By Declan Murphy

Returning from Iraq, Master Sgt. Robert San Filippo presents flag to new American Legion Post 162 Commander Eddie Cruz on July 16

On Saturday, July 16, former Marine Eddie Cruz was installed as the new Post Commander for the American Legion Post 162 in Deerfield Beach. Cruz served with the Marine Corps from 1969-1973, including “one year in the Republic of South Vietnam.” Cruz also said that he served in “the Air Force Reserve during the first Gulf War.”  Upon being installed as new Commander for Post 162, Cruz was presented with a flag by Master Sgt. Robert San Filippo, who just recently returned from serving in Iraq with a U.S. Air Force airlift squadron. The flag he presented Cruz flew on combat missions during Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain and other countries. Filippo said, “I served proudly and am glad to come back home to my adopted father, (fellow Legionnaire) Jack Murphy.”

ObserverTV is broadcasting LIVE from City Hall tonight 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tune-in for LIVE updates on election results and a LIVE interview with the winner at 7:30 p.m.

Volunteer Day

Saturday, July 9, 9 a.m.

The Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Bring your own work gloves. We will supply both water and lunch. E-mail Jerry@treezoo.com or call 954-480-4494

Sol Children Theatre Troupe –“The Last Five Years”

Friday, July 15, 7 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 17, 2 p.m.

Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Discretion advised due to language and adult content. Early reservations recommended. Tickets: $12 includes refreshments. Call 561-447-8829 for reservations or info. www.solchildren.org.

“Summer in the City” music series – Soul Survivors Band

Friday, July 15, 7 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater, 327 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free concert. The state-of-the-art backup band, that sounds like a 16-piece orchestra, has recorded the original music in Miami studios for people like The BeeGees, Barbra Streisand, Marc Anthony and others. They are joined by four musically-diverse singers. 561-393-7827. www.myboca.us/rec/specialevents

Luminotti plays

Saturday, July 16, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The French Quarter Bar & Grill, 2341 N. Federal Hwy. (in front of Muvico), Pompano Beach, FL  33062

Local classic rock band Luminotti is playing a new venue – The French Quarter,  this Saturday night. Bring a friend to hear lead singer Steve Minotti with bandmates Mark Barovich, Kenny Minotti, Chris Korzen and Paul Vouté. Save the date for next gig: Deerfield Beach’s Firewater, Friday, July 29.

Pompano Beach free tree giveaway

Saturdays, July 16 and 23, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Beach Nursery, 1000 NE 3 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Two trees per residence; first come, first served basis.  Must live within city limits and provide identification, such as a driver’s license or water bill to verify residency. Varieties include: Mahogany, Live Oak, Dahoon, Holly, Red Maple, Red Cedar, Queen Palm, Foxtail Palm, Crape Myrtle, Paradise, Bulnesia and Simpson Stopper. Instruction sheets for planting included. 954-786-5516.

COBRA launches

Saturday, July 16, 5 to 8 p.m.

Sanborn Square, 72 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton 33432

COBRA stands for City of Boca Raton Athletics. This new program will be announced. Event is part of the Florida Panthers Blueprint Parks “We See Red” tour. Panthers Patrol will bring along their inflatables, interactive games, Panther facepainters, live music, giveaways and other activities to complete a “sports-fun” experience. Special appearances by Panthers Ice Dancers, Stanley C. Panther and other Panthers personalities. 561-393-7827, www.floridapanthers.com.

Zonta comes to Deerfield Beach

Tuesday, July 19, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. (networking), noon (lunch)

Duffy’s  Restaurant, 401 N. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Held on third Tuesday of each month. Zonta International is a classified service organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women locally and world-wide through service and advocacy.  The organization has more than 1,200 clubs in 67 countries, with a membership of nearly 33,000.  The Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach is a 501(c) 3 organization, registered in the United States. RSVP to  Sandy Manning at 561-392-2223 for reservations.

The Democratic Women’s Club of NE Broward meets

Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6 St. , Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Topic: New voting laws enacted in the 2011 legislative session. Refreshments served. 954-942-8711.

Save the Date: 2nd Annual Bowling Fundraiser

Friday, July 29, 7 to 10 p.m.

Diamond Strikes Lanes, 2200 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

“Spare Lives and Strike Out Cancer” by participating in a friendly competition of spares and strikes with this Relay for Life fundraiser. Team packages of $150 include 6 bowlers ($25 per person), 3 hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and wings, raffles, prizes, free bowling coupons, and more.  N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach.  Contact Nona at 954-304-4248 to sign up by July 15.

Congressman Allen West (FL-22) announces today he will be holding two tele-town hall meetings in July via telephone conference call. Congressman West intends to have two town hall meetings a month-one in Broward County and another in Palm Beach County. However, this month, a decision by House Leadership to stay in session during the District Work Week to focus on debt ceiling negotiations, means the in- person town halls will not be possible.

The tele-town hall format has become increasingly common among Members of Congress and will allow Congressman West to reach out to thousands of constituents at once. During the tele-town hall, constituents will dial in, and be given the choice to ask a question directly to Congressman West; or”simply listen in to the town hall meeting.

“While I would prefer to be in my district as I have done for the last six months and conduct my town halls in person, the constituents of District 22 sent me to the House of Representatives to address the important issues facing our nation, which requires me to be in Washington, D.C.,” West said. “I am glad there have been advances in technology, allowing me to reach my constituents from a distance. As always, during these calls, all subjects will be open for discussion, from Medicare to the debt ceiling.”

July Tele-Town halls are scheduled as follows:

Thursday, July 14th, 7 p.m. est

Wednesday, July 27, 7 p.m. est

(877) 229-8493  –  Passcode: 17808#

Save the Date:

2^nd Annual Bowling Fundraiser

Friday, July 29, 7 to 10 p.m.

Diamond Strikes Lanes

2200 North Federal Hwy.
Pompano Beach, FL 33062

“Spare Lives and Strike Out Cancer” by participating in a friendly competition of spares and strikes with this Relay for Life fundraiser. Team packages of $150 include 6 bowlers ($25 per person), 3 hours of bowling, shoes, pizza and wings, raffles, prizes, free bowling coupons, and more.  N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach.  Contact Nona at 954-304-4248 to sign up by July 15.

Yoga in the forest

Thursday, July 7, 6 p.m.

Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. S., Coconut Creek, FL 33063

Every Thursday. Hatha Yoga. For 18 and up. $10. Wear loose-fitting clothing, bring mat. Registration not required. 954-357-5198.

Update your driving skills

Friday, July 8, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Century Plaza Branch Library, 1856-A West Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Presented by AARP. One-day class for auto insurance credit. Cost: AARP Members-$12, non-members-$14. Register: 954-360-1330.

Sol Children’s Theatre: “Seussical”

Friday, July 8, 2 and 7 p.m.

Olympic Heights Fine Arts Theatre, 20101 Lyons Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33434

$10. Available on www.solchildren.org. 561-447-8829.

Splash Luau at Quiet Waters Park

Friday, July 8, 6 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Movie, luau games and more, along with splash time in the Splash Adventure water park. $5.50-per-person admission fee does not include refreshments. Space limited. Advance ticket sales required. 954-357-5100

American Flyers cookout and open house

Saturday, July 9, noon

Pompano Beach Airpark, 801 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free BBQ lunch followed by facility tour given by a certified flight instructor. Tour classrooms, flight line and simulators. Flight instructor will conduct free FAA WINGS seminar, covering congested airspace considerations. Guests eligible to receive certificate for two free hours of instruction in flight simulator. Arrive 10-15 mins. early. No reservations needed. 954-785-1450 or www.americanflyers.net/about/aviation_ seminars.asp.

Best-selling author book signing

Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m.

Barnes & Noble, 2790 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Best-selling children’s author, Laura Duksta, will be autographing and selling her popular book “I Love You More” in addition to her new book, which flips to read the title “You Are a Gift to the World” on one side, “The World is a Gift to You” on the other. If you missed her book signing in Boca, it is worth the drive to see this inspiring author. www.LauraDuksta.com.

Humane Society shelter 1-year anniversary

Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Raffles, food, animal CPR, dog agility, K-9 demonstrations and fun. No pets. www.floridahumanesociety.com.

Pancake breakfast

Sunday, July 10, 9 a.m. to noon

Elks Lodge, 700 N.E. 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does, Drove 142. Adults $5, children $2.50. 954-725-5192.

Deerfield Beach Democratic Club meets

Monday, July 11, 7 p.m.

Century Village, Activity Center, 2400 Century Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Mr. Owen Walker from the Broward County Services for the elderly and Veterans Dept. RE: Veteran benefits. 954-415-5658.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

Wednesday, July 13, 10 a.m. to noon

301 NW 2 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441    

Also 20 & 27. Share experiences, become informed. Speaker: David Ruberg, MPS, Old Friends Geriatric Care Management. Topic: Medicaid and veterans benefits. 954-480-4463.

Looking for affordable quality childcare?

NE Focal Point has certified staff on hand to care for children 3 to 5 years old. Their full day program is Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It includes breakfast, lunch and snacks and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. They include art and music in their programs and have a computer lab. They have a low teacher to child ratio and a nurse on the premises. Their free VPK program is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Family Central is welcome. NE Focal Point has an Apple accreditation, a State of Florida Gold Seal, has received the Points of Light Award and has a Broward County 5+ Star Quality Rating.

Hospice volunteers needed

VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Broward needs volunteers to make friendly visits to terminally ill patients and their families, provide relief for weary caregivers, visit veterans, accompany dog for Pet Therapy visits, sew Memory Bears, play musical instruments, sing or read to patients. Licensed hairstylists needed to give free haircuts to patients at home. Volunteers must take two-day orientation. 954-777-5396.

Deerfield Beach

Main Beach Parking, Ocean Way & SE 1 St. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free concerts all day and a variety of food vendors. Smuggling YoYos – 1-3 p.m., Scott Ringerson, “The Elvis Experience” – 4-6 p.m., The David Ray Band – 7-9 p.m. Fireworks (off the pier) – 9 p.m. Free shuttle available – between The Cove and the beach 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. 954-480-4430.

Road and facility Closures

International Fishing Pier closes at noon, July 3, reopens 5 a.m., July 5. Ocean Way from Hillsboro Boulevard to SE 3 Street closes 6 a.m. July 4,  reopens morning of July 5. Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge and A1A, from NE 1 Street to SE 3 Street, will be closed to traffic 6-11 p.m. July 4. www.Deerfield-Beach.com or call 954-480-4430.

Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach Main Public Beach

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

FREE. Fireworks – 9 p.m. Blankets/chairs welcome. Refrain from bringing fireworks, glass containers, alcohol or pets. NE 14 Street Causeway and Atlantic Boulevard bridges will be in the “down” position from 9 to 11 p.m.  954-786-4111.

Rocketown celebrates 4th

371 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Teens celebrate! Concert-6:30 p.m. Group 1 Crew performing with Authentik, Twenty 2 G Crew and other Christian rock/ hip hop music. $12 before, $15 at door. 954-786-1116. www.rocketownfl.com.

Boca Raton

Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

FREE. 4 p.m. — “1940s Radio Hour,” University Theatre on campus. 6 p.m.—family-friendly activities. 7:30 p.m. – Florida Wind Symphony plays patriotic tunes. 9 p.m. – Fireworks. Bring blankets or chairs. Food and beverage vendors on site. Bring canned or non-perishible food item to help Operation Food Bank. 561-393-7827.

FAU to test emergency alert system

Thursday, June 30, 9:50 a.m.

Don’t worry, it’s not ringing in your ears. FAU is scheduled to test its emergency broadcasting system this morning. Those near the campus are likely to hear the loud sirens and a spoken message. They will also test their toll-free emergency number – 1-888-8FAU-OWL (8328-695).

Barefoot on the Beach

Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Residence Inn Marriott, 1350 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Drinks by Barefoot wine. Raffles, door prizes and art will be on sale. Proceeds benefit Food For The Poor. Monies from event will specifically go to 11-year-old philanthropist Rachel Wheeler’s effort to build a school in Haiti in Rachel’s Village, a village she helped build through her fundraising efforts. $15. R.S.V.P.: 954-783-5327.

East Village Uncorked Event

Friday, July 1, 6 to 9 p.m.

Harbor Village , 2600-2700 block of E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free. Art and wine strolling event. Find out about planned improvements in East Community Redevelopment Agency. Free parking available. 954-786-7824.

About Boating Safety (ABS) Course

Saturday, July 2, 8 a.m.

Dixon Ahl Recreation Center, 2200 NE 38 St. , Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Presented by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-7, Lighthouse Point. Cost: $45 (includes materials/lunch). Limited space. Information/registration, call Gene Cain, 954-557-0582 or auxcain@hotmail.com. www.flotilla37.org.

Fortnight of Freedom, Fourth of July sale

Saturday, July 2 to Saturday, July 16

The Book Nook, Percy White Library, 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Buy any item (books, CD’s, tapes, art, everything goes). Get a 2nd item of equal  or lesser value FREE, mix or match. Proceeds generated by the store are used to help the library. 954-360-1380.

South Florida Biz to Biz Expo

Thursday, June 23, 4 to 9 p.m.

Hilton Hotel, 100 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

VIP ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Raffle prizes, food, drinks, chair massage, entertainment. Seminars on business topics. $10. 954-565-5750.

Fishing for the Dream Tournament

Friday, June 24, 6 to 8 p.m. & Saturday, June 25, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club, 2701 NE 42 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Kicks off with Captain Party, including silent auction on June 24 at 6 p.m. The next day, boats will be fishing from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weigh-ins will take place at the club at 2 p.m. June 25.  Post-tournament BBQ and pool party from 2 to 5 p.m. to follow. Proceeds go to non-profit organization
Deliver the Dream, which provides retreats for families experiencing serious illness or crisis. www.DeliverTheDream.org.

Clambake

Friday, June 24, 5 to 8 p.m.

American Legion Post 162, Palm Plaza Shopping Ctr., 820 SE 8 Ave. , Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Maine lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams, baked potato, corn, sausage, soup or salad. $21, open to public. 954-421-6097.

Floatin’ Family Movie Night – Megamind

Friday, June 24, dusk

Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center, 501 SE 6 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE. Bring raft, chair or float. Concessions available. 954-480-4200.

Jamaican Spirits

Friday, June 24, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Venezia-Las Olas Condominium, 111 S.E. 8 Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Presented by Venetian Arts Society & Young Professionals of the Pompano Beach Chamber. Benefits Food For The Poor. Steel drum sounds, food, spirits, beer art and a concert featuring Willie Steward. $35 pre-sale, $45 at door. Self-parking or $5 valet. For tickets: 954-547-2175. www.VenetianArtsSociety.com

Splash Luau

Friday, June 24, 6 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Movie, luau games and other activities, along with splash time in the park’s Splash Adventure water park. $5.50-per-person admission fee does not include refreshments. Space limited. Advance ticket required. 954-357-5100. www.broward.org/parks.

The Mystery Plays

Friday, June 24, 7 p.m., Saturday, June 25, 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, June 26, 2 p.m.

Sol Children Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Rated PG-13, due to adult content. $12 (includes refreshments). Info and reservations: 561-447-8829. www.solchildren.org.

Brothers Keeper Car Wash

Saturday, June 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deerfield Thrift, 165 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$5. Hot dogs and drink for $3 ($1 toward fundraiser). Tax-deductible. Proceeds help those returning from prison (and their families) to become productive citizens with safe and affordable housing, mental health services, substance abuse counseling, employment, life skills, anger management, socialization and restoration of rights. 954-418-0216 . www.iammybrotherskeeper.net.

Pier Clean-up

Saturday, June 25, 8 a.m.: Diver sign-up, 9 to 11:45 a.m.: Clean-up, Noon: Volunteer lunch at JB’s

Deerfield Beach Pier, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rescheduled to this date due to bad weather (originally June 11).Yearly event. Help remove waste collected by divers or help sign up divers to go into water. Pier clean-up also needed. Call 954-420-0009.

Hands across the sand

Saturday, June 25, noon

Deerfield Beach Pier, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Clean up the beach and meet fellow beach lovers/activists. 954-778-5087 or www.handsacrossthesand.com.

Legal help for seniors

Tuesday, June 28, noon

NE Focal Point Senior Center, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presented by Michelle Moyel, Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida. Find out how to get help. 954-480-4446.

Bingo

Wednesday, June 29, 6:30 p.m.

American Legion Post 162, (Palm Plaza Shopping Center), 820 S.E. 8th Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Every Wednesday (and also Sundays at 4:30 p.m.). Progressive Jackpot. Open to public. 954-421-6097.

Deerfield Commissioner Forum for District 2 to be held on July 11, 2011 at The Deerfield Country Club at 7 p.m.  All candidates have confirmed attendance and will be there. The public is invited and will have a chance to submit questions to the moderator, time permitting. The moderator will be Dr. Mary Drabik, provost of South Florida Bible College. The address is 50 Fairway Dr., Deerfield (in District 2).