By Gary Curreri

To the theme song from the movie, Rocky, former Pompano Beach High School running back Rocky Gillis appeared on stage at the Broward County Greater Convention Center and accepted his induction into the Broward County Hall of the Fame.

Gillis was one of seven sports legends inducted into the Class of 2018 including another Pompano Beach sports legend in Blanche Ely basketball coach Melvin Randall, along with Dave Hyde (Sports Media), James Reilly (Basketball), Twan Russell (Football), Claire Sua-Amundson (Softball) and Seilala Sua-Zumbado (Track and Field).

The Broward County Sports Hall of Fame 2018 Annual Sports Banquet and Induction Dinner took place at the Broward County Convention Center. More than 500 people attended the annual event to recognize athletes, coaches and pioneers of sports who are, or have been, Broward County residents. This year’s seven sports greats were nominated by Broward County residents and chosen by 14 members of the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame Committee, co-chaired by Joe Hess and Pat Lawlor.

“It was quite a great event,” Gillis said. “First of all, the other inductees that I was going in with were pretty good people and that made it exciting. They were people that I really knew and worked with over the years. It just brought up a lot of memories.”

“I actually chose the theme song from Rocky to come up and that brought back a lot of memories from high school as well because it was about that time,” said Gillis, who graduated from Pompano High in 1978. “Basically, it felt great because I felt like Rocky at the top of the steps. It was a good event. My family, friends and colleagues were all there. It was quite enjoyable.”

The Pompano Beach High School graduate is currently the Broward County Athletic Association Director. He is recognized for his dedication to his public education career where he has been a teacher, a coach and an athletic administrator at both Pompano Beach High School and Blanche Ely High School, as well as at the district level.

“It’s always been my goal to provide experiences and information to all students and athletes, and, hopefully, I’ve helped them grow as people and opened their eyes to help them be a productive member of society.”

After a standout career at Pompano Beach High, Gillis graduated from Iowa State and where he was a 4-year football letterman. Gillis is married 32 years to wife Kimberly, and they have three children, Ashley, Roderick II and Rodney.

With Blanche Ely’s boys basketball team off to a 7-3 start, the Tigers are hopeful of defending their Class 7A championship from a year ago.

One honor has already occurred as Tigers coach Melvin Randall was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. Randall won two state titles (1997, 1999) in his eight seasons at Deerfield Beach before moving on to Ely in 2002 and winning six more championships in 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2018.

“This is indeed a pivotal occasion and I am humbled as I stand before you,” Randall said. “First and foremost, I want to thank the Hall of Fame committee for judging me worthy of this honor. To my fellow class of 2018 inductees, congratulations to you. It is a privilege to stand here and share this milestone with you.”

Randall went on to thank many of the coaches he has drawn inspiration from during his career. He thanked his coaching staff, former players, fellow teachers and family. Randall has won more than 550 games in his stellar career.

Registration begins for Women in Distress tourney

Early registration for previous teams and players for the 7 thAnnual Women in Distress Golf Tournament will be from Jan. 1 through Jan. 19.

Open registration then begins on Jan. 20 for other women players and teams until a maximum of 32 teams are complete.

Once again, the Colony West Women’s Golf Group will be producing the tournament which will be on March 21, 2019. However, the tournament will be held at Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course this year because of construction at the Colony West Golf Club.

“Because the (clubhouse) building is demolished so we could not have a luncheon after golf,” said Jan Parke, tournament chair. “We will play the tournament at Pompano Beach and eat at Galuppi’s Restaurant which is at the golf course.

For more information, details or the registration form, email janparke@bellsouth.net or the registration chair, Geri Thomas at gthomas6116@gmail.com.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

As a child of the 1960s, the term “Revolution” was often described as a political movement. When “Revolution” was utilized during the 2008 political season with the same political marketing, I realized that “Revolution” was not a political movement, but an excuse to reinvent the wheel.

Last December, I wrote that my column would be going through a sense of “Evolution,” which implies a sense of growth and change. As long as I am known as “Cinema” Dave, this column will always be grounded in film. Yet, there were moments watching boring movies in 2017 (Justice League was the tipping point) that I really questioned my value of sitting in a dark room of flickering images.

Starting in 2018, I sought more meaningful entertainment diversions, something more personal to this writer. As Deerfield Beach Percy White Library prepares for another visit from the “President and his First Lady” (historical reenactors) on the last Saturday in January, I reflect upon my interview with the actor who played many presidents William Wills, leading man, entrepreneur and family man. Besides being a labor of love, “Presidents and their First Ladies” is a family affair in the performing arts that also raises funds for military veteran familes.

Thanks to Marlene Janetos and Theresa Waldron, I have renewed my visits to the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) IMAX Theatre, which also provided fine exhibits featuring hurricane preparations, Archimedes mathematics, and an appearance by Terry the Otter. The differences between local theaters and the five-story IMAX screen is dramatic.

I am thankful that the Observer has acknowledged my film columns since the summer of ‘99, during one of my most challenging years [They gave me a plaque for my almost 20 years of service as a film columnist]. I am also thankful for the loyalty that Randi Emmerman, Gregory Von Hausch and Joy Bowman have provided me throughout the years. The fact that I received a medal from “Adventurers in Charity” also is very meaningful to me, much like my multiple nominations for a Rondo Hatton Award.

With any evolution, there is an acknowledgement of the passage of time and loss. The year 2018 is the year we lost Burt Reynolds, the Hollywood movie star who found solace in his Florida roots. Like Burt Reynolds, Johnny Depp also has South Florida connections. Being movie stars, both individuals have had their share of good press and paparazzi press. As I write this column, Disney Studios have announced releasing Johnny Depp from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Unlike his image as the media monster presented by the mainstream press, the Johnny Depp I met at the Alice Cooper’s 17th Annual Christmas Pudding concert in Arizona was clear-eyed and engaging, and appeared to be enjoying himself as the guitarist for the Hollywood Vampires band. Given that Depp and I are the same age, perhaps he too is going through his own sense of evolution? Only time will tell.

Dear Readers, let us all start things off with a Happy New Year!

Deerfield Beach

Dec. 11: A man reported that he parked his F150 overnight at 351 W. Hillsboro Blvd. The next morning, he found that it had been stolen.

Dec. 11: It was reported that someone smashed the front door of Sabores Brasil Restaurant at 4831 N. Dixie Hwy. The person then stole $1,800 in cash from the register. It was estimated that $1,000 damage had been done to the door.

Dec. 11: A man reported that someone broke into his vehicle parked at 438 Durham O and stole two GPS devices, prescription medications and cash. A man then came to the scene and said he believes his son stole the items because he found the property in his son’s room.

Dec. 11: A man reported that his bicycle was stolen from 875 NE 48 St.

Dec. 11: A man reported that someone entered his backyard at 265 NE 45 St. and stole $800 worth of golf clubs and a golf bag.

Lighthouse Point

Dec. 13: A resident discovered a backpack in her backyard at 4800 NE 27 Terr. She believes it may belong to the suspect who broke into her van the night before.

Dec. 13: Police responded to a call of an alarm at 4400 NE 25 Ave. The point of entry was the garage. When police responded, they met with the owner who stated everything was okay.

Dec. 13: A resident found a tan dog running loose in the neighborhood at 2260 NE 38 St. The dog was found and returned to the owner.

(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.)

Backyard Garage Sale

Saturday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Time to clean out the clutter? Join in on this garage sale. For more info., e-mail judithofdfb@gmail.com or elilly707@aol.com. You can also attend the garage sale and maybe buy a thing or two! In the past, there have been things like jewelry, clothing, antiques, books, sewing machines, glassware, collectbles, paintings… you name it! Who knows what you will find this time! While there, take a tour of the historic home (free, donations accepted). www.deerfieldbeachhistory.org.

Ugly Sweater Contest

Sunday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m.

Tipperary Pub

1540 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Serving Prime Rib for Breakfast. For more information, call 954-421-9769.

Elegant Champagne Brunch

“Aishes Chayil: Becoming a Woman of Valor”

Sunday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Chabad of Deerfield Beach

1874 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Come and be inspired by featured speaker Rebbetzin Henya Hertzel. Proceeds benefit The Chabad of Deerfield Beach Kitchen Shower Fund. Tickets: $20 (includes admission and a raffle ticket). Sponsorships: $54 (includes admission and a raffle ticket). Tickets available online: www.chabaddeerfield.com/4201518. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Laurie Cadaner-Mendelson at 954-573-3676.

Delray Beach New Year’s Celebration

Monday, Dec. 31, 5 to 9 p.m.

Old School Square

51 N. Swinton Ave.

Delray Beach, FL 33444

There will be numerous free activities, including kid’s crafts, face painting, celebration crowns, resolution wall, vintage game room, live entertainment and DJ, outdoor family games and more! The carousel, mini-golf and ice skating will be available for $3. Food trucks will be on site. The fireworks finale will launch from the Old School Square Parking Garage at 9 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Monday, Dec. 31

2 Georges at The Cove

1754 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Go and spend the night ringing in the New Year on the water watching the boats cruise by. The specials will be seafood risotto, scallop piccata, chicken cordon bleu, prime rib dinner and red snapper. The full menu will be available as well. For reservations, call 954-421-9272.

Education Advisory Board Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 2, 7 p.m.

Hillsboro Community Center

50 Technology Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-480-6420.

Paint in “PleinAir” with Pat

Thursday, Jan. 4

Pompano Beach

Get 4 classes for $100: 1) Watercolors at Hillsboro Lighthouse, Jan. 12; 2) Acrylics at the Pavilion at Hillsboro Inlet Park, Jan. 15; 3) Pencil drawings at the Pompano Beach Branch Library, Jan. 22; 4) Acrylics at the Beach at Pavilion One, Jan. 29. Register by Jan. 4 for a bonus Artist Tote. For more information, visit www.patandersonartist.com. To register, call the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center at 954-786-4111.

Save the Date:

Boca Raton GreenMarket

Saturday, Jan. 5, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m

Boca Raton City Hall

201 W. Palmetto Park Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

In its new location, the green market continues to offer a wide range of products, rain or shine. More than just fruits & veggies, this market also has plants, bakery products, seafood, soaps & lotions, flowers, coffee & teas and much more (over 40 vendors). There is also live music. It makes for a fun outing! Follow them on Facebook at BocaRatonGreenMarket.

Art Exhibits

• Coloured

Historic Ali Cultural Arts

353 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

• As A Matter of Black – A Seat at the Table

Bailey Contemporary Arts

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

African American artists are being celebrated with two stirring exhibits in Pompano Beach. For more details about art exhibit, see pg. 5. Coloured runs through Feb. 8. For hours and more information, visit www.aliarts.org or call 954-786-7876. As A Matter of Black – A Seat at the Table runs Jan. 4 – Feb. 22. Opening Reception is Friday, Jan. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. (during Old Town Untapped). For hours and more information, visit www.baileyarts.org or call 954-284-0141.

Having Our Say

Friday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 3

Boca Sol Theatre

3333 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Primal Forces is proud to present the story of civil rights trailblazers, activists and best friends — the Delany sisters’. The critically acclaimed play is based upon the New York Times best-seller, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years. Directed by Genie Croft, the play stars Broadway veteran Avery Sommers and Carbonell winner, Karen Stephens. Previews will be Jan. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. The play will be presented on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30-$35 and are available at www.primalforces.com or call 866-811-4111.

32nd Annual Boca Fest

Saturday, Jan. 12 & Sunday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

6000 Glades Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Free admission, Juried outdoor showcase produced by Howard Alan Events, featuring original art handmade in America, with over 175 exhibitors from throughout Florida and the United States. Prices of art are set to suit all budgets. All artists are on-site for the duration of the festival. Pet friendly (leashed pets). Vast array of artistic media featured, including paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, glass, wood, handmade jewelry, collage and mixed media. For more information, visit www.artfestival.com, or e-mail info@artfestival.com or call 561-746-6615.

Garden Club of Lighthouse Point
meeting & presentation

Monday, Jan. 14, 1 to 4 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Topic: “Importance of Bees to the Ecological Balance.” Speaker will be at 2 p.m. — Guest Speaker, John Coldwell, President Broward Beekeepers Assoc., the designer & builder of Deerfield Bee Apiary. The event is free open and to public. For more information, or questions, contact Caroline Steffen at c.caroline.steffen@aol.com or visit The Garden Club of Lighthouse Point website at www.lhpgc.org.

January Business Breakfast

Thursday, Jan. 17, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Wyndham Deerfield Beach Hotel

2096 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Deerfield Chamber of Commerce is starting the new year with a new look and feel. Join them as they launch their new brand, membership levels and new ways for you to get involved, maximize your membership and promote your business. Members $25, $30 at the door; non-members: $30, $35 at the door. For more information, e-mail info@deerfieldchamber.com.

The custom of exchanging gifts during Christmas has long been a part of the season’s charm, and many retailers aggressively promote their products as the best and greatest gifts for friends and loved ones. Everything from the latest electronic devices to gift certificates, cars, jewelry and clothing are often touted as must-have items for those on your list. The reality is that in the days immediately after Christmas, many of those gifts are going to be returned in exchange for something else. What may seem like a great gift from the perspective of the giver may not be valued as such in the eyes of the receiver.

Over 2000 years ago, the world received a gift unlike any other. In the insignificant and humble confines of a manger, God unveiled the depths of His love in the person of Jesus. More than an act in time, it was a statement in eternity. Better than a solution to a problem, it was the answer to man’s condition. Much more than a mere present, it was heaven’s gift for earth’s need. In John 3:16, Jesus explained it this way, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

In this, we see the greatest love. History and literature are comprised of many supposed great love stories: Antony and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet, Sampson and Delilah, Brad and Angelina. But none of them could ever be the greatest love, for they were all conditional and temporary. The Bible represents God’s love as unconditional and eternal. What about the greatest gift? Would that be money, diamonds, status or influence? Many would readily accept such gifts, but would they bring lasting satisfaction? Jesus is God’s only Son who made the ultimate sacrifice, His life, for mankind. There’s no greater gift.

Years ago, during her talk show, Oprah Winfrey was preparing to give away brand new cars to her studio audience. Her staff carefully selected the most deserving from the thousands of letters that were submitted. The audience on that day was there by special invitation only. The greatest invitation, however, is seen in God’s offer to “whoever.” His gift is available to all. Those who were chosen to receive new cars from Oprah had to meet certain criteria. The stipulation was that they had to be without a car, or badly in need of a new one and financially unable to purchase it on their own. The greatest stipulation though, comes from God. He only requires us to believe in His Son.

Our society is hooked on the idea of exemptions. IRS exemptions, diplomatic immunity, special privileges and duty-free status are advantages that we treasure. God offers the greatest exemption in sparing those who believe in His Son from spiritual death or eternal separation from Himself. The Bible teaches that eternal punishment awaits the wicked and those who reject God’s gift. Believers are promised the greatest benefit, however. We all know the advantage of a good insurance policy, paid vacations, performance bonuses and stock options when considering employment offers. We seek to get the most benefit out of our decisions and actions in life. God promises everlasting life to those who accept His gift. Eternity will be experienced and enjoyed with Him.

Whatever gifts you have been given this Christmas, embrace them and appreciate the expressions of love from those who gave to you. Consider God’s great gift as well and embrace all that it provides. Keep in mind that our gifts to each other will only bring satisfaction for this life, and only for a time. God’s great gift, however, will affect both this life and the next. His alone is the greatest gift, revealing the greatest love, providing the greatest invitation and greatest stipulation, and offering the greatest exemption and greatest benefit. Who wouldn’t want that? Peace!

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

Artwork currently on displayBy Rachel Galvin

What is a Titan? In Greek mythology, the Titans were the ones who were here before the gods. They came first. So calling someone a “Titan” is a pretty big deal. But that is the moniker that has been bestowed on local artist Laurence Gartel. Known for his prowess in the digital art field, this Boca Raton resident is world renowned. His biggest claim to fame may be that he taught Andy Warhol how to use a Commodore Amiga computer almost four decades ago, but he has continued to use his skills since to establish himself in the art world even to this day. He has worked with the likes of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. He was the official artist for the 57th Annual Grammy’s and did art for this year’s Monaco Intl. Film Fest. He has had art exhibits around the world, including a very successful tour in Italy, featuring his new mega thick book called Hyp Pop, which features art from himself and Andy Warhol …Talk about Clash of the Titans! Now, he has opened yet another local exhibit right here in Palm Beach at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre at 415 Clematis St., in West Palm Beach. The exhibit runs through Jan. 5.

Gartel had an opening event on Nov. 16, which included some of the crème de la crème of the cultural elite as well as a mix of the bohemian set, making for a diverse and quite creative crowd. Code Rum gave out some samples and people mixed and mingled. Gartel’s family even attended and he had a chance to speak to those in attendance. He noted that he was showcasing within the exhibit, for the very first time, his very first artistic creation, featuring a young girl. Next to that piece was a long colorful collage mural with a woman featured in the middle. He revealed it was the same woman 40 + years later… he marveled at his own longevity, saying that having an artist be able to create something and then utilize the same subject over four decades later was unheard of.

Following the soiree, there was an after party at the nearby locale Voltaire (526 Clematis St. ) Below a neon sign sporting the establishment’s name, there was an almost hidden door. Guests could give a password and be let in with a wristband and free drink ticket and allowed to ascend the staircase and seemingly enter a new world. Aglow with hues of lavender and decorated with floral trees, vintage bar and comfy and classy couches, this club was quite the place. With a stage for a band on one end and lounging areas and a sushi bar on the other, it seemed like a place that did not quite fit, but no one seemed to care. It was the kind of place, and the kind of night, you did not want to leave. Part of it was the comfy ambiance and edgy vibe and part was the clientele who followed Gartel’s lead… He was he said, “Creating the ‘scene’ on this night. There is a scene in New York and in LA. There is no scene here. We have created the scene tonight.” Like a pied piper, wherever he went, people followed until he sat like royalty having plate after plate of sushi and trying to relax, but, yet, people continued to want to breathe his same air. From suited businessmen to music moguls, to underground celebs, one after another people came up to grab a picture with Gartel.

“What I’ve seen tonight, I’ve never seen in my life,” enthused on enamored fan.

There is a closing night party Jan. 4 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Voltaire.

Next, Gartel will have his works at Fotofusion, also taking place at the Palm Beach Photographic Center, from Jan. 22 to 27. He is organizing a special networking luncheon Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, e-mail gartelpr@gmail.com.

To find out more about this Digital Titan, visit https://gartelmuseum.weebly.com/commissions.html.

By Rachel Galvin

Being a part of Luigi Di Roma’s Venetian Wine Dinner on Monday, Dec. 10 was like traveling to Italy. Not only was the food and wine delicious, but the fellowship, the ambiance and the appearance of two guests from Italy made it so authentic. Banfi Family Ambassador Luciano Castiello returned to host yet another wine dinner. His wit and wisdom about wines was really a special touch, as always. His motto: “If you like the wine, drink it; if you don’t, drink it real fast and go on to one you like…” In between courses and wine pours, he regaled guests with details on the intricacies of the wines and more. Another visitor was Enrico Cerulli,a winemaker from Cerulli Spinozzi Wine, who had just gotten off a plane coming from Abruzzo to join the group. He also talked about the region and the wines, including a “surprise wine” to add to the list.

The menu included an antipasto paired with a light and refreshing Cerulli Spinozzi Peccorino, followed by a seafood salad paired with Sartori Regolo, braised short rib paired with Sartori Valpolicella and Osso Buco paired with Sartori Amarone, ending with tiramisu for dessert paired with Florio Targa Riserva Marsala. (This reporter made a few substitutions based on food preferences, including a mouth-watering trout, which was delicious!)

To find out more about upcoming wine dinner events or to make a reservation for dinner any day, call 954-531-6151 or visit www.luigidiroma.com. Luigi Di Roma is located at 718 S. Federal Hwy. in Deerfield Beach.

Effective immediately, the Dec. 18, 2018  “Precautionary Boil Water Alert” is hereby lifted. All bacterial test results showed no contamination entered our drinking water system. Therefore, be advised that your water is safe to drink and use for all household purposes.

This alert was issued to about 2800 residents who live in certain western portions of Deerfield Beach after a 12-inch pipe located behind the Shoppes at Deerfield Mall (3668 W. Hillsboro Blvd) burst. The water main break caused the pressure in the pipe to drop below 20 psi, which required a precautionary boil water alert to those consumers who are in the affected areas.
If you have any questions, please call the City of Deerfield Beach Water Dept., at 954-480-4370.

By Gary Curreri

The Deerfield Beach Bisons 13-Under team made program history as it reached the American Youth Football League Super Bowl at PAL Field in Plantation. The Bisons finished the regular season with an 8-2 mark and defeated the previously undefeated Colts, from Cooper City/Davie, 33-20 in the second round of the playoffs to advance to the title game where they fell to host Plantation, 22-6. The winning Wildcats wound up the year at 13-0.

Deerfield Beach’s D’mitre Nazaire scored the lone touchdown for the Bisons that cut the deficit to 14-6 with three minutes remaining in the third quarter before Plantation added a late score to put the title game away.

The Bisons’ victory over the Colts avenged a 24-14 setback in Week 11, while the other setback during the season for the Bisons came in week three when they lost 28-0 to Plantation. Deerfield Beach opened the playoffs with a 33-6 win over Coral Springs and then topped the Colts.

“We accomplished a lot of great things during the season,” said Deerfield Beach coach Corey Collins, whose team traveled to Atlanta for a preseason tournament and reached the Super Bowl in just the third year that Deerfield Beach has been a member of the AYFL. “It was a bitter defeat at the end, but I am proud of the boys and what we were able to do during the season.”

Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association

The Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association is in its 63rdyear and once again staged several outstanding golf outings in the past few weeks.

Sandra Gore took first place in the Low Net in Classes tournament on Dec. 4 when she shot a 71 and won tiebreaker over Nancy Rack for the A Flight Division honors. Janet Stuart cruised to the B Flight title when she carded a 67 to top runner-up Deb Ladig, who shot 73.

In the C-Flight Division, Vonnie Okeefe shot a 71 to win over Phyllis Maillet (75), while Alberta Bove shot 66 to win the D-Flight by two strokes over Ellie Depasquale.

The women played a Scramble event on Nov. 27 with Mimi Denoma, Ann Symonds and Darlene Sesto taking top honors with a 70, while Deb Brown, Phyllis Maillet, Lynn Goodman and Anita Macmichael carded a 73 to finish three strokes back in second place.

The previous week, in the Class Team Battle, capturing the top honors with a 71.75 were Janet Tomchik, Deann Baumann, Sue Bardhi, Janet Stuart (B Flight), while finishing in second were the C Flight group of Ann Symonds, Lori Tarmey, Liette Brabant, Wiltrud Messinger, Vonnie Okeefe, Lynn Goodman (72.50).

Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association held their Partners AB and CD – One Best Ball tournament on the Pines Course on Nov. 21.

Winning the Partners Classes A&B Flight with a net score of 57 was Chuck Brown and Neil Wilson. One shot back at 58 were Gary Gill and Bill Hadersbeck, while Andy Burt and Pete Strychowskyj shot 59 to finish third.

Winning the Partners Classes C&D Flight were Don Worrell and Gene Stoller with a 60. Jerry Goodman and Tim O’Brien shot a 63 and won the tiebreaker on the back nine with a 31, while Jim Blake and Willie Smith also shot a 63 and had a 32 on the back nine.

Terry Denoma hit his shot on the Par-3, 15th hole 6 ft., 4 in. from the cup to take closest to the pin honors in the field of 38 players.

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association also held an Individual Play on Nov. 28 on the Pines Course. It featured Low Gross and Low Net in Classes and Bob VanZandt carded an 82 to take Low Gross honors in the A Class. For Low Net honors in the A Class Division, Jacques Patry shot a 69 to take the top honors, while George Disch shot a 70 to finish second.

In the Class B Division, Jim Muschany carded an 89 to win Low Gross honors, while Jim DeCicco shot a 69 to take first place, while Bob Schurr carded a 70 to finish second. Bart Valerio shot 93 to win the Class C Low Gross title, while Don Worrell shot 75 to win Low Net in the division and Dennis Rooy shot 76 and won in a tiebreaker to finish third.

Scott Feinman won the Class D Division Low Gross title with a 94. Brian Nixon (68) and Paul Murphy (70) were first and second respectively in the Low Net standings.

Al DiBenedetto bested the 43-player field by winning the Closest to the Pin contest on the 15th hole.

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association followed that tournament up with a Two Best Ball of Foursome event on Dec. 5.

The team of Al DiBenedetto, Dave Dowling, Dennis Sejda and Carlo Spirito shot a Low Net score of 117 to take first place. Finishing in second was the team of Chuck Brown, Jim Muschany, Tim O’Brien and Bert Welage shot a 119 and won the tiebreaker with a score of 34. Andy Burt, Jim Dunn, Bob Mascatello and Bob VanZandt shot a 119 and won the tiebreaker with a score of 37 to finish third, while the team of Bill Delaney, Charles MacMichael, Bill O’Brien and Willie Smith shot a 120 and won the tiebreaker with a score of 58 to finish fourth.

Al DiBenedetto won the Closest to the pin contest on the 17th hole when his shot came to rest 14 ft. 3 in. from the pin. There were 50 players in the field.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

It was 20 years ago this Christmas Eve that I lost my Uncle Billy. Besides my Mom and Dad, I spent more Christmases with Uncle Billy than any other family member, so I am very sensitive to people suffering from loss when it seems as if everybody is singing about happiness and joy.

As I was dealing with the raw grief of the situation, the movies playing on the big screen included Mighty Joe Young, You’ve Got Mail, Stepmom and Jack Frost. I wanted to avoid the tear jerker Stepmom (the previews revealed Susan Sarandon as a dying mother and Julia Roberts as her future replacement), so I went to see Mighty Joe Young and You’ve Got Mail.

The most shocking film was Jack Frost, a comedy in which Michael Keaton portrayed a musician who dies in a car accident and returns to earth as a snowman. Like No Country for Old Men being released during the Christmas week, I feel an obligation as a columnist to alert my readers about watching a potential melancholic mind trap of a movie on a happy holiday.

With a heavy marketing push on television, The Mule has presented screen legend Clint Eastwood as a haggard old man driving on the U.S. Interstate Highway. Inspired by a true story, Eastwood portrays Earl Stone, a successful florist who constantly disappoints his family. With all of its film noir trappings, The Mule is a surprising revelation for the holiday season.

In 2005, Earl enjoyed the harvest of a good economy. Twelve Years later, his home is being foreclosed upon. With the exception of his grandchild Ginny (Taissa Farmiga), Earl receives no support from his ex-wife, Mary (Dianne Wiest), and he is not on speaking terms with his daughter Iris (Alison Eastwood — Clint’s real life daughter). While attending a disastrous family function, Earl is offered a simple job by a Mexican man.

The job is simple. All he has to do is drive cargo to Chicago. Upon staying at a designated motel, Earl receives a bundle of cash in the morning. The job is easy and Earl continues to do it, even when he discovers he is a courier for the Mexican Drug Cartel, headed by Laton (Andy Garcia).

Under such an austere situation, the trademark dark humor of a Clint Eastwood movie shines through. There are great scenes of Eastwood driving his truck by himself, singing road songs on the radio and getting the lyrics wrong. There are funny scenes involving Earl’s new found wealth and his propensity for being a Robin Hood. That written, The Mule does not detract from a simple message about family, career and redemption. With that sentiment, there is no other way to end this column then with these two words, “Merry Christmas!”