Illegal donation boxes

Dear Editor:

I just wanted to mention that we really do need to get rid of illegal boxes in Deerfield Beach and throughout the county.

Without your help, there is no way that all the positive changes in Deerfield and throughout the county could have taken place.

But, we have limited resources and manpower, which is why we would need to be able to place one of our boxes at a location in order to even consider picking up an illegal one.

Thanks SO much!

Jim Moyer

Salvation Army

Illegal donation boxes

Dear Editor:

Jim Moyer, the Salvation Army Director of Donations, needs our help. PLEASE, let me know if you see any illegal for-profit clothing donation boxes around the city (or anywhere you see them).

They are the ones without a real charity on them.

Email me the address of the box. I will contact the owners of the property, who usually don’t even know the box is there, and get permission for the Salvation Army to put a box in it’s place.

PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS.

Bett Willett

Deerfield Beach

Pompano Beach Budget Presentation and Workshop

Thursday, May 15, 10 a.m.

City Commission Chambers 100 W. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Includes discussion of the estimated Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

2nd Annual Silent Auction/Raffle

Friday, May 16, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

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

$1 and $5 baskets up for grabs. Donations needed, call Jennifer Miller, 754-322-6100.

2nd Annual Destination Graduation banquet

Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Royal Fiesta 1680 SE 3 Ct. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted by Deerfield Beach Housing Authority (DBHA). Keynote speaker: Broward County School Board member Rosalind Osgood. DBHA will be honoring its graduating seniors with a GPA over 2.0. Program helps students who live in Section 8 and low income housing, defraying costs for cap and gown rental, and yearbooks. For those with GPA over 4.0, they pay for class rings.

Free vessel examinations

Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Silver Palm Park 600 E. Palmetto Park Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Conducted by The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 36 of Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-391-3600.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Transportation to and from the lighthouse grounds is only by boat from marina. $25 per person. Must wear flat shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 48″ (4 ft.) tall to climb the tower. No pets. www.hillsborolighthouse.org.

“In the Round” music showcase —Nashville Style II

Saturday, May 17, 8 p.m.to midnight

American Rock Bar & Grill 1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted by Steve Minotti, this musical showcase features Billy G, Cal Adams, Dirk Gilbert, JD Danner, Jess Taylor, Iggy, John Torres, Kirsten Spencer, Lina Marquez and Patrick Salsich singing “in the round” much like is seen in places like the Bluebird Café in Nashville. No cover. For info., call 954-428-4539 or visit www.americanrockbar.com.

Morning Kayak Tour

Sunday, May 18, 9 to 11 a.m.

Deerfield Island Park 1720 Deerfield Island Park Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$15-with own kayak or paddleboard/$30- for rental, paddles, life jackets. Includes picnic (coffee & doughnuts.) Limited space/preregistration required. For ages 8+ (must be accompanied by adult.) Life jackets required. 954-357- 5100.

49th Annual Pompano Fishing Rodeo

Through Saturday, May 17

Alsdorf Park 2974 NE 14 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

For more info., visit www.pompanofishingrodeo.com.

Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach meets

Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m.

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guest speaker: Somy Ali, founder of No More Tears, Rising Star Award recipient. No More Tears is a completely volunteer organization that helps women (who are often fleeing from other countries), who are victims of abuse to obtain visas, find jobs, get medical assistance and more. (See more, Pg. 11) www.NMTproject.org. For more information, call Women’s Club at 954-421-4700.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, May 21, noon

City Hall Commission Chambers 150 NE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Topic: History of hurricanes. Info.: 954-429-0378.

Democratic Women’s Club of NE Broward meets

Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m.

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

Speaker: Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, on female employment in Sheriff’s Office.Refreshments served. Free, open to public.

ArtHall

Wednesday, May 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Bailey Contemporary Arts 41 NE 1 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Featuring new art of past ArtHall artists, including N! Satterfield and Lori Pratico, and national artists like Derek Toomes, Diana Contreras, Melissa Haviland and David Colagiovanni. Tasting tables and live music. 954-586-1111.

2014 World Cup Beach Tennis

· Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18

300 NE 21 Ave. (north of pier) Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

· Friday May 23 to Sunday, May 25

212 Pompano Beach Blvd. (south of pier) Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Enter to win prize money and world ranking points, or simply come and watch the action! Categories: Men’s and women’s doubles, men’s and women’s singles, mixed doubles and juniors doubles. All levels welcome. Sponsored by Frank Congemi in association with IFBT USA. Register: www.mybeachtennis.net.

By Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

In ancient days during the Yom Kippur Service, the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest would have a moment when he would hold up a scarlet red thread. This red thread represented the sins of the people and when the thread was held up, it would be a way of expressing that the sins of the people were forgiven and that they were as white as snow.

But why would red represent sin? Many of us can remember the story of the Scarlett Letter, where a woman convicted of adultery had to wear a bright red scarlet letter “A” on her chest. I have often wondered why that would be her punishment. After all, wouldn’t that have made many of the menfolk back in her day stare at her chest and wouldn’t that tend to lead them to lust? We talk about the color red for anger as we have the expression, “I was so mad, I was seeing red.”

In “The Color Song”, written by Patricia Shih, we learn that red is “The color of the climbing rose and tomatoes.” We learn that red is “The color of chickenpox and a bloody nose and angry words.” And, while it’s not in the song, red can also be the color of a delicious apple and, if you read the story of Adam and Eve in most English versions of the Bible, then you have been taught to associate red with sin via an apple.

And yet, red is also the color that we see on a stoplight or on a stop sign. Now, it’s no secret that many people behind the wheel of a car down here in Sunny South Florida don’t observe the rules of the road and they fail to stop at a red light, I think the idea of the color red being used as a sign that we should stop is a wonderful thing.

Red also happens to be the color we turn when we feel embarrassed. I have long been a fan of watching shows along the ilk of Judge Judy and I have noticed something. Next time you watch, check it out. You see, people don’t just get red with anger. When someone listens closely to the judge and is scolded for what they failed to realize they had done wrong, some turn red, not in anger, but red with embarrassment.

Okay, maybe not many, but some. And let me tell you something, those who turn red with embarrassment realize that they have done wrong, they are the ones who have a good chance of stopping themselves before making the same mistake again. But those who don’t turn red, well, sadly, there is a good likelihood that they will never admit their mistakes and, therefore, they will see no reason to stop themselves from doing the very same thing in the future.

So look around at all the beautiful colors that G-d has put on this earth and the next time you see the color red, let it remind you to stop and think before you do something that will cause you embarrassment.

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.

Seven Dwarf Mine Train ride opens May 28.

Walt Disney World steps into the future

By Rachel Galvin

Since 1955, Walt Disney World has continually evolved, adding more attractions and events to improve their customer experience. Last weekend, they had a media day to announce their newest technology, the My Magic + system, and some of their new attractions. The Observer was there.

On Friday, they dedicated a brand new ride in their newest area, New Fantasyland, which was launched last fall. The new ride, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride, is touted as a kids ride, but those who have ridden it know it is not exactly like “Small World.” It is definitely a roller coaster, albeit a moderate one, but the twists and turns can really be felt through their special technology that allows the carts to tip and rock so every bit of g-force can be experienced as the ride rounds every fast twist and turn. The ride opens to the public May 28.

Perhaps more impressive is the My Magic + system. Pass holders and those staying at Disney Resorts receive a My Magic Band, which is worn around the wrist and uses RF technology. It acts like a key to gain entry to everything from the hotel room to the parks themselves. Instead of the long cues and turnstiles at the entrance, guests zoom through just tapping their band and using their fingerprint to gain access. My Magic Bands come in several colors and can be accessorized with fun accessories. Bands can also be purchased for $12.95.

Magic + provides easy and quick access to the park.

My Magic Bands are perfect for those who have Fast Pass +, which is definitely the best way to go. Guests can sign up for three fast passes from home and then add more, one by one, as many as they want, once they are in the park. Fast passes allow guests to bypass long lines.

Guests can keep track of their fast passes, see where characters are located, wait times for rides, maps and more with My Disney Experience, available on their computer or on their smart phone as an app.

To make the experience more interactive, Disney has increased character interaction with Storytime with Belle and now a special meet and greet with Mickey himself, who not only poses for a picture, but greets guests in his dressing room engaging in conversation, making a truly intimate and interactive experience.

Guests can get access to all their pictures taken by staff at the park using Memory Maker, which allows them to see their photos, and purchase and even modify them, like adding Mickey’s signature or the Walt Disney logo. Pictures are tracked through the My Magic Band to be later accessed via the app.

There have been updates to some of the attractions, like the Dumbo ride, where instead of waiting in lines, kids can play in a circus-themed indoor playground area while parents sit and wait for their pager they are given to go off, signaling it is time to ride.

At Be Our Guest restaurant, guests can order ahead of time and, when they reach the restaurant, can sit immediately and their food is served. (Try the pastries and desserts here!)

In addition, they are redoing Downtown Disney, expanding it and renaming it Disney Springs, adding an Avatar based land to Animal Kingdom and adding a theatrical performance called  Harambe Nights. They are expanding their Star Wars weekends (May 16-June 15) at Hollywood Studios and adding Symphony in the Stars fireworks spectacular. (There is a rumor that Mark Hamill will be there June 6-8). For the third year, they will be open for 24 hours on Memorial Day. These are just a few new developments. For more, see the video on www.observernewspaperonline.com/observertv or visit www.mydisneyexperience.com.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

While the numbers are not as strong as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 opened with an impressive $91 million box office last weekend. Not part of the Avengers canon, this series of Spider-Man movies is seeking to develop its own comics mythology for Sony’s Columbia pictures. FYI: The post title sequence features an action sequence from the soon-to-be-released X-Men: Days of Future Past from 20th Century Fox.

For the 5th Spider-Man movie in 14 years, the audience is finally able to see a movie in which Uncle Ben does not die. However, grief is an overall theme that hangs over The Amazing Spider- Man 2. Peter Parker, alias Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield), and his girlfriend Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) graduate from High School. Peter is late to his own graduation because he is battling the Rhino (Paul Giamatti), a pesky Soviet villain.

While Gwen, the school’s valedictorian with a steady job at Oscorp, is entertaining offers to attend a special program in Oxford, Peter is conflicted. He adores Gwen, but has promised her dearly-departed dad (Denis Leary) to stay away from her and, being Spider-Man, he is obliged to stop crime in New York City. Meanwhile, Peter tries to uncover a conspiracy of events involving his parents, who left him at a young age.

Being Part 2 of a projected 4-part series, this movie throws a lot of dialogue and teen angst at the viewer. Occasionally, Spider-Man battles Electro (Jamie Foxx) [and another surprise villain] to break up the exposition tedium, but these nighttime battles lack the clarity of vision. A much-anticipated climax from the comic book series is presented; but, instead of being emotional, the scene feels manipulated and mechanical.

The film does have some moments of luster, in particular when “Spidey” remembers that he is a role model. Before confronting a villain with his web-slinging, Spider- Man takes the time to talk the bad guy out of making bad choices. The film also redeems itself in its final moments when a miniature Spidey-clone attempts to confront a scary villain without Peter Parker’s help.

John Turturro’s directorial debut opens tomorrow, Fading Gigolo, co-starring Woody Allen, Sharon Stone and Sofia Vergara. Unlike his previous creepy on-screen personas, Turturro portrays a nice guy with a touch of Cinderella. This comedy from New York has garnered good word-of-mouth.

As Disneyworld completes its recent expansion of New Fantasyland, plans are underway for a larger expansion of Animal Kingdom.

Groundbreaking occurred last January for James Cameron’s Avatar inspired park. As Cameron prepares to create his next three movies, one can see the original Avatar with additional footage at the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery & Science IMAX theater. (See more about Disney on Pg. 10).

Make a good Mother’s Day choice this weekend!

DEERFIELD BEACH

April 17 A woman reported that candy delivered to her home at 441 NW 42 St. by FedEx was stolen.

April 18 Two neighbors got into a physical altercation at 311 NW 42 Court. Deputies were unable to determine the primary aggressor.

April 18 A man entered a Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. and stole a cell phone.

April 19 It was reported that a tablet computer was stolen from a home at 5003 NE 1 Terr.

April 21 A woman reported her home at 272 NE 40 St. was entered and flowers dumped out of a vase. A glass vase from the home was then smashed outside of the home.

DEERFIELD – District 4

April 28 Conveyance burglary took place at the Gates of Hillsboro, 610 NE 37 St. Victim advised BSO that the suspect reached into her vehicle and punched her in the face. The victim drove back to her home in Pompano Beach and called 911 to report the incident. Photos and a statement were taken.

April 30 Burglary to a business took place in Deer Creek, at 2801 Deer Creek Country Club Blvd. There was forced entry on the north end of the golf cart holding area. There were no signs of anything taken.

May 1 Theft – Retail Shoplifting was reported at Target, 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. An unknown male stole a Sonos 5 wireless speaker system from Target. The items were valued at $399.99. Surveillance video was collected.

May 5 On Monday, residents were notified that three individuals were involved in a theft at 3500 W. Hillsboro Blvd. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, but abandoned that vehicle at 3200 W. Hillsboro Blvd. The suspects took off on foot, but two were captured and are in custody. One Suspect fled into Shoes and More (along Hillsboro Boulevard). He then exited the store and continued to run. Deputies finally caught him in the Deer Run neighborhood, where he was taken into custody.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

April 7: Someone broke into a storage building in back of a business at 3300 N. Federal Hwy. The subject took $1,500 in cash and $5,000 in ceramics. The damage to the front door was $500 and the damage to the drywall was $50.

April 7: Witnesses saw a subject take packages left at the front door of a residence at 2844 NE 26 Ave. for a delivery pickup. The packages contained chocolate strawberries valued at $55.

April 10: The victim left her purse at a business located at 1819 NE 25 St. It contained a cell phone, credit cards and an ID. Loss was $675.

RE: Hillsboro Boulevard Lane Elimination

Dear Editor:

OK, let me get this straight – as I am curious if I am the only person who does not understand.

Years ago, due to “beautification,” Hillsboro Boulevard east of Federal Highway had lanes removed. Wow, after planting the wrong plants, removing and replanting it is just so beautiful (sarcasm), but the traffic is unbearable.

Some days, weekends being the worst, it can take up to seven minutes to pull out of our neighborhood (Little Harbor) due to the fact that the City will not put up a blinking light on the signage that reads “Do Not Block Intersection.” This is continually blocked.

NOW, I am reading that west of Federal Highway, they want to remove two lanes due to the fact that they do not want pedestrians crossing a broad expanse of concrete. Really? People should NOT be crossing EXCEPT at crosswalks anyways. That is the law. Anything else is jay-walking. Besides the fact that, at a crosswalk, a median cannot be there, there needs to be a direct passage for visual safety.

So, can you please explain why this is needed?

Deerfield Beach [also] wanted more revenue from our beaches. Well, for this, local residents suffer. Try standing on the corner of 12th and Hillsboro and watching on a weekend. Congestion, pollution and major road rage. Our quaint little city has now become a mess of tangled traffic, no longer the nice little town most of us were thankful to live in. I, personally, am saddened to see what has happened to the beautiful city I grew up in.

Dana Wade

Deerfield Beach

“Fish Fry”

Friday, May 9, 6:30 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Double Tree Hotel 100 Fairway Dr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Roast of Mayor Lamar Fisher. See more Pg. 5. Tickets $150. Funds go to Sample-McDougald House. 954-292-8040.

Deerfield Beach Rotary Golf Tournament

Friday, May 9, Registration-11:30 a.m. Shotgun start-1 p.m.

Deer Creek Golf Club 2801 DC Country Club Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Sponsored by Deerfield Beach Rotary Club. Benefits Deerfield Beach High School Students. Format: Scramble Tournament. Awards dinner to immediately follow tournament. www.deerfield rotarygolf.com.

Sushi & Stroll

Friday, May 9, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens 400 Morikami Park Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446

Walk in tranquil garden; listen to taiko drums; savor cuisine, sake and wines; and shop at museum store. Note: museum galleries closed tonight.

Sushi & Stroll also held June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 & Sept. 12. $8 for adults, $6 for children 4-10, free for museum members and children 3 and under. Food and drink sold separately. $2 for taiko. Look for discounts for advance ticket purchase. For info., call 561-495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org.

Free Admission for Moms at Butterfly World

Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tradewinds Park 3600 W. Sample Rd. Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Gate fee: $1.50 per person (5 and under free). www.ButterflyWorld.com.

2nd Annual Tower’s With a Heart golf tournament

Saturday, May 10, noon (registration), 1:30 p.m. (shotgun start)

Boca Lago Country Club 8665 Juego Way Boca Raton, FL 33433

Founded by the owners of Emerald Towing to raise funds to promote Florida’s “Move Over” law. The law requires motorists to move over when a patrol car or emergency vehicle/towtruck or wrecker is on the side of the road with its lights flashing. If moving is not possible, drivers should slow to 20 m.p.h. For more info. or to sign-up/ sponsor, call 954-288-7201.

Boca Raton Green Market –LAST DAY!

Saturday, May 10, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Place 101 Plaza Real S. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Fresh locally-grown fruits and veggies, soaps & lotions, freshcut flowers and plants, baked goods, prepared foods, fish and seafood, doggie treats and more. LIVE music from 10 a.m. to noon. For info., call 561-299-8684 or email at elilly707@aol.com.

National Train Day Museum OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 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. 954-448-8935.

Deerfield Beach Green Market

Sunday, May 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Cove Shopping Center E. Hillsboro Boulevard & the Intracoastal Waterway Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Fresh & organic produce, arts & crafts, home & garden, and more. Voted No. 4 destination to visit in Deerfield Beach. Free raffles. Rain or shine. Pet-friendly. Open year-round. For more info., call 772-345-3797.

Deerfield Beach Orchid Society Meets

Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. Sharp

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

Speaker: Guillermo A. Salazar, M.S., on Orchids of El Salvador, “A country of hidden treasures.” New guests welcome. No charge for first two visits, after an annual membership fee applies. For more info., email deerfieldorchids@gmail.com or visit www.DeerfieldBeachOrchidSociety.org.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach meets

Tuesday, May 13, 1 p.m.

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Program: “White Elephant Auction.” All welcome. Light refreshments. Free. Contact: 954 421 4700. www.dbwc.org.

Free skin care screening

Wednesday, May 14, 5pm to 7:30 p.m.

Broward Health North Comprehensive Cancer Center 201 E. Sample Rd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Broward Health North is offering a FREE skin cancer screening with Dr. Melanie Hecker, MD by appointment only. See more, pg 15. Call to schedule your screening at 954-759-7400. www.BrowardHealth.org/ events.

Save the date: 2nd Annual Silent Auction/Raffle

Friday, May 16, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

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

$1 and $5 baskets up for grabs. Donations needed, call Jennifer Miller – 754-322- 6100.

You know how you feel after a big awesome meal? That’s right, you feel like doing nothing because you are so full that all you want to do is sit and rest. Sometimes, in the same way, around Easter, we try to fill up on God so we have enough to last until Christmas. We try to squeeze it all in over one weekend and leave full and sleepy.

Hebrews 6:10

10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.

NLT

God will not forget about you, so I would encourage you not to forget about Him. Easter just passed and we tend to think more about God during this holiday than we may at other holidays. We think about what God and His son Jesus did for us and it makes us feel good and we even get excited as we are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Maybe you do not know God the way you would like to or maybe you do not understand some things about God, religion or Christians in general. I would encourage you to continue to get to know God a little better this year. I know that sometimes, after a holiday or a big event, we just want to sit down, rest, and take a nap because it is over and we want to get ready for whatever is coming next. Do not get tired or weary in getting to church or even spending a little time with God every day. You can make an effort to continue to go to church and that will give you a great opportunity to get to know God a little better. You may even find out things about God that you did not know before. You can also take a few minutes each day and just talk to God. Just start to have conversations with God and you will be amazed at what you start talking to Him about. It all starts with one church service or with one minute spent talking to God. I think the key word here would be to start. You cannot walk a mile without taking the first step.

Galatians 6:9

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

Do not be satisfied with a little bit of God here and there. God is not a magic eight ball that we take out only when we need it and shake it and ask it questions about our lives. God wants to have a relationship with us. My wife loves me, but if I only talked to her when there was an emergency or crisis, then my relationship with her would deteriorate and be ruined. Since God loves us, then we need to communicate with Him so our relationship grows and gets better. Do not get tired of God or church; make an effort to get to know Him more this year.

Tony Guadagnino is the pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church, 801 SE 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441.www.CLFministries.org

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach’s Jackson McKenna’s life was nearly over before it started. At 5- months old, he was diagnosed with biliary (tract) ectasia and needed a life-saving liver transplant.

“He got his liver on Feb. 17, 2001 and he’s been healthy ever since, and, every two years, he competes in the Transplant Games of America,” said McKenna’s father, Brian. “It is Olympic style events for any person who has received an organ transplant. This summer, it is being held in Texas.”

McKenna, 13, who has competed in the Transplant Games of America since 2002, said it is fun meeting other athletes from around the country. He has also been quite successful. Two years ago, he competed in Michigan and won six gold medals – in biking, relay race, basketball, softball throw, long jump and the 100-meter dash.

“It’s pretty amazing to be where I am,” said McKenna, a Deerfield Beach Middle School seventh grader. He has played in the Deerfield Beach Little League since he was 6 and is currently a member of the Indians’ 50/70 team. “I’m not allowed to play contact sports now. I would like to someday compete against (able-bodied) athletes.”

The Transplant Games of America include track and field, swimming, table tennis, cycling, long jump and the softball throw.

McKenna takes medications daily and goes for blood work every three months. He competes against athletes in his own (13-15 year-old) age group this year.

Brian McKenna said they did blood matches and he was a match for his son.

“If they did not find a donor where he could receive a transplant, I would have been able to donate a partial liver to him,” Brian said. “We were fortunate enough to find a partial donor.”

Team Florida typically has between 40 and 50 athletes from throughout the state. There is a South Florida chapter.

“It’s really cool to meet other people every two years,” said McKenna, who is part of Team Florida and has met others from around the state who also compete. He enjoys going to different places and meeting everybody. So far, he has competed in Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, Orlando, Minnesota, Kentucky and Pittsburgh in the Transplant Games.

McKenna has also fared well on the baseball diamond as they finished second in the Major Division last year after winning the District 10 title two years ago in the Majors Division.

He’s won a couple of dozen medals and said his last trip to the National Games netted his biggest cache of medals.

“Winning a gold medal is better than winning a baseball title,” said McKenna, who was the youngest participant in his first Transplant Games in Orlando in 2002 at 18 months as he competed in the softball throw. “It is really cool and I am very proud of my accomplishments because I can help other people by raising awareness.”

The Transplant Games showcase the success of transplantation and call attention to the life saving importance of organ donation, and honors organ donors and their families.

“We are so thankful each and every day for the gift of life that our son was given,” said Jackson’s mother, Jina McKenna. “Our donor and donor family are always in our hearts.”

If anyone is interested in making donations to Team Florida and Jackson for the 2014 Games, they can make a tax-deductible donation to: Tiger Transplant Fund, 934 N. University Dr., #251, Coral Springs, FL, 33071. In the memo section of the check, please write “Games/Jackson McKenna.”