Deerfield Beach

April 2: A woman reported her wallet, cash, driver’s license and personal papers stolen. The incident took place at 4026 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

April 2: A man reported his car parked at 615 Siesta Key Cir. was broken into and an airbag stolen.

April 2: A woman reported that her car parked at 410 SE 13 Ct. was entered and cash and coins totaling $143 were stolen.

April 3: A man reported that his vehicle parked at 500 NE 41 St. was broken into. The passenger window was broken and the damage was estimated at $300.

April 3: A man reported that his vehicle parked at 642 Siesta Key Cir. was entered. Stereo speakers valued at about $1,000 were stolen from the trunk.

April 4: A man reported his vehicle was stolen from 4233 NW 6 St. He saw the vehicle being stolen on video.

Lighthouse Point

March 27: Police responded to a hazmat call of natural gas at 2717 NE 26Ave. Police said the odor was coming from the house. A second hazmat unit was sent and no leak could be detected.

March 27: Police responded to an alarm call at 2660 NE 46 St. The property was found secure. 

March 28: A resident found keys at 2464 N. Federal Hwy. The keys were turned over to police.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City of Deerfield Beach at one of its many cherished Easter egg hunts. Each egg hunt has thousands of prize and candy filled eggs for participants to discover. Find the “special eggs” and receive an exciting prize or Easter basket. Enjoy refreshments, outdoor activities with friends, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Ages 7 – 12: 6:45 p.m., Ages 13 – 17: 7 p.m., Ages 18 & Up: 7:30 p.m. Hunt wristband required. Free shuttle service from Target Plaza (east lot) to Constitution Park is from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Call 954-480-4494 for any questions.

Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, April 19, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Egg hunt is open to ages 3 to 12 and is divided among age groups. Call 954-480-4481 for any questions.

South Florida Craft Show

Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hampton Inn Boca Raton-Deerfield Beach

660 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Last minute shopping for Easter! Tons of custom and handmade items available from all your favorite (and some new) vendors. Bring friends and family with you.

Easter Celebration

Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Join in on the fun with themed arts & crafts, complimentary face painting, and a DJ dance party. Don’t forget your camera so you can snap a free photo with the Easter Bunny! Admission to the event is free. Adult supervision of all children is required.

Family Fun Day

Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Florida Grand Opera (FGO), along with the Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department, will host a Free Family Fun Day. It’s a fun-filled event where opera fans — young and old who are new to the genre or who are opera aficionados — can come explore the world of opera through hands-on activities, interactive experiences and enjoy the thrill of live theater. Activities will include stage makeup, costume and prop design, voice lessons and a live musical performance. Family Day activities are free with R.S.V.P. For more information, visit www.FGO.org or www.CCPompano.org.

Vintage Fair

Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Festival Marketplace

2900 W. Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33073

This event has free admission and free parking for all customers. They will have antiques, vintage, handcrafted goods and re-purposed items. There will be live music from DJ Mike Locke too.

Golden Egg Fest

Saturday, April 20, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Bobby Campbell Stadium at Lynn University

3601 N. Military Tr.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Don’t forget your basket. All kids will receive plastic eggs filled with candy, and a chance to find special Golden Eggs filled with prizes from event sponsors — Sparez Bowling, Habit Burger Grill, Pizza Hut, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Chick-fil-A Boca Raton and more! They will give away two one-day passes to Universal Studios Orlando or Universal’s Islands of Adventure at halftime of the game! Other prizes include passes to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, Sparez Bowling, Rockin Jump Trampoline Park, gift cards, toys and more! There will be an egg decorating station, interactive games, arts and crafts and more. For additional information, 561-237-7767 or KBonner@lynn.edu

Easter Sunday Service

Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m.

Saint Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Parish luncheon follows. All are invited. For information, call 954-695-0336.

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beach House Pompano

270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Family-friendly beach Easter Egg Hunt. Come find a mysterious golden egg. The family who finds it receives a complimentary brunch on us for up to four people. Stay after and snap a pic with the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. while enjoying Beach House brunch classics on our scenic rooftop.

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 at 954-564-3512 or e-mail venetia.timm@deliverthedream.org.

Save the Date:

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, or in person, by phone at 954-480-4460 or e-mail to rwilliams@deerfield-beach.com.

It seems strange to begin an article about Easter talking about Christmas. However, I do begin most of my Christmas sermons talking about Easter. Usually, I start my Christmas sermon by saying something like “Today, we celebrate the second most important Christian holiday.” You should see the looks of confusion I get. Then, I say “Without Easter, today would just be another birthday.”

It is true. Without the Crucifixion and Resurrection; without Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we would be left with words and miracles from the greatest man who ever lived. But because of Easter, we celebrate his words, his miracles, his death and resurrection, and the promise that awaits us in God’s glorious kingdom.

In our culture, my statement is still quite jarring. We like Christmas, regardless of who we are, believer and non-believer alike loves presents, Santa, Christmas trees, cookies. Christmas has become so secularized that you can listen to hours of Christmas music and never hear of the birth of Jesus. Some people even avoid the word “Christmas” altogether.

You really can’t do that with Easter. Sure, there is a bunny and chocolate eggs and a couple of Peter Cottontail songs. But Easter doesn’t get the same attention as Christmas. I think this is good. Without the Resurrection, Easter would be all chocolate and jelly beans. Easter gives meaning to Easter.

I think about the years that I have served as a pastor, 25 years this coming September. I think about the privilege and joy that I have had meeting wonderful, wise, generous, lively and loving people. I think about how much better my life is because of the people I served, knew and loved. Many have died and their legacy lives in my heart.

Easter is the promise that I will see them again. Easter is the joyful reminder that they are with the Lord. This blessed assurance gives me the consolation that helps me go from day to day. Easter reminds me that the friends who I know and love now will be my friends forever.

Dear people of Deerfield Beach (and beyond), this will be my last Easter at Zion Lutheran Church. I am returning to my home with my family. Zion has been a wonderful congregation to serve and I have made lifelong friends not only at Zion, but in this community that I love so dearly. It is going to be an emotional Easter for me, but, because of Easter, I know that I never really have to say goodbye. Because of Easter, I can simply say “Until we meet again.”

So, Deerfield Beach and surrounding communities, I say on behalf of Zion and myself “Blessed Easter.” And, Because of Easter, I can say “Until we meet again.”

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.

Stress is a very common word and topic discussed with my patients during their psychotherapy sessions. It is expressed so often in therapy that I thought it would be an interesting subject matter to write about for this month’s Therapy Room column.

What is stress?

Stress is a process, not a diagnosis. When the word stress is used clinically, it refers to a situation that causes one to have discomfort and even pain at times. Stress can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and physical illnesses, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues.

Jay Winner, MD, of the Stress Management Program for Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara, CA, says that “stress can exacerbate just about any health condition you can think of.” Stress can increase the risk of conditions like obesity, diabetes and asthma.

Work, Family and Life Stress

Types of Work Stress:

• Being unhappy with your job

• Working too many long hours

• Unclear expectations of work requirements

• Salary and benefit expectations

• Unsure of advancement opportunities

• Fear of termination

Types of Family and Life Stress:

• Death of family member or a loved one

• Relationship issues to include marital separation and divorce

• Financial obligations and insecurities

• Legal matters

• Home relocation

• Family responsibilities

• Illness

• Health costs

• Aging

• Emotional problems and traumatic events

Coping with Stress

Many individuals use poor coping strategies, including alcohol, drugs and thoughts of suicide to deal with stress. As a psychotherapist, I help many people who realize that drinking alcohol and taking drugs to cope with stress only creates unwanted behavior problems.

Strategies to Manage Stress

To successfully manage or eliminate stress, one must first acknowledge that stress is affecting their quality of life and then one can begin discovering new ways to successfully manage their stressful situations.

• Psychotherapy

As a licensed psychotherapist, I confirm that therapy helps individuals address their stress-related thoughts, feelings and behaviors. My work allows me to help individuals alleviate, reduce, manage and eliminate stressful work, family or life situations that cause depression, anxiety, pain, fear, headaches, confusion, illness, etc. I am passionate about my full-time work as a psychotherapist helping so many realize they can live a full, healthy, meaningful and stress-reduced life.

• Physical Activities

Exercise, and other physical activities, produces endorphins which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers. Endorphins also improve sleep and reduces stress. Meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy and deep breathing can produce endorphins and these practices reduce stress.

• Rest and Sleep

Sleep is a powerful stress reducer. If you follow a regular sleep routine it will calm and restore the body, regulate mood, improve concentration, and sharpen judgment and decision making. You become a better problem solver and better able to cope with stress when you are well-rested.

In conclusion

Taking time every day to be grateful for the good people and things in your life and realizing that “change is possible” will allow you to successfully address and manage stress.

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 Rachel Galvin

Sometimes, you don’t need all the flair… you just want things simple. Phat Boy Sushi & Kitchen lives by that philosophy. Much like a Ying & Yang symbol, the aesthetics of their newest restaurant located in Deerfield Beach is based on black and white, with large scale muted geisha paintings adding a sense of harmony and authenticity.

Phat Boy Sushi & Kitchen works to be as genuine as possible in its Japanese selections as it offers up a large variety of not only sushi and sashimi, but plenty of choices straight from the kitchen as well. For a perfect beginning, try their delicious Banging Shrimp which is jumbo shrimp battered in tempura and served covered in a mildly spicy mayo topped with scallions.

One of their more popular dishes is their Mushroom Tobanyaki, which is a pretty big size for an appetizer. It consists of three different type of mushrooms sauteed in a rich soy sake sauce with a touch of butter, although the buttery flavor is obvious throughout.

Always popular is their ramens. They have several types. This reporter tried the Tonkotsu Ramen and it was huge. (They definitely allow for sharing and will separate dishes into bowls ahead of time). The large bowl was filled with a salty and creamy pork broth. Inside was a six minute egg, shitake mushrooms, caramelized and tender slices of marinated pork belly, scallions, bean sprouts, seaweed and onions. Digging into the bottom unveiled the egg noodles just waiting to be discovered.

They have yakitori, seafood selections, salads, rice, stir fry and more. If you don’t like raw fish, you can order a California Roll, for example, which has cooked crab. For $3.50 more, you can upcharge to real (not imitation) King Crab, which is delicious and sweet. On the menu are the desserts — with traditional selections like mochi ice cream and more unconventional ones too. Their most popular is fried oreo.

“We cater to those who eat sushi and kitchen food. We serve our food tapas style, geared toward sharing,” said manager Breyden Haessig.

They also have a bar with beer, wine and sake. There is a “reverse happy hour” from 10:30 p.m. until close. They offer draft beer for $2.50 and bottomless hot sake for $10.

The restaurant is open seven days a week 11:30 a.m. to midnight.

Owner John Maser said he has wanted to create food since he was young.

“I enjoy people’s smiles because they like my food,” said Maser. “I have always wanted to do this since I was a kid. Sushi can be much more artistic. I can make it more beautiful.”

“This is our third location,” said Haessig. “The first one was in Oakland Park for three years. We also have a location in downtown Ft. Lauderdale which has been open for a year. We opened here before the first of the year.”

He said the restaurant caters to people’s needs.

“A lot of places say no substitutes [We will customize for you]. Tell us what you want. We want people to come and leave happy,” he said.

Phat Boy Sushi & Kitchen is located at 949 S. Federal Hwy. For more information, call 754-227-5489 or visit www.phatboysushi.com.

By Gary Curreri

Highlands Christian Academy’s baseball team loaded up in their bus and made the 35-minute drive up to the Miracle League of Palm Beach County’s “field of dreams.”

Along the way, they played games, built on some team bonding, but when they arrived at Miller Park in Delray Beach, they were consumed with helping others.

The Miracle League, a baseball league for special needs athletes, gives its participants an opportunity to play the sport with others. Its players hail from Wellington, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Coral Springs, Ft. Lauderdale, Parkland, and Boca Raton.

Julia and her husband Jeff incorporated the league in 2005 and used the Bucky Dent Baseball School infield from 2007 to 2010 until they started to play their games on their own field.

The Kadels, through grassroots efforts and public and private donations and monies, raised $550,000 to build a handicapped-accessible field complete with recycled rubber and ramps for wheelchairs. They opened a handicapped-accessible playground and recently raised nearly $100,000 to resurface the field this summer as 250 people turned out for the Dinner on the Diamond event.

There are six teams in the league this year with about 16 players on each and a cheerleading squad with seven members. There are also about 160 buddies. Garrich Phelipa, a senior pitcher/1st baseman for the Knights, enjoyed his time.

“This is fun,” said Phelipa, 17, of Pompano Beach. “It’s great. The children like it. This is my first time doing anything like this. It makes it fun for the team because we get to be together and do a good thing.”

Teammate Isaac Dominguez, 17, a sophomore catcher/infielder, of Pompano Beach agreed: “This is awesome. It gets you thinking as to how privileged you really are and being able to do things by yourself.

Anytime you get a chance to help the kids that are in need, it is an awesome time. It just gives a good feeling to your heart just to help people that need it.”

“The team had a fun time coming over here on the bus,” Dominguez added. “We played a game on the bus where we named MLB players and now that we are at the field, we are just having fun with the kids and enjoying our time together.”

Knights head coach Bruce Charlebois said it was an eye-opener for his players.

“We sometimes think that we are coming to these things to bless others and serve the Lord and we are the ones that continuously get blessed,” Charlebois said. “We have a heart for special needs. My mother was very involved in the Special Olympics. I have had a couple of special needs clinics at my field and I just feel it does a world of good for the world.

“Nowadays these kids are kind of stuck in their technology and a lot of them are really in their own world,” Charlebois continued. “They struggle with communication skills and the things that happen when we come out here change their life. We would like to think permanently, not short term, and they start to appreciate life and what they have. I think it is a great thing for everybody involved.”

This is the first time that Highlands Christian helped the Miracle League as a team and Charlebois said they were excited about the opportunity.

José Dennis Martínez Ortiz, nicknamed “El Presidente” a four-time major league all-star was on hand to pitch at the opener.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

After decades of watching The Three Stooges on television, one of the Farrelly Brothers admitted that while Curly and Moe were usually the center of attention, they found that Larry may have been the most important Stooge. The Farrelly Brothers credit him as the best actor who supported every scene that he was in. It was Larry’s job to keep the focus on Moe poking Curly in the eyes for comedic effect.

Opening this weekend, The Chaperone is the story about somebody who is not the center of attention, yet is an individual who keeps many disparate people together. Norma (Elizabeth McGovern) is a reliable individual. She is married to Alan Carlisle (Campbell Scott) who is a public figure in Kansas and they are patrons of the arts. While catching a dance recital featuring Young Louise Brooks (Haley Lu Richardson), Backstage, Mother Brooks asks Norma to chaperone Young Louise to New York City to take dance classes with the Denishawn Academy.

While The Chaperone could divert attention to the legendary silent screen star Louise Brooks, director Michael Engler keeps the focus on the title character. We learn that Norma was an orphan from the big city raised by nuns and relocated to Kansas. Married young, Norma confronts secrets from her past and current domestic woes. For Norma, chaperoning Louise Brooks is the least of her problems.

Given her Oscar-nominated role as the wild Evelyn Nesbit from Ragtime, released 38 years ago, Elizabeth McGovern shines as straitlaced Norma. She is the eye of the hurricane and the two performances, nearly four decades apart, bookend McGovern’s underrated talent as an actress. The Chaperone is good drama that celebrates good deeds under pressure.

On a more expansive note, Game of Thrones opens its final season this Sunday evening. While people are binge watching the previous seven seasons, Savor Cinema (503 SE 6 St., in Ft. Lauderdale) plans a season premier party starting at 7:30 p.m. Perhaps an evening of debauchery would be a more accurate description since flagons of ale, barrels of wine, Wildfire shots and Lannister turkey legs, and other dragon dishes, will be consumed within the John Mager Courtyard. Dress Gothic chic. Free parking at the courthouse garage. Sundays meters are free too. Party tickets: $20 FLIFF Members/$25 non-members, includes complimentary drinks and food!

Watching television shows in movie theaters is nothing new. When M*A*S*H ended its 11 year broadcast run on the CBS Network in February 1983, parties were held and people went to civic centers to watch the final episode.

Yet, it is fascinating how small-screened television is driving the markets for big screened entertainment.

Speaking of big screen, the biggest screen in the land, Museum of Discovery and Science – IMAX’s 6-story-high screen has already sold-out screenings of Avengers: Endgame, which opens in two weeks. However, there are some great documentaries that will be playing on the big screen, most notably Great Bear Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. For those in search of more quieter dramas, check out The Chaperone this weekend.

Deerfield Beach

March 26: A man reported that someone stole his toolbox with his tools and an air compressor for a total loss of $14,200. The incident was reported at the Crystal Lake Commerce Center at 4250 N. Powerline Rd.

March 26: A man was arrested and charged with retail theft at Home Depot at 60 SW 12 Ave. He stole $472 worth of merchandise.

March 26: Two men were arrested and charged with stealing a drill and a hedge trimmer from Home Depot at 60 SW 12 Ave.

March 26: A woman reported that her sheets were stolen from a washing machine at 1181 SE 6 Ave.

March 27: A man was arrested and charged with burglary and battery at 400 SW 2 St. He battered four victims, and, in addition, he stole two porcelain items.

Lighthouse Point

March 27: The victim said she wanted a male subject trespassed from her home in the 4400 block of NE 26Ave. She befriended the male at her church and said because of his erratic behavior she wanted him to leave. 

March 27: Police responded to an alarm call at 3772 N. Federal Hwy. The perimeter was found secure. 

March 27: Police responded to an alarm call at 2500 N. Federal Hwy. It was deemed a false alarm.

(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.)

Pompano Food & Wine Celebration

Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa

1200 N. Ocean Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

An array of fine wines, liquors & craft beers, tastings from over 20 restaurants, and coffees & desserts, as well as live entertainment! Complimentary valet parking and more. Tickets are $75. Purchase online or call the Chamber office at 954-941-2940.

Semi-Annual Library Book Sale

Thursday, April 11 to Saturday, April 13 , 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Great prices on gently used books, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks. Proceeds support the library. Cash only!

Friends of Deerfield Beach Arboretum Speaker Program

Thursday, April 11, 7 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 3344

Guest Speaker Walter Acree specializes in safely transplanting enormous mature trees, using an arbor dividing method that he developed. There will also be a plant giveaway. This event is open to the public; light refreshments will be served.

Spring Fling

Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Community Park, Multi- Purpose Field

7201 NE 8 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Hop like a bunny into Pompano Beach for Spring Fling! Come join in for a fun family day filled with lots of activities, including arts and crafts. There will be a DJ with games and dancing, a spring photo booth to take your picture in, bounce houses and much more! Admission is free. It wouldn’t be a hopping good time without an egg hunt. Ages 1-3 will be able to walk through Spring Valley and find their hidden Easter eggs at any time throughout the event. The 4-9 year old egg hunt begins at 11 a.m. For more information, call 954-786-4111 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Prom Fashion Show

Saturday, April 13, 3 to 5 p.m.

Macy’s

1200 NE 23 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Hosted by The Rotary Club of Deerfield Beach, BSO Deerfield Beach Dist CORE Team and Macy’s Pompano Beach. Nine girls and one boy from Deerfield Beach were selected to receive prom attire to wear at the Deerfield Beach High School Prom on May 4. Attire was provided by Macy’s (girls) and Ted Barry in Deerfield (boy). Students will walk the runway wearing their choices for the prom. Macy’s will supply refreshments and a DJ too. The program is to support self-esteem for young people, securing relationships with law enforcement, as well as fostering giving back to others. For more information, contact Avis at 954-360-5247.

Spring Plant Sale

Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free parking in the field behind Bedding Barn.

Literacy in the Park – A Day of Service

Saturday, April 13, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Apollo Park

1580 NW 3 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., North Broward County Alumnae Chapter. This event includes reading corners, face painting, arts & crafts, college resource fair, human trafficking workshop, mental health symposium, voter registration, food, music and more. 

DBICA Annual Picnic

Sunday, April 14, noon to 3 p.m.

SE 19 Avenue Park

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bring your favorite salad or side dish to share with everyone. Located five blocks south of Hillsboro Boulevard & one block west of A1A. Come out and meet your neighbors. DBICA will supply grilled burgers, hotdogs, soda and water. Bring your own chair.

Bowling for Baskets

Sunday, April 14, 12:15 to 3 p.m.

Diamond Strike Lanes

2200 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Event includes pizza, soda, two hours of bowling & shoe rental. $150 a lane for six bowlers or $30 per person, and 50/50 raffle. (Call to see if there is still any space as the deadline has passed for payment). Contact Tammy at 954-557-6865. The charity event benefits several less fortunate families in our Deerfield Beach community by providing them with holiday baskets.

Garden Club of Lighthouse Point

Meeting & Presentation

Monday, April 15, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

The guest speaker will be Dr. Renata Schneider, a doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation at the S. Florida Wildlife Center. Free and open to the public. For more information contact Caroline Steffen at c.caroline.steffen@aol.com or visit www.lhpgc.org.

BEYOND THE CAPE! Comics and Contemporary Art

April 16 through October 6, 2019

Boca Raton Museum of Art

(Within Mizner Park)

501 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Beyond the Cape! Comics and Contemporary Art shows how some of the most currently sought-after contemporary artists are influenced by graphic novels and comic books. The artworks in this pioneering show take viewers on a deeper dive into adult realms, tackling some of today’s thorniest issues: politics, divisiveness, immigration, religion, racial prejudice, planetary climate armageddon, feminism, LGBTQ rights and gender. Grouped together for the first time in this new way, the exhibition includes prominent artworld superstars. Some of the most acclaimed underground comic book artists are also front-and-center. The show features more than 80 works by 40 artists: paintings, video, photography, sculpture, prints, drawings and tapestries. Rare comics will also be shown, plus contemporary animation and rarely seen historic cartoons from the early 1900s on vintage TVs. The IKEA reading room will also feature more than 200 graphic novels and comics for personal reading.

History at High Noon

“From Dairy Farm to Country Club”

Wednesday, April 17, noon to 1 p.m.

Commission Chambers of Deerfield Beach City Hall

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach FL 33441

It’s another exciting storytelling adventure tracing the story of the Deerfield Beach Country Club by Deerfield’s own Robert A. “Bob” Parton, Jr.

A life-long Florida resident, Bob is very active in the Deerfield Beach community and currently serves as Treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of DFB Charitable Foundation, Inc. In 1959, dairy owners Bert and Carrie Williamson sold 70 acres of their farm to Charles “Charlie” Parton, of Plattsburg, New York, and his two partners, also from New York. Their desire was to develop the land into a country club. The project would cost $500,000 and the club’s original name became the Deerfield Beach Golf and Country Club. It was an exciting time for Deerfield Beach residents when the club opened on Labor Day 1962. Not only was it the lone country club in town, it was one of only a few golf courses in the area. At its peak, the club maintained about 400 golf members and 300 social members. At any given time, as many as 50 or 60 names remained on a waiting list. “Bob” will continue to trace the story of the country club up to its sale in 2014 and final farewell party.

This presentation is part of a series of talks sponsored by the Historical Society and held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at “high noon.” Entrance is free, donations accepted. For more information, go to the Historical Society’s website, www.deerfield-history.org, or call 954 429-0378.

It’s been many years since I first heard Andy Stanley make the statement, “Today’s teenagers are over entertained and under challenged.” His sermon, preached at First Baptist Church of Atlanta, was addressing the way so many churches were approaching student ministry and measuring success by the numbers. His observation was correct back then, and it is still correct today.

In a church culture that measures success almost solely by numbers, it only makes sense that youth pastors are prone to entertaining students and striving to gather the masses in order to be viewed as successful. Sadly, the same entertainment mentality is true with adults. Too many adults choose a church based on the length of the services, whether the church has a softball team, how humorous the pastor is, and whether or not they like the music. These superficial factors show the shallowness plaguing the Christian church today.

The long-term effects of the entertainment focus in ministry can be seen in the spiritual adolescence prevalent among today’s believers. We are in dire need of discipleship. The effectiveness of discipleship can be measured by whether or not those who call themselves disciples begin to disciple others. In essence, the student should eventually become the teacher. But, how is someone who has been over entertained and under challenged supposed to gain the knowledge necessary to teach? The Apostle Paul describes this dilemma in Hebrews 5:12-14 NIV – “ In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Not only has the focus on entertainment in ministry caused a shallowness of knowledge, but it has also resulted in fewer people being exposed to real ministry opportunities. Churches used to “do“ ministry, go on mission trips, serve their communities, and impact their world. That exposure to ministry often resulted in growing churches and people surrendering to become vocational ministers. Today, fewer people are entering vocational ministry, seminary enrollment has declined nationally, as well as church attendance across denominational lines. The common denominator is that too many church-goers have been and continue to be over entertained and under challenged.

So, which word best describes the church you attend – “entertainment” or “discipleship?” It’s never too late to start challenging others to grow spiritually. Jesus challenged 12 men, and in just three years He prepared them to impact eternity! Think how different the world would have been if He only entertained them. Think how different our world could be, if today’s churches will rise up and challenge those who God has entrusted to us!

Dr. Gary A. Colboch is Lead Pastor at Grace Church (501 NE 48 St. in Pompano Beach). Contact info: 954-421-0190 or
pastor@gbcfl.org.