By Gary Curreri

Lighthouse Point’s Stefanie Kenoyer is hoping the second time is a charm.

Kenoyer, 24, who was a contestant on Big Break Mexico earlier this year, will compete on Big Break NFL, which premieres on Oct. 8 at 9 p.m. on the Golf Channel.

“Not many people in our sport get this kind of opportunity to be on Big Break in the first place, let alone two Big Breaks in one year!” said Kenoyer, who was one of the more popular competitors on Big Break Mexico and was the sixth player eliminated from the series. “I’m blessed to have another opportunity to give it another go.”

Participating on two Big Break series this year was unique for Kenoyer. Big Break NFL Puerto Rico was shot the first two weeks of June while Big Break Mexico was airing on the Golf Channel. Her elimination episode on Big Break Mexico aired two weeks after she returned from Big Break NFL Puerto Rico.

“I have become an expert at keeping secrets, but this has been even tougher because I had to keep secret about not just one Big Break, but two,” joked Kenoyer, who was paired with 17-year NFL kicker Al DelGreco and Oren Geri in Big Break NFL. “All of the teams were full of great competitors! We had an absolute blast. I wouldn’t trade this experience in 2013 for the world.”

Big Break NFL Puerto Rico will be all about reunion, redemption and teamwork this fall when 12 previous Big Break competitors return to team up with six of the NFL’s all-time greats. Two past Big Break competitors – one male and one female, will join one NFL legend to form threeperson teams. The series will feature a new format twist to Big Break – teams will win or lose as teams. On the line will be $50,000 to the winning NFL legend’s designated charity, along with 2014 PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour tournament exemptions, cash and other prizes for the Big Break competitors.

“It is a pressure-packed, nerve racking situation every time you step out on the course on Big Break,” Kenoyer said. “When they called me and said, ‘we’d like to have you back,’ immediately, no questions asked, I said ‘yes’…to think I got to spend three weeks with six of some of the greatest football players there are was an incredible experience. There was no tackling on the golf course, thankfully; but we were all fierce competitors.”

NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Football sideline reporter and Emmy Award-winner Michele Tafoya joins Golf Channel’s Tom Abbott to cohost Big Break NFL Puerto Rico. Serving as the backdrop will be the luxurious Dorado Beach Resort in Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico.

“The pressure on Big Break is an all-time high because in a normal golf tournament, you have 54 holes or 72 holes to make up for your mistakes,” said Kenoyer, who played high school golf at Cardinal Gibbons and Westminster Academy high schools before playing collegiately at Furman University.

“On the show, you literally had one chance and your team is counting on you and everyone at home is watching, and you have 80 people around you with the crew and all of the cameras … and never have I felt more pressure, and I played in the U.S. Open.”

Kenoyer, the lone contestant on Big Break Mexico to have competed in a major championship – 2009 U.S. Women’s Open, said she

knows what it is like to play in front of large crowds and cameras; yet, this was a different experience altogether.

“I still felt my hands shake and my heart beat out of my chest,” said Kenoyer, who is playing full-time on the Symetra Tour with a refreshed sense of confidence and passion following the experience.

Taylor Collins, also 24, of Ft. Lauderdale, won Big Break Mexico when she defeated Tampa’s Matthew Galloway in an intense 18- hole singles match on the season finalé.

By Gary Curreri

Noelle McGuire couldn’t have thought of a better way to spend her summer vacation than to be with her friends while making a little history along the way.

The 17-year-old Deerfield Beach teenager played a key role recently in helping her fast pitch travel softball team – the Sunrise Thunder – win the United States Specialty Sports Association 18-Under South Florida B State Championships with a 1-0 victory over the Palm Beach Pride Heat at Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach.

Sarah Maloney tossed five shutout innings, gave up one hit and struck out six for the Thunder in the championship game. Tiffany Thompson scored the winning run in the third inning when Heather Bramos was struck by a pitch with the bases-loaded. Bramos went 10 for 11 with seven RBI’s in the state championships.

“We’ve been through a lot,” said McGuire, who played second base for the Thunder and also plays for the Pompano Beach High School team where she is a senior. “We are competitive and we are good. We have a good bond.

“Winning a tournament like this is good for us because it gives us a good reputation,” added McGuire, whose team captured its firstever state championship together. “Winning this is great. This shows that hard work pays off and all of the hours we put into this was worth it.”

McGuire said the team would practice three days a week during the summertime for two hours a day. When her high school season starts, that amps up to five days a week.

The Thunder finished the tournament 6-0 and outscored the opposition, 47-6, in the tournament. Lenny Schlecker, who has coached the Thunder since 2007, said most of the team would continue playing softball in college. The team also went on to finish second in the South Florida A State Championships in Ft. Myers when it dropped a 5-4 decision to the Tampa Heatwave a week later.

McGuire has been on the team for two years and has played softball for 10 years.

“I like to come out on the weekends,” McGuire said. “I love the girls on my team and it makes it fun. I want to play college softball and I work hard every day. I work on my hitting at home. Our team is great and we are like a family. I would rather be in a softball uniform than anything else.”

By Rachel Galvin

In the mood for Italian? Step into Amato’s Italian Grill, a perfect place for a romantic interlude or a family gathering. With Southern Italian flair, the chef cooks up everything from sandwiches, pizzas and calzones to favorites like linguini with red or white clam sauce, Mussels Marinara, Chicken Marsala, Veal Parmesean or Eggplant Rollatine. The meal begins with a generous helping of plain or garlic knots teeming with butter and garlic. The Bruschetta Italiana is an appetizer that will make your mouth water for more. Chopped tomatoes, red onions and basil set atop Italian bread saturated with balsamic vinegar and oil make for a crunchy start and a melt-in-your-mouth, slightly spicy finish. Looking for a milder beginner, try the can’tget- enough Pasta Fagioli, comfort food at its finest. For a light tasting entree that will fill you up and satiate your Italian craving, try the Chicken Francese. One of the more popular dishes, these thin egg-washed slices of tender chicken are pan sauteed in a lemony white wine sauce, made from fresh squeezed lemons. Of course, no dinner is complete without the finishing touch – a dessert. Try their tiramisu, made from scratch with espresso lady fingers, Kahlua, Marscapone cheese, almond cookie and other tasty ingredients. Presented with a criss-cross pattern of chocolate over the dusting of cookie on top, this tiramisu is thick and creamy and sits atop a bed of powdered sugar.

To quench your thirst, there is wine by the glass or carafe, or bring your own bottle ($15 corking fee). There also is domestic and imported beer, soda and San Pellegrino.

Owner Reyna Amato’s favorite dishes are the clams, the Fruta di Mare and Chicken Amato. All of her dishes are made with family recipes. She began her life in cooking at the age of 14 working with her parents at their pizzeria in New Jersey. Her family moved to the states from Palermo, Italy. She moved to Florida four years ago and opened Amato’s in 2010.

“Everything is homemade,” she said. “It is economically-priced, but fresh and high quality. Nothing is pre-packaged. The pizza is made every day. We have New York and Sicilian style.”

She plans on bringing entertainment back. At one time, it was outside on the patio; now, she plans to make it more intimate, allowing a single guitarist to play inside at certain times. For now, Italian music plays in the background.

They have unbelievable specials here, such as their lunch special – half a sandwich, cup of soup/ salad and a slice of pizza for only $6.99. Thursday is seafood night. For under $10, you get your choice of a wide selection of fish or seafood with your choice of sauce. Their early bird special is buy one plus two beverages and get second entree for $1.99. Ask about other specials and look for coupons here in the Observer.

Amato’s Italian Grill is located at 1901 N. Federal Hwy., Unit #112B, in the Pompano Citi Centre, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. Open Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 10 p.m., they also do take-out and delivery. Call 954-582-9211. For more information, visit www.amatositaliangrill.com.

The ROX Florida Beach HP volleyball championships were held July 18-20 on Deerfield beach. Categorized by age groups, boys and girls comepeted in individual and team competitions. The host hotel was Wyndham Restort. Pictured here are the 16 U girls and the winners (photos provided by John Esposito). For more information, visit www.floridavolleyball.org/teamflorida- beach-hp-all-stars.html.

By Gary Curreri

Friends of Frankie keep turning out year after year.

The sixth annual Frankie Foundation Golf Tournament at Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac recently pulled in $75,000. In addition to the money raised, it also raised awareness for automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The location may have moved during the six years of the annual Frankie Foundation Golf Tournament; however, one thing hasn’t changed – people still care. A record number of 242 golfers recently turned out for the tourney, whose proceeds go toward the purchase of AEDs and scholarships to local high school students.

“It was the most players ever by 12 and we had a waiting list of 30,” said Frankie Foundation Vice President Mike Goodrich, of Coral Springs. “The course is different and the banquet facility is different. We are excited about that because we were able to dress up the banquet facility and be able to accommodate all of us now, so the synergy we were able to generate there would continue what is coming off the course into there.”

Tammy Good, Shane Munson, Tracey Adcock and Dave Anderson carded a 59 to top all golfers on the east course, while Doug Kingera, Eric Depp, Hernan Millan, Hilarion Millan shot a 61 to win on the west course.

The tournament once again honored Frankie Speciale, who died of a massive heart attack while playing in a recreational men’s soccer league match in Deerfield Beach in 2007. Even though the 1982 graduate of Pompano Beach High School was given CPR immediately, his life could not be saved. It is believed an automated external defibrillator might have made the difference in him surviving.

Goodrich, who was a classmate of Speciale’s, said the tournament has grown over the years. The first tournament at Colony West drew a capacity crowd of 144 golfers. It then moved to Palm Aire Country Club in Pompano before ClubLink owners of both Palm Aire and Woodlands suggested the tournament move to Woodlands because its banquet facility can accommodate the 242 golfers.

“We’ve raised more than a half million dollars in six years,” Goodrich said. “We have given out more than 40 AEDs to cities, churches, charities, Kids in Distress, Sheridan House and other foundations.”

Goodrich said the Frankie Foundation still has the same sponsors and vendors since it started including One Step CPR, the presenting title sponsor. Goodrich said the scramble/best ball tournament is run totally by volunteers and all of the proceeds go toward the scholarships and AEDs.

Lon Rosen, of One Step CPR, hopes to generate awareness and teach people the importance of having a defibrillator at golf courses and different athletic events.

“People don’t even know what a defibrillator is,” Rosen said. “We are just scratching the surface. We want to send a message through the Frankie Foundation of what an AED [is].”

Rosen noted that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 325,000 deaths each year, and that it claims a life every two minutes.

By Rachel Galvin

The rain poured, but that didn’t stop thousands of people from crowding into Sanborn Square to enjoy the Boca Burger Battle July 13. Over 20 restaurants served up their signature burgers and 11 judges, including restauranteur Dean Max, radio personalities , the Burger Beast Sef and others, waited to try them. There was also live entertainment and other vendor booths, including the Big Green Egg company, who showed off their unique cooking concept, a unit that bakes, grills and even smokes. Students from Le Cordon Bleu helped chefs. There also were beers, wine and spirits on-hand. A portion of the proceeds benefit PROPEL. There was an after party at Jazziz Nightlife in Mizner Park. SCROLL DOWN for more pictures and WINNERS. For more information, visit http://bocaburgerbattle.com/

The rainy weather did not prevent hungry guests from arriving to Sanborn Square to take in the ambiance, mouth-watering burgers and more!

WINNERS

Judge’s Pick for Best Grill Master went to:
1st place – Bite Gastrotruck
2nd place – Potions In Motion
3rd place – Shake Shack

Judge’s Pick for Best Alternative Grill Master went to:
1st place – 4th Generation

People’s Choice for Best Boca Burger went to:
1st place – Morton’s Steakhouse
2nd place – Rebel House
3rd place – Potions In Motion

Many vendors showed off their wares, including In the Biz Solutions, which showcased their unique bathing suits.

Ashley Esnes and Isabel Stolk were having a blast playing in the rain. Ashley’s one regret was that there was not a best raincoat contest.

Robert Stanfield manages to not only brilliantly pull off a stylish yellow poncho of sorts, but also serve the judges some delectable onion rings from Tucci’s Fire N’ Coal Pizza while coordinating the entire festivities. Stanfield and Russell Spadaccini are the pair behind making events like this and others possible in the tri-state area. To see more about their culinary events, visit www.bocaraton.com.

Red Brick Grille was one of the 20 restaurants who braved the rain to serve their hamburgers.

Anisha Staton gave out samples of her gourmet fortune cookies, pictured here. This is her own business and she makes the cookies herself! www.atasteoffate.com.

Sylvia Alfonzo, a student at Le Cordon Bleu, helped serve up burgers at Kapow! These unique burgers were created with three types of meat: chuck roast, sirloin and beef shank, along with a kimchee sauce aioli wrapped in a banana leaf and served in a peking duck bun.

The burger from NYY Steak House at Seminole Coconut Creek Casino was a combination of dry aged pine brisket and ribs topped with aged white cheddar, among other tasty ingredients. They even make their own bacon in-house!

Eleven judges decided the fate of the Burger Battle competitors.

Big Green Egg grills it up! This unit not only grills, but can bake cookies, smoke fish or pretty much cook anything. The headquarters is based in Atlanta, but these units can be found here in Florida, including at Culinary Concepts in Pompano Beach, which was also on-site.

The crew from BirthdayComp.com told business owners and guests about their wonderful service that allows everyone to get special offers fro free on their Birthday day, week or month just by signing up! Businesses benefit from free exposure and guests get free stuff, from a discount on clothing or a free piece of pizza to a mini-golf game, karate class, limo ride, champagne and more. Visit www.birthdaycomp.com for details.

Pompano Beach’s Eric Krauss follows his shot on the 12th hole at the Woodlands Country Club during the sixth annual Frankie Foundation Golf Tournament at the Woodlands Country Club in Tamarac. Photo by Gary Curreri

By Gary Curreri

Patrick Peterson said it was important for his inaugural football skills clinic to be in his hometown.

“I was born and raised here in Pompano where there is a great tradition and a lot of great athletes,” said Peterson, 21, a twotime All-Pro defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals. “I felt it was an obligation and a priority for me to come back and give back to the kids and show them that I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me.”

More than 175 youngsters ranging in age from 7 to 17 turned out for the inaugural “Patrick Peterson Skilled Football Camp” at the Four Fields Sports Complex in Pompano Beach recently. Peterson’s parents, Patrick Sr. and Shanera, were also on-hand to help out. The age group ranged from 7 to 17, and he made it a point to greet every camper individually.

Many of Peterson’s pro and college teammates were on-hand to help Peterson deliver his message that reinforces the values of hard work and respect that he learned as a young man.

“Hard work and dedication is what I thrive off of,” Patrick Peterson said. “[My dad and I] continuously worked day in and day out. Even when I was 2 years old, I had a work ethic that I always wanted to be better.

“Not being good enough was never an option,” Peterson continued. “I always wanted to be better than the guy I lined up against. I wanted to be the best player I could be every time I stepped on the field … to show them there are always ways to get better. It is a pleasure to be here and be in these guys’ good graces to give back and share … my football knowledge with them.”

Peterson first started playing youth football with the Pompano Eagles and went on to star at Blanche Ely and LSU before getting drafted by the Cardinals in the first round.

Shanera said her son started to say the word “football” at age 2. She agreed it was important for him to hold his first clinic in his hometown.

“It was very important because, when he started planning it, he always spoke of doing his first camp in Pompano Beach, where he was from,” Shanera said.

Peterson Sr. agreed: “It’s great to see my son giving back and teaching the kids to become something they have always dreamed of.”

The kids paid a $10 fee and got a T-Shirt, lunch, drinks, grab bag with Arizona Cardinals flag, wristband and specialty-made blackout for under their eyes.

Pompano Beach’s Bryce Cunneen, 11, came away impressed.

“It felt great meeting Patrick Peterson because he is a great football player and role model for kids,” said Cunneen, a sixth grader at St. Coleman’s School. “[He] and his dad do a lot for the Pompano Beach community, including his speed and agility training.

“The clinic was awesome,” Cunneen added. “We learned how to be a better athlete and ‘how if you look up to your dreams, you will always go up! Never give up! They taught us a lot with the drills, how to perform at our optimum level! “

Peterson shared one message with the players that he hopes will stick.

“Never give up on your dream and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything, even yourself,” Peterson said. “You always have to have confidence in yourself and self motivation, I believe, to be successful.”

By Gary Curreri, Special Correspondent

Pompano Beach Middle School’s Daishaon Spann said she doesn’t feel any pressure following in her five sisters footsteps on the track.

The Pompano Beach Middle School sixth grader didn’t display any nerves as she ran away with the county title in the girls’ 800-meter run with a time of 2:26.08 in the recent Broward County Middle School track and field championships at South Plantation High School. Spann also placed fourth in the 200-meter dash as she clocked a 27.36.

“I just wanted to go out and make everybody chase me,” said Spann, 11, who is the No. 3-ranked girl in the 400- meter dash and 800-meter run in the AAU national Submidget Division. She is moving up to the Midget Division this year. “I like racing because it relieves stress and I like to travel a lot. I don’t feel pressure having to follow in their footsteps. I am looking to make a name for myself.”

Spann had a pulled muscle during the 400-meter dash at last year’s nationals in the AAU competition and took fourth.

Other locals who performed well at the county meet were Pompano Middle’s Carshalylah Harrison, who won the girls’ high jump in 4- 10.00 and placed fifth in the girls’ 400-meter dash (1:04.06). Deerfield Beach Middle School’s Sara Carroll was second in the girls’ high jump (4-08.00). Pompano Middle’s Sameria Gainer was third in the girls’ shot put with a toss of 27-01.50. Deerfield Beach Middle’s Taylor Broward was fifth in the girls’ 100-meter hurdles (18.88). Deerfield Beach Middle’s Sara Carroll was seventh in the 800-meter run (2:48.35).

Fourth of July Happenings in Blue!

Deerfield Beach

Thursday, July 4, noon to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot 149 SE 21 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Food, arts and crafts, kid’s zone, live music and fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. See Pg. 1 for more information on parking/ shuttle service.

Band line-up:

Brian J Cline______________________ 12:30 -1:15 p.m.

Keba________________________________1:15- 2 p.m.

Bill Hartmann________________________2-2:30 p.m.

The Hucklebucks____________________2:30- 4:30 p.m.

**(Matt Edrington)__________________3:15- 3:45 p.m.

Steve Minotti Band__________________4:30- 6:30 p.m.

**(Paul Allen Christoper)_____________5:15- 5:45 p.m.

Ciara Rae__________________________6:30- 8:30 p.m.

For information, call 954-480-4429 or visit www.deer field-beach.com/4thofjuly.

Pompano Beach

Thursday, July 4, starts at noon

Pompano Beach Fishing Pier 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

12 p.m: Watermelon eating contest, relay races, arts and crafts, airbrush and glitter tattoos, bounce houses, food and live entertainment.

2 p.m: Bands — 4th Dimension, Slip & the Spinouts, Rodeo Clowns and Sekond Nature. Followed by game show “What’s the Deal?”

9 p.m: Fireworks. No glass containers, alcohol, pets. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Boca Raton

Thursday, July 4, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Countess de Hoernle Park 1000 NW Spanish River Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33432

6:30 p.m: Family activities

7 p.m.: All-Star Band playing Rock & Roll from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

9 p.m: Fireworks

FREE. Food available for purchase. Open grills and alcoholic beverages personal fireworks, and pets prohibited. 561-393-7807.

West Boca Raton

Thursday, July 4, 6: 30 p.m.

12551 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33498

FREE. The Shindigs kick-off the event performing classic hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s accompanied by several costume changes. Following the concert will be a musical fireworks display by Zambelli Fireworks. Food trucks will be on-site. Picnic baskets and lawn chairs permitted. No BBQs, pets or personal fireworks allowed. 561-488-8069

—————————————————————————————

Sushi & Stroll Summer Walk Series

Friday, July 5, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

4000 Morikami Park Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446

Stroll through gardens, try something from Cornell Café, shop at museum store or listen to Fushu Daiko playing drums. $8 adults, $6 children (4-10) (museum members and children 3 and under FREE); $2 for taiko performance (optional). Reservations not required. For more information, visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233.

Voice lessons

Saturday, July 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Source 230 Lock Rd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Hosted by Gene Townsel. 561-436-0868.

GREEN MARKET

Sunday, July 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Indoor Sports Complex 3650 SW 10 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Every Sunday through Sept. 29. Fresh food and veggies, as well as herbs, soaps, baked items, prepared items, doggie treats and more. 561-299-8684.

Deerfield Beach Democratic Club

Monday, July 8, noon

Le Club 3501 West Dr. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Guest speaker: Dr. Brenda A. Snipes. Lunch to paid up members.

Zonta Club of Boca Raton meets

Wednesday, July 10, 6 p.m.

The Holiday Inn 2809 S. Ocean Blvd. Highland Beach, FL 33487

Dinner meeting. For info, call 561-482-1013.

Art gallery opening

Thursday, July 11, 5 to 10 p.m.

144 S. Federal Hwy. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Art by Isolda Mora-Noli. 561-574-3515.

BSFR was dispatched to a fire inside the cooking are of the McDonald’s on Hillsborough at 10:21AM Wednesday Morning, July 3rd, 2012. Firefighters arrived to find one of the oil cookers involved. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze and pulled the fire outside. No injuries were reported. McDonald’s was evacuated during the knock down. Full Story in Observer July 11th Issue.