Fish Fry

Sunday, March 24, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

St. Nicholas Church

1111 E. Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Featuring your choice of Tilapia or Swai with either fries or rice, and a soda for the low price of $10. To-go orders available. The public is invited. For further details contact the church office, 954-942-5887.

Crazy for You

Through April 14

The Wick Theatre

7901 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33487

A musical feast showcasing more than 20 Gershwin songs and recreating the golden era of the 1930s follies-style lavish production numbers. $75-$85. Visit www.the wick.org or call 561-995-2333 for details.

Art – Watercolor classes 

Saturdays through April, 10 a.m. to noon

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 Ave.

Pompano Beach, 33060

 $25 per class. Please call 954-920-4574 for information.

Big Bounce America 2019

Friday, March 22 to March 25, starting at 7 a.m.

Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park

11200 Park Access Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33498

Check out this huge inflatable theme park featuring The World’s Biggest Bounce House, America’s biggest inflatable obstacle course, slides, ball pits, a 60 ft. tall maze and more! Tickets: http://bit.ly/2WXnyIH . For more info., visit http://bit.ly/2WTHlsh .

DBICA meeting

Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church/ Educational Center

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guest Speaker: New commissioner for District 1, Michael Hudak. Visit www.dbica.com for more information.

Florida Renaissance Festival

— Last weekend

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Featuring Renaissance-theme performances, artisans and activities. This week’s theme: Magic, Witches and Wizards: March 23 & March 24. Call 954-776-1642 for more information.

Highwaymen Art Show & Sale

Friday, March 22, 7 to 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach

Woman’s Club

314 NE 2 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Seven of the famed Highwaymen painters will gather for an exhibition and sale of their vibrant landscapes of an unspoiled Florida. For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.pompanohistory.com or call 954-782-3015.

Dive in Movie — Shark Tale

Friday, March 22, 8 p.m.

Houston Sworn Pool

901 NW 10 St.

Pompano Beach, 33060

Free event. Cool off with a dip in the pool while you enjoy a featured flick. Snacks and refreshments available. For more information, call 954-786-4116 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Woman’s Club celebrates 100th anniversary

Saturday, March 23, 11 a.m.

Royal Fiesta

1680 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Celebrate these wonderful women who are always volunteering to help at events. This is a milestone! $40. Reservations: 954-421-4700.

Cove Community Crime Watch

Tuesday, March 26

6:30 p.m.

Royal Fiesta

1680 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Cove residents, find out what is happening in The Cove. Find out about new vehicle identification program. Discuss other ways to reduce speed on the streets and about keeping your home safe. Learn about a fire extinguisher recall. Plenty of info! Now is the time to get your questions answered by Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Monthly Coffee & Healthy Conversations

Wednesday, March 27, 9 a.m.

Broward Health North

201 E. Sample Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

The event will feature a lecture by Charles Toman, MD, orthopedic surgeon, on how to alleviate joint pain from osteoarthritis. In addition, they will be offering free preventive health screenings including glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure checks, posture tests, stroke risk assessments and more. Stop by for a cup of coffee and a health check up! Continental breakfast provided. You can RSVP by calling 954-759-7400 & select option 5.

Worth the Drive:

Palm Beach Boat Show

Thursday, March 28 to Sunday, March 31

101 S. Flagler Dr.

West Palm Beach, FL, 33410

The 34th Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show is one of the top five boat shows in the country. The show will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts, and accessories, as well as youth fishing clinics and sportfishing seminars. Make sure to check out the Winward VIP Experience. See website for hours and schedule: www.pbboatshow.com/en/home.html.

Jeans, Jackets & Jewels

Saturday March 30, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. reception)

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

It is time for a Roast! Join in for a fun evening of good-natured jabs at this year’s guest of honor, Pompano Beach’s “cowboy” city manager of Pompano Beach, Greg Harrison, a native of Oklahoma. Rain or shine – the event is tented. Wear your favorite upscale western attire and enjoy a gourmet BBQ feast, musical entertainment and live auction items. For more information, visit www.samplemcdougald.org.

Florida Wing Battle

Saturday, March 30, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sanborn Square Park

72 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Wing lovers will delight in this new event, put on by the same people who brought you the Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival, the Boca Burger Battle and more. Imagine if you will… strolling through the park and smelling the sweet aroma of barbecued chicken wings, which you get to sample! Judges will make their selections and guests can pick their favorite too. There will be 20 grill master chefs and also a dessert competition with 20 pastry chefs. Can you say “yum?” In addition, there will be beer, wine, spirits and live entertainment. This is a 21 + event. No pets! Event is rain or shine. So, no refunds, Battle fans… You can purchase tickets at www.floridawingbattle.com or call 561-338-7594.

Festival of the Arts Boca

Through March 10

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Presenting a diverse range of quality musical performances and literary events. For schedule, visit https://festivalboca.org/events.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Through March 24, weekends

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Featuring Renaissance-theme performances, artisans and activities, the festival includes theme weekends, including:

• Swashbucklers & Sirens: March 9 & March 10

• Kilts & Colleens: March 16 & March 17

• Magic, Witches and Wizards: March 23 & March 24

Call 954-776-1642 for more information.

Historic Butler House Tour

Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

380 E Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, visit www.deerfieldbeachhistoricalsociety.com.

Tour Hillsboro Lighthouse

Saturday, March 9, Sail times – hourly 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

125 North Riverside Dr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Enjoy a fun day at the lighthouse. A current HLPS membership or a $35 transportation fee is required. For more information, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Dollhouse Miniature Show & Sale

Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Boca Raton Community Center

150 NW Crawford Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Minitature dollhouses, furniture and more are available for sale and are on display. The members of Les Petits Collecteurs of South Florida work hard to create these items and proceeds from the event benefit children’s charities. There are also several informative workshops. Adults $5, children under 12, $2. For information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/lespetitsclub/home/show-and-sale or e-mail risko@bellsouth.net.

The Soroptimists Nash Bash

Saturday, March 9, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Pavilion Grille

301 Yamato Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Enjoy country music for dancing, a buffet dinner and desserts, and an open bar all evening. Proceeds support girls and women in the community. Dress in your best casual or country attire and have a ball. Tickets are $100 and can be obtained from any member of the Pompano Beach Soroptimist or contact Becky Walzak at 561-459-7070 for details.

Heart, Soul & Service Award Brunch

Sunday, March 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Boca West Country Club

20583 Boca W. Dr.

Boca Raton, FL 33434

Support the Zonta Club of Deerfield Beach by attending the fundraising event. This year’s honorees are Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D. and Isabelle Gain. Event includes food, silent auction, raffle prizes and music by Just Us Orchestras. Proceeds benefit Zonta’s scholarship programs and community service projects. Tickets are $80, children 12 and younger $35. For more information, e-mail queenrmv1@bellsouth.net or visit www.zontadeerfieldbeach.org.

Bloodmobile

Sunday, March 10, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

St. Nicholas Church

111 E. Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

The Bloodmobile will be open for donations. One pint of blood can save three lives. For additional information, call the church office 954-942-5887.

The Pap Corps Presents Footloose & Cancer Free

Sunday, March 10, 6 p.m.

Seminole Casino

Coconut Creek

5550 NW 40 St

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

The evening will feature a delicious assortment of hors d’oeuvres, carving station, signature drink and an exciting dance-off to crown both the best dance couple and the biggest fundraisers. Register for the event ($75) at www.thepapcorps.org .

Lenten Meditation & Lunch

Wednesday, March 13, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Save the Date:

Family Fun Day

Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sullivan Park

1633 Riverview Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join Kiwanis of Deerfield Beach for face painting, music, games, crafts and a great time. For more information, call 954-980-1833.

St. Patrick’s Day Car Show

Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pioneer Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

First annual fundraiser of its type for the Kiwanis Club. Open to all makes and models. The top 40 vehicles will be awarded. Register your vehicle for $20. Hosted by DJ Rockin Rich. Raffle prizes. Food trucks. Donatons accepted. Free admission. Proceeds benefit children’s charities and other community organizations. For more information, visit www.deerfieldbeachkiwanis.org.

Jeans, Jackets & Jewels

Saturday March 30, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. reception)

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

It is time for a Roast! Join in for a fun evening of good-natured jabs at this year’s guest of honor, Pompano Beach’s “cowboy” city manager of Pompano Beach, Greg Harrison, a native of Oklahoma. Rain or shine (the event is tented). Wear your favorite upscale western attire and enjoy a gourmet BBQ feast, musical entertainment and live auction items. For more information, visit www.samplemcdougald.org.

Florida Wing Battle

Saturday, March 30, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sanborn Square Park

72 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Wing lovers will delight in this new event, put on by the same people who brought you the Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival, the Boca Burger Battle and more. Imagine if you will… strolling through the park and smelling the sweet aroma of barbecued chicken wings, which you get to sample! Judges will make their selections and guests can pick their favorite too. There will be 20 grill master chefs and also a dessert competition with 20 pastry chefs. Can you say yum? In addition, there will be beer, wine, spirits and live entertainment. This is a 21 + event. No Pets! Event is Rain or Shine. So, NO Refunds, Battle Fans… You can purchase tickets at www.floridawingbattle.com or call 561-338-7594.

By Rachel Galvin

If you haven’t been to J. Mark’s in a long time, now is the time to revisit the restaurant. They have a brand new menu brimming with fresh and tasty options, as well as many of their traditionally popular items.

Start with an appetizer. Their guacamole and chips is an easy choice, but they also have something more refined—their spinach artichoke dip. You can add Maryland Blue crab — rich and decadent — for $3.99. For seafood lovers, they also have mussels now on the menu. They have healthy options like salads, including their new Blue Pistachio Kale for kale lovers, in addition to Oriental Chicken, Pear Beet and many others.

When it comes to burgers, they have some great choices. If you want to indulge, get a Havarti Cajun burger. This melt-in-your-mouth bite includes the richness of cheese and a little kick. It is garnished with crispy onion rings and topped with pickles. They also have other options like their Blue Peppercorn or Hickory Burger, and more. Looking for a more affordable option, try their Trade Burger. At only $8.99 (as opposed to other burgers that range $14.99 to $18.99), this burger is a quarter pounder topped with lettuce, tomato and pickles. It is their alternative to fast food option — not only less expensive but also higher quality.

They have plenty of other sandwiches available, including chicken, quinoa, deep sea tuna, fresh fish and more as well on their standard menu. You can get half a sandwich and soup too.

Meat lovers may want to choose a steak instead. They use aged Certified Angus Beef. You can get a New York Strip or a Skirt Steak, but if you really want to dive into it, ask for their filet mignon. Their steaks can come with an Exotic Mushroom or Red Peppercorn sauce, as well as Oscar style, or topped with Blue Cheese or Balsalmic Caramalized Onions. For sides, try their delicious asparagus or Loaded Backed Potato.

Prefer pasta? Their veggie Lovers Pasta has always been on the menu, but it has had a reboot with more parmigiana and the addition of zucchini noodles, which you can also substitute for other pastas on the menu. It includes crunchy broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted eggplant, peppers, kalamata olives and red chili flakes.

Seafood lovers can try their new crab cakes made with lump blue crab, as well as many other items that have been traditionally on the menu, like their salmon, Mahi Mahi, scampi and more. But, you may want to try this reporter’s favorite bite from the new menu — their Shrimp New Orleans. I had it with Basmati Rice but it comes with Angel Hair Pasta. Yes, it is spicy, but you’ll want to dive right into it. This gem comes with blackened shrimp, Andoulle sausage, sauteed mushrooms, peppers, onions all served in a cajun cream sauce. Yum!

Looking for a smaller bite? Look at their Sliders section. They have surprising selections like the Green Tomato BLT Slider and Ahi Tuna slider (which you can also get without a bun.) They also have more traditional items like burger, prime rib and buffalo chicken sliders.

Make sure to pair your order with one of their specialty drinks like their mojito, margarita or martini, which all come in different varieties. They also have a wine list and a full bar. Ask about their happy hour specials.

Did you know that they also offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.? They have many selections, including a wide variety of Egg Benedicts!

With all these choices, there certainly is plenty to find for everyone.

Besides the food, J. Mark’s has great ambience perfect for a date or just a nice family dinner. Owner Steven Koch ensures that the place always looks new.They are constantly renovating something. Not only is there a brand new menu, but he is going to put in new flooring soon. He is always replacing the awning out front.

“If it doesn’t look like new, there is something we need to do,” he said.

This is one of two J. Mark’s. The other one is located at 1245 N. Federal Hwy. in Ft. Lauderdale.

“I grew up in restaurants,” said Steven Koch, who owns the restaurants with his brother who is a silent partner.

Koch came to Florida from Ohio and grew up in the country, so, to him, “being around all this activity and people is stimulating.”

“This is exactly what I was meant to do. I can’t believe anyone else’s work is as exciting as what we get to do. It’s not just one component. It’s the design, the people, the menu – nothing feels better than being in the restaurant. The time flies when I’m here. I wish everyone loved the restaurant business as much as I do,” he said.

Visit Koch and his staff at J. Mark’s. Tell them The Observer sent you. The restaurant is located at 1490 NE 23 St in Pompano Beach (by the Pompano Citi Centre). For more information, visit www.JMarksRestaurant.com.

RE: Changing Municipal Elections

Dear Editor,

Deerfield Beach Municipal elections occur in March, every other year. Municipalities must pay for separate elections versus holding them in November. Many municipalities switched to November resulting in a cost savings. Now, for the March 2019 election, only five cities are participating: Sea Ranch Lakes, Miramar, Pembroke Park, Coconut Creek and Deerfield Beach. Due to the lack of participation, costs have increased from $55,742 in 2015 to $86,316 for 2019. Should another municipality decide to switch to November, costs are predicted to sky rocket. It is also important to keep in mind that this election is only for Districts 1 & 2; costs for March 2021 are estimated to be between $110,000 – $120,000. For the record, between 2015 and our next election in 2019, the cost to administer a separate election in Deerfield Beach will have soared by 155 percent. That is substantial cost growth… [In addition, the numbers show a much greater turnout in a November election versus March.] Our local government should be doing everything possible to ensure higher voter participation. Another benefit of November elections is the added early voting days that March elections do not offer.

At the Nov. 13 commission meeting, eight citizens spoke on this issue with five recommending changing back to November elections that would benefit the city with higher turnouts and lower costs. The remaining three felt that the March election allowed voters to focus on the city and the cost was “just part of doing business.” Mayor Ganz stated that the March elections are in the City Charter; however, the State Legislature revised the statute — the date of elections could be changed by municipalities with an ordinance versus a referendum typically required for charter changes. Commissioner Parness mentioned that statistics show that those at the top of the ballot got the most attention and as you go down the ballot, that attention goes down because voters “get tired,” [saying] by the time you get to the city elections, at the bottom of the ballot, “You’re lucky if you get 10 votes.” The Commission voted unanimously to maintain the city election in March.

Are Deerfield Beach voters lazy or uncaring? Can we take enough time to read to the bottom of the ballot? More voters, additional time, shorter lines due to more voting days and lower costs. What is not to like in revising our voting date to coincide with November elections?

Glenn Sullivan

Deerfield Beach

[Editor’s Note: Rebecca Medina, Public Affairs and Marketing Director for the city, responded to this with the following: “While five individuals recommended changing the election from March to November, it was five out of 44,333 registered voters with at least three individuals publicly asking to leave the elections the way they are, and while they weren’t in Commission on the evening in question I know many other residents who prefer to leave our elections to March.

In our most recent November election, the whole country watched the chaos and uncertainty that occurred in Broward County. Why would we want to take chances like that with our municipal elections, we get to avoid all of that by holding our elections in March. Furthermore, the March election is only three months away, and those who brought this up at a recent Commission meeting are involved in a local political campaign. This is a debate that should be discussed in a non-election year.”]

By Emily Rosen, M.S., M.A

erosen424@aol.com

Happy November, dear people. This month is always a two-fer  –  Elections and Thanksgiving. I was about to begin this with an exhortation for everyone to get out and vote. And then I remembered references I had heard about countries which had mandatory voting laws. And good old Google sent me to good old Wikipedia where I read several paragraphs about the pros and cons of it. Too long and complicated to go into here, but I strongly advise you to “do it yourself.”

The interesting long and short of it is that 12 countries currently have such laws on the book which they do enforce.  There are 16 countries that have such laws, but do not enforce them;  and 11 countries tried it, but subsequently removed such laws.  I do not see any such laws enforced in the foreseeable future in the U.S.A. so I’m back to square one, urging you all to make your voices heard. Feelings are strong on both political sides and this is no time for excuses or for stay-at-home gripers.

We constantly get polling stats which change with the wind and the only real way we have of knowing the true trends, and the actual needs and values of our populace, is to count the votes.  So, if you’re “mad – and don’t want to take it any more” – on either side, the best way to tell it is at the voting booth.

Whatever happens on Nov. 6, we will have 16 days to remember that we have so very much to be thankful for. Flawed and fragile as it is, we still have the freedoms for which most of our immigrant forefathers came to these shores.  Although there will always be people who struggle and suffer, conditions we are certainly duty-bound by our humanitarian values to reduce and hopefully obliterate, we are currently living in an economic upturn. Many of our young people have shown leadership qualities. Good things are quietly happening in small communities all over the country.  Families still get together for this holiday and, hopefully, will be able to peacefully, and respectfully, express their views on everything from the election to the Oscars, to the pumpkin pie.

There must be some karmic reason for these two occasions – Election Day and Thanksgiving Day – to be juxtaposed as they are in such a timely manner – with just enough days in between for losers to simmer down and for winners to finish gloating, but for everyone to remember that there is strength in unity.

So if you have access to sunshine, food, a roof over your head and a bed, if you can still listen to the voices of other people and music and birds, if you can still see stars in the sky and the green-ness of grass  –  or, if indeed, you can do even some of the above,  be thankful  that you live in a great – albeit distinctively flawed  — land of the free.

 

 

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

After last year’s historical film festival with Burt Reynolds, there is no denying the challenge this year’s 33rd Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) faces. Fortunately, with nearly three decades experience putting on such a such an event, festival director Gregory von Hausch and his merry crew of technicians and volunteers have programmed three weeks of films that celebrate Broward County. Given how the motion picture industry does not travel south of Atlanta these days, it is especially important that FLIFF shines this week.

While most of the presentations will be held at the usual locations of Savor Cinema and Cinema Paradiso-Hollywood, this year’s venues also include the NOVA Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art and the Sunrise Civic Center. With a portion of ticket proceeds going to hurricane relief for Hurricane Michael victims in the Florida Panhandle, the festival opens at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with a French Garden Party saluting the opening night film, The Return of the Hero, starring Jean Dujardin, Oscar winner from The Artist, which premiered at the FLIFF in 2011.

While this columnist is looking forward to hosting the 65th anniversary screening of House of Wax, Saturday night at 10 p.m. at Savor Cinema, the theater will also feature Smuggling Hendrix before it at 8 p.m., a film written and directed by Marios Piperides from Cyprus. Prior to the movies Southeast premier, Michelle Filippi will host a Greek Party in the theater’s John Mager Courtyard.

While one might think this film has something to do with legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, it really is a story about a dog named “Jimi,” a comedy that pokes fun at culture, politics and borders. It is the story of a divorced man with custody of “Jimi,” who crosses the Cyprus/Turkey border for a vacation that becomes an epic journey. A favorite of the Festival Director, Smuggling Hendrix promises to be 93 minutes of cinema fun.

On Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the Westin Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort, prepare to take a time machine to December 1960 with a screening of Where the Boys Are. Florida legend Connie Francis will be in attendance, as well as Woody Woodbury, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Unlike the previous parties where gala clothes or togas seemed appropriate, swimsuits will be what to wear. In tribute to “Ft. Liquordale,” there will be complimentary drinks at the “Elbo Room After-Party.”

“Shorts at Sea” will be a unique event on Monday, Nov. 12 aboard the Musette. This twilight cruise will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres and four short films, with the longest film being only 15 minutes long.

The topics vary from cute animals to ghosts to life affirmation. Short subjects are underrated gems and this cruise on the Musette will raise the profile of these films.

The Miami Dolphins have faded, the World Series is over and there is a hotly contested election next Tuesday. Now more than ever we need a vacation from the ordinary film and FLIFF will provide that escape. For details on these and other events and films, visit www.fliff.com.

Multi-Family Backyard “Garage” Sale

Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bargain hunter delights. Antiques and collectables. Be a vendor ($20) or a shopper (free entrance). For application, call or e-mail Judithofdfb@gmail.com, 954-461-1152 or elilly707@aol.com, 561-299-8684.

Boca Raton GreenMarket

Saturday, Oct. 27, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Place

201-299 Via De Palmas

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Have a fresh cup of coffee, a bite to eat, listen to some music, pick up some local produce or plants, grab a gift for someone, or restock handmade soaps or candles. The GreenMarket will be held every Saturday through May 11. The Royal Palm Place is located in the Monument Piazza parking area, intersection of S. Federal Hwy. & SE Mizner Blvd. For more information, call 561-299-8684 or e-mail elilly707@aol.com.

Comedian Dana Eagle performs

Saturday, Oct. 27, 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Mizner Park Comedy Club

201 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

You may have seen Dana Eagle on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, The Late, Late Show, Comedy Central and Comics Unleashed, and elsewhere. Event is 18+. $20 General Admission, $30 Premium, $35 Premium Plus and $160 VIP Table. Free garage parking in the Mizner Park garages or $6 valet. They advise arriving 60 minutes prior to showtime.

Sly Dog Dueling Pianos

Saturday, Oct. 27, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Robot Brewery

2621 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Come sing along to piano and song. All request show. Costume contest. $10 cover. Info: www.SlyDogpianos.com, www.PianoMann.com.

DBLL Annual Board Meeting & Elections

Monday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.

Middle School Athletic Complex Press Box

601 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Little League will be electing their Board Members for the 2019 spring season.

Breast Cancer Panel Discussion

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Broward Health North – Conference Center

201 E. Sample Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Join the experts for a comprehensive and open forum discussion on surgical options, breast reconstruction, treatment, coping and surviving with Breast Cancer. This event is free, and complimentary breakfast and health screenings will be provided. To register, visit BrowardHealth.org/Events or call 954-759-7400 and select option 5.

Save the Date:

Empowering Veterans in the Workplace and our Community

Thursday, Nov. 1, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Wyndham Deerfield Beach Hotel

2096 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Deerfield Beach Chamber event. Join the conversation as they examine the critical task of understanding and unblocking the value of veterans. Guest speakers will be Molly Birkholm, Anthony Torres and Hiploito Arriaga. The program will kick-off with a powerful performance by Combat Hippies.

Miles for Smiles 2018

Saturday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. (check-in) to noon

Pompano Community Park

1660 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Last year, they raised over $50,000 for medical, educational, therapeutic and recreational care provided to infants, children and young adults. This year, they hope to raise even more. Race starts at 9 a.m. Stick around after the race to enjoy FREE food, awards, family fun activities, community vendors, raffles and more! General Admission ends Thursday, Nov. 1 at 11:30 p.m. Participants will receive walk-bag and T-shirt upon check-in. Grab your friends, family and coworkers to create your team! There will be prizes for the largest team fundraiser! Walkers, runners, joggers, wheelchairs, strollers and well-behaved pets are welcome. Can’t make it, but still want to donate, be a sponsor or just need some more information? Give them a call at 954-295-4910, or e-mail myrnam@bcckids.org.

Boca Raton Fine Art Show

Sat. & Sun. Nov. 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Professionally juried fine art & fine craft show. All art is original and personally handmade. Event is open to the public. There will be an Art Competition for K-8 or ages 5-13. Free to attend.

Ranse Volleyball Classic

Saturday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the beach (North of the pier)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The tournament is held annually to honor the memory of Ranse Jones, an avid and up-and-coming beach player who had an aneurysm rupture while playing an AVP Young Guns tournament in 2004. Ranse passed away several months later and this tournament is to raise funds for the North Broward Health Stroke Awareness Fund each year. The event is managed by the Dig The Beach series gang. Come join them for a fun weekend on the beach.

62nd Annual 150 Charity Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 3, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sheltair Hangar of the Pompano Beach Airpark

1401 NE 10 St,

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Exchange Club of Pompano Beach will hold “A Night at the Races.” It will be a Derby Party with betting on old horse races to win prizes.There will be an open bar all night, buffet dinner, live band, dancing, TapSnap photo booth, and contests for best hats and outfits. Fundraising activities including handicapped horse races, 50/50 raffle, wine wagon and booze cooler, 150 draw-down, and live, silent and Chinese auctions. Proceeds will go towards local charities and community organizations such as The Children’s Healing Institute, the Broward Children’s Center, the Boys & Girls Club, First Tee of Broward, Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, Woodhouse, Dynamos, the DAV, Honor Flight and more, along with providing student scholarships. Tickets can be purchased online only for $150 at www.bidpal.net/nightattheraces. No tickets will be sold at the door, so please purchase them early. Dress is Derby attire required. For more information, contact Joel Rask at 954-663-7751 or Donn Atkins at donn.atkins@gmail.com.

“Showcase of the Arts”

Thursday, Nov. 8, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Center for Active Aging

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Find out about art classes offered at the Center for Active Aging. Items will be available for purchase, with proceeds to benefit the Center for Active Aging. For more information, please call 954-480-4447.

9th Annual Boca Raton

Wine & Food Festival

Saturday, Nov. 10, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sanborn Square Park

72 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Enjoy top notch tastes from tri-county area chefs and sip some great craft brews too. This is always a popular event. Details: www.bocaratonwineandfoodfestival.com/tickets.html.

Deerfield Women’s Club Travels

• Thursday, Dec. 6

One day trip to South Beach and the Miami Waterfront. You will see the famous Wynwood Walls graffiti art area. Christmas season Bayside Boat Tour, lunch at Bubba Gumps and Bayside shopping “Miami Flair.” Cost is $70, all inclusive.

• Friday & Saturday, Jan. 11 & 12

Overnight stay to St. Augustine and Jacksonville. Alhambra Dinner Theatre and historic St. Augustine plus second day dinner at Hurricane Pattie’s on the water before going home. Cost is $253.

• Friday & Saturday, Feb. 22 & 23

Overnight in Ft. Myers. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre to see Guys and Dolls. Shopping and lunch on the beach at Parrot Key. Cost is $183 all inclusive.

There is limited seating still available for all trips. For more information, or if you would like to go on these trips, contact Sally Brinkworth at 954-427-2175.

Semi-Annual Book Sale

Dixon Ahl Hall

2220 NE 38 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Book sale will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1 and Friday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.) No book donations are accepted Sep. 30 to Nov. 12. Bring cash. All proceeds support the library.

By Rachel Galvin

If you have never ridden on Brightline’s high speed train before, you are in for a treat. From the beautiful architecture of its train station to its well-lit large parking structure, Brightline begins to impress before you even get aboard its train. The inside of the station is spotless with a modern seating area complete with a place to charge your phone and access to a cafe where you can buy something to eat or drink, and other items, before hopping on board. (Check out the bathroom with a high tech faucet that has water, soap and a dryer within it).

Brightline began serving passengers from Ft. Lauderdale (101 NW 2 Ave.) to West Palm Beach on Jan. 13 and from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami (600 Miami Central Ave.) on May 19, so now it is taking passengers daily tri-county. Next expansion will be from West Palm Beach to Orlando, and then extend beyond that. It is the only privately owned and maintained passenger rail system in the country.

They certainly have taken great care to maintain their trains. The inside is spotless with some seats facing each other with tables, to make it easier to do work with their onboard WiFi or eat snacks that are available for purchase. The staff is very friendly and accommodating.

They are going out of their way to come up with unique ideas to attract passengers. On Oct. 5, they had their second Tasting Train event. Passengers were greeted on board in either West Palm or Ft. Lauderdale. On the train, they were offered their choice of Antinori wines.

Family-owned, Antinori Wines is the oldest wine producer in the world. They control everything from seed to fermentation and beyond.

This reporter’s selection was the Villa Antinori Toscana Bianco 2016, which was a light and refreshing perfect first choice. They offered up a plastic container of snacks to pair with the wine consisting of crackers, cheese, brie, cheddar and walnuts. There wasn’t too much time for chit chat with fellow passengers as the train made it to Miami in about a quick half hour; time sped by and the ride was so smooth.

Once there, everyone left their seats and headed into the Miami station with a similar feel and setting, but with vibrant artistic murals by Typoe that screamed Miami with its color palette and design. Everything here was carefully thought out, down to the barely noticeable scent pumped in, which was vanilla with a hint of citrus. Guests were treated to a musical performance by Mr. Trombone and a DJ from My Party My Way while they mingled and snacked on more cheese, crackers and the like, as well as a cup with burrata topping chopped tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, passed hors d’ oeuvres like rice balls, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs and more.

“We are focusing on creating a unique experience and re-imagining the way people think about trains. Where else can you have wine tasting with the oldest family-owned wines?” said Ali Soule, director of Public Affairs and Media Relations, who said the next Tasting Train will be scheduled sometime in December, but may not necessarily be centered around wines. Stay tuned…

On the way back to Ft. Lauderdale, another plastic box of treats awaited passengers, including dried fruits and nuts, and pretzels, and a bottle of water.

To find out more about Brightline, visit www.gobrightline.com.

By Gary Curreri

For two solid weeks, the Highlands Christian Academy basketball camp attracted 40 campers to take part in not only learning how to play the sport but also learn life lessons.

“I am always grateful and excited that we are able to offer basketball camp here at HCA,” said HCA Boys basketball coach and school athletic director Jim Good, who has worked the camp personally for 21 years. “It is by far our most successful athletic camp we do in the summer.”

Reg Cook, the school’s former AD and Boys Varsity basketball coach, started the camp in 1986 with 19 campers in attendance. The first week of the camp consisted of children in the 7th-12th grades, while the second week consisted of 2nd-6th graders. Both sessions attracted approximately 40 campers each.

“I am extremely thankful for our coaches who do a tremendous job leading, working stations, sharing devotions and officiating games,” Good said.

This year’s staff included several of the HCA Basketball coaches: Luke Still (Boys JV), Josh Good (Boys JH), Jeff Sullivan (Boys 6th grade), John Wilson (Former Girls Varsity who is at Charlotte Christian now) and Kayla Lassen (HCA alumnus who is attending Liberty University).

Special guests, including Andrew Smith and Tomasz Gielo, would lead some drills in the morning. Smith graduated from HCA in 2011 and helped lead the Knights to back-to-back District Championships in his junior and senior years. The former first-team All-County selection played four years in the Big South at Liberty University and just finished up his third season playing overseas, including professional stints in Latvia, Netherlands, and just recently in Germany.

Tomasz was a teammate of Smith’s while at Liberty but transferred his senior year and finished playing his college ball at Mississippi. He has been playing professionally in Spain the last two years. Tomasz is originally from Poland and is representing his country this summer by playing for the Polish National team.

“It was great having these two young men give back to these kids,” Good said. “They were given a 45-minute time slot of leading some offensively minded drills they have incorporated while playing in college or overseas. The campers had a tremendous amount of respect and ‘awe’ in having them part of our camp this summer.”

The typical morning included a devotion from one of the coaches as they shared a spiritual truth for the day. They then focused the entire group on warm-up runs, dribbling, ball-handling and stretching.

Each morning, the campers performed several speed and agility drills led by the coaches in a station format. The group was then divided up to work on individual skill and development with lay-ups, cone drills, and shooting.

Each day, a specific skill was broken down for the campers to focus on and, every day, the campers competed in a different trophy competition which included: one on one, two on two, free throws, and hot shots.

“Lunch was off campus at Chick-Fil-A, Wendy’s, and CiCi’s Pizza and we are extremely grateful for our relationship with these organizations and the support they have for HCA Athletics,” Good said.

The afternoon consisted of full court five on five games. Hours for the camp were 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and will be offered again next June.

Other camps coming up at HCA are softball, track and field, indoor soccer, golf and volleyball. For more information, visit the website at www.highlandsknights.org.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

With very little surprise, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom dominated the box office. It is soon to be replaced by Ant-Man and the Wasp this week.

As I said last week, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible (IMAX), for this is the only opportunity one will get to see a Tyrannosaurus Rex or an Apatosaurus life-sized.

Also at IMAX (at the Museum of Discovery & Science in Ft. Lauderdale) is Backyard Wilderness 3D , a simple and entertaining documentary. Set in a suburban New York, we seem to ride on the back of a bird, who spies Katie, a teenage girl working on her computer. Katie is writing a report about nature and can’t seem to find all the information on the Internet.

As the snow melts, Katie goes exploring and witnesses the miracles of nature in her own backyard. As the bird’s eggs hatch, we see the hatchlings eat their first meal and instinctively attempt their first flight. As coyotes await the opportunity to seize a baby deer, ticket buyers are reminded about the savagery outside the safety of the front door. As the narrative reminds us, there are not villains nor victims in nature — simply predators and prey.

With a running time of less than an hour, Backyard Wilderness 3D does not feel rushed as we follow the cycle of the four seasons. Taking a cue from Henry David Thoreau’s nature study, Walden, Backyard Wilderness 3D will inspire you to step outside your door and observe our own tropical ecosystem.

While the emphasis on the 4th of July is baseball, hot dogs, American music and fireworks, the motion picture industry usually tries to release a special movie on this special holiday. Ironically, this 4th of July only one motion picture opened and it seems to be a subversive choice, The First Purge, which is the fourth movie of the dystopian horror franchise.

The core assertion of The Purge series is that crime (including murder) is legal for 12 hours a year. This controlled anarchy is examined from a sociopolitical perspective, while the fundamentals of horror movie jump scares remain intact. While The Purge series was thought to have concluded two years ago with The Purge: Election Year, this new entry opening this week is being used to set up a new cable television program in September.

Narrated by Natalie Portman, Eating Animals is due to locally release in July. This documentary looks at how the meat-packing industry has changed in the past century. With the science of cloning and harmful food additives, one wonders if we will give up our hot dogs and hamburgers and go vegan after viewing this film.