| July, 2018

HCA hosts another successful hoops camp

Posted on 19 July 2018 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

For two solid weeks, the Highlands Christian Academy basketball camp attracted 40 campers to take part in not only learning how to play the sport but also learn life lessons.

I am always grateful and excited that we are able to offer basketball camp here at HCA,” said HCA Boys basketball coach and school athletic director Jim Good, who has worked the camp personally for 21 years. “It is by far our most successful athletic camp we do in the summer.”

Reg Cook, the school’s former AD and Boys Varsity basketball coach, started the camp in 1986 with 19 campers in attendance. The first week of the camp consisted of children in the 7th-12th grades, while the second week consisted of 2nd-6th graders. Both sessions attracted approximately 40 campers each.

I am extremely thankful for our coaches who do a tremendous job leading, working stations, sharing devotions and officiating games,” Good said.

This year’s staff included several of the HCA Basketball coaches: Luke Still (Boys JV), Josh Good (Boys JH), Jeff Sullivan (Boys 6th grade), John Wilson (Former Girls Varsity who is at Charlotte Christian now) and Kayla Lassen (HCA alumnus who is attending Liberty University).

Special guests, including Andrew Smith and Tomasz Gielo, would lead some drills in the morning. Smith graduated from HCA in 2011 and helped lead the Knights to back-to-back District Championships in his junior and senior years. The former first-team All-County selection played four years in the Big South at Liberty University and just finished up his third season playing overseas, including professional stints in Latvia, Netherlands, and just recently in Germany.

Tomasz was a teammate of Smith’s while at Liberty but transferred his senior year and finished playing his college ball at Mississippi. He has been playing professionally in Spain the last two years. Tomasz is originally from Poland and is representing his country this summer by playing for the Polish National team.

It was great having these two young men give back to these kids,” Good said. “They were given a 45-minute time slot of leading some offensively minded drills they have incorporated while playing in college or overseas. The campers had a tremendous amount of respect and ‘awe’ in having them part of our camp this summer.”

The typical morning included a devotion from one of the coaches as they shared a spiritual truth for the day. They then focused the entire group on warm-up runs, dribbling, ball-handling and stretching.

Each morning, the campers performed several speed and agility drills led by the coaches in a station format. The group was then divided up to work on individual skill and development with lay-ups, cone drills, and shooting.

Each day, a specific skill was broken down for the campers to focus on and, every day, the campers competed in a different trophy competition which included: one on one, two on two, free throws, and hot shots.

Lunch was off campus at Chick-Fil-A, Wendy’s, and CiCi’s Pizza and we are extremely grateful for our relationship with these organizations and the support they have for HCA Athletics,” Good said.

The afternoon consisted of full court five on five games. Hours for the camp were 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be offered again next June.

Other camps coming up at HCA are softball, track and field, indoor soccer, golf and volleyball. For more information, visit the website at www.highlandsknights.org.

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FLICKS: Leave No Trace opens

Posted on 19 July 2018 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Despite Wimbledon and World Cup grand finales, the box office enjoyed a solid weekend on the big screen, with Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation being the recent champion. Entertaining flicks like Ant-Man and the Wasp and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom are providing pure escapism, but the serious documentary Eating Animals is expanding theaters this weekend.

Leave No Trace opens this weekend and this is a special motion picture. Adapted by Peter Rock’s novel My Abandonment, Leave No Trace will stir memories of Cheryl Strayed’s novel Wild (Starring Reese Witherspoon) and Jennifer Lawrence’s breakthrough movie Winter’s Bone, which was co-written and directed by Debra Granik, who also directed and co-wrote Leave No Trace.

Will (Ben Foster) is a war veteran who suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome who is more comfortable living in the wild. Will lives with his 13-year-old daughter Tom (Thomasin McKenzie ) and he home schools her out in the wild. After being spotted by the government, their hovel is bulldozed and the two are forced to live in civilization.

This is not downtown Ft. Lauderdale, but the Pacific Northwest. The father and daughter are given a home and socialization into society. While Will cuts down Christmas trees, the social worker is impressed with Tom’s intelligence. The situation is idyllic, but character is fate as Will suffers from the claustrophobia of having a roof over his head.

In less capable hands, Leave No Trace could have become a full tilt melodrama. Instead, Granik creates a low key experience that reflects the passage of time. We see Tom’s growth while Will is unable to get beyond his own PTSD. As Will, Foster gives his best performance in the movies thus far.

If Winter Bone is remembered for Jennifer Lawrence’s performance, the same will be said about McKenzie’s performance in Leave No Trace. There is no crying or hysterics, but there is pain and growth in her performance. It is a revelation when the daughter says to her father, “The same thing that’s wrong with you isn’t the same thing wrong with me.”

Like Eating Animals, there will be talk about award buzz for Leave No Trace. Take the time to see this one on the big screen some afternoon.

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 19 July 2018 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

July 3: A man reported that someone broke into his car parked at 514 NW 44 Terr. and stole his credit cards and driver’s license.

July 3: A man reported his car parked at 3801 Crystal Lake Dr. broken into and jewelry, a watch, a diamond ring and sunglasses stolen.

July 3: A man was arrested and charged with stealing a Fitbit watch valued at $230 from Target at 1200 S. Federal Hwy.

July 3: It was reported that a water meter valued at $1,000 was stolen from a construction site at 100 SW 1 St.

July 3: A woman reported her phone stolen from 3740 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

July 3: A woman reported a purse stolen from her car’s trunk at 1192 E. Newport Center Dr.

Lighthouse Point

June 29: The store manager at 3780 N. Federal Hwy. said a subject entered the store and selected a bag of popcorn and began eating it inside. When confronted, the subject fled the store without paying. The loss was estimated at $1.

June 29: The store manager at 2450 N. Federal Hwy. said a subject entered the store and took cigarettes from behind the counter and fled the store without paying for them. The two cartons were valued at $158.98.

June 29: A police officer observed a vehicle run a red light and conducted a traffic stop at 5200 N. Federal Hwy. The driver advised police that his driver’s license was suspended and the vehicle was towed from the location.

(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 19 July 2018 by LeslieM

Marine Advisory Board Meeting

Thursday, July 19, 6 to 7 p.m.

City Commission Chambers

City Hall

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Deerfield Beach’s Mayor and City Commission created the Marine Advisory Board and tasked its members with identifying programs, regulations, and actions to encourage a healthy and friendly marine environment for the city’s residents and visitors. The Board, made up of homeowners and business people with expertise in marine-related fields, will make recommendations to the mayor and commission.

Florida Panthers Reading Tour

Friday, July 20, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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

Hockey lovers will have fun at this event. The Florida Panthers will be going to libraries to read to students. On Friday, July 20, they will be at the Pompano Beach Library and Culture Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060. On Monday, July 30, they will be at the Deerfield Beach Percy White Library, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, visit www.floridapanthers.com/readingtour.

Pompano Pier Food Truck Round Up

Friday, July 20, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fishing Pier

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, Florida 33062

Come join the city for an evening of Food Trucks, music and fun! They encourage everyone to bring their blankets and folding chairs since seating is limited. Great entertainment, full bar. For more information, call 954-786-7824.

Summer Series —

80s Throwback Game Night

Friday, July 20, 7 to 10 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Whoa, radical! Mizner Park will be holding a free Throwback Game Night for all you lovers of the 1980s. They had one last month and now they are doing it again. Families can enjoy some rockin’ ‘80s tunes while playing games like arcade games, carnival games, Jenga, cornhole, mini golf, an Operation type game, Whack-a-Mole and more. Kids can like totally get creative with Lite Brite! This is a really fun event for the whole family. Don’t be a neo-maxi-zoom-dweebie! Motor on down to Mizner Park for some retro goodness. www.mizneramp.com

Celebrate Parks Month

Saturday, July 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free event with live entertainment, bounce houses, games and more. (If you have been utilizing your Parks & Rec Passport throughout the month, bring it complete with punches to get cool prizes). More info: www.deerfield-beach.com/parksmonth.

Pompano Tree Giveaway

Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

City of Pompano Beach Nursery

1190 NE 3 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The city will give away two trees per residence on a first-come, first-serve basis. To qualify for a free tree, you must live within the Pompano city limits and provide identification, such as a driver’s license or water bill to verify your residency. Each resident will be given a choice among many varieties, including Purple Tabebuia, Live Oak, Christmas Palm, Triangle Palm, Silver Buttonwood, Clusia Rosea, Golden Tabebuia and Phoenix Sylvestris Palm. (See more, pg. 9)

Strike Out Child Abuse

Sunday, July 22, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sawgrass Lanes

8501 N. University Dr.

Tamarac, FL 33341

Bring the whole family for the Family Bowl-A-Thon. There will be a photo booth, magician, balloon twisters, face painters and more. Register a team today. Lunch will be provided. This Pompano Beach Exchange Club event benefits various children’s charities and helps prevent child abuse. For more information or to register, visit www.one.bidpal.net/exchangeclubbowling/welcome.

8th Annual Family Night

Tuesday, July 24, 4 to 8 p.m.

Duffy’s Sports Grill

401 N. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Invite your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to Duffy’s in Deerfield Beach for an evening out. Eat, drink and have fun. Ten percent of the evening proceeds will benefit the Center for Active Aging. Meet the staff, and learn about their services and programs. Find out about volunteer opportunities. Win a door prize. For more information, call 954-480-4449.

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Tuesday, July 24, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Johnny Vincent will be playing for your entertainment at the Main Beach Parking Lot located at 149 SE 21 Ave., just south of Hillsboro Boulevard at the ocean. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. For information, call 954-480-4429.

Relay For Life Committee Rally

Tuesday, July 24, 6 to 8 p.m.

Hillsboro Community Center

50 Hillsboro Technology Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Looking for teams and survivors. Find out more about this popular upcoming event that honors those who have survived Cancer and gives back to the American Cancer Society. For more information, call 954-420-0084.

Walk on Water” Saltwater Fishing Tournament

Friday, July 20 to Saturday, July 21

The 2018 Saint Coleman’s Men’s Club “Walk on Water” Saltwater Fishing Tournament is a family-oriented event that encourages everyone to enjoy a great day on the water while helping out our local community. The event benefits the Special Olympics of broward County.

The Captains’ Meeting and Kick-off Party, will be held on Friday, July 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Saint Coleman’s Parish Hall, 1200 S. Federal Hwy., in Pompano Beach. Fishing day will be Saturday, July 21 starting at 7 a.m. and weigh-ins will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Alsdorf Boat Ramp, 2901 NE 14 St. in Pompano Beach.

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CLERGY CORNER: Sometimes, God says “no”

Posted on 19 July 2018 by LeslieM

Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) NRSV

The author of the above text, the apostle Paul, reminds us that prayers are answered, but not always the way that we want them to be answered. Sometimes, God says “yes.” Sometimes, God says “no.” Persistently Paul asked God to remove the “thorn in his flesh.” And God said, “No.”

When 2 Corinthians appeared in our lectionary a few weeks ago I felt that this is a good time for a reminder. Christians need to be reminded, now and then, that God says no on occasion.

I certainly am not the first pastor to address this and I know that I won’t be the last. It occurred to me that the greater problem is not the fact that God’s answers are unpredictable. I think the greater problem is that our response to God is predictable. When God says yes, we are predictably pleased. When God says no, we are predictably disappointed. What is rare, but not impossible, is the person who hears God’s no and responds with contentment. It is not to say that doesn’t happen, it is just to say that it is rare. For the most part, we feel entitled to a yes from God. That is the imperfect part of our human nature.

I remember hearing this story when I was younger and one could tell it in a number of different ways, but it is pretty much the same story.

A little boy asked his mom: “Mom, can we have hamburgers for supper?” His mom answered “no.” The little boy was disappointed. Then, when supper time came around, mom loaded up the car and took her family for pizza, the little boy’s favorite pizza place.

The same little boy, a few weeks later, realized that his favorite program was on TV. The little boy asked: “Mom, can we watch my favorite program on TV?” His mom answered, “no.” The little boy was disappointed. Then prime time came along and mom loaded up her car and took him to see a movie, a movie he was excited to see.

The little boy, once again, asked his mom: “Mom, can I go with my friend to the park?” His mom answered, “no.” The little boy was disappointed until his mom started loading up towels, blankets, chairs and his pale and shovel. It looked like he was going to the beach and his mom said he could bring a friend.

Then the little boy thought for a while and said, “When mom says ‘no’ to something good, she says ‘yes’ to something better.”

I thought about this simple story and reflected upon my life. I thought about all of the people in my life who bring me joy. I thought about where I live, where I serve and the joy that comes with being at Zion Lutheran in Deerfield Beach. If God would have said “yes” to every prayer I prayed, none of these blessings would have come to fruition. I am grateful that God said “no.” That is not to say I haven’t been disappointed. It is to say that disappointment is only temporary while God’s Grace is eternal and, as the Lord revealed to Paul, sufficient.

Every person should take inventory of her or his life and consider the disappointments and blessings. I think we would all be blessed to discover the many times when God said “no” to something good only to make it possible to say yes to something better.

Maybe that is why the Lord’s Prayer has the petition “Thy will be done” as opposed to “My will be done.” God seems to know better.

Thank God for all the times God said “no.” Thank God for all the times God said yes to something even better.

Pastor Gross is a pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, located at 959 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-421-3146 or visit www.zion-lutheran.org.

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THE THERAPY ROOM: Concerning suicide

Posted on 19 July 2018 by LeslieM

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates in the United States increased 30 percent between 2000 and 2016 and, according to a June 2018 CDC separate analysis, suicides have risen in almost every state.

The recent suicides of the well-know fashion designer Kate Spade, age 55, and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, age 61, bring forth the sad reality that suicide rates for middle aged people are now higher than almost any other age group in the United States … and rising.

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the most common stressors linked to middle age suicides include problems with partners, job and finances, health, family and legal issues. Other links have been made to using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, physical and chronic pain, untreated depression and other mental health problems and isolation. It is isolating to be a well-known figure where people want to know you for social opportunities and not always for social connections.

Bridget Phetasy a stand-up comedian and freelance writer explains, “If you’ve never wanted to kill yourself, it’s hard to comprehend the feeling, but it’s insidious and ever-present and, once the idea of suicide got in my head, it was like a worm that infected the network, exploiting the vulnerabilities in my operating system. When I was deep in that darkness, the thought was always with me, haunting me, waiting for just the right moment or excuse to tip me over the line from ideation to planning to action.”

There is a call to action for every state in the United States to intensify the focus on implementing suicide prevention policies and programs to save lives! Twenty-seven states note that 54 percent of those who died from suicide were not diagnosed with a mental health condition (CDC, 2015).

Dr. Jerry Reed, an executive member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, says that the alliance is working with more than 250 hospitals nationwide to ensure that someone brought into their facilities after a suicide attempt is connected to long-term mental healthcare. He advocates that churches, schools and police need to improve recognizing people at risk for suicide and help them get proper treatment and to feel less isolated.

Dr. Reed believes that limiting access to guns for people who are unwell is also a priority. He states, “People at risk for suicide must be asked if they have firearms and it might be a good idea to have someone hold onto their firearms while they are in treatment.”

Help and hope:

The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Veterans can dial 1. People are available to talk 24 hours every day. The website (www.speakingofsuicide.com) offers important resources. If you or someone you know feel suicidal, contact a doctor or a mental health professional, family, clergy or friends and dial 911 if necessary. When it comes to thinking about suicide — there is help and hope.

Dr. Julia Breur is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private clinical psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton. Further information is available at www.drjuliabreur.com.

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Free movies at Filmed in Broward event this weekend

Posted on 13 July 2018 by JLusk

Want to see some free movies? Head on down to Savor Cinema in Ft. Lauderdale this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday they will have free movies, all of which have been filmed in Broward County. Below is the schedule. Find out more about the theater at www.fliff.com.

 

FILMED IN BROWARD 2018 – DAY 1

Saturday, July 14

10:30 – 10:54    The Pink Dog
11:00 – 11:08     The Nigun
11:10 – 11:24     Side Effects
11:30 – 11:58     Death & Life
12:15 – 1:24     Evils of a Foster Child
1:30 – 1:47      Young Blood: The Mass Shooting Generation Takes Action
2:00 – 2:05     The Journey
2:10 – 2:19     The Estate
2:25 – 2:27     Lightworker
2:30 – 2:39     Magic Schmuck
2:45 – 2:52     Karmic Collisions
3:00 – 3:55     Prohibition & The South Florida Connection        
4:10 – 5:31     TINY DANCERS
5:45 – 6:05     Tu Admirador Secreto
6:10 – 7:30     Opening Party

FILMED IN BROWARD 2018 – DAY 2

Sunday, July 15
1:00 – 1:08 Legacy Begins: Chapter One
1:10 – 1:14 Rojo Corazon
1:15 – 1:19 Pluto
1:20 – 1:24 Play
1:25 – 1:30 The Runner
1:35 – 1:45 Marcus
1:50 – 2:01 Secrets
2:05 – 2:17  Ghost in the Woods
2:30 – 4:00 MARRIAGE KILLER
4:10 – 4:34 Waking Up Dead
4:45 – 4:54 Flying Solo Around the World With Julie Yang
5:00 – 6:30 Closing Party

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FLICKS: Eating Animals & Ant-Man and the Wasp

Posted on 12 July 2018 by LeslieM

By “Cinema Dave”

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

As part of the 4th of July festivities, I indulged in a Duffy’s Hot Dog and enjoyed a half pound cheeseburger (medium well) from Jacks Old Fashioned Hamburger House. My meals were delicious, but I am glad I had those meals before viewing Eating Animals. Since witnessing that documentary, I have been eating vegetarian (Not that this diet is going to last).

Narrated by Natalie Portman, Eating Animals presents how the food industry has become addicted to factory farming. Through this type of farming, we see genetically raised chicken and fish products being bred for consumption. We witness healthy and unhealthy animals being slaughtered by machines and dead on a conveyor belt before being processed and gift wrapped for purchase on grocery shelves or through online purchases.

To director Christopher Quinn’s credit, this film is a politically objective documentary. Democrats and Republicans are treated fairly, though there are some “Deep State” issues involving censorship. Most of the graphic images seen in the film are now considered illegal since this film was released. It has been nine years since the Oscar-winning documentary The Cove was released; expect similar kudos for Eating Animals during the awards season.

With the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp, movie fans will have to wait a full seven months before the next installment of the Marvel Comic Universe 21st movie, Captain Marvel, starring Brie Larson. Thus far, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War and the Ant-Man sequel have dominated box office gross for the first half of 2018. While each of one of these Marvel Comic Universe movies are interconnected, the strength of these screenplays is that they present standalone stories.

Since the events of Captain America: Civil War, Scott Lang (a.k.a. Ant Man), played by Paul Rudd, has been under house arrest, but is spending quality time with his daughter, Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson). Lang is also estranged from Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his daughter, Hope (Evangeline Lilly). Both father and daughter have created the technology that can shrink an individual into the size of an ant … or a wasp.

Of course, there are multiple bad guys with greedy motives who seem intent to destroy happiness. To reveal more of the plot could ruin the popcorn-eating Saturday Matinee fun that Ant-Man and the Wasp delivers. With the exception of some sentimental scenes involving Dr. Pym’s attempts to rescue his wife Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer) from the Quantum Realm, this film is mostly full of fun and merriment.

Suffice it to say with any Marvel Comic Universe movie, stay past the closing credits and see how this film links up with the aftermath of Avengers: Infinity War. People who had not seen Infinity War exited the Museum of Discovery IMAX theater with gasps of astonishment. The cool thing about Ant-Man and the Wasp is that ticket buyers witnessed a few clues to the Marvel Comic Universe films that will be released in 2019!

 

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 12 July 2018 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

June 26: A woman reported that a man came onto her patio at her home at 441 SE 14 St. and stole a bicycle valued at $180.

June 26: A man took several tools valued at $316 and claimed he was going to use the tools to work on a project he had been hired to do. The man did not do the work and did not return the tools. The incident was reported at 60 SW 12 Ave.

June 26: A man reported his scooter stolen from an apartment parking lot at 4351 NW 9 Ave.

June 29: A woman reported that while she was applying for a job at Dunkin Donuts at 1101 S. Powerline Rd., another woman stole her wallet.

June 29: It was reported that a man cashed a fraudulent paycheck for $1,000 at Fine Furniture at 225 S. Federal Hwy.

June 29: It was reported that an air conditioning unit valued at $2,000 was stolen from an unoccupied home at 201 NW 7 Court.

Lighthouse Point

June 15: Staff at a doctor’s office at 2502 N. Federal Hwy. observed a theft where a patient left his wallet on the counter and an individual removed $170 from it. The patient had recovered his money and did not pursue charges against the subject.

June 15: A city resident paid the building department for bathroom renovations made without a permit at 1701 NE 22 Ave. The check ,which was dropped off, was returned for insufficient funds. The amount of the check was $6887.87.

June 17: A resident found a dog running loose at 3300 NE 23 Ave. and brought it into the police department. The dog had no tag and was turned over to Broward County Animal Control.

(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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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Posted on 12 July 2018 by LeslieM

RE: Recycling

By now, many of you are aware that the city was forced to temporarily discontinue its recycling service. By a 3 to 2 vote, the City Commission on Monday night did not approve a new recycling contract proposed by Waste Management.

First, some quick history about this issue. The city’s recycling contract with Sun-Bergeron expired on Monday, July 2. The city took many actions to avoid this dilemma, such as issuing a bid which had no responses. We also reached out to other companies to no avail. The global recycling market was impacted when China closed its markets to recycled products. Their closure created a significant lack of demand for recycled products. In addition, the State of Florida Attorney General and United States Department of Justice recently allowed Waste Management to purchase Sun’s assets from our current vendor, Sun-Bergeron, which effectively re-created a Waste Management monopoly in Broward County by giving them control over a contract that they originally lost.

Under the Sun-Bergeron contract, the city was paying $51/ton to process its recycling. The city had a 5-year renewal contract option effective for July 2, 2018 before Waste Management purchased the company’s assets. Waste Management refused to sign the renewal agreement for many Broward County municipalities. Waste Management offered a new contract proposal with an increased rate of $96/ton with a potential for significant additional fees for contaminated materials. The city’s estimated contamination rate is in excess of 10 percent or greater.

The reality is that the city used to earn money from its recycling.

The city now breaks even or even could pay more. The profit associated with recyclables has greatly decreased. For example, glass now has a negative value. This is the trend for many other items as well.

Waste Management’s increased processing fee of $96/ton, coupled with the potential of a “contamination” fee and with the ongoing decline of recyclable commodities could have resulted in an estimated $400,000 increase or more to the city’s Solid Waste and Recycling Enterprise Fund budget. The majority vote was unwilling to submit to what they considered extortion by Waste Management due to their monopolistic position. The minority vote, of which I was a part, while also appalled by the terms of the contract, wanted to continue the recycling program knowing there was a four-month cancellation provision in the contract. This would allow additional time for more exploration of alternatives.

No one is in favor of putting recycling into a landfill as a permanent solution. We are vigorously researching new and better options, including only collecting certain recyclables and better educating consumers to avoid needless contamination.

In the meantime, the curbside collection of your blue recycling carts will temporarily cease on Monday, July 9. Residents may continue to recycle clean (non-contaminated) metal, cardboard and styrofoam at the City’s Central Campus located at 401 SW 4 Street just off MLK Avenue, south of Hillsboro Boulevard.

A quick tip: Please avoid recycling pizza and other to-go food cardboard containers.

I understand this issue is of great importance to you. The bottom line is that I remain committed to recycling and protecting our environment for future generations. I will continue to work tirelessly on a sensible solution. I only ask that you be patient and understanding during this momentary discontinuation.

Dist. 4 Commissioner

Todd Drosky

Deerfield Beach

RE: Speeding in neighborhood

Having moved to a nice little non-over-55 neighborhood in Crystal Lake a couple years ago, I was not very happy. There was some crime going on (which I believe has dissipated I’m happy to say, thanks to great police work), speeding cars, ugly houses, etc. Having been here a few years now, there has been a lot of very nice changes: younger families moving in, remodeling, construction, cleaning up, lots of improvements, the HOA houses were recently painted … I see people are putting in hurricane windows, fixing their driveways, etc., and the neighborhood looks so much better!

So since the speed bumps were put in on 13/Golf Vue Drive, I guess the speeders hate that, so now they’re driving down my street, 12 Drive, because there are no speed bumps. The speeders are usually coming from 45 Street from other communities and some of the speeders actually live right here, usually the younger folks.

With the younger families, it brings children playing in the streets or on the driveways, but balls roll out into the streets. Sometimes, there are dogs running around that escaped their home without a leash. Of course, there are cats, squirrels, iguanas and seniors walking. Many mailboxes have been taken out, one or two dogs killed by speeding cars or just bad drivers. I think it’s time they put speed bumps down 12 Drive as well, or tickets given out, as there are signs that state 25 mph as people are doing 40, 50 and higher.

Nancy Kelly

Deerfield Beach

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