By Rachel Galvin

In the mood for Italian? Step into Amato’s Italian Grill, a perfect place for a romantic interlude or a family gathering. With Southern Italian flair, the chef cooks up everything from sandwiches, pizzas and calzones to favorites like linguini with red or white clam sauce, Mussels Marinara, Chicken Marsala, Veal Parmesean or Eggplant Rollatine. The meal begins with a generous helping of plain or garlic knots teeming with butter and garlic. The Bruschetta Italiana is an appetizer that will make your mouth water for more. Chopped tomatoes, red onions and basil set atop Italian bread saturated with balsamic vinegar and oil make for a crunchy start and a melt-in-your-mouth, slightly spicy finish. Looking for a milder beginner, try the can’tget- enough Pasta Fagioli, comfort food at its finest. For a light tasting entree that will fill you up and satiate your Italian craving, try the Chicken Francese. One of the more popular dishes, these thin egg-washed slices of tender chicken are pan sauteed in a lemony white wine sauce, made from fresh squeezed lemons. Of course, no dinner is complete without the finishing touch – a dessert. Try their tiramisu, made from scratch with espresso lady fingers, Kahlua, Marscapone cheese, almond cookie and other tasty ingredients. Presented with a criss-cross pattern of chocolate over the dusting of cookie on top, this tiramisu is thick and creamy and sits atop a bed of powdered sugar.

To quench your thirst, there is wine by the glass or carafe, or bring your own bottle ($15 corking fee). There also is domestic and imported beer, soda and San Pellegrino.

Owner Reyna Amato’s favorite dishes are the clams, the Fruta di Mare and Chicken Amato. All of her dishes are made with family recipes. She began her life in cooking at the age of 14 working with her parents at their pizzeria in New Jersey. Her family moved to the states from Palermo, Italy. She moved to Florida four years ago and opened Amato’s in 2010.

“Everything is homemade,” she said. “It is economically-priced, but fresh and high quality. Nothing is pre-packaged. The pizza is made every day. We have New York and Sicilian style.”

She plans on bringing entertainment back. At one time, it was outside on the patio; now, she plans to make it more intimate, allowing a single guitarist to play inside at certain times. For now, Italian music plays in the background.

They have unbelievable specials here, such as their lunch special – half a sandwich, cup of soup/ salad and a slice of pizza for only $6.99. Thursday is seafood night. For under $10, you get your choice of a wide selection of fish or seafood with your choice of sauce. Their early bird special is buy one plus two beverages and get second entree for $1.99. Ask about other specials and look for coupons here in the Observer.

Amato’s Italian Grill is located at 1901 N. Federal Hwy., Unit #112B, in the Pompano Citi Centre, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. Open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m., they also do take-out and delivery. Call 954-582-9211. For more information, visit www.amatositaliangrill.com.

By Dave Montalbano

www.adventuresofcinemadave.com/

This summer, movie goers have witnessed the end of the world in World War Z, Man of Steel and Pacific Rim. Given the repeated massive scale of this destruction, a “ho hum” reaction becomes predominant. Meanwhile, on a far smaller and more personal scale, films like The Body (El Cuerpo) and The Conjuring are creating memorable experiences featuring pity and fear.

Released a few weeks ago, The Conjuring has become a sleeper hit, grossing more money than 42, MaMa and Pacific Rim. It is an R-rated family horror movie, a film that will generate discussion over the dinner table and cause a few nightmares for the young. The unnerving factor is that this film is based on a true story in Rhode Island.

Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Elaine Warren (Vera Farmiga) lecture on the subject of “paranormal science” on a New England campus. The husband and wife team have battled ghosts and poltergeists for most of their adult lives. A recent battle with a spirit has weakened Elaine.

Enter the Perron family, who purchased a mansion on a lake in Rhode Island. Roger (Ron Livingston) is a truck driver and Carolyn (Lili Taylor) is housewife with four girls. The house is mostly a fix-me-up and, many things go bump in the night and create havoc for the family.

Despite the Warren’s semiretirement, Carolyn seeks them out at a university lecture. Reluctant at first, Elaine sees how desperate this mother is. As the Warrens confront the entity, Carolyn becomes possessed by the host demon.

Director James Wan (original Saw, Insidious) knows how to direct a terror flick. From the first off-putting shot to the final resolution, he takes the viewer on a spiritual journey. Wan’s shot construction is worthy of a James Whale or Val Lewton masterpiece. The pacing is excellent with a comedy break midway through the motion picture to relieve stress.

Perhaps the success of The Conjuring has been due to the respect shown to the Christian faith. The Warrens confidently battle this demonic apprentice, while the agnostic Perron family suffer the tortures of the damned. The Conjuring does not proselytize, but provides subtle common sense rules.

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

DEERFIELD BEACH

August 3 A man reported his motorcycle stolen from outside his apartment building at 4375 SW 10 Place.

August 3 A woman at 311 NW 42 Court reported that a man snatched her gold chain, valued at $500, from her neck.

August 3 A man reported that a woman who lives near him broke into his home at 5249 NW 4 Terr. and stole two checks. The women forged one check for $200. The woman was arrested and charged with burglary.

August 3 A man reported his car stolen from 3830 NE 4 Terr.

August 4 A man reported that someone opened the cover of his boat parked at 149 SE 18 Ave. and stole an AM/FM radio/CD player valued at $200 and a ship-toshore radio valued at $450.

DEERFIELD — District 4

July 28 Commercial burglary took place at Target, 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Unknown subject pushed out a Dyson vacuum (value $649.99) w/o paying. Video surveillance images were captured of the incident/suspect. Suspect was seen getting into a black 2-door Monte Carlo. Suspect matched description/ images reported.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

July 28 Police responded to an argument between a man and woman in a dating relationship. They were involved in a loud argument but no physical violence occurred between the two. Incident was reported at 2141 NE 42 St.

July 28 A woman reported being shoved by her boyfriend at 3311 NE 23 Ave. The man threw the woman’s cell phone at her and the cell phone was broken.

July 31 It was reported that the glass door of Golden China was smashed with a cement block. A computer/ cash register, $150 in cash and a business license were stolen. Incident was reported at 2426 N. Federal Hwy.

Minimum wage discussion goes back to FDR

Dear Editor:

In 1938, FDR passed a bill establishing a minimum wage of 25 cents.

And in 1953, I received 75 cents as minimum wage. Wow! FDR did so many great things for working people it is amazing…

One was appointing the first woman to the cabinet [in 1933 — Frances Perkins as Secretary of the Dept. of Labor]. And later, the first JEW in the cabinet in a land full of bigots like Henry Ford, William Randolph Hearst, etc.

Frances said she would only take the job if she could pass child labor laws. Wow, for that time period. Today, in many countries, they still employ young children.

Currently, we want to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $9.00. That is what our President wants to do to help the working poor.

If you think $7.25 is a fair wage, try living on it. In a land of corporate greed, CEO retired from McKesson, Mr. Hammergren, gets the highest pension on record at $159 million. And, the other day, a CEO who bombed out received $90 million.

Yet, working on minimum wage means barely paying for food, shelter, etc., and often being on food stamps and Medicaid.

Whenever this comes up, many lies are told: 1. Increase is still small due to inflation, and won’t make people rich. 2. Increase would go back into the economy for basics not overseas into tax shelters. 3. Many small businesses already pay more than minimum and would increase everyone a slight amount. That would help the economy as money would be spent quickly, not stored in Swiss banks. 4. Businesses would not go out of business — Walmart in Canada pays more than workers here, and still makes record profits. 5. Many small businesses want their workers to make more and spend more. 6. With unions weakened today, many companies try to screw workers calling them contractors, refusing to give them health benefits, and cheating them on overtime, as stated in the book Wage Theft.

Thank God FDR appointed the first great woman to the cabinet — and had Sam Rayburn as Speaker of the House. He makes the present speaker look like a fool.

Marty Weisberg

Coral Springs

Music Under The Stars

Friday, August 9, 5 to 9 p.m.

Great Lawn Atlantic Blvd. & Pompano Beach Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL

FREE event sponsored by City of Pompano. Music by Eloquence. Showcasing cars from Phil Smith Acura. 954-786-4111.

Splash Ahoy!

Friday, August 9, 6 to10 p.m.

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

Fee $6-per person (1 yr. and younger FREE). Includes: movie, pirate games, bounce house and time at Splash Adventure. Refreshments available at cost. Limited space available/ advance tickets required. Call 954-357-5100 or visit Splash Adventure during normal operating hours.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, August 10 Registration: 8:30 a.m. until… Boat leaves 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sands Harbor Hotel dock 125 N. Riverside Dr. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

$25 per person. Park in Pompano Beach City Parking Lot (fee required) across from the Sands Harbor Hotel & Marina. Must have flat shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. No sandals, flip-flops or shoes with heels allowed inside lighthouse. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 48″. www.hillsborolighthouse.org.

Staples Teacher Appreciation Day!

Saturday, August 10, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3742 N. Federal Hwy. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Discounts and giveaways. 954-942-1764.

Back to School Clothing Drive

Saturday, August 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 188 S. Swinton Ave. Delray Beach FL 33444

Fill large bag with clothing for only $5. Proceeds benefit FREE nonprofit All People’s Day Diversity Festival also to be held in Delray Beach. To donate kids’ clothing, call 561-883-5624. For more info., call 561-495- 9818.

Sizzling Summer Movie Date Night

Monday, August 12, 7:30 p.m.

Paragon Theater 3984 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

$20 per couple. Includes: general admission tickets/1 lg. popcorn/1 pretzel M&Ms. 954-571-2445 or·www.paragontheaters.com.

Deerfield Beach Democratic Club Meeting

Monday, Aug. 12, noon

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

Sheriff Scott Israel will host a Fight Crime Day for Seniors. All welcome. Lunch included for paid-up members.

Deerfield Beach Orchid Society Meeting

Tuesday, August 13, 7:30 p.m.

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

Speaker: Greg Allikas on Orchid Photography. New members/guests always welcome. No charge first two meetings (after that annual membership fee applies). www.deerfieldbeachorchidsociety.org.

If you are tired, can’t deal with the pressure any longer, are sick of the direction your life has taken, then God is speaking to you today.

Just picture the prodigal son who was at the very lowest depths of despair, yet somehow heard the voice that told him “Go home.” When the son arrived, he found a father not ready to punish him, but to love him. He found a father not ready to reprimand him, but to reinstate him. God is waiting for you today with outstretched arms of love, simply saying to you this day… “Come home.”

2 Thessalonians 3:13

And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. NIV

Don’t grow weary doing what is right. Do what God tells you to do. Do not waste time worrying about what someone else thinks because, if you do, eventually, they will wear you down. When you are tired and worn out, you are more likely to slip and stumble, give in to temptation and make mistakes. Do not grow weary or lose heart.

Galatians 6:9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. NLT

Are you tired of running, tired of hurting and just plain tired of being tired? There is an answer! There is a way! God is calling you right now to simply “Come home to Him.” The problems don’t go away, and the consequences of your actions don’t magically disappear. But by coming home, you start to deal with the issues, put them behind you, and become restored into fellowship with your God who loves you. Then, slowly, you will see the joy, the peace and the happiness return to your life. Do not ever quit, do not ever give up, and do not ever give in.

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. NIV

Sometimes we do not even realize how much rest we need until we actually take some time to rest and reenergize our bodies and minds. Vacation sure does the body good, but don’t forget the one who wants to give us rest. God can charge you up no matter what has drained you – and he is the only one who can do that. Be sure to spend time with God. We can do that by going to church, praying (just talking to God), reading the Bible, and by singing worship songs and hymns. We can talk to God, read the Bible, or sing anytime and anywhere we want.

There is also one other thing that I have found that helps me to recharge. That one thing is to help other people in a time of need. It not only brings great joy to your life, but it also brings you a new energy that you did not have before. We can create an environment for ourselves to recharge anywhere and time we need. So remember to keep your batteries charged so you can keep going.

Tony Guadagnino is a pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church.

By Gary Curreri

Reg Cook won more than 500 games at Highlands Christian Academy School, however, one of the other things he is most proud of is the annual summer basketball camp offered by the school.

“The basketball camp is our most popular summer athletic camp here at HCA,” said Cook, former athletic director and boys’ varsity basketball coach at Highlands who started the camp in 1985. “Our coaches and counselors do a great job! They love the kids, the game of basketball and the Lord.”

There were approximately 100 campers between the two weeks, including 55 in the first session (7th through 12th graders), and 45 in the second session (second through the 6th grade).

“Our goal at basketball camp, along with all of our other athletic camps, is to train these young people to become better individuals as well as better players,” said Jim Good, camp coordinator and boys’ varsity basketball coach. It was his 16th year being a part of the camp. “Our coaching staff does a great job in teaching the skills of the sport while also teaching the benefits of hard work in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.”

Josh Good, HCA’s boys’ middle school coach, worked his 11th year of camp, while Luke Still, HCA’s JV coach, worked his third year of camp. Head girls’ varsity basketball coach, Ramona Caputo along with HCA alumnus Chris Wilson (2005) and Jeff Sullivan (2011) assisted with the camp. Several varsity players from both the boys and girls varsity team earned community hours in the second week of camp while serving as assistant coaches.

Highlands Christian offers seven different summer sports camps, including cheerleading, basketball, softball, track and field, soccer, volleyball and golf.

Visit www.highlandschr istian.org for more information about the school.

Randall reinstated

Melvin Randall will return to coach the boys basketball team at Blanche Ely High School after a face-to-face meeting with the school’s principal last week ironed out their differences.

Randall had been at odds with school principal Karlton Johnson and was relieved of his duties just four months after winning his second consecutive Class 7A championship.

Randall and Johnson had clashed over the firing of his two long-time assistants, Reginald McNair and Morris Grooms, who were released before the 2012-13 season, and the fact that Randall had to apply more than once for the head coach position.

“It was a very, very good meeting,” Randall said. “Just clearing some things. We both agreed that we want to put this behind us and move forward. We want to work toward improving Blanche Ely academically and athletically.”

Both McNair and Grooms, former student athletes of Randall’s, will be allowed to return. Randall has a 458- 136 career record, including 226-79 at Blanche Ely and five state titles.

“I always believed everything would be OK,” Randall said. “The kids were thrilled when they heard the news. It was a relief for them and they are ready to work for a third state title.”

By Allison Newcombe

Last Saturday, I went to a new restaurant that arrived in Lighthouse Point a little over a month-and-a-half ago. I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious their pizza was.

This is the first of its franchise to make it down this far south, most are located near where the first Your Pie restaurant originated in Athens, GA. It’s not like any pizza place you have been to before, as you walk down a line and select all your options. They have a wide range starting from what dough you would prefer (whole wheat, original, gluten free), to the cheese, sauce and veggies you want. On Mondays kids eat free with the purchase of an adult pizza. Tuesdays is BOGO (Buy one get one) pizza night and Happy Hour is every day from 5 to 7 p.m. They only use the best quality cheeses and make their own sauce and dressing daily from scratch. Employees who work at this restaurant are very polite, always putting the customer first. The place is spotlessly clean and the gelato is amazing! The best part about Your Pie is that they have options for every type of customer, such as gluten free. Besides pizza, they also have bread-bowl salads, paninis and desserts.

Your Pie is located at 3650 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064. They also deliver; call 954-532-1531.