| July, 2018

Taylor, Dolphins surprise Tornadoes with gear

Posted on 26 July 2018 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

The Miami Dolphins recently surprised the Pompano Beach High School football team with new equipment for its program. Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Vincent Taylor was on-hand for the surprise. They donated equipment, including Dolphins branded shirts, Gatorade coolers, blocking shields, medicine balls and cleats.

It was an honor to give the kids equipment they didn’t have, even if it was a pair of cleats,” Taylor said. “I remember being in their same shoes and getting a pair of cleats from somebody just made me want to play harder.”

The team also had the opportunity to hear from Dolphins alum and Youth Programs Ambassador Twan Russell about perseverance and the importance of teamwork.

It was a great message,” Taylor said of Russell’s speech to the team. “He said some important stuff and one of the things that caught my attention like attitude … things may not always be right, so you have to have a positive attitude.”

It was amazing to have the Miami Dolphins organization come out and donate and talk to the team,” Pompano Beach High School Head Football Coach Melvin Jones said. “It scratches things off our list that we need to get so we can fundraise for some other things to look good. We’re thankful and truly blessed and everything is going to go a long way.”

This is the second Junior Dolphins Equipment Donation this year. The Dolphins also made a similar donation to Miramar High School in May.

The Junior Dolphins program encourages youth players and coaches to learn, teach and play football in a fun and safe environment. The program is designed to give kids access to learn the fundamentals of football using the NFL’s top resources. To grow the game, the program will work to educate coaches, parents and youth on the health and safety of football with a strong emphasis on character development.

Simply soccer camps wrapping up

Area residents are encouraged to attend the Simply Soccer camp, which has two weeks remaining in its 30th year of soccer camps for children 5-15 in nearby Coral Springs.

There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; extended hours camp is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a Tiny Tot program for kids ages 5 and 6 is from 9 a.m. to noon. Full day campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. You do not have to be a city resident to attend. The remaining dates are July 30-Aug. 3, Aug. 6-10. You can register daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Dr,. Coral Springs. For information on the camp call 954-345-2200.

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FLICKS: Plan for the Popcorn Frights Film Festival

Posted on 26 July 2018 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

After Mission: Impossible — Fallout opens this weekend, the big Hollywood studios will cut back on their big budgeted releases until the fall season. Throughout the month of August, lower budgeted movies will be released. Released 40 years ago, the relatively low budget National Lampoon’s Animal House provided a strong return of investment, when the big budgeted/all star multi-marketed Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band nearly bankrupted the same studio, Universal Pictures. Thus due to budgetary considerations, August movie releases tend towards either comedy or horror.

Last weekend, the San Diego Comic Con laid out the blue print for the next year of movie releases. With Marvel Comics not attending, DC Comics absorbed the spotlight with Wonder Woman 1984, Shazam and Aquaman trailers. Due to be released Memorial Day weekend 2019, the Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters trailer inspired shock and awe, while Jamie Lee Curtis’ return to the Halloween franchise inspired nostalgia for Monster Kids.

It is the Monster Kids who will take over the Savor Cinema in Ft. Lauderdale for seven days beginning Friday, Aug. 10. The Popcorn Frights Film Festival concludes a four month season that paid tribute to the fun of going to the movies again. Founded and directed by partners Igor Shteyrenberg and Marc Ferman, Popcorn Frights kicked things off with a successful screening of The Return of the Living Dead featuring Scream Queen Linnea Quigley, who happens to live locally. (Pictured with Popcorn Frights founders, pg. 1).

Quigley had so much fun, that she attended the next screening Popcorn Frights presentation with a screening of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Being a vegan, Quigley did partake in a meatless BBQ sandwich, though regular BBQ sandwiches were available for carnivores. Ticket buyers drove from South Miami and Orlando to attend this grindhouse classic and eat authentic BBQ and ticket purchases have remained consistently big. A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 The Dream Master solidified the success of Popcorn Frights in July.

The Popcorn Frights Film Festival is committed to screening 28 films in seven days. The film titles seem to cross-reference 1970s Roger Corman exploitation flicks with direct-to-VHS titles found on the bargain rack at a Blockbuster video store.

From the United States comes movies like Boogeyman Pop, Wolfman’s Got Nards and Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich.Asia, Europe, Latin America and the former Soviet Union will also be represented. Those titles read much more serious: Cold Skin, Cursed Seat, One Cut of the Dead and Satan’s Slaves.

Popcorn Frights will also pay tribute to Chuck Russell, who directed A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and The Blob, before moving on to bigger budgeted fare like Eraser (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) , The Mask (Jim Carrey) and The Scorpion King (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). A good festival finds a balance the success of tradition with an eye to a creative future. [For more info, visit www.popcornfrights.com].

The Dog Days of August are fast upon us and the school year will begin shortly. However, there is plenty of air conditioning fun that can still be had at a theater near you.

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 26 July 2018 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

July 10: A man was arrested and charged with domestic battery against a woman at 1021 NW 45 St.

July 10: It was reported that a man pumped gas at a Mobil Station at 900 SW 10 St. and left without paying for the gas.

July 11: A woman reported her vehicle stolen at 770 SE 2 Ave.

July 13: A man reported his motorcycle stolen at 450 Deer Creek Jefferson Dr.

July 13: A woman reported her vehicle stolen from in front of an apartment at 1023 Oakridge D E.

July 13: It was reported that a purse containing $4,000 and bank cards was stolen from a vehicle parked at Pioneer Park at 501 NE Eller St.

Lighthouse Point

July 4: A resident found a dog at 1800 W. Sample Rd. and brought it to the Police Department. A microchip hit came back to an apartment complex in Miami, but police were unable to locate the owner. Animal Control was contacted.

July 6: Police were called out to a report of a handgun being seen on a sidewalk in front of apartments at 2400 NE 36 St. A Marksman Repeater BB gun was recovered and placed into property at the department for destruction.

July 3: A police officer found a dog at 3600 NE 31 Ave. The owner was found and the dog was turned over to him.

(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.)

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 26 July 2018 by LeslieM

Paper Mache Pots Workshop

Saturday, July 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bailey Contemporary Arts

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

This workshop will show the basics of Paper Mache. Give old magazines, junk mail and other unwanted papers a new lease on life. Transform simple materials into functional works of art. An optional workshop the following Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will teach how to hand paint your bowls or pots made the previous week. (Paper Mache needs multiple days to dry before it can be painted). The class includes all materials and no experience is necessary. Space available for 12 students. Ages 16+. $30.

Neighborhood Brunch

Sunday, July 29, 11:15 a.m.

Saint Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Meet our neighbors! All are invited. Sundays: Worship Service; Adult and Youth Bible Studies. Wednesdays: Morning Prayer. Monthly: Book Club; Inquirer’s Club; Healing Service. For more information, call 954-695-0336.

Florida Panthers Reading Tour

Monday, July 30, 2 to 5 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.,

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

A representative from the Florida Panthers will be reading to kids. Outside, there will also be a video game truck, cornhole, giant Jenga, and a prize wheel and giveaways, as well as their inflatable slapshot. For more information, visit www.floridapanthers.com/readingtour.

Palm Aire Farmer’s Market

Tuesday, July 31, Noon to 7 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

This international food Farmer’s Market will include local artisans and growers. There will be fruits & vegetables, as well as multicultural cuisines like Indian, Greek, Venezuelan and BBQ. There will also be soups, organics, street foods, local honeys & more! For more information, call 954-786-4590.

Save the Date:

District 4 Saturday Office Hours

Saturday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m. to noon

City Hall

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

District 4 Commissioner, Todd Drosky, will be available to meet with constituents on an appointment basis. To schedule an appointment please contact the City Manager’s Office at 954-480-4201.

Guided Butler House Tours

Saturday, Aug 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free tours, donations accepted. Also Aug 11 & 18.

B’nai B’rithTenants Association Fundraiser

Saturday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

B’nal B’rith Apartments

299 SW 3 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy food, beverages, goodies, face painting, bounce house, pony rides, raffle for flat screen TV, auction & more. Proceeds benefit tenants association. For more info., call 954-426-5577.

Upcoming Reunions:

Pompano Beach Sr. High School

Class of ‘68 Golden 50th Reunion Weekend

Sept. 28-30

For info., e-mail cherryl.cook1050@att.net

DBHS class of 1988 30th reunion

Oct. 12 & 13

For more info., visit www.payit2.com/fees?v=2 or e-mail dbhs1988@gmail.com.

Poster Contest — Seeking artists

The City of Deerfield Beach is looking for artists to design this year’s 39th Annual Festival of the Arts poster. This year’s theme is The Beach & Deerfield Beach Pier. The format should be 24 x 36 in. The poster art can be submitted to specialeventsDFB@gmail.com. Include name, phone number, e-mail address and type of medium used. Deadline is Aug. 17.

Boca Raton Summer Series

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Doors open one hour before each concert. Blankets and chairs are welcome. Chairs will also be available to rent for $5 (cash only). Food and beverages will be available to purchase inside the venue. No outside food or beverages are allowed. All shows are rain or shine. Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, car pool and use free parking at City Hall and the Boca Raton Library. Events are free and open to the public.

Dreams: Crystal Visions — Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Friday, July 27, 8 p.m.

At 7 p.m., the Shindig Band will also perform.

Purple Madness — Prince Tribute

Friday, Aug. 3, 8 p.m.

Turnstiles — Billy Joel Tribute

Friday, Aug. 10, 8 p.m.

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CLERGY CORNER: The Power of Hope

Posted on 26 July 2018 by LeslieM

An experiment was once undertaken by researchers seeking to determine the effect hope has on those undergoing hardship. They used lab rats for the project and divided them into two groups that were placed into two separate tubs of water. One group was left in the water and within an hour had all perished. The other group was taken out of the water for short periods of time and then returned. They were able to last for over 24 hours. The researchers determined that it wasn’t the periodic rest but the hope of rescue from the water that kept the second group of rats swimming longer.

The same power that hope holds for unthinking rodents is found to be present in the lives of cognitive humanity. If there is one faint flicker of hope in the greatest of challenges, we will fight to survive and more than likely emerge victorious. Someone once declared that “hope is the poor man’s bread.” It is what keeps us living and longing for a better day. Life and experience have proven the veracity of the maxim that “where there is a will there is a way,” and there are many persons whose lives are a testament to the invincible power of hope.

Famed Austrian psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl had studied the theories of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler. He followed in their footsteps, examining life and human behavior. His experience in Hitler’s concentration camps led him to postulate his own ideas about the basic drive in human beings. Having lived through and survived the terror of the camps, he rejected Freud’s pleasure principle. Victims faced an abundance of pain and suffering in the camps but never any pleasure. He similarly rejected Adler’s idea that power was man’s basic need. In the camps, they were victims of the cruelest behavior, and the idea of power was inconceivable.

Frankl surmised that what had enabled people to survive the concentration camps was hope. They believed that life had meaning, and that one day their difficulties would end allowing them to live purposeful lives. We can lose many things in life and still find a way to live and the strength to go on, but, if robbed of hope, we lose the very will to exist. Death inevitably steals our loved ones, but we persevere. Money and material things are fleeting, and we learn to hold them loosely. Illness diminishes our health as we grow older, but we manage to survive nonetheless. To live without hope though, is to live in an unending nightmare unable to awaken to a more calming reality.

Psalm 27:13 (KJV) records King David’s conclusion about his life and experience with God. “I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” It is a powerful proclamation made from the perspective of review and relief. David is convinced that had he not possessed hope when facing an unnamed crisis, the outcome would have been disastrous.

He offers us encouragement to similarly entrust our lives to God’s oversight and intervention. We will all face fainting circumstances, the kinds which bring fear and claw away at our confidence and security. But powerless though we may be in the face of adversity, we have an all-powerful ally who responds to faith in those who look to Him.

Hope cannot exist in a vacuum, it does not thrive in an empty space. It is inextricably linked to the knowledge of possibility and the awareness of help. The lesson of the lab rats and the concentration camp survivors is that hope must be placed in someone or something greater than the individual and more powerful than the difficulty.

David identifies whom our hope and expectations should be placed upon. May we never lose our hope, for God is always available.

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

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Boil Water Notice–certain residents of Hillsboro Mile –today

Posted on 23 July 2018 by JLusk

(From city website):

Residents of 900 to 1015 Hillsboro Mile Only

Boil Water Notice

Water Outage – July 23, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Residents Should Boil Water for 48 Hours

In moving forward with the water main renovation project, a defective water valve has been discovered which must be replaced. Consequently, water service for residences between 900 and 1015 Hillsboro Mile must be shut off on July 23rd between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to replace this valve. This will drop water pressure below 20 psi and require a precautionary boil water notice to be in effect until at least Wednesday, July 25th.

During the boil water notice period, water will be tested for 48 hours to ensure it is safe.  During this period, any water that is to be drunk or used in food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil for at least ONE MINUTE prior to use, or use bottled water.  It is not advisable to rely on water filtration systems. Once the water has been confirmed to have continued to be safe, additional notification will be provided rescinding the boil water notice.For a more complete list of precautions in regard to boil water requirements, please visit www.chenmoore.com/hillsboro/FAQ

While the system is shut down, avoid turning on faucets to prevent air entering the system. Once service is restored, a “knocking” may be heard from air having entered the pipes. This can be eliminated by opening a faucet until the knocking subsides.

Buildings having a pump for domestic water pressure should shut down the pumps prior to and during all water service interruptionsRefer to the manufacturer’s instructions for shutting down and restarting pumps.

We apologize for this interruption, but this unanticipated incident is the result of the decision to invest in the Town’s water system to ensure reliable and effective water service to meet the community’s needs for decades into the future.

For additional information please call:

Project Representative (Chen Moore & Associates)

Phone: (954) 954-947-1765 or Email: hillsboro@chenmoore.com

The phone number will have a live attendant from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. please call the Town Police Dept – 954-427-6600

 

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Luigi Di Roma Tuscan Wine Dinner

Posted on 20 July 2018 by LeslieM

By Rachel Galvin

On July 9, Luigi Di Roma Ristorante & Lounge, located at 718 S. Federal Hwy., in Deerfield, had its very first wine dinner. Luciano Castiello, an official wine ambassador and educator for Banfi Wines, came all the way from Italy to talk about the wines. Alan Siegel, Key Account Manager for Republic National Distributing Company, also was in attendance.

As people tried course after course, each was paired with a different Banfi wine and, with wit and charm, Castiello talked a bit about the different types and about the company history. Among the courses were Zucchini Blossoms and fried calamari, paired with Maschio Rosé Prosecco. Next was the delicious charred octopus salad, atop arugula and cannellini beans [the best octopus this reporter has ever had]. It was paired with a crisp and refreshing San Angelo Pinot Grigio. It was followed by the primo piatto (first course), which was Fungi Misti Pappardelle, a combination of rich wild mushrooms with a delicious sauce served over Pappardelle pasta, paired with a Rosso di Montalcino. Then came the secondo piatto (second course, usually a meat course). Guests were served a gigantic braised lamb shank, which had been slow-cooked over roasted potatoes, carrots and fennel. [This reporter tried a delicious chicken marsala. It was a huge portion!]. The night was finished off with a flaky pear tart with the last wine, a Cum Laude.

Luigi Di Roma’s owner’s Al and Kristine Bova were actually visiting Italy and elsewhere in Europe when the event took place. Managing Partner Johnny Vicari pulled off a wonderful night. Bravo to the whole staff, including Executive Chef Josh Welch!

Luigi Di Roma has a full menu, large wine list and a full bar. They often have live entertainment. See their website for entertainment calendar. They are open Monday to Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

They plan on having another wine dinner on Dec. 10. For more information, call 954-531-6151 or visit www.luigidiroma.com.

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7th Annual Boca Burger Battle

Posted on 20 July 2018 by LeslieM

By Rachel Galvin

Sanborn Square Park was packed for this year’s Boca Burger Battle on July 14. More people than ever found their way to vendor after vendor and stuffed themselves with taste after taste of delicious burgers, as well as craft beer, wine and other spirits. The night was made complete with well-placed mood lighting strung up high on the tall palm trees by Jan Van Der Baan (also of Birthday Comp.) and the musical stylings of the Gypsy Lights. They even had cornhole to play.

This is my first time attending,” said Peter Wein (of WEI Network.) “I am amazed at how many incredible burgers we have to choose from. Unfortunately, only one is going to get an award.”

Each of the chefs was battling it out to win, judged by a long line of judges. In the end, the Best Grill Master was Funky Buddha Brewery. 2nd place was Tucker Duke’s and 3rd, Cheffrey Eats. People’s Choice for Best Battle Burger went to ROK: BRGR for the 2nd year in a row.

Burton’s Grill & Bar served up a Mediterranean stuffed burger slider, with feta and herb alouette, grilled zucchini, tzadeki and charred tomato ketchup.

October will be our one year anniversary. This is our first time here,” said Stephanie Hammer, who marveled at how they had not slowed down the entire event. “Our Boca restaurant is the first in Florida… We are from New England.”

I love it. This is our first year. We are having an amazing time,” said Ting Shen, director of training of Batch Gastropub, which is located in the Delray Marketplace.

Barrel of Monks Brewery owner Kevin Abbott said, “This event just makes sense for us. It is a Boca event and we are a Boca brewery,” saying he works with most of the restaurants in attendance. “We have been here [in Boca] for 3 ½ years. We have Belgian style ales, tours, food and beer pairings … We like to educate people that beer is just as complex as wine.”

The Voss,’ who seem to be at every event, participated here for the first time, bringing their coconut tool and fresh honey, along with their bees.

It has been pretty good. The people are really friendly…” they said.

Flair for Fudge, which also seems to always be here yearly, created a fudge just for the event — Pecan BBQ Bourbon. But they have so many other flavors, including salted black truffle and Tropical Temptaton, made with coconut, pineapple, banana, and mango in dark chocolate. [This reporter really liked the chocolate peanut butter]. They also had samples of key lime pie and others…

We ship all over the US. We customize products for corporate, gifts for holidays, realtors, financial advisors, etc.,” said Hilary Saporta, who runs the company with Bernie Diaz. You can find out more and order at www.aflairforfudge.com.

We come every year. It has gotten bigger. Every year, there are more vendors. There are a lot more breweries,” said Natalie Batmasian, who attended with her husband, Jimmy.

This event may be over, but Russell Spadaccini, who runs the event, will have no time to rest. He is already gearing up for his next soiree, the Boca Wine & Food Festival, which will take place Nov. 10. Find out all the info., at www.bocaratonwineandfoodfestival.com.

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Costume World to move

Posted on 20 July 2018 by LeslieM

Sprouts coming in

By Rachel Galvin

You may have noticed a big sign on Costume World announcing a liquidation sale. They are closing their location on 950 S. Federal Hwy. in Deerfield Beach after 27 years due to what they said was a dramatic increase in rent. But, they will be moving to a new location, a newly renovated production facility in Pompano Beach. After July 22, Costume World will be located at 2313 NW 30 Pl., in Pompano Beach. But they are opting out of the retail end of the business to a more specialized costuming experience. Sprouts Farmers Market will be taking over their Deerfield Beach location. [No word on when the actual opening of Sprouts will be yet. See more about Sprouts below].

My headquarters has been in Deerfield Beach for such a long time, and while I’m disappointed that the new landlord has doubled the rent at our current home, forcing this move, I am extremely excited about creating a dynamic new home in an expansive state-of-the-art facility that will better serve our clients,” said Costume World Founder and CEO Marilynn Wick.

Did you know that behind the retail portion of Costume World, there is a huge inventory of costumes and accessories? This is where they pull from when theaters from all over the country look to them for wardrobe. They even have seamstresses on-hand to get the costumes ready for use. They have been in the business for 40 years and they house the biggest collection of Broadway costumes in the world. This aspect of the business will be moving to the new expanded location in Pompano. There, they will be providing a VIP costume experience for locals who want to create a “dazzling impression during the social season.”

We are thrilled to centralize our costume business,” said Wick, “It is going to be an amazing experience, including 30,000 sq. ft. of hanging costumes, a costume production area, a wig production area and VIP rooms, in addition to a rehearsal hall for The Wick Theatre productions.” [The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum is located 7901 N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton].

Our inventory will always be available to customers and event planners in our community. Our new home will have an impressive showroom where customers can consult with our expert costumers by appointment. The ‘packaged’ costume industry has been essentially taken over by Amazon, so we are adapting to highlight our unique strengths, including dramatic and unusual costumes and accessories,” said Wick.

The moving sale at Costume World’s current home on Federal Highway is in full swing, offering clearance prices on costumes, headpieces and accessories, including wigs, masks and costume lingerie.

This is a great chance for local designers and event professionals to get some fabulous costume pieces at incredible prices,” continued Wick, adding that the sale will end when the doors officially close on July 22. Find out more about Costume World at www.costumeworld.com.

About Sprouts Farmers Market

You may not have heard of Sprouts Farmers Market. They are headquartered in Arizona but operate more than 200 stores in 16 states. They already operate five stores in Florida. They are adding stores in Naples, Clearwater, Oviedo, Winter Park and Wellington, in addition to this Deerfield location.

Their market specializes in fresh, natural and organic products at reasonable prices. They not only have fresh produce, but also a deli with prepared entrees and side dishes, a butcher shop and fish market, as well as vitamins and supplements, and more. Visit www.about.sprouts.com for more information.

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Marlee’s Diner to close

Posted on 20 July 2018 by LeslieM

By Rachel Galvin

After 17 years, Marlee’s Diner & Bakery (located at 699 S. Federal Hwy. in Deerfield Beach) is set to close. The last day will be July 29.

The family-owned restaurant was originally opened by Matthew Mavromatis, who named it after his daughter, in 2001. In 2008, he sold the restaurant, but the family ended up retaking the locale in 2011. His mom, Helen, does the books and dad, Steve, helps on the register and does PR. His sister Emmy Louvaris, who worked as a teacher in Broward County, took a leave of absence six years ago to help out and she has been here ever since.

Louvaris said closing is bittersweet for the family. Although her parents are looking forward to retirement, and she is looking forward to a much-needed break, she understands the hole being closed will leave in the community.

“ ‘Devastated’ is the word I keep hearing from customers,” she said. “I posted it on Facebook and have 1100 views. People are calling each other, calling us. I am keeping the Facebook up through next year because we have a lot of snowbirds who will be coming back. I have gotten e-mails from Canada.”

She said she is going to be doing a documentary with video and pictures of customers through the years, which she will post on YouTube probably.

I am looking forward to being a family and not business partners,” she said.

Emmy hopes to focus more now on her passion — art. She has her paintings displayed all around the restaurant — pastels and chalk drawings mostly.

When the restaurant started closing at 3 p.m., she started doing art shows there and she also created and sold a calendar.

The waitresses are unsure where to go. They are currently putting out resumes, but they know they will never find a job like this.

Waitress Pamela Little said, “I have 32 years of memories, very good ones. I can’t imagine it being sold. I can’t digest it. I wake up in the middle of the night, [hoping to be] waking up out of this nightmare. You don’t find a crew and place to work like this.”

Deborah Carpenter, also a waitress, said, “I have been here around 34 years. I was here when it was Sambos, then Mike’s, then George’s, then Marlee’s. I am sick to my stomach. I could be a world traveler for all the people I have met. How nice the customers have been to me. I have met so many friends.”

She added, “I am scared. I have given my life here. I get up at 3 and am here by 4 in the morning. I have never missed work, even if I was sick.”

She said, “If customers don’t come in, I call them. There is a 91-year-old — her daughter called and said where is my mom going to go now? I have customers who come in who are in their 80s and 90s and I open crackers for them. I used to have a customer outside waiting for me at 4 a.m. He thought it was his job to put all the creamers out. He overslept and apologized for being late. He had a picture of me and him on his wall.”

She added, “[My daughter] used to sleep in the office. Guys used to put money for my daughter in the pay phone. She’d check the phone every day. They would leave a dollar. [She later worked here]. She is a teacher now at Boca Hammock. Everyone knows me and they ask about her”

She continued, “All of us have been here 15-20 years. I’ve been here the longest. It is too bad we couldn’t find someone to take over.”

The diner has been sold to an undisclosed property developer.

This place means a lot to me,” said a tearful Liz Weyhknecht. “All my friends are here. They’re my family. I lost my son to Cancer. He was only 8 years old. This was one of the 1st jobs I had after that. All of these people know him through me. All grieving parents just want someone to remember. This was one of the places I healed. They know when his birthday is and I get extra special hugs that day.”

She added, “Besides being a waitress, I also do baking here. I hope to find somewhere to do that. I am putting feelers out.”

Carol Collins recalled times when she called hospitals or 911 to track down an elderly customer if they didn’t come into the restaurant for a while, saying one customer had put her name down as a contact on the board at the hospital.

Servers don’t do that,” she said. “I have been here 18 years. I have customers that had babies who are now adults. The time the restaurant sold, everyone stayed. The customers stayed here for us.”

Louvaris said that when she knows where the waitresses are going next, she will post their new job location on Facebook so customers will know. She will be staying locally for awhile doing her art and her parents will be traveling to Greece, where they also have a home, and to Colorado, where her brother Matthew lives with his family.

Find Marlee’s on Facebook or visit www.marleesdiner.com.

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