The 2019 Special Olympics athletes and hundreds of law enforcement officers from South Florida will lace up their running shoes to raise funds for Special Olympics at the 36th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. The 32-mile run will take place May 1st from 8 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. (See timeline below). This event is sure to affect traffic.

During the event, officers have the joy of bonding with the Special Olympic athletes and with every step they help raise awareness and support for the mission of Special Olympics Florida, which is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities.

The Special Olympians will carry the Olympic torch at the beginning and at the end of the run and will celebrate the completion of the run with a picnic at Dan Witt Park located at 4521 NE 22 Ave. in Lighthouse Point.

The Broward Law Enforcement Torch Run is part of a 1,400-mile statewide relay that culminates at the opening ceremonies of the Florida Special Olympics Summer Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. Anyone interested in making a charitable donation is asked to contact Ms. Michelle Leonardo at Special Olympics Broward at 954- 262-2150.

For additional information concerning the run, please call Broward County Torch Run Coordinator, BSO Lt. Steve Feeley, at (954) 553-6147.

TIMELINE:

8:00 A.M. A1A & County Line

8:30 A.M. A1A & Hollywood Boulevard

9:10 A.M. A1A & Dania Beach Boulevard

9:50 A.M. Federal Hwy. & north side of Eller Drive overpass

10:20 a.m. 17th Street Causeway west of Bridge

10:50 a.m. A1A & Terramar 11:20 a.m. A1A & Oakland Park Boulevard

11:35 a.m. A1A & Commercial Boulevard

12:10 p.m. A1A & Atlantic Boulevard

12:45 p.m. Federal Highway & N.E. 24th Street

1:00 p.m. Federal Highway & N.E. 39th Street

1:20 p.m. Federal Highway & S.E. 10th Street

1:35 p.m. County Line (TOTAL MILES FOR RUN – 29.02 miles)

The Pioneer Park Boat dock will be closed in Deerfield for Boca Bash. In the meantime, people will be heading elsewhere to get on the water for this year’s event, to be held on Sunday, April 28. The Broward Sheriff’s Office promises to have extra enforcement on the water and land at Alsdorf Park, 2901 NE 14 St. in Pompano.

 

Pompano Beach deputies will work with “Boca Bash” event supervisors to monitor and control traffic for boaters and motorists using the park. BSO’s marine unit will also patrol the waterways.
Park visitors and “Boca Bash” attendees are encouraged to follow all laws and ordinances while at the park or on the waterways. Motorists will not be permitted to wait or park along Northeast 14th Street. Once the park is full, all boaters will be asked to find another boat ramp to use.
The public is reminded that the City of Pompano Beach prohibits the consumption of alcohol in its parks. Also, Florida law prohibits the operation of a vehicle, including boats, when the driver has a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

When Steven Spielberg won his first Oscar for Schindler’s List, he encouraged his motion picture colleagues to return to the written word. Deerfield Beach Percy White Library will feature the written word at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 25, with “Poetry 101 with Mrs. Powers.” In dedication of the National Poetry Month, Pam Powers, a Deerfield Beach Middle School Teacher with 37 years experience, comes out of retirement to teach a fun class on poetry. If the program is a success, we hope to have it again next year!

Spielberg created two motion pictures that broke records for the biggest box office records for all time, Jurassic Park and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. The fact that these two motion pictures play on regular television rotation is a testament to the importance of the written word when creating big screen spectacular.

At the recent Spooky Empire Retro Convention [March 22 to 24 in Orlando], Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton and Robert Demeritt held an E.T. Reunion and reminisced about the production of this blockbuster champion. It was during the production of Raiders of the Lost Ark, that Spielberg discussed his feelings of loneliness to Harrison Ford’s girlfriend, Melissa Mathison, a screenwriter. From this discussion, the two forged the story of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.

Thirty-eight years after the production of ET, one can tell the cast still genuinely enjoy each other’s company and spoke fondly of their absentee actress, Drew Barrymore. Barrymore introduced MacNaughton to his wife. Since she was the youngest child on the set (aged 6), Barrymore was mentored by Wallace on the set. Wallace was concerned that the child actress could not differentiate the differences between fantasy and reality.

The boys were a different story. Being the leading man, the success of E.T. rested on 10 year-old Henry Thomas, who found escape through playing video games in Spielberg’s office. Being 14 years old, MacNaughton admitted that he and his peers (among them, C. Thomas Howell) had a crush on Dee Wallace, especially when she wore the “cat suit” during the Halloween sequence. Dee Wallace blushed in amazement as she heard some of these stories for the first time.

Despite the cynicism of the Hollywood mentality, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has endured as a cultural icon. One modestly produced film has endured for almost four decades.

After “Poetry 101 with Mrs. Powers” this afternoon, Avengers: Endgame opens to many sold-out movie theaters [official release date is Friday]. Besides being the conclusion of a 21 motion picture film cycle, this new film is the culmination of 80 years of comic book myth inspired by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. These are good years for good stories, but it is extremely important to remember that it begins with the written word.

By Gary Curreri

The City of Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation Department’s All-STAR Buddies program in partnership with the Special Olympics recently hosted the inaugural “Choose to Include” Basketball Event at the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex.

Kenny Lawrence, who runs the special needs All-STAR Buddies programs for the City of Deerfield Beach, said the one-day event empowered athletes of all ages and abilities to engage in a fun, safe environment with an emphasis on sportsmanship. Approximately 150 people throughout the county attended the event.

Throughout the day, special needs athletes were helped by Buddies in the games and, at the conclusion, every special player received a Special Olympics Florida T-shirt and a medal.

With the central theme of breaking down social barriers for individuals with special needs, the event included basketball games, a family festival, along with a dance.

“The concept of unified programming allows for individuals who don’t have a disability compete alongside those who do,” Lawrence pointed out. “This concept helps promote unity and acceptance which is what the city’s program, All-STAR Buddies, was based around.”

The city also presented Buddy Benches at this event. The Buddy Benches were created as a part of an anti-bully movement the city has adopted. 

“Children from each of the city’s aftercare programs decorated these benches,” Lawrence said. “The benches will eventually be installed throughout the city and neighboring schools, including Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The bench being installed at Stoneman Douglas was created as a memorial bench in honor of the 17 who lost their lives last year.” 

“I created the idea of this event as a way to share with the community a program that I fell in love with while working with the Special Olympics over the last 12 years,” Lawrence said. “Outside of being a head coach for the Special Olympics, I am also a unified player on a basketball and volleyball team. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity over the years to work side by side by my idols and wanted to share this experience with everyone.”

Among those who attended the event was Lawrence’s close friend, Kevin Sutton, host of the Kevin Sutton Show for ESPN sports talk radio out of Orlando. Sutton and his family made the trip down from Orlando to spend the day with the kids and announce the basketball games.

Lawrence said the program known as All-STAR Buddies started August 2018.

“The program was created to be an all inclusive program designed to promote inclusion and acceptance for all participants,” he said. “The program allows for everyone to join regardless of having a disability or not and provides a safe non-judgmental environment that encourages socialization and understanding.”

Here’s a list of the programs All-STAR Buddies currently offers and their locations: basketball (Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex), soccer (Middle School Athletics Complex), track (Middle School Athletics Complex), kickball (Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex), photography (Hillsboro Community Center), fishing (Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier), art (Highlands Community Center), music (Teen Center), bowling (Strikes in Boca) and clay animation (Hillsboro Community Center).

Clay Animation is a class that brings clay to life using older cartoon techniques in creating videos out of individual still frames using cameras.

The city also offers S.T.R.E.A.M. (Constitution Park). This class offers a different themed project each week based off of the class’s abbreviated name. Week 1 – Science, Week 2 – Technology, Week 3 – Recreation, Week 4 – Engineering, Week 5 – Art, Week 6 – Math.

“These are six-week programs that run throughout the year,” Lawrence said. “Each class is based out of a different location throughout the city. It was designed this way to provide the All-STAR Buddy programming throughout the city.”

Currently, the city is working on its summer camp programs which start June 10 and will run through Aug. 2. This summer’s All-STAR Buddy summer camp program will run Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“This will be the first time the city has offered a full camp for individuals with special needs,” Lawrence added. “As for future programming, we are planning on adding several new programs to the year as well, including future ‘Choose To Include’ events.”

For more information on the Buddies programs, contact Lawrence via e-mail at klawrence@deerfield-beach.com.

Deerfield Beach

April 9: A man reported his chainsaw valued at $300 stolen from 548 NW 2 Terr.

April 9: Two men, one armed with a semi-automatic handgun, snatched car keys from a man who was pumping air into his tires at the Shell gas station at 301 E. Sample Rd. The two men then stole the man’s Honda Accord.

April 10: A woman reported being pushed against a wall and then being thrown to the ground by her live-in boyfriend at 1368 SW 24 Terr.

April 10: A man reported his work phone stolen from his pickup truck at 5031 NE 6 Ave.

April 12: A woman reported her Honda Civic stolen from her home at 2852 SW 11 Pl.

Lighthouse Point

March 31: Did you lose a stuffed animal? A resident found a stuffed animal at 3400 NE 23 Ave. It was turned over to police.

April 1: A box of baseball uniforms was found on a bench at 4541 NE 22 Ave. The owner was notified and he said he would pick them up the next morning.

April 3: Did you lose your dog? While on routine patrol, an officer observed a small dog walking at 2820 NE 48 St. The officer retrieved the dog and placed it in the rear of the patrol car. The officer checked for open gates, garage doors or open doors and couldn’t find any so he took the dog back to the department.

(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.)

Your Poem is a Screenplay

Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m.

Bailey Contemporary Arts

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Well-known poet, writer and teacher, Robert Byrd will lead attendees through the process of seeing their poems as a part of a bigger process. He will navigate them through various screenplay writing techniques, tricks of the trade and the confidence to see their poems turned into something big screen worthy. After the workshop, Byrd will perform and engage in audience lead discussions about the feelings, thought and implications that his poetry evokes. Tickets for this session can be found at www.baileyarts.org.

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival

Friday, April 26, 5 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pompano Community Park & Amphitheater

1806 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33063

This family-friendly outdoor event includes arts & craft vendors, great music by local bands and mouthwatering delicacies cooked up by local chefs. Headlining bands include Zach Deputy, Foghat, The Guess Who and Inner Circle, among so many others. Walk around boat displays. Admission: $15 to $20 (or $35 for three-day pass). Kids 12 and under free. For more information, including ticket pricing visit www.pompanobeachseafoodfestival.com.

Tree Giveaway

Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Central City Campus

401 SW 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441

Each year, the City of Deerfield Beach celebrates Earth Month in April with a series of events in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day. The city will conclude Earth Month with the annual Tree Giveaway. A selection of native and non-native trees will be available, including Dahoon Holly, Thatch Palm, Longan, Hayden Mango, Spanish Stopper and Golden Shower. Tree species are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. Participants will be required to provide proof of residency upon receiving a tree. The annual Tree Giveaway provides the opportunity to help grow the community’s tree canopy and enhance the city’s environmentally-friendly initiatives. For more information, call 954- 480-4210. For more information on the Earth Month series of activities, visit www.DFB.city/EarthMonth.

Tightrope: A musical Memoir

Saturday, April 27 to Sunday, April 28, 7 p.m.

The Sol Theater

3333 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

For more information and tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit www.primalforces.com.

Brush, Brunch & Mimosas

Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.

Festival Marketplace

2900 W. Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Have a nice lunch and paint a butterfly. This event is held on the east end of the mall across from the Hillsboro Antique store for only $20, which includes lunch, your painting, a mimosa and instruction from a professional artist! Each event there will be a new picture to paint.No experience necessary!

Spring Boutique

Saturday, April 27, 1 to 4 p.m.

Above & Beyond Community Church

7500 E. Country Club Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33487

Jewelry, Scentsy, LulaRoe, Tupperware, Home Decor, Tastefully Simple Foods and more. Free admission and exciting raffle prizes. A portion of proceeds to help underwrite costs of a Deliver the Dream Retreat for families dealing with critical illness. For more information, call Venetia Timm at Deliver the Dream, 954-564-3512 or venetia.timm@deliverthedream.org.

Cuisine of the Region

Tuesday, April 30, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton

100 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Food samples, desserts & wine tasting. Live & Silent Auction, 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit NE Focal Point. Tickets available at the Center for Active Aging, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, by phone at 954-480-4460 or e-mail rwilliams@deerfield-beach.com.

Save the Date:

SunFest

Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 5

100 Clematis St.

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

The state’s largest waterfront music and art festival in Florida attracts more than 275,000 visitors. Lineup includes Keith Urban, Tears for Fears, B52s, Garbage, One Republic, Diplo, Bebe Rexha, Earth, Wind & Fire, and so many more. For more information, visit www.SunFest.com or call 800-SUNFEST.

Casino in Old Havana

Friday, May 3, 6:30 p.m.

Deer Creek Country Club

2801 DC Country Club Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

An evening of gaming, Cuban bites, cigars, music and much more! Test your luck at the full-size professional craps, roulette, blackjack and poker tables. Win a raffle prize. Tickets: Advance $125, At the Door $150. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Denise Jordan at 954-427-1050 or e-mail djordan@deerfieldchamber.com.

Beauty & the Beast

Friday, May 3, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Cornerstone Theatre Company is proud to bring the “junior” version of Disney’s enchanting classic Beauty and the Beast for three shows, along with a special interactive event, “Mrs. Potts Tea Party.” Performances will also be held Saturday, May 4 at 2 and 6 p.m. The tea party will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Show tickets are $20; “Mrs. Potts Tea Party,” including show tickets, is $45. Learn more at www.ccpompano.org or call 954-545-7800.

Cornhole

Thursday, May 16, 5 p.m.

Pioneer Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Teams are needed for a Cornhole Tournament benefitting the Best Buddy program for students with disabilities. The fee is $40 to enter the competition. For more information, contact Christina Fink at fink@browardschools.com.

Ride & play on Tri-Rail

Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tri-Rail, Any South Florida location

As part of Tri-Rail’s “Ride & Play,” guests will enjoy onboard fun for all ages on select trains, featuring costumed characters, balloon artists, magicians, giveaways and the chance to meet popular radio personalities from Y100, HOT 105, Amor 107.5 and KOOL 105.5. Plus, riders will enjoy special admission prices, discounts and offers from popular regional attractions by showing a validated Tri-Rail ticket or EASY Card. For more info., visit www.tri-rail.com.

Pat Anderson’s Plein Air Art Classes

• Saturday, May 4, 10 to 1 p.m.

at the Hillsboro Lighthouse

• Tuesday, May 7, 11 to 1 p.m.

at Inlet Park & Museum Pavilion

• Tuesday, May 14, 11 to 1 p.m.

at Pavilion One Pompano Beach

• Tuesday, May 28, 2 to 5 p.m.

at Pompano Beach Branch Library

Learning to paint is a wonderful exercise. Local artist Pat Anderson loves to teach and works with age 10 and up. She is holding a series of classes using her LEAF BAR table/ easel as an easy way to paint outdoors. She has a special buy one/ get one deal. One adult can bring a helper along for free (that person just needs to use the same arts supplies and easel). Four sessions cost $100 total. Register at Emma Lou Olson Civic Center (954-786-4111). For more info., visit www.patandersonartist.com/classes/PompanoBeach.

The world loves a good comeback story! On Sunday, April 14, Tiger Woods won his fifth Masters Tournament. After going 11 years without winning any major championships, suffering through a scandal and divorce, being arrested for suspected DUI, and having three back surgeries that hampered his golfing ability, Tiger roared back to the delight and surprise of the world. Though his true fans always had hope, many experts and sports commentators had written Tiger off. They said he was finished; they said he was a washed-up player whose best years were behind him; they looked to newer and younger pros like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth. His 11-year drought and difficulty finding his rhythm after the back surgeries convinced them that Tiger Woods’ championship days were a thing of the past. But rejecting the negative prognostications of the naysayers, fighting through the pain of his back problems, and persisting despite the failures of his previous attempts, Tiger made a dramatic comeback!

One day later, Monday, April 15, during game two of the Western Conference playoffs, the LA Clippers fought their way back from a 31-point deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors 135-131. The effort broke the previous NBA finals comeback record held by the LA Lakers, who rallied from 29 points behind to defeat Seattle in the 1989 Western Conference semis. One news headline described the Clippers’ win over the Warriors as the NBA’s biggest playoff comeback. Somehow, the Clippers had managed to fight their way back from certain defeat against the defending champion Warriors in a stunning upset victory. What made the win even more remarkable is the fact that the Warriors team boasts several superstar players (Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green), whereas the Clippers boast no major talent. Like David facing the invincible Goliath, the Clippers (on that night) brought down the mighty Warriors and gave the world of sports another great comeback story.

This past Sunday, the Christian church celebrated what is arguably the world’s greatest comeback. Some 2,000 years ago, the historical Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross as punishment for claiming to be the Son of God. His enemies had rejected Him and plotted His downfall even though He operated with undeniable power. Judas betrayed Him, His disciples forsook Him, and the crowds that heralded Him on Sunday demanded His crucifixion on Friday. It looked like all hope was lost; it seemed like His work was all in vain; it even appeared that God had turned His back on Him. But He had predicted: destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again (see John 2:19). And early Sunday morning, He got up from the grave just as He said. In so doing, He made it possible for mankind to be reconciled to God. If you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved (Romans 10:9).

The Genesis account of creation reveals that the unique relationship that Adam and Eve shared with God in the Garden of Eden was severed when they ate the forbidden fruit. Consequently, all of humanity was positioned as rebellious against God, made slaves to sin, and in need of redemption. The only remedy was a sacrifice of blood by a spotless lamb. Jesus was that lamb slain for the sins of the world. His death paid the price and His resurrection certified that sin’s power was broken. We no longer have to hide from God like Adam and Eve did after they sinned, we can enjoy fellowship with Him. We’re no longer destined for His wrath, but we are the objects of His love. It was the greatest comeback! Jesus’ resurrection also inspires us to push past personal failures and setbacks in the hopes of recovery and restoration. As He suffered, He is qualified to help those who are suffering (see Hebrews 2:18). He turned His tragedy into triumph, and He can help you to do the same. Put your trust in Him and you may discover that your setback was really a set up for a great comeback.

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

By Rachel Galvin

The Boca Bacchanal Grand Tasting was the culmination of a weekend of events that foodies and wine lovers had looked forward to all year long. The fun began on Thursday, April 4 with Bubbles & Burgers, held at the beautiful ocean-side location of Boca Beach Club featuring different samples of burgers and wines. Everyone had the opportunity to mingle and enjoy the view. It was followed on Friday night with the vitner dinners at people’s private homes, in which a chef and vitner paired up to create something spectacular. But the Grand Tasting is where everyone came out, over 1000 were estimated to be in attendance. This year, it was held at Boca Raton Resort & Club. There was a dockside VIP party with hors d’ oeuvres, wine and a saxophone player for an hour before the party began. Media and certain VIP guests were able to tour the Kimberlee boat by Worth Avenue Yachts docked there. (The 127 ft. yacht is currently for sale, but they have charter boats as well.)

After the VIP party, everyone wandered back to the grand hall to experience the fun. The food this year was top notch and many commented that they preferred the layout as well to previous years. Saks Fifth Avenue had a quaint pop up area with a picket fence and street sign and Taittinger champagnes. Some of this reporter’s favorite bites included a shortrib and creamy polenta by Boca Raton Resort & Club, the Banging Shrimp from Bonefish Grill, the Kobe beef dumpling with maple glaze by Chops Lobster Bar and the chicken with Forbidden Black Rice, and tomatoes and cilantro, by Bolay. But there was not a disappointing dish in the selections! The wine was pouring freely, including international and domestic selections. Guests could also bid in the silent auction while listening to the DJ’s jams.

Proceeds benefited the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum (www.bocahistory.org).

By Gary Curreri

Somerset Key Academy [which is where Zion Lutheran used to be in Deerfield] recently won its first baseball game in school history.

Somerset Key picked up an 18-4 win over Donna Klein for the first victory in school history. Shaq Rolle clubbed a home run, while Paul Rolle had an inside-the-park home run for the Lions. The winning pitcher was Paul Rolle.

“It was very cool to pick up that win against Donna Klein,” said Silvia, a fixture with the Deerfield Beach Little League program, who has also coached high school baseball throughout the county. He has coached high school and travel baseball for 31 years.

“We put the schedule together late and had like three weeks to practice before our first game. It was a really big deal. It was a huge win. You can only practice so much,” Silvia added. “It is a different experience when the umpires say, ‘play ball.’ As a coach, practice is my time and when the umpires are there, it is the players’ time. They show us what they learned. It was a lot of fun.”

The Lions are currently 2-2 this season with a game scheduled for Thursday against Atlantic Christian at 4 p.m. They also beat Somerset Miramar and lost to Highlands Christian, and dropped a 5-4 decision against Sheridan Hills.

“We were leading in the last inning and gave it away,” Silvia said. “My closer couldn’t throw strikes and we lost it. We could easily be 3-1 right now. It’s okay because we are learning.”

Silvia had to be prodded to take over the program. He was an assistant coach at Northeast High School last season and was planning on taking the year off — until six members of Somerset Keys came to his house and sat in his living room and convinced him to coach because they didn’t have a coach.

“After the AD and a couple of dads called, they asked me to help out,” Silvia said. “I couldn’t say no. The kids said they would do all of the work. I just wanted them to learn the game of baseball, have fun and grow the program. They are having fun and have won games. With our loss to Highlands Christian, I told the boys that was a good, established program and we hope to be there in a few years.”

Silvia hoped to have a middle school team too, but there weren’t enough players to form a middle school team, so several of those players are on the varsity. They have just three seniors on the team and the rest are underclassmen and middle schoolers.

“I didn’t really know what to expect because I am used to coaching the bigger schools and the travel teams,” he said. “We had tryouts and I had kids coming out in shorts and sneakers and didn’t know what to expect.

We had kids falling off at the beginning of the year because they couldn’t handle the conditioning. These kids are ball players. We have 10 games left and I am hoping to win out.”

Because they are a first-year, independent team, they will not compete in the playoffs this year.

“We have some really good younger players, so I am really encouraged,” Silvia said. “Since they never had a program there before, they would lose players to the neighboring schools and we wanted to keep them there. We want to put the baseball program on the map.”

The team is composed of Shaq Rolle, Zack Johnson, Paul Rolle, Kobe Rolle, Rogelio Vargas, Janelle Calvet, Sergio De Armas, Armari Santana, Marcus Febuzzi, Seidel De Armas, Jeb Yanto, Matt DeOlivera, Jesus Garcia, David Davila, Trent Hussy and Nate Reid.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

This Monday, April 22 marks the 113th birthday of actor Eddie Albert. Albert’s career spanned six decades as a leading man and as a character actor. He was Oscar nominated for Roman Holiday in 1954 and for The Heartbreak Kid 19 years later.  While a costar to actors like John Wayne, Ronald Reagan and Burt Reynolds, Albert is best remembered for his television show Green Acres, in which he, Eva Gabor and Arnold Ziffel starred in 170 episodes.

During the final season of Green Acres, he became politically active with environmental issues for the remainder of his life. TV Guide called him “an ecological Paul Revere” for his work with the Boy Scouts of America, serving on the Department of Energy’s Advisory Board, growing an organic garden in his backyard and founding the City Children’s Farms for inner city children. He also participated in the creation of “Earth Day,” in which organizers honor him by holding this event on the actor’s birthday.

The preservation of the environment is the responsibility of the current generation, who are merely stewards of the land for future generations. Forty years ago, broadcast television did a better job presenting environmental science to the public, minus the politicization. Fortunately, a documentary like Great Bear Rainforest 3D is still being produced and can be seen on a very big screen.

Set in British Columbia near the Alaska Peninsular, Great Bear Rainforest 3D is currently on rotation at the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science on the 6-story IMAX screen. Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, this film features overwhelming visuals of a land with very little human contact.

The only human contact is the indigenous people who live off the land with a symbiotic relationship with the bears and the land. Both creature’s diets thrive on the salmon swimming upstream.  With technical precision, this 10 minute sequence covers much drama. One key sequence features a Mama Grizzly Bear attempting to feed herself and her cubs while fending off a greedy male bear. Upon catching a fish, there is a pretty grisly sequence in which a bear skins and devours a salmon that is still half alive.

The star of this filmis Mox, a white bear. To the Native Americans, Mox is the spirit bear of the land. While the science is real and the cinematography is remarkable, this film presented an understated reason why religion is variably part of science.

As we have tragically learned from Notre Dame Cathedral this week, it was the science of neglect that caused the fire, a chemistry of elements that ignited the blaze [lack of fire prevention safeguards]. Yet, when the inferno was doused, the image of a cross illuminated through the darkness and smoke.

Have a happy and thoughtful Passover, Earth Day, Eddie Albert Day and Happy Easter.