Food Truck Invasion

Thursday, July 21, 5 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

For all ages. Various trucks sell a variety of foods. For more information, call 954-357-5100 or visit www.FoodTruckInvasion.com.

Magnetic Pompano, Featuring Joey Gilmore

Friday, July 22, 8 to 11 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Come listen to some R & B and Blues. $20. For information, visit www.magneticpompano.com or call 954-839-9578.

Superhero Splash Bash

Friday, July 22, 6 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Family event with games, splash water park play time, a movie, bounce house, prizes and more. All ages. $6 per person,children 1 year and under free. Pre-registration required, call 954-357-5100.

Concert, Tree Dedication Ceremony & Lunch

Sunday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Offering an uplifting guitar playing and singing service. Also, historical special Tree Dedication Ceremony on the lawn with Margaret Briggs and family followed by a complimentary luncheon. Events and parking are complimentary. Visit www.communitych.org or call 954-427-0222.

St. Ambrose Men’s Club to go to Seminole Casino & Boomer Times Expo

Tuesday, July 26, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

St. Ambrose Church

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Play at the casino. Attend the Boomer Times Expo, where over 60 exhibitors representing insurance, financial, health and wellness, technological, entertainment, travel, fashion and more will show off their goods and services. Special veteran’s ceremony, music by Jerry Mann and four drawings of $250 (must be present to win). $30 (includes $20 free play, transportation and a chance to win 50 premium prizes.)

For more information, call Jerry Mann at 954-856-6062.

Tuesday Night Beach Dance

Main Beach Parking Lot

Tuesday July 26, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Total Recall will be playing. Wear dancing shoes and bring beach chair. Free event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

6th Annual NE Focal Point Family Night

Tuesday, July 26, 5 to 9 p.m.

Duffy’s

401 N. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Eat, drink and have fun. 2 for 1 drinks, desserts for two, kids’ menu. 10 percent of proceeds benefit NE Focal Point. Meet staff and learn about services, programs, volunteer opportunities. For information, call 954-480-4449.

Kendra Gives Back Party

Wednesday, July 27, 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Mizner Park

411 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Enjoy sips, sweets and Kendra Scott jewelry. 20 percent of all proceeds benefit Gateway Community Outreach.

For information, call 954-725-8434.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

Wednesday, July 27, 10 a.m.

NE Focal Point

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Caregiver training and support for individuals caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, memory impairments, dementia and cognitive limitations. For information, call 954-480-4463. Meetings held every Wednesday.

Health and Financial Wellness Fair

Wednesday, July 27 and Thursday, July 28

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free. Blood-pressure checks, cholesterol/ diabetes tests and more. Free 30 minute financial seminars ($25 gift card will be given away at each seminar). Blood mobile will accept donations. Face painting by Bella the Clown. For information, call 954-786-4626.

The Mummers Band plays

Wednesday, July 27, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m

Herb Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

The Mummers Band is made up of a variety of instruments that include strings, bells, woodwinds, accordions, keyboard and percussion. $8 tickets may be purchased at the Herb Skolnick Community Center or visit www.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 954-786-4590 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Arts and Crafts Sale

Thursday, July 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

B’nai B’rith Apartments

299 SW 3 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Beautiful paintings, arts, crafts, jewelry, antiques, goodies and beverages for sale. Proceeds benefit the B’nai B’rith Foundation. For information, call 954-426-5577.

James W. Stills, 74, of Deerfield Beach, FL, died Sunday, July 17, 2016, at Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, following surgery for an aneurism.

Born in 1941in Mt. Pleasant, TN, he moved to Deerfield Beach 1952 where he attended Deerfield Beach

Elementary and later graduated from Pompano Beach High School. As a youngster growing up in old Deerfield, he played on the local baseball team and worked a paper route for pocket change. After a brief stint in the National Guard, he worked as a certified general contractor in the South Florida area until his retirement. He then worked for a Boca based structural engineer doing building inspections in the Miami and Boca areas. He spent his second retirement working in the yard, fishing at the lake and visiting with his neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by both parents and six siblings. He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Janice, and two grown sons, James Timothy of Orlando and Christopher David of Boca Raton, a sister Barbara Jones of Deerfield Beach and various nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Thursday, July 21, 11 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Service to follow, 12:30 p.m. Kraeer Funeral Home, 217 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Artist Kenneth Ruiz’s collages piece together parts of life

By Rachel Galvin

Once a graffiti artist and gang member, Kenneth Ruiz has turned his life around to become an amazing artist.

He began his journey in life in Chicago’s Humboldt Park area before moving to South Florida and attending Deerfield Beach High School. This 1995 graduate took art classes and was voted “Most Artistic” in his senior year. Little did he know at the time that art would be so powerful in his future.

The challenges he faced in his early life were nothing compared to what would happen later.

He explained, “I have lived through some things most people only read about. None of those experiences prepared me for losing my mother. I was devastated. It completely altered my life. It changed me in a way that I wish she was here to see. It made me appreciate life and the people in it.”

He added, “Losing my mom also had a strange effect. I lost the ability to draw. I used to draw freehand very well; but when she passed away, I was no longer able to do it. It was as if something turned off.”

Luckily, his wife encouraged him to turn back to an artistic style he had tried years before making collages, which came about after speaking with a friend involved with fine art back in 2008. Ruiz asked him about art and he said that art should tell a story, what the artist is about, which inspired Ruiz to create something for his wall at home.

“For 4-1/2 months, everyday, when I came home, I worked on a collage that represented things about me and my life,” he said, adding, “My second piece was not until five years later when my mother passed away.”

His collages are made the old-fashioned way, by cutting and pasting. After that, it becomes a bit more complicated.

“It is quite tedious. Once the piece is done, it goes to a fine art photographer who specializes in collage art and it is shot at very high resolution. The original accompanies the image to color correction, where the only adjustments made is to the colors to make sure they match the original. The final piece is a fine art giclee on canvas or museum paper. The image is sprayed on at 300 dpi making it extremely clear. None of my pieces are created digitally, nor are they touched up. They are cut with scissors and on some of the new pieces I have used razor blades,” said Ruiz.

He added, “The first piece I sold was inspirational because they were not for sale at the time. We were having dinner with a well-known person in the art world and he spotted one my pieces hanging on the wall. When he found out I made it and saw, surprisingly, that I had more, he said to me, ‘I have traveled around the world and seen collage art and I have never seen it done like this.’ He said if I decided to make it a business, he would buy the first one, and he did. I was thrilled!”

That was in 2013. He registered his business as MagChop in 2014. He has been creating a diverse collection of pieces ever since, including custom-made ones. He sells them to individuals he knows and also at events.

When people see his pieces, he gets an excited response.

He said, “A lot of my art takes them back to an era of good memories and they are thrilled about that. Some people relate right away and say, ‘This is so me!’ I have had clients call me and say, ‘I look at this everyday and I see something new!’”

When asked how he gets inspired to do his pieces, he replied, “It depends on the piece. To create, I have to relate. I have to know the inner aspects; for instance, I created “The Champions Line,” the first official fine art memorabilia for champion race car driver Ernie Francis Jr. I was never a fan of racing and didn’t know much about it, but I am an auto [and Lowrider] enthusiast so this was an exciting project. I attended the races, spoke to fans, went to the paddock with the team, stood at the pit and even helped work on a car at a race. I learned little details about racing that I otherwise would have gotten wrong. They loved it! It took about four months to complete and actually had a revision that made it remarkable.

One piece called “Ladies Touch” took seven months to complete. The influence came from different women in my life whom I have loved in different ways.”

His favorite piece is called “First Impression.”

“It is my favorite piece. It is the first piece I made and it really is symbolic of aspects of my life. It is also the only piece my mother had seen,” he said.

He added, “There are “Easter Eggs” in all my pieces … little hidden things that relate to me … even in custom pieces.”

“My art has opened a door for me to speak to youth through art workshops at the Boys & Girls Club in Ft. Pierce and I have spoken at youth conferences for “E.N.D. IT” at a church in Port St. Lucie. I believe in giving back to our communities,” he said.

Asked where he hopes to be in five years, he responded, “To have one of the many upcoming MagChop products in every home! It sounds wild, but think about the jobs I can give people with MagChop growing to that level. We have created movie posters and book covers and hired the assistance of local artists. The dream is more about the opportunities for my children, my community and our country.”

To find out more about this artist and his work, visit www.MagChop.com or find him on social media.

Denard “Shoelace” Robinson gives back to his community

By Rachel Galvin

Two hundred and thirty kids from age 5 to 18 came out on the field at Deerfield Beach High School (DBHS) last Saturday, July 9, to be a part of the Lace Up Football Camp, put together by the Shoelace Foundation.

The kids all ran drills, did ladders and other circuit training in their T-shirts provided by the organization. They split up into age categories and ran races to see who was the fastest. They battled the hot sun, but they were all smiles.

This was the second year for the event created by Jacksonville Jaguars football player Denard “Shoelace” Robinson, a running back and wide receiver. Robinson knows this school. He knows this community. He grew up here, and started school at Park Ridge Elementary and eventually graduated from Deerfield High. For him, this event is all about giving back.

“I love my community,” he said. “I want to be the change I want to see.”

Shoelace Foundation board member Jerry Jasmin added, “Denard always wants to give back. He is in a unique situation in that he plays in the same state he is from. He wants to empower underprivileged children to become better citizens.”

Besides local kids, children and teens from other cities, like Lauderhill came out to participate. Coach T. Anderson coaches youth football in the 7U category there. Two of his grandchildren, age 7 and 8, participated in the camp and he sat with other parents on the sidelines beneath tents in the shade.

“I love it,” he said of the event. This is a great thing for our youth … to have a positive role model. We need more of this all the time.”

DBHS student 16-year-old Joell hopes to play football in college. He is a linebacker right now for the school. He loved doing the drills.

“[My favorite part is] we had to run inside the box [ladder] and outside of it and do burpies,” he said as he described some of the drills.

Nine-year-old Mickeelah, who was one of the few girls in the group, came out because Denard is her cousin. She normally gets to see him only on holidays so this day was special.

“Racing is my favorite part. I did some drills. Some of them were hard for me,” she said, adding, “[For lunch], we had a hot dog, Pringles, a granola [bar] and some juice [among other items available].”

Volunteer Bruny Colquhour felt the event went well.

“Everything is very organized. The kids look forward to it every year. Shoelace is doing great for the community. It inspires the kids to dream big,” she said.

Besides Denard, there were other well-known players who attended either the event this day or the 1st annual basketball event that happened the night before. They included Robinson’s teammates from the Jaguars, including wide receivers Tony Washington and Rashad Lawrence; J.T. Thomas from the New York Giants; Rashard Robinson from the San Francisco 49ers, Adrian Witty from the Cincinnati Bearcats and rapper Ace Hood.

Denard not only helped kids to improve their skills, but taught them the importance of education.

He explained to one student who did not like to read, “In order for you to play football, you have to have your education first. You have to use school to get you there. If I could do all this work in football, I can do it in school.”

Besides doing football drills and having lunch, students got to enjoy themselves jumping in bounce houses.

He didn’t let students leave without delivering one last powerful message, saying, “Always have a role model. My role model was my dad. I want to be that person [for you all]. If I see somebody I look up to, I always want to be better than them. You all can do whatever you want. You can be president; you can be an astronaut; you can be a football player … It is here for the taking. Never do it for the haters. Every time I step on the field, I do it for love. I do it for people who support me. Do it for the people who support you.”

For more on the Shoelace Foundation, visit www.theshoelacefoundation.org.

By Rachel Galvin

Imagine playing craps with an octopus, putting on a poker face for card sharks under the sea and being served drinks by a mermaid… This fantastical concept will soon be a reality right off Pompano Beach. You will be able to stop for a selfie beneath the sea as you dive down to visit the Lady Luck, a 324 ft. historic tanker scheduled to be sunk on July 23 just 1 ½ miles off the shoreline.

The ship will be the centerpiece of what will become known as Shipwreck Park, surrounded by 16 other existing wrecks. This will be a unique underwater cultural arts park with rotating underwater art exhibits.

The Lady Luck has starfish and sand dollars on the highest level, closest to the surface where coral may grow. Down below, there are poker tables, crap tables and slot machines to explore, along with creative characters.

On July 8, many gathered inside the Pompano Marriott to celebrate the sinking of this vessel. It also served as a fundraiser toward that effort and for other events to come.

The road to creating this event was not a simple one. After attempting to purchase several boats and having the deals fall apart, they finally found a gem in New York, a tanker called Newtown Creek that had been decommissioned and was up for auction. Utilized to transport sludge in New York City since 1967, this vessel is getting a new lease on life as a tourist attraction thanks, in part, to Assistant City Manager for Pompano Beach Greg Harrison, who negotiated the deal from the original asking price of $235,000 down to $100,000.

Harrison said he was brought into the project in 2014.

“They assigned me to work with the chair of the economic development committee, Tommy DiGiorgio, Jr., and the chair of the tourism committee, Rob Wyre, to figure out how to make it a reality. It was a big challenge,” said Harrison.

Next, they needed an artist and that is when Dennis MacDonald came into play. Known locally for such projects as the Rapa Nui sculptures that were sunk off Deerfield’s pier June 7, 2015, MacDonald has worked with companies like Universal Studios and Disney in the past. When given the idea from the committees to do a casino theme, he wasn’t sure what to do, but it came to him eventually.

“When they gave me the concept, I was stumped at first, but then I thought, ‘Let’s have fun with this, make it whimsical.’ I started 2 ½ months ago. We used small models to create the sculptures. I had some art friends help me. Paul Costanza helped create the musculature on the sharks and helped with all the [characters’ attitudes]. I looked at the project as seven different environments, photo opportunities,” said MacDonald as he showed off a picture of his favorite slot machine, commenting, “I built it using pieces of the boat. It has a steampunk feel.”

Of course, getting sponsors was essential. Wyre is also the Regional Vice President of Operations and General Manager of the Isle of Capri Casino, so they partnered with the city on this venture, donating $312,500, which the city matched. The money goes toward cleaning up the boat to make it ready for the sinking, including removing any pollutants that may be harmful.

Wyre said, “This was the budget we thought we needed to just get it done, but we were a bit short. [This is why we are raising funds.]”

DiGiorgio understands the importance of this wreck on the community and the draw it will have from people all over the world.

“I was just in Spazio, Italy. There was a guy waiting for me and he didn’t speak English, but we were next to a dive shop and the guy there came out to [translate] for us.

He asked where I was from. I said ‘Ft. Lauderdale’ and then ‘actually Pompano.’ He said, ‘Pompano? Is that where they are sinking the casino boat?’ The guy takes people out on dives. He said next year, he is scheduled to go to Mexico, but, the year after, he is coming to Broward County,” he said.

He knows the economic engine this will be and talked about the large amount of hotel rooms that will be filled, and more to be added, just to accommodate the influx of tourists.

“The Vandenberg cost $9.5 million I think [sunk off the Keys in 2009]. The economic payback was less than six months. Spiegel Grove [also sunk there in 2002] cost $5 1/2 million and got a payback in less than three months.,” he said, adding, “It will take less than 20 minutes to get to [the site of the sunken Lady Luck], not a full day. In a couple of hours, people can have a great experience.”

At the July 8 event, there was a silent auction filled with nautical items, as well as a live auction with Pompano Mayor Lamar Fisher as auctioneer. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages were served. Joe West sang some oldies and speed artist Dale Henry a.k.a. “Paintman” quickly painted four pieces, which were auctioned.

DiGiorgio added that County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, who was at the event, was instrumental in getting free dockage at Port Everglades where the ship will be brought into, from its current position on the Miami River, before it sinks at 2 p.m. on July 23 off the Pompano Pier.

For more information, visit www.shipwreckparkpompano.org.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

An entertaining big screen epic with efficient storytelling, Hunt for the Wilderpeople expands distribution this weekend. This film is an old-fashioned summer movie that deserves to be seen on the big screen. With his fourth movie under his belt, director Taika Waititi has proven his mettle and will be directing the next Disney/Marvel Superhero movie, Thor Ragnarok.

With a far more somber tone, The Innocents opens tomorrow. An official selection from the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, this film is a European drama told with English subtitles. Whereas Hunt for the Wilderpeople is an outdoor Disney-style family epic, The Innocents feels like an acclaimed Ingmar Bergman drama with deep themes. It is set in Warsaw, Poland in December of 1945.

While performing their morning prayers, a Polish nun slips out of the cloister and seeks medical assistance. After receiving directions from some street kids, the nun enters a Red Cross M.A.S.H. unit and asks Mathilde (Lou de Laage), a French female doctor, for assistance. The French doctor refuses, but later spies the Polish nun on her knees praying in the snow.

Dr. Mathile visits the nunnery and uncovers many secrets under the cloth. The brutality of the soldiers are a given, but the Head of the Cloister hides many secrets that are both hypocritical and life-affirming.

While our local weather has been beach friendly, The Shallows will make one question if it is safe to go to the beach. A modest mainstream box-office success, this film is the spiritual sequel to Jaws that audiences always wanted.

While escaping the grief of losing her mother, Nancy goes to a secluded Mexican beach to surf. While waiting for one last wave to take her into shore, she spots a dead whale. She investigates and runs afoul a man-eating shark. With echoes of The Old Man and the Sea, All is Lost and The Deep, The Shallows presents a showdown between an intelligent protagonist and a primal antagonist.

At one hour and 25 minutes, The Shallows is a simple story with enough visualization to feel like an epic experience. Director Jaume Collet-Serra provides visual clarity with sly use of special effects. As the main protagonist, Blake Lively gives a low-key performance full of intelligence and fear. The director is smart enough to slow down the film’s pace to simply allow his leading lady moments to sit and think. This film is better experienced because of these directorial choices.

Deerfield Beach

June 28: Someone attempted to break into Wholesale Granite Tops at 271 NW 1 St. The person threw a cinder block at the front door. The front door has shatterproof glass and did not break.

June 29: The Food Market manager reported that two men and a woman entered the store and caused disturbance. The incident took place at 747 S. Federal Hwy.

July 1: A man reported that golf clubs and a golf bag were stolen from his car parked at 722 NW 42 Pl.

July 3: A man reported that the left window to his car parked at 660 W. Hillsboro Blvd. was broken and several items were stolen.

Lighthouse Point

June 18: Someone entered an unlocked 2015 Volvo at 3750 NE 23 Ave. and stole sunglasses, a Thermos bag and an iPad phone charger. The loss was $875.

June 20: A subject took two steaks from the store at 4800 N. Federal Hwy. and left without paying for them and then attempted to seek a $55.36 refund without a receipt. The subject then fled the store.

June 23: The victim said the bank at 2850 N. Federal Hwy. contacted her about her account being overdrawn due to two ATM withdrawls being made. The victim believes it may have been her granddaughter’s boyfriend who may have gained access because he had taken her bankcard a year ago. The victim was still in possession of her card. The amount withdrawn was $1,080.

RE: SW 10th St. Improvements

Dear Editor:

There was a notice in our building that a meeting would be held [regarding the SW 10th St. improvements] on Sat, June 18 in our [Century Village] clubhouse party room at 10 a.m. No meeting has ever been held in Century Village. Nothing was set up for a meeting when we arrived. There had been no notice of a change of location either on our condo bulletin boards or in the clubhouse. I was later told a bus was sent at 9:15 a.m. and was in the parking lot until 10 a.m. No one told us about that either. [The meeting was held at Deerfield Beach High School]. Do you really think anyone wants to hear from the residents that face SW 10th Street?

We hear specious arguments from those who go-along to get-along — how necessary road widening is or even an overpass. Normally, there will always be increased traffic. Does that mean it has to be dumped here? It already seems that trucks are being redirected here. We are a community of retirees and handicapped, with an assisted-living building across from us. We, the most vulnerable, live with enough dirt and noise as is. I wonder if our wood storks will continue to find this place a haven. We certainly won’t.

As to the sidewalk being proposed, most people here won’t cross Hillsboro. They think it too dangerous. Some won’t even cross Military Trail because of those drivers in FL who only recognize lights at intersections and pedestrians, not at all. Other than a few bikers, who do you think would cross 10th Street with additional lanes of traffic?

I find it unconscionable that new projects are being funded when the country’s bridges are in such disrepair. Why isn’t anybody talking about our abysmal transportation system?

Shirley Scimone

Deerfield Beach, FL

Dive-In Movie – Inside Out

Friday, July 15, 7:30 p.m.

Aquatics Center

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free movie. For information, call 954-420-2262 or visit www.Deerfield-Beach.com

Midtown Gospel Hapi Hour Sessions

Friday, July 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.,

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Free event features Gospel artists performing with live band. J. Smith, of Gospel station WMBM, will emcee. Non-alcoholic refreshments available for purchase. For more information, visit www.magneticpompano.com or call 954-839-9578.

Pooches on the Patio

Friday, July 15, 5 to 7 p.m.

Boca Resto Lounge

3360 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Dog friendly event. Includes silent auction. $15 donation at the door or $10 in advance (includes 1 free drink — Pooch Punch.) All proceeds go to Milo’s Dog Rescue. For advance tickets or information, call 561-702-3306 or visit www.milosdogrescue.com.

Sephora Grand Opening

Friday, July 15, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Stop by to receive a free, sample-packed makeup bag, plus the first 100 people in line will receive a free Sephora Inside JCPenney gift card, while supplies last. For more information, visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

Movies on the Lawn – Inside Out

Friday, July 15, 8 p.m.

Intersection of Atlantic & Pompano Beach Blvds.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Free, family friendly event. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. For more information, call 954-786-4111 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, July 16, 8:30, 9:15, 10 & 11 a.m.

Meet boat at Alsdorf Park

2974 NE 14 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Registration/check-in starts 30 minutes prior to first sail time and remains open until the last boat returns. Parking anywhere in the (pay) parking lot. Closed-toe shoes required (no flip flops or open-toed sandals). Children must be at least 4 ft. tall. $25 per person transportation fee. For information, e-mail info@hillsborolighthouse.org or call 954-942-2102.

Guided Tour

Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Take a look inside the Butler House and learn its history. New Alice B Gift Shop now open. For information, call 954- 429-0378 or visit www.deerfieldbeachhistoricalsociety.com.

5th Annual Boca Burger Battle

Saturday, July 16, 7 to 10 p.m.

(VIP starts at 6 p.m.)

Sanborn Square Park

72 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Look for Federal Highway from Palmetto Park Road NE 2 Street to be shut down again to make way for this culinary extravaganza. See chefs from around the area light up their grills and get to cooking, all competing to see who will create the Best Boca Burger. Quench your thirst with craft beer and wines. A portion of proceeds benefit PROPEL (People Reaching Out to Provide Education and Leadership). Live entertainment by Voodoo Possum and Big City Dogs. No pets allowed. Rain or shine. $50 General Admission, includes three drink tickets and unlimited food tastings. VIP, with unlimited food and drink tastings and early entry is $75 (Pre-Sale), $125 (Regular). Tickets: www.bocaburgerbattle.com or call 561-338-7594.

Kids Discovery Day

Saturday, July 16, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

Briggs Hall

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free fun day for kids. Puppet Theater, face painting, arts and crafts, healthy pizza, snacks available. For more information, call 561-674-4864.

Tuesday Night Beach Dance

Tuesday, July 19, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Get ready to dance. Total Recall will be playing for your entertainment. Wear your dancing shoes and bring a beach chair. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Open Ballroom Dance Sessions

Tuesday, July 19, 1 to 3 p.m.

NE Focal Point

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Learn how to dance the classics, such as the Waltz, Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Merengue, Tango and Rumba. Light refreshments served. For more information, call 954-480-4447 or e-mail tsutton@deerfield-beach.com. Dance sessions held every Tuesday.

Minutes before midnight on Dec. 29, 1979, Eastern Airlines flight 401, originating from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, with 163 passengers and 13 crew on board, crashed into the Everglades, just short of their destination, Miami International Airport. In total, 96 lives were lost due to a faulty light.

While on approach to land, the nose wheel “down-and-locked” indicator light failed to illuminate. A missed approach was executed, which included climbing to 2000 ft. over the Everglades. The crew re-engaged the autopilot and investigated.

During the commotion, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the captain, when turning to speak with the flight engineer, may have inadvertently disconnected the autopilot, resulting in a shallow descent. Given the moonless night and dark terrain below, it would have been near impossible to visually recognize the departure from the established altitude.

Allow me to pause. Do you believe what we say and how we say it matters? Proverbs 18:21 teaches that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” James likens the tongue to a small rudder which “makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go — “for, if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” (James 3:2-3). It’s important for us to understand that even seemingly insignificant words carry this same power.

We could argue the first link broke in the chain of events leading to the disaster stems from a seemingly insignificant piece of hardware. This malfunctioning light interrupted a normal approach and diverted the crews’ attention — a large catastrophe caused by a little light bulb.

If you’re like me, the latest catastrophes around the world can be overwhelming. I understand the “call to love” more. But can my personal choice to do so really make any difference in the grand scheme of the world’s problems? Then, I am reminded of Eastern Airlines Flight 401. Little things can make a huge difference — for better … or for worse.

For instance, now, if the autopilot is bumped off, an audible alert sounds. Another modest improvement, which has saved countless lives, is the concept of “pilot-flying” and “pilot-not-flying.” In the event of a situation, as with Flight 401, a crew-member’s sole responsibility would have been to positively monitor the instruments, immediately noticing the break from altitude. It’s simple, yet powerful — like our words (and even our actions).

From this day forward, recognize the power you possess to share love with others. It may seem trite, but let someone into traffic ahead of you. Buy the lunch of the person behind you in the drive-through. Visit a nursing home or VA. Write a personal note to someone. Call your parents. When someone is walking your way on the sidewalk, make room for them to pass — or honk less in traffic.

Love is a verb with limitless opportunities to be expressed. And while governing authorities may serve as relief, it is the power of love, exhibited on the personal level — albeit even minuscule — which heals a relationship, a family, a neighborhood, a community, a city, a state, a nation, a world. Never underestimate the capacity of simple words … it’s the power of life and death.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@deerfieldfirst.com.