Spring Bowling League

Thursday, Jan. 24, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Diamond Strike Lanes

2200 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Hosted by Greater Pompano Beach Chamber. Every Thursday though Apr. 18. Cost is $20, must pre-register. Free parking. For more information, call Cristina Costa Agnone at 954-941-2940 or visit www.pompanobeachchamber.com/bowling.

Swinging Fridays – Jazz on the Boulevard

Friday, Jan. 25, 7 to 10 p.m.

Ali Cultural Arts

353 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Ashanti Cultural Arts will host monthly swing dance classes followed by a jazz concert featuring various jazz artists and bands such as Jessie Jones, Nicole Yarling and George Tandy. Admission is $7. Last Friday of each month until June 28. For more information, e-mail ljones@ashanticulturalarts.org or contact@ashanticulturalarts.org

39th Annual Festival of the Arts

Saturday, Jan. 26 & Sunday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The festival includes over 125 juried artists from all over the United States along with continuous live music, a variety of food vendors, refreshments, a student art exhibit and of course, a kids’ zone. Party on pier, Saturday, 6 to 8 p.m. $10! For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Theodore & Edith Roosevelt to visit

Saturday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m.

Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The National Touring Company Presidents and Their First Ladies, dramatically speaking presents Theodore & Edith Roosevelt. Dramatic portrayals by William and Sue Wills who have been touring the U.S. for the past 23 years making presentations on 34 US Presidential Couples. For more information, call 954-357-7680.

Boca Raton Fine Art Show

Saturday, Jan. 26 & Sunday Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Downtown Boca Raton

Federal Hwy (US-1) & Palmetto Park Rd.

Professionally juried fine art and fine craft show. All art is original, personally handmade and for sale. Free admission and plenty of area parking. For more information, visit hotworks.org.

Cool Wheels Car Show

Sunday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 Powerline Rd. (Bald Eagle Shelter)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted by the Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC), this event will feature over 700 show cars, a silent auction, raffles, food trucks, as well as Broward Sheriff Office SWAT presentations. It is a great day for the entire family. Enjoy music from deejays Eugene, Rockin’ Rich and Scott the Music Man, and performances by Solid Brass. Free for spectators (except gate fee to get into park, which is usually $1.50).

Coffee & Healthy Conversations

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 9 a.m.

Broward Health North

201 E. Sample Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Stop by for a free health checkup and cup of coffee. They have free monthly checkups the last Wednesday of every month. This includes health screenings like stroke risk assessments, cholesterol checks posture evaluations and more. Bring your questions about issues like Cancer, Memory, Respiratory Issues, Sleep Problems, Stroke, Rehab, Pharmacy, Joint Health & more. Learn how to treat abdominal pain and common urinary problems with Camil Sader, MD, general surgeon, from 9 to 9:30 a.m., and Michael Tyler, MD, urologist, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. To reserve your seat, call 954-759-7400 and select option 5, or visit www.BrowardHealth.org/events.

Fashion Show Luncheon

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 11:30 a.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht Club

2701 NE 42 St,

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

NE Focal Point Auxiliary is hosting their annual Fashion Show Luncheon, “Golden Sunflowers.” Sondro at the Cove will be providing the fashions. The afternoon will include a delicious lunch, fashion show, entertainment and door prizes. There will be money hats worth $50 – $100, donated by the Auxiliary members, that will be raffled. Ticket donation is $60 each. Limited seating. Tickets are on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 954-480-4460 or e-mail rwilliams@deerfield-beach.com.

Winter Concert Series – The Mystics

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Join the City of Pompano Beach for a trip down memory lane with this Doo Wop & Harmony group from the ‘50s. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 and may be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-concert-series-the-mystics-tickets-49107922117. For more information, call 954-786-4590.

Save the Date:

Movies on the Lawn — Smallfoot

Friday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m.

The Great Lawn

20-98 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The City of Pompano Beach Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department invites you to bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and enjoy a featured presentation under the stars at the great lawn on the first Friday of every month at the Great Lawn. This is a free, family – friendly event. The movie will begin at 7 pm. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

“The Greatest Glass Show On Earth”

Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The South Florida Depression Glass Club presents its 45th Annual Sale and Show. Free gift to the first 100 paid attendees. Door prizes every half hour. Glass repair and identification on site. Newest glass book author Peter Lehman will speak and sign his book. Wow factor glass from all periods will be for sale or show by 22 nationwide vendors. Museum quality displays. Tickets are $6 and $5 with any printed ad. Early Buying Saturday 9 a.m. $10. For more information, call 561-767-5233 or email xiggy58@live.com.

Victor Wainwright & The Train perform

(2019 Grammy nominee)

Saturday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m.

The Funky Biscuit

303 SE Mizner Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

This kicks off this Blues singer’s pre-Grammy winter tour. Find out more about this artist at www.victorwainwright.com. Tickets: $20 to $45 (advance), $30 (door). For more information, call 561-395-2929 or visit www.funkybiscuit.com.

Annual Winter Tea

Saturday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.to 1 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bring your favorite teacup and join in for an afternoon of food, friendship, entertainment and tea! Guests speaker will be Christine Porter, owner of The Modern Rose. Wear a festive hat and gloves for extra flair. $10 ($5 for under 12). For more information, call 954-480-4481.

Deerfield Women’s Club Travels to Ft. Myers!

Friday & Saturday, Feb. 22 & 23

The women’s club is on the road again for an overnight stay in Ft. Myers. They will be staying one night at the Holiday Inn and two days of fun places to visit taking a 59 passenger luxurious bus with comfy seats. They will be going to the West Coast Royal Palm Dinner Theatre to see the musical Guys and Dolls. Shopping and lunch on the beach at Parrot Key. Cost is $183.50 per person all inclusive. There is limited seating still available for all trips. For more information, or if you would like to go on these trips, contact Sally Brinkworth at 954-427-2175.

The subject of peace is a recurring headline in the news of our day. Every modern president, including the current one, has tried to be the arbiter of harmony in the Middle East among antagonistic nations. And because nearly every peace accord that has ever been established has eventually been broken, peace, peacemaking and peacekeeping will always be in our news broadcasts, in the newspapers, and in our conversations. Interestingly, some of the instruments of our attempts at peace have been symbols usually associated with violence. Civil War army pistols were referred to as peacemakers and the military even named a missile ‘peacemaker.’

The role of United Nations Peacekeeping forces, as noted on their website, is to help countries torn by conflict to create the conditions for lasting peace. Comprised of civilian, police, and military personnel, peacekeepers are additionally charged with assisting in political processes, reforming judicial systems, training law enforcement and police forces, disarming and reintegrating former combatants, and supporting the return of internally displaced persons and refugees. In recent years, however, reports from around the world have implicated peacekeepers themselves with criminal behavior, abuse and oppression in strife-torn countries.

Recent public clashes between groups representing opposing racial, political and ideological views have put a spotlight on the divides that still plague American society. Some of them have had deadly consequences evidencing an increase in the propensity towards violence. One of the regrettable consequences of social media is that words and images can quickly stir up strife. This proves that harmony, if it is achieved, should never be taken for granted but must always be watchfully maintained.

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raised the issue of peacemaking, and probably shocked His audience that was accustomed to social and religious sectarian conflict. Pharisees and Sadducees didn’t get along very well. Publicans were a hated group and considered traitors for collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman government. The Law of Moses demanded an eye for an eye, blood for blood and life for a life. But Jesus offered a radical new perspective on conflict: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

This week, we observed the celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was a proponent of peace. Whether questioning the nation’s involvement in the Vietnam war and the quest for nuclear supremacy or pricking the public conscience to address injustice, there could be no doubt about what he believed. His preferred tactic for confronting the evils of racism was non-violent protest. Recognizing the greater power of words over weapons, he masterfully challenged America to consider her ways. Concerning peace, some of his powerful statements are enshrined in public memorials that inspire emerging generations to brotherhood and harmony: “Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war.” “Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace.” “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

For his efforts, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He is regarded as the champion of the civil rights movement and is celebrated as one of America’s greatest citizens. His actions also fulfilled the qualifications Jesus identified in order to be considered a son of God. In a world where there is more that we have in common than in difference, it’s time for us to unite in brotherhood and harmony and make the pursuit of peace a clear objective. Only then can we expect to be called the sons of God.

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

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

One of the fringe benefits of the awards season is the emphasis upon classic movies that have won awards or have been nominated for films in the past. Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will feature 31 days of Oscars, which presents 24 hours and seven days a week of Oscar-associated movies. Given that the Golden Idol is now 91 years old, you can witness an interesting visual history of humanity, themes and pop culture.

Released in 1945 and based on a best-selling novel by Ben Ames Williams, Leave Her to Heaven earned an Academy Award for Best Cinematography (Color), which featured shot composition and colorization inspired by the American Realism Art Movement (Check out the Edward Hopper oil canvas “Nighthawks.”) While nominated for two more technical awards, Leave Her to Heaven earned Gene Tierney a best actress nomination.

Top billed Tierney portrays Ellen, a narcissistic femme fatale who woos handsome writer Richard Harland (Cornel Wilde) after dating political lackey Russell Quinton (Vincent Price). The film is incredibly dated as Cornel Wilde and Vincent Price are seen relaxing in a rustic setting wearing neckties with starched shirts and double breasted suits.

Beneath the award-winning cinematography, Leave Her To Heaven is a dark movie. You can witness a passive aggressive abortion and the drowning of the handicapped brother of Cornel Wilde. Both sequences are hard to watch seven decades after they were filmed, for the horror of the mind’s eye is filled in by what is not seen.

It is the terror of the mind’s eye that has made A Quiet Place a critic’s darling with award nominations. Directed and co-written by John Krasinski, this film stars his wife, Emily Blunt. The movie opens 89 days after the alien apocalypse and a family quietly forages for food. The alien invaders are blind as a bat, but with sonar hearing and their diet is humans. With minimal dialogue and abundant use of American sign language, we witness a family quietly adapting to their dangerous world.

A Quiet Place works on so many levels: story strength, character development and keen visualization. Like last year’s best screenplay winner, Get Out, A Quiet Place works as a metaphor for a society that is afraid to speak out.

Both Leave Her to Heaven and A Quiet Place are as diverse movies as one can see, but both films truly represent the time periods in which they were produced. Fortunately, for Broward County residents, both DVDs of these movies can be found for free at your local library.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Deerfield Beach

Jan. 1: A man was arrested and charged with domestic battery by strangulation at 5291 NE 10 Ave. The man put his wife in a choke hold.

Jan. 1: A man was arrested and charged with domestic battery at 360 NE 19 Ave. The man struck a woman and pushed her into a bathtub.

Jan. 1: A man was robbed at a bus stop at 300 W. Hillsboro Blvd. He reported that three men stole $400 and a wallet from him.

Jan. 2: A woman reported that her Kia Spectra was stolen from the Firewater Bar at 179 NE 2 Ave.

Jan. 2: A woman reported that her Chevrolet Malibu was stolen from her home at 4030 NE 2 Ave.

Jan. 4: A vehicle parked at 900 SW 10 St. was broken into and two duffle bags with gym clothing and wallets were stolen.

Lighthouse Point

Dec. 25: Someone stole patio chairs from in front of an apartment at 3050 NE 21 Ave. The loss was $45.

Dec. 22: A resident found two pairs of sunglasses, a sunglass case, and a Honda key in front of his residence at 2500 NE 31 Ct. A neighbor said his vehicle had been broken into and burglarized and those items belonged to him.

Dec. 21: Police responded to a suspicious person wearing a hoodie and causing a disturbance at 4900 NE 24 Ave. The male was found walking nearby on a walkway.

(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.)

ArtLit 2019: A Day of Heroes

Saturday, Jan. 19, noon to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Library & Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

ArtLit is a community celebration of art and literature with a playful explosion of live chalk art, canvas art, music, virtual reality demonstrations, interactive experiences, food trucks, and fun for all ages. Free live art creation and entertainment will be offered day and night for a total of 10 hours. Everyone is invited to join in a day of artful literary entertainment.

MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration Weekend

Jan. 19 to Jan. 21, All Day

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City of Deerfield Beach along with city leaders, civic organizations and churches, as they pay homage to this great Civil Rights leader. This three daylong event features a choir competition, games and day of service kicks off with an exciting parade plus a family-friendly picnic. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

JA Uncorked

Saturday, Jan. 19, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

JA World Huizenga Center

(Lillian S. Wells Pavilion)

1130 Coconut Creek Blvd.

Coconut Creek, FL 33066

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Circle of Wise Women will host its signature culinary fundraising event, JA World Uncorked, presented by Breakthru Beverage Florida. Have a drink in the champagne lounge or craft beer garden, listen to live entertainment, sip some spirits and wines, taste some great gourmet bites, bid on the silent auction and more. 21+ only. Benefits Junior Achievement programs. Tickets: $185. For information, visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

Worth the Drive:

Delray Beach Fashion Week 2019

Wednesday, Jan. 23 to Sunday Jan. 27

Downtown Delray Beach

Along Atlantic Ave.

Delray Beach, FL 33444

This year’s theme — “Fashion Never Dies,” inspired by 007, will be woven throughout the event featuring spectacular designers, art and beauty. Many diverse fashions will take the center stage at the runway shows. There will be four different shows throughout the days, including Fashion Royale – Opening Night Evening Wear & Designer Fashion Show, For Your Eyes Only – Shop The Runway In-Store Shopping Event throughout Downtown Delray Beach, Fashion is Forever – Fashion Luncheon, Fashion Show, & Silent Auction and the License to Swim—Closing Night Swimwear Show. The events will take place throughout Downtown Delray Beach and two of the runway shows are free to the public to stand and watch. Runway seats are ticketed and may be purchased at www.DelrayFashionWeek.com. Tickets range from $25 to $50. They also have VIP tickets available for $150. Proceeds benefit the Achievement Centers for Children and Families. For more information, call 561-243-1077.

Save the Date:

39th Annual Festival of the Arts

Saturday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The festival includes continuous over 125 juried artists from all over the United States along with continuous live music, a variety of food vendors, refreshments, a student art exhibit and of course, a kids’ zone. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Boca Raton Fine Art Show

Saturday, Jan. 26 & Sunday Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Federal Hwy (US-1) & Palmetto Park Rd.

Professionally juried fine art and fine craft show. All art is original, personally handmade and for sale. Free admission and plenty of area parking. For more information, visit hotworks.org.

Fashion Show Luncheon

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 11:30

Lighthouse Point Yacht Club

2701 NE 42 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

NE Focal Point Auxiliary is hosting their annual Fashion Show Luncheon, “Golden Sunflowers.” Sondro at the Cove will be providing the fashions. The afternoon will include a delicious lunch, fashion show, entertainment and door prizes. There will be money hats worth $50 – $100, donated by the Auxiliary members, that will be raffled. Ticket donation is $60 each. Limited seating. Tickets are on sale! For more information or to purchase tickets, call 954-480-4460 or email rwilliams@deerfield-beach.com.

“The Greatest Glass Show on Earth”

Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The South Florida Depression Glass Club presents its 45th Annual Sale and Show. Free gift to the first 100 paid attendees. Door prizes every half hour. Glass repair and identification on site. Newest glass book author Peter Lehman will speak and sign his book. Wow factor glass from all periods will be for sale or show by 22 nationwide vendors. Museum quality displays. Tickets are $6 and $5 with any printed ad (see pg. 4). Early buying Saturday 9 a.m. $10. For more information, call 561-767-5233 or email xiggy58@live.com.

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25 NRSV

The college football championship is behind us. We are in the midst of NFL playoffs and in a few weeks the Super Bowl will be watched by millions. Even people who do not regularly watch football will be watching the Super Bowl.

Fanfare is a multi-billion dollar business. People spend a lot of time and money following their team. And, I must admit, I am a fan as well. There is something that does get under my skin. I know it is small and seemingly insignificant. When a fan uses the word “we” when she or he is talking about their favorite team.

Let me give you an example. I will use my favorite team as an example. I see a person wearing a Minnesota Vikings jersey on a Sunday afternoon. I ask: “Who are the Vikings playing?” She answered: “We are playing the Packers.”

Clearly, I knew what she meant and I am certain that she wouldn’t appreciate a reaction like this: “I didn’t know you played for the Vikings. I just thought you were a fan.”

I say this because there is a big difference between someone who puts on a jersey to watch a football game and someone who puts on a jersey to play the game. I can say that fanfare is painless and football is painful but fans would be inclined to say: “That interception was painful.” I can assure you, the one who threw the interception was in much more pain.

Sports can serve as a great metaphor. Jesus calls us to discipleship and discipleship is much more than fanfare. A fan stays in the comfortable stadium seats or an armchair in the living room in front of a big screen TV. The player is on the field enduring a lot of abuse. We are not called to the bleachers; we are called to the field. Discipleship is not a “spectator sport.”

Churches have a tendency of measuring their success based upon fanfare. How successful is your ministry? “I will take a head count and let you know.”

I challenged a congregation I once served: “Do you want to ride the bandwagon or build it?” Fans come and fans go. Loyalties wax and wane. Fans jump from bandwagon to bandwagon.

Discipleship is hard work. But when I consider the love that God has for his people and when I consider the price God was willing to pay for me, discipleship is the most appropriate response.

Enjoy the end of the season, the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Before you comment on the person on the field, consider his commitment and consider the pain he endures. We are called to something greater than fanfare and, here is the good news. When we endure the battle we will emerge as champions.

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.

Do you want to lose weight this year? Are you the same person who wanted to lose weight in 2018, 2017, 2016….? I am going to discuss a patient of mine we will call Miriam who discovered why she has not been able to lose weight for a number of years. This month’s Therapy Room column may help you begin a new and achievable weight loss journey.

Miriam has been primarily working with me on her hoarding disorder. This disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions and causes distress due to perception that these possessions need to be saved. We are working on Miriam’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors that relate to hoarding and, in doing this, it allowed Miriam to see a relationship with her thoughts about holding onto extra body weight. Miriam told me that her extra weight is her protection. People do not look at her and, therefore, no one can hurt her. She cried saying that, in reality, she has not truly looked at her body for a long time and that she is hurting her overall health carrying this extra weight. Such breakthrough conversations in therapy made Miriam decide that she wants to lose weight. She then asked me, “How do I do this?”

How Miriam (and anyone who wants to lose weight) can do it is by doing the following:

• Create an Action Plan

Developing such a plan is work, but even harder work will be required to act upon a new action plan. But it is worth it.

• Define Goals

Sit down and write out what you want to accomplish by having structured weight loss goals. Creating three goal types is important and they can be set up as short-term, mid-term and long-term goals. This will provide a focused and workable weight loss roadmap.

• Organize and Prioritize

I told Miriam that as she organizes and prioritizes her weight loss goals, she will be prepared and better able to manage and discuss in therapy any problems that may happen. I told her to keep in mind that “the art of planning helps uncover potential problems before they occur!”

• Create A Journal

Planning will help you to stay focused and to keep things in perspective. I told Miriam that her perspective must be on her purpose and her future. She will then see success and be rewarded for her planning.

Miriam did develop an action plan with specific goals. She continues to work during therapy sessions on her thoughts, feelings and behaviors that relate to hoarding and weight loss. She recently consulted with a licensed nutritionist for information on food choices and an eating plan, and she began exercising three times a week at a gym. Miriam also enjoys walking along the beach at sunrise and tells me this helps her “begin her day on a positive note.”

I hope that Miriam’s story inspires you and helps you to realize “change is possible!”

Dr. Julia Breur is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private clinical psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.drjuliabreur.com.

By Gary Curreri

For first-year Deerfield Beach Bisons cheerleader Dajae Nash, competing in the American Youth Football League annual cheerleading competition at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, was an enjoyable experience.

She was a member of the Junior Prep (Ages 11-Under) Small Division and one of 60 routines that performed in the large competition in front of an estimated crowd of more than 2,000 people.

“It’s fun,” said Nash, 10, who lives in Pompano and is a fourth-grader at Tedder Elementary School. “There is a lot of stuff you have to learn. The music that we have is really good. This is a really big competition, so you get nervous. I wasn’t nervous though. I just believe in God.”

“Cheerleading is hard,” Nash added. “It takes a lot of time to learn the routines and get them right. The first time you are never going to get them right. It is going to take time for the kids to learn to get them right.”

Bisons teammate Amiyah Ashley, who like Nash is a flier, wasn’t in awe of the more than 2,000 in attendance at the competition.

“I like the cheers, the songs and competing,” said Ashley, 10, of Deerfield Beach, who is a fifth-grader at Deerfield Park Elementary School. “I get nervous (sometimes). I think about what I have to do.”

Deerfield Bisons cheerleading coach Kenya McDowell brought nine girls with her for the 11-Under competition, which received a participation award in the Junior Prep category.

“This is very cool,” McDowell said. “For three of them, it is their first experience and the other ones performed here before. It’s exciting.”

The Deerfield Bisons placed second in the Youth Prep (Ages 9-Under) Medium Division and third in the Pee Wees (Ages 8-Under) Small Division.

Pompano Eagles Senior (13-Under) Division cheerleader Gianna Mercado has been competing for the past four years in the sport.

“I like that it is very active, and it is something to do,” said Mercado, 12, of Pompano, is a seventh-grader at Somerset Key Academy. “The competition is the best part. You get very nervous, but you just push through it and just do it.”

The Eagles had a slight mishap midway through the routine, but they persevered. The Eagles took second in the Senior (Ages 13-Under) Medium Division.

“You just have confidence in yourself and know that you can do it the next time,” she said. “It was amazing. It was worth it. We put a lot of effort into it.”

Mercado said she hopes to cheer in college and said the setting at the UM campus validated it.

“For sure,” she said. “I have good experience and I have the ability. I believe I can do it in college. It would be awesome.”

Michele Longerbeam, who presides over the American Youth Football League cheerleading program, said there were more than 800 participants in the competition at the University of Miami.

“We have mini competitions throughout the season to get ready for the big one and this is the Super Bowl for cheerleaders,” said Longerbeam, who noted all 13 programs in the AYFL competed and there were a total of 60 routines that were evaluated by a panel of judges.

Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association results

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association closed out the year with several competitions.

On Dec. 19, they held an individual play tournament with awards for Low Gross and Low Net in Classes. In the Class A Division, Roy Wilhoite shot an 82 to win the Low Gross honors. Tom Pawelczyk shot a 67 to win the Low Net honors, while Bill O’Brien shot a 71 to take second, after a match of cards.

Oscar Aleman carded an 85 to win the Low Gross for the Class B Division. In the Low Net Division, Jerry Goodman and Bob Schurr each shot 67s.however, Goodman won on a match of cards to win.

In the Class C Division, Jim Dunn won the Low Gross title with a 93. Jim Foster won the Low Net Division with a 74 and won on a match of cards. Robert Raser was second with a 74.

Bob Mascatello carded a 93 to win the Class D Low Gross title. In the Low Net competition, Brian Nixon recorded a 67 to take first place, while Joel Englander was two shots back in second with a 69.

Roy Wilhoite won the closest to the pin on the third hole when his tee shot stuck at 4-feet, 2-inches.

In the Scramble alternate shot on Dec. 12, the team of John Arrigo, Patrick McClain and Pete Strychowskyj shot a 65 to take first place, while Robert Blau, Frank Cutrone, and Mike Marruquin, and Roe Messner shot a 69 and won on a match of scorecards. The team of Jim Dunn, Tim O’Brien, Bob VanZandt and Neil Wilson were second.

There were two winners of the closest to the pin: (Hole No. 7): Jim Greeley and (Hole No. 15): Gary Gill. The winner of the longest putt on the 18th hole was Roy Wilhoite and Dennis Sejda was the closest to the line on the 9th hole.

Recaps its First Year of Service

MIAMI, Fla. (January 11, 2019) – Happy birthday Brightline! On January 13, Brightline is turning 1, and in honor of the big day, Brightline will be offering $10 fares on short segments for SMART service throughout the entire day. Birthday cupcakes and celebratory surprises will be offered to Brightline’s guests throughout the day. Since opening a year ago, Brightline has helped nearly 600,000 guests travel in a more convenient, efficient and productive way. By connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Brightline has enabled locals and visitors to explore more culture, dining, arts and sporting events across South Florida. Brightline’s convenient, comfortable and reliable service has also served to connect friends and family throughout the region. “We’re beyond excited to celebrate Brightline’s birthday with our teammates and guests who have been part of this special journey,” said Patrick Goddard, Brightline’s president. “Our first year of operations was trail-blazing, and the future only gets brighter from here. Thank you to our friends, family and guests for helping us to transform transportation in the United States.” In just 365 days, Brightline has:

• Carried enough passengers to fill up 9 Super Bowl stadiums

• Traveled as many miles as 195 cross-country trips between Los Angeles and Miami

• Departed more than 8,000 trains

• Hosted 1,540 loving pets

• Had 16,984 excited children on board, and this doesn’t include our trips to the North Pole onboard the Polar Express

• Distributed more than 16,000 train pins

• Shared more than 150,000 pieces of safety literature

• Reduced greenhouse emissions

• Saved countless hours of precious time by transporting guests reliably and conveniently Brightline guests have come from far and wide, including 41 states and 34 different countries (including Japan and Australia) and six continents.

Guests are invited to help celebrate Brightline’s birthday on Sunday. $10 fare tickets can be purchase at gobrightline.com.

By Gary Curreri

Photo by Gary Curreri

In the history of the FHSAA, 13 divers have won back-to-back-to-back diving titles and Lighthouse Point’s Kevin Mendez was the latest to add his name to that list.

The first was two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Pete Desjardins, who won three consecutive state diving championships in 1924, 1925 and 1926.

“Winning states again was awesome,” Mendez said. “I love it. States is the last chance for team camaraderie and I love hanging out with my coaches and teammates. It was also good to see how well everyone improved this season.”

Mendez, 15, a Pine Crest School freshman, is the youngest diver to follow in Pete Desjardins’ footsteps to win three diving state championships, winning as a 7th grader in 2016, an 8th grader in 2017 and as a freshman in 2018. Mendez tied the Pine Crest School record for three diving state championships as he equaled Mike Mayfield (1964-66); Scott Upper (1982, 1983 and 1985); Austin Fields (2013-15) and Mendez (2016-18).

“His diving title this year in Stuart at the FHSAA 1A State Championships gives the 1A State Championship diving title to the Pine Crest School for six years in a row,” said Pine Crest coach Janet Gabriel.

His best dive this season came in winning the regional competition with a score of 545 in regionals. He was second in the district and won regionals and state.

Mendez is a 13-time national champion and part of the Team USA diving national team Tier 3. Among his USA Diving wins are three on 1-meter, two on 3-meter, three on the platform, one on Synchro 3m and one on Synchro Platform.

Although he is just a freshman, he said he would like to attend the University of Miami, USC or Cornell University, among his favorites.

“I am going to try and accumulate as many state championships as I can,” Mendez said. “I have to give a big shout out to my mom. She is my rock. She’s my everything. She is up in the morning and up at night taking care of everything for me and she is at every single meet that I am at.”

Pine Crest has been known for producing top divers and Mendez is quick to point out the coaching staff, led by Gabriel.

“I also have to thank my coaches for their dedication,” he said. “She is an amazing person and even a better coach. The diving community around Pine Crest just wants to help everyone do better and wants to help everyone win. The No. 1 priority is to go out there and have fun and just do your best.”

When he is about to dive, Mendez doesn’t feel any pressure.

“I don’t feel any pressure,” Mendez said. “I just know it is me, and my dive and the board. But when I am not on the board, there is a lot of pressure. It is a lot of mental training. It is a lot of practice in and out of the pool. It is a lot of conditioning and the only way to get past the pressure is the repetition.”

“I want to go all of the way,” Mendez concluded. “I want a college scholarship, but if the Olympics comes along the way, I’ll definitely take that opportunity. I would be looking at the 2020 or 2024 (Olympic) Games. It is every person’s dream to be wearing their country’s colors around their neck or around their body, so for me to be able to that would be a dream come true. I would be so honored and so blessed.”