Destiny Farron, modeling dress by AI student Nathan Carter, with event chair Renee Korbel Quinn.

By Rachel Galvin JA World Uncorked V brought in a plethora of guests to sip wines from around the world and savor a plentitude of delicious tidbits all to benefit Junior Achievement Jan 24. Broward College’s Huizenga Center was not only the location of the event, but also of the Junior Achievement Biz Town, where all 5^th and 8^th graders throughout Broward County take field trips to learn about how the business world works by practicing hands-on. This year, Premier Beverage Company returned as presenting sponsor. Renee Korbel Quinn, Chair, said there were over 150 selections of wine, in addition to the gourmet treats available at the “Fork to Cork Affair.” Besides the wide assortment of culinary samples and spirits available, there was also entertainment with a burlesque show by Angeliki Piliouras from Stache and music by Chloe Dolandis and her band. Lynn Spinella Pagans said, “This is a phenomenal event that supports a wonderful organization. They are teaching financial literacy to children from all walks of life. This is also a great opportunity to try different foods and beverages.” Her husband, Greg, added that it is also a great opportunity to recognize sponsors.

Chefs serve up succulent samples.

Proceeds from this annual event have raised more than $2 million since 2010. For more information, visit www.jaworlduncorked.com.

Angeliki Piliouras performs burlesque dance.

Chloe Dolandis sings her heart out.

By Gary Curreri

Pompano Beach Middle School boys basketball coach Leonard Fudge had hoped for more.

The fourth-year coach fell for the second consecutive year to the eventual Broward County Middle School champion in the county semifinals.

“They fought all year,” said Fudge, whose team finished 13-2 this year. They lost to Millennium last year in the county semifinals. “We were inexperienced. We had one sixth grader and all eighth graders who had never played basketball before. They were fighters. They just wanted it.”

Pompano Beach came all the way back from an eight-point deficit with one minute to go to force overtime, but eventually fell to Lauderdale Lakes, 39-35, in overtime. Khristopher Bogle had 11 points in the game before fouling out in the first minute of overtime. His buzzer-beating basket tied the game and forced overtime.

“That was really hard losing Khris,” Fudge said. “My big kid, Joshua Noel Saint, came off the bench after having a rough start and he really turned it around. I am very proud of them. I couldn’t ask for anything more. They exceeded my expectations.”

Eighth grader Joshua Scott had eight points, while eight grader Brandon Peets and seventh grader Jordan Bennett each had five points.

After the fourth game of the season, when the team got off to a 4-0 start and defeated Lyons Creek Middle School, Fudge believed his team had a shot at making a run deep into the playoffs.

“It was a total rebuilding year,” Fudge said. “The kids fought hard and they believed they could do it all year long. They really did.”

“The best part of the season was the work they put in,” Fudge added. “The guys dedicated themselves all year long. Every day they came to practice and worked. They really did.”

Ely remains undefeated

Blanche Ely’s boys’ basketball team remained undefeated with a 69-63 victory over previously unbeaten Cardinal Gibbons in the Broward County Big 8 tournament recently at Fort Lauderdale High School.

Both teams entered the game undefeated and nationally ranked and the game see-sawed back and forth until the Tigers (22-0) closed out the contest with a 6-0 run for the win for its fifth Big 8 title and fourth over the past six years. It also avenged a loss to the Chiefs (25-1) in last year’s final.

Laquincy Rideau led Ely with 18 points as all five starters scored in double figures.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The Theory of Everything opens with young Hawking (Eddie Redmayne), who is attending the Cambridge University graduate school with a major in astrophysics. He meets and courts Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones), a literature student. While there is a theoretical clash between these two individuals, a mutual respect develops. When Hawking makes a big theoretical breakthrough, his body begins to deteriorate.

Hawking is diagnosed with a motor neuron disease [ALS] and is given two years to live. As the two years pass, Hawking marries Jane, has children and becomes an international sensation with his theories about space, time and dimension. We witness the last time Hawking walks and when he holds his child.

Based on Jane Wilde-Hawking’s autobiography, The Theory of Everything presents the hardships of a family dealing with a special needs individual. We witness parents attempt to live a “normal life” for the sake of the children. Despite this bond, the call of academic spotlight provides the tipping point for the Hawking marriage.

Redmayne’s Hawking transitions from a geeky and energetic young man to an infirmed old man shackled to a wheelchair. The one constant theme of the performance is Hawking’s core spirit and humor.

Much like the X-Men and Dolphin Tale movies, I’ve witnessed more people in wheelchairs attending screenings of this film. At the 2013 Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, one of the best films was titled CinemaAbility, a documentary about how Hollywood treats people with disabilities. Walter White’s son in TV’s Breaking Bad, actor RJ Mitte shared stories about being a working actor who actually has cerebral palsy. Mitte will be in town next weekend to talk about his career at the Shock Pop ComicCon. www.shockpopcomiccon.com/media-guests.html.

DEERFIELD BEACH

Jan. 20 A man was seen stealing $84.54 worth of merchandise from Home Depot at 60 SW 12 Ave.

Jan. 20 A man reported his vehicle broken into and $200 and a gun stolen. Incident was reported at 1000 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Jan. 20 A bicycle was reported stolen from 615 Siesta Circle.

Jan. 20 A vehicle was broken into but nothing stolen at 3206 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

DEERFIELD – District 4

Jan. 28 Conveyance Burglary was reported in Riverglen, at 470 NW 44 Terr, Deerfield Beach, FL.

The victim’s wallet was removed from his unlocked vehicle overnight. The wallet contained his credit card, Social Security card and work permit.

Jan. 28 Theft was investigated at Pine Tree apartments, 1332 NW 3 St., Deerfield Beach, FL.

BSO met with a UPS investigator regarding a stolen UPS uniform.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Jan. 15 A male subject riding a bike was stopped for a traffic infraction at 2800 NE 20 Ave. Police conducted a search of his gym bag and discovered 1.2 grams of marijuana.

Jan. 15 The victim said a satchel he used to make bank deposits was lost when he left the bank at 3550 N. Federal Hwy. He couldn’t find it and believes it may have been taken from the cab of his truck.

Jan. 16 Police responded to a dispute between two roommates at the 4500 block of N. Federal Highway. One allegedly poured an unknown substance on a box containing cosmetic supplies. The other roommate denied any involvement and said the other victim poured the substance on the cosmetics to implicate her. Loss was estimated at $200.

Monarch Hill landfill, Wheelabrator

Dear Editor:

There have been some developments in the last few days surrounding the Monarch Hill Landfill and new material that Waste Management has begun to dump at the site that I would like to inform you of.

MONARCH HILL LANDFILL

Last Monday, Ft.Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport officials began the task of transporting about 50,000 cubic tons of dirt and other construction material to Monarch Hill. Test results have confirmed the dirt contains traces of asbestos.

Airport officials state the asbestos found does not pose a health risk to nearby residents because the material is non-friable asbestos, meaning it cannot easily become airborne. As an added precaution they are keeping the dirt wet and watered down prior to its delivery to Monarch Hill where Waste Management believes the material can be properly contained.

Please understand that, as your Commissioner, and a resident of District 4, I am very concerned about this issue and I am watching the developments closely, as are our neighboring communities.

If you have any questions, contact Dawn McCormick, Director of Communications & Community Relations, Waste Management, directly at 954-226-9894.or contact me.

POTENTIAL CLOSURE: N. Broward Wheelabrator Waste Energy Facility

Last month you received a message from me regarding the Broward County Commission vote on the closure of the North Broward Wheelabrator Waste Energy Facility resulting in the transfer of waste to the South Broward Facility.

Had it been approved, I believe that action could have affected the quality of life for those residents who live in the areas surrounding the Monarch Hill Landfill.

Broward County Commission did the right thing and tabled the matter until more education was given to residents and the commissioner, who represents a large portion of the areas affected, was sworn into office and able to vote on the issue.

NOTE: Broward County held a workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. to talk about the closure of the North Broward Facility, with city staff in attendance. Meeting was held at 115 S. Andrews Ave in Ft. Lauderdale, Room 422.

Thank you,

Bill Ganz

District 4 Commissioner

Deerfield Beach

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

Yep! It happens every year. Hallmark reigns! Candy, flowers, jewelry, Victoria’s Secret(s) – and for those who can actually stick it out for many a decade, like I did, a beautiful brand new shiny — juicer!

The men get cards, kisses and — if they’re lucky, they get to use their Viagra. And all of this is predicated on the existence of “love.”

OK. I’m talking about what is sometimes referred to as “romantic” love, not parental, or filial, love (that’s for another column) , not love for a pet or a football team, or a bauble, or ice cream.

These many years, I have been seeking a universal definition of that word. And in response to my many queries, no two have been identical. It seems there is no real consensus when it comes to a definition of the word. Some people experience love with longevity and manage to sustain “it” despite some of “its” most ruthless challenges. Others experience love as a temporary high, and do not look for sustainability, but satisfy themselves with one day at a time. And still others live out “its” fantasy and find themselves devastated by “its” mercurial nature. They accept the ups of “it” and “give up” at the first sign of “down.” And then there are those who slog along on the tail of disappointment and live in a constant state of hurt, anger and resentment. Woe be to them.

And so, in the interest of serious research, I went to the dictionary.com website for the “scholarly” ( not so ) definition of the word love. Here is the ho-hum result: “a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.” That’s it? No! It proceeds to give 27 repetitions of the same concept, neglecting, I note, to indicate anything about the waxing and waning complexities, and changing characteristics that exist within a very volatile timeline. In other words, it doesn’t tell you how the very nature of love mutates and grows and changes, or diminishes, with time. THAT is the discovery of “everyman” (generic for “humankind”).

In my further research into the commonalities of a sustainable “love,” I found this most illuminating book which I highly recommend to anyone about to embark on a new “love journey,” as well as to people who are already ensconced in one. It’s called, “Conscious Loving” by Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn Hendricks, married family therapists.

From the Amazon review: … Through their own marriage and through 20 years’ experience counseling more than 1,000 couples, therapists Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks have developed precise strategies to help you create a vital partnership and enhance the energy, creativity and happiness of each individual. You will learn how to: Let go of power struggles and need for control; balance needs for closeness and separateness; increase intimacy; communicate in a positive way that stops arguments; make agreements you can keep; allow more pleasure into your life. Addressed to individuals as well as to couples, Conscious Loving will heal old hurts and deepen your capacity for enjoyment, security and enduring love …

Go to the library or order it on Amazon (their used books are cheaper). Let me know how it works for you.

Meanwhile, have a Happy Valentine’s Day and give it all your “lovingness.”

Black History Festival

Thursday, Feb. 5 through Sunday, Feb. 8

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

This four-day FREE cultural event will celebrate and showcase the African-American contributions to the American experience. In addition to the black history exhibits, there will be food, live music, health screenings and a classic car show. Held Feb. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.; Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Feb. 8, 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 954-786-4585.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

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

Did you know? The light beam from the Hillsboro Lighthouse can be seen 28 nautical miles out to sea, making it the most powerful lighthouse beam in the world. Tours run every hour. $25 or free for HLPS members. Group rates available. Must wear flat shoes with rubber soles and closed toes; no sandals, flip flops or heels. Children must be 48” tall and accompanied by adult. No pets allowed. For a list of 2015 tour dates, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Hearts & Flowers

Saturday, Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m. (social), noon (lunch)

Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club 2701 NE 42 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

St. Gabriel Council of Catholic Women annual luncheon. Fashions from five area stores. Donation: $35. Reservations: 954-946-2551.

6th Annual Grapes on the Green

Saturday, Feb. 7, 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Broken Sound Country Club 2401 Willow Springs Dr. Boca Raton, FL 33496

Part of the Allianz Championship, this event features food and wines from around the world, live music and luxury sponsor tents. Over 400 guests are expected to attend. $35. 561-637-4490 or www.allianzchampionship.com.

About Boating Safely

Saturday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish River HQ Bldg. 3939 N. Ocean Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33431

Learn safe boating techniques. Bring lunch. $35. For questions or RSVP, call 561-391-3600 and leave a message.

Plants & People Day

Sunday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House 450 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free. Native plants, vegetables, herbs, trees, Orchids, Bromeliads, Butterfly Plants, bees & honey, Urban Farming, hydroponics, artists & crafts and more! Raffle gifts.954-292-8040. www.samplemcdougaldhouse.com.

Pompano Beach Garden Club meets

Monday, Feb. 9, 12:30 p.m.

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

Open to the public. Program: “Growing Produce in Florida” presented by Jayne King. Refreshments served. 954-943-0029

I was invited to a Genocide Commemoration last week. But this was not a commemoration of the Shoah, this was a commemoration (the very first in the United States) of the 100th Year of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.

Most of you who read my column know that I have a passion for dance. So when I heard that the program would include a performance by the Sayat Nova Dance Company …well, how could I stay away? But there was another reason that I needed to be there. On Shabbat, just before the event, I sang a song during my sermon. The lyrics go something like this:

I am bound for the Promised Land …

Oh Lord, I am bound for the Promised Land …

Oh who will come and go with me …

I am bound for the Promised Land …

Who will come and go with me?

Which is it, are we coming or going? The same question was asked by the Sages in regard to what G-d tells Moses about a trip to pharaoh. You see, the Hebrew word, Bo, can mean “go” or it can mean “come.” So was G-d telling Moses to “go” to Pharaoh or was He telling him “come to Pharaoh?” If I asked you to go to the store, I would be asking you to go in my stead. But, if I asked you to come … that is what G-d was saying to Moses, “Come with me … I will be with you every step of the way.”

And that is why I felt I had to come to the Armenian Genocide Commemoration. As a Jew, I have a duty to remember the Holocaust and to see to it that it never happens again. The problem is that, before the Holocaust, there was a genocide perpetrated against the Armenians and there have been others since then in places like Darfur and Rwanda. So how could I not be there to remember the horror that happened to my Armenian brothers and sisters?

The dance program took us all on “A Journey Through Time.” The performers weaved the story of the Armenians from ancient days to the Genocide, to their rebirth. With each step the dancers took on stage, I could feel the connection between the Armenian Culture and the Jewish Community. We each went through an amazing religious transformation; each of us had and have those who would like to see us annihilated; and each of us not only miraculously survived an attempt at extermination, but both cultures have found a way to go on. No, each has found a way to do more than that; each has found a way to live, to laugh and to dance.

As I looked around the audience and saw so many children with parents and grandparents, I realized that the Armenians have the same aspirations that we have … to make our progeny knowledgeable of our past, of our traditions, of our culture and to be proud of being who we are. And, with the help of people like Arsine Kaloustian and the AGC (The Armenian Genocide Commemoration), may we be vigilant to speak out against any and all attempts at the Genocide of any people.

To Arsine and to all my Armenian brothers and sisters, we will not forget!

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

(AGC Inc. accepts contributions which are used to maintain and expand genocide education through outreach programs in The Tri-County area. Send donations to St. David Armenian Church, 2300 Yamato Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431)

Be sure to catch these upcoming events On Stage at Temple Beth Israel …

• February 22 – The Holocaust Survivor Klezmer and Multicultural Band

• March 4 – The Ramat Gan Israeli Dance Theater

For tickets, call – 954-428- 0578.

Rabbi Ezring is the Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach (201 South Military Tr.). Regular Shabbat services are open to everyone on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Info.: 954-421-7060.