By Rachel Galvin

Coconut Creek welcomes Silverspot Cinema, a movie theater with a difference. The theater will open Friday, May 15 in The Promenade Shops. Here, 11 screens with 1475 seats screen mainstream films, as well as independent and foreign films. The hand-stitched plush leather seats add comfort. Even the front row does not feel too close with the addition of an ottoman for tired feet. Movies here take on a life of their own with intense sound and crisp picture quality. Bring in a cocktail from the in-house restaurant or concessions and relax. The locale will feature a yet unnamed restaurant from the David Burke Group sure to be a sophisticated selection for the gourmand to enjoy. Also the concession stand will have pizza, burgers, sliders sandwiches, hot dogs, popcorn and more.

This concept comes straight from Latin America. This is the second location in America. The first location was in Naples six years ago. CEO Francisco “Pancho” Schlotterbeck says they plan on opening many locations nationwide with their flagship opening in Miami late next year.

“We hope to have 100 to 120 screens in five years,” says Schlotterbeck.

This location is anticipated to be the first LEED certified cinema in Florida and one of less than 10 nationwide. It includes a Bright White ENERGY STAR rated roof, low flow plumbing, specialized lighting and other structures that help to do everything from minimize flooding and redirecting water to keeping the structure cool in an environmental way. This new location also will remain spic and span with a professional cleaning staff attending to it rather than ushers.

Another unique feature is the lack of a box office. All tickets are bought online and seats selected ahead of time so guests can arrive late and not have to worry about finding a seat.

Also, they plan on holding their own mini film fest, as well as private events and unique screenings, including operas, theater, ballets, concerts, Shakespeare and maybe even sports and live streaming.

In celebration of the opening, they held a media day on Tuesday, May 12,  a VIP Party Thursday, May 14 for invited guests, as well as a ribbon cutting on Friday, May 15.

Adult tickets are $14.50 and children are $9.75. They will be offering discounts for seniors, matinees and other specials.

The Silverspot Cinema is located in the Promenade Shops in Coconut Creek in the back, behind the parking garage, at 4441 Lyons Rd. For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.silverspot.net. Here, you can also register for their rewards program and earn ten points for every dollar spent to be used toward tickets, food, beverages and more.

Plant sale

Saturday April 18, 9 a.m. (starts)

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

In addition to plants grown at the Arboretum, there will be several local growers offering their prettiest and healthiest plants. So, if you’re looking for flowering shrubs, palms, orchids, fruit trees and/ or landscape plants, be there early for the best selection. Tell your friends and neighbors. 954-480 4494.

Amazonia Vocal Ensemble

Saturday, April 18, 7 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center 800 SW 36 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Latin American choral music. $10 per person. 954-786-4590.

Relay For Life

Saturday, April 18, 5 p.m. to Sunday, April 19, 7 a.m.

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

At this 14th annual event people will take a stand against cancer by walking night long, camping out, enjoying live entertainment and fellowship. Survivors will be honored, and money raised will help the American Cancer Society to provide better testing and treatments, more prevention and, hopefully, eventually, a cure. Last year, this local branch of Relay for Life was ranked No. 20 in the state and raised over $135,000. For more information, call 954-242-5485 or visit relayforlife.org/dblpfl .

Pancake breakfast

Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m. to noon

Elks lodge 700 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Adults: $5, children: $2.50. Open to the public. For information, call 954-255-3130.

Cuisine of the Region

Wednesday, April 22, 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Hillsboro Club 901 Hillsboro Mile Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062

Enjoy the cuisine of local restaurants, delicious desserts and wine and support the important work NEFocal Point provides in our community. See more, pg. 4.

N.Broward Democratic Club April meets

Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.

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

Free, open to public. Speaker: Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, about three ongoing BSO Initiatives: Civil Citation, Diversity and Violent Crime Reduction. Light refreshments served. 954-783-8232.

Save the date: DBICA meets

Thursday, April 23, 7 pm.

Community Presbyterian Church 1920 SE 4 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, visit www.DBICA.net.

Pet CPR & First Aid program

Thursday, April 23, 6 p.m.

Florida Humane Society 3870 N Powerline Rd. Pompano Beach, FL 33073

Four-hour class. Also held May 9, 11a.m.; May 31, 11 a.m. Must register through www.PetTech.net and pay ahead. Space is limited. Dress comfortably. Bring an item to donate. Check the list of needed items at www.FloridaHumaneSociety.org. For information about class, call 954-461-8203.

Hillsboro Lighthouse tour

Saturday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (hourly)

Visitors should park in the Pompano Beach Oceanside parking lot across from the Sands Harbor Resort & Marina at 125 N. Riverside Drive. Proceed to the Sands Harbor Resort & Marina dock and look for the HLPS Lighthouse tour table. Transportation is only by boat from the Sands Harbor Resort & Marina. $25 per person, or free for HLPS members. Annual HLPS dues are $25 for Individual membership, $50 for Families and $100 for Businesses or Organizations.

In order to climb the Lighthouse, visitors must have fl at shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. No sandals, flip-fl ops or shoes with heels are allowed inside. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 48” (4 feet) tall to climb the tower. No pets are allowed.

The Hillsboro Lighthouse is open for public tours one day each month. For a list of 2015 tour dates and shuttle launch locations, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

I was talking to a group of people about memories of Passovers past.

Now I should probably tell you that the memory sharing group has been dealing with various illnesses that have made it difficult for them to remember things. Yet, as we talked about The Festival of Passover, vivid memories came into their heads.

Let me share some with you:

1. “I remember how we had to clean the whole house from any bread and, since we were cleaning anyway, did the whole house.”

2. “I remember how my mother would hide some pieces of bread and we would go around the house looking for every last piece. We would turn off the lights and my brother would hold a candle so we could see. I got to hold a feather and every time we found a piece of bread, I would use that feather to brush the bread into a little bag my baby sister held.”

3. “I remember going outside with my father early in the morning and we would take whatever and we would take a match and light the bread and watch as every last crumb burned away.”

4. “My mother used to have this jar and the lid had a hole in the middle of the lid and there was this chopper thing that went inside. We would peel apples together and put them in the jar with some walnuts and a batch of wine and then we would take turns punching down on that chopper.”

5. “I was the youngest in the family so I got to ask the Four Questions and, when I did, everyone shut-up and listened. I wish people would listen to me now the way they did then.”

6. “There’s this part in the Seder where we talk about four types of children. I always had to read the one about the wicked son out loud. I wonder if my dad was trying to tell me something.”

7. “The horseradish. When you bit into it, it was so hot that your eyes started to tear. But it sure got your sinuses to open up.”

8. “We used to take our little finger and, as we sang about the 10 plagues, we would dip into the wine and take out just a little drop. After the 10 Plagues were done, we got to lick the wine off our fingers.”

9. Hunting for the Afi komen was my favorite part.”

10. “One year, we opened the door for Elijah and a big dog walked right into the house to join us at our Seder Table. My Father even fed him some scraps and the dog licked whatever fell on the floor. We kept him and called him Elijah.”

11. “My Zaide used to make the Seder go so long that I wondered if it would ever end. But you know what, the next year, I couldn’t wait to do it all over again.”

12. “When the Seder was over, my father would tell momma to go to bed and we would all help him clean up so momma wouldn’t have to worry about it.”

These are just a few memories from some wonderful people who, even though they might not remember what they had for lunch today or, if they even ate lunch at all, can still find great joy and comfort in recalling the memories of Passovers past.

And, as we do our Model Seders in the health centers that care for each of them, may more wonderful and loving memories fl ow into their heads, into their hearts and into their souls.

And, at our own Seders at home, may we create unforgettable memories for our children and our children’s children, and let us say, “Amen.”

Have a kasher and a freilecher Pesach,

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

P.S. Join us at Temple Beth Israel for a special Yom HoShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, Program on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. Selections will be chanted by Guest Cantor Gary Sherman of Temple B’nai Shalom and memories will be shared by Survivors of the Shoah.

Rabbi Ezring is the Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach (201 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442). Regular Shabbat services are open to everyone on Saturday mornings from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Pompano Chamber’s Pineapple Jamboree

Friday, March 27, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sample McDougald House 450 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Enjoy pineapple cocktails and Jell-O shots, beer/wine, live band, an open pit fire for roasting marshmallows, pineapple treats and pineapple plantings. Bobby Rubino’s will be providing the food. $35. Contact the chamber at 954-941-2940, info@pompanobeachchamber.com or visit www.pompanobeachchamber.com for more information.

3rd annual “Gas Buy Down”

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Valero Gas Station 1380 N. Federal Hwy. (just north of Glades Road) Boca Raton, FL 33432

Drivers will get some relief on their pocketbooks during this three-hour time period as volunteers from Journey Church will buy down the price of gas by 50 cents per gallon for as many people as possible. They do it again this year “in order to share God’s love in a practical way.” For more information, go to www.bocajourney.com.

AAUW Author Presentation & Luncheon

Saturday, March 28, 11:30 a.m.

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

Lunch & learn effective strategies for improving memory, concentration and information retrieval. Silent auction. $40. Reservations Required. 954-570-5423 or pompanoscholar@yahoo.com.

Mess O’ Blues Beer & BBQ Fest

Saturday, March 28, noon to 7 p.m.

The Pompano Beach Amphitheater 1806 NE 6 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Get your Blues on with 10 national and local acts on two stages while scarfing down some tasty BBQ, including selections by Spanx the Hog, Hickory Sticks and Sweet Dewies. Whole Foods will also have food tasting. Beer Garden will showcase over 30 national and local micro-breweries. Kids activities too. $20 (Beer Garden is $25). Lawn chairs or blankets are suggested. Tickets at www.pompanobeacharts.org, and at the door.

Tropical Splendor of Florida Birds

Wednesday, April 1, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Bienes Museum of the Modern Book Main Library 100 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

Did you know that through the year over 501 different species of birds have been sighted in Florida? Now their beauty has been captured and preserved in a special exhibit. View The Tropical Splendor of Florida Birds exhibit, as well as the photography of Kevan and Linda Sunderland, who have been photographing Florida’s wildlife for over 30 years and whose work has appeared in many magazines. They will talk about Florida’s unique birds. This is opening night, but the exhibit, which includes over 100 books, book art and prints, runs until June 13.

Speaking of art in Ft. Lauderdale, don’t miss the Las Olas Art Fair this weekend on Las Olas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Coaches NEEDED for Deerfield Packer Rattlers

If you have a passion for growing the sport of cheerleading or football by sharing your knowledge to help youth gain a love for this sport, we would love to talk to you about current coaching opportunities with Deerfield Beach Packer Rattlers (D.P.R.)

A number of opportunities to participate exist at all levels from super pee wee (4 years) through 14 years.

Successful people in our environment have a positive frame of reference, believe in teaching “we vs. me,” love helping young people achieve their dreams, and love teaching the fundamentals of cheer, and the game of football.

Interested coaching candidates may contact Precious at: 954-393-5288 or text to place your name on the list, and D.P.R. will contact you with an interview date.

EASTER HAPPENINGS

The City of Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation Department is hopping into Spring with their annual Easter Egg events.

This series kicks off Thursday, April 2 at 8 p.m. with the Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 7 – 14 at Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd. An exciting addition to the event this year is an Adult Egg Hunt starting at 8:15 p.m. for ages 21 and up.

On Friday, April 3 at 6 p.m., the city will be holding the Egg-Stravaganza event at Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St., for children ages 10 and under.

The Easter weekend festivities will wrap up with the final event, the Easter Egg Run, on Saturday, April 4, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Deerfield Beach Athletics Complex, 501 SE 6 Ave. This event is also for children ages 10 and under. Remember to bring your own basket for gathering eggs! All events are FREE.

For more information on any of the listed events, contact Constitution Park at 954-480-4494.

Community Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m.

Jim & Jan Moran’s Boys & Girls Club 27 S. Dixie Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Held by Delta Lodge #519, F & AM, PHA. Family, food & fun.

• Spring Fling

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Community Park (Multi-Purpose Field) 7201 NE 8 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE fun family day filled with children’s activities, including arts and crafts, games, DJ, dancing, a spring photo booth, bounce houses and an egg hunt. The hunt is on at 11:45 a.m. for ages 1 to 3 and at noon for 4 to 6 year olds and 7 to 12 year olds. For more information, call 954-786- 4111 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

• Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to noon

Cross Community Church 841 SE 2 Court Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Remember, there is also service on Sunday at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Communion service is April 2 at 7 p.m.

•Egg Spectacular

Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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

Games, bounce house, face painting, egg hunt, prizes, photo opportunities with Peter Cottontail and Splash Time (noon to 1:20 p.m.) For children 10 and under. $6/person. 1 year and under free.

Pre-registration/payment required by April 3. Registration available online at Broward.org/Parks. Bring a basket and wear a bathing suit. For more information, call 954- 357-5100.

• Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 5, 1 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park 3500 NE 27 Ave. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Be there on time and get ready to run, and hunt, for eggs! Magic show, popcorn, snow cones & fun!

Laura Salerno, Cherryl Cook and Suzanne Boschetti.

Curio Nocturno

By Rachel Galvin

The Sample McDougald house was the perfect backdrop for Curio Nocturno Feb. 21. The gothic décor transported guests back in time to enjoy a dark Victorian romance complete with a masquerade ball.

Indoors, classical music was played while a professional photographer, Tim Breaseale, captured moments and guests strolled through the historic home. They even discovered a cache of chocolate covered strawberries near the kitchen!

Outdoors, guests could have their fortunes read, sample jambalaya, beignets and other decadent selections while dancing to the gothic electronic sounds of The Black Bats, a band that also was selected to play at the Vampire Ball for author Anne Rice. Entertainment was also provided by burlesque dancers who danced on the verandas. As the moon rose, the music of the band changed to a DJ’s rhythms as he spun the likes of Madonna, Prince, the Eurhythmics and other 80s hits and 70s disco. They even played the Monster Mash.

While dancing or sipping cocktails, guests could take photo ops among the prop gravestones. Overall, the evening, put together by Charlotte Sundquist and Artistic Productions in conjunction with Sample McDougald, was a unique experience unlike any found in the area.

Everyone had a wonderful time!

Posing by the gravestones.

Guests dress in period costume.

Burlesque dancers titilate the guests.

The Black Bats perform.

RE: Election Here we go again

We all know by now there is an election coming up on Tuesday, March 10 for District 1 and 2. We have a mayor supporting a candidate for District 1 to replace [the current Dist. 1] Commissioner. This is certainly her right. The mayor sent out a letter to all the voters of District 1 that are members of St. Ambrose Parish supporting this candidate and bashing [the current Commissioner]. In doing so, they have left us with the opinion that St. Ambrose supported their view. Nothing is further from the truth. St. Ambrose responded to the letter at Tuesday night’s commission meeting, explaining that they do not support either person who is running for District 1.

Being a member of St. Ambrose, I take great displeasure with the mayor and candidate for making this happen. Shame on both of you for causing this unneeded negative attention on Father Dalton and St. Ambrose, who have done nothing but good for the city. Your actions clearly show that you will do whatever is necessary to get elected, even if it means making up stories and figures to confuse the voters.

I love the city and am hoping it will continue on the present course. The people who are up for re-election should be voted back in, so they may finish the good work they are doing with the help of the other commissioners.

Glenn Frazer

Deerfield Beach

DBICA meets

Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. (Date was changed)

Community Presbyterian Church (Briggs Hall) 1920 SE 4 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Deerfield Beach Island Community Association meets. Guest speaker: Lieutenant Darrel Stallings from Broward Sheriff Office to talk about Crime Watch for the Island. Election of 2015 Board of Directors and more.

St. Ambrose Carnival

Thursday, Feb. 26, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 5 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 1 to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 1 to 8 p.m.

St. Ambrose Church & School 380 S. Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Carnival games, rides, treats, live music, raffles and more. For more info., visit www.stambrosecarnival.com.

Grand openings

Thursday, Feb. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.

3500 block of E. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL

Grand opening for Inesitas Colombian Bar and Restaurant, Jersey Dogs, Soul Relaxing and Planet Chic Boutique. Ribbon cutting with dignitaries. Free food and specials from merchants. Participate in scavenger hunt, win gift certificates. LIVE music by Bushwood. 954-786-7824.

Boca Raton Greenmarket

Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Place Southwest Parking Lot S. Federal Highway & SE Mizner Boulevard Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free. New vendors in addition to old standbys offer everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods, fresh flowers, seafood, pasta, soap, doggie treats & more. Enjoy live music every Saturday. For more info., call 561-299-8684.

Celebration of Life

Saturday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m.

Cathedral Church of God 365 S. Dixie Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Celebrate 30 years of Ministry with Bishop Patrick L. Kelly. 954-427-0302.

6th annual Tea in the Garden

Saturday, Feb. 28, tours start at 3:35 p.m.

Parkway United Methodist Church 100 NE 44 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33308

English tea and pastries, explore tropical Food Forest, stroll Tiki-lit Garden paths, listen to LIVE music. Fundraiser by The Fruitful Field, which feeds the hungry and provides education and inspiration for youth. Purchase in advance — lawn seating, $20 per person, $10 for children ages 2 through 10. For more information, visit www.thefruitfulfield.org or call 954-247-1087.

HIV & AIDS Awareness

Saturday, Feb. 28 5 p.m. (HIV testing) 7 p.m. (play)

E. Pat Larkins Community Center 520 Martin Luther King Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Theatre of Creative Consciousness of the Arts presents “A Devastating Impact,” a play about a 19 year old college student and virgin who never did drugs or had a blood transfusion and yet ends up HIV positive. Tickets online. $20 adults, $10 children 13 and under. $5 seniors and students. First 50 to get testing get free ticket. For more info., call 786-879-4402 or visit www.tccaflorida.eventbrite.com.

Concordia Choir performs

Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach 2331 NE 26 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Hailing from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, this 75-voice a capella choir will visit Pompano as part of their 15- day tour of the Southeast U.S. Guest conductor: Michael Smith. Music ranges from Bach to Morten Lauridsen and includes spirituals and hymns, a cappella and accompanied works, and several selections by Eastern European composers. Touring nationally and internationally since 1918, the choir has performed in nearly every major hall in the United States. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and available at www.ConcordiaTickets. com or at the door.

Paws for a Cause

Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Vet services, pet grooming, homemade pet treats, pet clothing & accessories, adoption centers, pet photos, meet Canine for Companions service dogs, door prizes and raffles, and pet costume contest at 1 p.m. Benefits Canine for Companions for Independence in conjunction with Wounded Warriors. 954-804-5474.

8th Annual Pig Out

BBQ n’ Deerfield Beach

Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hillsboro Blvd. & Intracoastal Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

BBQ competition for backyard & professional cookers –chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. Music all day — Uproot Hootenanny, Steve Minotti, Jess Taylor and others, including student singing competition. Kids corner with face painting, bounce house and balloon artist, raffle items and vendors

Destiny Farron, modeling dress by AI student Nathan Carter, with event chair Renee Korbel Quinn.

By Rachel Galvin JA World Uncorked V brought in a plethora of guests to sip wines from around the world and savor a plentitude of delicious tidbits all to benefit Junior Achievement Jan 24. Broward College’s Huizenga Center was not only the location of the event, but also of the Junior Achievement Biz Town, where all 5^th and 8^th graders throughout Broward County take field trips to learn about how the business world works by practicing hands-on. This year, Premier Beverage Company returned as presenting sponsor. Renee Korbel Quinn, Chair, said there were over 150 selections of wine, in addition to the gourmet treats available at the “Fork to Cork Affair.” Besides the wide assortment of culinary samples and spirits available, there was also entertainment with a burlesque show by Angeliki Piliouras from Stache and music by Chloe Dolandis and her band. Lynn Spinella Pagans said, “This is a phenomenal event that supports a wonderful organization. They are teaching financial literacy to children from all walks of life. This is also a great opportunity to try different foods and beverages.” Her husband, Greg, added that it is also a great opportunity to recognize sponsors.

Chefs serve up succulent samples.

Proceeds from this annual event have raised more than $2 million since 2010. For more information, visit www.jaworlduncorked.com.

Angeliki Piliouras performs burlesque dance.

Chloe Dolandis sings her heart out.

Friends of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum meet

Thursday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m.

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

Speaker: Roger Stone, owner of Stone’s Rose Gardening, Davie, FL. He will explain the basics of maintaining rose plants in our particular climate, and about proper species selection, environmental requirements, pruning techniques, tips on pests and disease, and tricks for obtaining the perfect blooms. He will end with answers to all your questions. Plant giveaway. Light refreshments served. Free and open to public. 954-480-4495. www.treezoo.com.

Burning of the Greens

Thursday, Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church 959 SE 6 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

(Date changed from 5th). Enjoy this bonfire to commemorate the closing of the Christmas season. Info.: 954-421-3146.

Garden Club of Lighthouse Point meets

Thursday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m.

St. Paul’s Education Hall 2700 NE 36 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Program: “BEE Kind to our Bees and Pollinators.” Presented by Ivan Baratz, Broward County Extension Advisory Council, Horticulture Tip by Mona Johnston. W&M bee-attracting plants. Any questions, contact Program Chairman, Mona Johnston, 954-975-9157 or visit www.lhpgc.org.

Movies in the Park: Frozen

Friday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park 4111 NW 6 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Bring the family, blankets and lawn chairs for a fun family night out. Concessions and glow merchandise will be sold for a small fee. For a full listing of this season’s movies and dates please visit www.deerfield-beach.com/moviesinthepark. For more information, call Constitution Park at 954-480-4495.

28th Annual Boca Fest

Saturday, Jan. 10 & Sunday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Shops at Boca Center 5250 Town Center Circle Boca Raton, FL 33486

More than 150 artists, live music and more. Animal aid, a pet rescue and recovery center, will have dogs and cats for adoption. For more information, call 561-746-6615 or visit www.ArtFestival.com.

Yard Sale

Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church 1920 SE 4 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

A bicycle, clothes and misc. For info., call 954-687-8161.

3rd Annual District 2 Clean-Up

Saturday, Jan. 10, 7:30 a.m.

401 SW 4 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Volunteers will sign-in and enjoy some coffee, juice and donuts, which will be served between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Everyone will report back to the sign-in location at noon and pizza and refreshments will be served during a recognition and appreciation ceremony, which will run from noon to 1 p.m. Must be 12 and older. Teens who wish to participate in groups and are between the ages of 12 and 15 should be aware that there must be an adult present for every five teens. Proper attire is required. Wear boots or closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops), long pants and a hat. Bring sunscreen and wear the gloves that will be provided by the City. Please RSVP at 954-480-4391 and commit to volunteering. Certificate of Community Service (6) Hours will be provided during the ceremony. In addition, those who participate in Recycling Perks will receive 100 rewards points for volunteering. For any other questions and/or commitments to volunteer please contact the City Recycling & Solid Waste Management Dept. at 954-480-4391.

Hillsboro Lighthouse January Tour

Sunday, Jan. 11, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Alsdorf Park departure 2974 NE 14 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33062

$25 per person, free to HLPS members. Must have flat shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. No sandals, flip-flops, or shoes with heels are allowed inside the Lighthouse. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 48” (4 feet) tall to climb the tower. No pets are allowed. www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

An A Cappella Afternoon

Sunday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach High School Gym 600 NE 13 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The New Presbyterian Church and The South Florida Jubilee Chorus present this concert featuring popular tunes, Broadway show music, gospel and a little comedy – all Barbershop style. FREE. No tickets needed. An offering will be taken. 954-946-4380 or www.newpres.org.

37th Annual Oshogatsu New Year Festival

Sunday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens 4000 Morikami Park Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446

Celebrate the Year of the Sheep with unique Japanese games and customs, including Taiko drum performances, rice cake making, fortune telling, kids crafts, tea ceremony and more. VIP room offers craft beer, sake and more. Ages 11 and up: $12 online, $15 at gate; 3 and under FREE. VIP: (21 and up) $30 members, $35 non-members. www.morikami.org/newyear.

Pancake breakfast

Sunday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. to noon

Elks Lodge 700 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Adults: $5; Children: $2.50. Open to the public. 954- 255-3130.

Relay Fiesta

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 5:30 p.m. until closing

Baja Café 1310 Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Baja Café will donate 15 percent of all proceeds to Relay for Life on this day. Relay for Life will be held at Quiet Waters Park on April 18. Look at acsevents.org under Relay For Life and then Deerfield for more info. and to sign up to participate.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration The City of Pompano Beach and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Committee of Pompano Beach presents: “Color of Unity” by commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with several community events:

MLK Basketball Classic

Monday, Jan. 12 – Thursday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.

Mitchell Moore Gymnasium 901 NW 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Ages: 14-15 and 16-17

Registration: $50 per team

Parade/March 2015

Monday, Jan. 19, Line-up 8 a.m.

Mitchell Moore Park 901 NW 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Celebration 2015

Monday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.

Blanche Ely High School Gymnasium 1201 NW 6 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Special Guest Performers: Canton Jones and T-DOGG For more information, call 754-217-6656.

Well, here we are in the midst of another election and once again my neighbor has busied himself sending out e-mails, as he would like everyone to vote for the party and candidates that he, in his infinite wisdom, feels are best for the job.

I don’t know about you, but when I apply for a position, I try and highlight my accomplishments. But I have to wonder, what if, instead of listing my accomplishments, I put down all the reasons why the candidates should not even be considered.

That’s what my neighbor is doing. Not one of his e-mails say anything positive about those he would like everyone to vote for, rather they all spout negatives about the candidates and political party that he is against; and he is rabidly against them.

I did some fact checking and there are a lot of things in those things he forwards that, simply stated, aren’t true. He even earmarks certain ones especially for me and for those who he thinks would have the same concerns that I do. So I get all the ones about how this one or that one is anti-Semitic, or not supportive of Israel. Now, he doesn’t just send one or two; no, I’m talking about multiple e-mails on a daily basis. I have nicely asked him (more than once) to please stop sending them to me, but it would appear each time I do so, it somehow encourages him to send even more.

I’m not quite sure why he thinks behaving in this manner would get me to agree with him. Hammering someone over and over again, well, to me that’s a form of bullying.

Oddly enough, while his goal is to get me to see the world his way, to agree with him, his methods are having just the opposite effect.

And what would happen if he got everyone to see things his way? I can tell you this, if every one of us voted for the same candidate, we would have no need to hold elections. We would have no need for a two-party system. All we would have to do is go to my neighbor and he would tell us who will be our governor, our senator, our congressman and our president.

He was spouting his beliefs at the pool the other day and, at one point, he said that anyone who voted for the other side “was a fool and must hate this country.” And that’s when someone listening said, “We just don’t speak the same language.”

Biblically, we talk about a time where everyone spoke the same language. And, in case you forgot, they began to build a tower, the Tower of Babel. And that’s how I felt about my neighbor’s talk because to me, he was just babbling on. God destroys the Tower of Babel and He purposely differentiated people by making it so they don’t all speak the same language. Do you think for a moment that God did this so that we should hate anyone who speaks a different tongue?

Or maybe, just maybe, He did it so that we could learn to respect one another even though we don’t speak the same language. And, if that’s the case, then maybe we could learn to respect each other despite our differences, our differences in country of origin, skin color, religion and, dare I say it, political leanings.

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the Spiritual Leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach where you can hear his uplifting messages during Shabbat Services (Saturdays – 9:30a.m.). The Temple is located one block South of Hillsboro on the west Side of Military Trail.