By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach’s Janelle Calvet could be considered a Swiss army knife for the Somerset Keys High School baseball team. The 14-year-old freshman, who plays in the Deerfield Beach Little League Senior League team, recently completed her first year on the high school program as one of their bright spots. She played shortstop, catcher and even pitched some games to help the Lions finish 4-5 in their inaugural season.

“It was fun,” Calvet said. “I was very accepted (by the boys). Everybody treated me the same and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed playing.”

She said there wasn’t much of an adjustment because she played with players that also play Little League with her. There were a couple of girls that we played against.

“It was everything I expected and I am definitely going to do it again,” added Calvet, who also plays for the GTB (Girls Travel Baseball) program that plays in tournaments throughout the country. Their last event was an International Tournament in West Palm Beach last November.

Two years ago, she was among a group of girls from South Florida who were flown out to California to compete in the inaugural ‘Trailblazer Series,’ a first-of-its-kind girls baseball tournament.

The event at the MLB Youth Academy in Compton, CA took place in conjunction with Jackie Robinson Day. It attracted a total of approximately 100 girls, ages 16 and under, representing 20 states across the country as well as Washington D.C. and Canada.

Calvet still has aspirations of playing Major League Baseball. In March, she was a part of MLB Grit, an inaugural high school invitational event designed specifically for 60 girls who play baseball.

It was held in Dallas, Texas. Calvert said she was able to meet members of the United States Women’s National Baseball Team and some professional players.”

“I absolutely want to play in the MLB,” she said. “It is going to take a lot of hard work.”

Calvet, who is the lone girl playing in the Senior Division of the Deerfield Beach Little League, said the ‘A League of Their Own’ movie inspired her to play baseball. When she went to California, two of the original members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (1949-51) were in attendance and Calvet got to meet them.

“The most memorable thing going out there was meeting Maybelle Blair and Shirley Burkovich because it all started with them,” said Calvet following her trip at the time.

“I had her pitching and playing shortstop for us,” said Somerset Keys baseball coach Joe Silvia. “She was a force to be reckoned with. I’ll be honest. I had her batting second and she would get on (base), steal second and third and score.”

“She was one of my heavy hitters,” he added. “It’s great having her on the team. It’s different having a girl on the team. You worry about her not hurting her arm. We do long toss, quick hands, and all of these drills.”

Calvet finished the season with a batting average of .444 and Silvia said she averaged at least two walks per game this season. She had 10 RBIs to go along with her 8 runs scored. She pitched, played shortstop and also caught the last few games of the season. Every practice, he would talk to her.

“I always went up to her and said, ‘how’s the arm? Are you good?’” Silvia said. “I pitched her in some of our games. She is the real deal. We started to practice, and she was running with the guys…taking batting practice and throwing and I was like, ‘ok, what’s going on here?’” If I had nine of her, we’d be undefeated.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

When adjusted for inflation, Avengers: Endgame has already joined the ranks of Gone with the Wind, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and The Sound of Music in a mere 11 days. It is the No. 1 box office flick for 2019 and is not likely to be topped, even with the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker scheduled to debut in December.

With calmer fanfare, Ask Dr. Ruth also opened last weekend. It is a documentary about Ruth Westheimer, Ph.D, who burst into the public spotlight as the sex therapist to the nation in 1981. Everyone knows the kind little lady who could speak frankly about the intimacy of sex. Yet, much like a member of the Avengers, Dr. Ruth is part superhero.

The documentary begins and ends in Dr. Ruth’s Washington Heights apartment in New York City. Approaching her 90th birthday, we see this busy woman going about her daily routine in the spotlight of public speaking engagements.She appears to be never alone.

With the dawning of the AIDS crisis, Dr. Ruth’s candid, but cute, discussions about sexuality helped remove social stigmas. Given her sense of humor, she was a regular guest on the late night talk shows and chatted with Johnny Carson, David Letterman and NBC radio announcers. But, behind the laughs was a darker story.

Karola (Dr. Ruth’s first name) was born into a Jewish family in Germany during WWII. At the age of 9 1/2, her parents were taken to a labor camp. She, and the neighborhood children of her age, were put on a train and sent to Switzerland.

On May 8, 1945, when the orphanage announces the end of World War II, Karola comes to the realization that she won’t see her family again. These scenes featuring Karola’s youth are presented with animation that is simple and haunting.

Much like Dr. Ruth’s public persona, overall, Ask Dr. Ruth is lighthearted and humorous. Her pain, much like her politics, is not for public consumption. However, Ask Dr. Ruth provides answers for one who wishes to achieve an authentic life.

Deerfield Beach

April 22: A man reported his vehicle parked at 1060 Crystal Lake Dr. was broken into and a wallet was stolen.

April 23: A woman reported that a man placed his hands around her neck and intentionally choked her at 860 SE 6 Ave.

April 23: It was reported that four vehicles parked at 4104 NW 9 Ave. were burglarized. Each car had a window smashed. There were no confirmed thefts.

April 23: A woman reported that her car parked at 1021 Crystal Lake Dr. was broken into and her sunglasses, backpack and purse were stolen.

April 23. A former employee of Superior Plumbing at 457 Goolsby Blvd. did not return plumbing tools after quitting his job with the company. Several efforts were made to contact him, and it is believed he pawned the tools.

Lighthouse Point

April 11: Police stopped a Toyota for failing to stop at a stop sign at 2600 NE 52St.

April 11: Police stopped a suspicious person on a bicycle at 2100 NE 36St.

April 17: Police responded to a home that has had numerous calls for loose animals at 2830 NE 21Terr. Animal control was also called out.

(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.)

Coyote Workshop

Thursday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Boca Raton Downtown Library

400 NW 2 Ave.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Come join the City of Boca Raton for a community presentation to learn more about coyotes from the staff of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). No R.S.V.P. required. For more information, contact Brice Pierce at 561-625-5122 or visit www.myFWC.com/ coyote.

DBES Summer Camp

Monday, June 10 until Friday, Aug. 2, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Elementary School

650 NE 1St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Magical Kingdom Edition — Available to all current K-5^th grade students. Program activities include field trips, cooking and other special events. Only $125 per week. One-time registration fee of $25. For more information, contact Raymond Hanna at 754-322-6111 or via e-mail at Raymond.hannajr@browardschools.com.

Music under the Stars

Friday, May 10, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Great Lawn

Atlantic Blvd. & Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Come out for an evening of great music and entertainment as the City of Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Dept. presents Music under the Stars the second Friday of every month. This night will feature the Jazz Fusion of Inner Court. For more information, visit the city’s website at www.pompanobeachfl.govor call 954-786-4111.

Historic Butler House Guided Tour

Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Donations accepted.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Saturday, May 11, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Want to introduce your children to the works of Shakespeare in a fun and entertaining new way? In a production specifically geared to elementary and middle school-aged children, The Shakespeare Troupe of South Florida is bringing Shakespeare’s most popular comedy. Tickets are $15-$25. Learn more and buy tickets at www.ccpompano.org or call 954-545-7800.

Tropical Post Card Club

Saturday, May 11, noon to 3 p.m.

Old Schoolhouse

323 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bring your favorite historical postcards to show off and see what others bring too.

Pat Anderson’s Plein Air Art Classes

Starts Tuesday, May 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pavilion One

150 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

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). Other dates for the class: Tuesdays — May 7, 11 to 1 p.m. at Inlet Park & Museum Pavilion; May 14, 11 to 1 p.m. at Pavilion One Pompano Beach; and May 28, 2 to 5 p.m. at Pompano Beach Branch Library. Four sessions cost $100 total. Register at Emma Lou Olson Civic Center (954-786-4111). For more info, visit www.patandersonartist.com/classes/PompanoBeach.

Harbor Freight opening!

Wednesday, May 15, 8 a.m.

3260 N. Federal Hwy.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Harbor Freight Tools, “America’s leading retailer of quality tools at the lowest prices,” will celebrate the grand opening of its new store.

Rotary Cornhole Tournament

Thursday, May 16, 5 p.m.

Pioneer Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted by Rotary Club of Deerfield Beach. 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.

Ocean Brews & Blues

Saturday, May 18, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The 3rd Annual Ocean Brews & Blues festival is coming back to the City of Deerfield Beach for all craft brew enthusiasts. Sample an assortment of 125 beers while listening to a variety of blues music entertainers. There will be an assortment of local foods, as well as arts & crafts vendors. Free to attend; crafts, food and craft beer tasting tickets available for purchase. General Admission: $40, event Day $45; VIP Ticket $6. For more info & tickets, visit www.deerfield-beach.com.

Save the Date: What is your Elephant?

Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m.

The Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

This short film ‘Caressed’ is an art film and a self-portrait, mixed-media video installation combining performance art and a poem Niki Lopez wrote about a traumatic childhood memory.

Niki was featured in People magazine regarding her growing up in a cult and the abuse she endured.

This intimate piece is a part of a series with her personal artwork within the art movement: What’s Your Elephant –Creative Conversations about the Unknown. The intentions behind Lopez work is to not only share a personal “elephant” but to have discussions surrounding unspoken topics such as abuse, survivors of abuse, awareness, the power of a ‘share’ and how the arts can be used to heal, to empower and to educate. This session will consist of a video screening, performance and artist lead discussion based on the mission of “What’s Your Elephant?”Tickets for all events are $10 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, visit www.ccpompano.org or call 954-545-7800.

By Karen Lustgarten

The Separation model

The suburbs were for residential; the urban core for commercial/industrial. Historically, urban planning was based on this separation of functions model. It became a great model for commuter traffic. As the suburbs grew, so did clogging main roads and highways, and the rise of “rush hour” that increased in time by number of vehicles on the road.

The City of Boca Raton was no exception to the separate functions planning model. For example, the once forward-looking Arvida Park of Commerce built in the 1970s was based on an industrial and business park model, no residential. One-third is office space and two-thirds warehouses. The model was to provide minimal impact of traffic on surrounding roadways.

“If you’re warehousing a lot, you don’t have many employees,” said Palm Beach County Commissioner Robert Weinroth.

The original IBM/T-Rex campus (now Boca Raton Innovation Campus), also fits the old model.

The Planned Mobility model

With the additional pressures on commuting and land development, Boca Raton approved the model for urban planning called “planned mobility” in 2010. It is based on the premise of rather than two separate areas — one developed for a business district (industry and retail) and the other for residential — they are merged into a single area zoned for mixed-use.

“The Boca Raton City Council made the decision several years ago to infill the all-business Arvida Park of Commerce with residential units now under construction,” said Commissioner Weinroth.

It is being developed and re-branded by the Crocker Group as The Park at Broken Sound, a 700-acre planned mobility commercial/residential hub optimized to fulfill the popular work/live/play concept.

“Planned mobility has been in place for 10-15 years but hadn’t been implemented until 2012 because of the financial downturn,” the commissioner explained. “Housing values dropped dramatically so the tax base went down and the influx of dollars dropped. It was a painful time for the city. When the CRA originally planned out the downtown, they envisioned it as mostly businesses. With the financial downturn in the early 2000s, all that stopped.”

Downtown Redevelopment

The redevelopment of downtown Boca Raton was originally contemplated as a business concentric urban core.

“But government officials decided they needed to change that dynamic,” said Weinroth. “Our downtown is a redevelopment area now. When the CRA was created, they set up a matrix with so many square feet of office and they had equivalents — hotels, condos, apartments — based on impact on the area such as traffic, sewage, miles of lanes.”

By the time the economy picked up, the move was toward residential and mixed-use development.

“That’s why now we are seeing Tower 155 and Alina luxury condos, and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences,” said the commissioner. “So it has evolved into a more residential downtown verses a business downtown.”

This is good for traffic, he said, explaining, “When we look at traffic, we look at not only how many trips per day; we look at peak trips — how many in the a.m. and p.m. commute — because that’s where you get the most pressure.”

Peak trips tend to be reduced when an area includes residential properties.

At the time Weinroth became a county commissioner, projects that had been moth balled were finally being constructed.

“The Hyatt Place downtown, developed by the Kolter Group, went back and forth about being commercial or residential before making the hotel decision. The same indecision was about the property on Military and Spanish River, which became apartments. So you see a lot of movement toward residential and much-needed hotel space,” he said. “With the Hyatt and Mandarin Oriental, they are going to have enough of a synergy to attract bigger groups and give West Palm Beach a run for its money.”

The residential development under planned mobility had a cap of 2500 units, which has now been met. Zoning attorney Bonnie Miskel secured city approval of approximately 65 percent of those residential units, either free standing or added into office parks.

“When the City of Boca Raton approved the planned mobility land use in 2010, the intention was to bring employment and housing closer in order to change the direction and type of traffic on the roads,” she said. “And it has worked.”

In addition, residential infill has revitalized dormant parts of the city.

“You see a lot of foot traffic, biking and life in corporate parks that were once dead when people left each night and weekends,” she said.

Another advantage, notes Miskel, is the interest in businesses wanting to open near the revitalized office parks, such as Fresh Market that opened next to the Park at Broken Sound.

“Planned mobility encourages commercial building as well,” she notes.

Live/Work/Play

“At the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, you see some residential on the periphery right now, and you’ll see more as they develop that property recently purchased by the Crocker Partners,” said the commissioner. The developer will be going before the City Council seeking permission for additional residential rights.

Planned mobility is something people are demanding, as well as demanding smaller units says Commissioner Weinroth. The 88-acre University Park was the last large parcel of undeveloped land in Boca Raton. The developer, Penn-Florida, will be creating a self-contained city of sorts, similar to Mizner Park only bigger, he added. “The hope is that traffic will be alleviated. People will stay close to home and live/work/play in the community rather than commute on Spanish River Boulevard and other major arterials.”

The plan is to have smaller residential units for people not looking for 3,000 sq. ft.

“They may be satisfied with 1,000 sq. ft. with the idea that they will go to a Starbucks, or to a business environment with an open workspace where they can meet and work on computers,” he said.

“You’re not going to live in your house anymore,” he continued. “They’ll live downstairs in the city. That’s the new model — walkable. We want walkable cities. If you can walk somewhere rather than getting into a car, that’s the way to go. Walkability is a companion to this concept. Urban planning and transportation planning are going in the same direction.”

“There’s still an interest and demand for added mixed-use and residential units, but the city needs to re-allocate them,” said Miskel. Ultimately, the Boca Raton City Council will have to make a decision whether the planned mobility model is successful, to continue it by adding in more residential areas which were heretofore only commercial.

Karen Lustgarten is president of Multi-Media Works, a multiple award-winning media company specializing in video, PR, print and social media with offices in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She founded a newspaper in Washington, DC, was a syndicated columnist and a bestselling author. www.multi-mediaworks.com.

By Gary Curreri

Christian Osornio and Daniel Silveria collected multiple hits to lead the offensive charge, while Roman Odiernia blasted a two run home run to deep left field in the third inning as the Deerfield Beach Little League’s 50/70 team jumped out to an early lead and then held on for an 8-5 win over host Federal recently.

Osornio started on the mound for Deerfield Beach and tossed two innings of one-hit, one-run ball. He also struck out three and walked one as the local squad built an early 6-1 lead in the interleague contest.

Robert Odiernia and Alex Riveria pitched the middle of the game and gave way to closer Ryan Jarrett, who sealed the deal as he yielded no hits and no walks while striking out four and allowed 0 runs in 2.1 innings of work. 

Others contributing to the 10 hits for DBLL were Caleb Wahlers, Jarrett, both Odiernia boys, Donovan Campbell and Anthony Fronte. Federal was only able to manage three hits in the game.

Golf Course closes for reconstruction of new greens

The city of Pompano Beach has temporarily closed the Greg Norman Signature Golf Course for the renovation of their putting greens.

The Pines Course, located at 1101 N. Federal Hwy., is one of two courses located at the city’s public golf course. The second course, the Palms Course, will remain open during the reconstruction.

The re-grassing of the Pines Golf Course putting greens will provide a much-improved turf surface. Platinum Paspalm turf has been chosen based on the conditions at this facility. The city has been testing the Paspalm turf on four greens over the past year which has proven to be highly successful.

The process of re-grassing involves many steps, including applying herbicide in order to aid in the removal of the existing turf, applying soil amendments, frequent rolling of surfaces to develop a consistent turf stand, aerification, installation of the premium sod, etc.

The Greg Norman Design Pines Golf Course is tentatively scheduled to re-open by the end of June weather permitting.

Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association results

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association held a One Best Ball of a Foursome tournament at the Pines Course and the group of Henry Lesburt, Bill O’Brien, Robert Raser and Tom Breur (blind draw) carded a 51 to win top honors.

Tom Breur, Bob Mascatello, Lance Naiman and Dave Hall (blind draw) shot a 53 and won on a match of cards with the third place team of Richard Anderson, George Duarte, Carlo Spirito and Bart Valerio. Finishing in fourth was Jim DeCicco, Jim Dunn (blind draw), Gary Gill and Richard Plasky with a 55. Frank Cutrone, Bill McCormick, Paul Murphy and Gene Stoller shot a 56 to finish fifth.  The closest to the pin winner on the third hole was Pat McClain.

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association followed that tournament up with another contest – Two Best Ball of Foursome at the Pines Course.

Paul Berning, Joe Patchen, Richard Plasky and Bob VanZandt carded a 117 to take first place. Placing second after a match of cards was Jim Blake, Frank Cutrone, Lee Hammer and Bill Sincavage, who shot 118. Andy Burt, Jim Dunn, Dave Hall and Harlan Tyler (blind draw) finished third with a 118.

Henry Lesburt, Bob Mascatello, Jay Thorn and Tom Joyce (blind draw) were fourth after shooting 120 and won on a match of cards. Jim Foster, Bill Hadersbeck, Mike Katawczik and Tim O’Brien finished fifth. Winning the closest to the pin contest on the seventh hole was Jerry Goodman.

Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association results

The Pompano Beach Women’s Golf Association held a One Best Ball Even Holes, Two Best Balls Odd Holes tournament and the team of Sue Bardhi, Vonnie Okeefe, Nancy Oshea and Patti Matera (blind draw) won with an 86. Finishing second, just three shots back with an 89, was the team of Abby Ages, Deanne Baumann, Dianne Levanti and Anita Macmichael.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Approximately one year ago, I signed an oath that when I was invited to the screening of Avengers: Infinity War, I would not spoil the film experience for my readers. Except for one problem, I never received notification about the critics’ screening. Those critics who went to an early screening for the recent Avengers movies posted the entire synopsis that appeared on Wikipedia two days before the public had a chance to see these movies.

It really did not matter. I saw the film at the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science IMAX screen and had a wonderful experience with “true” fans. The IMAX with Laser created clear and concise visuals. Acoustically, the soaring score by Alan Silvestri taps some emotional beats, while classic rock and some big band tunes create emotional echoes of bygone days.

Capping off an 11 year, 22 film cycle now dubbed The Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgameis a leisurely three hour movie with many pleasing moments. Without spoiling the new movie, this columnist can say that Thanos (James Brolin) did a very bad thing and the Avengers, headed by Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), are trying to correct the problem.

The pre-credits sequence opens with a shock as the Avengers, both young and old, assemble the team. Despite the Avengers’ heroics, the world remains a dark and depressing place. When Ant-Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) suddenly appears, the Avengers create a unique solution to their problems.

Great writing provides Avengers: Endgame with many excellent payoffs. Given that we have known Captain America (Chris Evans), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) for many years, the audience is given many emotional payoffs. While there are some cameo moments that invite cheers, the scenes involving family members (father, mother, unrequited lover) generate tears. Along the way, there are thrills, battles, humor and general popcorn-eating Saturday matinee afternoon fun. Somewhere in Heaven, Marvel Comic creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby are smiling. Avengers: Endgame is excelsior.

Besides starring in Avengers: Endgame, Chris Evans narrates Superpower Dogs 3D, which is also playing at the Museum of Discovery and Science IMAX screen. Shot on multiple continents on land, sea and air, Superpower Dogs 3D explains the protective nature of the canine.  

With a full review next week, Ask Dr. Ruthopens this Friday. While best known as the cute little sex therapist with a German accent, Dr. Ruth Westheimer was a Holocaust survivor. This documentary will review the challenges the good doctor faced in the time of the AIDS crisis.

Deerfield Beach

April 16: A man reported that someone entered the trunk of his vehicle parked at 299 SW 3 Ave. and stole a Behringer PA mixer valued at $100.

April 17: A man reported that his Dodge Caravan was stolen from his driveway at 511 NW 38 Pl.

April 17: Two women were observed stealing $2,230 worth of fragrance from the Ulta Beauty Supply store at 3820 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

April 17: Loss prevention officers at Target at 1200 S. Federal Hwy. observed a woman conceal merchandise in her purse, leave the store and enter a car and flee.

April 17: A woman was arrested and charged with retail theft. She stole $145 worth of merchandise from Home Depot.

Lighthouse Point

April 9: Police initiated a traffic stop at 5400 N. Federal Hwy. Police confirmed that the tag on the vehicle belonged to the owner.

April 9: Police initiated a traffic stop at 4500 NE 22Ave. on a suspicious vehicle. The scene was cleared.

April 9: Police responded to a call of an audible alarm at 2700 NE 46St. Police responded and the home was found secure.

(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.)

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 2, noon

City Hall

100 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The City of Pompano Beach invites the public to join Mayor Rex Hardin at the American flag pole in front of City Hall located at 100 W. Atlantic Blvd. to observe the Annual National Day of Prayer. The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. (Deerfield has an event too, see more, pg. 4).

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. And, if you play your cards right, you could win a grand raffle prizes. 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 ccpompano.orgor call 954-545-7800.

Air Show

Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 5, 9 a.m.

State Road A1A north of Sunrise Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline, featuring the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team! The event features the nation’s most popular military jet demos, parachute teams, civilian aerobatics acts and formation flight teams. Advance tickets are $28 per day and $40 at the gate. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fortlauderdaleairshow.com.

Boca GreenMarket

Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

City Hall, north parking lot

Intersection of 201 W. Palmetto Park Rd. & NW 2 Avenue

Boca Raton, FL 33432

The market has blossomed into a Saturday morning community meeting place to have a fresh cup of coffee, a bite to eat, listen to some music, pick up some local produce, grab a gift for someone, or restock handmade soaps or candles. It’s just a ‘fun’ place to be on Saturday morning in a relaxed setting, a place for the entire family, including the family pup, to enjoy a few hours in the out-of-doors.
Special activities, promotions and customer giveaways are planned at various times throughout the market season. Live music on select market days featuring local musicians. Last day is May 11, the day before Mother’s Day.

Cinco de Mayo at Casa Maya Grill

Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m.

Casa Maya Grill

301 SE 15 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Taco stations, outside bars, The Rum Crew, Xochipilli folklore show, Mariachi Pancho Villa and more.

Cinco de Mayo Bingo & Taco Bar

Sunday, May 5, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out for a fun afternoon and the chance to win prizes! For $15, enjoy a full taco bar for lunch and Bingo. Food served at 11:30 a.m. Bingo begins at noon.

Save the Date:

Music under the Stars

Friday, May 10, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Great Lawn

Atlantic Blvd. & Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Come out for an evening of great music and entertainment as the City of Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Dept. presents Music under the Stars the second Friday of every month. This night will feature the Jazz Fusion of Inner Court. For more information visit the city’s website at www.pompanobeachfl.gov or call 954-786-4111.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Want to introduce your children to the works of Shakespeare in a fun and entertaining new way? In a production specifically geared to elementary and middle school-aged children, The Shakespeare Troupe of South Florida is bringing Shakespeare’s most popular comedy. Tickets are $15-$25. Learn more and buy tickets at www.ccpompano.org or call 954-545-7800.

Cornhole Tournament

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.

Children in the Arts Piano Competition

Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Children in the Arts Piano Competition features over 70 talented children from Broward, Palm Beach and Miami Dade counties competing for prizes, trophies and cash awards. This competition is the largest piano competition in the State of Florida. The children compete all day before a panel of judges to win first, second or third place in individual categories ranging from primary to advanced levels. Judges are chosen from universities throughout the state. The evening concert is free and open to the public. The final winners will be announced at the completion of the recital. The Children in the Arts Piano Competition encourages children to study the classical form of music. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Pat Anderson’s Plein Air Art Classes

Begins Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hillsboro Lighthouse

907 Hillsboro Mile

Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062

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). Other dates for the class: Tuesdays — May 7, 11 to 1 p.m. at Inlet Park & Museum Pavilion; May 14, 11 to 1 p.m. at Pavilion One Pompano Beach; and May 28, 2 to 5 p.m. at Pompano Beach Branch Library. Four sessions cost $100 total. Register at Emma Lou Olson Civic Center (954-786-4111). For more info, visit www.patandersonartist.com/classes/PompanoBeach.

A portion of text written By Tzvi Freeman for Chabad.org in memory of the tragic events at the Chabad in Poway. Submitted by Rabbi Tzvi Dechter

If you’re a Jew in America today, there’s a good chance you’re concerned. First, the largest hate-driven massacre of Jews in American history occurred in Pittsburgh. Then, precisely six months later, with an almost identical fingerprint of hatred, was a deadly attack on a synagogue in Poway, California.

Whose problem is this?

The Jewish people are no weaker for these attacks. Synagogues are not about to empty out because of a handful of disturbed, poisoned minds and much to the contrary. As for those whose lives were taken, all very special Jews, all missed terribly: Don’t call them victims. There’s an honored title in Jewish tradition for any Jew who lost his or her life simply for being a Jew: a Kadosh, a holy Jew. Jews don’t die as victims; we die with dignity. That is why we are still alive.

My contention is that this is not a Jewish problem. It’s the world’s problem. Both these attacks, along with many other violent crimes of hatred in recent years are symptoms of a malicious disease spreading unabated in America, in Europe, and in the world at large. But that’s a problem that we, as Jews, are going to have to assist in healing, for our own best interest, as well as for the interest of this country and for the entire world.

America is suffering. According to FBI figures, hate crimes rose 17 percent last year, with similar increases over the previous two years — all this while other forms of violent crime continue to decrease. Something’s wrong.

Jews are an obvious target. Like the canary in the coal mine, we tend to get hit the hardest. And, yes, these are acts of rabid Anti-Semitism. But, if we want to solve anything, we need to take a broader perspective. Muslims, Christians and others have been under siege as well. Just a few days before the Poway shooting, a young war veteran plowed into a crowd crossing the street in Sunnyvale, CA. He told police he thought they were Muslims. Is there a medicine for this plague?

In the 60s, 70s and 80s, violence was increasingly on the rampage in America in a way not seen since the days of the Wild West. Ideas for quick fixes and long-term solutions abounded. The Rebbe’s prescription, unique and counterintuitive, was this: Fix the education system. How? Introduce a moment of silence every day into the school curriculum and take it seriously.

Why do I think that’s a good fit for today’s plague of hate-driven violence?

Think about it: America is divided over gun law restrictions, yet there is one point that enjoys universal consensus: Gun restrictions alone are not enough because the problem is not the gun. The problem is the mind of the person that holds the gun.

What has the American school done for the mind of that criminal?

We taught him how human beings first appeared on the planet. Did we teach him to be a human being [or] to respect another human being?

We taught him to use his mind to solve problems with numbers. Did we teach him to apply his mind — rather than his fists to solve problems with people?

We taught him anatomy. Did we teach him that a human life is more than the sum of blood, guts and bones? Or did we, perhaps, inadvertently, teach him that the notion of a human soul has no place in the educated mind?

We taught him about laws and prisons. Did we teach him that even if you’re so smart that you don’t get caught, you’re still wrong? Did we give him a conscience?

Did we ever demonstrate to him that these are the things that really matter in life — more than math, more than science, even more than the niftiest technology? Did we ever give him a chance to stop and think about himself, about his life, about his family, about everything that bothers him in life? Is there a space and time for thinking about life in his school?

That’s all that a moment of silence in school is about. And, yes, it works wonders. Ask those who work in schools where it’s been implemented.

They will tell you that a moment of silence means that a child will go home and ask [parents] what he should think about. It means that a child will share with his teacher the troubles he’s going through. It means the school becomes a place not just for the child’s mind, but for his heart and his soul.

Jews have to adapt to the times. The knee-jerk reaction, reinforced through thousands of years of history, has been to huddle down and strengthen the internal steel grid when under attack. But America in 2019 is not Shushan, not Rome, not medieval Spain, not Poland.

It’s that attitude that prompted some Jews to believe that if Judaism were to be safe in America, G d had to be kicked out of public school. They failed to realize that, in the times we live in, the opposite is true. A moral society demands a notion of an objective, supreme judge, an “eye that sees and an ear that hears”—even if you don’t get caught by the police or the media. When that notion is lost, so is America’s soul, and that’s when the madness begins.

A moment of silence doesn’t impose prayer or belief in a Creator on anyone. But it opens the child’s mind to search for meaning, and, hopefully, for G d’s presence in the world. And there’s a good chance the child will talk to parents and grandparents, and discover that they once had faith in their lives.

True, Anti-Semitism never died, even in America, but here we have a voice, a well-respected voice, and, therefore, a responsibility to our host country. Isn’t this why we were given a Torah? Isn’t this the core mission of our people here in this world — to be a light to the nations, who will finally come to realize that the world has a Creator who cares about how we treat His world?

We can use our voices to heal America. Let America’s schools nurture the humanness of America’s children. Let children know the meaning of silence, just enough silence that they can hear their own hearts pounding inside. Let America have a soul again.

This Saturday, join us in solidarity with the call of the Chabbad emissary, R Yisroel Goldstein of Poway; Jewish communities are filling the synagogues with pride, strengh and joy!

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.