| November, 2013

Miami Book Fair perfect for children

Posted on 27 November 2013 by JLusk

By Rachel Galvin

The Miami Book Fair International (held Nov. 17-24) has an excellent section called Children’s Alley. Children can visit with characters who roam the area. They can make an artist’s journal at The Paintbox, learn about musical styles at The Rhythm Factory, build large scale projects at Tot Time Play and Learn, build robots or learn about the ocean at Mad Science Lab, learn about taking care of themselves at Healthy Bodies, Healthy Kids or create a mask and learn about culture at One World, Many Stories. The Kids Book Fair is part of Generation Genius, a literacy and learning initiative for children and teens.

Kids from schools all over the Tri-County area swarmed the entire book fair meeting authors and buying books when not enjoying the activities specifically geared to them. More than 9,000 school children were slated to attend, many leaving with free books.

http://www.miamibookfair.com.

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Pompano takes 11th in swim championships

Posted on 27 November 2013 by LeslieM

Pages 09-16By Gary Curreri

Pompano Beach Swim Team coach Jesse Vassallo hoped for a Top 10 finish in the 23rd annual Speedo Winter Championships at Plantation Aquatic Complex this past weekend.

His team had an outstanding meet and came up just a little short of its goal, and it finished 11th overall with 484 combined points. Pompano Beach took seventh in the boys’ division with 321 points, while the Piranhas placed 17th in the girls’ rankings with 163 points.

My goal was to be Top 10 this year,” said Vassallo, who took over the program 2-1/2 years ago with 44 beginner swimmers. They brought 41 competitive swimmers to the four-day meet, which ran from Thursday to Sunday. “We came in the first time with nine swimmers and we didn’t even score. The second time, we came in 19th and then 13th last year. From there, we will go down until we win.”

Vassallo, who was also a swim coach at Ft. Lauderdale Aquatics and the former president of the Puerto Rican Swimming Association, has 178 swimmers in the program.

That is extremely cool,” said Vassallo, who is the lone full-time coach and has a total of six coaches in the program. “I am really, really excited every time I step on deck because I see the growth. I have the coaches in place. I have a great coach dealing with the little ones. I have a great coach dealing with the developmental kids, and great coaches with the age group coaches. It is really coming along. To see them succeed, it fills my heart.”

Vassallo said when he first began in Pompano they were still transitioning from a recreational swim program to U.S. Swimming.

I believe the mentality is still recreational,” Vassallo said. “It is a process. It doesn’t change overnight. The motivation is there. The recreational swimmer trains maybe for an hour three times a week. The 12-unders train two hours a day every day. The rec kids do it for a couple of months, and we do it all year round.”

Vassallo was also pleased with the performance of the high school athletes in the program as nine made it the state finals for their respective high schools.

I would like to see the program grow to 250 swimmers,” Vassallo said. “I think that is the limit because it is a public pool.”

Pompano’s Victoria Miyamoto, 13, turned in the strongest performance for the Piranhas as she took third in the high point for her age division. She won the 100-breaststroke, the 100-IM event; second in the 50 and 200-breaststroke events, and was third in the 400-IM.

Other Top 3 performers for the program included Mattheus Santos, Fatimah Westbrook, Jake Schulte and Austin Saunders. The boys 11-12 age group 200-Free relay (Santos, Shane Schulte, Raphael Santos and Christian Henderson) also took home top honors.

Bucks, Tigers fall in football

Deerfield Beach’s quest for a perfect season came to a crashing halt as it lost its Class 8A regional semifinal football game to host Miramar, 43-6.

The much-anticipated matchup between nationally-ranked and undefeated 11-0 teams — Miramar (16th) and Deerfield (19th in this week’s USA Today poll) — was well over by halftime.

Miramar’s Nick Jeanty threw two touchdowns and ran for another to put the Patriots in the driver’s seat as Miramar scored on four of its first five possessions and ran away with the win. The Bucks’ lone score of the game came on Aeron McNeal’s two-yard touchdown run 11 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Blanche Ely also suffered the same fate, as it was also blown out with a 49-7 defeat at the hands of Dwyer in the Class 7A regional semifinals on Friday night.

Blanche Ely, which finished the season on a fivegame win streak, was unable to contain the Panthers’ Alonzo Smith, who carried 25 times for 245 yards and two TDs. The Tigers’ lone score of the game came on a 41-yard scoring toss from Nelson Ervin to Edward Walker in the third quarter, which cut the lead at the time to 28-7.

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FLICKS: Captain Phillips, Escape Plan & Great Beauty

Posted on 27 November 2013 by LeslieM

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

In the midst of covering the 28th Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and the 30th Miami Book Fair International, one of the most asked questions I heard was, “Have you seen Captain Phillips?

Captain Phillips has Oscar nomination written all over it. It is a big story about an international incident circa 2009. It features Oscar winner Tom Hanks acting his heart out as the title character, with lesser-known actors adding believable menace to our everyday hero. So is Captain Phillips another manufactured Oscar contender like The Butler? Hardly. Captain Phillips captures the claustrophobic despair of being a hostage.

The Captain skippers a cargo ship of charitable supplies off the African coast. When the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama is hijacked by Somali pirates, Captain Phillips must utilize his wits to save his crew. What was supposed to be a routine kidnapping for these thugs, becomes a global television affair involving the U.S. Navy. Perhaps if these pirates read Davy Jones & the Heart of Darkness, they would not have gotten involved in such a disastrous venture.

Best known for his work on the overrated Bourne amnesia spy movies, the director Paul Greengrass, who was Oscar-nominated for United 93, a movie about the 9/11 plane crash. Thanks to Greengrass, the intensity of Captain Phillips never lets up as a human story. When violence occurs, it is sudden, explosive and quick. One movie that no one mentioned to me was Escape Plan, the Sylvester Stallone – Arnold Schwarzenegger buddy movie. This team-up has been three decades in the making, though diffused by the Sylvester- Arnold Expendables of recent years. Escape Plan is pure Saturday matinee afternoon escapism.

Ray Breslin (Stallone) makes a living breaking out inescapable prisons and has written a book about the subject. After a successful payday, Breslin is kidnapped and sent to the Tomb, a prison of his own design. The villainous prison warren (Jim Cavielzel) is a student of Breslin and has an odious henchman (Vinnie Jones) do his evil bidding for him. Fortunately, Breslin befriends Emil Rottmayer (Arnold), a convict who rules the prison yard. The two team up to plan an audacious escape.

Despite a too-pat ending, Escape Plan works as an action thriller. To the credit of Summit Entertainment Marketing executives, the trailer did not reveal important plot twists and surprises. The two 60-year-old action icons provide some edge-of-your-seat moments with humor. While Captain Phillips is an Oscar contender, Escape Plan is a lot of fun.

Italy’s Oscar selection for Best Foreign movie, Great Beauty, opens tomorrow. The Observer will have a full review in next week’s edition.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 27 November 2013 by LeslieM

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

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 14 A man reported that someone stole a battery from his pickup truck parked at 340 SW 1 Terr. The battery was valued at $47.

Nov. 14 A woman reported her home at 1460 SW 6 Terr. broken into and electronics valued at $900 stolen.

Nov. 14 A woman parked her car at LA Fitness at 1000 E. Hillsboro Blvd. When she returned, she found that a window was shattered and her purse stolen from the car.

Nov. 15 It was reported that someone stole backflow preventer valves and a water meter from a business at 250 SW Natura Ave. Loss was estimated at $1,500.

Nov. 15 A back flow valve was reported stolen from a business at 601 Jan Moran Blvd.

Nov. 15 Someone pried open a mailbox at Lanzo Construction, 125 SE 5 Court and stole correspondence and a computer hard drive.

Nov.15 Someone stole a backflow valve from the back of CEIZS Church at 2205 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Nov. 15 A man reported his home at 394 SW 33 Terr. broken into, entered and ransacked.

 

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Nov. 5 It was reported that someone used a debit card to commit a fraudulent transaction at CVS Pharmacy at 3580 N. Federal Hwy.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Posted on 27 November 2013 by LeslieM

Little League “thank you’s

Dear Editor:

Ever since I was kid back in the ‘80s in Deerfield Beach, I always looked to the Observer for our Little League games and photos. Now, my son does the same.

It brings a smile to my face when I see my son or the kids I coach get excited over their names or photos in the paper.

Also, I wanted to share that this year we will start serving our community even more by offering T-ball — so now, kids starting at the age of 4 can learn to love and play the game in a fun atmosphere.

Thank you again for the support you have given our Little League over the all these years.

Regards,

Neile D. Thomas

Deerfield Beach

 

Dodgeball, great fun!

Dear Editor:

A BIG THANK YOU to the city of Deerfield’s Staff from the Booty family!

What a fantastic night my husband Danny, my two kids Sean and Shaina, and I had. [at Dodgeball recently]

They have played both times the city has held Dodge ball and can’t wait till the next time.

Thank you again for the fun night!

Shannon Booty

Deerfield Beach

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 27 November 2013 by LeslieM

Let It Snow

Friday. Nov. 29, 11 a.m.

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

There will be real snow, photos with Santa, a magic show, face painting, holiday arts and crafts, free carousel rides, and more. FREE. Santa will be there every Saturday through Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info., visit www.PompanoCitiCentre.com/ events.

 

4th Annual Light Up MLK

Saturday, Nov. 30, 5 to 8 p.m.

Annie Adderly Gillis Park 601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free community event featuring local entertainment, holiday cookie and ornament decorating, kids activities, food and beverages. Official tree lighting-7 p.m. Sponsored by Pompano Beach CRA. 954-786-7824.

 

Toastmasters Open House

Monday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m.

Old Schoolhouse Deerfield Beach 232 NE 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Experience a meeting, get to know members and see what Toastmasters offers for better speaking skills. Contact: pchamoni@att.net or visit: http://1567808.toastmastersclubs.org

 

1st Annual Hillsboro Beach Menorah & Tree Lighting

Monday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m.

Town Hall 1210 Hillsboro Mile Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062

954-427-4011. Enjoy latkes, doughnuts, cookies and punch.

Movie Night fundraiser

Tuesday, Dec. 3, movie-7 p.m./doors open-6 p.m.

Paragon Deerfield 8 3984 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Showing of Disney’s Frozen. $10 (Proceeds help benefit Relay for Life/10 percent of concessions to Relay for Life). 954-290-0898.

 

Lecture series on composers

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to noon

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

Conducted by Cantor Irvin Bell. First Wednesday of each month. $10 for series. 954-421-7060.

 

43rd Annual holiday street parade –Boca

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Federal Highway from SE 8 Street, north to Mizner Park

FREE. Theme: Superheroes. Info: 561-393-7807.

 

Zion Annual “Community Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration”

Wed., Dec. 4, 6 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church 959 SE 6 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Christmas carols, tree lighting, visit from Santa. Complementary refreshments. 954-421- 3146.

 

SAVE THE DATE: Yuletide Parade

Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.

Riverside Drive, west to Atlantic Boulevard to Mc Nab Park Pompano Beach, FL

 

Deerfield Beach Historical Society Holiday Open House

Thursday, Dec. 5, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

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

$10 admission-wine, cheese and holiday bites. Proceeds benefit Breakfast with Santa. RSVP: 954-429-0378 or email history@deerfieldhistory.org

 

Pompano Beach Boat Parade

Sunday, Dec. 8, 6p.m.

Lake Santa Barbara north to Hillsboro bridge. Pompano, FL

If you live on the Intracoastal in Pompano Beach, you can decorate your home, condo, building for a chance to win prizes. Judging, Dec. 6. Call 954-941-2940 to enter or get information. www.pompanobeachchamber.com.

 

Thanksgiving meals served to homeless

Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Broward Outreach Center 1700 Blount Rd. (in courtyard) Pompano Beach, FL 33069

The Miami Rescue Mission | Broward Outreach Centers will provide nearly 3,000 traditional Thanksgiving meals for the homeless and hungry of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties during The Great Thanksgiving Banquet Outside Block Parties. Over 600 volunteers will help serve meals and provide special activities. Entertainment for adults and kids, including LIVE music and fun activities. Clothing and hygiene products will also be given to individuals and families in need. Haircuts, medical services and more will be available. For additional information go to: www.browardoutreachcenter. com or www.miamirescuemission.com.

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CLERGY CORNER: Thank God, it’s Thanksgiving again!

Posted on 27 November 2013 by LeslieM

Thanksgiving has been a favorite holiday of mine since I was young.

I remember waking up as a young child on Thanksgiving Day morning to the aroma of turkey cooking in the oven. Ah, the day’s high hopes and expectations preceded my feet hitting the floor.

An early morning tradition at our home included scrumptious warm cinnamon rolls with lemon icing melted over the top. “Um- mm good!” I usually ate a handful of these because they were small and so was I, at the time.

First things in the morning included finding out who was coming and when they were expected to arrive, watching a little of the Thanksgiving Day parade on television and finding out when the football games were to begin.

Thanksgiving Day meal happened in the middle of the day, but a little later than normal to give the family extra time to arrive. Thanksgiving Day travel back then was more a matter of traveling across town than dealing with airports and homeland security.

An early afternoon meal meant I would have time to recover from all those cinnamon rolls. It also gave us time to adjust and turn the old antenna on the roof. HD television back then stood for “Hard-to-Determine” rather than “High-Definition,” so a clear picture of the game required the antenna to be pointed in just the right direction.

I never understood how the Bears and Cowboys were always among the teams duped into playing on Thanksgiving Day, but it explains how I became a Bears and Cowboys fan.

Once everyone arrived, we had a great meal topped off with pumpkin pie. After filling our stomachs, the sports enthusiasts of a certain gender and age would then fall asleep in a comfortable chair before the end of the game they had been so excited to watch.

There were afternoon board games and discussions about family, sports, church and state and maybe a look ahead to Christmas. Early evening was time for the best tasting leftovers in the history of the world and, before the sun went down, everyone was gone.

Traditions can change with time when children become parents and parents become grandparents. Skype, Face- Time and Facebook are not same as being there; but, even when families find themselves scattered across the globe, Thanksgiving has not lost its luster.

This is so because Thanksgiving is more than turkey and cinnamon, or parades and football. Somewhere in the love of family, one for the other, in familiar scents and sounds, in memories, in emotions is found the Spirit greater than our own.

We discover the Source of the food in the oven is the One who creates and sustains our high hopes and expectations. This is the Spirit of Thanksgiving and this is the Spirit of the Lord.

The Psalmist says “Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us and we are his. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the LORD is good. His steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100:3-5 NRSV)

Thank God, it’s Thanksgiving again in this great land blessed with abundance, hard fought freedom and opportunity. I just hope it is my turn to sleep in the comfortable chair.

Join us for Thanksgiving worship this Saturday @ Six or Sunday morning at 8:30 or 11 a.m.

Reverend Andrews is a minister at the Community Presbyterian Church of Deerfield Beach (Steeple on the Beach), located five blocks south of Hillsboro on A1A. See more at www.comm unitych.org or on Facebook.

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2013 IWS Daytime Radness

Posted on 27 November 2013 by LeslieM

Watch live streaming video from observertv at livestream.com

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Holiday Sale– On Now at Stardara Jewelry !!

Posted on 21 November 2013 by JLusk

Stardara Jewelry is having the  big annual sale at the Holidays.
Stardara 50 percent storewide 3x5

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Sucher wins District title in Bowling

Posted on 21 November 2013 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

Pompano Beach High School’s Brandon Sucher rolled three strikes in a row in the 10th frame en route to a final game, 245 to complete a 693 series in the first-ever district bowling championship held in Broward County.

Sucher, a senior, topped Coral Springs Charter School’s Pablo Cerda for the District 15 boys individual bowling title.

Sucher bowled a 235 and 213 in his previous two games, but trailed Cerda by 40 pins entering the final game at the Brunswick Margate Lanes. Cerda, a junior, who won a District title last year and advanced to state where he went 1-2 in match play, rolled a 255- 233-187 to finish with a threegame series of 675.

I bowled well,” said Sucher, who began bowling twohanded prior to the start of the high school season. “I was in a slump, bowling one-handed for like three months and needed a change. I had to make it there. It’s my last year.”

A total of 12 teams and 67 bowlers competed in the District tournament. It marked the first time in the history of the state series, which began in 2003. Coral Springs Charter School swept the boys and girls team titles. The boys defeated Pompano Beach, while the girls downed Coral Glades. Both Baker Games went three games.

Sucher, 18, who lives in Margate, has been bowling for just three years and missed qualifying for state last year by 20 pins.

It wasn’t that disappointing last year because I had a rough start,” Sucher said. “I was looking forward to this year because I had a whole team and that was nice to have. It feels good to be the first district champion. I’ll be able to say I was one of the first ones to make it.”

Sucher went on to finish 59th in the state as he bowled a fourgame series of 794. He had games of 226, 180, 200 and 188. The Tornadoes boys’ team finished 29th with an 885 pin count.

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