By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Run Boy Run opens tomorrow in local theaters. This film won 10 U.S. Film Festival Awards and is based on a true story about how a boy survived Nazi aggression from 1942 through the end of World War II. With English subtitles, this foreign movie does not need much language translation; it relies on the visual imagery to tell this riveting story.

Srulik (played by twin actors – Andrzej and Kamil Tkacz) has escaped a concentration camp with his father. With guards in hot pursuit, the father tells his son the most important thing to remember, if he loses memories of his father, mother and siblings, is that he is a Jew.

While on the lam, Srulik attempts to pass himself off as a Christian. He goes from farm to farm offering free labor in trade for room and food. If a farmer beats Srulik, the boy moves on. Sometimes a temporarily content life is ruined when children his own age discover, because he is circumcised, that this vagrant farm boy is a Jew.

Much like Homer’s Odyssey, Run Boy Run is a rollercoaster ride that swings from bucolic moments to frantic action scenes in which the child uses his wits to survive deadly violence. Director Pepe Danquart provides enough attention to detail rival Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s best suspenseful thrillers.

Surlik does not survive his ordeal unscathed. Due to a farming accident, Surlik’s medical situation goes from bad to worse due to the prejudice of Nazi laws. This is a strong memory to take away from this film; however, this film is life-affirming. After surviving such atrocity, ticket buyers will enjoy roaming the European countryside with the likable Surlik.

Adventurers in Charity 3 was held last weekend and “Cinema” Dave was there. This annual event brings together fans of the now closed Adventurers Club, formerly located at Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney. Since it closed seven years ago, Downtown Disney has become Disney Springs, with more stores and restaurants but fewer locations for human interaction. The annual event contributes to several charities.

While A Better Life Pet Rescue earned the majority of the contributions, Adventurers in Charity shed light on Dravet syndrome, a rare and catastrophic form of epilepsy that begins in childhood (www. dravetfoundation.org). The Starkey Hearing Foundation conducts hearing missions in the United States and around the world. This foundation plans to fit 10,000 hearing aids annually to children in need.

Adventurers in Charity is a rewarding weekend for those who contribute, and Adventures in Charity 4 is on the drawing board.

Bank robbery  took place today, Oct. 2, at approximately 11:10 a.m. at a Wells Fargo Bank branch, 3550 N. Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, FL.

A robber entered the bank, displayed a weapon and demanded money from a bank employee.  There were no injuries.  Money was taken, but the amount will not be released at this time.

If anyone has information as to the identity of this bank robber, they are urged to call the FBI at (754) 703-2000 or Crimestoppers.

By Gary Curreri

Even though the Deerfield Beach High School football team came up short in its game on Friday night against visiting Jacksonville Bolles, Bucks quarterback Teddrick Moffett was the big winner earlier in the week when he was presented with a very large check.

Moffett and Blanche Ely High School linebacker David Francis were each awarded $1,000 scholarships from the McDougle Family Foundation. The two players were recognized as MVPs of the rain-shortened McDougle Bowl held in honor of the McDougle Brothers on Sept. 12.

Stockar McDougle (1996 Deerfield Beach grad) and Jerome McDougle (1997 Blanche Ely grad) were on hand for the second annual McDougle Bowl game. Stockar McDougle went on to play college football at the University of Oklahoma, while Jerome McDougle played at the University of Miami. Both brothers went on to play in the NFL.

The scholarships were handed out during a pep rally at Deerfield Beach. Moffett accounted for four scores, while Francis had an interception and fumble recovery.

The mission of the McDougle Family Foundation and Firstability Program is to encourage teens to stay focused on their education and provide at-risk students with support during those crisis moments.

Jerome McDougle said the game and the Foundation help start the students off with the tools necessary to succeed. Jerome McDougle, who played with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants from 2003-2008, said the game has its place.

“The McDougle Bowl is super important because it’s about two guys coming back to the community to show the kids there are many ways to make it to the next level,” he said. “You get through the front door and achieve success through academics.”

“This is awesome,” he continued. “It is great for me and my brother to come back to one of the greatest rivalries in Broward County and we were a part of it. Both teams have had players go and play in the National Football League so it is good for us to come back.”

Stockar McDougle, who played with the Detroit Lions from 2000-04 and the Miami Dolphins in 2005 before finishing his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006-07, called it cool for him and his brother to give back to the community. He is the only one from his family that didn’t attend Blanche Ely because of unusual boundaries during his high school tenure.

“This is all about pouring more resources into the community,” Stockar said. “We have a lot of athletes who have come out of these two programs and who have gone on and done great things.”

Deerfield Beach coach Jevon Glenn said the game has taken off and is glad the McDougle brothers are invested.

“It has gotten bigger and actually better,” said Glenn, who played in the game in 1995-96. “Especially with the McDougles coming on board and doing everything leading up to the game. I am very pleased and proud of the growth that the game has had over the 20 years.”

Class 4A power Jacksonville Bolles (5-0) scored 26 unanswered points in the second half to carve out a 33-15 victory over the Bucks (3-1) in a battle of unbeaten teams. Moffett once again was the star as he scored on runs of 97 and 46 yards to account for both Bucks’ touchdowns.

By Gary Curreri

As a high school junior at Highlands Christian Academy, Herman Robinson knows his time is now.

The 17-year-old Robinson, of Deerfield Beach, made the most of his opportunity recently in the “Comin’ For That #1 Spot Basketball Showcase” at the Coral Springs Gymnasium where he and another 200 athletes performed in front of college coaches and national recruiting services.

“This is awesome,” said Robinson, a standout point guard for Highlands Christian. “It is a great experience. This is pretty big to come out here and show my skills and be put on the map.”

The 10th annual tournament featured more than 200 boys and girls middle and high school aged players showcasing their skills in the two-day event at the Coral Springs Gymnasium.

Tournament organizer Tony Perkins holds various tournaments during the year; however, this is his lone showcase event. The boys played on Saturday, while the girls came in on Sunday. The athletes are guaranteed three games, in addition to skill development from various coaches.

“The purpose is to get a lot of these kids in South Florida exposure on a national level,” Perkins said.

Robinson said basketball is his “life”, although he has his priorities in order.

“God comes first, then after school comes basketball,” Robinson said. “Basketball has helped me tremendously. It has helped me become organized, have leadership and be able to go to school on time. It has helped me because the coaches are on top of me.

“College does interest me,” Robinson added. “This summer I went to Bob Gibbons camp (at the Suwanee Sports Academy in Atlanta). I have had coaches come up to me saying this year they will be contacting me.”

Bucks rout visiting Colts

Teddrick Moffett got the host Deerfield Beach High School football team off to a quick start as he accounted for three first quarter touchdowns to lift the Bucks to a 56-2 victory over Coral Springs Colts in the District the 11-8A opener for both teams.

Moffett hit Randerick Gervin for a 14-yard TD pass, and followed that up with a 25-yard scoring run. He added a 55-yard scoring toss to Ryan Powell to build a 20-0 lead. The Bucks (3- 0, 1-0 in the district) put the game away with a 29-point second period to force a running clock that helped put the winless Colts (0-4, 0-1) out of their misery.

Moffett, a senior, added scoring tosses of 12 yards to Jerry Jeudy and 11 yards to Jefftey Joseph. Aaron Robinson returned an interception of 30 yards for a score.

The Bucks’ Lafleur Limprevil went in from 5 yards out, and, after a Colts’ safety, Alton Allen caught a 28-yard TD pass from backup quarterback Alec Brown to close out the scoring. The Bucks ran for 112 yards and added 95 yards through the air. It limited the Colts to 117 yards total offense, seven first downs.

By Diane Emeott

Evidence of 20 more coffins or graves has been found during the month of August on the Old Burial Ground property in Deerfield, according to Archaeologist Bob Carr of Archaeological and Historical Conservancy (AHC) on Monday.

“We didn’t find any additional human remains because we were not digging deep enough to uncover human remains.

“When we would see evidence of graves or coffins, we would stop and record the site, then move on to another location,” he explained.

“I think there were 20 coffin or grave stains – in addition to the other two – for a total of 22,” he said.

On June 5, skull fragments and coffin hardware were discovered while testing the 63^rd anomaly. On July 15, leg bone fragments were also found at the site.

Carr said it will take at least a couple of weeks to compile a report that will be sent to State about the findings.

He said he expects the report to be sent by mid October.

FROM COMMISSION MTG.

Attorney Dwayne Dickerson, on behalf of property owner Rob Kassab, announced Sept. 9 that archaeological digging was being suspended on 3.1 acres of a 5.85-gross-acre parcel of land — slated for development by D.R. Horton into 69 high quality, two-story town homes to be called Village Park.

The owner voluntarily and temporarily suspended the archaeological survey on Sept. 10 in order to work with the City of Deerfield Beach to explore options for the State to purchase the land and turn it back over to the City — which could than provide an opportunity for creation of a park or memorial, according to Todd Templin of Boardroom P.R. on Tuesday.

At the commission meeting, District 2 City Commissioner Gloria Battle requested an item to be added to the agenda regarding what she called the “Old Minority Cemetery” at SE 2 Avenue and SE 5 Court.

“Most of you know I was very much against building on that property, and I still am against it,” Battle said.

Development can still occur outside the 3.1 acres where the Old Burial Ground was located.

“Development will move forward on the remaining 2.7 acres of Mr. Kassab’s land,” said Templin.

“If the State agrees to buy the 3 acres, it’s not going to be developed,” said Mayor Jean Robb. “Could they also give it to the city, as well as the funds to maintain it?” she asked.

“We are doing this with the support of the city, the county and even members of the State Legislature,” said Dickerson.

“What if the State doesn’t see things our way? What then?” asked District 3 City Commissioner Richard Rosenzweig.

“Mr.Kassab is still the owner of the property. He has the right to develop it, if he chooses. However, we think this is an opportunity to make everyone as happy as possible,” said Dickerson.

Vice Mayor Bill Ganz said, “In my opinion, Mr. Kassab should donate this property to the city without seeking any money for it. “You shouldn’t develop it. I don’t want any taxpayer dollars going to recompense what was a bad business decision,” he said.

“Two faulty studies have come forward that have turned out to be ridiculous,” Ganz added — referring to a January 1986 study by Florida Atlantic University before Kassab purchased the property in March 1986, and a 2004-05 study by Archaeological and Historical Conservancy (AHC) for Deerfield Beach Historical Society.

AHC has also been conducting the 2015 archaeological survey, using the latest Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Since May 19, Advanced Archaeology, an independent firm hired by the city to oversee the project, has been monitoring the work of AHC.

Battle said, “I totally am in support of what the Vice Mayor said, but I am of a differing opinion. You all have been very forthright with the community,” she said to Dickerson. “I request that my fellow commissioners vote with me to direct the City Manager to explore funding to purchase the property.”

“We may not get this funding [funding from the State],” she added.

“Shouldn’t we wait for a decision from State before taking any action?” asked the Mayor.

“I feel they have a very valid case for going to State to give the city the money to purchase it and for maintenance,” she added later.

City Attorney Andy Maurodis reminded the commission, “Basically, we authorized a site plan for that property, which basically takes away our right to restrict development on it.”

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

With the start of couch potato season (that is, the opening of college and professional football, U.S. Open Tennis, and baseball pennant runs), the motion picture industry has become more strategic about releasing films in September. Nineteen years ago Paramount Pictures found box office gold by releasing The First Wives Club as a counter to non-stop programs of televised sports.

Last week, War Room ended Straight Outta Compton’s August box office domination. Produced for a mere $3 million, War Room has grossed over $39 million, creating a comfortable profit margin. War Room is a faith-based movie about the power of prayer healing a family’s domestic woes.

With little fanfare beyond some cheesy television commercials, 90 Minutes from Heaven opened last weekend. This film is a quiet, thought provoking piece of Christian cinema.

In 1989, Pastor Don Piper (Hayden Christensen) gets into a car accident and is pronounced dead for 90 minutes. Despite the dire situation, another preacher demands he be allowed to pray with the corpse. When he sings What a friend I have in Jesus, Pastor Don Piper is revived.

Enter Don’s wife Eva (Kate Bosworth). Besides being the pastor’s wife, she is also a school teacher with three children. With the support of the family, the community and the medical staff, Eva holds down the house as her husband makes a painful recovery.

90 Minutes in Heaven is a simple drama. Deliberately slow-paced at times, the film accurately presents how medical recovery can be a depressing experience. Eva Piper, Kate Bosworth, absorbs the brunt of the pain and only reveals her vulnerable character when she is alone, away from her children and friends. Considering the bad rap he has endured for his role as “Young Darth Vader” in the Star Wars prequels, Hayden Christensen enjoys career redemption with this film.

Before the screenings of War Room and 90 Minutes in Heaven began, there was a series of interesting trailers about other upcoming faith-based motion pictures, including Captive starring David Oyelowo (Selma) and Kate Mara, and Woodlawn, starring Sean Astin and Jon Voight, as the legendary Alabama Crimson Tide coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Woodlawn should spark local interest because it features the story of Young Tony Nathan, former Miami Dolphin utility player under Don Shula.

By Rachel Galvin

When Ira Wechterman first proposed setting up a kayak ramp at Hillsboro Cove Condominiums in Deerfield Beach, a 55-year-old and over condo, he thought the response would be small. Boy, was he wrong. His project has taken on a life much bigger than he expected.

“I was pestering our dock master to see if we could get a system set up for kayaks. He said, ‘There are 10 empty boat slips. Pick one and see what you can do.’ I sent out a questionnaire, expecting three or four people interested. Instead, we got over 18,” said Wechterman.

That double digit interest increased more than three-fold, said Wechterman, who added, “People who were non-boaters now have the opportunity to get involved with boating at a minimal cost.”

Their condo maintenance staff built the racks – a total of 36 slots. Many residents, however, leave their kayaks in their condo units. Those interested in putting their kayaks in a slot pay an initial set-up fee to offset the cost of building the racks and a $10 monthly fee added to their Condo Area Maintenance (CAM). There is a dolly nearby to aide in transporting the kayak to the water.

In addition, he researched and found a local company to provide a dock and ramp with overhead bar for easier kayak entry and exit.

“My wife and I go out together paddling around Deerfield Island and up to Hillsboro Canal,” he added, saying they often see animals and marine life, including fish, manatees, birds and iguanas.

His wife, Helene, chimed in, “He had never kayaked before we moved here; but I had.”

When asked about the new dock ramp and racks, she said, “I love it. It is wonderful. We try to go out once a week.”

He hopes the city of Deerfield Beach will put in a kayak dock at Pioneer Park so that kayakers can more easily exit the water there and use restroom facilities, as well as explore nearby restaurants before getting back in the water.

The couple moved from Long Island and were snowbirds for 12 years before moving here full-time two years ago.

“My wife bought our condo without me ever seeing it,” said Wechterman. “It is one of the few places you can look out and see something green.”

Deerfield Island Park

That something green is Deerfield Island Park, a 53.3 acre nature-oriented park surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Hillsboro and Royal Palm canals, and accessible only by boat. For those without kayaks or boats of their own, there is a free boat that leaves from Sullivan Park to the island every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. The last shuttle leaves at 4:30 p.m. The shuttle is dependent on weather conditions. If the weather looks bad, confirm first by calling Quiet Waters Park at 954-357-5100.

This island is an asset not only to those who live across from it at Hillsboro Cove, but all the residents of Deerfield Beach and beyond.

He said the upcoming Sullivan Park improvements will create a whole day experience. Kids can play in the fountain and then the family can go to Deerfield Island Park to explore the nature trails.

Friends of Deerfield Island Park

Wechterman, who is on the Marine Advisory Board, is the president of Friends of Deerfield Island Park (DIP), a group formed about six months ago to ensure that the island is protected by giving their voices and time to the cause. They not only volunteer, but also raise funds to help create improvements to the island and show others its value. The group is doing outreach to get more individuals and communities involved to increase membership and awareness of the park.

This month, Deerfield Island Park will build and install two kayak and paddleboard racks similar to the ones at Hillsboro Cove with the help of the Friends group and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Visitors will be able to rent kayaks and paddleboards through the Parks Dept.

Butterfly Garden

The Friends of DIP are also helping to create a butterfly garden on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. They are seeking 20 volunteers to help plant shrubs and flowers that will attract butterflies. Tools will be provided by Broward County Parks and Recreation.

Those interested in being involved in their group can find out more information at www.friendsofdip.org.

By Rachel Galvin

At approximately 10 p.m. on Sept. 13,  there was a hit & run on Federal Highway in the southbound lane right south of 49 Street in Lighthouse Point. The victim was a local homeless man, Claude Michaud, 62. Firetrucks and police cars surrounded the scene.

A man was with his friend at McDonald’s and saw the scene unfold. He says a “green truck” hit the man, paused momentarily once he reached the corner and then drove off. BSO has expanded to look for all dark colored vehicles.

Another witness said, “I heard a noise, a screech, and I came around to get a parfait at McDonalds and that’s when I saw the body.”

They speculated over why the man might have driven away, saying he “could have had a case… look there are no lights here,” pointing to the street light above on the opposite side of the street. “But he drove off…”

They shared stories about the man they knew, speaking of him fondly, saying he never really bothered anyone; but he was arrested several times for trespassing. They said he would sleep behind the 7-11 or behind the wall just behind the nearby bus stop, but kept getting told he was not allowed to stay there.

Detectives are searching for the driver. Investigators urge anyone with information to contact BSO Detective Michael Kelliher at 954-321-4840. Anonymous tips can be made to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 or www.browardcrimestoppers.org.

All city facilities, with exception to the Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center and the International Fishing Pier, will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, in observance of Labor Day.

The Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The International Fishing Pier and Ocean Rescue will maintain normal operating hours. Recycling and Solid Waste pick-up will also maintain the same operating schedule for the holiday.

To receive the latest news for Deerfield Beach, sign up for E-subscriptions at www.Deerfield-Beach.com/subscribe.

By Gary Curreri

When Melvin Randall first began coaching high school basketball some 23 years ago, he never thought he would be where he is today.

The 52-year-old Randall, the head coach at Blanche Ely High School, is just 18 wins short of 500 career victories and recently became the first boys basketball coach from Broward to win six state championships.

In defeating Kissimmee Osceola 72-60 in the state final in early March, Randall also became the second coach in Broward County history to finish the season as an undefeated state champion, as the Tigers finished the 2014-15 campaign at 28-0.

His efforts earned his selection as the National High School Coaches Association Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.

“This is pretty awesome to be acknowledged by the coaches across the country for the job I have been doing at Blanche Ely over the years,” said Randall, who earlier this year also was named the All-USA Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by USA Today. “It is a great honor and I’m very humbled by this award.”

Randall is the third coach from Broward County to be honored as National Coach of the Year. George Smith of St. Thomas Aquinas won it for football in 2008 and Rich Bielski of Archbishop McCarthy for baseball in 2011.

“It lets me know that what I am doing here at Blanche Ely is very noticeable,” Randall said. “It is a passion for me and I enjoy what I am doing. I am just putting in what I got out of it as far as coaching on the other side. I was once an athlete and putting all of the passion and skills in becoming that athlete I am now doing that as a coach.”

Randall said he has taken bits and pieces from his previous mentors and coaching colleagues, such as the late Butch Ingram, John Keister, Greg Samuel and Wade Edmonds.

He said other influences are former Cardinal Gibbons High School volleyball coach and Athletic Director Louise Crocco, and the late Dillard football coach Otis Gray. Randall takes being a role model very seriously.

“It is a great honor to be a role model,” Randall said. “I know that some of my colleagues say they are not role models, but you are whether you want it or not. You have to be able to point these student athletes in the right direction and let them know it is not really about me, it is about them. It is a great feeling.”

Randall has coached 23 years in Broward and has compiled a 482-141 career record. A graduate of South Plantation High, he went on to play in the NCAA tournament at Mercer University. He is hopeful of winning another state title this season despite graduating seven players, including four starters.

“Winning a state title is my plan every year,” Randall said. “I am always going to play with the cards that I am dealt and every year it gets harder and harder because of the expectations. We are going to be young and a little inexperienced, so we will have to grow up quick.”

Randall added, “I am just in awe what these kids have accomplished every year and I am glad to have been a part of it.”

Pop Tennis Clinic

If you are looking for an alternative to tennis, paddleball and badminton, you can check out a free clinic on Sept. 19 at Pompano Community Park, 100 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach.

Pop Tennis is a combination of the three sports and is played on a court 1/4 the size of a tennis court with a paddle and a deflated tennis ball. The demonstration and clinic is free to the public and will be held from 8 to 10 a.m.

“The Pop tennis court is smaller than a tennis court, the racquet or paddle is shorter than a tennis racquet, and the ball is less lively,” said organizer Mitchell Ball. “Additionally, the net is lower, and the players serve underhand – not overhand, as in tennis. All of these things make Pop Tennis easy to play.”

For more information, call Ball at 754-201-9047.