Melvin Randall entered this week with a 403-131 career coaching record. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

And the wins keep coming.

Blanche Ely boys’ basketball coach Melvin Randall moved into an exclusive club when he won his 400th career game on Nov. 29 with an 84-41 victory over Monarch.

Randall, in his 11th year at Ely, credited the influence of four former Broward coaching greats for his success – the late Butch Ingram, Greg Samuels, John Keister and Wade Edmond.

Randall began his coaching career as an assistant to Edmond at Ely and then moved on to Deerfield Beach where he was a head coach starting in 1992 through 2000 and won state titles in 1997 and 1999 with the Bucks and in 2007 with the Tigers.

“To be in it for this long and still have that energy,” said Randall, who is 403-131 in his 19-year coaching career, including 203-78 at Ely. “I don’t know if it is strange or abnormal, but I know that there have been many like (Dillard girls coach) Marcia Pinder [who] has been in it for many, many years.”

“I am still having fun doing what I am doing,” Randall added. “I am blessed and I feel that I am giving back what I have gotten out of it when I was in high school and in college.”

The Tigers went on a 20-6 run in the second quarter to open a 35-19 halftime lead and coasted to its fourth victory of the season, 69-51 over visiting Boyd Anderson on Saturday night.

Clide Geffrard finished with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Derek Walker added 19 points and eight rebounds. Josephus Bell added 10. Krishaun Myers had five points and five assists.

Randall, a 1981 South Plantation High graduate who went on to Mercer University in Macon, GA before returning to South Florida, said he still enjoys the Xs and Os and said his assistant coaches continue to bring the energy to the gym.

“They keep me going as well with new ideas,” said the 48-year-old Randall, who lives in Ft. Lauderdale. “Whether it is offensively or defensively, I am always open to new ideas. If you were to walk in the gym, you wouldn’t know who [is] the head coach and that is how I have been for years.”

He said he is also pleased with the success he has had throughout his career, in which he has averaged more than 20 wins a year.

“I am very proud of that,” Randall said. “It is not so much the Ws and the Ls, but to have a record of my seniors going off to school. That is the most important thing to me and then seeing them come back or to see them do well as young men.”

Simply Soccer Camp

The city of Pompano will host a Simply Soccer holiday break camp from Dec. 19-22 for boys and girls, ages 5-14, and of all skill levels, who will be taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting.

There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cost is $75); extended hours camp is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $100, and a Tiny Tot program is offered for kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to noon for $50. Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. You do not have to be a city resident to attend. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Department at 954-786-4119.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit detectives have made an arrest in a golfer’s murder from earlier this year.

On January 13, 2011, BSO deputies responded to the Deerfield Country Club after a golfer was shot near the 17th hole early that evening. Lataurus Randall, 35, of Deerfield Beach, was golfing with his cousin Melvin Philpart, when they were approached by two armed and masked suspects that came out of the bushes. During the course of a robbery attempt, Randall was shot and critically injured by one of the gunmen. The two suspects fled into a residential neighborhood to the east of the 17th hole. The wounded golfer was taken by then-Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue to North Broward Medical Center, where he died the next morning.

In the days and months that followed, BSO homicide detectives pursued the search for Randall’s killers. Through the course of the investigation, numerous leads and witness statements led them to Lamont Mayweather, 25, and another man, Charles T. Moye, 25. While Mayweather has been charged with murder while engaged in a felony, Moye is only considered a person of interest at this time.

If anyone has additional information about this homicide, they should contact BSO Det. John Berrena at 954-321-4210 or Broward Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

Cinema Dave stands with “The Blues Brothers” at Art Basel last week.

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

Opening tomorrow, Le Havre is a Finnish/French film about a sad shoeshine guy who struggles to make ends meet for his ill wife. Despite his depressive situation, he finds a person who is in a worst dilemma, a young Nigerian boy separated from his family. With this simple plot set in motion, “Le Havre” reaches its climax in a sweet and entertaining way.

Since my interview with Alice Cooper years ago, his band made the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame and Welcome 2 My Nightmare became his most successful album since the 1980s. Yet, his most satisfying experience may be personal.

On daughter Sonora’s acquisition of her driver’s license, he said, “She is one of the best drivers I’ve ever seen. In school, she was the more timid kid, less aggressive of my three kids. She is now a freshman in college and drives herself to school.”

Oldest daughter Calico is part of the comedy troupe Groundlings and is making a niche for herself in independent movies. His son Dashiell recently married a beautiful blond he met on the hockey rink; Dashiell hit a slap-shot and his future wife, Morgan, was the goalie.

In two weeks, Alice and his band will be ending their No More Mr. Nice Guy Tour at the Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock.

Like a good carnival barker, Alice exclaims, “This is my best live band ever. We have Steve Hunter (Cooper band mate from the 1970s), Orianthi (from American Idol and Michael Jackson’s last band) and the voice of Vincent Price opens the show.”

The Vincent Price gesture reveals debt to the past.

He explains, “My generation, like Ozzy Osbourne and I, have a harder edge, but we were all taught by the Beatles. We had good teachers and we learned to incorporate melody lines.”

The Grammy Award noms. snubbed Welcome 2 My Nightmare but Cooper was unfazed. He acknowledges the current culture of the music and radio business.

“Some of the nominations were boring; good songs are not getting played. Radio does not play what is good, but who is supposed to be the next big thing. An album like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band would not get airplay today. I feel sorry for young bands today. My advice would be become the best live band around, learn melody and lyrics from 70s bands.”

Duffy Dillon gives his Broward County Sports Hall of Fame induction speech. Photos by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Two local Pompano men never thought they would be named in the same sentence of the likes of Dan Marino, Coach Don Shula, H. Wayne Huizenga, Dara Torres, Chris Evert and others, but there they were.

Duffy Dillon, who currently lives in Pompano Beach, and Barry Krauss, who starred at Pompano Beach High School, were recently named to the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame. The duo were among six 2011 inductees at the
annual gala at Broward County Convention Center. The Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Sports Development office presented the event.

They were joined by Wendy Bruce Martin (gymnastics), Joe Castiglione (athletic administration), Gene Monahan (sports medicine) and Louis Oliver (football), who are now part of the Hall of Fame, which broke the century mark of inductees with this year’s event.

“I was in shock,” said Dillon, 46, who heads up the Ft. Lauderdale Aquatics Swim program. “It was a little bit of a concern of mine with me being young in my coaching career. These types of awards are typically for end-of-career achievements, especially with swim coaches Michael (Lohberg) and Jack (Nelson) in the Hall of Fame …They assured me it was from an athletic perspective and not the coaching. I was fortunate to have the God-given talent, and for me, this is a lifelong passion.”

Dillon, a 1983 Ft. Lauderdale High School graduate, was a two-time NCAA champion and All-American at the University of Florida. He has been the director and head coach of the Ft. Lauderdale Aquatic Swim Club since 2004.

“It’s unbelievable,” Dillon said. “When you consider all of the great athletes and coaches to come out of Broward County. It’s pretty awe inspiring and you feel pretty special.”

Krauss, 54, a 1975 Pompano Beach High School graduate, played football for the University of Alabama, where the All-American spent 13 years playing in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and the Miami Dolphins.

Krauss looked around at the table and thanked his family for being there, including his brother Eric, whom he said “was the better linebacker of the family.”

“This has to be one of the most wonderful days of our lives,” said Krauss, who choked back tears throughout his speech. He is currently a broadcaster and motivational speaker based in Carmel, Indiana.

“We have come a long way and our family is together for the first time in years. This is awesome,” added Krauss, who was introduced by his father, Rob. “This is about dreams. Most times, we give up on our dreams … When I was growing up, it was always my dream to play for the Miami Dolphins. When I finally suited up for them and I was standing on the sideline, I cried.”

Barry Krauss speaks during his induction.

The 49th annual Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade to be held on Sunday, December 11.  The Boat Parade, which is co-sponsored by the City of Pompano Beach, starts at Lake Santa Barbara before traveling north on the Intracoastal Waterway, making its way through Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach and ending in Deerfield Beach. Best of all the Holiday Parade is FREE to enter and watch.

“Members of the local boating community are the reason the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade has been around for 49 years,” said Gwen Leys, the chair of the 2011 edition of the City’s oldest continuous holiday tradition.  “There is no charge to enter,” Leys continued.  “We are proud to be the free, fun and easy boat parade.”

Each year thousands of spectators line the five-mile route along the Intracoastal Waterway to view the hometown spectacular of glitz, glamour, creative costumes, special effects and music.  The Holiday Boat Parade, which starts from Lake Santa Barbara at 6:30PM, transforms the waterway into a glistening showcase featuring sparkling small outboards, stoic sailboats and majestic luxury yachts.

The Grand Marshalls for this year’s parade are Miami Heat star NBA basketball player and Pompano Beach resident Mike Miller and Rachel Wheeler, an 11-year old who over two years has raised in excess of $175,000 to build homes in earthquake ravaged Haiti through Coconut Creek based “Food for the Poor.”

The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber welcomes businesses and residents as well as sponsors for this year’s parade.  All participants will not only enjoy the thrill of the parade, but an invitation to the pre-boat party given every year.  The Holiday Boat Parade, considered the oldest continuous Holiday Boat in the country, is a tradition that draws sightseers from all over the country.

To participate, just pick up a registration form at The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, 2200 East Atlantic Blvd.

Captains that pre-register and attend the pre-event safety meeting at the Isle Casino Pompano Park will receive a commemorative t-shirt as well as chances to win special door prizes. The Isle Casino Pompano Park is located on Powerline Road south of Atlantic Blvd.  Trophies for the winners will be presented at a special event in January 2012 at Oceans 234 on A1A in Deerfield.

If you are interested in riding on a boat the parade, you can join the party with the Grand Marshall’s on one of the lead boats, the Musette.  For $55 per person, plus 6% tax, you can enjoy the holiday view from the water. The price includes a buffet dinner, four-hour open bar, music and an unforgettable evening. The Musette will depart from Two Georges at the Cove, Deerfield Beach with boarding beginning at 5PM. All tickets must be paid for in advance and there are no refunds and no exceptions.  For tickets call (561) 791-9686 or (855) Musette (687-3883) or visit www.musettecharter.com.

The Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade committee that plans one of the Chamber’s most exciting and enjoyable annual events is still seeking sponsorships for the parade and Captains’ Party.

For further information on sponsorship and boat participation please call the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce at (954) 941-2940, visit their website www.pompanobeachchamber.com or email Lisa Spinelli at Lspinelli@pompanobeachchamber.com

Porn Collector caught videotaping kids

John Jefferson Fields, 66, from Coral Springs was spotted by an observant Deerfield Beach Ocean Rescue lifeguard videotaping children on the beach as they washed themselves off at public showers. Fields voluntarily surrendered his camera to police, who, when they went to his home, found 50,000 images of child pornography (images of girls aged 1 to 12 and videos of boys engaging in sexual acts) which he had collected over the last 13 years. Images found in the recording device on Nov. 23 had over a year’s worth of images from children on Deerfield Beach. Fields faces 100 counts of child pornography against him at this time. Field has not admitted to having physical contact with any children and has retained a lawyer. Anyone with information about kids potentially harmed by Field is asked to contact BSO Detective Montgomery at 954-888-5239 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or www.sheriff.org.  Video of lifeguards who spotted Fields talk about the incident on OBSERVERTV

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has a project underway on the Hillsboro Blvd. Intercoastal Waterway Bridge. This work requires the bridge to be closed for only five nights, Sunday through Thursday, beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4. and ending 6 a.m. on Dec. 9. During bridge renovations, all traffic crossing the Hillsboro Boulevard Intercoastal Waterway Bridge will be detoured to the Palmetto Park Road Bridge via U.S.1 or A.1.A.
Bridge renovations include:
· High pressure water cleaning
· Sand blasting
· Painting steel beams underneath bridge
Bridge renovations are never easy for residents and business owners living in or around the construction zone. The project team appreciates your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Ranse Jones’ parents, Bob Jones and Sherry Marthinuss, on hand for this year’s event. Photos by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Ranse Jones’ motto was simple – “Live simple, play hard.” Jones, the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) beach volleyball player who died last year, at age 34, was in the thoughts of those involved in the second annual tournament bearing his name on Nov. 11-13 in Deerfield Beach.

Deerfield Beach’s Flavia Peraira, teamed with Boca Raton’s Amanda Angermeier, took third in the women’s open division. Players drew their teammates randomly at a kickoff party the night before the competition. The duo both teach at Boca Raton High School and had teamed up before in winning a AA women’s tournament the year before.

“We were so excited because we played together before,” said Peraira, 28, Biology teacher at Boca Raton High School and former Georgia Southern University volleyball standout. “I think this is important because it combines the sport and brings everyone together for this (great) cause. It is a sad thing and, because we are turning it into something positive, it is amazing. It is very personal for a lot of people here in Deerfield Beach who know him.”

Peraira said she loves playing beach volleyball because of the weather, the competition and being healthy through the exercise.

“If I don’t play, I think something is missing,” added Peraira, who also coaches the sport. “I like the teaching part of it. Being outside and looking at the ocean. There is nothing better.”

Jones, who was from Deerfield Beach and was a firefighter, suffered a brain aneurysm during the semifinal of the Panama City AVP Young Guns tournament in April 2010. In the six months that followed, Jones was on and off life support, placed in a medically-induced coma, suffered swelling of his brain and battled an array of complicated infections.

Jones had played in 21 AVP tournaments since 2000. Once ranked as high as No. 66, Jones also spent time on the Extreme Volleyball Professionals tour, as well as competing in the Men’s Open Division of the 2009 U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball.

Deerfield Beach’s Flavia Peraira, right, and Boca Raton’s Amanda Angermeier finishes third in the women’s open division of the second annual Ranse Classic.

Marcelo Ramos, who, along with Andre Melo and John Esposito, put on the local event this year, said there were about 150 players who took part in the beach volleyball tournament and an additional 30 who played in the men’s footvolley competition.

Ramos, 41, of Deerfield Beach, said the event was for a good cause. A benefit event in Jones’ honor was staged near the city’s pier last November and Jones passed away the day after the tournament ended on Nov. 8.

Ramos said the final figures from registration monies aren’t in yet; however, he expects the number raised to approach $15,000.

“This is very important,” said Ramos, who noted some of the proceeds are targeted for Kids in Distress. “It is good because the volleyball and the footvolley come together because they are part of the beach family. It is a very good group of athletes was stick up for each other.

“It’s going to grow into a big annual event,” said Melo, a longtime friend of Jones. “It is a good time. Everyone is coming out to support Ranse. Not only is it a competitive tournament with money, but it is also a reminder of what a great guy and competitor he was. It’s (about getting) together to celebrate his life.”

There was $6,500 in prize money, including $1,000 for first prize in the men’s division, co-ed 4s and footvolley, and $700 for first in the girls division. There were other prizes for the other divisions.

By David Volz

Tuesday, Nov. 22 at noon, Vice Mayor George Brummer, Commissioner Barry Dockswell and Commissioner Rex Hardin won their respective elections by default. No one filed to run against them in the Jan. 31, 2012 election.

See more in the Dec. 1 Observer newspaper.

Dan Marino, left, will be joined by chef Anthony Bruno (Anthony’s Runway 84) and John Offerdahl on Friday. Submitted photo.

By Gary Curreri

John Offerdahl spent eight seasons roaming the middle of the Miami Dolphins’ defense on the gridiron and now he has turned his attention to raising money for charity.

Offerdahl will be among 20 former Miami Dolphins, including Dan Marino and Broward’s best chefs, who will take part in the second annual Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Tailgate Festival at Pompano Beach Amphitheater on Nov. 18 from 4 p.m. to 11 p m.

“It is all about bringing people together for a good cause,” said Offerdahl, who played for the Miami Dolphins from 1986-1993 and was a 5-time Pro Bowl selection. “This event is where Celebrity, Competition & Charity collide!”

Each athlete has been paired with a chef and has created their own signature Gridiron Grill-Off recipe. Attendees will eat and vote on their favorites, and a pair will be voted the Gridiron Grill-Off Champion! There will also be a bean-bag tailgate tournament that teams up Celebrity Pros with Community Joes (fans).

Last year, Louis Oliver and Jason Smith from Steak 954 won. Proceeds are supporting 4Kids of South Florida, the Miami Dolphins Foundation and Here’s Help Culinary Program. Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.
GridironGrilloff.com.

Ely routs Dillard in Soul Bowl

Darren Allen threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns and added three touchdown runs as Blanche Ely rolled to a 41-13 victory over Dillard at Lockhart Stadium on Nov. 12.

Avery Johnson caught five passes for 130 yards and three scores as the Tigers prepared for this week’s Class 7A playoff game against host Dwyer High School on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Highlands finishes 6-4

Tyson Graham scored three times, while Arelious Burns added the fourth as Highlands Christian Academy closed out the season with its fourth consecutive victory to finish the year 6-4.The team outscored the opposition during that span, 174-20.

The victory was bittersweet for Knights head coach Jordan Adair, who said he is stepping down as football coach. He said he is exploring some new coaching opportunities for next season.

“The final game was emotional, and it was great to send the seniors out with a win, as well as finish out my time here with a victory,” said Adair, who has been coaching at the school for eight years at different levels. “I had been coaching many of the seniors since they were in 6th grade (Logan Cole, Matt Elder, Gabe Hantsbarger were all on the elementary basketball team I coached my second year here. I’m really looking forward to seeing where some of them land in college and watching them continue their football career.”

Adair, who had a 23-17 record as the head coach for the varsity team for four years, said he was very pleased with the way the team kept playing hard after it started the year 0-3.

“It took some time for the new players to acclimate to our system and style of play,” Adair said. “I feel like we kept improving each week, and that is why we were able to finish strong, winning 6 out of our last 7 games.”