“Friends” of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum meeting

Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

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

Speaker: Alan Chin-Lee. Subject: Butterflies (Lepidoptera). Refreshments served. Arboretum plant give-away, auction. 954-480-4494 or Jerry@treezoo.com

RAD Community Day

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to noon

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 

Free lunch, health fair, education fair.  Sponsored by Radiant Worship Center. 954-531-0200 or www.radiantliving.com.

Pet CPR & First Aid Class

Saturday, Dec. 10, 11am – 3pm

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

Certified PetTech trainer Laura Kays covers pet first aid, restraining/muzzling injured pet, CPR & rescue breathing, choking, management, excessive heat, drowning, snakes & bufo toads. Limited space, reservation required. 561-809-3213 or nopaws4concern@msn.com.

Yuletide Christmas Concert

Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

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

Free admission, features performances by Fiddleworks Children’s String Ensemble (Keili Kids) and Steeple Singers.  954-427-0222 or www.communitych.org.

Gold Coast Youth Orchestra “Christmas Concert”

Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

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

Corelli Concerto Grosso Op. 6 No. 8 (The Christmas Concerto), selections from Handel’s Messiah and more. Freewill offering at door. 954-501-0401 or 954-594-3990.

Broadway Costume Luncheon

Sunday, Dec. 11, 11:30 a.m.

Costume World Museum, 2313 NW 30 Pl., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

View costumes, get behind-the-scenes stories about favorite Broadway shows. Lunch served on china and under crystal chandelier from “Tavern on the Green.” Hear toe-tapping tunes from best Broadway shows. Seats: Front/Center-$95 ea, other: $85 ea. Reservations: 954-463-8028. Symphony office: 954-335-7002 or www.symphonyofthe
americas.org.

Gingerbread Holiday Concert

Sunday, Dec. 11, 3 p.m.

Boca Raton Resort and Club Great Hall , 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Lynn University Philharmonia performs under baton of Maestro Albert-George Schram. Benefits scholarship for Lynn Conservatory’s students. $35 includes valet. www.lynn.edu/tickets or call 561.237.9000.

George Brummer Park Grand Opening

Monday, Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m.

George Brummer Park, 3500 West Palm Aire Dr., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Information, call 954-786-4191.

Pompano Beach Garden Club Holiday Luncheon

Monday, Dec. 12, noon/meeting, 1 p.m.

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

Ida Molfetto presents “Creative Dried Flower Greeting Cards.” Refreshments served. Open to the public.  954-943-2699.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach meets

Tuesday, Dec. 13, noon

Deer Creek Country Club Banquet Room, 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Holiday luncheon. Enjoy informative presentations and yummy refreshments.954-421-4700 for info.

(Park in lot on SE 9 Terrace, across from the rear of the fire station)

Trinity Church’s Annual Live Nativity

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m.

Trinity Church, 3901 NE 22 Ave, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

5:30 to 6:30: Hot dog/ chili dinner, 6:45: Trinity Worship Team sings Christmas Carols outside sanctuary entrance.  7:15 p.m.: Live nativity. All children welcome to participate.  Performance and live nativity are free to attend.  Cost for dinner: $6- adult, $2- child, $15-families.

Ice Cream Social with Santa

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Get in holiday spirit with games, family activities, a visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and elves and an ice cream snack! $2 adult, $1 child. 954-480-4481.

By Becki Coffy

Tired of turkey?  Can’t look another ham in the face?  Then treat yourself to something different and stop by the China Gourmet restaurant in Deerfield Beach.  They feature an almost limitless menu that includes all the traditional items and other dishes with a slightly different twist.

Since I dine there often, I decided to break out of my shell and order something new.

The restaurant now features “Kevin’s Sushi bar.” My guest, Tim, really enjoys sushi.  I, on the other hand, am a little less adventurous. We asked Kevin to surprise us and select something for us to sample. Beautifully prepared and plated, he brought us the California roll (for me, I’m sure) which was avocado and crab and was wonderful. Tim was served ‘Valerie’s roll,’ which consisted of spicy tuna, avocado topped with spicy crab and scallions with crunchy tempura flakes and red caviar roe sprinkled on top. It was served with wasabi and ginger and was fresh and delicate. I believe Kevin may have made a sushi lover out of me after all!

Next, my dinner guest and I ordered the New York style pork. A large plateful of boneless pork cooked in a light, slightly sweet sauce that came to the table tender and fork ready. The portion was large enough to share and we ate every bite.  Forgoing the traditional honey garlic chicken or chow mein, I tried the Singapore noodles, a dish of thin noodles in a mild curry sauce smothered with shrimp, scallions, pork and red pepper. The noodles were perfectly cooked and the mild curry sauce did not overpower the flavors of the shrimp and vegetables.

Our lovely waitress, Scar-lett, suggested we try the General Tao chicken. The velvety brown sauce that covered the crispy fried chicken was just a little sweet with a hint of heat. This was served with a generous portion of steamed broccoli – a great accompaniment to the chicken.  This menu item is usually prepared with whole dried chili peppers and served hot in both temperature and flavor, but China Gourmet will adjust the seasonings to your specific taste.

The restaurant offers 18 appetizer choices. The egg roll is my personal favorite but the Crab Rangoon is a close second.  Lo Mein with beef, pork, chicken and shrimp; Cantonese specialties such as lemon chicken, seafood gourmet, moo shu pork and cashew shrimp are all available.

With 11 soups from which to choose I can never make up my mind. Sweet and sour dishes, chow mein, chop suey and egg foo young help to round out the menu.

For those who like it hot, order from the Szechuan specialties.  Kung Pao chicken, Hunan beef or scallops and sizzling beef are just a few of the choices.  Their combination platters are one of the best deals in town.  Ranging from $7.75 to $9.25, there are 24 selections that also include egg roll and pork fried rice.

My family generally orders the honey garlic chicken and the green pepper steak … Both are highly recommended.  If you want lighter fare, there are many tofu and vegetable dishes, including sautéed string beans (great!) and steamed vegetables.

China Gourmet, a family run business, has been serving Deerfield Beach for the past 29 years.  Kevin’s sushi bar has been open for the past year and is a wonderful addition to the menu. They are located at 1098 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Delivery is available. Until we eat again…

Dan Marino, left, will be joined by chef Anthony Bruno (Anthony’s Runway 84) and John Offerdahl on Friday. Submitted photo.

By Gary Curreri

John Offerdahl spent eight seasons roaming the middle of the Miami Dolphins’ defense on the gridiron and now he has turned his attention to raising money for charity.

Offerdahl will be among 20 former Miami Dolphins, including Dan Marino and Broward’s best chefs, who will take part in the second annual Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Tailgate Festival at Pompano Beach Amphitheater on Nov. 18 from 4 p.m. to 11 p m.

“It is all about bringing people together for a good cause,” said Offerdahl, who played for the Miami Dolphins from 1986-1993 and was a 5-time Pro Bowl selection. “This event is where Celebrity, Competition & Charity collide!”

Each athlete has been paired with a chef and has created their own signature Gridiron Grill-Off recipe. Attendees will eat and vote on their favorites, and a pair will be voted the Gridiron Grill-Off Champion! There will also be a bean-bag tailgate tournament that teams up Celebrity Pros with Community Joes (fans).

Last year, Louis Oliver and Jason Smith from Steak 954 won. Proceeds are supporting 4Kids of South Florida, the Miami Dolphins Foundation and Here’s Help Culinary Program. Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.
GridironGrilloff.com.

Ely routs Dillard in Soul Bowl

Darren Allen threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns and added three touchdown runs as Blanche Ely rolled to a 41-13 victory over Dillard at Lockhart Stadium on Nov. 12.

Avery Johnson caught five passes for 130 yards and three scores as the Tigers prepared for this week’s Class 7A playoff game against host Dwyer High School on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Highlands finishes 6-4

Tyson Graham scored three times, while Arelious Burns added the fourth as Highlands Christian Academy closed out the season with its fourth consecutive victory to finish the year 6-4.The team outscored the opposition during that span, 174-20.

The victory was bittersweet for Knights head coach Jordan Adair, who said he is stepping down as football coach. He said he is exploring some new coaching opportunities for next season.

“The final game was emotional, and it was great to send the seniors out with a win, as well as finish out my time here with a victory,” said Adair, who has been coaching at the school for eight years at different levels. “I had been coaching many of the seniors since they were in 6th grade (Logan Cole, Matt Elder, Gabe Hantsbarger were all on the elementary basketball team I coached my second year here. I’m really looking forward to seeing where some of them land in college and watching them continue their football career.”

Adair, who had a 23-17 record as the head coach for the varsity team for four years, said he was very pleased with the way the team kept playing hard after it started the year 0-3.

“It took some time for the new players to acclimate to our system and style of play,” Adair said. “I feel like we kept improving each week, and that is why we were able to finish strong, winning 6 out of our last 7 games.”

RE: Utility Tax, FPL bills

Dear Editor:

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” That is a fitting quote for what the city has done to thwart the will of the voters who signed the Rescind Unfair Taxes petition.

In the beginning, the city attorney told us the goal was 10 percent of 41,850 registered voters at the last municipal election. Not so, said the Supervisor of Elections (SOE). The number is 41,280. So we did not have to get 4,200 signatures to have our petition validated …  only 4,128.

On Wednesday, Rescind Unfair taxes paid the city $47 to have copies made of all the signatures we had submitted to the city clerk on Sept. 6. That gave us the opportunity to count every signature, for a total of 6,220. The SOE only got 5,614. What happened to the other 606?

In addition, a letter to the Supervisor of Elections, the Deerfield City Clerk with the approval of the city attorney, asked that the precinct numbers be verified. The Supervisor of Elections stated that they have never been required to validate precinct numbers to verify that the signer was a registered voter. The Deerfield charter asks that the precinct be added, but nowhere does the charter ask that the number be verified. In our conversation with the Division of Elections, we were told that if the city charter did not specify that the precincts had to be verified, the SOE could have ignored the directive from the City of Deerfield Beach that made that demand, since the state statute does not require precinct verification to identify a registered voter.

Since Dr. Snipes claims their hands were tied, the SOE threw out 973 names and disenfranchised those voters at the request of the city clerk and the city attorney. The map given to us to determine the precincts was defective and inadequate, to say the least. The job done by the SOE was not stellar either. They threw out any voter who had a Pompano Beach address, thereby eliminating at least 12 registered voters, although these were newly-annexed registered voters. They threw out the name of Gloria Battle as being in the wrong district, whatever that meant.

With FPL charging residents a 10 percent utility tax for usage in September when the tax was not effective until Oct. 1, and the city making the same error on the water bills, maybe it’s time for the city to listen to the majority of the city residents and rescind this oppressive tax.

Jean Robb

Chairperson, Rescind Unfair Taxes, Deerfield Beach, FL

Editor’s note: “Management has become aware of a billing cycle issue regarding the public service tax (utility tax). “We are in the process of working to address the situation, and will provide an update as soon as more details become available,” said the city last Friday.

As of press time Wednesday: “We are still reviewing the Florida Statutes to determine what actions to take. We recognize there is a misperception about the October billing cycle, but would not describe it as a ‘problem.’ Nonetheless, we are reviewing what option the City may take if in fact we deem it to be an issue.”

RE: FPL bill

Dear Editor:

Well, it’s here … my electric bill at my repair shop in Deerfield. Ready for this? These are the actual numbers of all the taxes on the bill. Gross receipts tax: $8.05, Utility tax: $23.19 and Florida Sales Tax: $23.89. Never mind the Franchise Charge: $19.31, whatever that is. So the Grand Total of taxes is $55.13. Multiply that times 12 … the Grand Total per year just in taxes is $651.56. What about the electric? Oh, that’s only $310.78. Thanks to all, we will be out of business soon, or we will have to raise our prices just to pay taxes.

P.S. Did not see the house electric bill yet, which is also in Deerfield. Double tax … why not?

Steven Fabrizio

  Deerfield Beach, FL

A former sheriff of Broward County passed away Wednesday, the Broward Sheriff’s Office chaplain told employees. Navarro was sheriff from 1985 to 1992. According to Wikipedia, “Navarro won election for sheriff in 1984. During Navarro’s tenure the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) approximately doubled to 3,000 personnel and its budget increased from $75 million to $200 million. Contracts were added for the BSO to provide law enforcement services to three Broward cities – Dania Beach, Tamarac and Deerfield Beach.^[1]”  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Navarro.

With his health failing fast, Navarro was escorted home from the hospital Wednesday afternoon by sheriff’s deputies, where he died about 2:30 p.m., surrounded by family and friends.

Navarro recently underwent a second surgery at Holy Cross Hospital for a recurrence of colon cancer. He was 81.

All BSO flags are at half staff, and personnel have been instructed by current Sheriff Al Lamberti to wear their mourning band.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

DEERFIELD BEACH – Opponents of the city’s recently enacted utility tax thought they had more than enough petition signatures to force a referendum on the tax, but not enough were certified

The Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office said more than half of the signatures are  invalid.

Monday that only 2,894 of the 6,200 signatures submitted met the city’s requirements. The petitioners needed roughly 4,200 valid signatures to force the referendum, based on city charter rules.

“This petition was unique in that the city code required that it be the signature, the address and the precinct number,” Cooney said. “A lot of precinct numbers were either missing or incorrect.”

Rescind Unfair Taxes, the opposition group led by former Mayor Jean Robb and businessman Steve Krevoy, only have until Thursday to submit a valid petition.

The first of a six public workshops addressing the redistricting of Broward County Commission districts takes place tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, West Banquet Room, 1801 N.E. Sixth Street in Pompano Beach.   Commissioner Chip LaMarca will attend tonight’s meeting.

The Broward County Commission is preparing a new Commission District map based upon 2010 Census data. Redistricting is required by the Broward County Charter to balance the populations of the nine single member districts and ensure residents have equal representation on the County Commission.
The public is invited to participate in the process by attending the workshops and by submitting maps of their own for the Commission’s consideration.

The six public workshops are:

Tuesday, September 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, West Banquet Room, 1801 N.E. Sixth St., Pompano Beach

Monday, October 3, 5 – 7 p.m.
West Lake Park – Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood

Several map options have already been prepared by County staff for the Commissioners to consider.  All eligible maps must meet the “Fair Districting” principles for Federal congressional and State legislative districts which were added to the Florida Constitution by voter referendum in the November 2010 election. Submitted maps that meet Fair Districting Standards will be sent to the Commission and all maps sent to the Commission will also be posted at www.broward.org/redistricting.

Residents are encouraged to participate in any of the workshops and submit their own suggestions for redistricting, by submitting paper maps or maps created in a web-based software, My District Builder.

State Representative Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed invites you to attend The Legislative Update Town Hall Meeting. Topics include: Florida Election Laws/Voter Registration, Medicaid Reform, Workforce One, Unemployment Compensation, Redistricting Process.Clarke-Reed represents residents in these cities: Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Tamarac, North Lauderdale and Wilton Manors.

Join her  Wednesday, July 20, 2011 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 Martin Luther King Blvd. (Hammondville Road)
Pompano Beach, Florida 33060. For information please call her office, 954-786-4848 or the community center at 954-786-4585.

RE: Utility tax

Dear Editor:

I am very upset about the utility tax. We also live on a fixed income. To some, it may not mean much. With the price of gas, decline of the dollar, and food prices roaring with inflation, a 10 percent  tax hike is not needed right now.

The problem is once the tax is approved, I’d have a heart attack if it ever was removed or went down. The majority of the times, it eventually goes up.

Prior to the recession, when property taxes were rolling in, the politicians never seemed to have enough money. They do what is required by law or whatever, but they never put extra monies away for a “rainy day.” They have to spend every dollar and then try to figure out how to get more. They never have enough to spend of taxpayer money.

On the front page of the [June 9] Observer, right next to “Utility Tax,” is an article “Broward School District loses millions in grant money.”

As usual, it’s “always the other guy’s fault.” I sure hope the voters remember this at the next election! I sure will!

Bob Zukas

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

A 10 percent levy on water and electricity will only cost the average homeowner $10 a month.  Of course, that is if you never drink water, take a shower, live in a cave and use your electricity sparingly.

How come no mention is made of the real cost of this fiasco as it affects the business community? Didn’t someone from Publix at the public hearing mention it would cost them another $400,000 annually? Do you really believe that Publix will not turn around and increase their costs to the consumer?

If there is such a crying need for the improvements claimed, why is the commission using a revenue tax to make the improvements? Could it be because the voters have no say when it comes to a utility tax, as long as the city can identify a source for repayment? That is the reason for utility tax. The millage could be reduced 1 mill without it, but then the commission would not be able to go out on a spending spree to finance their pet projects.

Do not allow your financial future to rest in the hands of three commissioners who never heard what the public had to say. If you really love your city, you will sign the rescind petition as soon as it is available. Let 4,500 voters be your voice.

Lillian Lorraine

Deerfield Beach

A new collection of virtual tours of Florida’s most popular colleges has been launched by Take Stock in Children, a statewide non-profit organization with a 16 year history of helping low-income and at-risk youth break the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors and hope. With funding provided by the Helios Education Foundation, this free online service gives students who do not have the means to travel and tour schools the chance to “visit” them online, and consequently eliminates the financial burden and costs associated with individual campus visits.

Available exclusively through Take Stock in Children’s website, www.TakeStockInChildren.org, the online virtual tours will highlight key aspects of various state college campuses in order to assist students during the college selection process. Scholars will be able to virtually visit 15 of the most-attended state colleges throughout Florida including: Brevard Community College, Broward College, Indian River State College, Florida Gateway College, Miami Dade College, Palm Beach State College, Valencia Community College, College of Central Florida, Tallahassee Community College, North Florida Community College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Santa Fe College, St. Petersburg College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota and Edison State College.

“The online virtual tours serve as an invaluable resource to our program participants and all those pursuing a post-secondary education,” says Richard Berkowitz, State Board Chair of Take Stock in Children. “Many of our students are first generation college attendees and are not familiar with the different aspects of a college campus, and this gives them direct access to view the most popular state colleges in Florida at any time.”

The launch of online virtual tours is part of Take Stock in Children’s continued efforts to enhance technology and improve college enrollment across Florida through a $1 million donation from the Helios Education Foundation. Alongside the online virtual tours, a portion of the donated funds are providing students with college survival toolkits and online educational modules in several languages including English, Spanish and Creole.

“The Helios Education Foundation recognizes the importance of preparing students for success through post-secondary education,” says Paul Luna, President and CEO of the Helios Education Foundation. “We are proud to support Take Stock in Children and such an important program that will assist our youth to advance in their pursuit of education.”

“We are excited that Take Stock in Children has launched this online resource allowing students to further explore each college, and thus make a better informed decision about their future studies,” says Will Holcombe, Chancellor of the Florida College System. “It is yet another way that this important organization is helping to provide and increase access to a college education in Florida.”

Students enrolled with Take Stock in Children are identified in middle and high school, and then sign a contract pledging to remain drug and crime free, as well as maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or greater. All students that fulfill these obligations and successfully complete the program then receive full scholarships to a state college or university.

To learn more about Take Stock in Children or to become a valued mentor or supporter, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

Broward College Tour from Take Stock in Children on Vimeo