| May, 2016

Highlands, Blanche Ely win titles

Posted on 05 May 2016 by LeslieM

sports050516By Gary Curreri

Blanche Ely and Highlands Christian Academy raced to their respective regional track championships last week.

For Highlands Christian, it was the first regional track championship in school history, and, defeated defending state champion Westminster Academy. The Knights boys and girls teams will send 15 state qualifiers in 20 events.

Highlands Christian’s Ryan Szklany was a double winner as he captured the 1,600 (4:31.23) and 3,200-meter runs (10:04.18) in the Region 4-1A meet. Highlands Boys placed first with 113 points over defending state champs Westminster Academy, who finished at 88.

Highlands Christian runners that placed second included Hunter Walton (800), Delimar Martina (high jump), Scott Bush (pole vault), Chris Julien (100). Placing third for Highlands was Kenny Armstrong (shot put and discus) and Jake Petersen (110 and 300 hurdles).

On the girls’ side, Sara Carroll won four events (high jump, triple jump, 100 and 300 hurdles). Abby Simpson placed third in the 300 hurdles, while Sydney Blackburn placed third in both the shot and the discus. Highlands girls placed third (72 points) behind South Florida Heat (133 points) and Westminster Christian School (Miami) (98.5 points).

I am very proud of both the boys and the girls,” said Highlands Christian coach Jarod Ebenhack. “We knew at the end of last year that our boys would be as strong if not stronger than Westminster coming into the season, but we also knew that the athletes at Westminster are seasoned competitors and champions who would not be easy to beat.

We conditioned hard all year long to make this a reality and we faced some adversity,” added Ebenhack, who lost their top 400-meter runner, Steven Ludwig, to a collapsed lung, and then Elijah Kerr to a broken foot the weekend before regionals. “Those two represented a large amount of points to our team. The team took on the challenge of filling the holes left by the loss of these two senior leaders. Our field events, in particular, rose to the challenge, and scored more points than I was expecting.”

Host Blanche Ely ran away with the boys’ crown in the Region 4-3A meet as it finished with 118-1/2 points. The Tigers’ boys’ 4×800-meter relay set the tone early, as Sueil Foucha, James Walker, Syvenson Noel and Roderic Wilson ran an 8:02.11.

I’ve got a lot of 12th-graders that really worked hard to get to this point,” said Blanche Ely coach Anthony Jordan. “Last year a few that got to state, they got to state and didn’t do anything. This year they are focused on winning it.”

Blanche Ely senior Jacee Simon won the high jump with a leap of 6 ft., 6 in., while University of Cincinnati football signee, senior Thomas Geddis, won the 200 in 21.54. Ely senior Arthur Forrest placed second in the 100 with a time of 10.88, while Wilson also took second in the 800 (1:56.57).

The top four competitors in each event qualified for the state meet, set for May 6-7 at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

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FLICKS: Captain America: Civil War

Posted on 05 May 2016 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Since his Marvel debut on the big screen four years ago with Captain America: The First Avenger, Steve Rogers has become my favorite superhero. When he was chosen to receive the super soldier serum, Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) selected Steve Rogers because he was a good man; it is Captain America’s best trait.

When Captain America: Civil War was announced, one wondered if Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) would still retain his goodness. Captain America’s adversary would be Tony Stark, alias Iron Man, (Robert Downey Jr.), the superhero who started this Marvel Cinema Universe eight years ago. In the comic book universe, the Captain America/Iron Man Civil War was a statement about Post-911 America, with Tony Stark and Steve Rogers representing the sides of security and liberty, respectfully.

The new movie opens with an incident from Dec. 16, 1991. The film flashes forward to the present day, in which Captain America leads the Avengers against the terrorist Crossbones (Frank Grillo). When there is collateral damage, the United Nations decides that the Avengers need oversight by an outside agency, and to be registered. While Tony Stark decides to go along to get along, Steve Rogers sees these new restrictions as destroying civil liberties.

To complicate matters, the Winter Soldier is loose. The Winter Soldier, alias Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) is a childhood friend of Steve Rogers. As the United Nations debate superhero registration, an explosion occurs – causing more collateral damage. While the Winter Soldier is blamed, Steve Rogers suspects his old friend is the patsy.

Captain America: Civil War builds to a logical showdown. The movie lives up to its comic book visualization when the superheroes battle each other in a German airport. While there is much humor, there is an aggression we have not seen before in a Marvel Comic Books movie.

This aggression leads to more collateral damage, which forces this film into more serious territory.

Given previous visual epics, this Civil War ends with personal fight based on painful motives. We see sides to Tony Stark and Steve Rogers that we have not seen before. To directors Anthony and Joe Russo’s credit, this big revelation feels truthful.

Given this wild political year, Captain America: Civil War is a timely commentary about the present day. Captain America’s final words provide much wisdom, and he is still my favorite Marvel Comics superhero.

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 05 May 2016 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

April 19: A man reported that someone stole his iPhone from his office at 10 Fairway Dr.

April 19: Someone stole $639.97 worth of electronic toothbrushes from Target at 3599 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

April 19: A home at 4491 NW 1 Terr. was burglarized and clothing, jewelry, shoes and money were stolen.

April 19: An attempt to break into a home at 2784 SW 15 St. was reported.

April 20: Three men were walking together when a vehicle drove up. Three men exited the vehicle and one man had a handgun. Two of the three men who were walking ran away but a third man fell. The man who fell was robbed of his cell phone. The incident took place at 1050 S. Military Tr.

April 22: An RV parked at 5061 NW 13 Ave. was damaged by unknown means.

April 23: A realtor reported broken windows at 4701 SW 13 Ct., with rocks inside the residence. Approximately $300 in damage.

April 23: Unknown suspect(s) broke a rear passenger side window at 1501 Green Rd. and removed a black computer bag containing a laptop.

April 23: A suspect broke a rear passenger side window at 3936 W. Hillsboro Blvd. and removed several items.

April 25: An unknown suspect stole three Apple iPhones from the T-Mobile store at 3442 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Lighthouse Point

March 29: Someone stole copper wire from a business at 4650 N. Federal Hwy. The loss was $325.

April 5: A customer flagged down a manager and said a subject took 18-packs of beer and fled the store located at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. The loss was $159.03.

April 6: A victim at 2847 NE 34 Court received notification from BB&T that he was overdue on a credit card. The victim said he didn’t have an account with them, and pulled a credit report and found several credit card accounts, and other accounts, were opened under his name.

 

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 05 May 2016 by LeslieM

Cinco de Mayo Fest

Thursday, May 5, 11 a.m. to closing

Tijuana Taxi Co.

1015 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine and signature Cuervo Margaritas, frosty Corona beers, tequila, prizes and giveaways, T-shirts, beads and sombreros. Balloon artists from 5 to 8 p.m. Family friendly fun!

Art in the House: Lee Krull

Thursday, May 5, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Works in oil and watercolor by local artist Lee Krull, whose imagery features Florida’s unique wildlife, culture and seashore. Works on display through May. $5 per person admission. Refreshments. For information, call 754-307-5446 or visit www.samplemcdougaldhouse.com.

The Ultimate Music Game Show

Friday, May 6, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Games include “Name That Tune”, Snippets of Stories with Trivia Questions and “Let’s Make a Deal” in a Bingo style format. Prizes. Call 954-480-4460.

BSO Adopt with a Cop

Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pioneer Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Affectionate dogs and cuddly cats will be seeking their fur-ever homes at this adoption event sponsored by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Broward County Animal Care. Adoption fees waived. All pets come with vaccinations, microchip and Broward County Registration tag. For information, email animalcare@broward.org or call 954-359-1010.

Hometown Authors Forum

Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Library

2200 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

The Friends of the Library will host three local authors in a moderated panel discussion, Q & A, raffle and a chance to meet the authors. Books available for purchase and signing. Meet Nina Romano, Dr. Andrea Corn and T. Mara Jerabek. Call 954-785-0042 for information.

Concert and Food Trucks in the Park

Saturday, May 7, 6 to 10 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Food trucks and concert featuring Turnstiles, the Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band. Call the Recreation Department for additional information, 954-784-3439.

Blanche Ely High School Alumni Dinner & Dance

Saturday, May 7, 7 to 11 p.m.

Embassy Suites Hotel

950 S. Ocean Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Dining and dancing with music by DJ Kenny G. $65 per person. Proceeds benefits the high school. Call Ann at 786-348-9668 for tickets or information.

Guided Tour and Car Wash

Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guided tours of the Historic Butler House. Car wash to benefit the Deerfield Beach High School Junior Historical Society.

Indie Craft Swell

Saturday, May 7, 4 to 10 p.m.

Island Water Sports

1985 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Local handmade arts and crafts, food trucks, craft beer sampling, raffles and giveaways. All proceeds benefit The Fruitful Field. Contact tina@islandwatersports.com for information, or visit www.islandwatersports.com.

Mother’s Day Dance

Sunday, May 8, 2 to 5 p.m.

Star Ballroom

2309 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Bring your mother, friends, or sweetheart, for a special afternoon of dancing and refreshments. $15 per person or $25 for two. Proceeds benefit NE Focal Point CASA. Call 954-782-7760 for information.

Woman’s Club meeting

Tuesday, May 10, 1 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guests welcome. Light refreshments provided. Speaker Katharine J. Hendrickson, a Broward County Parks Naturalist, will speak on the history of Deerfield Island Park, formerly known as Capone Island. For more information, call 954-421-4700 or visit dbwc.org.

Save the Date!

Sample-McDougald House turns 100

Events at: 450 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Centennial: Saturday, May 14, 4 to 10 p.m.Food, entertainment, barbecue, music, exhibits and more. $100 per person.

Farm Heritage Day: Sunday, May 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Antique tractors and a look at the agricultural history of our area. Food and entertainment. $5 per person. For information and tickets, call 754-307-5446 or visit www.SampleMcDougaldHouse.com.

Worth the Drive!

Ft. Lauderdale Air Show

Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8

Show open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Flight shows 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Along Ft. Lauderdale’s public beach

Bring your lawn chairs and sunscreen to this beloved family event. Food, beverages, exhibits and the dramatic flights of the USAF Thunderbirds, F-35 and F-18, as well as aerial teams from Canada and France. Ticket prices vary; visit www.fortlauderdaleairshow.com to purchase and for detailed information and schedules.

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CLERGY CORNER: A Passover Seder narrative “This is the bread of affliction…”

Posted on 05 May 2016 by LeslieM

It is easy to miss the revolutionary idea behind the annual Passover Seder, in which we actively commemorate our slavery in Egypt and our subsequent redemption. In it, we attempt to turn hurt into a positive force.

We know that the parents most likely to abuse their children are those who were themselves abused when young. People who have been hurt tend to hurt others. The Seder came to reverse this instinctive response.

When the Jews had just been released from Egyptian slavery, the Torah commands, “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Because you were in Egypt and felt the pain caused by abuse, learn from it not to oppress the stranger, the orphan or the widow. You experienced injustice, therefore practice justice. You know what it is like to be a slave; therefore, do not enslave others. You have been hated; therefore, love your neighbor.

The Israelites could have well derived an entirely different lesson from their slave experience: “Do unto others as they did unto you.” Yet, the opening of the Seder is right in the beginning of the Haggadah; we declare, “This is the bread of affliction which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Let all who are hungry come and eat.” Wait a moment! If I was given bread of poverty, I might give the same to others. The Seder says otherwise: We know the taste of poverty. What’s the conclusion? We will ensure that others don’t go hungry.

All of us have been hurt. What do we do with that hurt? This is the question which distinguishes between the free man and the slave. The free man uses the hurt to know how not to treat others, to empathize with others; the victim continues to perpetrate what has been perpetrated on him.

The Wounded Puppy

A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read “Puppies For Sale.” Signs like that have a way of attracting small children and, sure enough, a little boy appeared by the store owner’s sign.

How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” he asked.

The store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30-$50.”

The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change.

I have $2.37,” he said. “May I please look at them?”

The store owner smiled and whistled; out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind.

Immediately, the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?”

The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn’t have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited. “That is the little puppy that I want to buy,” he said.

The store owner said, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.”

The little boy got quite upset. He looked into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said, “I don’t want you to give him to me. That dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.”

The store owner countered, “You really don’t want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump, and play with you, like the other puppies.”

To this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!”

When we experience pain in our life, we can become more bitter, or more empathetic. We can either say: I had this pain let me make sure you have it, too. Or we can say: I had this pain, I know what it feels like, I will ensure you don’t.

Rabbi Tzvi Dechter is the director of Chabad of North Broward Beaches located in Lighthouse Point. For all upcoming programs and events, please visit www.JewishLHP.com.

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Everything’s Coming Up Rosen: Mother stuff and more

Posted on 05 May 2016 by LeslieM

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

This is about mothers and sons, and aging and mental health, and who knows what else. Sometimes stuff comes up when I write a column and I get surprised at how it ends.

Today, I received the following email from my son, who is very edgy as he approaches his 60th birthday this month. In the subject line, he wrote, “For Your Next Column.” How fortuitous! In his usual cryptic tone, he wrote, “The concept of ‘How could this come back to haunt me in the future’ only seems to come with age.”

And in my very cryptic tone, I responded, “What are you talking about?”

To which he responded, “When you’re young, you don’t think of the consequences of your actions.”

Well, duh! Did he think he discovered the origin of life?

There followed some reminders to him of his youthful follies, and a subtle vague response which led me to believe that he actually did not want to follow that path. Why then, did he bring it up? Perhaps, his Peter Pan persona is faltering as he faces the reality of actually coming face-to-face with being twice the age of the hippie slogan “Never trust anyone over the age of 30”.

You might remember from your history books, or from real life, what it was like to live during my son’s “coming of age” – in the turbulent 1960s – the burgeoning of Rock & Roll, the explosion of the drug culture, Woodstock, Vietnam protests, civil rights upheavals, political and racial assassinations, convention riots, all of which make today’s political porridge seem tame by comparison (so far). And so, we never went much further than his musing about youthful poor judgment (a mild description of the blatant behaviors of his and too many other kids of that era.)

But time slogs on at its sure-fire pace – slow or speedy depending on your vantage point, and there are different, though, in some ways, similar, triggers fueling the behavior of young people today. The major difference, however, is that everything they do is indelibly recorded for eternity – and, sure as shootin’, they are not thinking that some of it ‘will come back to haunt me’.

All of which makes my participation in the support group called My Generation held at the Faulk Center For Counseling in Boca Raton (www.faulkcenterforcounseling.org) such an enlightening experience. With a mix of high school teenagers and older adults sharing their stories, and many of their now extinct (adults) or current (kids) customs, experiences and relationships, the interaction results in a greater understanding and acceptance of each other, and provides an educational and emotional high for each age group.

And, since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, this is a reminder that physical health is dependent on mental health, and that society needs to recognize and respond with equal drive to the concerns of each.

Since Mother’s Day is upon us, another reminder, that mothering (indeed, parenting) is the most important job any of us have, and as the stimuli around us become ever more potent, the job becomes ever more difficult and more demanding of attention. So, let’s hear it for the moms, as well as the kids who actually consider the consequences of their actions – now or whenever.

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