Visiting the Czech Republic, Shayne works on the sequel to her book, which has a huge teen following.

By Rachel Galvin

Deep in the mysterious realm of the Czech Republic sits a young red-haired spitfire of a girl writing thoughtfully on a notepad lit by candlelight. The written words relay the stories of characters Charlotte and Valek and their world of vampires and fantasy. The young 22-year-old writer is none other than Lighthouse Point’s own Shayne Leighton (Machova), author of “Of Light and Darkness: The Vampire’s Daughter.” Now, she just finished its sequel, which is set to release in March or April, and is working on her third book. She has been writing since she was a teenager and now has many teenage fans (and adults) that follow her every move.

When not penning her next fantasy novel, Shayne is location scouting in Prague for the movie based on the book. Although still in pre-production, she already has some well-known actors attached, including Michael Welch from the “Twilight” Saga, Cassie Scerbo from “Make It or Break It” on ABC Family, Johnny Pacar from “Playback,” and others.

Leighton has acted and directed before, and is best known for her film “Incubus,” which she co-directed with Marcie Gorman. The film received limited distribution in theaters and in venues like Blockbuster through Maverick Entertainment in 2011.

But making movies and writing books isn’t all that this jet-setter is about. She also is a singer and has just been picked up by Spectra Records. She is working on her debut album, which promises to be a throwback to the days of 80s glam rock.

She explained, “It will be heavily inspired by classic ’80s rock anthems like the ones from Pat Benatar, but with an edgy, modern flair. I begin working on the album as soon as I get back to the U.S. in April. The entire debut album will be original songs with the exception of one cover tune.”

She added, “All of my songs are very personal and stem from real life experiences. That’s what makes good music memorable – when other people can relate to what you’re feeling.”

When it comes to writing, she finds solitude and the right atmosphere to be key.

“The Czech Republic is perhaps the most inspirational place to be for a writer like myself who favors in vampires and dark, fantasy subjects. The entire country is clad in ancient mystery within the many historical buildings and baroque bell-tower helmets and statues. It’s as if the place is frozen in time and is perfect to get the creativity flowing,” said Leighton, who is in Czech with her husband, Frantisek Mach, the “soulmate” she fell in love with as a teenager.

She prefers to write her stories by hand in the silent wee hours of the morning, coffee in hand.

“If I’m inspired and have a good direction in my head, I write. If the story seems stale, I let it percolate for a few days. I do a basic outline in my head first … how the story starts, the major obstacle, how it’s solved in the end; but the rest just streams from my consciousness. If I have to go back and rewrite … then I go back and rewrite.”

Her advice for would-be writers or entertainers?

“You can’t be disappointed in the success you don’t have for the work you don’t do. It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. Do it for the love, and not the fame or money. Don’t look at other people’s journey. Everybody’s success is different. If you feel you have accomplished what you set out to accomplish, you are successful. Jealousy will get you nowhere.”

To find out more about Shayne and her projects, visit www.shayneleighton.com.

It was a tight race between incumbent Mayor Peggy Noland and former Mayor Jean Robb and there was a recount held Friday, March 15. At 11:40 a.m., the SOE officially declared Jean Robb mayor by 27 votes.

Friday Mar 15 at 10 a.m. ObserverTV will broadcast the Official re-count LIVE on ObserverTV

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach High boys’ basketball coach Kenny Brown believes this could be the best team he has had in his five years at the school.

“I think this year’s team compares favorably to the teams we’ve had in the past,” said Brown, whose team defeated Cypress Bay, 54-34, behind Marcus Owens’ game-high 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals in the regional semifinal on Tuesday night. “I think this year’s team is deeper. We have a sense of urgency because these guys are seniors. Many of them have been on varsity for all four years. It’s been a long time coming. They deserve what they can get.”

The Bucks (27-4) are the top-ranked Class 8A team in the state and are hoping to reach the state final four. The team lost in the regional final last year to Spanish River, 67-61. Until then, Deerfield Beach hadn’t reached the state series since 2004.

“It hurt immensely,” said Brown, whose team will host Jupiter on Saturday night in the regional final. “It hurt a lot, but at the same time, we used it as a learning experience of what it takes to get to where we want to get to. We know this is a small stepping stone to where we are trying to get. I can always reference back to last year and say if you don’t like that feeling, make sure you do everything you need to do.”

The Bucks are hopeful of winning a state title they first won in 1997.

They won again in 1999 under then coach Melvin Randall, who now coaches at Blanche Ely and led the Tigers to the Class 7A championship last season.

Two of Deerfield Beach’s four losses this season were to Blanche Ely, another was a loss to Sagemont and the fourth was a 5-point defeat to Ballard (KY) in the Kingdom of the Sun holiday tournament in Ocala.

“This is fun, but we want more,” said senior guard Terence Johnson, who leads the team with 17.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. “We want the state championship. The seniors know this is our last year so we are more hungry because we want to go out on top. There isn’t really any pressure. We know we are the favorites and we don’t want to let anybody down, especially ourselves so we are going to try and win it all.”

The Bucks have also received solid performances this season from senior guard Owens (16.1 points, 6.2 RB), senior center/ power forward Joshua Huntley (7.2 points, 7.8 RB), junior guard Vanderbilt Carpenter (9.4 points, 6.1 assists) and senior small forward Javaris Jenkins (9.4 points, 7.3 RB).

“I think we are good enough to be a state championship team,” Owens said. “We just have to play hard and have no let ups. We have to play 32 minutes of Bucks basketball.”

Brown said playing a team like Blanche Ely this season is a benefit.

“Those games definitely helped us down the road,” Brown said. “The competition level … the intensity … the amount of focus you need the entire game. There was no let up.”

Brown smiled when asked if they could win a state championship. “Stay tuned!” he said.

By Gary Curreri

Highlands Christian Academy’s boys and girls’ elementary school teams swept through the South Atlantic Coast Conference (SACC) and captured the championships in their respective divisions. Sydney Blackburn scored eight points for the Knights, who defeated Zion Lutheran in the championship game, 22- 14, and finished the year with a record of 4-3.

Jason Thomforhde scored 15, while Ben Middlebrooks added 13 for Highlands Christian Academy, which defeated Coral Springs Christian in the championship game, 45-35. The Knights defeated Zion Lutheran in the semifinal, 33- 16, to advance to the final. Highlands Christian finished the season at 11-2.

The South Atlantic Coast Conference is composed of six teams – including Highlands Christian, Zion Lutheran, Coral Springs Christian, Sheridan Hills Christian, Hollywood Christian and Westminster Academy. Not all these teams had elementary programs, but may have junior high or junior varsity divisions.

Highlands Christian Academy offers several elementary sports for the fourth and fifth graders.

In the fall, there is an elementary volleyball team and elementary soccer team. Highlands Christian also won the volleyball and soccer championships back in October.

“In the winter, we have elementary basketball for the girls and then also the boys,” said Jim Good, who is the Highlands Christian Academy Athletic Director and Boys Varsity Basketball coach. “I’m so glad to be a part of a school that supports us having an elementary athletic program. It gives the kids the opportunity to compete against other schools and enjoy all the benefits that team sports have to offer.”

By Gary Curreri

Caitlin Huiting has her sights on taking her golfing career to a whole new level.

Whether it is on the LPGA tour or at a golf course, there is little doubt she can accomplish what she wants to.

“I want to be a pro golfer,” said Huiting, who spent her senior high school season playing for the boys’ golf team at Zion Christian Lutheran School in Deerfield Beach. “Either that or a teacher on a big golf course somewhere.”

When it came time for districts, she teed it up with the girls and finished third with an 82 in the District 7-1A competition and advanced to regionals. She duplicated her score at regionals, but didn’t advance to state. She is the first girls’ golfer at her school.

Huiting, 18, enjoyed competing against the boys. Her school team was composed of seven middle school and high school boys as teammates and Huiting said the biggest challenge was driving the ball and how she was a little shorter off the tee in some cases. She made up for it with a stellar short game.

“It was fun playing high school golf against the boys,” said Huiting, who was one of 91 female golfers from around the United States, as well as from China and Finland, that competed in the recent Dixie Amateur Women’s Golf Tournament at the Heron Bay Golf Club in Coral Springs. “I was a great experience, and I enjoyed it a lot actually. It was a lot different than playing with girls.”

Huiting doesn’t practice golf that often, and tries to play one tournament a month. The Dixie Amateur was a step up for Huiting as she took on some of the top amateur golfers in the world.

Huiting opened with an 88, but finished 79-73 for a 240 total and narrowly missed the cut for the final round. Huiting is headed to Seminole State College on a full ride scholarship to play golf next season.

“I am a little surprised that I have done as well as I have without playing that much,” said Huiting, who plans to play in the Future Collegians World Tour at Inverarry Country Club on Feb. 9. “I work really hard for it when I do practice. Taking time off just helps me to recuperate and do better the next time.”

Huiting said she likes golf because of the nature of the game.

“I like the respect that it has,” Huiting said. “Everybody who is around golf is just very respectful. It kind of makes you grow up more. Being around all of the older people is so nice. They are always so courteous and everything. I enjoy it.”

She is also an all-around athlete having played volleyball and softball all four years. She was also a member of the school’s girls’ soccer team and scored twice for the Lions including a penalty kick in a 2-1 (2-1 PKs) shootout win over Highlands Christian in the District 13-1A tournament. The team went on to lose to Yeshiva, 5-0, in the semifinals and finished the year 5-10-1.

By Gary Curreri

Greg Norman hit the ceremonial tee shot off the first tee of Pompano Beach’s Pines Golf Course last week. It signified completion of his first ever Signature Golf Course for a municipality.

The Pines Course has been closed since April 2012. The course is one of two owned by the city of Pompano Beach, and the first municipal course revamped by Greg Norman Golf Course Design.

Norman, who has won 80 professional events, including 20 U.S. PGA Tour titles in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, said he got his start playing on a municipal course.

“I have been hearing some great reviews and the test of time is still ahead of us,” Norman said. “I am sure everybody is going to enjoy the course. It’s a significant day. We wanted to come in here and make sure that the people would be able to play and keep it affordable. Some of the holes are designed where the ball will gravitate toward the hole depending on the pin placements.”

Norman has designed or redesigned 12 courses in Florida and 84 overall around the world since 1987, including Dubai, Australia and South Africa. Two years ago, the city put out the redesign for bid and the process culminated last Wednesday with the official opening. The course has been open since Jan. 1 for play.

“We took a pig’s ear and turned it into a silk purse,” Norman said. “The important factor is that the city of Pompano absolutely loves it and, hopefully, they will see an increase in rounds.” The new course, which is next to the other municipal course, the Palms, features new Celebration Bermuda turf and irrigation, improvements that should keep the course playable and keep maintenance costs down. It is estimated that there are 94,000 rounds played on the two courses annually.

“This course will definitely be a destination, not only for the residents, but also for attracting tourists from around the world, which means an economic engine for our city,” said Pompano Mayor Lamar Fisher. “The course will be affordable in relation to its quality, complimenting a full service of facilities.”

Commissioner Charlotte Burrie called the day “a beautiful day in paradise.” She becomes a 50-year resident on Feb. 4. She said she played the courses when she younger “and all of the body parts worked.”

“I have never seen the Pines Course any more beautiful than it is right now,” Burrie said. “With a vision of ‘build it and they will come,’ it is beautiful. We have already seen an increase in play and we have received all favorable comments.”

Pompano Beach Golf Pro Bob Loring, who has been the head pro for the past 11 years, said he has already seen an increase in members.

“We have a Greg Norman Signature Golf Course that is close to the beach,” Loring said. “What a great combination for the city of Pompano Beach.”

Loring also shared with the audience how there was a concern about the placement of a cart path and, within a day, in the pouring rain, they moved the path from one side of the fairway to the other. He said the course has the “what” factor.

“Before, when golfers would come in after their round, I would say, ‘what’s the matter?’” said Loring, of the redesign that cost about $4 million. “Now when they come in, they say, ‘what a golf course!’ The Pines course is what you achieve when you combine a city with a vision and a visionary golf course architect.”

By Gary Curreri

George Deeb couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Four of the top 50-over softball teams in South Florida came together for competition, camaraderie and charity, and, in the end, everyone was a winner.

“It is fabulously rewarding,” said Deeb, 72, of Ft. Lauderdale, who coordinated the inaugural South Florida Senior Invitational Softball Tournament benefiting Toys for Tots at 4- Fields Complex in Pompano recently.

“The guys in our club are very generous and many of them are fathers and grandfathers and I think most of them expressed a great deal of joy that we were participating,” said Deeb, who plays with the host team, South Florida Senior Softball Association. “The minute we said it was going to be Toys for Tots, they were really excited.”

The four teams that took part in the one-day tournament included the Cushing Softball League team, based at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton; the Latinos, an all-star team with players from The Royal Palm Senior League and West Palm Beach Senior League; Old School Softball, sponsored by Steve Levin Financial Services and is top-level tournament travel team with players from the Tri- County area.

In the semifinals, Steve Levin Financial defeated the Latinos, 19-10, while Cushing Softball League downed the host South Florida Senior Softball Association squad, 16-13, to advance to the title game. Steve Levin Financial prevailed in the championship game with a comefrom- behind 16-14 win over the Cushing All-Stars.

“It worked out perfectly,” Deeb added. “There was no goal. Everybody who participated had to bring a toy. If there were 12 guys on a team, we hoped to get at least 48 toys to come. We filled up a van full. It is unbelievable. It was not just ordinary gifts either. There were a lot of very unique expensive items. A couple of the men in the club are Marines and they are going to bring them to the Marines for distribution.”

Deeb said the event will continue and the winning team earns a trophy that they will hold for a year. He said, more than that, the seniors enjoy playing at a high level.

“I have a double hip replacement and I am out here playing ball every day at 72,” Deeb said. “There are guys out here with knee replacements, c’mon. It’s a delight. These are the best 50 year-olds in South Florida.”

“It is very competitive,” added Deeb, who said they may add a 60s division next year with four additional teams. “A lot of these guys are tournament players. They play in Las Vegas, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia. They are very active players. We asked the very best teams to play. It’s our first year and we wanted to go slow.”

By Gary Curreri

The Highlands Christian Academy boys’ basketball team had nowhere to go but up after it limped through the worst season in school history last year.

So far so good, as the Knights have already doubled their win total of a year ago. Highlands Christian entered the week at 4- 6 overall, but 0-3 in the difficult District 14-3A standings.

“It took us to January last year to get to two wins and we have two before December, so we were feeling real good,” said Highlands Christian coach Jim Good, who is in his eighth year as head coach and has already improved on last year’s 2-21 mark.

“Last year was frustrating, but going into that year, I knew what was to be expected. We knew going in that we are really a 1A school playing 3A.”

Good said his team graduated eight seniors from the team that won back-to-back district championships in 2010 and 2011.

“Last year, we had no returnees and we were basically a JV team trying to get better and trying to improve and I can honestly say that they are maturing,” said Good, who has three seniors, including two starters this year. It’s coming. It’s a process.”

The Knights opened the season with a preseason victory over Berean Christian and then a victory over Community Christian in the squad’s home opener.

They suffered back-to-back defeats in the 35th annual Highlands Christian Holiday Classic basketball tournament earlier this season.

“We have everybody back from last year,” Good said. “We graduated one senior and have seven returning. It is an inexperienced group and now this is their second year on varsity. We are startinganeighthgrader(Herman Robinson) who still has to mature. He is our point guard and putting things into perspective, heshouldbeonourmiddleschool team. We are just investing six good years in him.”

Good said the team is a tough district with Sagemont, Coral Springs Christian and Westminster Academy. He said the team is looking forward to a “featured game” against Community Christian on Dec. 22 at the American Airlines Arena. Following the game, the Knights will take in a Miami Heat game against the Utah Jazz.

“There is a lot of stuff we have to work on,” Good said. “Maybe the idea will set in that they don’t want to lose. We are going to lose games. You play sports and it is very rare that you go undefeated. I want them to work hard in practice and I want to get better.”

Simply soccer coming to town

One week after Santa Claus hits Pompano Beach, Simply Soccer will return city and hold a soccer camp from Jan. 2-4, 2013. Registration is being held at the Pompano Beach Civic Center. The camp is for boys and girls, ages 5-14, of all skill levels, who are 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., extended hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a Tiny Tot program kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Dept. at 954- 786-4119 or 954-786-4111.

RE: Homeless man killed

Editor’s note: On Saturday morning, Dec. 1, Bradley Suessine, 42, was stabbed in the alley between Rattlesnake Jake’s and the Sea Girl shop in Deerfield Beach. His family wishes to share their memories of Brad.

Dear Editor:

I was Brad’s cousin and pretty close with him growing up.  We are the same age.

Although it has been about 10 years since we spoke last, I have many childhood memories [of growing up] and celebrating the holidays together.  We caught back up later in life after high school.

We shared a very close and special relationship that I will forever cherish.

In our 20’s we went to college together.  It was the best!

He would come to my house and pick me up and we [would] drive together.  It didn’t matter, our class times being different. He was thoughtful that way.

We did things together outside of work or school.  My friends were his then and vice versa.

We did things on the weekend or went to parties together and always had a fun time. Never ever a bad moment, never ever any type of arguments, only great times.  People even commented about how they couldn’t believe we were cousins — we got along so well.

Now, [all] I have is memories, but I am blessed and thankful that I have those and was granted those special moments in life to spend with him. It was a privilege and I am tremendously glad I was granted that in life.

I am so deeply affected by how this vicious act was done upon him and it keeps me awake [at night], his last moments, how tragic they were, and that he was not with his loved ones.

He was an amazing guy, one of the best.

I know the newspapers state “homeless” over and over again, but life’s journeys take us all down different paths. Though he didn’t have the traditional roof over his head and all of what one would expect to be normal, really,what is “normal?” I guess that is to one’s own description now.

His way of life to him at that time was normal.  It was living life the way he knew best and how it made the most sense to him at the time and what made “him” ok.

That doesn’t discount his value in our society, in life or as a valued citizen.

His importance to all his mom/dad, brothers and all of us extended family and friends was great.  I feel for my aunt/uncle and cousins (his brothers) who have to deal with this great loss.  This is not fair.

I hope that he can see us and look upon us, knowing that he was really loved and really meant a lot.

You hear too often that “life is short” or the “would of’s, could of’’s” but it’s too late for all that now.

We have to try to find a way to deal with this great loss and how he was so cruelly taken from us.

He will be in my heart and thoughts — and I am sure many others’ — for eternity and I will love him always.

I hope Brad is always that twinkling star above now and a true angel that I hope will hear me always.

His loving cousin,

Deanna Letourneau

Bradenton, FL

RE: Baumgardner incident

Dear Editor:

On Sept. 30, my brother [Tom] was physically assaulted while riding his bicycle back to his home in Deerfield Beach.

Allegedly, there was a verbal altercation between my brother and an individual in a truck.

The alleged attacker got out of the truck and punched my brother, leaving him with a severe brain stem injury, eye injury, multiple facial fractures and a broken clavicle. He then fled the scene, without rendering aid, leaving my brother unconscious and unresponsive in the roadway.

The Broward County Sheriff’s investigating detective tells me the alleged attacker did text a friend in the Deerfield Beach fire department and paramedics were dispatched to the scene. I have asked what that text message said and that information has not been shared with me or my family.

The medical report indicates paramedics found my brother unconscious and unresponsive and transported him to the hospital. He remained in a coma for 6 days on life support, in the hospital a total of 25 days, and then was transported to a neurologic rehabilitation center, where he remains.

I understand the alleged attacker has been questioned; however, there have been no charges filed. I have had no further update from the Broward County Sheriff’s office other than the case was presented to the state attorney with no further action.

To the individuals and friends who organized a recent fundraiser [Nov. 19 Baumfest at Tipperary Pub] to assist with my brother’s medical and living expenses, my family extends our greatest appreciation for your kindness and generosity.

To the individual who did this to my brother, I hope every day you think about how you forever changed the life of a vibrant, gainfully-employed man and that of his entire family.

Gina Firsching

Binghamton, NY