Charlotte Burrie Community Center groundbreaking

Thursday, June 28, 10 a.m.

2669 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

The City of Pompano Beach invites you to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Charlotte Burrie Community Center. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. For more information, call 954-612-1035.

Car Show

Saturday, June 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy a car show hosted by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society. For more information, call 954-429-0378.

Go on a trip with Deerfield Woman’s Club!

Head out with a bunch of great gals and guys too on an adventure in a motor coach! The first trip will be on July 10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to Hutchinson Island. Includes a round trip motor coach, tour of the Elliot Museum and lunch at Kyle G’s on the beach and more. $70. The second trip will be a Tour through Miami on Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Includes round trip on the motor coach (including a tip to the driver and tour guide), a visit to the Holocaust Museum, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, South Beach and to Bayside Marketplace for lunch on your own. $47. RSVP and pay a.s.a.p. To sign up or for more questions, call Sally at 954-427-2175. If no answer, leave a message and she will call you back!

Boy George & Culture Club

Sunday, July 1, 6:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheater Tickets

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The B-52s and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey will also be there. To purchase tickets, visit www.theamppompano.org.

Palm Aire Farmer’s Market

Tuesday, July 3, Noon to 7 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

This international food Farmer’s Market will include local artisans and growers. Multi-cultural cuisines will be represented including fruits, vegetables, BBQ, Indian, Greek, Venezuelan, soups, organics, street foods, local honeys & a whole lot more! For more information, call 954-786-4590.

Free Jazz concert!

Tuesday, July 3, 6 p.m.

DoubleTree at Hilton Hotel

100 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Jazz Ambassadors, the United States Army Field Band is a 19-member ensemble, formed in 1969. Their repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary Jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland and patriotic selections. Organized by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society. Donations accepted. For information, e-mail judiofdfb@gmail.com or Emily Lilly at elilly707@aol.com, or call 954-429-0378. See more, Pg. 16.

Lenore Nolan Ryan

Lenore’s World Class Catering and Cooking School is in Galt Ocean Mile.

Muffaletta sandwich.

By Rachel Galvin

Walking into Lenore Nolan-Ryan’s location on Galt Ocean Mile is like a breath of fresh air. There is a sense of openness and intimacy at the same time. Filled with high and low tops and decorated in different shades of blues and whites, this locale is home to her Bubbles & Brunch, and Live2Travel, Love2Eat pop-up dinners, her cooking classes and other events.

This reporter “headed to the Bayou” last month for her Destination: New Orleans dinner. Seated with people I had never met, the experience was not only one of enjoying great food and getting a sense of the culture gastronomically, but also imbued with friendship and the creation of a culture of our own. Each item Lenore served up was inspired by her favorite restaurants in The Big Easy. The first brought to the table was the Central Grocery’s Muffaletta Sandwich. Now, I am not an olive fan, but something about the olives in this sandwich really made its flavor pop. The richness of the meat and cheese had a tangy kick that I could not stop eating. Next was Willie Mae’s Scotch House fried chicken, which was cooked well and left with a crispy skin. It was sided with red beans that tasted like they were flavored with sausage, a slightly sweet rice and some tomato and corn topping, as well as Upperline Restaurant’s fried green tomatoes and shrimp remoulade. At the end, she handed out some Cafe Du Monde beignets. Of course, she offers up specialty drinks as well, which make a nice addition to the meal. Every dinner she has has a different theme. Now, besides these dinners, she also has Bubbles & Brunch every Sunday. Want to learn how to cook up some of her specialties? She offers cooking classes as well.

If you are not up for meeting new people, bring some of your own to her next event. It is the perfect place for everything from a mother and daughter meet-up or date night, to a girls’ night out, a birthday party, bridal shower and more.

As I sat chatting with the people at my table, people kept coming over wanting to meet me and tell me about how much they love Lenore and the events she creates… one, right after another… saying they come again and again, each time bringing new people.

“We have a wonderful group of customers and friends,” explained Lenore, adding that she also does catering… People can have events within her space or she will come to them.“Catering is about me catering to you. It is my job to make you the hostess look like a million bucks, whether it is here or in your home. It is all about food, fun and friendship.”

Lenore is a force to be reckoned with. In addition to catering, cooking classes, dinners and brunches, she does cooking classes on a cruise ship and, off season, she heads to the Pacific Northwest to work on a charter yacht manned by all women.

Her history is just as interesting as her present. Her father owned the Cal-Neva Hotel and Casino in Reno, Nevada and went on to operate several casinos in Havana, Cuba. Lenore spent time there, as well as in her birthplace – Miami– before moving to Indiana with her mother following her parent’s divorce.

She did not start out thinking she would end up in the culinary world. She studied voice and piano at Butler University. But she asked the owner of a small restaurant if she could start doing brunch because she loved it so much and he obliged. She was only 19 years old. She brought in her own food and staff and ended up also starting her own catering business. She ended up moving to San Francisco and working at a friend’s restaurant doing the same thing before opening her own locale, Ryan’s, in 1980. This three-level location had not only a restaurant with lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, but also a charcuterie selection, gourmet take-out market, wine bar and cooking school.

Eventually, her heart took her back to South Florida shores and here to Ft. Lauderdale to be with family in 1998. She turned an Italian take-out location into Gina Lenore’s in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and two years later started Lenore Nolan Ryan Catering & Cooking School. Of course, now, she is in this new location (at 3311 N. Ocean Blvd. In the Galt Ocean Plaza in Galt Ocean Mile, and is busier than ever.

For more information, call 954-491-2340 or visit www.lenorenolanryan.com.

Fried chicken, red beans, rice, fried green tomatoes and shrimp remoulade.

Don’t forget to add a cocktail!

By Gary Curreri

Blanche Ely High School senior basketball star Michael Forrest is taking his basketball talents 12 miles north to Boca Raton as he continues his hoops career.

Forrest, who led the Tigers to the state championship, made the announcement that he was headed to play basketball at Florida Atlantic University on his Twitter page and honored his grandmother in the process.

“I would like to thank my grandma for instilling in me the value of life and working hard to achieve my goals. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA,” Forrest wrote on Twitter. “With that being said, I am pleased to announce that I will be continuing my athletic and academic career at Florida Atlantic University. GO OWLS.”

Forrest averaged 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals per game for the Tigers and helped Blanche Ely win their 5th state championship in seven seasons as they cruised past Jacksonville Creekside, 77-54, in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 8A state championship on Saturday night at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

Forrest, who was named the Sun Sentinel’s Player of the Year this season, was also a first-team All-County selection as a junior when he averaged 14 points a game for the regional finalist.

“She’s the one that’s always pushed me to be better,” said Forrest of the inspiration and motivation he was provided from his grandmother. “She said she would rather have me set a high bar and almost make it than set it low and get [there].”

Newly-hired FAU Men’s Basketball coach Dusty May said he was going to make South Florida recruiting a “high priority.”

Forrest also wrote: “I would like to thank GOD for giving me the ability to play the game of basketball. Thank you to all of the schools that have recruited me. I would also like to thank the coaches of Blanche Ely: Mr. Randall, Coach Reg, Coach BJ, Romaine Roshane and Dallas for pushing me and taking my game to the next level.

“Thank you to Coach Sweat and the South Florida Spartans organization for believing in me,” he continued. “Thank you to my No. 1 supporters, my parents, for supporting me through everything.”

Junior lifeguard program gearing up

A little more than a month remains before the Junior Lifeguard program begins this summer.

Nemia L. Schulte, president of the Pompano Beach Junior Lifeguards, said registration for the four summer sessions is ongoing during business hours at the Pompano Aquatic Center.

She said there will be a parents’ meeting to discuss the summer schedule for the 2018 Junior Lifeguard/Grommets Program on Thursday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center.

The Junior Lifeguard program will compete on June 30 in the state competition (Ft. Lauderdale), then July 28 at the Regionals (Flagler Beach) and then on Aug. 8 at the Nationals in (Virginia Beach, VA.).

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The motion picture industry is having a fine spring with Rampage, A Quiet Place and Ready Player One dominating the box office. It will be eight days before the most hyped and most secretive movie of the year opens, Avengers: Infinity War. In the meantime, check out an indie film or a selection from IMAX’s Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) in Ft. Lauderdale.

A French, Yiddish, Russian and German movie with English subtitles, A Bag of Marbles is a simple film about a Jewish Family trying to evade the encroaching Nazis in France and Italy during WW2. The use of European landscapes creates beautiful cinematography, which add to the innocent perspective of the young boys. When the boys are outside traveling, the film feels like a Mark Twain Adventure with Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

It is in the indoors that one feels the tension and witnesses the cruelty of Adolph Hitler’s goons. Moments of family joy celebrating a Mom’s violin solo is interrupted by Nazis who complain about hearing Jewish music. Situations get darker when the boys are brutally captured and interrogated by a commandant who wants them medically examined for circumcision.

Though a title works as a dramatic piece of symbolism, A Bag of Marbles is a very humane motion picture. The boys are not superheroes, they bicker and cry for the most immature reasons. Early in the motion picture, the youngest boy befriends a German soldier because the soldier is “cool.” Based on a true story from Holocaust survivors, A Bag of Marbles is a movie about growth.

Deep Sea 3D has returned to MODS. Narrated by Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp, Deep Sea 3D is a 45-minute documentary about the creatures that live in the darkest and deepest oceans on Planet Earth. The most monstrous creature of Deep Sea 3D has to be the Humboldt Squid, a vicious character. With tentacles that can extend up to 6 ft., this carnivore has superior underwater vision and can rip its prey to shreds with its beak.

My favorite character had to be the Mantis Shrimp. This scrappy fighter defends his turf from an over-reaching octopus. While the octopus has the advantage of eight tentacles and a slimy disposition, the Mantis Shrimp manages to out box his predator with his attitude, front claws and speed. As scary as the Humboldt Squid is, the Mantis Shrimp provides the best comic relief and a moment to cheer.

Both A Bag of Marbles and Deep Sea 3D present big screen entertainment, sharing the theme of survival. With decent box office numbers, perhaps big screen entertainment will survive another summer.

Women’s History Hall Of Fame recipients with commissioners (L to R) Marti McGeary, Vice Mayor Gloria Battle, Commissioner Todd Drosky, Bett Willett, Comm. Bernie Parness, Ginger Alvarez, Kelly Hampton.

By Rachel Galvin

Guests filled up the seats at the pink table-clothed tables at Johnny Tigner Center on March 31 for this year’s Women’s History Hall of Fame Brunch honoring four outstanding local women. Jan Muenzenmaier, who herself was honored in 2016, kicked the program off by introducing Vice Mayor Gloria Battle who, in turn, introduced Linda P. Knowles, of Emmanuel Christian Center Ministries, who did the invocation. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful brunch served up by L&B Catering followed by a humorous and powerful speech by keynote speaker Dr. Rosalind Osgood, who has served as a minister, community organizer, educator and author.

When she reflected over women’s history, Dr. Osgood came across some interesting “role models,” including Lucille Ball, who said the way to stay younger was to “live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age.” Cher, she said, had fabulous clothes, although some church women might think she exposed a bit too much. There was Esther from Sanford & Son who would fuss and fight with Fred Sanford. Then, there was Edith Bunker, from All in the Family, the ultimate submissive, who was called “dingbat” by her hubby Archie. From her example, Dr. Osgood said she knew she never wanted to end up in that situation. She wanted to be Jeanie from I Dream of Jeanie, a woman with power.

Today, women have #MeToo, she said, but it all started with Tina Turner when she left Ike and kept being and looking better and better. She went on listing other examples of influential women, everyone from Mother Theresa, who, instead of using money for “creature comforts, dared to care for people” to modern examples of powerful women like Beyonce Knowles. We have to be all things… lead in the boardroom and at home, she said, adding that our sole purpose should be to make life a better place.

She talked about the meaning behind the “Super” in “Super Women.” The S stands for “Servant,” saying, “As a super woman, you serve [others].” The U is for “Unpredictable.” She told a story of women who united and used their diverse strengths to get what they wanted. P is for “Providential.” She said that woman is part of God’s providential plan. E is for “Elegance,” which she said women bring to everything. R is for “Relentless,” she said, adding, “When women make up their mind, there is nothing you can do. [When they come together, they make a difference].” She said women are writing their own stories day to day. She joked, some are writing The Days of Our Lives; some are writing As the World Turns or Bold and the Beautiful.

“As we celebrate women’s history, how are you helping younger women?” she asked. “What are you doing to make [the world] a better place?” (While the left hand is pulling us up, she said women’s right hand should be pulling up a younger woman).

“What will [this event] look like in 2040 or 2050?” she wondered, asking if women no longer would have to worry about equal pay for equal work, working twice as hard to prove themselves and would be living free of gender bias, and focusing time on the women behind them instead of fighting fights.

Before she left the stage, she was pinned with the deer pin (for Deerfield) and given a plaque. The honorees also received a pin, in addition to their awards. Their names were also placed on a special plaque.

The Butts Boulevard Global Creative Dance Group also did a wonderful dance presentation.

The 2018 Women’s History Hall of Fame Inductees:

(All women are pictured with Vice Mayor Gloria Battle).

Marti McGeary

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Marti McGeary served as president of the Future Teachers of America and was a charter member of the National Honor Society, as well as a representative to the Model United Nations at the University of Pennsylvania. In Deerfield, she has been active in The Original Save Our Beach organization, the Woman’s Club, for which she is currently president, and the Historical Society.

Ginger Alvarez

Ginger Alvarez started a neighborhood watch program, with her husband Ed, in 1990. She created a CB radio C.O.P. Program, is a member of C.E.R.T., helped to create the Citizen’s Action Group, served on the local Planning & Zoning Board, as well as the Broward County Municipal Advisory Board.

Kelly Hampton

After working managing agencies involved in foster care, Kelly Hampton served as Executive Director at the Century Village Master Management Company for four years. Now, she has become the Executive Director of the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Bett Willett

Currently co-president of The Original Save Our Beach, Bett Willett also has been a past president for the Deerfield Woman’s Club. She has served for four years as a member of the Broward County Planning Council and has recently been appointed to the Deerfield Beach Educational Advisory Board.

Butts Boulevard Global Creative did a dance performance.

The Woman’s Club always comes out to support.

A few Woman’s Club members with keynote speaker Dr. Rosalind Osgood.

Community activist Terry Scott with keynote speaker Dr. Rosalind Osgood.

Judi Stanich chooses her brunch selections wisely. Catered by L&B Catering, the brunch included chicken and waffles, eggs and more breakfast items.

The event, held at the Johnny Tigner Community Center, brought in quite the crowd.

Vice Mayor Gloria Battle with keynote speaker Dr. Rosalind Osgood. Dr. Osgood shares with the audience.

Ready for brunch… The honorees’ names will be put on this plaque.

Shaina Wizov, of Take a Bite Out of Boca, with Michelle Olson-Rogers, of Modern Boca Mom, enjoy Bubbles & Brunch.

It was a beautiful morning on Sunday, March 18, at the Bubbles & Brunch. The event was held within Robb & Stucky’s beautiful new showroom (which just opened in October) at 1353 N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton. Guests could grab a mimosa, glass of wine and sample cheeses, fruit and other selections before walking around to look at all of the furniture and design. Others grabbed a breakfast sandwich. Food was provided by Broken Egg Café. Music by Manhattan Jazz Band added a wonderful accompaniment. After a bit of mingling, Creative Designer Mark Stuart assembled everyone so he could give a brief talk on new trends and inspirations from Highpoint Market.

This is yet another event leading up to the big Boca Bacchanal event April 6 & 7. Friday will be the Vintner Dinners starting at 7 p.m. with a five-course meal (at private residences). Each dinner will feature a unique Saks Fifth Avenue silent auction item and more. Tickets: $325 per person. Saturday will be the Bacchanalia from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a wine and food event combining incredible food from over 30 local restaurants with world-class vintners showcasing their wineries’ best — all for attendees to sample. Guests will also enjoy a high-tech auction of wine and lifestyle lots. Casual cocktail attire.   Tickets: $100 per person. All proceeds benefit the Boca Raton Historical Society. For more information, visit www.bocabacchanal.com.

Broken Egg Cafe served up drinks like wine and mimosas, as well as breakfast sandwiches and other items.

Nothing like Jazz music to start your day.

Guests enjoying brunch.

Enjoying the ambiance and fellowship at Robb & Stucky’s event.

The Observer’s Rachel Galvin & Mugsy PR’s Emily Taffel enjoy event in Robb & Stucky’s showroom.

Creative Designer Mark Stuart gave a brief talk on new trends and inspirations from Highpoint Market.

Want to get away?

By Rachel Galvin

If you want to go away on an excursion or a short getaway, you don’t have to travel too far. Just head to the Port of Palm Beach, jump on The Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Ship and head to the Bahamas for the weekend. Now, it is easier than ever since they are unveiling a second ship. They already have the Grand Celebration. Now, they will be adding Grand Classica, which will have its unveiling on April 13.

With 12 decks, the Grand Celebration has plenty to do and see. While taking in ocean views, kids and adults alike can lounge in the sun and feel on top of the world. Families can have a great time playing corn hole or ping pong. Kids can go have fun in the arcade or spend part of the day in the day care playing video games or doing other fun activities. Take a dive in one of their pools or relax in a Jacuzzi. Their full service spa offers everything from massages and facials to teeth whitening and waxing. Enjoy entertainment in their almost 800-seat theater, including comedians, musicians, dancers and other ever-changing performances. (When headlining acts come in, they may charge a small extra fee). Once they get out to sea, the casino opens and guests can play slots, Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, Craps and more. Go shopping and buy duty free merchandise unavailable in the states. Get your groove on during nightly dance parties. There are plenty of options for dining up to five times a day,  included in the price of the trip, or guests can sit down to a more gourmet meal for an extra charge at Admiral’s Steak & Seafood. (You can get all this for as low as $149 per person, which is very affordable when you think about taking your family out for just dinner and a movie alone on a weekend).

The new ship will have pretty much the same amenities, but will have its own vibe with a lot of marble and art, an Italian feel. It will have fewer staterooms but more space for larger events.

The Grand Celebration has had its share of events, however, including hosting the Susan Komen’s Perfect Pink Party Gala & Castaway Cruise in January.

The cruise line also helped out during Hurricane Irma.

CEO Oneil Khosa explained, “When Hurricane Irma happened, we sent the ship to a safe destination. We told people if they haven’t made plans, hop on board (for a nominal fee). We

CEO Oneil Khosa (right) with partner Kevin Sheehan and his son, Kevin Sheehan Jr.

went to the south of Cuba. After we came back, we opened it up to anybody to come and have food on board [since electricity was out]. We served a couple thousand meals. We had an open offer to first responders. We wanted to help out. We are part of the [community]. We got a call from FEMA asking if it was possible to send the ship down [to St. Croix and St. Thomas]. It was the right thing to do. We were there within three days with water, provisions and food.”

Something that he feels makes this cruise line different is the fact that it is a more intimate experience. Instead of having maybe 3000 or more people, there is room for a total of 1500, meaning a corporation can virtually have the ship to themselves if they book it for a large event.

“We want to be a neighborhood ship,” said Khosa, saying that booking a trip is meant to be very simple, that people don’t have to plan so far in advance; they can hop on board and just be away for two days and come back. (Those without a passport can bring an original birth certificate and a government ID).

“Everybody can rearrange their schedule to take off two days together and treat themselves,” said Cruise Director Christian De La Rosa, a.k.a “Mr. Chicago,” who handles all of the ship’s entertainment.

Now that they have two ships, that means ships will be out to sea daily. Guests can extend their stay, adding two, four or six days in the Bahamas, and coming back on another ship. Because they work in large volume, the cruise line can offer discounted rates on hotels and other excursions while guests are there. People may just sit on the beach in the Bahamas, or they might do outings like snorkeling, parasailing, swimming with the dolphins or going on a jeep adventure.

“Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is a small niche cruise line with something for everyone — families, couples, corporate meetings. It is also unique as we are the only cruise line offering two-night cruises and a cruise and resort stay,” said Vice President of Corporate Community & Media Relations Anita Mitchell.

Two ships also mean more jobs. Mitchell said it translates into $100 million back into the economy.

“We have created a lot of jobs … small industries, fuel, merchandise….” said Khosa.

Although the ships are at the Port of Palm Beach (located at 1 E. 11 St. in Riviera Beach), Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s headquarters is right here in Deerfield Beach.

Ready to cruise? Find out more at www.bahamasparadisecruise.com.

PICTURES FROM GRAND CELEBRATION:

(photos by Rachel Galvin)

Always leave room for dessert, like this delicious tiramisu.

Admiral’s Steak & Seafood.

“Mr. Chicago,” the cruise director ensures everyone has a great time by lining up world class entertainment.

Plenty of entertainment in this nearly 800-seat theater.

Beautiful areas for quiet contemplation.

The chef has many selections to satisfy your sweet tooth at the Grand Cafe.

If you upgrade to one of these state rooms, you can join the “Concierge Club,” which includes many VIP amenities.

Take a dip in one of their pools.

Gambling galore… They have plenty of games to play if you want to take a chance, including Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, craps and more.

By Rachel Galvin

Gearing up for the 16th Annual Boca Bacchanal beginning April 6, Mugsy PR gave media an outstanding sneak peek with a unique event. Media met up at Saks 5th Avenue in the Town Center at Boca Raton, received a branded wine glass, and then waited for our cars and drivers from Excell Auto Group to arrive, including Lamborghini, Ferrari and a Rolls Royce, as well as the Sprinter, a custom cargo van. We jumped in our individual cars and headed out to visit three of the Boca Raton restaurants who will be a part of the Boca Bacchanal. [I was in the Sprinter and we had champagne ready for us in the back!]

First stop was Louie Bossi, which opened last May in a prime location on Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton (100 E. Palmetto Park Rd.) We had a selection of cheese and meat selections and wine. After visiting there briefly, we switched up cars and headed to Seasons 52 (2300 NW Executive Center Dr.) where we were offered tender chicken skewers and pineapple with red pepper, a delicious flatbread and scrumptious scallops, and more wine. The last stop was Maggiano’s Little Italy (21090 St Andrews Blvd.) for more wine and a delicious meatball and pasta offering. We went back to Saks and received a collection of perfume samples as a parting gift.

This event was a perfect collaboration between the Boca Raton Historical Society, who puts on and benefits from the Boca Bacchanal; Saks 5th Avenue and Excell Auto Group.

This was just the first in a series of events leading up to the main event. Coming up are the following events (rates are per person):

• Bacchus Beckons: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m., at Saks Fifth Avenue. The chef and vintner pairings will be announced as well as the vintner dinner hosts. $50.

• Bubbles & Brunch: Sunday, March 18, 10 a.m. to noon, at the brand new Robb & Stucky showroom in Boca Raton. Guests will enjoy live music while strolling the showroom sipping champagne that will be featured at Boca Bacchanal this year. Upstairs will be a designer work-shop by Robb & Stucky creative director on new trends and inspirations from the Highpoint Market. $30.

Boca Bacchanal

• Vintner Dinners: Friday, April 6, 7 p.m. Guests go to different private residences (grand estates and historical sites, including The Boca Raton Resort & Club) to experience an intimate, dining experience. Each features a vintner and chef pairing their wine and cuisine together to create a magnificent five-course meal. Each dinner will also have a unique Saks Fifth Avenue silent auction item. $325 per person.

• Bacchanalia 2018: Saturday, April 7, 7 to 11 p.m. Mizner Park Amphitheater. This is a more casual event, as guests experience incredible food from over 30 local restaurants with world-class vintners showcasing their wineries’ best – all for attendees to sample. DJ and electric violinist Timothy Lovelock will keep the party going until 11p.m. High-tech auction too. $100.

For more information and tickets, visit www.bocabacchanal.com.

Re-Election

In our lives we are running for re-election every year as we close one year and open another. In our election, it is our spouses, our children, our parents, our friends, co-workers, employees, employers and G-d that get to vote. We need to reclaim the admiration of all of them in order to win re-election.

If your children had a chance to “vote” for their dad … or not, what type of vote would you receive? How would your children judge you today as a father? Do we just manage them and throw toys at them so they don’t distract us, or do we create a space in our soul every night to nurture them? Do you let them know in very real ways that they matter?

Small Steps

We try to enhance our lives through small steps, not through huge sweeping changes, for those never last. We add one more mitzvah or resolution into our lives. We resolve that this year we will make one small but real change in our lives.

Let me tell you a story: There once was a poor woman who had no money to feed her children. One day she managed to acquire an egg.

“Dear children,” she exclaimed, “let’s not eat this egg! If we wait a while, the egg will hatch and we will have a chick. The chick will grow into a chicken that lays eggs every day. They will also hatch, and soon we’ll have a flock of chickens. We’ll sell the chickens and buy a little calf. The calf will grow into a cow and will give birth to many calves that will grow into cows. Before long, we’ll have a big ranch with a large herd of cattle. Listen, dear children, this little egg will make us rich!”

In her excitement, the mother held up the egg for her children to see. It slipped out of her hand – and cracked wide open on the kitchen floor.

We often make the same error. During this time, we often make lofty albeit worthwhile resolutions. But, as soon as the New Year passes by, we go back to our old ways and the good intentions evaporate. The challenge is to ensure that our resolutions are rooted in the present, and at a level at which we can actually make day-to-day progress.

Be Real

Abe is talking to his friend.

“If there’s one piece of simple advice I can give you, Marvin, it’s this. I read it in the Times yesterday and it worked immediately for me.

“I’ve finally found inner peace. I’m sure it will work for you too.”

“So give me this advice, already,” says Marvin.

“OK, here it is,” replies Abe. “The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you’ve started.”

“Really?” says Marvin.

“Yes,” replies Abe. “I looked around to see all the things I had started but hadn’t finished. So, I finished one bottle of white wine, a bottle of red wine, a keg of beer, the bottle of whiskey, and a large box of gourmet chocolates. You have no idea how good I felt.”

On the New Year, we are called to take a TRUE look at ourselves.

“A liar,” said the Maggid of Kelm, “is worse than a thief or robber. A thief steals at night, but is afraid to steal by day. A robber robs night and day, but only robs a lone individual or a few people; he is afraid to rob too many at once. The liar, however, lies both at night and day, both to the individual and to the world.”

Are we real people? How many lies do we say a day? Do we say white lies? Are we honest in our conversations and dealings? Are we true to ourselves as we should be?

Most of us walk through most of our life distracted from the most important and truest question of life: Why are we here? Today, I encourage you to look out, be sensitive for those precious moments — when you may discover a deeper, truer part of yourself — and take it with you.

Have a Happy New Year!

Rabbi Tzvi Dechter is the director of Chabad of North Broward Beaches, located in the Venetian Isle Shopping Center at 2025 E. Sample Rd. in Lighthouse Point. For all upcoming events, please visit www.JewishLHP.com.

Robyn speaks.

By Rachel Galvin

Local Florida chef Robyn Almodovar went back to hell… “Hell’s Kitchen,” that is. Known for her appearance as one of the contestants from Season 10, Robyn also has made a name for herself locally for her food truck Palate Party and her newer venture of becoming co-owner of a brick and mortar restaurant called Rumor’s Bar & Grill. Now, she is back in “Hell’s Kitchen” on TV every Friday on Fox to battle it out in Season 17’s All Star season with some of her old competitors and some new ones, all from previous seasons, as well as Gordon Ramsay, of course.

On the first night of the show, on Sept. 29, she held a special premier party in Rumors. Hosted by Seph Mason and with performances by drag queen Sasha Lords, the event featured plenty of appearances by Robyn, who thanked many in attendance and gave out raffle tickets and prizes. She danced with Sasha, paced and nervously watched the show on the big TVs all around the bar. This was the first time she had seen it, and seemed pleased with the way the producers featured her.

Media in attendance were treated with amazing selections, including her crabcake, nachos, meatballs and dates stuffed with goat cheese, and wrapped in bacon … all rich and delicious. Other guests also were served passed hors d’oeuvres.

The event was plenty of fun; Robyn was warm and welcoming to all inside and out of the locale who had stopped by, and feisty as ever. Break a leg, Chef Robyn! We will be watching…

Decadent dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon was just one sumptuous selection presented at event.

Rumors Bar & Grill is located at 2426 Wilton Drive, in Wilton Manors. For more info., visit www.rumorsbarwiltonmanors.com.

Sasha Lords performs.