By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

This month marks the 15th and last December thatMuvico Pompano will be in existence. Carmike Cinemas will take over ownership of Muvico in January.

Pioneered by Hamid Hashemi, Muvico brought back a sense of grandeur and elegance to the cinema-going experience. When ousted by the company that he built, Hashemi vowed to return and now owns the iPic Theater in Mizner Plaza. Hashemi’s commitment to the South Florida movie-going experience has created competition that forced rival theater chains to raise their games as related to customer service.

It’s the holiday season, Dear Reader, take the time to see a good film this week and next. Merry Christmas!

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

DEERFIELD BEACH

Dec. 5 A man reported his car stolen from 311 NW 42 Court.

Dec. 5 A vehicle was reported stolen from 4364 NW 9 Ave.

Dec. 5 An individual reported losing two rings for a total loss of $12,500 at 50 S. Ocean Dr.

Dec. 5 Three containers were broken into at Southeast Power Corp. at 3951 N. Powerline Rd. Various tools were stolen. Estimated value of the tools stolen was $6,000.

Dec.10 A home health aide was reported for having stolen two checks from 500 NW 1 Way.

DEERFIELD — District 4

Dec. 11 Retail/Shoplifting was reported at Super Target, 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd., at approximately 2:20 a.m., BSO units responded. The subjects targeted the “Beats” type headphones, PS4s, Ipads and TVs. Store video also showed a white SUV or truck was used in the crime. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800- 493-TIPS (8477) or 954-480- 4300 and ask for Sergeant Lou Pugliese.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Dec. 5 A woman reported that someone spray painted her car with “I know where u live” on the passenger side of the car parked at North Federal Highway.

Dec. 10 Video surveillance showed three men Dec. 10. at Hott Leggz, 3128 N. Federal Hwy. stealing 10 flat-screen televisions. Two televisions were damaged and one was found outside. Also $500 was stolen from the cash register. Total loss: about $8,000.

Relay For Life Fundraiser

Thursday, Dec. 19, 5 to 8 p.m.

Sweet Tomatoes 7110 Beracasa Way, Boca Raton, FL 33433

Purchase a meal & beverage—20 percent of sales donated. 561-386-0018.

AARP Driver Safety Program

Thursday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center 227 NW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Save money, earn discount on car insurance, update driving skills. $14, $12: AARP member. Limited space, reservations required, Ages 50+. 954-480-4447 or tsutton@deerfield-beach.com.

A Christmas Visit with Santa

Thursday, Dec. 19, 5 to 9 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center 520 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE photo op with Santa. Sponsored by Pompano Beach district of Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Winter Wonderland

Thursday, Dec. 19, 3 to 5 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park, 4111 NW 6 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Horse-drawn hayrides, photos with Santa, real snow, arts and crafts, kid’s activities, holiday treats, and, new this year, Polar Express ride. Small fee for some activities.

Westside Park Winter Break Camp

Friday, Dec. 20 through Friday, Jan. 3 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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

Field trips, indoor/ outdoor games, arts & crafts, New Year’s Eve party. $150 per child or $25 per day. Lunch not included. 954-480-4481.

Butler House Holiday Tour

Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Every first and third Saturday or call to make an appointment – 954-429-0378 or history@Deerfieldhistory. Org.

Snow Day

Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

300 S. Military Tr. Boca Raton, FL 33486

Recommended for ages 3+. $10. Fun in the snow, kids’ activities, games, and arts and crafts. Book snow time with advanced reservation. 561-347-3900.

DBHS 1973 Annual Christmas Party

Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m. to midnight

Royal Fiesta Caterers Ballroom 1680 SE 3 Court Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Music by Miami Sound Byte Band. All-you-can-eat buffet. $50 per person. 754-235-5640.

Christmas Worship

Saturday, Dec. 21, Sunday, Dec. 22 & Tuesday, Dec. 24

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

Dec. 21, 6 p.m: Saturday @ Six service. Christmas songs featured. Dec. 22, 11 a.m: Canadian soloist Lucille Graveline presents special music at worship service. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 6 to 7 p.m: service includes live Nativity Scene, Santa Claus, candlelight worship, Christmas ballet excerpt from Deerfieldbased dance company “Expressions of Joy” and more. 954-427-0222, www.communitych.org.

Rock Star 101 Winter Break Camp

Monday, Dec. 23 to Friday, Jan. 3, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

For ages 6-12. Learn about vocal techniques, choreography, songwriting, rock & roll appreciation, microphone technique, stage presence. Register online: www.deerfield-beach.com or at any City Parks & Recreation facility. Prices vary. Call 954-480-4494 for info.

Candlelight Christmas – Outdoor Concert

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater 590 Plaza Real Boca Raton, FL 33432

Over 1,000 candles lit. Features modern versions of Christmas carols played by The Journey Church of Boca Raton’s musicians. Plus Christmas message. FREE – Bring canned soup to benefit Boca Helping Hands. www.bocajourney.com

I was at a little breakfast nook the other day. The people I was eating with brought their young daughter with them. The dearest lady in my life happens to teach little ones. I am amazed at her ability to do so. At the end of the day, she always has a story to share. Sometimes, it is about an angelic child and sometimes it is about a holy terror, but there is always a story.

Well, it didn’t take long for me to get a story because as soon as the waitress came over to take our order, the little girl said that she would like a “proached” egg. Of course, her parents corrected her and told her that it is not a “proached” egg, but a poached egg.

But I could see that the little one was hungry and into “gimme” mode. She could care less how to pronounce it. She just knew that she wanted it and she wanted it now.

After a rather long wait to get our food, the waitress finally came over with plates in hand and set the eggs in front of the little girl. She picked up a little, blew on it and put it into her mouth. She immediately spit it out and cried out, “It’s too cold.” I told her not to worry that the waitress could have them heated up or poached again, which calmed her for a moment.

I told her how to nicely ask the waitress, instead of screaming at her. And she actually followed my directions because when the waitress came back over the little girl asked, “Can you reproach my eggs?”

So, first, she wanted a “proached” egg and now she wanted a “reproached egg,” and I have to say that the waitress was being an all-around good egg about it.

When the eggs came back from being “reproached,” the little one said that they were nice and “leyow,” and that “leyow” was her favorite color; and she went on to tell me that she also loved red and orange, and blue, like my shirt. The problem was that blue was not the color of my shirt, but that is what she saw when she looked at it. The little girl had a problem with colors. She saw the world a bit differently.

Her parents tried to correct her, but the little one begged to disagree … okay, she screamed in disagreement.

I realized they were trying to teach her, but I was not so sure that they would be able to even consider that their daughter might see the world differently. You see, they were doing exactly what their daughter did with her eggs. They were reproaching her.

We all perceive things a little differently. For instance, in your house of worship, one congregant might find the sanctuary too hot, another too cold, but one might be fortunate enough to find that the temperature is perfect, the seats nice and cushy, the company a delight and, with that perception, they see a place filled with joy and brightness.

Our perception creates our reality, but it isn’t just how we perceive things. It is also how we approach them. Sadly, far too many of us don’t show much brightness in the way we approach others. We are far too busy reproaching them.

Reproaching someone only works if you are wise enough to choose the right approach. Better yet, maybe take a moment to close your eyes and try to see things through someone else’s eyes. That should be a real eye opener.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach. We welcome you to join our warm and caring family for Shabbat and festival services. We’ll make your heart glow…who knows, you might even fall in love with Shul all over again.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Forty one years ago, WPIX Channel 11 in New York broadcast Hans Christian Andersen, a MGM musical with lyrics by Frank Loesser and starring Danny Kaye in the title role. Originally, the film was to be a collaboration between MGM and Walt Disney animation, but two decades of business negotiations fell through and the studios developed their own projects.

Walt Disney Productions stuck with animation and developed the Oscar-winning The Little Mermaid, which has become culturally significant for the past three decades. Taking a dark fairy tale like The Snow Queen and mixing it with the Disney touch, Frozen has created a Hans Christian Andersen renaissance and is easily the best holiday motion picture for 2013.

The film opens in a magical kingdom that looks suspiciously like Denmark. Princesses Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) love each other. However, big sister Elsa is a mutant who can shoot frost out of her fingertips. When Elsa frosts Anna’s brain and distorts her little sister’s memory, the king and queen teach the future Snow Queen to isolate herself from the world. These royal actions are observed on the sidelines by young Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his not-so-magical reindeer.

It is during Queen Elsa’s coronation that disaster occurs. Anna announces her impulsive engagement to a charming prince and Elsa flees into the forest to build her own ice castle. Anna recruits Kristoff in a vain attempt to get Elsa to return to the magical kingdom. With Queen Elsa and Princess Anna out of town, passive-aggressive evil brews.

One of the most overwhelming days that Disneyworld Orlando confronted this year was “Villain’s Day,” in which the Magic Kingdom was forced to stop admission. Given that The Snow Queen was one of Hans Christian Andersen’s premier villains, one expected Frozen to have sympathy for the devil. However, the dynamic between sisters keeps the villainy on a human level. In fact, it is good intentions and miscommunication that propels the plot.

The animation is filled with visual poetry, with the snowy landscapes invoking childhood Christmas season memories. There are some thrilling action sequences when Kristoff battles the Snow Beast or when the hero’s sleigh comes cliff-hangingly close to danger. There are enough action sequences to interest a father who has to babysit his kids.

Expect the song “Let it Go” to be Oscar-nominated for best song; it is a ballad tour de force sung by Idina Menzel and covered by Demi Lovato. From the breath taking opening to the clever post-credit closing gag, Frozen has all the entertaining qualities to melt one’s heart.

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

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 27 A man reported the theft of his birth certificate and passport from 121 Westbury G.

Nov.27 A box trailer was reported stolen from the parking lot of Breezer Holdings at 550 SW 12 Ave.

Nov.27 A man reported two bicycles stolen from his home at 900 NW 48 St. A woman reported that she saw a man steal the two bicycles from the victim’s vehicle.

Nov.27 A man was arrested and charged with stealing a Wii U and two Dyson uprights from Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Nov.27 A man reported his iPad, gold necklace and watch stolen from his backpack at 200 N. Ocean Dr. while he was swimming at the beach.

Nov. 28 A vehicle was stolen from 4338 NW 4 Ave.

Nov. 29 A man reported that two or three men beat him up at 1500 SE 3 Court.

Nov. 29 An attempt to break into a home was reported at 243 NW 7 Court.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Dec. 3 A man reported a total of five tires on his vehicle slashed. The report was made at 2201 NE 36 St. The man said he is involved in a conflict with another man.

Dec. 3 A man was arrested and charged with burglary to an occupied home at 2150 NE 48 Court. He was reported to be on the porch of a home without permission of the owner and looking into the home.

Dec. 8 A man stole two alcoholic beverages from Sunoco gas station at 3900 N. Federal Hwy. The man was given a trespass warning and asked not to return.

Thank You, Deerfield Beach!

Dear Editor:

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all who came out and attended our recent events – the Holiday Cocktail Fundraiser (Wine & Cheese event) and Breakfast with Santa.

The backyard [at the Butler House] was filled with Santa, happy children, great food and holiday music. The music was provided by St Gregory’s Youth Band, one-man-band Jim Higgins, and poetess extraordinaire Precious Baker.

Thank you to you all, Pat McGonigal, and Santa from BSO Fire Rescue, as well as Publix, Chick-Fil-A, Kiwanis of Deerfield Beach and Frank Congemi for helping us with the basics. This was truly a community event helping to bring us all together in the loving spirit of the season.

Deerfield Beach Historical Society

My first Deerfield commission mtg.

Dear Editor:

My neighbor has asked me for years to attend a city meeting. Many in our small neighborhood regularly do. Finally, on Dec. 3, I gave in and attended. I was not impressed at all.

I was at first glad to see that a member of the city was retiring and they put together a beautiful video and a heartfelt send-off.

However, after that, it went downhill.

As I watched a Deerfield Beach citizen speaking and questioning the District 1 commissioner, it was sad to see the commissioner boo-hissing in a manner and giving a big thumbs down for all to see while giggling at this man.

Whether his point was valid or not, he deserved some respect and not to be made a fool.

The mayor herself was chewing gum while trying to speak (etiquette dictates to spit that out) and might I add was beyond rude when an elderly lady, apparently with a disability, came to the podium to speak, dropped some things, and did her best to organize all while the mayor rolled her eyes, and said for the lady to hurry it up.

I felt bad, but I did [not] yell out ‘how rude.’

I did, however, learn that if the city doesn’t want to hear what you are saying you are mocked and/or laughed at. It reminded me of a kangaroo court. Don’t misunderstand. I applauded the city manager and commissioners, but was truly saddened to see the mayor and vice mayor in such bad taste. I was thrilled to see it videotaped, as it can be watched over and over again.

But all in all, it was wonderful to be there. Now, I know what our city is like. I will become more involved and do my best, along with many others, to change it.

If you have not been to a meeting, please go, even if it is only once.

See who is acting on your behalf. Because remember … maybe one voice can’t change things, but many of us can. Don’t be the one to sit back and hope others fix what is broken. LET’S DO THIS TOGETHER!

Dana Wade

Deerfield Beach

Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel meets

Thursday, Dec. 12, 11:30 a.m.

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

Guest speaker: dietician from Holy Cross Hospital. Mini lunch served. Everyone welcome. 954-421-7060.

Holiday Open House

Thursday, Dec. 12, 4:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Percy White Library 827 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441

Holiday music and refreshments with harpist Lisa Kikol. 954-357-7697

Kiwanis Holiday Auction & Prayer Breakfast

Saturday, Dec. 14, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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

Speaker: Ms. Jackie Haywood, BCSB, Director of School Performance & Accountability. $20. Sponsored by: Kiwanis West & Mango Festival Scholarship Committee.

Jazz & Arts Festival

Sunday, Dec. 15, noon to 4 p.m.

Pompano Community Park 2001 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE. Featuring Mike Norris Jazz Orchestra. Includes wine tasting, live artists, sidewalk chalk art, food trucks and art for sale. 954-786-4111.

Steeple On The Beach Choir sings

Sunday, Dec. 15, 8:30 & 11 p.m.

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

Performs “A Christmas Carol Gallery,” Portraits of the Season. Also Dec. 14, Saturday at Six Worship, 6 p.m. Christmas songs featured. www.communitych.org.

Century Village East Symphony Orchestra Benefit Concert

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 to 4 p.m.

Club House Auditorium 2400 Century Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

$10, call 954-428-6892, option 5. Enter CVE through the Hillsboro Security Gate and tell the staff that you are attending the concert. Tickets may be picked up at the “Will Call” table in the Club House Lobby.

Handel’s Messiah

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach High School Gymnasium 600 NE 13 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Featuring the New Presbyterian Church 100 voice Concert Choir, soloists and orchestra directed by Dr. John L. Wilson. No tickets needed. Offering will be taken. 954-946-4380 or visit to www.newpres.org.

The South Florida Chamber Ensemble performs

Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.

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

$15, $10-students/seniors/military. Children 12 and under free w/paid adult ticket. For tickets visit sfcemusic.com or call 954-803-3762.

Deerfield Beach Hadassah Meets

Monday, Dec. 16, noon

Century Village Activity Center 3501 West Dr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Author Bernd Wollschaeger, M.D. Refreshments served, followed by meeting. 954-428-6265 or 954-427-9902.

Democratic Women’s Club of Northeast holiday celebration

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

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

Guest Speaker: Congresswoman Lois Frankel. Festive holiday food served, membership drive. Free, open to the public. RSVP requested. 954-942-8711.

SAVE THE DATE: Candlelight Christmas – Mizner Park

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 3 p.m., 4:30 and 6 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater 590 Plaza Real Boca Raton, FL 33432

Over 1,000 candles will be lit. Modern versions of Christmas carols played by The Journey Church of Boca Raton’s band of top-notch musicians and more. FREE. Bring canned soup to Benefit Boca Helping Hands

Relay For Life fundraiser

Thursday, Dec. 19, 5 to 8 p.m.

Sweet Tomatoes 7110 Beracasa Way Boca Raton, FL 33433

Twenty percent sales of purchase meal & beverage, donated to Relay for Life. 561-386-0018.

Clergy Corner: 1 CHRONICLES 28:9

9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.

NKJV

Loyalty of heart and willingness of mind is essential for faithful, effective service.

God should have first place in your lives and consume all your thoughts. With the mind of Christ, we should have control over our thoughts and those thoughts should match what the Bible says. We serve God, and we give Him everything we have and then the holidays come. Thanksgiving and Christmas come around, and we do things that we do not normally do:

• We eat in large groups and/or with family.

• We give cards.

• We give gifts.

• We act more hospitable with others.

• We go to church more.

• We give time and money to people in need.

• We focus more on our military and those serving overseas.

These things we do need to be part of our lifestyle and not just part of a holiday tradition. Do not allow traditions to affect the things you do and say – be yourself. God blesses us with many different things throughout our lives.

• God gives us power, love and a sound mind.

• God gives us control over our flesh and soul.

• God gives us the ability to have good judgment.

• God gives us the ability to have a disciplined life.

• God gives us the ability to make the right decisions.

• God gives us _____. (Fill in your own answer)

However, we choose what we are going to do with those gifts and blessings and we choose what kind of life we will live. Society and traditions try to tell us how to live our lives around the holidays and even how to celebrate our holidays. We need to be ourselves and serve the God that we love by living this Christmas lifestyle all year round.

Don’t allow people or circumstances in your life to break your holiday spirit and steal your joy. The words that come out of our mouths show what is in our hearts, and our actions will speak even louder than our words. The things we do and say show the kind of lifestyle that we have. Don’t become what the pressures of life want to mold you into, but rather become a person full of joy and peace all year round. Then, it is not just a holiday thing; it is a lifestyle thing. When we do things the way God wants and not by our own way, then those changes become more permanent. Why change the way you act and behave like the seasons change? Just be the same happy, joyful, peaceful, giving person all year long. Then, you will not have to change around the holidays to fit in.

Tony Guadagnino is the pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church.