By Diane Emeott 

“Today, with the website working, we were able to complete a few applications online…

“[In fact,] we’ve processed about 350 applications in person, over the phone and online from Oct. 1 until last week. We’ve probably done 30 since then,” — Jerson Dulis countered national media reports on MSNBC and CNN about recent glitches with the U.S. government’s website that have kept people from applying for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act known as “Obamacare.” 

Dulis, Community Outreach Manager for Broward Community & Family Health Centers, Inc., was one of three panelists who informed about 50 area residents and answered their questions at an Affordable Care Act Town Hall at Westside Park Recreation Center in Deerfield Beach, Tuesday night, Oct. 29. 

Notables attending included: a representative from U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings office, Broward Democratic State Committeewoman Maggie Davidson and local Pastors Anthony Davis and Nathaniel Knowles.  

Said State Representative Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, District 92, “We’re very pleased to get all the people out tonight. As we hear all the negatives on the news, we’re going on. We’re moving on. This is the law of the land and we’re going to abide by it. 

“In 2010 this law [the Affordable Care Act] was passed. Since 2010, folks have had the opportunity to learn what’s going to happen.” 

Clarke-Reed said the issue of whether the insurance marketplace would come through the State of Florida or the feds was one of the things she and others were fighting the Republican Party for during the last Legislative session in Tallahassee this past March through May.

“Whether to accept $52 billion so that 1.3 million Floridians could be insured? The House of Representatives refused. The Senate was willing to take the money. This marketplace now is through the federal government,” she said of the 9 approved insurance companies that offer the plans.  

They are: **Cigna, Coventry Health, Sunshine State, Aetna, Preferred Medical Plan, Molina Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Health Options.** 

Reasons for individuals to explore the new healthcare options are: no discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, subsidies and tax credits “make insurance more affordable,” essential health benefits increase coverage.

Contrastingly, CBS news reported that same morning that Obamacare is making everything **more expensive,** not just premiums. As [some] insurance companies have chosen to cancel policies and offer more expensive replacements, allegedly 2 million are losing their policies, the report stated.

BACKGROUND

**Currently:**

[  ] ½ of Americans have insurance through their jobs.

[  ] 1/3 have insurance through the government, either Medicare — or Medicaid, which will be expanding. 

[  ] 1/10 buy insurance themselves. 

[  ] Another 30 million Americans have no insurance at all. 

Under the Affordable Care Act, employers with 50 or more employees will be required to supply health insurance or pay a penalty. 

Smaller employers will have incentives to offer health insurance to their employees. 

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

Open enrollment goes from Oct. 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. 

“It is vital. If people don’t apply by Dec. 15, 2013 your coverage may not come into play by Jan. 1,” explained Dulis. 

“It’s pay-as-you-go. If you don’t pay for a month, you aren’t covered for that month,” said panelist Vince Johnson from Broward Health. 

In addition to online applications, people can do phone applications, or pick up, fill out and send by certified mail written applications.  

Certified application counselors and navigators are available to assist you for FREE in filling out an application, said panelist Mayte Canino from Planned Parenthood Public Affairs.  

In order to compare your current insurance with possible savings in the new Health Insurance Marketplace, steps are to: 1) Make an application 2) Receive correspondence with spreadsheet options regarding your personal situation — they’ll shop it for you with the different insurance agencies. 

If you decide to go forward with Affordable Care, 3) Enroll.

“If you have insurance with an employer, etc. it doesn’t preclude you from going through the Exchange and Open Enrollment,” explained Clarke-Reed. Then, **you** decide whether you’re going to accept and enroll.” 

She added that after serving on the State Board of Military & Veterans Benefits, “If I was a veteran, I would not move one step.”

PLAN TYPES

The Health Insurance Marketplace has been described as being ‘like an insurance mega mall, with cheaper plans to platinum plans.’ 

**There are four types of plan:** 

Platinum — 90 percent of costs paid by Health Plan/10 percent by Individual.

Gold — 80 percent of costs paid by Health Plan/20 percent by Individual. 

Silver – 70 percent of costs paid by Health Plan/30 percent by Individual. 

Bronze – 60 percent of costs paid by Health Plan/40 percent by Individual. 

There are no specific plans for those with cancer, diabetes, or other serious health conditions. While **all** the plans will cover such a person, platinum and gold are more geared to those needed extended health services, while silver and bronze are geared to basically healthy, young people.  

CHECKLIST

To make the best use of your time, and not have to reschedule an appointment with an application counselor or navigator, make sure to bring appropriate documentation to answer these questions on a 2-to-3-page individual application: Income, Family size, Zip code, Smoker or Nonsmoker.

For the 7-page family application, you will be asked to provide: Social Security number, Driver’s License, Proof of Income for taxes.

Things that can delay the process are having different names on different forms of ID, or two last names when comparing Driver’s License, Social Security Card, and Green Card, if applicable. 

CONTACT INFO 

[  ] To register for the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit www.healthcare.gov or call the hotline at 1-800-318-2596.

[  ] Broward Health North has a local enrollment site at 201 E. Sample Rd., Deerfield Beach, 33064. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 954-786-6589 for an appointment. 

[  ] For assistance in filling out an application through Broward Community & Family Health Centers, Inc., contact Outreach & Enrollment Specialists Dontraey R. Oliver-Johnson in Pompano at 954-970-8805 or Lynore Patrice Dyer in Hollywood at 954-967-0028. For more information, go to www.bcfhc.org.

By Joe Malmuth, Photo by D. Sider

Recently named one of the Country Music Association (CMA’s) 2013 New Artists to Watch, 15-year-old Lizzie Sider has accomplished a lot, including: garnering the attention of some big names in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles.

Lizzie, a Florida native who lives in Boca Raton, recently performed her song “Butterfly,” on the nationally-syndicated Queen Latifah Show.

Lizzie will perform at 80 schools throughout California during her campaign to bring awareness to the anti-bullying movement.

Lizzie’s song “Butterfly,” was written about her own experiences being bullied and how she overcame the teasing and learned a life lesson within the words of her father.

“My goal is to spread a good message and hopefully inspire these kids. I always wanted to inspire and help people. It’s something I have always been passionate about,” she said.

A victim of bullying at a young age, Lizzie shared the idea of hitting the road to promote an anti-bullying agenda with her parents, and after reaching out to California schools, the 80-stop tour was born.

“Every time after these assemblies, the kids come up to me afterwards and I get to talk to them and really make friends. I can’t describe the feeling I get when these kids tell me that I have inspired them. It really makes my heart smile.”

Lizzie performs to an average crowd of about 500 children — ranging in age from kindergarten through 8^th grade.

“Butterfly,” which she co-wrote with Jamie O’Neal about her experiences being bullied in school, recently ranked in the Top 40 in the Music Row Charts in Nashville.

“My dad told me, ‘Nobody has the power to ruin your day,'” which is the theme of the tour.

“Butterfly has become my anthem and I want it to inspire others and for it to give them courage to spread the message that nobody has the power to ruin your day.”

The 80 School Bully Prevention Assembly Tour in California is Lizzie’s idea and is endorsed by Pacer.org, the United States National Bully Prevention Organization.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Lizzie is working on a new album for release sometime in 2014 and recently participated in her first CMA Fest with her own booth and a LIVE performance at the famed country music venue, The Wildhorse.

She will be touring Florida schools in January and February 2014.

**For more information, go to:

www.lizziesider.com**

@lizziesider

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach’s football team can clinch the District 11-8A championship with a victory at South Plantation on Friday.

Deerfield Beach (7-0, and 5-0 in district) will win the district title outright with a win over South Plantation (5- 2, 4-1). A loss would force a three-way tie with Monarch and South Plantation.

Brandon Powell, a UM commit, rushed 12 times for 123 yards and scored on runs of 18 and 20 yards and added punt return 45-yards for a score in the 56-0 victory over Coral Glades. Bucks’ receiver Justin Morgan caught 6 passes for 145 yards and two TDs – both coming from quarterback Danarious Graham from 56-yard and 7-yards out.

Ely stuns Cardinal Gibbons

So much for finishing the season undefeated.

Blanche Ely’s Terrance Blands scored from a yard out on the final play of the game as the Tigers edged previously undefeated Cardinal Gibbons, 16-10, last week to spois’ homecomin

It was the second TD run of the game for the senior running back who helped his team improve to 2-5 for the year. The Tigers are 2-0 in the District 14-7A race and will attempt to win the district with a victory over host Northeast (2-5, 1-1) on Friday.

Tornadoes volleyball team wins

Pompano Beach’s girls’ volleyball team ran its record to 22-5 and continued its mastery of Suncoast by defeating the host Chargers for the third consecutive year in the regionals of the Class 5A girls’ volleyball playoffs.

Pompano Beach, which topped the Chargers, 25-20, 25-16, 25-19 in straight sets, will take on district rival Cardinal Gibbons in the regional semifinals next Monday at Cardinal Gibbons. The Chiefs won the district title over the Tornadoes last week.

“This was not our best volleyball,” said Pompano Beach coach William Strachan, whose team has dropped all three previous meetings with Carar. “We’ve got to be more consistent on the little things and not let a team reel off six or seven straight service points.”

After winning the first two games, Pompano Beach fell behind 12-4 in third game before it rallied to tie the game at 17 on an ace by sophomore libero Cori Smothers. Junior middle blocker Paige Alsten delivered one of her 11 kills in the match on the next point and the Tornadoes never looked back. Alsten also had six blocks in the match.

Junior outside hitter Nikki Esposito had a team-high19 kills, 12 digs and two aces to help in the winning effort.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

It is amazing to me that a culture like the film industry consistently makes films that are anti-Capitalist.

Based on a French novel by Stéphane Osmont, Capital is a film directed by Costa Gavras, an international director best known for left of center films like Missing, Z and State of Siege. Capital is multilingual with English subtitles.

The film opens on a golf course in which a bank CEO dies. Marc Tourneuil (Gad Elmaleh) becomes the heir apparent and flies to Ft. Lauderdale for a business deal. Upon returning, Marc is given the task of firing his employees to receive a substantial bonus. Tourneuil is your typical Woodstock hero — infidelity and stealing from the rich are morally correct, paying for your sins is considered stupid.

The Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival continues with some interesting screenings this weekend.

The Pin is a minimalist motion picture that takes place in two separate time periods set in either the countryside or the morgue. A Canadian motion picture in Yiddish with English subtitles, The Pin is a tale about a Shomer, a religious watchman who is responsible for guarding the recently deceased. As fate would have it, this Shomer is reunited with the corpse of this long, lost love. The film flashes back to more innocent times when they were refugees hiding in an abandoned farmhouse.

With a literate title, themes about cultural differences and shot composition worthy of a Guggenheim Art Museum, Chasing Shakespeare is your typical “festival” entry. Set in the west, it features a talented Native American who wants to perform Shakespearian monologues in a society that thinks that only pretty white girls should be allowed to perform. Graham Greene and Danny Glover are given strong supporting roles.

While not screened at press time, Alyn Darnay’s Krissy Belle makes its festival debut this weekend. A recently divorced Southern belle relocates to Latin real estate in Miami. Krissy Belle is played by Carole Wood.

More film noir than Halloween, The Insomniac traces the rise and fall of John Figg (Eddy Salazar), a victim of theft. The thief confiscated many of Figg’s personal items, and the protagonist starts an all-night vigil in an effort to catch the thief.

Happy Halloween!

DEERFIELD BEACH

Oct. 18 A woman reported that while she was walking her dog, a car drove up to her and the occupant fired paintballs at her. Incident was reported at 927 Siesta Key.

Oct.18 A man was arrested and charged with burglary of a dwelling. He attempted to break into a home at 3270 SW 3 St.

Oct. 18 It was reported that there was a break-in at Zager Plumbing and Solar at 149 SE 4 St. Two work vans were broken into and tools were stolen.

Oct. 18 Two mobile homes were broken into and rummaged. Incident was reported at 4556 NE 8 Ave.

Oct. 18 A woman reported that while she was paying for gas at 7/11 at 3580 W. Hillsboro Blvd., her car was broken into and her purse stolen.

Oct. 18 A woman reported that her home at 4394 NW 9 Ave was broken into and an Xbox 360 and $300 stolen.

Oct. 18 A man reported his license plate was stolen from his car parked at 224 SW 5 St.

Oct. 19 A woman reported her aluminum trailer stolen from her home at 900 Crystal Lake Dr.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Oct. 17 Burglary conveyance was reported at Quiet Waters, 401 S. Powerline Rd. On the report date between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., three vehicles were broken into. All three had a window smashed. Extensive electronics and personal belongings were taken from each vehicle. This occurred in the northwest corner of Quiet Waters Park in the parking lot where the boat ramp is located. There are no security cameras in the area. Officer was able to recover a latent print from the door handle of each vehicle.

Oct. 17 Retail theft /shoplifting was reported at the Super Target, 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Suspect was observed multiple times taking the selected Target merchandise and concealing it and exiting the store passing all points of sale without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise. Value of the merchandise was $90.37

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Oct. 18 A man reported that he believes his former wife stole a glass statue from his home at 3416 NE 31 Ave. His former wife was visiting him.

Oct. 19 A man reported that jewelry and belts were stolen from his room at 1801 NE 26 Ave.

Oct. 22 A woman was arrested, charged with DUI, and given four uniform traffic citations at 5100 N. Federal Hwy.

Join the fight against Cancer

Dear Editor:

What if we could personally participate in research that might help determine factors that cause or prevent cancer?

What if our involvement, and that research, ultimately leads to the elimination of cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations?

Local residents have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in cancer research this year. Enrollment for the American Cancer Society’s third Cancer Prevention Study will be taking place at Palms West Hospital and the Boca Raton Hospital Lynn Cancer Institute.

For specific dates and locations, visit www.cancer.org/ cps3Florida.

Individuals between the ages of 30 and 65, who have never been diagnosed with cancer, are encouraged to sign up. Participants will simply fill out a comprehensive survey packet about health history, provide a small blood sample and a waist measure. They will periodically be sent a followup questionnaire for the next 20 to 30 years.

If you aren’t eligible to participate, you can still make a difference by telling everyone you know about Cancer Prevention Study-3.

For more information, visit www.cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer.org or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888.

Nancy Madsen

American Cancer Society Patient Services Manager

West Palm Beach

RE: Entranceway to BEACH

Dear Editor:

A beach community thrives with green access to the water. Our beach infrastructure is mediocre, A1A is a mess near the pier and cars rule due to meters at the beach. It’s unsafe to bike, jog or walk, let alone skateboard anywhere.

Mayor, please consider reducing traffic along the oceanfront and become more people-friendly.

The unique location here should allow safe waterfront activities for all ages without the constant threat of vehicular traffic.

Our residents yearn to walk, skate, surf, bike, rollerblade or dance north and south at the Atlantic Ocean.

Improve the island by eminent domain, also a hot topic [pg 1, Oct. 24 Observer newspaper, “Entranceway to BEACH…”] and preserve more space so we can play at home and become the nautical destination you envision over the next few years.

Brian Prang

Deerfield Beach

Woodcarving class

Thursday, Oct. 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

The Sugar Chest Antique Mall 960 N. Federal Hwy. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Opportunity to start or continue this great hobby/business. Novice to advanced welcome. Every Thursday. 954-783-2178.

Vet’s Day camping

Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 1

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

Special pricing and discounts available. All active duty and honorably discharged veterans or reserve units of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard are eligible to participate in this weekend event. Call 954-357-5100 for details or visit www.broward.org/ Parks/QuietWatersPark.

Halloween Candy Buy Back Event

Friday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Deerfield Family Dental 100 S. Military Tr., Suite 104 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Candy will be purchased from children and sent in care packages to troops overseas, as part of Operation Gratitude. 954-725-3717.

Family Hayride and Campfire

Friday, Nov. 1, 7 to 9:30 p.m.

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

$3.50 per person, ages 3+ (includes 1 hayride, bag of s’mores fixings). Pre-registration/ prepayment required: 954-357-5100.

The Christmas Emporium

Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church 100 NE Mizner Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432

This fabulous sale has something for everyone. Choose from over 150 spectacular gift baskets, magnificent Christmas décor, massive Attic Treasures sale, delectable home baked goodies and more. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, also open Friday noon to 8 p.m.

Museum Open House and Model Train Swap Meet

Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Amtrak/Tri-Rail Station, 1300 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

See three operating model train layouts and museum displays of railroad memorabilia. Model trains, accessories and railroad memorabiliavendors. Admission, parking FREE. Call 954-448-8935 for information.

Boca Raton Green Market

Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Place SE Mizner Blvd & S. Federal Hwy. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Locally-grown foods, specialty items, seafood, bakery products, doggie treats, LIVE music and more.

Beach Boys Tribute Band

Saturday, Nov. 2, 5:30 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park 3500 NE 27 Ave. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Music, food trucks, neighbors. Produced by LHP Cultural Arts Committee. www.lighhousepoint.com.

Orchid Show & Sale

Saturday, Nov. 2,, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Presented by the Deerfield Beach Orchid Society. Featuring orchid displays and sales, art, jewelry, orchid supplies, AOS judging and free parking. $5; children under 12. FREE. For more information, call 561-487-6552, email deerfieldorchids@gmail.com or visit www.deerfieldbeachorchidsociety.org.

Important Styles and Artists in Modern Art

Saturday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to noon

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

Lecture, slide presentation given by artist, Arline Peartree. Call 954-357-7680 or visit www.broward.org/library. Sponsored by Broward Cultural Division and Broward Co. Library.

Deerfield Beach Green Market

Sunday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Cove Shopping Center E. Hillsboro Blvd. and Intracoastal Waterway Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Locally grown fresh produce, art& crafts, bakery items and more. 772-345-3797.

Jewish-American Composers on Broadway

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to noon

Temple Beth Israel 201 S. Military Tr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Cantor Bell will resume his lecture series about Jewish-American composers’ lives and work. He will also sing selections from those composers’ shows. 954-421-7060.

Save the date: St. Ambrose Men’s Club trip to Mardi Gras Casino

Friday, Nov 8, 10 a.m.

St. Ambrose Church 380 S. Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$11- includes transportation, $5 free play, $3 food voucher. Reservations required before Nov 3. Call: 954-856-6062.

Boca Wine & Food Festival

Friday, Nov.8 to Sunday, Nov. 10

Boca Corporate Center & Campus (former IBM Headquarters) 5000 T-Rex Ave. Boca Raton, FL 33431

Huge event every year that brings out foodies from around South Florida. Enjoy international food and wine, cooking demonstration, live entertainment and so much more at several events during the weekend. For all the details and tickets, visit www.bocaratonwineandfoodfestival.com.

Holiday decorations seem to make an earlier appearance in store aisles and living room windows every year. Even though we’re still just shy of November, you don’t have to look far t o find Christmas trees or tinsel.

While the holidays bring happiness and celebration, they can also be an especially difficult time for those who are hurting or lonely. The reflective nature of the season has a way of magnifying life’s problems.

When holiday blues strike, they can make you want to pull away from the bustle and keep to yourself. Resist that urge. The people around you are there for a reason. Not only can they encourage you when you are feeling low, but the way they see you handling the difficulties in your life can help them in turn. Here are 3 ways to reclaim joy and share your underlying strength this holiday season:

Borrow from others – If you start feeling depleted, be quick to lean on the faith of those around you. Try thinking of your faith like a gas tank. Sometimes, your tank runs low. But, at just the right moment, God brings other people around you who have full tanks. You can borrow from their reserve to make it through. If you surround yourself with a network of strong, faithful friends and family, they will be there to step in with the help you need.

Part of the reason God created the church was to give you a circle of likeminded people, willing to come alongside you when you need support. Let me encourage you: If you aren’t part of a local, Biblically-based church-find one. You need a community of people who will rejoice with you in good times and comfort you in difficult times; people who can lend you their faith and strength when you need it most.

Be a willing witness – There’s power in being vulnerable enough to let your difficulties be seen by others. How you handle hardships can be an incredible witness to other people. Everyone you know is going to face failures, doubts, relationship problems, health issues and other circumstances that have the potential to shake them to their core.

When you show strength in the face of the same types of situations, they will notice … and they will want to know how you do it. They’ll become curious about your faith. When they ask where your strength comes from, be ready to answer:

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… (1 Peter 3:15)

Part of the good that will come out of your hardest times will be your ability to relate to and help other people who are dealing with similar situations.

Turn Pain into Purpose – God works all things together for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28), all things – even the layoffs, the rebellious kids, the break-ups and the foreclosures. He is constantly weaving every circumstance you face into a beautiful tapestry. Every pain serves a greater purpose; every failure leads to a greater future.Choose to walk through your painful times in a state of awareness and God will show you what he wants to do through them.

Enjoy the season ahead! I pray that it will be a time of joy and celebration with the loved ones in your life.

Nelson Searcy is lead pastor of The Journey Church in Boca Raton. The 2.5 -year-old church meets at Boca Raton Community High School (I-95 and Glades Rd) each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.. www.BocaJourney.com.

Nelson is the author of 11 books and served for 10 years as a pastor in New York City before moving to South Florida.

Each person who visits The Journey Church in November receives a free copy of his latest book Unshakable: Standing Strong When Things Go Wrong, –on which this article is based..

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies is helping the family of a man whose death is the subject of an investigation by BSO to hand out flyers in the area where his body was found a year ago. Jay Harper’s relatives are in Broward County to meet with BSO homicide Det. Frank Ilarraza. Harper, 47, of Southbury, CT, was in South Florida for a business conference when a BSO deputy found his body on the beach at 4:10 a.m. Oct. 17, 2012. The cause of his death remains undetermined. Harper’s family is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Crime Stoppers of Broward County is offering up to $3,000