By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

I worship Steve Jobs for his brilliance and creativity and the Smartphone (about his persona , another time). However, for all the ways in which he changed the world, not so much. He did indeed change it both for the better and the worse. And the totality of that Ying and Yang has often been explored, but I am somehow impelled to do it here. 

For the better:

* Cell phone parking lots at airports and the concomitant ease for people connections.

* The magic of texting when I’m at a meeting and the phone vibrates, and it’s a non-emergency (which, of course, it always is) and I can surreptitiously wiggle my fingers to assure the caller that indeed he or she will have my undivided attention — after the meeting — lest he or she feel ignored.

* The incalculable joy of knowing that only I will have access to my conversations — that no one (except maybe a couple of enterprising Russians) will be able to listen in on the “other phone.”

* The wonderful access to Google to find out the name of the female lead in that 1936 movie that most people I know who weren’t even born yet, had not seen … and my ability to bypass Siri for that information. Siri, who, God save her soul, is an ignorant idiot. (If that is an oxymoron, my apology to idiots.)

* Of course, the advantage (?– hmmmm) of being able to have human contact wherever I am and whatever I am doing.

* And I can count on you to fill in the missing advantages.

But for the inevitably permanent worse!

* Although I am “in touch” with many folks as a result of the iPhone — that most wonderful of the five senses — touch (skin to skin touch) is slip, slip, slipping away and some folks don’t even know how far gone it is.

* As a species, our very bodies are in transition — mutating, no doubt — heads down, fingers flying, eyes darting from other world-phone to the here and now place of reality. We have actually learned to be in two (or maybe more) places at the same time, and, the younger we are, the more natural it seems.

* And my personal abhorrence gets tested on an almost daily basis. When I am in a social setting with others, dinner, after-dinner … a walk … a beach-sit … a night on the town … wherever — I give the other person or people my undivided attention. But I am so old that I actually expect the same from others. (an unrealistic expectation, yes!) Is it possible that we never had “emergencies” when I was younger, living with land phones only, where people left messages to which responses were given within hours or days — not seconds.

Please, when we are together, turn it off, put it away, do not coddle it as if it were some small living creature needing the warmth of your hand. And fergodsake, please don’t show me your pictures unless I ask for them, and I promise I won’t force mine on you!

* Finally, however, I dare anyone to deny its highly addictive nature.

Lil Jon

The Big Buck Music Fest – Saturday

The 2^nd annual Big Buck Music Fest is here. This year, Lil Jon Trick Daddy and Trina are scheduled to perform. The event will take place at Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex, 445 SW 2 Ave., in Deerfield Beach on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 5 to 10 p.m. Parents should know that, starting at 7 p.m., they should expect some foul language and explicit content as part of the show. If the show is not sold out, tickets will be available ahead of time online at www.thebigbuckmusicfest.eventbrite.com or at any city recreation center,  or on the day of the event on-site. There is a Deerfield Beach resident discount available. Residents can use the promo code “dfbresidents” to receive $3 off when purchasing tickets. 

Parking & Shuttle

Parking onsite at the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex will be utilized for vendors, persons with disabilities, media, entertainment, sponsors and VIP guests only. All parties will be sent a parking placard that must be displayed on their windshield.   There will be free parking and complimentary shuttles will be available. Below is a list of the parking locations:

• Central City Campus, 401 SW 4 Ave, with a designated drop-off area at OMRC from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

• Deerfield Beach High School, 910 Buck Pride Way, with a designated drop-off area at OMRC from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
• Deerfield Park Elementary School, 650 SW 3 Ave, with a designated drop-off area at OMRC from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
• Cove Shopping Center, 1582 SE 3 Ct, with a designated drop-off area at OMRC from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
• Pioneer Park/City Hall, 150 NE 2 Ave, with a designated drop-off area at OMRC from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
• N.E Focal Point, 227 NW 2 St, with a designated drop-off area at OMRC from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

For more information, call the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429.

By Gary Curreri

Highlands Christian Academy continued its long tradition of hosting a basketball camp this summer. Reg Cook, the school’s former AD, and Boys Varsity basketball coach, started the camp in 1986 with 19 campers in attendance. This year’s camp had 25 campers and consisted of children in the 3rd through 8th grade.

“We had a great group of campers,” said Highlands Christian basketball coach Paul Pridemore, who is also the school’s athletic director. “They learned a lot of fundamental skills that they can build on. The most exciting thing that happened was we had one camper that accepted Christ as his savior.”

Trophies were awarded for competitions like free throws, hot shot, full court layups, Mikan layups, one-on-one, in addition to the best defender, most improved and camper of the week.

In addition to basketball, Highlands Christian Academy also held a softball camp and a volleyball camp that ended this week.

Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association results

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association held two tournaments recently for its players. A total of 29 golfers competed in the Two Best Ball of Foursome tournament on July 17 at the Pines Course and the team of Jim Blake, Frank Cutrone and Willie Smith shot 116 to win by two strokes. The team of Bill Hazlett, Robert Raser and Dennis Sejda shot a 118 and won on a match of cards over the third place team of Robert Blau, Gary Gill and Jim Greeley, who also carded a 118. Jim Blake won the closest to the pin contest on hole No. 15.

One week later, the Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association held an individual play – Odd Holes Minus ½ Handicap in Classes tournament on the Pines Course with Tom Pawelczyk winning the Class A Net Score with a 29.0. Dennis Sejda recorded a 29.5 to take second, while Bill Hadersbeck shot a 30.0 to finish in third in the Class A.

 In Class B, Mike Marruquin shot a 29.5 and finished in first place after a match of cards over Jim Greeley. Robert Raser carded a 30.0 to take third.

Dennis Rooy shot 27.5 to take first place in the Class C Division, while Bill Hazlett (29.5) and Henry Lesburt (30.5) finished second and third respectively. Lesburt won on a match of cards. The closest to the pin winner on hole (No. 17) was Bill O’Brien.

There were 30 players in the field.

Simply Soccer camp down to final week

Area residents have one final chance to take part in the Simply Soccer camp series that is in its 31st year of soccer camps for children 5-15 in nearby Coral Springs.

There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., extended hours camp from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a Tiny Tot program for kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Full day campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. You do not have to be a city resident to attend.

 The final week is Aug. 5-9. You can register daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs. For information on the camp, call 954-345-2200.

Highlands Christian Academy recently held a basketball camp with 25 campers (bottom photo). The camp also handed out awards (top photo).

Moto Girl is off on a cross-county road trip making special appearances as America’s Top Dog Model 2019.

Travel season is here and families will be taking road trips to exciting destinations across the country. Dog friendly vacations make a fun time for the entire family, and traveling with pets is easier than ever. But bringing pets along for the ride, takes some advance planning and attention to detail while on the trip. Here are my top tips for an enjoyable road trip with your dog.

Make sure your dog is fully acclimated to and has a positive association with car travel and adventure. This can be accomplished by taking your dog on short car trips and errands around town. You may also want to take them to the park and other areas where they will be introduced to different environments as well as be around new dogs and people. End these trips with playtime, praise and a reward for good behavior in the car.

Prepare for the trip by making a folder with your packing lists, hotels, restaurants, activities and all the fun things you can do with your dog.

Pet’s Packing List

Food/treats

Medication

Water

Water and food bowls

Bedding and towels

Car seat cover

Vaccination records

Flea and tick prevention

Favorite toys

Car harness/carrier

Leash + extension

Pet first aid kit

Pick up bags

Medical

Is your pet healthy and able to travel? Visit your veterinarian for a check-up.

If all is well, get them up-to-date on vaccines.

Get copies of paperwork with proof of vaccines and medical care.

If your dog requires medication, bring enough for the trip plus a few days extra for the unexpected.

Identification

Make sure your dog is micro chipped and has a collar with identification attached.

Bring photos of your dog with contact information on the back, kept in your purse or wallet.

Car Trip

Map out pet friendly stops with the help of GoPetFriendly.com.

Add markers for possible restaurants, attractions, landmarks and shops. Also, research highly rated emergency veterinarian offices in or near cities you will be driving through.

Plan to make frequent short stops to exercise, provide water and give your dog appropriate bathroom breaks.

Learn your dog’s stress signals and make sure to take a break when needed.

Practice good etiquette while out and about.

Make sure your pet is restrained for safety via a booster seat, carrier or harness.

Do not leave your dog in the car at any time.

Lodging & Food

Make a list of pet friendly accommodations along your route.

Bringfido.com helps you search for dog-friendly lodging, and it’s available as a mobile app so you can easily find hotels.

Bring your dog’s own bedding.

Check hotels pet rules and places to walk pets for potty breaks and exercise.

Eat out at dog friendly restaurants.

Bring containers with your dog’s food.

Activities

Enjoy your time together in your new surroundings. After a long day on the road, your dog will likely want to be close to what’s familiar and, if you’re in a new location, the most familiar thing for them will be you. Be prepared to spend the majority of time outdoors. Here are some fun things to do:

Picnic at a dog park

Relax on a pet friendly beach

Take a dog friendly hike

Go kayaking

Attend an outdoor music concert

Visit a state park (Check state parks pet regulations).

Jo Jo Harder, is an author, stylist, producer, and pet lifestyle expert, as well as CEO and creator of America’s Top Dog Model contest. Jo Jo has been at the helm of America’s Top Dog Model ® brand since 2005, and her unique approach to discovering, developing and managing top dog models has gained international attention. America’s Top Dog Model’s new reality series “How to Get to the Top” will launch on YouTube in August. www.americastopdogmodel.com.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Cinema Dave with music teacher Chai Latte. After teaching four lessons of ukulele, Chai Latte will conduct The Space Jam Ukulele Concert with her “graduate” students Thursday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m.

It was a decade ago this month that I committed to publish my first book, The Adventures of Cinema Dave in the Florida Motion Picture World, which featured 652 pages of interviews, pictures and movie reviews from the Observer. Despite going through an economic recession in 2009, I was optimistic about the film industry.

Deerfield Beach was centrally located between multiple film festivals, the Delray Beach Film Festival, the Palm Beach Film Festival, the Miami International Film Festival, the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and multiple conventions and comic book film festivals.  Now, of those fests, only the Miami International Film Festival and the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival have survived. [But other festivals have popped up].

Thanks to the adaptation of small screen telephones [and the ability to stream movies on the Internet], consumer interest did change. With the exception of a film like a Star Wars and a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, seeing a movie as a communal experience has waned.  

If you do go to the movies this month, keep a keen eye out for The Peanut Butter Falcon, an independent film that features fine performances from Dakota Johnson, Bruce Dern, wrestler Mick Foley, John Hawkes and newcomer Zack Gottsagen. This entertaining movie, which features a roller coaster ride of emotions, is pure American cinema.

If you are looking to do something fun and free tonight, “The Space Jam Ukulele Concert” will be conducted at the Deerfield Beach Percy White Library starting at 6 p.m. This concert is the culmination of four weeks of ukulele lessons that library patrons have taken with music teacher Chai Latte. Honky-tonk pianist Kris Nicholson will tickle the ivories for this special evening. [He was part of the library’s “Blues School” event Feb. 2]. Join the fun this summer evening.

Cinema Dave with Kris Nicholson, the Honky Tonk piano player. After his contribution to Blues School last Feb. 2 at Deerfield Beach Percy White Library, Kris Nicholson guest stars in this evening’s (Aug. 1) free Space Jam Ukulele Concert.

Deerfield Beach

July 16: It was reported that multiple vehicles parked at 315 SW 32 Ave. had their windows smashed and items removed.

July 19: Someone smashed the passenger window of a vehicle parked at 2403 W. Hillsboro Blvd. and stole a purse with reading glasses and a Florida driver’s license.

July 19: A woman reported that someone attempted to break into her home at 1231 SE 10 St. An A/C unit was tampered with.

July 19: An elderly woman reported that a man and woman came to her apartment and said they had done some work for her in the backyard. She went to the backyard with them. Upon returning, she discovered that cash and jewelry were missing from the apartment. The incident was reported at 1977 SW 15 St.

July 19: It was reported that someone stole the engine computer to a truck at Approved Moving at 1501 NW 49 Ct.

July 19: A man reported that he believes a person who he knows entered his home at 1056 S. Military Trl. and stole two televisions, three playstations and one computer.

Lighthouse Point  

July 12: The victim believed she left her wallet in a Lyft driver’s vehicle at 3722 N. Federal Hwy. She was advised to contact the driver and was awaiting a response.

July 12: A resident called police to report she had found two dogs at 2216 NE 27 St. She later called back and said that the owner was located, and the call was cancelled.

July 14: Police responded to an alarm call at 2801 NE 46 St. The property was checked and 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.)

Home School Curriculum Planning Event

Thursday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Boca Raton Public Library (Community Meeting Room)

400 NW 2 Ave.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Come out and learn about curriculum choices, network with new and experienced home school parents, and discover library and area resources. Refreshments will be served. Event is free and open to the public. Parenting and home school books will be on sale at the event for only $1 each. To register or for more information, visit www.myboca.us/957/Library.

Aug
Dive in Movies — Finding Dory

Friday, Aug. 2, 8 p.m.

Houston Sworn Pool

901 NW 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

The City of Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Department invites you to cool off with a dip in the pool while you enjoy a featured flick. This is a free event. Snacks and refreshments will be available. For more information, call 954-786-4116.

Old Town Untapped

Friday, Aug. 2, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Bailey Contemporary Arts

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Old Town Untapped is a monthly craft beer and arts festival hosted by the Pompano Beach CRA and features free samples of local beers crafted by breweries in Pompano Beach’s emerging craft beer scene. In addition, the streets of Old Town are lined with food trucks, artists, crafters and interactive art. Inside Bailey Contemporary Arts, guests can grab some locally roasted coffee at Blooming Bean Coffee Roasters and walk through the galleries rotating art exhibits each month. 

The Big Buck Music Fest

Saturday, Aug. 3, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The festival will include live musical performances from local & global artists, including headliner Lil Jon, as well as great food from well-known restaurants & food trucks, and an interactive kid zone. Parental Advisory: Beginning at 7 p.m., there will be mature content and explicit language included as a part of the show. It will be at the discretion of the adult supervisor of the children to determine if they wish to stay and take part. General Admission: $7.27 DFB Resident; with promo code: $4.63. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-buck-music-fest-tickets-62871356921. For more information, see Pg. 1.

Back 2 School Pool Party

Sunday, Aug. 4, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Township Community Aquatic Center

2500 Lyons Rd.

Coconut Creek, FL 33063

The 3rd annual Back 2 School Pool Party is here! Free school supply giveaways for all kids, a three-hour celebration with music, games, food, swimming and more! Come and have fun with your friends and family. Open to the public, fun for all ages. Food truck will be present with hot dogs, snacks and amazing desserts. Presented by Style My Own & Good Fight Mission. For more information, e-mail: info@stylemyown.com.

Preschool open house

Thursday, Aug. 8, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Center for Active Aging

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speaker Jayne Hafer, preschool manager, will talk about “Preparing your Child for School.” Visit the classroom and meet the teachers. Refreshments will be available, as well as free child-sitting. The preschool serves children ages 3-5 years and promotes successful learning in a nurturing, loving childcare setting. Weekly tuition includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Teachers are certified and the school is a 5+ Quality Rated School with APPLE Accreditation. Free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten is offered beginning Aug. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. Please call 954-480-4473 for more information or e-mail jhafer@dfb.city.

Save the Date:

Symphony of the Americas Summerfest Concert

Friday, Aug. 9, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Deerfield Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL  33441

Mark your calendars for this free family outdoor performance. The concert, organized by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society is supported by the City of Deerfield Beach, the Deerfield Beach Rotary, Kiwanis Club, Woman’s Club and Cultural Committee, as well as State of Florida Cultural Affairs. The concert is free; bring along a chair or blanket. A variety of food and drink are available for purchase with all proceeds to benefit the sponsoring groups. For additional information, please call 561-299-8684 or visit www.deerfield-history.org.

Summer Jam Put Back

Saturday, Aug. 10, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DS Sports Plex

3650 SW 10 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441

Game Time Clothing Presents their second annual event. A four team basketball tournament, 3 point contest, skill competition, fashion show, fun zones, food, beer and wine. Kids under 15 are free, ages 15-18 are $5 and adults are $15. For more information, call 954-798-6535 or 954-882-3373.

Woman’s Club Trips

Naval Museum in Ft. Pierce

Tuesday, Aug. 13 8:30 a.m.

Deerfield Woman’s Club is delighted to offer a very special trip to Ft. Pierce and Stuart. The National Navy Seal Museum is home to one of the most unusual collections of artifacts & exhibits of any museum. Cost is $90. Includes round trip Motor Coach transportation, a tip to your driver, a visit to the museum, a sit-down lunch overlooking the beach and a visit to historic downtown Stuart. Limited seats. Call now. Men are welcome too. Call Sally 954-427-2175 for more information.

‘GET FIT’ at the Center for Active Aging

Yoga Lite with Laura Newman —

Monday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Enhance Fitness® Program with Julie —

Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10 to 11 a.m.  

Zumba Gold with Ayheza Newell —

Tuesday & Thursday, noon to 1 p.m.

Sit N Fit Yoga with Diane Zantop —

Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Senior Aqua Movement —

Tuesday & Thursday at the DFB Aquatic Center —

1 to 1:45 p.m.

Exercise Room includes treadmills, stationary bikes, cardio fit machine and more. Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

These are available every week. The Center for Active Aging is located at 227 NW 2 St., in Deerfield Beach. For more information, please call 954-480-4447. Need a ride?  Give them a call. The Center for Active Aging offers transportation services.

Read with Grandma Connie

Come to the Percy White Library at 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 and meet Grandma Connie, a foster grandparent who helps children become successful readers. She will hold office hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. On Tuesday and Thursday, she will be available between noon and 5 p.m. Her schedule gets pretty full, so it is best to meet with her and schedule a block of time to meet with her. Call 954-357-7680.

Each moment of life, taken on its own, is imprisoned. It is a fragment and, as such, orphaned from its meaning, like torn pages of a book scattered by the wind. Remembrance creates a gestalt, a wholeness in which all things are redeemed and complete.

The most essential example: You probably have noticed that all the mitzvahs (Biblical commandments) we do are zecher l’yitsiat mitzraim — “a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt.” It is this memory that takes a mitzvah out of its particular context and brings it into the larger drama of redemption. Each mitzvah becomes another step in an ongoing Exodus that began in Egypt and culminates in the final redemption.

To put it another way: On its own, a mitzvah is just another deed. In the context of remembrance, it becomes redemption: A redemption of that person at that moment and another step in the redemption of the entire world.

[In reference to a parent who has lost a child]: The point at which your child was lost, I’m sure, was impossibly painful. Experiences such as these often become barriers between the present and the past. Memories are lost or tainted by the pain. But if you could see the entire picture as a whole, from beginning to end, the beauty would return to all of it.

I remember a music professor who would start the class by playing a chord on the piano and asking us to write down the notes. The chords became more and more sophisticated as the classes progressed: minor 9ths, suspended, augmented, 13ths… Then, one day, he played the ugliest chord imaginable — and, this time, not only were we asked to write the notes, but to tell him the era and composer, as well. All were convinced it was post-Wagnerian. Most placed it as “modern ugly — likely from the 1920s.” Several suggested Arnold Schönberg. Then he played us the entire piece. It was a fugue from J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavichord. The voices of the fugue fought their way into a crescendo of complexity culminating in the agonizing tension of that chord…and then smoothly resolved back into the sweetest baroque harmony. Of course, it was all beautiful. But the most beautiful was that which we had first heard as the most ugly.

May we all merit to hear the entire symphony fulfilled, sooner than we can imagine.(A portion of an article by Tzvi Freeman on Chabad.org.)

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.