Fall Bowling League

Thursday, Oct. 10, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Diamond Strikes Lane

2200 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Hosted by Pompano Beach Chamber. $20. Must pre-register. Free parking. For info., visit www.deerfieldchamber.com.

Florida International

Trade and Cultural Expo

Thursday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Greater Ft. Lauderdale/

Broward County Convention Center

1950 Eisenhower Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

A unique opportunity to engage high level government leaders, international trade experts and delegations from around the world to participate in dialogues relating to international trade, foreign direct investment and culture. FITCE 2019 expects to attract over 1,500 attendees including approximately 250 international businesses and approximately 1250 local businesses, multi-cultural global trade representatives from over 63 countries, federal, state and local trade agencies & government leaders from around the world. For more information on international delegation packages or sponsorship opportunities, please communicate directly with Paola Isaac Baraya, Economic Development Specialist for International Trade, by calling 954-357-7894 or e-mail pisaac@broward.org.

Palm Beach County & South Florida Business Conference & Expo

Thursday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m.

Boca Raton Wyndham Resort

1950 Glades Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Featuring a Business to Business Trade Show, Medical Services & Healthcare, Hospitality Showcase, an International & Latin American Showcase, Real Estate & Developers Showcase, Venture Capital Forum and Social Media Extravaganza & VIP Networking. Raffle prizes. Bring 300 business cards — 100 for the exhibitors, 100 for the Exchange Booth, 100 for networking. $30 at the door, $15 in advance. For more information, call 561-683-8414 or visit www.SouthFloridaExpo.com . 

Music under the Stars

Friday, Oct. 11, 7 to 9 p.m.

The Great Lawn

20 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Come out for an evening of great music and entertainment .

Art in the Park

Saturday, Oct. 12, 5 to 9 p.m.

Sullivan Park

1633 Riverview Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Art vendors, music, food trucks, drinks and Tiki bar. Free event. (1^st year event so low fee for art vendors). For more information, call 847-404-1120.

Barefoot Mailman Remembrance Day

Saturday, Oct. 12

Pick up & drop off:

Sands Harbor Resort and Marina

125 N. Riverside Dr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Come out for a fun day at the Hillsboro Lighthouse. Go to Sands Harbor to catch the boat. A current HLPS membership or a $35 per person transportation fee is required. Sails hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

District 1 Saturday Office Hours

Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to Noon

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

District 1 Commissioner Hudak will be available to meet with constituents on an appointment basis. To schedule an appointment, contact the City Manager’s Office at 954-480-4263.

Film screening & talk

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m.

Deerfield/Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The local producers of Dead Ant will discuss and screen their non-rated movie. (parental advisory).

Postcard Club

Saturday, Oct. 12, noon to 3 p.m.

Old School House

323 NE 2 St. (Eller)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Buy, sell & see postcards, or bring your own.

Fall & Winter 2019 Concert series

Sunday, Oct. 13, 3 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441

Presenting Joseph Kingma as pianist performing Franz Liszt’s “Les Cloches de G;” Claude Debussy’s “Suite Bergamasque,” and Sergei Rachmanioff’s “13 Preludes, Op. 32.” General Admission is $20. 18 and under free. Reception to follow.

Trinity’s Fall Festival & Trunk-or Treat

Sunday, Oct. 13, 4 to 7 p.m.

Trinity Church

3901 NE 22 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Come out for a night of fun including food, bounce house, carnival games, pumpkin crafts, face painting, cake walk, costume parade, sacred spooky stories, blood drive and silent auctions. For more information, call 954-941-8033 or visit www.trinitychurchlhp.com.

Kendra Scott event for Zonta

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 to 8 p.m.

Mizner Park

411 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Come out and celebrate the newest seasonal launch at Kendra Scott. Enjoy sips, light bites and their newest winter collection. Ten percent of proceeds will directly benefit local community charities and student scholarships. Plus enjoy an exclusive 10 percent off discount during your shopping experience. Can’t make it?Phone orders are welcome. Call 561-430-2520.

Talk about Storytelling

Wednesday, Oct.16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Historical Society

217 NE 4 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come out as Pompano Beach Historical Society welcomes Caren Schnur Neile, Ph.D., MFA, an affiliate professor at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, who specializes in storytelling studies. Not only will she share some stories of some local historic characters, she will tell you how to preserve your own family’s histories.Free program. Seating is limited. Please R.S.V.P. at www.pompanohistory.com.

Save the Date:

Fall Festival

Saturday, Oct. 19, 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Pioneer Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy a day of fun with the entire family! This festival event includes fun activities, such as picking out the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, enjoying live entertainment, hay rides, tasty treats and more! For more information, visit www.dfb.city/fallfestival or contact the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429, or dfbspecialevents@deerfield-beach.com. Vendor applications available on their website.

8th Annual Brazilian Festival

Saturday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pompano Beach Community Park

820 NE 18 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Enjoy Brazil’s art, culture, music and cuisine. Visit an outdoor circus featuring live performances of mascots welcoming kids during the day. The kids zone includes an inflatable playground with slides, moonwalks, waterfalls, obstacle courses, rides and games that will keep families busy all day. The amazing journey into Brazil’s art, culture, tradition and cuisine is the focus of the exhibitors’ zone. Experience a line-up that will include performances, fashion, cover and local bands, headliners and a closing musical act.General Admission: $5/day, $8/weekend pass; VIP: $45/day, $80/weekend pass. Free for children under the age of 13.

19^th Annual Health and Wellness Expo

Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Center for Active Aging

227 NW 2 (Eller) St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Activities will include vendors with “healthy” information and education for all ages, flu shots administered by Walgreens, and free health screenings.  The health screenings will check balance, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, hearing, vision, stroke risk assessment, memory screening, HIV and skin cancer. There will be door prizes, giveaways and entertainment. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase at affordable prices. For additional information, contact Robin Marzullo, 954-480-4446 or e-mail rmarzullo@dfb.city.

Kiwanis Golf Tournament

Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. shotgun start

Pompano Municipal Golf Course

1101 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come out and support the Kiwanis in the 9^th Annual Golf Tournament at Galuppi’s Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course. You can also sponsor a hole by purchasing a tee sign. Tee signs are $100 each and 100 percent of that goes to the kids in our community. If you would like to donate gift cards, hotel stays, event tickets, etc. are accepted. Registration fee is $125/individual or $500/Foursome. To register, mail payments to Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach, PO Box 1105, Deerfield Beach, FL 33443, or visit www.deerfieldbeachkiwanis.org. Make checks payable to Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach Charitable Foundation.

A Concert for Hope

Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 to 6 p.m.

The Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

An afternoon of music to celebrate Cancer survivors and remember those we have lost. $10 donation to the American Cancer Society includes two luminaria bags for Nov. 2 Hope on the Beach event (See pg. 4). Call T.J. Eagen 954-592-3150.

Worth the Drive:

7th Annual Red Shield Redesign Bash

Friday, Oct. 11, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The Galleria at Ft. Lauderdale

2414 E. Sunrise Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304

Event attendees will have the opportunity to bid on their favorite redesigned and repurposed treasures plus there will be a variety of luxury silent auction items during the evening of food, drinks and fun. Proceeds will support the many shelter, feeding and case management programs at The Salvation Army of Broward County. This year’s design host committee is headed up by Bea Pila of B Pila Designs, Alena Capra of Alena Capra Design, Traci Miller of Miller Construction, Janie Micek and John-Paul Micek of Restore 818 Designer Homes and Rony Sarmiento of Havertys Furniture. The 2019 People’s Choice will be determined by those in attendance. $100 for general admission; $175 for VIP (includes priority seating and a pre-event cocktail reception), available at http://bit.ly/RedShieldReDesignBash2019. For more information, visit www.salvationarmyflorida.org/fortlauderdale/redesign or e-mail desiree.saunders@uss.salvationarmy.org.

The following quote was found in the 1996 Sept./Oct. issue of the Saturday Evening Post, “In 1992, layperson Jerry Frear, Jr., was brainstorming with church colleagues about how they might be of help to their minister when he glanced at a calendar and noticed that it was almost Groundhog Day. ‘I thought, if they have a day for groundhogs, there ought to be a day for the 375,000 clergy people in America,’ Frear says. So…for the last seven years the second Sunday in October has been set aside to show appreciation for our clergy.”

Focus on the Family is credited with building on, expanding, and popularizing pastor appreciation week, by calling October “Clergy Appreciation Month.” Hallmark saw a market and wanted in on the action and the first “Pastor Appreciation” greeting cards were sold in 2002.

Those who only observe a minister from a distance may feel his job is an easy one. Too often, people misconstrue that a pastor works one day per week, studies only one Book and mooches off generous people who host him occasionally for supper. That may be true for a few “so-called” ministers, but that is far from the truth for those pastors who are serving the Lord with their whole heart.

Pastors who truly love people will invest themselves into the lives of their congregation. They will weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. They sympathize and empathize with those God has entrusted to them. In doing this, many pastors struggle to separate work from personal life. They cannot just leave the office and forget the events of the day. They take the needs of others with them, agonize over them in prayer and wrestle with them through many sleepless nights.

Pastors and their families live in fish bowls and get observed and scrutinized from every angle. Pastors attempt to lead those who are frequently resistant to change. They listen to those who have strong opinions, and love those who announce how they would have done things differently. Serving others can at times be overwhelming.

The data reveals that 95 percent of those who enter vocational ministry will NOT retire from it. Hundreds of pastors are leaving the ministry every month; many pastors say that the ministry has negatively affected their marriage and family; and many pastors admit they would quit, if they had some other career option. The majority of pastors admit to walking a very lonely road that lacks deep friendships and the suicide rate among pastors is rising rapidly.

Whether you think your pastor needs it or not, let me encourage you to do something special to encourage them during the month of October. A simple note, a word of encouragement, an affirmation of support goes a long way toward inspiring your pastor. Show your appreciation by praying, encouraging, attending, supporting, participating, and protecting him when others speak evil. Throughout the year, give him a gift card to take his wife to dinner. Offer free childcare, wash his car, give him a gas card, bake his favorite cookies/pie, etc. The little things say a lot and are even more appreciated, when they are unexpected.

So, during October, be a blessing to your pastor, as well as, in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, November and December. Your simple prayer or word of encouragement may be the thing that keeps him from being part of 95 percent that leave the ministry. I close with a special shout out to all of my pastor friends… thank you for your faithfulness and keep your eye on the Prize (Phil. 3:14).

Dr. Gary A. Colboch is Senior Pastor at Grace Church located at 501 NE 48 St. in Pompano Beach. For more information, call 954-421-0190 or pastor@gbcfl.org.

By Diane Emeott

New owners of Markee, Keith Ridenour and Derek Assaf, recently back from building a new facility in Tennessee, acquired Markee Music from Mark Begelman in May.

Guitarist, songwriter and producer Keith and bass player and engineer Derek Assaf have been involved at Markee since its construction in 2010.

Ridenour got interested in playing guitar when he and his drummer brother Randy were kids watching a band rehearse in their living room.

“We would watch them rehearse, absorbing every fiber of the music and wanting to emulate them — and gravitated to playing. One year for Christmas, we got used drums and a used guitar! Our dad used to run dances at the old Chamber Building for the Deerfield Beach Jaycees. He used to run them at the Deerfield fishing pier as well.”

Ridenour’s father Ray also wrote poetry — inspiring Keith’s later songwriting ability.

Keith and Randy went to Deerfield Beach High School and played all the dances, including Homecoming, Sadie Hawkins … and all over Broward County, Miami-Dade County and West Palm Beach.

“We were in a band called Black Watch,” said Keith. “I was able to record my first record as a teenager, at age 17, at Mike Pinera’s studio in Miami.”

(Other bands Ridenour has played with include Harvest, a Southern Rock band; Uproar, a Pop Rock band; Razor Red, a Pop Metal all original band, and, most recently, Black Water River, a Doobie Brother’s Tribute Band.)

In 1993, Keith and a silent partner built Ridenour Studio in Oakland Park “where everyone from Ricky Martin and Aerosmith to Johnny Depp, Foreigner and Steve Winwood would play.”

Keith sold that Ridenour Studio in 2003 to move to Nashville where, for the next eight years, he continued songwriting and producing.

As CD sales became less prevalent in 2009 and 2010 (with songs available online), Keith decided to come back to South Florida to open Markee studio with former President and CEO of Office Depot Mark Begelman – who started Mars Music in Ft. Lauderdale in 1996 and later sold it.

At the end of 2017, Keith and Derek went back to Nashville. In 2018, they built ‘A Ridenour Studio’ in Murfreesboro, TN, a suburb two miles from Nashville. It caters to music students from nearby Middle Tennessee State University (MDSU), as well as the prestigious local talent pool of legendary Nashville, also known as “Music City.”

In May 2019, Keith and Derek returned to Deerfield to buy Markee from Begelman.

Offerings

As a one-stop venue for all things musical, Markee offers:

Music Lessons – In its three soundproof music lesson studios, Markee provides professional lessons on guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals, technology and songwriting by highly skilled musicians who all have a wealth of band experience.

Rehearsal Studios – Known as ‘the finest rehearsal space in South Florida,’ Markee offers six, fully-equipped, 342 sq. ft. soundproof rehearsal studios.

Recording Studio – The state-of-the art recording studio is fully equipped with Pro Tools HD and Logic 10. From Focusrite to Genelec, Markee has what it takes to record any genre of music, from Hip Hop to Gospel to Rock ‘n Roll.

Markee Performance Room: The recording studio adjoins a beautiful 875 sq. ft, fully-equipped performance room with a six-piece DW drum kit and 24-channel soundboard, perfect for full band-based recording sessions, recitals and other performances.

What’s new

Keith and Derek are in the process of upgrading all the gear and equipment at Markee, ‘A Ridenour Studio,’ in Deerfield. This includesall new drum kits in the Rehearsal and Recording studios; guitar and bass amp[lifiers]; all new vocal monitors; all new mics; cabling and a new console in the recording studio.

A new venture for Markee is offering Backline Rentals, which literally means all of the back line of musical equipment that typically appears onstage when a band plays. For example, guitar amp(s), bass amp, drums, keyboard, microphones, percussion.

Whether you need a guitar amp, bass amp, drum kit, percussion or instruments, Markee has it to rent. Keith said he and Derek were recently in talks with Pompano Beach Amphitheater about Backline Rental, as well as all other surrounding cities.

Special deals

Lesson Special – Buy three lessons, get one free ($30 per half hour, $55 per hour).

Recording Special – A Markee customer exclusive: Recording package: five hours. Get four hours of recording time plus one hour of set-up time to record up to three songs.

What Markee recommends:

Set up and mic-ing begins one hour prior to playing

You arrive 15 minutes prior to playing (for personal set-up)

Sound check 20 minutes

Recording tracks: 1 hour 10 minutes

Markee engineer mixing: 2 ½ hours

Walk out with a CD!

Regular Price: $375. Markee Customer: $262, which equals a 30 percent savings!

*If you need or desire more time, Markee will discount the regular rate of $69 per hour down to $60.

For more information, call Markee at 954-794-0033 or visit www.markeemusic.com.

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach senior quarterback Michael Pratt threw for a season-best 331 yds. and four touchdowns as the host Bucks toppled Boca Raton 49-6 in the District 12-8A opener for both teams on Friday night. 

Pratt, a Tulane University commit who transferred from Boca Raton High School to Deerfield in August, made his fourth straight start and guided the Bucks to a fourth straight victory.

He has seen his touchdown totals in each game go up by one. He threw for one score in his first, then two, then three and four against his former school. He has 10 TDs on the season.

“We just have to get better every single week,” said Pratt, whose team has a bye this week before facing Spanish River. “My timing with the receivers, connection and chemistry is starting to build up. Our offensive line…I am starting to learn them and they are starting to learn me.”

Deerfield Beach (4-2, 1-0 in the district) took the opening kickoff and marched 80 yds. in three plays, capped by a 40-yd. scoring run by FSU commit Jaylan Knighton. He carried all three times in the drive for 80 yds. Knighton finished the game with seven rushes for 100 yds. and one score.

Boca Raton (2-3, 0-1) cut the lead to 7-6 on a 20-yd. scoring toss from Andrew Caverty to Ashton Gillotte with 4:02 left in the first half. The extra point attempt by Thomas Lofiago was blocked and later also had a 37-yd. field goal attempt blocked.

The score snapped a three-game shutout streak by the Bucks in their last three wins – as they defeated Blanche Ely, 46-0, Zachary (LA), 53-0 and Oak Ridge (Orlando), 42-0 – and outscored the opposition 141-0 during the span.

Deerfield Beach broke the game open in the second quarter when Pratt hit Maryland commit Deajaun McDougle for an 83-yd. catch and run for a 14-6 advantage and then 21-6 on a 64-yd. interception return by Phillip O’Brien. Deerfield Beach made it 28-6 on a 20-yd. scoring toss from Pratt to University of Miami commit Xavier Restrepo.

Pratt connected with Deajaun McDougle two more times in the third quarter from 51 yds. and 60 yds. for a 42-6 lead. It was his 10^th scoring touchdown pass in four games. McDougle had 226 yds. receiving on five catches and three TDs.

Back-up quarterback Marquise Pierre hit Jamarion McDougle on a 45-yd. TD score in the fourth for a 49-6 Bucks lead. It marked just the fifth time in Deerfield Beach history where they have scored 40 or more points in four straight games.

Pratt missed the first two games of the season, losses to Carol City, 24-12, and St. John’s (Washington, D.C.), 52-20, with a groin injury. Pratt threw for 1,208 yds. and 12 TDs at Boca Raton last season. He also ran for 447 yds. and three scores for the Bobcats.

Deerfield Beach coach Jevon Glenn said Pratt handled the week going against his former teammates well.

“He has a steadiness about him and is a little ahead of his time,” Glenn said. “To be quite honest, if he plays the first two games, we would be undefeated and top-10 in the country right now.”

Last season, Deerfield Beach fell in the state semifinals of the Class 8A tournament as they lost 49-21 to the eventual state champion, Miami Columbus, and finished 12-2. Deerfield lost in the regional quarterfinal the season before and lost in the state semifinals in 2016 to the eventual state champion, Southridge, 26-7 in 2016.

“it’s been a great opportunity to learn a few new things,” Pratt added. “I have to make better reads and work on timing.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

On June 22, 1969, Mom, Dad and I were out on our Johnson & Johnson wooden boat on Cold Spring Harbor.  My parents swam ashore and I stayed on the boat with a transistor radio. Between songs (likely Big Band), the news man announced that “Judy Garland died.” I got so excited that I pulled the boat ashore, much to my Dad’s dismay — since the tide was going out.

Being six years old, I had seen The Wizard of Oz at least twice, including once by myself on the color TV set. (The Wicked Witch of the West so scared me that I could not watch the film alone in the den the first time). Beyond portraying Dorothy Gale, Mom introduced me to Judy Garland the star of variety shows that featured singing, dancing and comedy.

Starring Renee Zellweger in the title role, the new movie Judy features the entertainer’s swan song. Living off her fame, but performing at low budget night clubs with her children Lorna and Joe, Judy finishes a show, only to learn she does not have a bed to sleep in.  After arguing with her fourth ex-husband Sid Luft (Rufus Sewell) about custody of the children, Judy gets a job offer to perform in London’s “Talk of the Town.”

The money is good, but years of prescribed substance abuse have taken their toll on this vulnerable 46-year-old mother of three.  Having earned a reputation as being unreliable, Judy Garland’s swan song performance is an emotional roller coaster ride featuring insomnia, heartbreak and the divine grace of performance.

Renee Zellweger owns Judy. Besides performing her own singing, there are moments when the ghost of Judy Garland has returned to the big screen. Likely to be Oscar nominated, Zellweger’s performance is consistent. Her final close-up is a rare audience connection that bookends the beginning of the movie.

Based on the play End of the Rainbow, this new film explains the dark side of show business. The opening shot features young Judy Garland (Darci Shaw) being told by Louie B. Mayer (Richard Cordery) that she is a plain, next-door girl that is separated by her beautiful singing voice.  This scene echoes the Book of Genesis chapter in which Eve is seduced by the serpent.

Tears were shed, but the laughs are truthful, Judy is an entertaining tragedy with many life lessons. Parents who know that their children want to “run away to the circus,” should take them to see Judy as a family movie some afternoon. The discussion afterward will be genuine.

Deerfield Beach

Sept. 17: A man said his car parked at 1311 SW 5 Ave. was entered and his wallet was stolen.

Sept. 17: The manager of a Publix at 3740 W. Hillsboro Blvd. reported that a man attempted to steal  a bag with $114 worth of items. The man attempted to hit the manager and then dropped the bag and fled.

Sept. 17: A woman reported that her vehicle was stolen. The vehicle was later recovered but she declined to press charges. The incident was reported at 203 NW 46 Ct.

Sept. 17: A woman reported that her iPhone was stolen from her purse at 3812 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Sept. 18: A woman reported that her vehicle parked at 660 W. Hillsboro Blvd. was entered and a laptop stolen.

Lighthouse Point

Sept. 18: Police responded to an alarm at 2850 N. Federal Hwy. The keyholder was contacted and advised that pressure cleaners were onsite and had just finished up.

Sept. 21: A lanyard with a key fob was found at 3098 NE 52St. The property was placed into a locker.

Sept. 21: Police responded to an alarm at 2411 NE 33 St. The resident said he had a new alarm system and didn’t realize it was set when he opened the garage.

(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.)

Deerfield Beach Night Out with Public Safety

Thursday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park- Bald Eagle Pavilion

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Annual free event designed to strengthen our neighborhoods through public safety and community partnerships. This is a perfect opportunity to get to know your BSO deputies and firefighters and unite with your neighbors. There will be music, food, activities, game truck, bounce house, BSO demos, hayrides and s’mores. For more information, contact Deputy Carlos Periu at 954-592-5211.

Young Art & Music Program

Thursday, Oct.3, 5:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Historical Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Create art while learning about famous composers. Open to all students ages 10 to 18. Space is limited. Register by emailing history@deerfield-history.org or calling 954-304-0195. Snacks will be provided. Sponsored by DFB Cultural Committee. Hosted by the DFB Historical Society.

Monthly Business Breakfast: The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Thursday, Oct.3, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Wyndham Deerfield Beach Hotel

2096 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Learn what it takes to succeed in business and in life! Create win/win relationships, master the power of language, and uncover the secret of internationalism so that it aligns with personal and professional goals. Tickets for members are $25 and $30 for non-members. To purchase tickets, visit www.deerfieldchamber.com.

Movies in the Park — Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween 

Friday, Oct.4, 7 p.m.

Pioneer Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The City of Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation Department presents Movies in the Park. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and join us for a night at the movies in the park under the stars. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, contact the Community Events and Outreach Department at 954-480-4494.

Art of the City: Block Party

Saturday, Oct. 5, 5 to 8 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd, Suite #1

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

This quarterly community extravaganza features diverse live performances by musicians, vocalists, emcees, poets, dancers and more that help tell the story of Broward County through the arts. Bring your beach chairs and blankets to join in the vibe! In addition to performers, each Block Party includes a vendors market featuring local small businesses (food, retail, etc.) and a live Artist Battle with some of South Florida’s most talented visual artists. There is also a Children’s Village with arts activities for the youth. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/art-of-the-city-block-party-pompano-beach-tickets-70554150363.

Concert in the Park

Saturday, Oct. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Invite your neighbors, bring your chairs and blankets, and enjoy great food and entertainment in the park! Please no dogs or glass. Free concert featuring Justin Enco and the PLD Band. Food Trucks will begin serving at 6 p.m. Concert starts at 7 p.m.

Blessings of the Animals

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2 p.m.

Zion Lutheran

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out and join Zion Lutheran church for blessings of the animals. All God’s creatures are welcome.

3^rd Annual Chili Cook-off

Saturday, Oct. 5, 1 to 4 p.m.

Marine Corps League

171 SW 2 St.

Pompano Beach, Fl 33060

Come join in on the fun for the Detachments Chili Cook off. It’s being held at Post 142 and it’s free to enter. First place is $250. Register by e-mailing jsaluk@gmail.com by Oct. 4.

Dunn’s Run

Sunday, Oct. 6, 7:30 a.m. (Race begins)

Deerfield Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The 23nd Annual Dunn’s Run benefits The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. The Dunn’s Run has earned its reputation as the race that signifies the start of the running season attracting over a thousand runners, walkers and participants. One of the largest racing fields in the Tri-County. This event which is fun for everyone regardless of ability attracts the masses. Starting Line location is at the intersection of Ocean Way & SE 2 Street at the Deerfield Beach Main Beach Parking Lot. Come out and support those who walk and run! For more info. visit www.dunnsrun.com. See more, pg. 5, 16

International Luncheon

Monday, Oct. 7, 1 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Are you interested in gardening, informative speakers and trips? Visit the Garden Club of Lighthouse Point’s first meeting of the year. Presentation: “Importance of bats to the balance of our Ecosystem.” The guest Speaker will be Erick Espana, Master Park Naturalist, Quiet Waters Park. Open and free to the public. Contact Chair to attend by emailing c.caroline.steffen@aol.com.

Coffee & Connections

Tuesday, Oct. 8. 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Hampton Inn Deerfield Beach

660 W. Hillsboro Beach

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce for our monthly networker with coffee and pastries. Bring your business card and learn more about the chamber. To register, visit www.deerfieldchamber.com.

Palm Beach County & South Florida Business Conference & Expo

Thursday, Oct. 10, 4 p.m.

Boca Raton Wyndham Resort

1950 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Put your business, your brand and your products in the spotlight. Featuring a Business to Business Trade Show, Medical Services & Healthcare, Hospitality Showcase, an International & Latin American Showcase, Real Estate & Developers Showcase, Venture Capital Forum, and Social Media Extravaganza & VIP Networking. Over $50,000 in Raffle Prizes. Florida Panthers, Miami Heat & Miami Marlins, Miami Dolphins will be present raffling off game tickets. Social Media extravaganza, including Facebook After-Hours, LinkedIn Meet Up & Twitter networking. Business Card Exchange Booth – Bring 300 Business Cards, 100 for the exhibitors, 100 for the Exchange Booth, 100 for networking. $30 at The Door, $15 in advance. For more information, call 561-683-8414 or visit www.SouthFloridaExpo.com . 

Cove Community Crime Watch

Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Royal Fiesta Banquet Hall

1680 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Save the Date:

Music under the Stars

Friday, Oct. 11, 7 to 9 p.m.

The Great Lawn

20 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Come out for an evening of great music and entertainment as Briny Irish Pub & Restaurant and the City of Pompano Beach Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department presents Music under the Stars on the second Friday of the month.

Art in the Park

Saturday, Oct. 12, 5 to 9 p.m.

Sullivan Park

1633 Riverview Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Art vendors, music, food trucks, drinks and Tiki bar. Free event. (1^st year event so low fee for art vendors). For more information, call 847-404-1120.

Barefoot Mailman Remembrance Day

Saturday, Oct. 12

Pick up & drop off: Sands Harbor Resort and Marina

125 N. Riverside Dr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Come out for a fun day at the lighthouse. Go to Sands Harbor to catch the boat. Parking is on the east side of the street in the city (pay) parking lot. Registration/check-in starts 30 minutes prior to the first sail time and remains open until the last boat returns. The boat leaves the Lighthouse dock to the Sands approximately 30 minutes later (for an approximate 1-hour round trip). It’s suggested an arrival at the respective dock 10-20 minutes before the departure time. Friendly members will register/check you in, provide you with a wrist band, and assist you with boarding for the boat ride to/from the lighthouse. A current HLPS membership or a $35 per person transportation fee is required. Sails hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Historic Butler House Tours

Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The historic home of James D. and Alice Butler is right here in Deerfield Beach and you can get a tour and find out more about our local history. Donations appreciated. For more information, call 954-429-0378.

Church of Christ Cares Bahamas Relief efforts

Deerfield Beach Church of Christ

360 SW 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach FL 33441

Donations are now accepted and can be donated seven days a week. Please do not bring clothing or nonperishables. For financial donations, please visit the Go Fund me account at www.gofundme.com/f/church-of-christ-cares-bahamian-relief-fund. For more information contact: Tyrone Murphy at 954-263-6438 or Jeff Jordon 954-297-1404.

Jean-Henri Fabre (1823-1915) was a French naturalist. He was the author of many works on insect life, remarkable for their vivid and minute observations and received the Nobel Prize for literature in 1910. One experiment he performed on Processionary Caterpillars struck a profound chord in my heart, allowing me to appreciate what Rosh Hashanah can mean for us today.

The Processionary Caterpillar is so named because what makes this little furry insect unique is its instinct to follow the caterpillar in front of it in a procession. Processions consist of 300 caterpillars or more, often fooling predators into thinking the caterpillar processions are snakes. It is a fascinating and charming sight to behold, as they move along nose to tail and in the likeness of a miniature train, with their eyes half-closed, searching for food.

Jean-Henri Fabre took a giant flower pot and placed an abundance of the caterpillars’ favorite food (juicy green leaves) at its center, and then he enticed the lead caterpillar to start circling around the circumference of the flowerpot’s rim. The other caterpillars followed suit in a tight single-file process. Fabre then succeeded in getting the lead caterpillar to connect up with the last one, creating a complete circle, which moved around the pot in a never ending procession; the head of one caterpillar touching the rear end of the caterpillar in front of it. Each caterpillar followed the one ahead, thinking that it was in search of food.

Fabre was certain that after a few circles of the pot, the caterpillars would discover their predicament or tire of their endless progression and veer in another direction. But they continued their circle. Fabre thought that after a day or two, growing hungry and tired, one of them will break out of the circle and head for the food. But, quite unbelievably, seven days and nights passed and not one of them would break the pattern to fetch the food in the center of the pot, less than six inches away.

The end of the story? Each one of the caterpillars died of exhaustion and starvation. 

Not one of the caterpillars stepped out of line. So they all died.

Human Caterpillars

Is it not true that so many of us humans, in our own way, suffer from similar patterns? How many of us often fall into their very pattern of following the masses at the expense of our own food laying right there in middle of the flowerpot? Deep in our hearts we often know that we should or should not be doing something or saying something. But we just fall into the “herd mentality” trap. We know that what we have been doing for so many years is really not nourishing us, but we can’t get ourself to leave the cursed circle. We’d rather die than step out of line.  

We’ve all seen footage of people breaking out into a stampede on Black Friday and trampling others at Target. Viewers often make fun of these groups, wondering how so many customers could be so stupid. But the crowds aren’t really thousands of individuals making dumb decisions. The crowds are just crowds; that’s what crowds do.

We are programmed to follow herds, explained superstar Israeli economist Dan Ariely in his new book, Dollars and Sense, and businesses make use of this mentality. Have you ever been stuck waiting with a group outside a music venue when the spacious building could easily let you all in? They might be keeping you there to get passersby to come to the show.

We assume that, if other people are doing something, then it’s a good idea.

“That’s what we are designed to do,” Ariely says “It’s not something we are aware of.”

This tendency can be dangerous. When fires break out in crowded movie theaters, everyone often runs to the same door and gets stuck in a bottleneck, even when there are two other side doors going unused. It’s very hard to say, ‘Everyone’s running in that direction. Let me sit here and think and look carefully around.’

Like wildebeests on the Serengeti running from lions, our species depends on a tendency for many people to act like one big animal.

This same mental tendency helps us build skyscrapers together and distribute food around the world. It just also means we can be indiscriminate about which groups we join. If you’re in a group, your mind isn’t always your own.

Yogi Berra

The legendary baseball player, Yogi Berra, who died in Sep. 2015, was once asked by his wife: “Yogi: you were born in Missouri, you live in New Jersey, and you played with the New York Yankees. So when you die, where should I bury you?” 

Yogi replied: “Surprise me!”

Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur says: Surprise yourself. Step out of line! This year, give yourself permission to cross the imaginary or real lines that hold you hostage. Transcend the mold.

Surprise yourself. Don’t be predictable. Do it differently. People put all types of limits on themselves, inspired by fear and trauma and status quo. This year — break out.

LeShana Tova

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

I met my late husband on a blind date in 1952, the year Adlai Stevenson (Democrat) was running for President against General Dwight D. Eisenhower. (Republican) We were both political junkies — Democrats, and, since he was still in dental school, I had to be a “cheap date.” And so he “courted” me at free Stevenson rallies. We were very vociferous and proactive, and despondent over our loss when Eisenhower won.

Fast forward to a time when we were married and my husband was finally earning money — which was about the time he switched parties and voted for Nixon. Our “mixed marriage” survived all 57 years until his demise in 2013. We listened respectfully to each other, recognized the extent to which we were both “dug into” our (his “new”) belief system and learned from each other. We didn’t think the other was stupid, ignorant, scheming or unpatriotic. (He was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge). Neither thought the other was a “bad” person, based on our political beliefs — or on anything else for that matter.

I will admit there were times when I entertained ideas about how to keep him away from the voting booth on election day, or tearing up his vote-by-mail ballot when I saw it in the out-mail box, but they never materialized. And so we both experienced political ups and downs as Nixon was followed by four more Republican presidents in my husband’s lifetime (not in this order): Ford, Reagan, Bush (1), Bush (2) and three Democrats: Carter, Clinton and Obama.

And I will never know if he would have become the “No Trump” Republican as did so many conservatives of our acquaintance. And I won’t even conjecture for this writing.

But I do know several “mixed marriage” couples now who are having a hard time with their relationship over this issue. I know, too, of dating couples who have either broken up over it or, if seeking a partner, have placed politics as an issue among their top criteria for a match.

What has happened to past civility and respect for our differences? For me, this is the single most frightening aspect of our current political climate. If we could only shed the idea that our disagreements make us natural enemies…

I must admit, I get stymied when I ask people from “the other side,” “Are you not outraged by the disrespect and direct defiance of law, or by inciting language or by lack of transparency ?” and I discover the answer, in most cases, to be “Well, I don’t like it, but it doesn’t  affect my support” followed by some version of a reference to “wonderful policies” and “what “everybody else” does. And that’s when I pull back and realize what “dug into” means. It means, “I ain’t budging” — and it comes from both sides.

So, it is true. I may not budge and they may not budge, which should not make us enemies. This is where history is such a balm. When I read about some of the most bellicose periods our country has experienced during its few hundred years of existence, I am comforted to know that we have always managed to survive in relative unity. This one may be the ultimate test.