Deerfield Beach

Oct.18: A man reported his car stolen at 3770 NE 3 Ave.

Oct.19: A customer at Kilwin’s at 123 NE 20 Ave. reported receiving a $20 counterfeit bill while receiving change.

Oct. 19: A home burglary was reported at 260 SW 32 Ave.

Oct. 20: A man reported his car stolen at 1979 NE 3 St.

Oct. 20: A woman reported her wallet stolen from her purse at 1305 S. Military Tr.

Oct. 28: Unknown suspects removed a car key for a second, locked vehicle from an unlocked car at 1243 NW 51 Way. They were unable to steal the second car as it was blocked in. Both vehicles were rummaged, but only the car key was taken.

Oct. 29: Unknown suspects used a blunt object to shatter the front door of a jewelry business at 3756 W. Hillsboro Blvd. No entry was made.

Lighthouse Point

Oct. 10: A home was burglarized at 2200 NE 32 St. The homeowner was compiling a list of multiple items stolen from several rooms.

Oct. 12: Someone stole a sandwich and cake valued at $11 from the store at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. and fled to a waiting vehicle.

Oct. 13: Two subjects left a bank at 3800 N. Federal Hwy. after attempting to cash checks. One attempted to cash a check for $1,754 and the other for $1,600. It is unknown if they were working together.

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

Water tap issues

Dear Editor:

I think it is time to clarify the water giveaway program that has become a matter of contention. The original purpose of the installation in 1976 was to provide water to the residents if the city and their neighborhood communities were struck by some catastrophe where their water supply was cut off. It was never intended to provide water for the multitude of companies that have taken advantage of our largesse.

The water offered by Boca Raton is not potable whereas that taken in Deerfield is. Boca allows 250 gallons for a cost of 50 cents. Pompano Beach charges $47 a month and the user must sign up ahead of time and pay for 12 months in advance. Those in Deerfield getting 300 gallons for 25 cents do not pay a sewer fee or the 6 percent utility tax that the rest of the residents of Deerfield Beach pay.

Frankly, I believe that Commissioner Miller had a fiscal responsibility as a commissioner to inform the administration that there were many companies outside of Deerfield Beach that were making use of the free for all. When I was informed of how the situation was impacting Extreme Granite, I did not believe it could be happening. I asked the BSO Commander Robert Schnakenberg to check it out. Both he and I were shocked to find out that the problem that Extreme Granite reported did exist. That is why I took it to the commission at the last meeting.

We are not in the business of subsidizing users at the expense of the taxpayers of Deerfield Beach. Commissioner Miller failed to fulfill his obligation to the citizens of Deerfield Beach by knowing and allowing this practice to continue.

Jean M. Robb

Mayor, Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

[In] Joe Miller’s letter about business water usage, he states that he “found out that the city’s highest rate for water is $2.65 per 1000 gallons of water.”

I would like to know where he got this information from. Today, I received my monthly water/sewer/garbage bill and ,for 8000 gallons of water, I am paying $38.24. In my math, this equates to $4.78 per 1000 gallons. Realizing that part of this charge is a billing fee/administration fee or any other designation the city chooses to use, it still doesn’t change the fact that I’m paying $4.78 per 1000 gallons. I think it’s sort of disturbing that a man we chose to represent us on the city commission, a resident and also a business owner, is either distorting the facts to make his case for the continued discounted water usage for his business, or [is] not in touch with reality about an issue as important as this.

Steve McKean

Deerfield Beach

[Editor’s note: For a breakdown of all utility fees, visit www.municode.com, browse the library to look under the Deerfield Beach Code of Ordinances and chapter 70 utilities]

Pioneer Park Patriotic Concert

Dear Editor:

It was truly a magical night on Friday, Oct. 30, at Pioneer Park with over 80 of the “President’s own” musicians – the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus – and an opportunity for the public to hear them perform patriotic music in preparation for Veterans Day!

Special thanks and sincere gratitude to the record crowd that attended the concert and to the Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club, Kiwanis Club and the Junior Historical Society of Deerfield Beach High School for their sponsorship, and for making this fabulous night of music possible. We are also grateful to the Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation Dept. for helping with arrangements.

Deerfield Beach Historical Society concert organizers

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

When I was a kid, what I hated to hear most from growns up were sentences that began with, “When I was a kid.” Such beginnings were sure to garner wide yawns, and something akin to, “Yeah yeah, yeah!” and an under-the-breathe, “So what?”

Nonetheless, I’m about to write nostalgically about one of the things I miss most about the time “when I was a kid.” Back in “the day,” believe it or not, we never knew who either political party would nominate for president and vice president until the actual convention. We would sit by the radio, and in latter days, actually watch the proceedings on our black and white TV screens. And the build up time prior to the conventions was only a few months – certainly not years.

Several big-wig politicos would take turns approaching the microphone in a tremendous arena filled with musical bands and balloons, and straw hats and signs, and people mostly wearing some kind of symbolic red, white and blue accessory or garment.

Traditionally, a male homeboy from the state of the nominee, in a sonorous voice, would “nominate” a presidential candidate, followed, by an expanded résume of qualifications – talk about yawns. Then came the “seconders” of the nominee, and more yawns. Often, there were several nominees —yawns to the max.

But the part that I most loved to hear and watch was the state by state roll call that took forever: “A-L-A-B-A-M-A” to ‘W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N.” The delegates from each state having voted the previous night “in caucus” for its own nominee, would have one “proud” representative announce the winner of that state, accompanied by another yawnie speech. Until it became obvious that one nominee had the majority of the votes, we would sit there in suspense not really knowing who the winner would be. And by “W-A-S-H-I-N-G-T-O-N,” of course, it was all anti-climactic. Also, it was getting late. But the entire procedure was repeated for the nomination of vice president, who was not – in those days – necessarily the selection of the presidential nominee.

Much of the old hoopla has been preserved, except for the suspense part. Delegates still go nuts at conventions and whoop it up with a bit too much booze and attention to other people’s spouses.

Now we are witnessing the most obscene expenditures on presidential campaigns in our entire history, with so much more spending to come. Families are still struggling to keep themselves together, and, next year, we will witness yet another twin obscenity when the two political parties will party hearty, performing acts of shameful theatrical redundancy ostensibly to nominate two (four!) who have already been nominated.

When I was a kid, some folks had to sell apples on the streets. When I was a kid, we had a war to lift us out of our economic gloom. But “having a war” doesn’t work any more, nor does having two or more wars.

But the one sure thing is – while families are starving we’ll still have a bunch of people making whoopee, while giddy, with hope for the future.

Note: Dates and times may change. Please contact venues to confirm.

Ali Cultural Arts Center Grand Opening

Thursday, Nov. 5: Ribbon cutting at 4 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 6: Open house from 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7: Concert, 8 p.m.

Ali Cultural Arts Center

353 Hammondville Road/MLK Jr. Boulevard

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

This 1930s era historical building is now a state of the art cultural, educational and entertainment venue. Concert features Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles. Concert tickets: Pompano residents $10; general admission $30; VIP reception $50. Visit www.aliarts.org.

The Christmas Emporium

Friday Nov. 6, noon to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to noon.

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church

100 NE Mizner Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

This fabulous holiday sale has over 200 spectacular gift baskets, Christmas décor, attic treasures sale, Toyland, home baked goodies and more. Visit www.stgregorysepiscopal.org.

Veterans Day Celebration

Friday, Nov. 6, Noon to 1 p.m.

NE Focal Point

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join VITAS in the multi-purpose room for refreshments and a Veterans Day sing-a-long.

CarFit vehicle safety event

Friday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL33441

Free. Trained CarFit technicians help ensure that you “fit” your vehicle properly for maximum comfort, safety and mobility. Learn how to use and adjust your safety devices. CarFit is not a driving test or mechanical inspection. Takes approximately 20 minutes. Call 954-480-4449.

Maker Faire Technology Event

Friday, Nov. 6, 3 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7 & Sunday. Nov. 8, 11 a.m.

Barnes & Noble

1400 Glades Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Experience the latest in 3D printing, robotics, coding, programming and more. Design build, create and make technology. Call 561-750-2134 or visit www.bn.com/makerfaire.

Christmas Boutique

Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Paul the Apostle Church

2700 NE 36 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Gently used household items, furniture, clothing, jewelry, small appliances and much more. Call 954-943-0154.

Deerfield Beach Orchid Society

Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

$5 per person. Orchid display and plants for sale. Supplies, jewelry and art. American Orchid Society judging. Free parking. Call 561-487-6552 or visit www.deerfieldbeachorchidsociety.org.

Deerfield Beach Green Market opens

Sunday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pioneer Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Grand opening. Farm fresh produce, plants and flowers, baked goods, prepared foods and more. Call 954-429-0378 for vendor information. Note: Boca Raton’s Green Market opens for the season on Saturday, Nov. 7 in Royal Palm Place.

Hillsboro Lighthouse tour

Sunday, Nov. 8, 8:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Sands Harbor Resort and Dock

125 N. Riverside Dr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

$25, free to HLPS members. Transportation by boat. Shuttle boats hourly. Public parking across from Sands Harbor Resort. Must wear flat, closed shoes. Children must be 4 ft. tall to climb the tower. No pets. Visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 1 p.m.

Woman’s Club Building

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guests welcome. Light refreshments. Sarah Nohe of the Florida Public Archaeology Network will speak on Prehistoric Snowbirds. Call 954-421-4700 or visit www.dbwc.org.

Book Talk – “A German Life”

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort

2096 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$18 suggested donation. Author Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger discusses growing up in post WWII Germany as the son of a highly decorated tank commander, and his later conversion to Judaism. RSVP at www.JewishLHP.com or call Rabbi Tzvi Dechter at 347-410-1106. See pg. 16 for more.

Free haircut for Veterans

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Great Clips Salon

3319 W Hillsboro Blvd

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Veterans who visit Great Clips on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) can get a free haircut or customers can get card for free haircut for a veteran, redeemable through Dec. 31, 2015. One card per customer. Call 954-482-0949.

Veterans Day event

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8 a.m.

Pompano High

When we are born from a male and female union we are given life. Life includes things such as health and intelligence (physicality), which is part of our ‘nature’ – things beyond our control. As we grow up, the world around us nurtures us (spiritually); many things are directly affected by this including our knowledge and our emotions. Nature and nurture can affect our future. We will be given choices in everything we do, and the choices we make will or will not be inspired by our nurture or our nature. The outcome can be positive or negative, but, one thing all our choices will have in common is, no matter the person, their parents or their upbringing, we make the final choice. We didn’t choose our nature or nurture, but we do chose to use the nature and nurture either as an excuse or as a reason for the choices we make. We can choose to do the opposite of what our nature and nurture dealt us.

If you had every excuse in the world to be the worst type of person in the world because of your nature and nurture, what would you choose?

Here is what one person did.

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger has the ultimate skeleton-in-the-closet, and he’s not shy about sharing it.

He was born in 1958 and was raised Catholic in Germany. As a young boy, he admired his father, Major Arthur Wollschlaeger, who was a tank commander in World War II and awarded the Iron Cross by Adolf Hitler.

Dr. Wollschlaeger said, “My father was a hero, I had no doubt. The fact that he was a Nazi didn’t mean anything to me because I was a child.”

But as he got older, he had questions that his dad didn’t answer. He was determined to know the truth. So, as a teen, he took a trip to Israel.

“What I learned about the Holocaust shocked me, not only from the fact of history I didn’t know, but also the contrast to my father’s stories of heroism. That was not a hero,” he said.

About his father, he said, “He admired Hitler during the war. The treatment of the Jews … he never used the term ‘murder,’ never used the term ‘extermination.’”

Dr. Wollschlaeger admits his attraction to the Jewish faith was driven by his discovery of the truth.

“There’s no question that my initial step towards Judaism was motivated by guilt and shame as a young German. How could that happen? How could my people do that?” he said.

He turned his guilt into conviction, and, ultimately, action. Seven years after starting his spiritual search, he converted, became an Israeli citizen and joined the Israeli army.

“I felt comfortable in a family of choice, the Jewish community, versus a family of origin, which rejected me,” he explained.

Over the years, his relationship with his father deteriorated.

“He was bitterly disappointed that his son betrayed him, the son whom he wanted to raise to be a good German,” said Dr. Wollschlaeger.

He moved from Israel to South Florida more than 20 years ago, where he now practices medicine. He hopes the next generation never forgets. He has taken his daughter to the concentration camps, which he calls “the entrance to a man-made hell.”

Dr. Wollschlaeger said, “We, as human beings, have the capacity to do tremendous good and do horrific and horrible things.”

But, it is rare to have both so uniquely intertwined in one family’s history.

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger will be speaking Tuesday, Nov.10 at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort. R.S.V.P. at Chabadoflighthousepoint@gmail.com or www.JewishLHP.com.

Rabbi Tzvi Dechter is the Director of Chabad of North Broward Beaches located at 4081 N. Federal Hwy., #100A, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. For all upcoming events please visit www.JewishLHP.com.