By Gary Curreri

After more than a half a century, the Crystal Lake Golf Club in Deerfield Beach has closed.

Many of the golfers sat around the bar on the final day on March 11 and spoke of the memories they had at the course. Several had moved over four years earlier when the nearby Deerfield Country Club closed in 2014.

Lighthouse Point’s Dottie Birney played at the course for five years. The 6,953-yard championship par 72 golf course was built in 1965 and re-designed by Rees Jones in 1981. It was then renovated in 2000.

“This place was nice because it was a working man’s golf course,” Birney said. “It is a nice place to meet and have fun with all kinds of people. It was a good golf course, a challenging golf course, and I am going to miss it a whole helluva lot.

“The ladies that I play with came here four times a week,” Birney added, “You could come to it, it’s a social place and this was a home away from home. It was a warm nice place. I don’t know where we are going to go now.”

Boca Raton’s John Nixdorf also came over from Deerfield Country Club four years ago. He said they had a regular Saturday group.

“It has been a great spot for the Deerfield Country Club crew to get together and play,” Nixdorf said. “They were really accommodating to us on tee times. It is sad that they are closing, and it was crippling that Deerfield [Country Club]closed…we developed a very nice community [about 20 golfers] and had people of all different levels.”

Hillsboro Beach’s Don Forster played three to four times a week at Crystal Lake. The 88-year-old recorded 13 of his 14 hole-in-ones at the Deerfield Country Club before moving over to Crystal Lake.

“I was at the Deerfield Country Club for 20 years,” Forster said. “Deerfield felt like a home because everybody knew everybody. I have a lot of fond memories there, but I am sad to see this place close too. All I do is eat, drink and play golf.”

Deerfield Beach city commissioners agreed to allow more than 400 homes to be built on the 109-acre Crystal Lake course in August 2017. A total of 290 houses and 125 townhouses are expected to be built on the parcel.

Storey inducted into FAU Baseball Ring of Honor

Deerfield Beach High School graduate Mickey Storey carved out a nice career with the Bucks before he went on to play at Florida Atlantic University and eventually a professional career.

Storey, who turned 32 on March 16, got an early birthday present just days earlier as he was among five inducted in the Florida Atlantic University Baseball Ring of Honor prior to the start of the Owls’ doubleheader win over Seton Hall at the FAU Baseball Stadium.

Storey (2005-08) was inducted along with four former Owl players, including Hugh Adams (2009-13), Bill Cobe (1981-82), Darryl Powell (1981-82) and his former Owls head coach, Kevin Cooney. Cooney was unable to make the ceremony.

The 2004 graduate of Deerfield Beach High School was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 22nd round of the 2007 MLB Draft but did not sign and was then drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 31st round of the 2008 MLB Draft.

Storey, pitched in the major leagues for Houston and Toronto, making his major-league debut with the Astros in 2012. In January, Storey was named manager of the Houston Astros minor league affiliate – the Class A Quad Cities River Bandits based in Des Moines, Iowa. They play in the Midwest League.

Storey made his coaching debut last season as a development coach with Houston’s Carolina League affiliate, Buies Creek. His assignment with the defending Midwest League champions will be his first as a manager.

Storey lives in Wellington with his wife, Monique and their three children.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Between a week before Christmas in 1997 until a week after Easter in 1998, Titanic ruled the box office. The Black Panther juggernaut feels similar, as films like Tomb Raider, A Wrinkle in Time and Red Sparrow were poised to take the weekend box office crown only to fall short. Perhaps Steven Spielberg’s much hyped Ready Player One might take the Box Office crown Easter weekend, but this weekend features a slew of independent movies arriving at a theater near you.

A student of Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Soderbergh was “the man” in 2000 for releasing two Oscar-winning motion pictures, Traffic and Erin Brockovich. Through the years, Soderbergh has enjoyed mainstream success with films like Logan Lucky and his Ocean’s 11 trilogy. Yet, one forgets that Soderbergh was a founding father of the independent film movement nearly 30 years ago with the release of Sex, Lies and Videotape.

Opening tomorrow, Unsane returns Soderbergh to his “auteur” filmmaking roots. Shot with iPhone technology, Unsane presents creative use of shot composition with natural lighting, presenting hyper-reality of the everyday world. From the opening narration to the character revealing confessions in the blue padded room, Unsane feels like an Alfred Hitchcock B-movie like Psycho and Vertigo.

Sawyer (Claire Foy) has started a new life with a good job in Pennsylvania. She departed her New England home to escape David (Joshua Leonard), a man Sawyer claims is stalking her. Her pain is deep and, one day, Sawyer seeks counseling. Upon her first consultation, Sawyer is told that she is staying overnight in the institution.

Despite her protests, Sawyer is confined to the ward with Violet (Juno Temple), a disgusting cornrow-haired patient who goads Sawyer into violent actions. Sawyer forms an alliance with Nate (Jay Pharoah), who has managed to smuggle a cell phone into the clinic. As her stay becomes prolonged, Sawyer spots her stalker, David, working as an orderly.

Combining conspiracy theories with a debate about the nature of sanity, Unsane is a film that will be talked about for many years. While the story does not hold up for the full 98 minutes, there are many nifty Easter eggs for film fans, including a cameo appearance from Jimmy Kimmel’s arch rival.

The Death of Stalin opens this weekend at the legendary Gateway Theater in Ft. Lauderdale and features broad comic performances from Steve Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor and Michael Palin. For more info., keep an eye on http://classicgateway.com/gateway.

This Saturday afternoon, March 24, film director Pablo Solarz will be visiting The Living Room Theater at the FAU Boca Raton campus. He will introduce his film, The Last Suit, about an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor who goes on one last adventure to resolve his past. Keep an eye on www.fau.livingroomtheaters.com for movie times and more info.

Deerfield Beach

March 6: It was reported that a men’s Trek Bicycle valued at $800 and a women’s Trek bicycle valued at $800, a bike lock and a pocket knife were stolen from 34 SE 8 Terr.

March 6: A vehicle parked at 1098 S. Military Tr. was burglarized through a rear window and a Mac Book with a black bag was stolen.

March 6: A package was stolen from the front door of a home at 1937 NE 4 St.

March 6: A man reported that someone broke into his storage locker and stole three ocean fishing rods and reels, and a tackle box. The incident was reported at 1014 Ashby C.

March 6: It was reported that a truck tool box was entered and a circular saw, cordless drill and ratchet set were stolen. The incident was reported at 289 SE 8 Ave.

Lighthouse Point

March 10: Police received notification of a stolen tag on a vehicle and waited at 3600 N. Federal Hwy. for a subject to return the vehicle. It was determined that the tag was stolen and replaced with another one. Police told the individual they should report the stolen tag.

(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.)

Pizza Fundraiser for Stoneman Douglas

Thursday, March 22, noon

Horizon Club in the Breezeway

1208 S. Military Tr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Fratelli’s Pizza, drinks and ice cream! For Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund. All you can eat. Must pay cash. Proceeds go to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of this tragedy. To make reservations, call Lynne at 954-481-2304.

LHP Library Semi-Annual Book Sale

March 22 through March 24

Dixon Ahl Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

(Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon and1 to 4 p.m). Gently used books, DVDs, music CDs, records and audiobooks available for purchase. Prices range from 50 cents for paperback books to $2 for hardcover books. Coffee table and collector books are specially priced. DVDs and CDs are $1 to $9. On Saturday, March 24, they will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. to prepare for the Bag Sale, where, from 1 to 4 p.m., $1 will get you as many books as you can fit in a plastic bag (provided). No book donations are currently being accepted. All proceeds benefit the library.

March for Our Lives

Saturday, March 24, 10:30 a.m.

Boca Raton City Hall

201 W. Palmetto Park Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

WeUnite.US Inc, a Florida nonprofit organization, will help to host this local march in conjunction with more than 800 marches taking place around the globe to stand up against gun violence. March with them from Boca Raton City Hall to Mizner Park Amphitheater. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event. To register, visit act.everytown.org/event/march-our-lives-events_attend/9615.

Renaissance Festival

March 24 & 25, 10 a.m. to sunset

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Last weekend! Travel back in time to the 16th Century at the 26th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival. Over 100 Artisans selling their wares. Over 100 performers to entertain. Kids’ Kingdom, entertainment, food and drink fit for a king! Fun family event for all ages. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ren-fest.com.

8th Annual DBICA picnic

Sunday, March 25, noon to 3 p.m.

19th Avenue Park (SE 19 Avenue & 4 Street)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out and meet your neighbors! Bring your favorite salad or side dish to share. Burgers, hot dogs, soda and water provided. Don’t forget to bring your folding chairs and picnic blankets. Park is just four blocks south of Hillsboro Boulevard, one block west of A1A

Meet Up & Clean Up

Sunday, March 25, 11 a.m

International Fishing Pier

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Monthly event to get people together and remove litter on the beach. They will have water and possibly other refreshments, gloves and bags. After cleaning up, the group can hang out together at local venues. DBI shirts given to volunteers. For more information, see the DBI-Deerfield Beach Island Facebook page.

Save the Date: Photos with Easter Bunny

Saturday, March 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Arts & crafts, activities, music & more. For more information, call 954-943-4683.

Highwaymen Events

Thursday, March 22 to Sunday, March 25

Includes historical talk, opening night dinner & reception, art show & sale. For more information, visit www.samplemcdougald.org/events-exhibits-3.

Deerfield Beach

• Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, March 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Pre-event starts at 6:30 p.m. Ages 7 – 12 at 8 p.m. Ages 13 – 17 at 8:15 p.m. Ages 18 & up at 8:30 p.m. Wristband required. Deerfield Residents: Free; non-residents: $2.

• Easter Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, March 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Easter Egg Run & Parade

Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m.

Deerfield Beach Athletic Complex

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-480-4494.

Lighthouse Point

• Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 1, 1 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For ages 10 and under.

Palm Sunday observances in churches around the world mark the beginning of Holy Week, the days leading up to and including Christ’s passion and death on a cross. During this time of year, thousands of believers travel to Jerusalem to trace the footsteps of Jesus during the days leading to His crucifixion. Those unable to make the journey overseas will celebrate in their churches with palm fronds, Good Friday observances, cantatas, plays and Resurrection Sunday services. This is the time of year where, despite doctrinal differences or faith traditions, Christians everywhere are unified in their recognition of the significance of this period.

I was thinking about this when I reflected upon Jesus’ influence some 2000 years after His crucifixion and resurrection. In fact, believers and unbelievers alike are being impacted by His life and teachings to this day. A quick Google search revealed that Jesus consistently ranks at the top of surveys and determinations of the world’s most influential people. A few sites put others ahead of Him, Aristotle in one case and Mohammed in another, but the teacher from Galilee is consistently in the top rankings. As a religious leader, Jesus was and is certainly influential, but evidence abounds that He has impacted other areas of society as well.

Nearly a 1/3 of the world’s population, two billion out of seven billion people, identify themselves as followers of Jesus’ teachings. The Bible, which gives details of Jesus’ life and ministry, is consistently the most read book in the world, and a bestseller as well. The teachings of Jesus have influenced our modern valuations of human life and dignity. In the 1st Century, children were abandoned or sold into slavery. Early Christians were known to rescue newborn babies who had been left in Rome’s trash dumps. Jesus’ interaction with children, women, the sick and the poor revealed His estimation of their value. The first hospitals, orphanages and feeding programs came into being through Christians’ efforts to obey His instructions.

In the arena of education, His influence is evident as well. Only the elite of the ancient world had access to education. The libraries of the monks inspired the first universities of the 12th and 13th Centuries. Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard were formed originally as Christian institutions. In America, the Puritans were the first to pass laws mandating the education of the masses, and Biblical literacy was the emphasis of children’s reading texts for 200 years. Science and Christianity seem to have a combustible relationship in the thought and discourse of many today. It can be argued, however, that the Christian view of a rational God who is the source of rational truth inspired the possibility of scientific laws. Many of the founders of modern science were influenced by Christianity, including Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur and Blaise Pascal.

Time and space would not permit me to detail the influence of Jesus and Christianity upon our concepts of liberty, justice and equality, or upon art, literature, music, words, symbols, holidays, our calendar and a host of other areas of life that we may take for granted.

Whether or not one agrees that Jesus was the most influential figure in human history, it cannot be denied that He has had a remarkable impact upon the world. His 3 ½ years of ministry and teaching have touched countless lives on every continent of the earth, and His influence is an ongoing reality throughout the world today. May the power of His life and teachings inspire you this season and for all time.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. 954-427-0302.

By Gary Curreri

With as much time as Blanche Ely basketball coach Melvin Randall spends in Lakeland, maybe he should consider getting a condo there.

The Tigers coach led his boys’ basketball team to their fifth title in seven seasons as they cruised past Jacksonville Creekside, 77-54 in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 8A state championship on Saturday night at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

Randall, who has won a state-record eight basketball championships, six at Blanche Ely and two at neighboring Deerfield Beach, said this championship is even sweeter than when the squad went undefeated in 2015.

There was adversity this time around, dealing with a number of setbacks early in the season — namely an 18-point loss to University School.

“We took a couple of beatings along the way, which is okay, but growth came in and helped us to get to where we are now,” said Randall. “We were inconsistent in the beginning of the season because they weren’t used to playing with one another and, as the season went on, they understood how to play with one another.”

Randall is 16-1 in the state final four and 8-0 in championship games.

The Tigers finished the season at 24-8. They had two starters back from last year’s team in Joshua Scott and Michael Forrest.

Scott, a junior forward, led the Tigers with 26 points and six rebounds. He was a perfect 7 of 7 from the field and 12 of 14 from the free-throw line. Forrest, a senior guard, had 21 points and helped Blanche Ely win 13 of their final 14 games of the season. Senior guard Anthony Byrd added 14 points.

“It’s been an amazing journey,” said Forrest, who struck from distance with a game-high 4 three-pointers. “We won state my sophomore year and came back to win again this year.

With all the things (Coach Randall) does for us, this the only way we can give back to him – just winning the state championship for him.”

“We play for Mr. Randall, and I do what I have to do to win,” said Scott, who also had 26 points in the team’s semifinal win.

Added Forrest: “Last year was very disappointing. I really wanted to win two in a row and get that third ring, so I think it motivated us this year.

“I thought we would go pretty far this year,” Forrest said. “The intensity was better this year. I think we really played better defense too.

Forrest said going into his senior year was both “fun, but kind of scary too.”

“I wanted to go out winning a state tournament,” Forrest said. “(This journey) has been a lot of hard work. A lot of long hours, just being in the gym with Mr. Randall and the other coaches who have helped me become who I am today.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

During the Oscar ceremony, a film that wins a Screenplay award (either Best Adaptation or Most Original) usually goes on to win the Best Picture Award. That did not happen this year as Call Me by Your Name won Best Adaptation (based on the novel by André Aciman) and Get Out won the Original Screenplay, but lost the Best Picture Award to The Shape of Water.

It feels appropriate that The Shape of Water and Get Out are two movies that will be entwined with each other, since they both represent two motion pictures that would regularly be nominated for the Rondo Hatton Award, an honor coveted by Monster Mavens like myself and Guillermo Del Toro in the past. With his recent Oscar win, writer/director Jordan Peele has joined the “Rondo Hatton Appreciation Society” for Get Out. [For more on Rondo Hatton, visit http://rondoaward.com].

A satirical terror flick with comedy overtones, Get Out can be construed as an explanation of a black man’s paranoia. It is the story of an African American named Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his white girlfriend Rose Armitrage (Allison Williams). Rose invites Chris to meet her parents in the suburbs. “Wishing that Obama could have had a third term as president,” Daddy Armitrage (Bradley Whitford) and Mommy Armitrage (Catherine Keener) greet Chris warmly.

Behind the smiles, something sinister lies beneath the surface. Mommy Armitrage is a hypnotherapist and she unlocks Chris’ repressed memory. The Armitrage suburban home seems to transform into a gothic Southern Plantation and the African American servants appear to transform into the “Stepford slaves.”

To reveal more, would be a disservice to the shock, surprise and belly laughs found in Get Out. To his director’s credit, Jordan Peele does a great job with the film’s pacing. He fills his quiet scenes with tension that resolve with either a moment of terror or humor. Like Orson Welles, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (Oscar-winning screenplay writers who lost Best Picture Awards), Jordan Peele will be a force to reckon with for future movie awards seasons.

The 35th Annual Miami Film Festival wraps up this weekend. This festival’s awards will be revealed Saturday Night at the Olympia Theater, with the Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building hosting the night party. Sunday will be the last opportunity to see April’s Daughters on the big screen. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a documentary about Professor Fred Rogers, the man who created Mister Roger’s Neighborhood on PBS. While neither film is in contention for a Rondo Hatton Award, both are a fine way to quietly wrap up a St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Deerfield Beach

Feb. 27: A Honda S2000 was stolen from a driveway at 4055 Crystal Lake Dr.

Feb. 27: A man reported that his backpack with $34 and a debit card in it was stolen from the beach while he was swimming. It was reported at 200 NE 21 Ave.

Feb. 27: A vehicle parked at 4311 Crystal Lake Dr. was entered and an airbag was stolen.

Feb. 28: A home at 250 NW 41 St. was broken into and an Apple MacBook was stolen.

March 2: A Kia Sportage was stolen from 3637 SW Natura Blvd.

Lighthouse Point

Feb. 21: Police received an alert to a stolen vehicle at 3200 NE 21 Ave. They followed the vehicle with unmarked vehicles and two subjects were arrested and the vehicle was recovered.

Feb. 22: Following an investigation for fraud, it was determined that a local subject had stolen and cashed checks, one for $1,800 at a bank at 3800 N. Federal Hwy.

Feb. 23: A loss prevention officer observed a subject select several items and conceal them in her purse before leaving the store at 3722 N. Federal Hwy. without paying for them. The subject had items in her purse from the store and a prescription pill bottle belonging to someone else. The property was valued at $65.92.

(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.)

Tipperary Pub St. Patty’s Day

Sunday, March 11, through Saturday, March 17

Tipperary Pub

1540 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join Tipperary Pub to celebrate St. Patty’s Day while feasting down on some traditional Irish grub. For more information, look on the bottom of this page for their ad or call 954-326-0800.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Friday, March 16, 5 to 10 p.m.

Old School Square Park

51 N. Swinton Ave.

Delray Beach, FL 33444

St. Patrick’s Day Fest

Saturday, March 17

Olympia Flame Diner

80 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy corned beef & cabbage dinner and more. (See ad pg. 10). Info: 954-480-8402

St. Pat’s on Intracoastal

Saturday, March 17

2 Georges at The Cove

1754 SE 3 Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Intracoastal! All day specials: Corned Beef & Cabbage and drink specials: Guiness $5, Jameson Shots $5, Green Tea Shots $4, Nuttly Irishman $5. Located on Hillsboro Blvd. & Intracoastal Waterways. For more information, call 954-421-9272.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 17, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Atlantic Avenue

Delray Beach, FL 33483

Fun Run will start at 11 a.m. Parade kicks off at noon.

St. Patrick’s Day Block Party

Saturday, March 17, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The Dubliner

435 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Traditional Irish Buffet. Live Music by U2 Tribute Band Someday Radio. Palm Beach Pipes & Drums Marching Troop, Adam David Duo – 11 a.m. Walk Rooney – Noon, Irish Cloggers & Bagpipers – 2 p.m. Spider Cherry – 3 p.m. For more information, call 561-620-2540.