By “Cinema” Dave

www.cinemadave.livejournal.com

In less than three weeks, the Winter Olympics begin in South Korea and does anyone care?

For many years, the Olympics were topics around the water cooler, but it seems as if the last time people talked about the Winter Olympics was 24 years ago. People forget that Oksana Baiul took the Gold Medal for Figure Skating, because Silver Medalist Nancy Kerrigan was half of the big story leading up to the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. Tonya Harding was considered the villain of the story which has now become a movie called I,Tonya.

We are introduced to LaVona Fay (Allison Janney), a monstrous mother who sees potential as a skater for her 3-year-old daughter Tonya. Considered to be “from the wrong side of the tracks” in the Pacific Northwest, young Tonya is taught to shoot rabbits by her father figure. Given LaVona Fay’s abusive behavior, the father figure leaves home. Minus a second income, LaVona uses physical and psychological abuse upon Tonya.

Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan) enters a skating rink and is immediately infatuated with the teenaged Tonya. The two begin a whirlwind teen romance, infuriating her mother. When LaVona Fay expresses displeasure, Tonya and Jeff move in together and eventually marry. Jeff’s friend Shawn Eckhardt (Paul Walter Hauser) becomes Tonya’s bodyguard when Tonya’s skating becomes nationally recognized. It is not a fanatical fan base that Tonya needs protection from. She needs protection from her soon to be ex-husband Jeff Gillhooly.

Told from multiple perspectives, I,Tonya presents Tonya Harding’s side of the story. Margot Robbie (who also stars as the title character) has produced a dark comedy of people who have stupid thoughts, which leads to stupid talk creating stupid actions. Many people remember Nancy Kerrigan getting clubbed in the knee before the 1994 Olympics. Many people forget about the rogue’s gallery of fools that led to the assault. I,Tonya is a humorous reminder.

The soundtrack features many songs from Tonya’s childhood in the 1970s. It would have been timelier if we heard more tunes from 1994. However, this is a minor quibble for a movie that is filled with many details within the frame.

As the Kerrigan – Harding showdown resides into history, a news story featuring the murder of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman is seen in the background. One sensationalized story is quickly replaced by another.

The ensemble of actors really sinks their teeth into their roles. From beginning to end, Margot Robbie owns this movie with both a hair trigger temper and sincere charm. Allison Janney portrays a darker version of the role she plays on her CBS Broadcast sitcom Mom. With her Moe Howard, from the three Stooges, haircut, Janney’s LaVona Fay’s abuse is mean and dark, yet the actress taps into a strange humanity toward the character. When she is not around, the audience misses their LaVona Fay.

Based on the performances of Margot Robbie and Allison Janney, I,Tonya is making news on the current awards circuit [Janney won Best Supporting Actress at Golden Globes]. As we prepare for the 2018 Winter Olympics, expect to hear more about I,Tonya.

Deerfield Beach

Dec. 26: Someone entered two sheds at Breezy Hill Resort at 800 NE 48 St. and stole stereo equipment.

Dec. 26: A man reported his vehicle stolen from 18 SE 9 St.

Dec. 26: A man reported that someone entered his vehicle parked at 2020 NE 2 St. and stole a wallet, a Florida driver’s license and credit cards.

Dec. 29: A woman reported a burglary attempt at her home at 1520 SE 4 Ct.

Dec. 29: A man living in an assisted living facility reported that he was missing $310. The incident was reported at 51 W. Sample Rd.

Dec. 29: A man reported his vehicle stolen. The incident was reported at 321 NW 3 Ave.

Lighthouse Point

Dec. 17: The victim was riding his motorcycle between his residence and the tennis courts. When he arrived at the tennis courts at 3600 N. Federal Hwy., he discovered his tennis bag containing racquets and prescription glasses were missing. The loss was $900.

Dec. 19: The victim, who lives in the 3500 block of NE 27 Avenue, said he lost his wallet two years ago and has been the victim of identity theft. The wallet contained his driver’s license, social security card and credit cards.

Dec. 19: Various groups of people have been stealing packages from porches and police identified three subjects who were caught at 2300 NE 49 St. with $200 in packages in their possession.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

Afrique — art exhibit

Thursday, Jan. 11 to Sunday, Feb. 18

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Exhibition features artists from Africa, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Florida, including Vladymir Acoloque, Adéwálé Adénlé, Nate Dee, Teeya, Daniel Garcia and Ruben Ubiera. Artists will be there at 7 p.m. on Thursday Jan. 11. Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibition runs until Feb 18. Event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.ccpompano.org or call 954-545-7800.

Friends Of The DB Arboretum meet

Thursday, Jan.11, 7 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Guest speaker: Dr. William (Bill) Kern. Dr. Kern is an Associate Professor in Entomology & Nemotology at the Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center at the University Of Florida. With his extensive background, he will be able to tell you about plant insects, diseases and pest management, and answer your many questions. Plant giveaway. Light refreshments served. Free and open to public. For more information, call 954-480-4495.

Singin’ in the Rain

Thursday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 18

The Wick Theatre

7901 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33487

Opening Night: Jan 13. Matinees: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 2 p.m. Evenings: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m. The plot offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to “talkies.” $85. For more info., visit www.thewick.org or call 561-995-2333.

MLK Birthday Celebration

Friday, Jan. 12 to Monday, Jan. 15

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Weekend carnival, games and live entertainment, two-mile-long parade and awards ceremony on Monday. Carnival Schedule: Jan. 12: 5 to 10 p.m. Jan. 13: Noon to 10 p.m. Jan. 14: Noon to 10 p.m. Jan. 15: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parade & Ceremony: Jan. 15, starts at 10 a.m. Ceremony to follow (Noon). Event is free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

DBLL Registration

Saturday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DBMS Athletic Complex

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach 33441

Registration packets available at www.dbll.us. Review proof of residency requirements and provide required documentation at signup. $150 per player and $100 tee ball. Sibling discounts apply. Registration will also be on next Saturday Jan. 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, e-mail playeragent@dbll.us.

MLK Breakfast Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 13, 9:30 a.m. to Noon

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the Deerfield Beach Kiwanis West to honor Martin Luther King’s Birthday. You may pay at the door. $25. For more information, call Traci Williams at 954-798-7526.

53rd Annual Broward Shell Club Show

Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, Florida 33061

If you are a lover of shells, this is the place to be. They will have shells from all over the world. Free to attend. For more information, call 305-301-1296 or e-mail alicepace90@att.net.

Tropical Postcard Club

Saturday, Jan. 13, Noon to 3 p.m.

Old Schoolhouse

323 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come on out and look at old postcards and listen to guest speaker. Swap cards and talk about them! Held every second Saturday of the month. For more information, call Amie Kay at 954-254-8937.

Zonta Club meets

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 11:40 a.m.

DoubleTree Hilton

100 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Have lunch and find out about this women’s group in the Everglades Room. Guest Speaker: Dr. Barbara Ganson, FAU Professor & expert in aviation history, talking on “The Life and Times of Amelia Earhart.”For more information, contact Sandy Manning at bosanboc@bellsouth.net.

Taste of Lighthouse Point

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 6 to 9 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht Club

2701 NE 42 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Tastings from local restaurants and caterers and fine wine! 50/50 raffle, silent auctions and more. Proceeds go toward local and global charities and seven college scholarships for students, which are distributed by the Rotary Club of Pompano Beach. $50 in advance/$60 at door. http://bit.ly/TasteofLHP.

Save the Date:

The 5th Annual Brandon’s Run for Autism

Saturday, Jan. 20, 7 to 10 a.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

This year’s Brandon’s Run for Autism (a 5K) is bigger and better than ever! It’s Brandon’s goal to offer as many young people as possible the career readiness, social skills training, job training and community involvement they need to succeed. They are looking for runners, walkers, sponsors and donations for raffle. To register or get tickets, visit events.hakuapp.com/0eb8a21a0f2d6a39e659. For more information, contact Erica Rubin at 305-305-0540.

20th Annual Fashion Show Luncheon

Wednesday, Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht Club

2701 NE 42 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Hosted by the Auxiliary of the NE Focal Point CASA, Inc. (now called Center for Active Aging) Fashions are by Sondro at The Cove. $60 (in advance). Limited seating available. Benefits NE Focal Point’s Children’s, Alzheimer’s, Senior and Adult Services. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 954-480-4460.

Pat Anderson’s
Plein Air Painter Classes

• Monday, Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Paint the scene. Capture what you see while you see it. Motif #1. Hillsboro Inlet Park & Museum, 907 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062.

• Saturday, Jan. 27. Paint all morning and walk the beach – climb the Light. “Sketch with a Brush.” Tour and Boat rides from Alsdorf Park Dock, at 8:15, 9, 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. Hillsboro Lighthouse, 907 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062.

• Monday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn to paint a Sportfishing Charter Boat at the Charter Fleet meet. Hillsboro Inlet Park & Museum, SE Bridge location, 2700 N Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062.

• Secrets of digital photography (with iPhone aps and photoshop for beginners). It is a technique she developed for “the next 50 years… using the LEAF BAR table/easel for plein air painting.” Date & Time TBA.

Must register in advance at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center in Pompano. For more information, call 954-786-4111. www.PatAndersonArtist.com

Meet Kevin and Sandy Chapman, parents of four boys and a recently adopted daughter. They were high school sweethearts who have, at various times in the last five years, fostered 15 different girls.

Life is busy. Kevin and Sandy both work while juggling church activities, four different sports schedules, helping with the boys’ homework and caring for an infant.

“It’s a struggle at times,” says Kevin, as they work to model for their children a life surrendered to God, and pray other families will follow suit. In their pursuit of intentionally investing in their children’s spiritual lives, the Chapmans will tell you that it doesn’t come without its challenges.

Sandy says, “We’re not perfect by any means… It’s okay to mess up; it’s all a learning process. Ask for forgiveness; know what you did and make right of it.”

Find solace in knowing that building and modeling a lifestyle centered upon God — a lifestyle your children will hopefully adopt as adults — won’t materialize overnight (but is nonetheless, still mandatory). Yoda says, “Do or do not. There is no try.” So disciple you must.

Yet, an increasing number of church-going parents are choosing “do not,” expecting the church to fill the void. In his book Youth Ministry: What’s Gone Wrong and How to Get It Right, David Olshine calls this approach to discipleship “payroll entitlement,” which is the hiring of professionals to care for and shepherd youth apart from disconnected parents. As such, youth ministry “has often-times unknowingly contributed to the breakdown of parents’ role in the discipleship of their children” by accepting the role of the primary disciple-maker. This is a problem.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs parents to impress upon their children God’s commandments—to talk about them at home, in the car and even while eating at Chick-fil-A. To feed and shepherd the flock God has given them… “to be the primary nurturers of their children’s faith,” Olshine writes.

To what end? According to John Piper, it’s a faith that allows for complete satisfaction in God, a faith that is “captured by the Gospel of Jesus,” authentic, sustainable and non-pursuant of behavior modification, and “churchy experiences.” It is faith that changes the heart because Jesus has become their “one, overriding hope and their greatest love,” writes Jack Klumpenhower in Show Them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids. And this begins when parents, like Kevin and Sandy, believe and live as though following Christ is life-changing and “better than anything else.”

Parents, show your children Jesus. Model for them a surrendered life in everyday interactions — exemplifying what it means to love God and love others. Your example is leading your children toward or away from Christ.

To do this, you won’t need skinny jeans or Snapchat. Start with what’s doable for your family and be consistent, and have some fun. Aside from their regular devotional times, Kevin recently gathered the family for a night of listening to and the singing of worship songs. Hugs, tears and forgiveness followed as the Chapmans realigned themselves with God’s priorities.

In addition to impromptu nights of worship music, Sandy encourages parents to keep a prayer journal for their kids. Because every child struggles differently, replace generic prayers for specific ones that address the child’s exact needs, she adds.

Consider sponsoring a child overseas and involve your children in the letter-writing process. Expose them to the realities other children endure; spend time as a family packing and distributing kits for the homeless, talk about how to responsibly engage in social issues; encourage your children to share their faith at school or through the context of their sports — even if they attend a private Christian school; or catch a movie and discuss its message afterword.

It takes work, but even the most regular activities, like driving to school, can be repurposed as discipleship opportunities.

The Chapmans agree that no parent will regret the intentional time spent disciplining their children. They’ll see how God used those moments to stir within their child a longing for Him and His commands.

Their children will have aspired beyond being “good adults,” and instead, by the grace of God, become saved adults who themselves, make disciples.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at The Church at Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. He loves to mentor the next generation of leaders and considers himself a fast food connoisseur. For questions or comments, connect with him on social media: @thecjwetzler.

By Gary Curreri

Blanche Ely’s boys’ basketball team roared to the championship in the Under Armour Challenge bracket at the 28th annual Kreul Classic at Coral Springs City Gymnasium.

The Tigers topped Leflore (Mobile, AL) 66-48 in the championship game as it finally strung together two solid efforts on both sides of the court.

“You play with five individuals on the court,” said Blanche Ely coach Melvin Randall. “If you have those five kids coming on the court together with one fist and delivering that punch you can do some things. Tonight, they were able to put it together. We still have some things to work on, but we are getting better.”

Randall hadn’t been pleased with his team’s effort earlier in the year.

But the Tigers (10-5) put things together on both ends of the court Monday night en route to whipping Leflore, of Mobile, AL, 66-48 in the championship game of the Under Armour Challenge bracket at the 28th annual Kreul Classic at Coral Springs City Gym.

“In the beginning of the season, he (Randall) wasn’t happy,” said Ely senior guard Michael Forrest, who was named the MVP of the bracket. “He said that we would always quit on him. He put us to the challenge. We accepted the challenge and we stepped up. We played hard. we played as a team.”

Forrest finished with 19 points and Anthony Byrd Jr. added 14 for the Tigers (7-3), winners of four straight after starting 3-3.

Ely led only 16-15 after one quarter, but broke the game open after that.

“The (defensive) pressure gives us more energy to get stops,” Forrest said, “and, as we get more stops, we get easy buckets.”

Baseball showcase

The South Florida Baseball School and STEALTH are teaming together for the Phenom Recruiting Showcase event on Jan. 6 at Highlands Christian Academy, 501 NE 48 St., Pompano Beach.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be a pro-style workout with evaluations and the cost to register is $150.

Confirmed schools that will be in attendance include Barry, ASA, Broward, Felician, Florida National, Hillsborough Community College, Palm Beach Atlantic, St. Thomas (NY) and more.

To register, go to www.Phenomrecruiting.com. For more information, call 973-295-5409.

Wallace Field House opening

Highlands Christian Academy baseball coach Bruce Charlebois and the South Florida Baseball School, based at the Pompano Beach campus, will hold a grand opening of the Wallace Field House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 13.

The field house is a 5,000 sq. ft. indoor baseball and softball training facility complete with a Raw Juice and Smoothie Bar, as well as dugout seating and a waiting area with TVs.

The grand opening will include self-guided tours of the facility, demonstrations, guest speakers, music, food and more.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

In the waning hours of 2017, Star Wars: The Last Jedi nudged out Beauty and the Beast to become the box office champion for the year. This marks the third year in a row that a Star Wars movie has become the reigning monarch of the box office. While overall box office revenue was down for the motion picture industry, Disney showed a consistent return on investment with their Marvel Comics Universe and animated fare like Coco. Now with the acquisition of 20th Century Productions, only Warner Brothers will provide competition against Disney Studios for the Box Office Crown.

In this year’s Top Ten List, one will see many films from Disney, Warner Brothers Studios and 20th Century Fox. There were also some good stories from some independently-produced motion pictures. These films provide a good story, intriguing characters and technical achievements that enhance, but do not detract from the entertainment value of the product. So in no particular order, except in reverse alphabetical order, is my top ten list of films:

• Wind River

• Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi

• Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World

• Megan Leavey

• The Man Who Invented Christmas

• Lost in Paris

• Logan

• Kong: Skull Island

• Dunkirk

• Coco

Honorable Mentions:

• War for the Planet of the Apes

• Split

• Professor Marston and the Wonder Women

• The Shape of Water

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

• Logan Lucky

• Lady Bird

• The Last Word

• It

• Gifted

• Baby Driver

• Annabelle: Creation

While Summer Blockbuster season was a disappointment both critically and at the box office, the colder months featured consistent box office revenue and more critical love. According to the movie review website Rotten Tomatoes, there was a great disparity of opinion between paid criticism (the Tomatometer) and the audience score. Star Wars: The Last Jedi was loved by mainstream critics, but rated low on the audience score. Overall, I’ve enjoyed more films in 2017 than I have in recent years, though I find my favorites lean towards a strong audience score with strong box office performance.

Given the sexual harassment scandals involving so many Hollywood icons, one would expect a more subdued awards season. Yet, given the tenure of the late night talk shows featuring Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, expect more President Trump bashing nonetheless.

Good movies should be the focus of these ceremonies.

Each award ceremony on television will feature a montage of people who have passed away in 2017. I hope I see a glimpse of my late friend Kenny Miller, who passed away last May 8. With the exception of a Florida-made independent film, Kenny Miller has not made a full length motion picture on the big screen since 1976. However, he worked steady in Florida nightclubs and earned a semi-regular role on Burt Reynolds’ detective series BL Stryker, which was filmed in West Palm Beach. A consummate professional and a heck of a nice guy, Kenny was one of the first interviews that I conducted for the Observer. Kenny worked in Hollywood classics featuring Hollywood legends like Orson Wells, James Dean, Anthony Quinn and Janet Leigh. He had many great stories to tell. He is missed.

The 2017 Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) was a consistently good community event from its opening to the closing evening three weeks later. The variety of stories were intriguing and special guests — Burt Reynolds, Blanche Baker and Karen Allen — provided a fine balance of movie stardom combined with artistic integrity. Both the Miami International Film Festival in March and FLIFF have a combined 67 years of local history.

As for the future, expect to see many television commercials during the Superbowl 18 (If you are not boycotting it) and Winter Olympics 2018 featuring films produced by Disney and Warner Brothers, the only studios that can afford the multi-million dollar tab for a 30 second spot. If these flicks are interesting — Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom — then this swashbuckling journalist & information scientist will be there. A writer is only as good as the story he tells.

Deerfield Beach

Dec. 19: A woman reported that someone stole $2,300 in cash and five gold chains at 4337 NW 6 Ave.

Dec. 19: A woman reported that someone entered a vehicle and stole a wallet with credit cards at 218 SW 2 St.

Dec. 19: A man reported the theft of his personal tools at 812 SE 14 St.

Dec. 19: A man said that he believes a former tenant stole a refrigerator and tools before leaving. The incident was reported at 207 NE 52 St.

Dec. 19: A man was arrested and charged with battery. He physically attacked his girlfriend of six years. The incident was reported at 248 SE 9 Ave.

Lighthouse Point

Dec. 5: The victim who lives in the 2700 block of NE 48 St. said someone used her identity to open accounts.

Dec. 8: The victim said she moved to the city recently and lost her passport at 2131 NE 42 Ct.

Dec. 14: Police were alerted to a stolen vehicle and they followed it to a convenience store at 3600 block of N. Federal Highway. When they attempted to conduct a stop, the vehicle drove away at a high rate of speed through back streets where police called off the chase.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

Movies in the Park — Sing

Friday, Jan. 5, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Join the city for a night under the stars with Movies in the Park. The movie will begin at 7 p.m. Bring the family, blankets and lawn chairs for a fun family night out. For a full listing of this season’s movies and dates, visit www.dfb.city/moviesinthepark. Admission is free; snacks and refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call 954-480-4494.

Tour historic home

Through Jan. 6.

Sample McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Enjoy a tour throughout the 1916 Sample McDougald House all decorated with holiday spirit. The house is closed Sunday and Monday but continues tours Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 754-307-5446.

Save the date:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration

Friday, Jan. 12 through Monday, Jan. 15

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City of Deerfield Beach, along with city leaders, civic organizations and churches, as we pay homage to this great Civil Rights leader. This four-day-long event features a weekend carnival, games and live entertainment, before drawing to a close on Monday with a two-mile long parade and awards ceremony. Carnival Schedule: Jan. 12, 5 to 10 p.m.; Jan. 13, noon to 10 p.m.; Jan. 14, noon to 10 p.m.; Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parade & Ceremony on Jan. 15, starts at 10 a.m. Ceremony to follow (at noon). Event is free. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Kiwanis West MLK Birthday Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 13 9:30 a.m. to noon

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex  

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the Deerfield Beach Kiwanis West for a breakfast to honor Martin Luther King’s birthday. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets, call Traci Williams at 954-798-7526.

Paint with Pat Anderson en plein air

Throughout January

Hillsboro Inlet & Museum

907 Hillsboro Mile

Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062

A chance of a lifetime, paint historic art in the parks. Starts Monday, Jan. 8.First class will be “start up brush control motif #1” — seascape, clouds and structure. Must register in advance at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center in Pompano. You can also see Pat’s full class list at www.PatAndersonArtist.com. For more information, call 954-786-4111

Re-Election

In our lives we are running for re-election every year as we close one year and open another. In our election, it is our spouses, our children, our parents, our friends, co-workers, employees, employers and G-d that get to vote. We need to reclaim the admiration of all of them in order to win re-election.

If your children had a chance to “vote” for their dad … or not, what type of vote would you receive? How would your children judge you today as a father? Do we just manage them and throw toys at them so they don’t distract us, or do we create a space in our soul every night to nurture them? Do you let them know in very real ways that they matter?

Small Steps

We try to enhance our lives through small steps, not through huge sweeping changes, for those never last. We add one more mitzvah or resolution into our lives. We resolve that this year we will make one small but real change in our lives.

Let me tell you a story: There once was a poor woman who had no money to feed her children. One day she managed to acquire an egg.

“Dear children,” she exclaimed, “let’s not eat this egg! If we wait a while, the egg will hatch and we will have a chick. The chick will grow into a chicken that lays eggs every day. They will also hatch, and soon we’ll have a flock of chickens. We’ll sell the chickens and buy a little calf. The calf will grow into a cow and will give birth to many calves that will grow into cows. Before long, we’ll have a big ranch with a large herd of cattle. Listen, dear children, this little egg will make us rich!”

In her excitement, the mother held up the egg for her children to see. It slipped out of her hand – and cracked wide open on the kitchen floor.

We often make the same error. During this time, we often make lofty albeit worthwhile resolutions. But, as soon as the New Year passes by, we go back to our old ways and the good intentions evaporate. The challenge is to ensure that our resolutions are rooted in the present, and at a level at which we can actually make day-to-day progress.

Be Real

Abe is talking to his friend.

“If there’s one piece of simple advice I can give you, Marvin, it’s this. I read it in the Times yesterday and it worked immediately for me.

“I’ve finally found inner peace. I’m sure it will work for you too.”

“So give me this advice, already,” says Marvin.

“OK, here it is,” replies Abe. “The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you’ve started.”

“Really?” says Marvin.

“Yes,” replies Abe. “I looked around to see all the things I had started but hadn’t finished. So, I finished one bottle of white wine, a bottle of red wine, a keg of beer, the bottle of whiskey, and a large box of gourmet chocolates. You have no idea how good I felt.”

On the New Year, we are called to take a TRUE look at ourselves.

“A liar,” said the Maggid of Kelm, “is worse than a thief or robber. A thief steals at night, but is afraid to steal by day. A robber robs night and day, but only robs a lone individual or a few people; he is afraid to rob too many at once. The liar, however, lies both at night and day, both to the individual and to the world.”

Are we real people? How many lies do we say a day? Do we say white lies? Are we honest in our conversations and dealings? Are we true to ourselves as we should be?

Most of us walk through most of our life distracted from the most important and truest question of life: Why are we here? Today, I encourage you to look out, be sensitive for those precious moments — when you may discover a deeper, truer part of yourself — and take it with you.

Have a Happy New Year!

Rabbi Tzvi Dechter is the director of Chabad of North Broward Beaches, located in the Venetian Isle Shopping Center at 2025 E. Sample Rd. in Lighthouse Point. For all upcoming events, please visit www.JewishLHP.com.

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

A year of transition was 17 — unlike any year I remember

Polarization to the max, right through the end of December.

Snuggling each in corners apart, the Rs and the Ds stood their ground

Playing the game of political chess, or more like kids on a merry-go-round.

For some quick reminders these names I will cite, lest they fade from the memory scene

I’ll add some events only because they’re germane to “17.”

The “coronation” of Donald Trump as our 45th Pres-i-dent

The proliferation of “tweets” from him, displaying his child-like bent

The March of Women the following day, a clue that dissension was real

And the staunch support he received from his base, a sign of the strength of their zeal.

Will the following folks still be around as part of our “household” names

As “18” rolls on and filters them out — and brings us some “midterm” games?

Bannon, Comey, Rosenstein, Flynn, Manifort, Papadopoulos

Kaepernick, Spicer, Huckabee-Sanders, but not the turtles in the Galapagos.

Preibus, Kelly, Conway and Kushner, Junior, Ivanka and more

Life at Mar-a-Lago, where the lingo begins with “fore”

Harvey, Irma, Maria, Mayor Cruz of old San Juan

“Non Hero” McCain kills healthcare “reform;” he recognizes a “con.”

Bob Mueller, Neil Gorsuch and Vladimir P. and “Little Rocket Man” too

Las Vegas and Charlottesville (shades of the Klan) and Weinstein producing “#metoo”

Charlie Rose and Matt Lauer, no-jokin’ Al Franken, and others caught up in the web

The grabs and the touches, the lack of respect will hopefully be on the ebb.

Will we move our Israeli embassy or was that merely meant to alarm?

And what to do about “alternate facts?” Do they cause societal harm?

Is the “Free Press” only doing its job or is a “witch hunt” underway?

Will the Russian investigations finally end some day?

The Dreamers still are dreaming and the Muslim Ban engenders fears

No wall yet — but hark! It looks like there’s still 3 more years

The “tax cut” passed by a hair — and one of the winners was Don

And the stock market’s racing skyward. How long can that go on?

Surely, the year’s entertainer was President Donald J. Trump

But the character of our nation — underwent a significant bump

Presidents should role-model values — of love, respect and peace

And language is how that translates — as a country we can’t let that cease.

So bye bye to 17 — May 18 bring us together

All of us love our country — and that makes us birds of a feather.