By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach High School senior running back Jaylan Knighton said it came down to who wanted it more in the team’s game against the defending 3A state champion, Chaminade-Madonna.

“It was how bad do you want it?” said Knighton, a University of Oklahoma commit, who helped his team to a 13-10 victory. “They won a state championship last year and we are fittin’ to win it this year. We proved to them that we don’t care about none of that. We just are going to come out here and work.”

Knighton got things started for the Bucks with a 65-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter. Deajaun McDougle hauled in a 30-yard scoring pass just before halftime to give Deerfield a 13-3 halftime lead and they held on for the win.

Deerfield Beach coach Jevon Glenn said his team welcomes tough opponents.

“This is a measuring stick,” Glenn said. “We had a chance to win a powder puff game, but we don’t do that. We want to be better. When it is all said and done, we want to have wars like this so we may be in the same kind of war (this) Friday night in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

“It is all about repetition,” Glenn added. “When you get on a bike, you don’t think right pedal first and then left pedal…You just ride it because you have done it so many times. We have been riding like this for the last four years. We have guys who have been here for four years and they know and the new guys are feeding off the old guys, those veterans. We still have a long way to go, but I like our direction.”

Ely Coach Randall gets Hall nod

Blanche Ely boys basketball coach Melvin Randall will be inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame this fall. The ceremony will take place Oct. 23 at the Greater Broward County Convention Center.

Randall, who has won 553 games in his 25-year career, has also captured a record eight state championships.

“The announcement threw me a little bit,” Randall said. “I am excited about it. I feel very, very blessed. Getting in the Hall of Fame means a lot to me.”

Randall has won multiple state championships at different schools, which puts him in a category by himself.

Randall led Deerfield Beach to its only boys basketball state titles in 1997 and 1999. He then turned Ely into a dynasty, winning four state titles in a five-year span from 2012-2016.

“I am not going to relax and expect anything to come to me,” Randall said. “I’m always looking to get better. I still have that energy to work hard and get those kids ready for not just basketball but the next chapter in their lives.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

First premiering at the Sundance Film Festival last winter, Juliet, Naked is a new romantic comedy that opens this Labor Day weekend at select theaters. For the 50 Shades of Grey fans, Juliet,Naked will be a disappointment. There is no nudity nor acrobatic sex scenes, but for fans of Spencer Tracy/Katherine Hepburn or Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movies, then Juliet,Naked is the film for you.

Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke) is an American one-hit-wonder who penned and performed the song “Juliet.” Much like the cult worship of Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain, Tucker Crowe is the subject of worship for some British music fans, especially Duncan Thomson (Chris O’Dowd). Duncan has had a long time relationship with live-in girlfriend Annie Platt (Rose Byrne), who tolerates her boyfriend’s obsession with the faded musician.

One day, Annie receives a bootleg CD titled “Juliet, Naked” and listens to it, unimpressed by the song. After a comedic domestic dispute, Duncan listens to the song and worships it. While discussing the CD on his podcast, Duncan is met with some heavy criticism from an anonymous source. The anonymous source turns out to be Tucker Crowe.

Bit by bit, the plot moves forward to a logical climax and conclusion. The mystery and magnitude of Tucker Crowe is deconstructed, while Rose and Duncan take the time to discuss the seriousness of their relationship. Will there be a happy ending? Let’s just say that this romantic comedy supplies a satisfactory ending.

Juliet, Naked is based on the novel of the same name by Nick Hornby. This British novelist also penned High Fidelity, About a Boy and his own memoir Fever Pitch, all titles that have been converted into movies. While not major box office sensations, the movie versions of Nick Hornby’s books have grown in status with repeated television viewings. The characters and situations are real with much audience empathy. The emphasis is about everyday pains, but with subtle humor.

As either second banana or the heroine’s antagonist in romantic comedies like Bridesmaids and The Internship, top billed Rose Byrne shines as the heroine. Chris O’Dowd also shines as the super fan, who becomes the romantic rival to his own idol. Ethan Hawke was born to play enigmatic Tucker Crowe. As written, Crowe could have been a total jerk, but Hawke brings a working class charisma to the musician, who prefers to just live in his garage apartment and talk to his many kids, from his two or three wives, or girlfriends.

Being a romantic comedy, go see this movie with some friends and get some dinner afterwards. Juliet, Naked is a communal affair that is best seen on the Big Screen. Happy Labor Day!

Deerfield Beach

Aug. 14: A woman reported that someone broke the passenger side of her car window with a brick at 1110 S. Military Tr. It was later determined that a wallet was stolen.

Aug. 14: A man reported that someone broke into his home at 1310 SW 10 Terr., and stole his television and speaker.

Aug. 14: A man reported that he was attacked and punched in the face by a man he knew at 399 SW 13 Pl.

Aug. 14: A woman reported that her cell phone was stolen. She believes it might have been stolen when she was among a group of friends. The incident was reported at 500 N. Deerfield Ave.

Aug. 14: Two vehicles were broken into at 131 N. Powerline Rd. In the first vehicle, a woman reported that someone smashed out a window and stole a Dell laptop computer valued at $2,000. In the second vehicle, a man reported that someone smashed out a window and stole a bag containing 75 pocket knives.

Lighthouse Point

July 29: An alarm sounded at the residence at 5130 NE 28 Ave. Police performed an area check and both the windows and the doors appeared secure.

July 29: A male subject was observed loitering in the area at 2900 N. Federal Hwy. and then left in a Toyota. The subject was gone when police arrived.

August 9: A male subject was observed loitering in the area at 2500 NE 36 St. and then possibly left in a Mini Cooper. The subject was gone when police arrived.

(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.)

When a Baby Cries

Wednesday, Aug. 29 to Sunday, Sept. 2, 2 & 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Pompano Beach Cultural Center is proud to present When a Baby Cries by Herman LeVern Jones’ TheatreSouth. The play, written by Benita Alane Cornick, is about the redemptive power of new life, and is part of the company’s new playwright series which shines the spotlight on emerging talent. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at www.ccpompano.org. For more information, visit www.theatresouth.net.

District 4 Saturday Office Hours

Saturday, Sep. 1, 10 a.m. to noon

City Hall

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

District 4 Commissioner Todd Drosky is happy to host Saturday office hours. Commissioner 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.

Save the Date:

Grand Opening of “52 DFB Historical Moments” exhibit

Friday, Sept. 7, 5 to 8 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Live entertainment, wine & cheese. Free entrance; optional donations and purchases.

Shining Stars

Friday, Sept. 7, noon to 2 p.m.

Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa

1200 N. Ocean Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

During the event, honorees will be featured in an ongoing video, telling their own story, each will receive a trophy and a souvenir program. This year’s honoree’s are (founders award) The John Good Family, (Stewart Kester award) Tom & Lee Waldo, (business man of the year) Soma Kasam, (business woman of the year) Gloria Jacaruso and (shining lights of the community) Pat Anderson, Tim Hernandez, Anthony Caggiano, Mark Petratis, Ryan Paton, Fred and Sherry MacLean, Carol Ebert and Avis Proctor. Among the “special guests” this year will be several WWII veterans and, to honor them, the Marine Corps League Intracoastal Detachment #1058 will perform the Presentation of the Colors, lead into the Pledge of Allegiance with a special salute’ to these Heroes and then join them for lunch! Tickets are $55 per person and includes lunch. For info., contact, Connie Davis at 954-941-2940 or cdavis@pompanobeachchamber.com. Tickets and table sponsorships may be purchased in advance, online at www.pompanobeachchamber.com.

Movies on the Lawn — Matilda

Friday, Sep. 7, 8 p.m.

Great Lawn

20-98 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The City of Pompano Beach Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department invites everyone to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and come enjoy a featured presentation under the stars. Movies on the Lawn are held on the first Friday of every month at the Great Lawn located at the intersection of Atlantic Boulevard and Pompano Beach Boulevard. This is a free, family friendly event. Due to daylight savings time, the movie will begin at 8 p.m. Next month’s movie will be Oct. 5 – Space Jam. For more information, call 954-786-4111 or visit the City’s website at www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

7th Annual Brazilian Beat

Saturday, Sep. 8, 6 to 11 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day with the city of Boca Raton. This free event brings together the art of music and dance in one mesmerizing evening. Get your groove on and be a part of this dazzling official celebration of Brazilian Independence. Live music, street dancing, including costumed dancers in a Rio-style parade by the Samba La Samba School, a Capoeira circle, samba drummers a Zumba showcase and savory Brazilian cuisine, and cocktails, will make for a most memorable festival.

Kiwanis Club 8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Friday, Sept. 14, noon

Boca Dunes Golf & Country Club

1400 SW 65 Ave.

Boca Raton, FL 33428

Registration starts at noon, T-Off will be at 1 p.m. followed by an awards dinner, auction, $5000 50/50 raffle and much more. Your play in the tournament will help Kiwanis continue to give back to the community in the form of scholarships, BSO/PAL programs, books and reading rooms and more. For tournament info. and registration forms or, if you need additional information, call Henry at 954-242-6083.

Habitat for Humanity
Open Enrollment

Be a Habitat Homeowner! They will be accepting applications between Sept. 5 through the 19. Low, affordable and interest-free mortgage payments! Qualification Requirements: Must be first-time homebuyer, U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., current Broward County resident (12+ months). Must attend mandatory educational workshops, make a $2,000 cash down-payment, complete 300 sweat equity hours, demonstrate a need for affordable housing and fall within the income guidelines. To apply online, visit www.habitatbroward.org

9/11: A Day for Honoring Our Heroes

A Recognition and Remembrance Ceremony

Monday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 SW 1 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The City of Pompano Beach Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department invites you to a night of remembrance, recognition and celebration. This event will feature guest speakers, musicians and a special performance by the Ft. Lauderdale Symphonic Winds 65-piece band. Admission is free; however, space is limited. Please pick up a ticket to secure your seat. They are available on a first come, first served basis from the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, Herb Skolnick Community Center or the E. Pat Larkins Community Center. For more information call 954-786-4111 or visit the city’s website at www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Aretha Franklin, God rest her soul, sang many wonderful songs and one of my favorites is “This could be the start of something big.” It is certainly not one of her greatest hits, but the reason I am drawn to it is because it is a song for optimists, a song for those about to start a new and exciting adventure in their lives. There are many new starts in each of our lives – a new interest, year, job, home, town, friend, or love, and each one offers us an opportunity to use our talents in new ways and to learn new things about our world and the people we encounter.

Most of us have young people in our lives who, at this time of year, are starting a new and exciting adventure in their lives – a new school year. Now, I am the first to concede that the life lessons we learn are not all taught in our schools. My parents and grandparents had limited schooling, but they taught us many of the things we needed to know about life, family and relationships. Our schools, however, are our formal places of learning. It is in our schools that we are taught how to make a living, how the world works, how our human history progresses, and what we did, thought and created along the way, as well as what we need to know in order to co-exist, with civility, in the future of our multi-cultural and multi-ethnic world.

What should we expect of teachers when we turn our young people over to them and ask them to advance their education? When the course of study involves one of the many skilled trades that are vital to the effective functioning of our world, then the skills to be taught are obvious. If something needs to be built, teach them how to build it; if something needs to be installed, teach them how to install it; and, if something needs to be repaired, teach them how to repair it. Walt Whitman wrote of the nobility of this work and the dedication that is necessary to do it well: “I hear America singing / the carpenter, the mason, the boatman, the shoemaker, the wood-cutter and the ploughboy / each singing what belongs to him or her and to none other.”

When the course of study involves the natural world, or one of our many scientific disciplines, then a critical skill that needs to be taught, or enhanced, is the power of observation. Men like Aristotle, Copernicus, Ben Franklin and Alexander Fleming, used their powers of observation; they looked at the world, and into the heavens, and saw things differently than what their predecessors had seen. Were it not for them, we would still think the Earth is flat and that it is the center of the universe. We would still be reading by candlelight and helpless against infectious diseases. And, finally, when the course of study involves the liberal arts – religion, literature, language, history, philosophy, political science, sociology, fine arts and creative writing – the critical skill that needs to be taught is imagination. Without imagination, none of us are able to see how all our studies fit together in an operational whole.

That brings us to the most awesome gift we receive from education – the gift of curiosity, and curiosity is the responsibility of those who learn as well as those who teach. The skills of dedication, observation, imagination are all tied together by curiosity and make us lifetime learners. We become optimists with the ability to see and understand our world, and our place in it, as well as God’s will for us and the strength we need to follow Him. Learn something new every day, it “could be the start of something big.”

Rev. M. Tracy Smith, SSA, Rector is from the Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, 1416 SE 2 Terr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-695-0336. Wednesday: Holy Communion at 10 a.m., Sunday: Holy Communion at 10 a.m.

By Gary Curreri

All summer long, the Miami Dolphins have hosted high school and youth teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties at the team’s training camp practices.

The Pompano Beach High School football team was the latest program to take part in the team visits, along with the Miami Beach Junior Hi-Tides of the Youth Academic Sports League (YASL) football teams.

Both teams were given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University in Davie and heard about the importance of proper fuel and nutrition from Food Group Management Director of Dining Services Meghan Kelly.

The athletes also had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice and meet with current players on the field. Following practice, the athletes had lunch provided by Publix.

“This is a great opportunity for kids that normally don’t get this opportunity to be here,” said Pompano Beach High School head football coach Melvin Jones. “We’ve been very blessed by the Dolphins organization and we’re very appreciative to come out and enjoy practice.

“The kids learned a lot,” Jones added. “They learned to definitely put fuel in their bodies. To hear it from the professionals and guys that do it at the highest level, now it’s sinking in that taking care of your body is very important.”

Earlier this summer, the Miami Dolphins surprised the Tornadoes with new football equipment for its program.

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Vincent Taylor was on-hand for the surprise. They donated equipment included Dolphins branded shirts, Gatorade coolers, blocking shields, medicine balls and cleats.

The Miami Dolphins organization has made it their mission to introduce the game to the grassroots of South Florida as part of its commitment to the development of high school and youth football. The Dolphins will host 27 high school and youth teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties at the team’s training camp practices.

The team visits, initiated by Dolphins head coach Adam Gase, are a targeted effort to recognize, inspire and increase football participation through personal connections centered on the positive character building aspects of playing the game.

The Junior Dolphins program encourages youth players and coaches to teach, learn and play football in a fun and safe environment.

The Junior Dolphins program is designed to give kids access to learn the fundamentals of football using the NFL’s top resources. To grow the game, the Junior Dolphins program will work to educate coaches, parents, and youth on the health and safety of football with a strong emphasis on character development. Junior Dolphins is building the next generation of Dolphins fans.

Blanche Ely High School was also among the teams that participated in a visit to the Dolphins training facility.

Trio wins golf tournament

The team of Al DiBenedetto, Roy Wilhoite and Don Worrell won the Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association’s One Best Ball of a Threesome tournament on the Pines Course at Pompano Municipal Golf Course on Aug. 15.

Winning a tiebreaker for second place was Jim Blake, Bob Mascatello and Dennis Sejda, who shot a 56 and won by a match of cards.

Jim DeCicco won the closest to the pin contest on the third hole when he hit within 10 ft., 5 in.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

This summer marks the 45th anniversary of when my parents and I moved to South Florida. Every weekend, we did something new and went exploring from Clewiston to Dinner Key. One Saturday night, we went to the movies at the Boca Twin, which was located in the 5th Avenue Shopping Plaza in Boca Raton (A McDonalds now stands where a box office used to be). Our choices were either the Paul Newman/Robert Redford movie The Sting or the Steve McQueen/Dustin Hoffman movie Papillon. We chose The Sting, which won the Best Picture Oscar that year.

I finally got to see Papillon five years later on broadcast television. As the title character, Papillon was Steve McQueen’s film from start to finish, but Dustin Hoffman stole most of the scenes as the ratty Louis Dega. The same could be written about the new Papillon, which opens this weekend at a local cinema, which stars Charlie Hunan as the title character and Rami Malek as the scene-stealing Louis Dega.

Henri Charrière is a suave safe cracker in Paris near the Moulin Rouge underground. After being framed for a murder he did not commit, Charrière is sentenced to a penal colony in French Guyana. Unlike the four season climate in Europe, the South American heat is brutal and Charrière is frequently shirtless. Due to a butterfly (French translation = papillon) tattoo on his chest, Charrière is nicknamed “Papillon.”

Given his street smarts and natural ability, Papillon is hired by Louis Dega (Malek) as a bodyguard. A master forger, Dega absconded to prison with money hidden in an unmentionable orifice, a seemingly common practice in the French Guyana penal system. When other convicts get wind of inmates carrying cash in this manner, the inmate is frequently gutted by fellow inmates and corrupt prison guards.

Infractions of the rules are met with harsh brutality. When a prisoner is captured trying to escape, he is sentenced to a guillotine. Before chopping off his head, the executioner states the philosophy of this hellish prison: “Keeping you is no benefit. Destroying you is no loss.”

The theme of escape is a constant in prison movies. Various attempts are made by Papillon to escape, only to be met with solitary confinement. One tantalizing escape features Papillon, Dega and two inmates attempting an escape during a social event while King Kong is being played on the prison wall.

Director Michael Noer creates a thrilling ride from crudity to sophistication, from carnal lust to spiritual freedom.

Based on Charriere’s autobiographies Papillon and Banco, this is a harsh story but a redemptive one. Both versions of Papillon stand on their own and do reflect the culture in which the film is made.

Deerfield Beach

Aug. 7: A man reported that someone entered his home at 4821 NW 18 Ave. The suspect then fled.

Aug. 7: A man reported that someone stole his trailer valued at $3,000 from 731 NE 42 St. The trailer was found to have been sold to a person in Hialeah for $750 and re-registered.

Aug. 11: A man said his home at 165 SW 5 Ct. was broken into and $800 stolen.

Aug. 11: A woman reported her wallet stolen from 200 NE 21 Ave.

Lighthouse Point

July 18: The property manager said there was damage to an exterior wall at 2400 N. Federal Hwy. The cost to repair was between $500 and $700.

July 22: The victim believes he lost his ring while working on his son’s truck at 2402 NE 27 St. The loss was $1,500.

July 23: A bank card was found at 4521 NE 22 Ave. and turned over to police.

(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.)

Authors & Autographs

Saturday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free, donations accepted. Come meet authors and find a new book to read! Authors looking to participate, sign up by emailing judithofdfb@gmail.com or elilly707@aol.com.

Festival Marine Market

Saturday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Festival Flea Market

2900 W. Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

There will be plenty of nautical items for sale, including items like boats, kayaks, paddle boards, accessories, fishing gear, SCUBA gear, artwork, clothing, tools, coolers, upholstery, marine electronics and more. Fishing Derby in lake behind the mall for gift certificate prizes too! Info: https://shopfestival.com/events/marine-market.

Back to School Bash

Sunday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church “The Pink Church”

2331 NE 26 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The Annual Blessing of the Teachers and Students followed by a Back to School Bash with lunch, games, scavenger hunts, raffles and a dance party.

Rick Springfield concert

Tuesday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheatre

1806 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

With Loverboy, Greg Kihn and Tommy Tutone. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.pbamp.com. Tickets can also be purchased, with reduced fees, at the box office inside the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach. (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Community Redevelopment

Agency Meeting

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m.

City Commission Chambers

City Hall Complex

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For additional information on the agenda items for the meeting, call 954-480-4262.

DB Commission Meeting

Wednesday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m.

City Commission Chambers

City Hall Complex

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

[Note: Plastic straw issue is on the agenda. See more agenda items at www.deerfield-beach.com under Government, City Commission, Meetings & Agendas].

When a Baby Cries

Wednesday, Aug. 29 to Sunday, Sept. 2, 2 & 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Pompano Beach Cultural Center is proud to present When a Baby Cries by Herman LeVern Jones’ TheatreSouth. The play, written by Benita Alane Cornick, is about the redemptive power of new life, and is part of the company’s new playwright series which shines the spotlight on emerging talent. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at www.ccpompano.org. For more information, visit www.theatresouth.net.

Save the Date:

Grand Opening of

“52 DFB Historical Moments” exhibit

Friday, Sept. 7, 5 to 8 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Live entertainment, wine & cheese. Free entrance; optional donations and purchases.

Kiwanis Club 8th Annual Charity

Golf Tournament

Friday, Sept. 14, noon

Boca Dunes Golf & Country Club

1400 SW 65 Ave.

Boca Raton, FL 33428

Registration starts at noon, T-Off will be at 1 p.m. followed by an awards dinner, auction, $5000 50/50 raffle and much more. Your play in the tournament will help Kiwanis continue to give back to the community in the form of scholarships, BSO/PAL programs, books and reading rooms and more. For tournament info. and registration forms or, if you need additional information, call Henry at 954-242-6083.

Pompano Beach Sr. High School
Reunion — Class of 1968

Sept 28-30

Info: E-mail Cherryl.Cook1050@att.net.

Damaged goods, spoiled food and a tarnished reputation each have one thing in common. That which was once purposeful and beneficial has lost its value, and become undesirable and unusable. The rise of the #MeToo movement has revealed the spoilage in character of men who were once respected by the public. Their inability to maintain integrity has caused pain, and brought shame, to their victims of harassment and abuse. Some viewed as leaders in their fields have been diminished in the public view for the numerous accusations from women, and men, who have found the courage to come forward. Many of their friends, acquaintances, business partners and fans have distanced themselves, or turned against them. They have learned the painful truth that the dirty deeds done in the dark eventually become exposed by the light.

This past week the issue hit closer to home as a grand jury report out of Pennsylvania revealed numerous instances of abuse at the hands of clergy. How tragic and disheartening when men in positions of power and influence are accused of heinous actions. How much more reprehensible when the victims are innocent and impressionable children. When the perpetrators are from the ranks of those who should be champions of morality and ethics, the pain is indescribable and the damage incalculable.

Centuries ago King Solomon made a powerful observation that speaks to this propensity. In Ecclesiastes 10:1, he noted “Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.”

Admittedly, the actions of many of the accused amount to much more than a little folly, but they perhaps began as small indiscretions and seemingly tiny desires. The point is that they resulted in spoilage of character and loss of integrity. Anyone who gives thought and expression to every desire that appeals to them will soon come to ruin. Self-control and maintenance of integrity is necessary for all of us to enjoy healthy relationships with our fellowman.

No one wants to be involved with a person they cannot trust. Despite the erosion of morality in society, the world still needs and longs for people of integrity. In a recent Leadership Retreat in which I took part, we, the students, were reminded that integrity is the essential component looked for in leaders whether they be in the military, business or the church. Dwight Eisenhower once stated that “Without (integrity), no real success is possible no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army or in an office.” And in Proverbs 11:3, it is noted that “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”

The maintenance of our integrity begins with self-awareness. We should be honest with ourselves about ourselves. As we learned in the retreat, “A few moments of brutal honesty are worth a lifetime of self-deception.” Self-awareness should lead to self-management. What do we need to control, correct or cancel? Self-management then leads to character, competence and credibility.

It is easy to trust people who are disciplined, honest and considerate of others. The No. 1 word of the Year in 2005, according to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, was “Integrity.” The scandals of the day brought the issue to the forefront of the public discourse. It may well be near the top of the list in these days. King Solomon viewed it as precious and as valuable as the perfumer’s ointment.

The lesson of his observation is that we should maintain our character by guarding our integrity. We can’t allow flies to intermingle with it and cause it to putrefy. Don’t let it spoil!

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