By Gary Curreri

Kaitlyn Smith won’t be far from home when it comes to playing collegiate sports. The Highlands Christian Academy senior will be playing just 6 miles up Interstate-95 from the school’s campus.

Smith, 18, a Ft. Lauderdale native who lives in Deerfield Beach, will play sand volleyball for Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Smith has been at Highlands Christian Academy for 12 1/2 years.

“I have been playing sand volleyball for five years,” Smith said. “One of my friends (Kealey Wik) asked me to play one time and I have loved it ever since. She is an inspiration to me.”

Smith said she loves how the sport keeps her in shape and how it is a beautiful atmosphere on the beach.

“I have made a lot of relationships and it presents both mental and physical challenges, which have made me strong and who I am today,” Smith said. “Winning is important to me, but how you get there is what matters. When I play, I worry about how I play, how I can help improve my partner and my game. I also make sure that I supply good sportsmanship.”

She also plays for the Tribe indoor volleyball club and DVA Sand volleyball. She played in the Junior Olympics in California and competed in the High Performance All-Star program in Deerfield Beach.

Smith carries a 4.0 gradepoint- average and is dual enrolled at FAU. She selected the Boca Raton school over four other schools, including Stetson, Florida Gulf Coast, University of Florida (UF) and the University of Central Florida. She visited all of the schools except for UF. She plans to study criminology and math.

“I chose FAU because it is close, a great school and [has] incredible coaching,” Smith said. “Head coach Capri (Grotowski), and her assistants Kendra (Van Zwieten) and Tammy (Pelski), are a few of the best there is … so, who wouldn’t chose FAU?”

Smith said she was pleased with the Knights indoor volleyball season. The team finished 16-9. She finished with 13 kills, 75 service points, 27 assists and 718 digs. Smith is the No. 1 ranked libero in the state, according to MaxPreps, and is ranked No. 65 in the nation.

“We had a great season,” Smith said. “Even though we didn’t finish how we planned, I learned a lot. As always, I kept my skills up while I was away from the sand.”

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Glen Campbell is one of those artists that we often take for granted, mostly because of longevity.

I was introduced to him as John Wayne’s costar in the original True Grit. Campbell’s music recalls some great memories about my father and I driving around Long Island. Campbell’s song “Wichita Lineman” became a staple of AM Radio.

While most honored as a country singer, Campbell’s career was more prolific as a studio session musician. He performed guitar licks with The Champs, the Beach Boys, and Frank and Nancy Sinatra. Much like musician Steve Hunter, Campbell performed the soundtrack of my generation and most of us never knew it. Now stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease, Campbell himself does not know the impact his music has had upon the world.

The documentary I’ll Be Me is Campbell’s swan song and it opens this weekend. Upon completion of his album with tour dates contracted, the Campbell family learns of their patriarch’s malady. The family decides to continue the tour as a farewell tour to the fans.

From Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, for 151 performances in 425 days, the tour becomes a rollercoaster ride of emotions. At first, Campbell is able to hide behind his humor, with jokes and his impression of Donald Duck. When he gets confused onstage, he relies on his banjo -picking daughter Ashley to get through the musical numbers. These are sweet and humorous moments.

Yet, as the disease progresses, one witnesses the deconstruction of a celebrity. It is hard to watch the paranoia of a 76-year-old strong man. It is even harder to watch Campbell exit a tour bus with a knife in his teeth, as he tries to extract a delusional cavity.

Yet in an operetta sense, I’ll Be Me is a life-affirming movie. As Campbell’s musicianship fails, his ticket-buying fans provide an outpouring of love. Bruce Springsteen, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow discuss how Glen Campbell inspired their vocation.

Go see I’ll Be Me on the big screen, with a full blown sound system. It is a full concert experience. You will laugh and maybe shed a tear. However, there is no denying that you will leave the theater wanting to listen to more Glen Campbell music.

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

Here’s how I know that “The Holidays” are imminent and that “the season” is upon us.

I am “this close” to having to hire a derrick to lift my newspapers up from my front door. Pregnant as they are with advertisements — the very same kind that bulk up my mailbox and almost cause my e-mail to crash, I can’t help but wonder how much longer we, who love to “hold” and “coddle” a newspaper, will be privy to that particular predilection.

And how much longer will we continue to fell trees to indulge the excessiveness of waste when there is a perfectly viable alternative.

For so long have I resisted reading newspapers online, but that resistance is merely a function of an age-long habit. Once I’m booted up, I realize how very much more civilized it is to read off the screen.

This is particularly true if you are, as I am, a lifelong reader of any standard-sized daily newspaper: New York Times, L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal et al. And I keep wondering if everyone reading them goes through the same ugly contortions that I do.

If I read it at a table, the table must be one that is the same (or close) circumference as the length of the paper, in which case I find myself stretching my neck, to see the top or having to stand up to read it, plus having to engage the assistance of a magnifying glass. Or, I find myself folding pages to a more accessible size, a most frustrating and time-consuming task often ending in a hodge podge of newsprint in non-sequential order, and hands that look like I just emerged from a coal mine.

While sitting down in my “comfy” chair, I often try to indulge in a newspaper read, but the process sucks the “comfy” out of the chair. Again comes the folding and stretching and fluttering and stubborn pages that require two hands to unmangle the aberrant folds. And oh, the “continued on page …. X. Isn’t that a precursor to road rage?

And when I see those folks on trains do the “commuter half-fold gig” on their newspapers, I watch with awe as they maneuver their readings and almost always seem surprised when they actually DO alight on the proper continuation of material in which they are so passionately invested.

And by the way, where were editors when the class was taught “less is more?”

And why is it that a convenient newspaper format often referred to as tabloid gets so little respect that all major national newspaper are reluctant to copy that format? As you are holding this paper in your hands, it is not necessary to indulge in acrobatics in order to comfortably turn its pages.

And so, in summation: Standard-sized newspapers represent a throwback to the dark ages, especially in this day of digital competency and awareness of the environmental consequences of bulk waste. And since the powers that be in daily newspaper circles have not succumbed to the tabloid, it is easy to see how online reading will be de rigueur within only a few years.

Meanwhile, in order to maintain our free society we NEED newspapers to survive even as they are tottering on the brink of seismic changes. So read the ads, be sure to recycle them, buy only what you can afford, and become accustomed to “logging on,” cause times, they are a-changing.

And have yourself a very Merry Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Winter Solstice – and whatever else you celebrate.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 17 A woman reported her cell phone stolen at 1900 S. Powerline Rd.

Nov. 18 A woman was seen stealing cologne from Marshall’s at 3852 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Nov.19 Someone entered a home under construction at 536 NE 20 Ave. and stole $6,000 worth of copper piping and wiring.

Nov. 19 A burglary of a residence was reported at 745 Siesta Key Circle.

Nov. 20 A man reported his bicycle stolen from 177 Newport K.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Nov. 21 Criminal Mischief occurred in Independence Bay at 107 Centennial Ct.Unknown subjects painted a security camera lens at the home address. Owner has recently reported three incidents at this location. There has been paint splattered on his vehicle, home and now on his security camera lens.

Nov. 22 Retail Theft – Shoplifting took place at Super Target, 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Complainant advised BSO that an unknown male, wearing a black jacket stole Green Bose headphones from the store. Item was valued at $149.99.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Nov. 14 Someone stole tools from the rear of a landscaping truck that was parked at 2340 NE 28 Court and drove away. A vehicle was stopped a short time later with the tools, valued at $350, in the vehicle.

Nov. 14 A loss prevention officer observed a subject take a six-pack of raisins from a shelf, place them in a gym bag and leave the store at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. without paying for them. The raisins were valued at $4.23.

Nov. 15 An officer observed a male subject bleeding from his face walking down the street at 3330 N. Federal Hwy. Subject was wearing a hospital bracelet and appeared to be injured or intoxicated. The subject had several warrants and was taken into custody.

Yuletide Parade

Thursday, Dec. 4, 6: 30 p.m.

2400 E. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Parade runs from Riverside Drive west to Atlantic Blvd. to McNab Park, where festivities continue, including the lighting of the tree, arrival by Santa and other characters, and entertainment. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Everlasting Joy

Thursday, Dec. 4 to 6 & 11 to 14, 7:30 p.m.

Trinity Church 3901 NE 22 Ave. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Presented by Revelation Ministries, a Christian drama ministry, this event consists of two one-act plays combined to tell the story of Christmas. $20. Tickets available at door or at through www.revelationministries.com/tickets. For more information, email info@revelationministries.com.

CRA Business Resource Center Job Fair

Thursday, Dec. 4, 4 to 7 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center 520 Hammondville Rd/MLK Jr. Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

For more information, call 954-586-1111 or info@iedfl.com

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

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

Breakfast photos with Santa. Family of 4 – $10; $5 each additional person. Organized by DFB Historical Society. (Sponsored by DFB Kiwanis, Frank Congemi, Publix.) 954- 429-0378 or www.deerfield-history.org.

Trek with Tracy

Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.

Pompano Community Park 820 NE 18 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Purchase tickets and T-Shirts in advance at Fancy Nancy’s, 1823 E, Sample Rd., or e-mail shopfancynancys@gmail. com. $15 includes shirt and walk. Benefits Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

About Boating Safely

Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish River HQ Bldg. 3001 N State Road A1A Boca Raton, FL 33431

Learn all about boating terminology and technique. Get needed certificate and knowledge. Bring lunch. Materials fee is $35. For questions or RSVP, call 561-391-3600 and leave a message.

Twisted

Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.

Infinity Hall at the Center For Spiritual Living 2 SW 12 Ave. Boca Raton, FL 33486

Musical comedienne Gail Robin will perform her onewoman show “Twisted,” consisting of original comedy and parody songs, covering everything from pop culture to aging and relationships. $20. 561-368-8248.

Ocean Way Holiday Celebration

Saturday, Dec. 6, 5 to 9 p.m.

International Fishing Pier 200 NE 21 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Photos with Santa, a miniature pony petting zoo, snow flurries, kid’s activities, holiday characters and live entertainment. Refreshments and food sold. 954-480-4429.

Night of 100 Stars

Sunday, Dec. 7, 2:30 & 7 p.m.

Skolnick Community Center 800 SW 36 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Song and dance show featuring a variety of holiday music. Produced by KP Productions. $15. Purchase tickets in advance at the Herb Skolnick Community Center or online at www. eventbrite.com. For more information, call 954-786-4590.

Pompano Beach Garden Club meets

Monday, Dec. 8, noon

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

Open to the public. The program, a book review of “Under the Magnolia” by Frances Mayes, will be presented by Donna Bruno, PBGC Member. Refreshments served. 954-943-2699.

Trinity Church’s Annual Live Nativity

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:45 p.m.

Trinity Church 3901 NE 22 Ave. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

The Trinity Worship Team will sing Christmas carols outside at the steps of the sanctuary’s main entrance off 39 Street. Live nativity starts at 7:15 p.m. and all children are welcome to participate. (Meet inside the sanctuary at 6:45 p.m. to get a costume). FREE event.

“The Matchmaker” play

• Willow Theatre 300 S. Military Tr. Boca Raton FL 33486

Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 2 p.m.

• Herb Skolnick Center 800 SW 36 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL33069

Dec. 19, 6 p.m. (dinner & show at 7:30 p.m.) Dec. 21, 2 p.m. (show only)

Presented by Curtain Call Playhouse. $23 Adults ($14 tickets Dec 5 at 8 p.m. & Dec 6 at 2 p.m.), $30 for Dec. 19 and $20 for Dec. 21. More info., 561-347-3948 (Boca)/ 954-786-4590 (Pompano).

Many people had family come in from out of town to be with their loved ones during Thanksgiving. Many invited friends over to join in. And those friends came bearing gifts.

Giving gifts can be a marvelous expression of love. In the Torah, we read that when Jacob first saw the love of his life, he wept. The Sages ask, “Why did Jacob weep?” Some say he wept in joy. But that’s just one of many answers.

Rashi gives several reasons that are all indeed possibilities. But there is one particular one he gives that stuck out during this time where everybody is busy looking for gifts. You see, one of Rashi’s explanations is that Jacob cried because he had no gifts to give her. He had been robbed and, at that moment, he had nothing.

I thought about that a lot and I wondered what I would say to someone who came to me crying that he or she had no gifts to give, and my response would have been, “But you do have a gift you can give, you can give of yourself. You can give your love and devotion. You can sing or make someone laugh. You can hold a hand and give a hug. You can give of your time, of yourself, and that just might be the greatest gift of all.

What good is giving a bunch of flowers on the holiday if your usual behavior throughout the year does not show your love? I watched during Thanksgiving as various friends and family members came to express their love in the health centers and I caught some very odd behavior in a few cases. I saw one longtime friend come to visit a patient and she brought her a giant box of chocolates. The only problem was that the patient was a severe diabetic, which made that chocolate a very unloving gift. Another patient had a relative who brought them two bottles of wine, but, guess what? That’s right; the patient was a recovering alcoholic.

There is a tale in the folklore of our people about a man who comes to his Rabbi in the middle of a crowded place and goes on and on about how much he loved the Rabbi, about how wonderful the Rabbi is, and about how he adores him. The Rabbi responds, “You don’t love me. If you did then you would know how much I dislike such displays.”

Speaking of gift giving, you probably missed a special day that happened on the 2nd of December. It is known as “Giving Tuesday” It is a day to think about donating your time and your money to those in need.

Our bellies are filled from Thanksgiving and will soon be filled with latkes and jelly donuts for Chanukah, but there are so many who hunger and thirst for food, for health, for love. Let us show our thanks to G-d by being there for those who are more in need of gifts than we have ever been.

I should tell you that I am not a fan of Thanksgiving. I am not a fan of Mother’s Day either. I think the idea of acknowledging your mother should be a daily event and I feel the very same in regard to giving thanks.

What do you have to give? Give of yourself. Give “With all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might.”

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach. Join us for worship on Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and give us the gift of your presence.