Friends of The Deerfield Beach Arboretum meets

Thursday Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Guest speaker will be Dr. Monica Elliott, professor of Plant Pathology University Of Florida/IFAS. Dr. Elliott’s areas of expertise include field diagnosis and management of palm problems. So, if your palms are having problems, talk to the doctor about it. Plant giveaway. Light refreshments served. Free and open to the public.

Pompano Pier Food Truck Round Up

Friday, Dec. 15, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fishing Pier

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Food Trucks, music and fun! Bring blankets and folding chairs since seating is limited. Great entertainment and full bar! For more information, call 954-786-7824.

Exercise Classes

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 9 to 9:45 a.m.

Steeple on the Beach (Briggs Hall)

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Strength & Balance Classes: Improve your flexibility, focus & overall movement. Sitting & standing with a chair. The goal is for you to move up to their cardio Zumba Gold class. Silver Sneakers welcome! Walk-ins: $7 a class! Classes continue every Tuesday and Thursday, same time. For more information and to sign up, call Angel at 954-224-0886.

A Civil War Christmas:
An American Musical Celebration

Friday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

“A Civil War Christmas” (known as the American version of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”) weaves a tapestry of fictional and historical characters, such as President and Mrs. Lincoln – together with holiday music, marches, hymns and spirituals of the period – to tell a story of companionship and communal hope arising from one of our nation’s darkest hours. This is a delight for people of all ages and contains many of the classic Christmas songs that we all know and love. The show will continue to Sat. Dec. 23. Students, $15, adults, $35.To purchase tickets, visit ccpompano.org/event/a-civil-war-christmas.

21st Annual Holiday in the Park

Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mitchell Moore Park

901 NW 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free family holiday event. Lots of entertainment and games for kids. Free toys and food for registered families. For more information, e-mail passtheblessings@bellsouth.net.

“Celebrate Children’s Christmas”

Saturday Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

Briggs Hall

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Visit from their Santa Claus (arrives at 12:30 p.m.) delivering gifts for the children, photo opportunity and much more attractions for the family. Includes a delicious snack and lunch! For more information, call the office at 954-427-0222, Katia at 561-674-4864 or e-mail communitych1920@gmail.com.

Winter Frost Festival

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

Highlands Community Center

511 NE 44 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City of Deerfield for an afternoon full of wintery fun! Their annual celebration of the season features food, games, music, refreshments and holiday treats. Event is free. For more information, call 954-429-1847.

Cookies & Milk with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

SW corner of Federal Highway & Copans Road

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Santa will read kids a story and eat cookies with them. Holiday activities and giveaways too. Don’t miss Paws & Claus on Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a chance for your precious pets to get a photo with Santa too.

Free Chanukah Concert

Saturday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Sanborn Square, Downtown Boca Raton

72 N. Federal Hwy,

Boca Raton, FL 33432

The community is invited to a free Chanukah Concert starring Yoel Sharabi. The event will feature a Menorah Lighting Ceremony with local dignitaries and free hot latkes. The event is co-sponsored by Boca Beach Chabad and the Boca Raton Bowl. For more information, call 561-394-9770.

Christmas Lights Tour

Monday, Dec. 18, 6 to 9 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Get into the Glow of the Holiday. Join as they cruise through Tradewinds Park Christmas Light Exhibit and tour local neighborhoods. Adults: $5, Children 12 & under: $2. For more information, call 954-480-4481.

Books & Toys and Ice Cream Social

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Please join Commissioner Gloria Battle and the City of Deerfield Beach in a Book and Toy drive for children less fortunate in our community. A book and toy will be handed out at the event, which includes ice cream. Collection bins will be available at City Hall located at 150 NE 2 Ave. and Constitution Park, located at 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., in Deerfield Beach. All residents and local organizations are encouraged to help in this effort by donating new, unwrapped books and toys. The city will be collecting the items until Friday, Dec. 15. For more information, contact the City of Deerfield Beach at 954-480-4263.

In 2015, IKEA, the Swedish ready-to-assemble furniture and home furnishings retailer, asked “Why do we insist on not giving our children the gifts they really want for Christmas?”

To answer this question, IKEA created an experiment in which children from 10 different families were asked to write two separate letters: one to Santa Claus and the other to their parents.

As expected, to Santa Claus, kids requested everything from the latest tech to a unicorn. The other letter; however, the one to their parents, kids wrote, “I want you to spend more time with me”… “that we do more experiments at home”… “I’d like it [if] you paid a little bit more attention to us”… “have dinner with us more often.” Other children asked to be tickled more, have a story read to them, or simply spend the whole day together.

By the conclusion of the experiment, the parents discovered the best they could give their children is the giving of themselves, and this lesson is every bit applicable to those parents with teens — minus the tickling.

In light of the IKEA experiment results, consider the following gift ideas that honor God while creating a memorable Christmas for your children and teens:

• Gift an experience. Whether it’s a family ski trip or simply watching Elf together for the billionth time, beginning a family tradition elevates presence over presents. Stuff eventually wears out, but a positive experience gets better with each time the story is told.

• Gift items that speak your child’s or teen’s love language. If this is the first you have heard of “love languages,” schedule time to read Gary Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers: The Secret to Loving Teens Effectively. Chapman writes, “Modern technology is exposing our teens to the best and worst of all human cultures.” As such, he believes there has never been a greater need for parents to “assume their role as loving leaders in the home.” Giving gifts that speak your child’s or teen’s love language is the most effective manner in which to refill a teen’s emotional “love tank.”

• Gift a better story. Dr. Tim Elmore, in his book Habitudes for Communicators: Images That Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, shares of a father “grieving” his daughter’s choices that did not align with “any of the family’s values.” The solution came when the father realized “everyone wants to be a part of a story that is interesting and compelling” — a life that is a part of the solution to a problem. The daughter eventually, on her own accord, chose to abandon her old lifestyle when “she found a better story at home.”

• Gift without strings attached. Attaching emotional strings to giving is a hidden manifestation of control; it can morph into manipulation that increases the risk of damaging the relationship between the giver and receiver by establishing an unfair burden of reciprocity upon the receiver. Mindy Crary writes in Forbes, “Some people think they’ll disappoint their children if they don’t lavish them with gifts. But I’ve found that with kids [and teens], gift satisfaction is usually very short term. And even early on, [they] intuitively know whether the gift you are giving is for them, or for you.”

• Gift worshipping together. Given the business of the holidays, from visiting friends and family to the excitement of unwrapping gifts, the temptation exists to “neglect meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25). In Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, Francis Chan writes, “It’s easy to fill ourselves up with other things and then give God whatever is left,” citing Hosea 13:6, “When I fed them, they were satisfied when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot Me.” Chan asserts that “God wants our best, deserves our best, and demands our best.” Avoid setting the dangerous precedent of offering God merely “leftovers.” Gift the example of putting God first.

While your child or teen may plead that they are not able to live without the new iPhone X (or a unicorn), give them what they really want: the present of your presence.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at The Church at Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. He loves to mentor the next generation of leaders and considers himself a fast food connoisseur. For questions or comments, connect with him on social media: @thecjwetzler.

Boca Holiday Parade

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Sanborn Square

72 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Begins at Federal Highway & SE 7 Street. Goes north to Mizner Park Amphitheater. Local bands, choirs, dancers, floats. Expect over 1,000 participants. For more information, call 561-367-7073.

Winter Wonderland

Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Enjoy two giant snow hills, a trackless train, a giant snow globe, holiday treats and a wood workshop courtesy of Home Depot and, of course, Santa!

Snow Day

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2 to 6 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Climb a rock wall, jump in one of the bounce houses, ride a train, get your face painted, make arts & crafts, decorate cookies and play in the snow! Bring your camera to take pics with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 to 11 a.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

He’s making his list and checking it twice! This is your chance to eat breakfast and play games with Santa Claus. Please consider donating a toy for the less fortunate. $7 for admission. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to noon

LHP Fire Department

3740 NE 22 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

This event is being hosted by the Lighthouse Point Fire Rescue Department. Open to all Lighthouse Point children 12 and under! Please be sure to bring a new, unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots!

Boat Parade

Sunday, Dec. 10, 5 to 9 p.m.

Starts at Lake Santa Barbara

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Boats leave Lake Santa Barbara and heads north to Hillsboro Boulevard. Enter your boat for free. Chance to win 1 of 3 cash prizes! Captains get goody bags filled with great items from chamber members PLUS a free DVD of the boat parade, T-shirts and social media exposure for your business. Places where you can view the parade are Sands Harbor Resort (this is where the judges will be), Two Georges at The Cove, Houston’s, The Rusty Hook, Harbors Edge Park and Alsdorf Park. Get a registration form from rbunker@paymaster.com.

“Season of Wonders”

Sunday Dec. 10, 10 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St,

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presentation of the cantata. This expressive work is filled with classic carols as well as newly composed anthems and encourages us to ponder the miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus. For more information, call 954-427-0222.

Chanukah celebration

Tuesday, Dec. 12, 5 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

(in the courtyard near the carousel)

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The Chabad of North Broward Beaches is doing a menorah lighting with Mayor Lamar Fisher. Music, doughnuts, latkes, arts and crafts for the kids! If you need a Menorah Kit, please email rabbi@JewishLHP.com.

Save the Date:

“Celebrate Children’s Christmas”

Saturday Dec. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

Briggs Hall

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Santa Claus arrives at 12:30 p.m. delivering gifts for the children. photo opportunity and much more attractions for the family. includes a delicious snack and lunch! For more information, call the office at 954-427-0222, Katia at 561-674-4864 or email communitych1920@gmail.com.

Cookies & Milk with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Santa will read kids a story and eat cookies with them. Holiday activities and giveways too. Don’t miss Paws & Claus on Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a chance for your precious pets to get a photo with Santa too.

Rose: An Intimate Portrait of Rose Kennedy

Thursday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Mizner Park Cultural Center

201 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Rose is an intimate portrait of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Camelot’s “queen mother,” as she retraces the rise and fall of her great family. Based on never-before-heard interviews compiled by distinguished Kennedy biographer Laurence Leamer, returning to the stage after a sold-out Chicago and Off-Broadway run! The show will continue through Dec. 23. To purchase tickets, visit www.miznerparkculturalcenter.com or call 844-672-2849.

ABC Safe Boating Class

Saturday, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Sail and Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach 33064

Learn everything you need to operate a boat, including what to do in case of emergency. You will receive your Boating Certificate and Florida boating education card upon completion. The class fee, which includes a boating textbook, is $25 for Broward residents and $60 for all others. For more information or to register, visit www.pompanosafeboating.com or call 754-444-1470.

Zonta Zaturday Zhopping

Thursday, Dec. 9, 2 to 6 p.m.

Charming Charlie in Promenade

4413 Lyons Rd.

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

Shop ‘til you drop. Ten to 20 percent of sales will benefit the Greater Deerfield Beach Zonta Club for community service projects and scholarships. RSVP: carmenellie@gmail.com.

2nd Annual Car Show

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

5050 Wiles Rd.

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

A car show to benefit the Monarch Knights Baseball Team (Trophies). There will be Food Trucks and vendors. Car clubs always welcome!

Garden Club meets

Monday, Dec. 11, noon to 2 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Pompano Beach Garden Club is a non-profit organization. The meeting is open to the public. The program is “Holiday Designs.” For more information, call 954-253-9938.

Shred-A-Thon & Operation Medicine Cabinet

Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Deerfield Beach substation

580 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

The prescription drug take-back program, operating under the name Operation Medicine Cabinet, allows participants to turn in unused or expired prescription medication to receive a $5 gift card provided by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County (while supplies last, limit one per family).

The Shred-A-Thon provides residents with a safe way to dispose of their personal documents, check stubs, credit card offers, receipts and any other paperwork that contains sensitive information. The service is free of charge. There’s a limit of five boxes per person. Documents destroyed are shredded by Safeguard Document Destruction. For more information about the event, call 954-831-8902.

Riptide Music Festival

Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park

1100 Seabreeze Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Cage The Elephant, Weezer, Andrew Mcmahon, Boyz II Men, Salt-n-Pepa, Loverboy and more will be playing at this 2-day event. Shuttle parking lots open at 10 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. On Sunday, showtimes will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.riptidefest.com/tickets.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy breakfast, photos with Santa, arts & crafts. Family of four is $10 with $5 each additional person. Organized by Deerfield Beach Historical Society. For more information, call 954-429-0378 or visit www.deerfield-history.com.

Ocean Way Holiday

Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 to 9 p.m.

International Fishing Pier

200 NE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City for the Annual Deerfield Beach Ocean Way Holiday Celebration. Bring the entire family out for a magical evening. Enjoy musical performances, kids activities, photos with Santa, tasty holiday treats, ice skating by the ocean and snow showering all night! For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Cocktails with Santa

Thursday, Dec. 7, 6 to 9 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Enjoy some libations and good company. Holiday foods and sweet treats. $20 donation. Extra fee to take pics with Santa. R.S.V.P. to judithofdfb@gmail.com.

Yuletide Parade

Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.

McNab Park

2250 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Yuletide Parade is back on Atlantic Boulevard! They are looking for parade participants. The parade will be starting from Riverside Drive, heading west on Atlantic Boulevard and ending at McNab Park with a holiday celebration to include children’s activities, inflatable slides, glitter tattoos, and, of course, Santa Claus! Mayor Lamar Fisher will light the community Yuletide Tree to officially ring in the holiday season in Pompano Beach. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Save the Date: ABC Safe Boating Class

Saturday, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Sail and Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

This class includes learning what to do in emergencies and basic seamanship education. You will receive your Boating Certificate and Florida boating education card upon completion. The class fee, which includes a boating text book, is $25 per person for Broward Residents and $60 for all others. For more information or to register, visit www.pompanosafeboating.com or call 754-444-1470.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 to 11 a.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

He’s making his list and checking it twice! This is your chance to eat breakfast and play games with Santa Claus. Please consider donating a toy for the less fortunate. $7 for admission. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Emoticoncert 2: The Spirit of Giving

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Presented by South Florida Chamber Ensemble (SFCE). Dancers join the SFCE trio for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s joyful Nutcracker ballet paired with the happiest American ballet ever written, Aaron Copland’s Rodeo. To purchase tickets, visit www.ccpompano.org.

Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Saturday, Nov 25, 8 to 11 p.m.

Galuppi’s

1103 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The Definitive Fleetwood Mac Show is one that fans will look forward to seeing with a cast of well-known local artists, including Melinda Elena as Stevie Nicks, Eddie Jelley as Lindsey Buckingham, Larry Quadagno at Mick Fleetwood, Howie Hughes as John McVie and Eldad Kira as the keys of Christine McVie. This tribute has been called “one of the most authentic Fleetwood Mac experiences” in South Florida! There’s no charge to attend this free concert on the patio. Tributes and Popular Bands are at Galuppi’s every Friday and Saturday night. For more information, visit www.galuppis.com or call 954-785-0226.

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Johnny Vincent will be playing for your entertainment just south of Hillsboro Boulevard at the ocean. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Save the Date: Ocean Way Holiday

Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 to 9 p.m.

International Fishing Pier

200 NE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the city for the Annual Deerfield Beach Ocean Way Holiday Celebration. Bring the entire family out for a magical evening as we celebrate the season. Enjoy musical performances, kids activities, photos with Santa, tasty holiday treats, ice skating by the ocean and snow showering all night! For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Riptide Music Festival

Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park

1100 Seabreeze Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

Cage The Elephant, Weezer, Andrew Mcmahon In The Wilderness, Portugal, The Man, and many more bands will be playing at this two-day event. Shuttle parking lots open at 10 a.m. Saturday & 10 a.m. Sunday. On Sunday, the showtimes will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.riptidefest.com/tickets.

Yuletide Parade

Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.

McNab Park

2250 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Yuletide Parade is back on Atlantic Boulevard! They are looking for parade participants. The parade will be starting from Riverside Drive, heading west on Atlantic Boulevard and ending at McNab Park. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 to 11 a.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

He’s making his list and checking it twice! This is your chance to eat breakfast and play games with Santa Claus. Please consider donating a toy for the less fortunate. $7 for admission. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

ABC Safe Boating Class

Saturday, Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pompano Beach Sail and Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

This class includes local boating knowledge, what to do in emergencies, and basic seamanship education. You will receive your Boating Certificate and Florida boating education card upon completion. The class fee, which includes a boating textbook, is $25 per person. for Broward Residents and $60 for all others. For more information or to register, visit www.pompanosafeboating.com or call 754-444-1470.

55th Annual Pompano Beach Boat Parade

Sunday, Dec. 10, 5 to 9 p.m.

Starts at Lake Santa Barbara

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Boats leave Santa Barbara and head north to Hillsboro Boulevard. Enter your boat for free! Chance to win one of three cash prizes. Captains get goody bags filled with great items from chamber members plus a free DVD of the boat parade, T-shirts and social media exposure for their business. Places where you can view the parade are Sands Harbor Resort (where the judges will be), Two Georges at the Cove, Houston’s, The Rusty Hook, Harbors Edge Park and Alsdorf Park. Get a registration form from rbunker@paymaster.com.

“Season of Wonders”

Sunday Dec. 10, 10 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St,

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presentation of the cantata. This expressive work is filled with classic carols, as well as newly composed anthems and encourages us to ponder the miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus.

“An Evening with Gatsby”

Friday, Nov. 17, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

There will be specialty 1920s cocktails, beer, wine & hors d’oeuvres, dancing and live Jazz band, a silent & live auction, valet parking, cigar-rolling station, awards for best Gatsby attire, vintage photo station & more. 1920s Cocktail & Black Tie Attire Encouraged. Funds raised at the event directly support the Sample-McDougald House’s ongoing preservation of the historic house, educational programming for all ages, interpretive daily tours and community programs. $100 (or $1000 per table for 10). For more information, call 754-307-5446.

Pompano Pier Food Truck Round Up

Friday, Nov. 17, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Fishing Pier

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Food Trucks, music and fun! Bring blankets and folding chairs since seating is limited. Great entertainment, full bar. For more information, call 954-786-7824.

Beach Sounds — High Tolerance

Friday, Nov. 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Family friendly concert series. Bring blankets or chairs, or sit on beach sand and listen as High Tolerance performs. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

MADD Candlelight Vigil

Friday, Nov. 17, 7 to 9 p.m.

Herb Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Please join the City of Pompano to honor and remember victims and survivors of impaired driving crashes. For more information, contact MADD Victim Advocate Maegan Aja at Maegan.aja@madd.org.

Granny’s Attic

Saturday, Nov. 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Bargain hunters rejoice! Huge garage sale with over 80 vendors. Features housewares, toys, collectibles, tools and more! Food and drinks available for purchase. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Annual Community Turkey Giveaway

Saturday, Nov. 18, noon

Delta Lodge #519

159 SW 1 Terr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Every year, the Delta Lodge and the Louise Court #84 Heriones of Jerico, PHA, along with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and a lot of sponsors host a turkey giveaway event for those in need.

Zonta Club meets

Tuesday, Nov. 21, 11:45 a.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton

100 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This organization of executives and professionals works together to advance the statuses of women locally and worldwide through service and advocacy. Come find out more about the group at this luncheon. Guest speaker: Mary Reidel, executive director of Women in Distress. For more information, contact Sandy Manning at bosanboc@bellsouth.net.

Save the Date: Kiwanis West Annual Christmas Auction

Saturday, Dec. 2, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Holiday fun. Food will be provided free of charge.

Yuletide Parade

Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.

McNab Park

2250 E. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Yuletide Parade is back on Atlantic Boulevard! They are looking for parade participants. The parade will be starting from Riverside Drive, heading west on Atlantic Boulevard and ending at McNab Park. For more information, call 954-786-4111.

By Gary Curreri

Adam Ratkevich couldn’t have picked a better spot to coach Western High School to the first win in school history.

Ratkevich exacted a little bit of revenge against his former school as the Wildcats football coach piloted his team to a stunning, 20-17 victory over host Deerfield Beach in the regional quarterfinals last week.

“We ended our season on this field last year and we had t-shirts printed up with ‘Unfinished Business’ and that was about the playoffs,” said Coach Ratkevich, whose team lost 27-13 to the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs in 2016.

“I told our seniors last year they built this thing and we are gonna stand on their shoulders and I promised the juniors if we saw these guys again we’d do it.”

Ratkevich, who coached the Bucks in 2009 and 2010, left the program after making the playoffs despite finishing with a 2-9 record. It was the first losing season since finishing 4-6 in 1989 and only the sixth losing season in the 40 years of varsity football at the school. Ratkevich finished with a 9-13 record at the school.

Western’s Harrison story tossed two touchdowns to Jordan Smith, including a 7-yard score with 3:19 to go to clinch the team’s victory over the state’s top-ranked Class 8A team by the Associated Press.

The Wildcats (9-2) defense recovered four fumbles of the night to keep Deerfield Beach (8-3) at bay.

Deerfield Beach running back Jaylan Knighton led all rushers with 126 yards on 21 carries, including a 34-yard touchdown that gave the Bucks the early, 7-0 lead. Story tied the game at 7-7 with a 2-yard run before Linden Rivera gave the Bucks a 10-7 halftime lead with a 30-yard field goal.

Deerfield Beach Coach Jevon Glenn said his team just couldn’t overcome turnovers and penalties. The Bucks were whistled 16 times for 120 yards.

Story gave Western a 13-10 lead on a 3-yard touchdown pass to Smith with 8:54 left in the third quarter; however, the Bucks wouldn’t go down without a fight as Kyle Kaplan hit Donte Banton for a 34-yard touchdown with 2:50 left to play.

The Bucks, making their 16th playoff appearance since 2000 and 26th overall since 1977, could get no closer.

Pompano’s Christensen finishes 11th

Pompano Beach High junior Thomas Christensen tied for 11th with a 155 (80-75) at the Class 2A state tournament at Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills last week.

He was medalist at the

regional tournament and helped the Golden Tornadoes to a third place team finish. Pompano Beach also finished an impressive 10-1 this season.

Fallen Heroes Ceremony

Thursday, Nov. 9, 9 to 10 a.m.

Pompano Beach High School

600 NE 13 Ave.,

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

There will be a ceremony celebrating fallen heroes with flag retirement, a gun salute and special guest speakers. For more information, call 754-322-2000.

Veterans Day event

Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 to 11 a.m.

Boca Raton Cemetery

449 SW 4 Ave.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Featuring veterans groups, city officials, music by Ft. Lauderdale Highlanders and Boca Raton Community High School Band, drills by Boca Raton Community High School NJROTC, Boca Raton Police and Fire Honor Guards. Volunteers provided by Boca Raton Kiwanis. For more information, call 561-393-7807.

Veterans Day Concert

Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 to 9 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free concert featuring the Florida Wind Symphony: “An American Tribute.” For more information, call 561-393-7807.

Watercolor classes

Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The class is for all skill levels. $25 per class. Held every Saturday through April 2018. For information, call 954-920-4574.

“Arts ‘n Crafts” Sale

Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Handmade arts and crafts. Loads of creative crafts for gift-giving. Be a vendor or a shopper. For more information, call 954-429-0378.

Gridiron Grill-Off Food & Wine Festival

Saturday, Nov. 11, noon to 4 p.m.

Pompano Beach Amphitheater

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

It’s time to gear up for a weekend of food, football, music and philanthropy at this event presented by the University of Miami Health System. Miami Dolphins legends and top South Florida chefs are in position to compete at the eighth annual culinary showdown. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.gridirongrilloff.com.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Sunday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Alsdorf Park

2974 NE 14 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The first boat leaves the dock at 9 a.m. Boats leaving approximately every hour. Arrive at dock 10-20 minutes before departure time. $25 per person. For more information, including requirements to climb lighthouse, email information@hillsborolighthouse.org, call 954-942-2102 or visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Pompano Beach Garden Club meeting

Monday, Nov. 13, 12:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Open to the public. Topic: “Bromelaids” by Mike Michalski. For more information, call Cindy at 954-253-9938.