaker: TBA, on healthcare in Florida. Refreshments served. 954-942-8711.

SAVE THE DATE: DBES 1st Annual Silent Auction and Raffle

Thursday, May 16, 6 to 8 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Elementary School 650 NE 1 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Open to businesses and residents. Benefits over 650 students and families. To pre-purchase discounted raffle tickets or to donate, email ptadbes@gmail.com.

Are you ready for Mother’s Day? It’s almost here; don’t drag your feet. I know it’s a few days early, but I wanted the opportunity to give the ladies the honor they deserve.

For you history buffs, let me fill you in on some of the Mother’s Day details. Mother’s Day in the U.S.A. started long ago when Anna Jarvis organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her Appalachian community. She called it “Mother’s Work Day.”

When she died in 1905, her daughter began a campaign to memorialize her mom. In 1914, Anna, the daughter named after her mother, saw her hard work pay off when President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday. Today, the second Sunday of May has become the most “dined out” day of the year and telephone companies record their highest volume of calls. The flower and candy businesses are not bad either. Oh, let us not forget about “the card.”

2 TIMOTHY 1:5

5 “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

NIV

You are important and you will leave a mark on this earth. It’s up to you as to what you leave behind and pass on. All throughout the Bible, women have played an incredible role in the plan of God. We see women being used by God in amazing ways, helping to fulfill His divine plan. Women have always played a key role in God’s plan, and I want to make sure that we never lose sight of how important they are to all of us. Take the time to thank the women in your life who have helped shape you into the person you are today.

PROVERBS 31:10

10 “A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.”

AMP

What’s the most important Mother’s Day ever? This one! Oh, I am sure you can recount some very special Mother’s Days — but the one you observe this year should be the best ever. Also, make sure your kids do the right thing. Honor the special ladies in your lives by recognizing the valuable contribution they make at church, as well as at home. It’s not easy being a wife, mother, churchwoman, bread-winner, homemaker, taxi driver—you name it! Let her know how you feel.

If I can speak to moms in particular and women in general on behalf of the husbands, fathers, brothers and sons today, I would like to say this.

The music of your life is beautiful. You are a beautiful flower with delicate petals and a wonderful fragrance. We envy the relationship that you have with our children and grandchildren. God created you beautiful in the depth of your being, and it is that beauty that draws us to you. We praise God for you and thank God for you, even though we don’t tell you nearly as much as we should.

Tony Guadagnino is a pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church.

The Pig Out in the Park scheduled for Saturday, May 4, has been postponed due to weather. The new date is June 29!

Did you go to Quiet Waters Park last weekend? Then you experienced a culinary extravaganza called the Deerfield Wine & Food Festival. Bringing in thousands of people, this event featured food from chefs all over the tri-county area and wines from around the world at its Grand Tasting Saturday night. Friday night featured a VIP dinner with selections from Chef Angelo Morinelli of Station House Grille perfectly paired with wines from Deerfield Ranch Winery. The weekend ended with the MARTINI Jazz Bubbles & Brunch and Cruisin Classic Car Show.

Check back for even more details. In the meantime, check out www.deerfieldbeachwineandfoodfestival.com.

By Gary Curreri

It took five rounds, but it was worth the wait when Deerfield Beach’s Denard Robinson found out his NFL destination.

Robinson, 22, was selected with the second pick of the fifth round (135 overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars and hopes his speed and athleticism will get him on the field quickly.

“They can put me in at receiver or running back or whatever,” Robinson said on the conference call with Jacksonville reporters following the draft. “There’s a lot of different positions, so I’m excited about doing that.”

Robinson, a University of Michigan senior, set the NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback, rushing for 4,495 yards and Michigan records for total yards (10,776) and touchdowns (91). He played quarterback for the Wolverines at Michigan, prior to suffering a nerve injury in his elbow last season. He then eventually moved into the Wolverines’ backfield as a running back behind QB Devin Gardner.

But during Senior Bowl week, the NFL combine and Michigan’s Pro Day scouts asked Robinson to run through drills at receiver (as well as punt/kick returner) because of Robinson’s athleticism that would make him a weapon there.

Contributions to special teams are highly likely. His 4.43 second 40-yard dash and elite ability to elude tacklers could make him a valuable punt and kick returner in the NFL.

Robinson is confident as he continues his football career. He told ESPN Radio 98.7 in New York prior to the draft that he was comfortable playing running back.

“When I get at that running back position, I can take it the distance,” said Robinson, who finished his college career with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games against Ohio State and South Carolina. “I can take the pounding of getting hit a couple times. I can go at receiver and make cornerbacks look bad…Once I get the ball in my hands and I’m in open space, I can’t be tackled one-on-one. That’s my motto: ‘Every time I get the ball, it’s time for me to get in the end zone.’”

Robinson has been making a name for himself on the football field since he was a member of the Deerfield Beach Packer Rattlers in his youth football days.

However, not by his birth name of Denard Xavier Robinson, but “Shoelace,” a nickname he got when he was 10 and playing for his Pee Wee team with his shoelaces untied.

“It’s been a dream to play in the NFL,” said Robinson, a 2008 graduate of Deerfield Beach High School. “Now, it has become a reality.”

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The 2013 Summer Blockbuster Season jettisons at 11:45 p.m. tonight at the Museum of Science and Discovery IMAX with the opening of Iron Man 3. Exclusively for IMAX first screenings, moviegoers who attend tonight’s show will receive a limited edition Iron Man 3 Mondo print featuring original artwork. Tickets can be purchased now by calling 954-713-0930 for this two-week engagement.

Sadly as Iron Man 3 dominates movie screens, the poorly marketed 42 will be pushed aside. Harrison Ford portrays Branch Rickey, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers ball club who hired Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), the first black man to play professional sports, circa 1947.

By avoiding racism clichés found in modern movies, writer/Director Brian Helg -eland focuses on Jackie Robinson’s first critical year. The stupid anger is brutal to behold, but the screenplay focuses on the grace given by Robinson’s Brooklyn Dodger teammates. Of course, Jackie Robinson proves his gravitas on the field of dreams.

With fire in his eyes, Boseman finds Robinson’s dignity and maturity. This is easiest Ford’s best movie of the 21st Century, as well as his best performance in years. Go see 42 with families or as a school field trip.

The Jackie Robinson story transcends baseball, yet baseball provides a unique conduit for fine arts in South Florida this weekend. Former Florida Marlins/New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza joins the Miami City Ballet this Sunday as they conclude their season with the humorous classic Slaughter on 10th Avenue. It features the music of Richard Rodgers and choreography by George Balanchine.

Paris Manhattan opens tomorrow in limited release. A French language film with English subtitles, this romantic comedy features Alice (Alice Togliani), a pharmacist obsessed with Woody Allen movies.

This film is shot in the spirit of 1970s Woody Allen movies. The leading character often involves herself in imaginary conversations with her idol and her Jewish parents are concerned about her love life. Will the conclusion be Annie Hall or Hannah and her Sisters? Either way, Paris Manhattan does capture the old Woody Allen vibe.