By Gary Curreri

The 7th Annual Women’s Invitational Golf Tournament benefiting Women in Distress was a great success as more than $22,000 was raised for the local organization. A total of 32 teams with 128 players took part in the tournament at the Pompano Beach Golf Club’s Palms Course. This year’s charity tournament, produced by the Colony West Women’s Golf Group, was moved from the Colony West course because their clubhouse with a restaurant is under construction.

“The money raised for Women in Distress by the tournament was $22,315.01,” said Tournament Chair Jan Parke. “It is the most amount that our tournament has every raised.”

Parke said the overall amount raised for Women in Distress is $87,813.22. The Tournament Naming Sponsor –  Norman & Bettina Roberts Foundation, Inc. – donated a $10,000 check for Women in Distress and that was arranged by Tournament Assistant Chair Alberta Bove.

The winners of the Low Gross competition with a 66 were the Damn Damsels composed of Taffy Brower, Nancy Hersey, Elise Gordon and Mechelle Brown. Four shots back in second place was the Carolina Babes, made up of Kris Boogren, Molly O’Neill, JoAnn Feindt and Suzanne Rho.

The Birdies and Blossoms were the winners of the Low Net competition after they carded a 50.4 score. That team was Pam Cromwell, Joyce Gelli, Nancy Bigwood and Nancy Rose Peduzzi.

Other Low Net winners were: 2. Wicked Stix, who was composed of Janet Anderson, Penny Eppy, Marilyn Hughes, Renate Hood, who shot 50.6; 3. The Swinging Springers, which was made up of Wendy Furth, Pam Schiff, Sue Ann Burns and Nancy Burns, who shot 51 (won tiebreaker); 4. DJCM’S, composed of Donna Casey, Mary Mahan, Connie Cluen and Janet Burt, who carded a 51; 5. (The team of) Par-Fectionists, composed of Jean Cerra, Dale Stallings, Donna Henderson and Gail McLellan, who shot 51.6.

The Closest to the Pin winner was Debbie Davis, while the Closest to the Wiggly Line winner was Barbara Brody.

Mary Riedel, the president and CEO of Women in Distress Broward County, Inc. also spoke at the luncheon and described the organization.

Other committee members included Geri Thomas (registration), Natalee Jones (prizes), Mary Bock (goodie bags), Jackie Rogazione (hole signs) and Penny Eppy (miscellanies).

“We had a lot of the players who talked to me and our committee saying they enjoyed the tournament and it was very organized and asked if they could sign up that day for the 2020 tournament,” Parke added. “Many liked the drawing prizes, including 25 foursomes from golf courses and the special prize of seven days at the Pokolodi Lodge in Colorado — they bought more for tickets. I was pleased that we had so many teams that played in previous years,” she continued. “We always let them register before we put the opportunity to the public. This year, 28 teams out of the 32 were previous teams with most of the same players.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Despite being No. 1 in the box office last weekend, Dumbo disappointed in the box office numbers. Earning only 25 percent of its production costs, Dumbo faces much competition this spring break season with Shazam!, Pet Sematary and Storm Boy opening this weekend. The sad thing is that Dumbo is fine family entertainment directed by Tim Burton. While a darker version of the popular animated motion picture from 1941, this modern version of Dumbo eschews talking and singing animals. The new film focuses on a family and a small business facing a financial crisis.

Set in Sarasota, circa 1919, the film opens with the Medici Brothers Circus launching their annual barnstorming tour through the American Heartland. While in Joplin, Missouri (Walt Disney’s hometown), Ringmaster Medici (Danny Devito) welcomes the return of his ace trick rider (Colin Farrell) to his family and the birth of a baby elephant with big ears.

The story is simple and conflict will ensue. However, it is the attention to detail that makes Dumbo so special. Music that animals sang to in the first movie is used as heartfelt musical cues. “Baby Mine” is rendered with sideshow performers (bearded lady, strong man) playing a flute and ukulele, while resting between shows. Despite some mean behavior and a jump scare, Dumbo is a sweet movie to take children to if only to see how a family sticks together to solve problems.

Storm Boy opens this weekend and contains many of the same themes as Dumbo with far less special effects. Based on the novella by Colin Thiele, Storm Boy is a rite of passage story that is set on the Australian coast. Geoffrey Rush (who also produced) portrays Mike Kingley, a retiring business man who is concerned that his son wants to pave paradise and put up a parking lot, upsetting the economical balance of the beach front.

When reuniting with his granddaughter, Kingley reflects upon his youth with three pelicans, in particular Mr. Percival, an orphan pelican.  Mr. Percival and Kingley have a series of encounters on the island and become local celebrities.

“A good story has to go wrong before it gets better,” Kingley tells his granddaughter late in the film. It is sad, but Storm Boy concludes on a life affirming note. In fact, it will inspire you to go for an early morning walk on Deerfield Beach to watch and observe the birds on our beach.

Deerfield Beach

March 19: A man reported that a man he knows stole his bicycle. The incident was reported at 575 Deer Creek Jefferson Dr.

March 19: A man reported that his vehicle, an Elantra, was stolen by a man in front of Ali Market at 5361 N. Dixie Hwy. The car had been left running while the man who owns it went into the store.

March 19: The Store Manager of Urbieta Oil reported that an employee using a register scanner loaded $650 on to four prepaid cards. The incident was reported at 1900 N. Powerline Rd.

March 19: A woman reported her bicycle stolen from her home at 123 NE 9 Ave.

March 20: It was reported that the wheels and tires of a vehicle parked at 959 SE 2 Ave. were stolen. The loss was estimated at $2,000. 

Lighthouse Point

March 13: Police responded to an alarm at 3170 N. Federal Hwy. There was no answer. Everything was secure.

March 16: Police received a hit on a tag attached to a white Lincoln at 2200 NE 45 St. A canvas of the area revealed nothing. It was a possible misread. 

March 16: A white iPhone was found at a business at 3500 NE 27 Ave. The owner called the phone and was told to retrieve the property at the police 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.)

Boca Bacchanal

Thursday, April 4 through Saturday, April 6

Boca Beach Club

501 E. Camino Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Calling all food and drink lovers! Boca Bacchanal has been the major fundraiser for the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum. This year features several events, including Bubbles and Burgers, Vintner Dinners, Grand Tasting and a VIP Party. For more information, visit www.bocabacchanal.com.

Old Town Untapped

Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bailey Contemporary Arts

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Featuring free samples of local beers crafted by breweries in Pompano Beach’s emerging craft beer scene. The streets of Old Town come alive with music and food trucks, artists, local makers and interactive art. While you are here, step inside Bailey Contemporary Arts where guests can grab some locally roasted coffee at Blooming Bean Coffee Roasters and walk through the galleries rotating art exhibits each month. (See more about special event happening at BaCA on this day, pg. 5).

Movies on the Lawn –Peter Rabbit

Friday, April 5, 8 p.m.

The Great Lawn

Atlantic Blvd. & Pompano Beach Blvd.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and come enjoy a featured presentation under the stars on the first Friday of every month at The Great Lawn. This is a free, family, friendly event. Contact Information: 954-786-4111

Annual Lenten Fish Fry

Saturday, April 6, 6 p.m.

Saint Peter’s Anglican Church

1416 SE 2 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441

Delicious fish & all the fixings! Adults are $10, children $5. For information, call 954-695-0336.

Watercolor Classes 

Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to noon

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Classes are every Saturday through April. $25. Call 954-920-4574 for information.

Car Show and Movie in the Park

Saturday, April 6, 5 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Beach Cleanup

Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m. to noon

Chickee Hut

71 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Volunteers are invited to join the city in a beach cleanup. Parking passes will be available to the first 30 volunteers for the duration of the event. Volunteer hours are available.

First Annual Spring Fest

Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spanish River Park

3001 N. State Rd. A1A

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Help celebrate the start of the spring season with the First Annual Spring Fest! Free activities will include egg hunts, face paintings, glitter tattoos, lawn games, arts & crafts and a petting zoo.

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!

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, coffees & desserts, and live entertainment! Complimentary valet parking and more. Tickets are $75. Purchase online or call the Chamber office at 954-941-2940.

Crazy for You

Through April 14

The Wick Theatre

7901 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33487

A musical feast, showcasing more than 20 Gershwin songs and recreating the golden era of the 1930s, follies-style lavish production numbers. $75-$85. Visit www.the wick.org or call 561-995-2333.

Save the Date:

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. 

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. Payments due by April, 8.Send payments to: Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach Charitable Foundation, Inc., Po Box 1105, Deerfield Beach, FL 33443. Cash payments: 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 lhpgc.org.

The three most important ingredients at the seder table [for Passover] are the wine, matzah and maror (bitter herbs) for these three items capture the three foundational ideas that can allow us to set ourselves free.

A) The first step is wine. Wine possesses deep potency.

“When wine enters, secrets come out,” says the Talmud. 

Wine represents the “secrets” in us — for wine itself is a “secret:” It is initially hidden and concealed within the grape, and it takes much labor to extract it from the source; the grapes have to be crushed and the wine to ferment. Wine, an intoxicating beverage, represents the deeply concealed powerful forces lingering within the human psyche.

The first step in setting yourself free is realizing how much more there is to you than what meets the eye. You must recognize your potential — what you were really meant to be, what you are capable of becoming — for you to break out of the chains.

B) This comes together with step two — maror, which represents the bitterness caused by slavery. In order to set yourself free, you have to be able to stare the pain you endured in the face. Repressing pain and making believe it does not exist, only buries it deeper into our psyche. On the night of our freedom, we have to return to the “maror.” We must gaze into our pain, feel it, sense it, grieve for our hurt and, then, as we are staring into the pain, we will find the inner, secret spark of hope and light buried within it.

If we avoid the pain, we can’t discover its inner light. Only when we gaze at it, can we extract the ember hidden within the ashes.

C) Then we have the critical step of matzah. We eat the matzah, says the Haggadah, because the Jews did not have time to wait until the dough had risen; they rushed out of Egypt. I want to ask you … They waited for 210 years… They could not wait another few hours? What was the rush? And even if they were in a rush, why is that such a central theme in the narrative that for thousands of years we are eating only matzah and avoiding all leavened bread? What happened to the virtue of patience?

Answer: The greatest enemy to setting yourself free is delaying things: tough decisions and bold moves. The message of matzah is when it comes to setting yourself free, you have no time to wait even an extra 18 minutes. Do it now! Make that call now. Send that e-mail now. Make that move now. Set up that meeting now. Make that decision now. Start the new behavior now. Confront the situation now. Start doing it now. If it is worth doing, then do it now. Because, as my Rebbe would say, “We want Moshiach NOW.” We want redemption now.

Community Passover Seder — R.S.V.P. at www.JewishLHP.com.

Rabbi Tzvi Dechter is the director of Chabad of North Broward Beaches, located in the Venetian Isle Shopping Center at 2025 E. Sample Rd. in Lighthouse Point. For all upcoming events, please visit www.JewishLHP.com.

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

There are some people I know who unintentionally sound rude in simply expressing their curiosity when they ask, “What do you do all day?” Actually, I interpret that as a coded unstated question which, in reality, goes like this, “So, old lady, what’s it like to live alone?”

My answer: “Oh Baby! For me, it’s the last phase-of-life dream – being responsible to no one, a reward for all those, yes, mostly wonderful years of being what my family needed me to be but, to be frank, was not always the real me. Now, I am able to navigate from day to day, my journey of choice, while wallowing in long delicious silences as well as whatever sounds I consciously seek.

First, as always, I need to acknowledge that I am lucky, lucky, lucky to be in relatively good health — able to drive, walk (not so well), see and hear (could be better, but…), read (with a magnifying glass), think, feel, muse, ponder, explore, converse and use, with some ease, computer and smart phone.

So, “what do I do all day?” I am out of bed any time between 6 and 8 a.m., and then washed, showered, exercised (daily), dressed and en route to the kitchen, during which lightning-quick time, I alight on my choice of breakfast . Not one to fall into habit, my need for variety sometimes causes the (minor) stress of decision making – as in, what to eat for breakfast, despite that my singular most important mantra is “avoid stress.”

If it’s Sunday, I bike and then read the New York Times, which could account for a major part of the day. Other days, I have the following options (some more chosen commitments than options): prepare for or facilitate a Memoir Writing Class (since the year 2000), co-facilitate a therapeutic support group, go to the Boca Downtown library where, after doing my business, I often just sit on the outdoor swing in the community garden and study the variety of growing veggies, putter around in my own teeny tiny garden caring for the “real” growth and admiring the fake ones that make me smile, invite company for a meal (I love to create my own recipes, which I can never duplicate), keep in touch with friends and family by phone, text, e-mail or snail mail or actual eyeball to eyeball and touch depending on their advanced or laggard ability to communicate and their geographical location. I walk for about 20 minutes in my apartment on a straight path while watching TV or outdoors around a local lake, write a poem, or check out a newly discovered website or TED talk, spend time with Google and Amazon, direct “Alexa” to play music of my current mood while I listen quietly and think great thoughts, the latter sometimes even without the music, plus the usual mandated chores which keep my house tidy the way I like it. I love to wander in Publix and Dollar stores, beach and pool, of course. [I watch] very limited TV, even as I am addicted to “news” (whatever that is, these days), but that’s a whole separate column. I take occasional local three to five day runaways with friends, exploring the glorious diversity of our state. And, as self appointed president of the “Nap Society,” I indulge frequently and highly regard it as a life extending activity.

It’s a good life and I love living it.