Deerfield Beach

Oct. 8: A man reported that the tires and rims from his vehicle were stolen. The vehicle was parked at 865 Rich Dr.

Oct. 8: A man reported that someone entered his vehicle parked at 415 NW 1 Terr. and stole a security vest and a bulletproof vest with a knife, pepper spray and cell phone.

Oct. 8: A man reported that someone stole an A/C unit from his home at 224 SW 8 Ct. The home is under renovation.

Oct. 8: A man said that someone entered his vehicle parked at 274 SW 1 St. and stole his wallet.

Oct. 9: A man said that someone entered his vehicle parked at 342 SW 10 Ct. and stole a book bag containing two handguns.

Lighthouse Point

Oct. 11: Police made contact with a man inside a residence at 2331 NE 33 St. with the front door open and an alarm sounding. The male subject said he was the brother of a resident who was out on a vessel. Police cleared the scene.

Oct. 13: A neighbor called the police when an alarm went off at a residence at 2716 NE 29St. Police said a proper code was given and the alarm was set off accidentally.

Oct. 14: A bicycle was found at 3500 NE 27 Ave.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

All things are yours, whether . . . the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ and Christ is of God. (1 Corinthians 3:21-23)

Sometimes, we shrink the truths of the Gospel down to things promised. To be sure, we have been promised an eternity with our Lord, and this eternity will be a place where there will be no more sorrow or sin, pain or persecution, fear or unfaithfulness, disease or death. In a word, it will be the paradise that was lost in the Garden of Eden by the sin of Adam and Eve. The apostle Paul describes this as the beatific vision of God: “Now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

But what about now? What does the Gospel promise us in this present life? What blessings can we expect before we cross the Jordan and enter into our eternal rest?

This article would indeed have no end if I were to try and set before you all that we have been given, for “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Here are just a few things, which I pray will be both a comfort and an encouragement to you. We are . . .

Unconditionally loved

Completely forgiven

Perfectly accepted

Totally empowered

Supernaturally strengthened

Utterly united to God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit

We must always remember that the Gospel is not only a promise of eternal life. It also impacts our everyday life as well. As the apostle Paul wrote in the passage that opens this article, Whether things present or things to come, ALL THINGS ARE OURS!” And what was Paul doing, but simply advancing a truth that God had already set before His people.

The upright shall have good things in possession. (Proverbs 28:10 KJV)

Christian, it is important to remember that even a life full of “good things” does not mean we will not experience difficulties. Jesus promised that we will experience troubles in this life (John 16:33). The unbelieving world will present problems for the Christian, from intense pressure to intentional persecution.

And if that was not trouble enough, the believing world will present its problems too. Why? Because we are still sinners in moment-by-moment need of a Savior. We say things we ought not say; do things we ought not do; and think things we ought not think, making life difficult on ourselves and those around us. But remember this too: After the promise of problems, Jesus assures us, “But be of good cheer! I have overcome the world.” Because Jesus was an overcomer, we, too, are to be overcomers, regardless of the challenges and difficulties we face on this side of the grave.

In closing, as a child of the Most High God, you currently have good things in your possession. To live out this truth is to live a life marked by joy and thanksgiving to the One who has so graciously given it to you. And above all that you have been promised, you have the presence of your Lord Jesus everywhere you go. When Jesus walked with His disciples, they had Him with them physically, but not every moment of every day. But when Jesus left this earth, He sent His Holy Spirit and promised that His Spirit would dwell within us every moment in this life . . . and in the next. “Surely I am with you always,” He assures us, “to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

May this truth set us free to love our God and to proclaim His incredible promise to a world that desperately needs to hear it.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. Never forget that . . . Amen!

Tommy Boland is the pastor for Cross Community Church located at 841 SE 2 Ct. in Deerfield Beach. For more information, call 954-427-3045 or visit www.thecrosscc.org.

Deerfield Beach

Sept. 24: A woman reported that someone entered her work vehicle parked at 5341 NE 8 Terr. and stole a work bag containing a wallet, $20 in cash, credit cards and a driver’s license.

Sept. 24: Unknown suspects stole two vehicles from a parking lot at 410 Deer Creek Jefferson Dr. The vehicles were later recovered at nearby parking lots.

Sept. 24: A man was seen stealing $218 worth of miscellaneous tools from Home Depot at 60 SW 12 Ave. The man was stopped and issued a notice to appear in court.

Sept. 24: A man reported grand theft and fraud. He paid $6,554 for a steel building and an additional $1,200 for plans. The building was never delivered and the man was unable to get information about the status of the building. He is not sure where the business he was dealing with is at the present time. The incident was reported at 450 Fairway Dr.

Sept. 24: A man said someone stole two minibikes valued at $1,400 from in front of a garage at 470 NW 39 St.

Sept. 25: A man was seen stealing headphones valued at $150 from Target at 1200 S. Federal Hwy.

Lighthouse Point

Sept. 25: A backpack was found at 2888 NE 24 St. The property was recovered and placed into property.

Sept. 23: A broken cell phone was found at 4541 NE 22 Ave. The property was recovered and placed into property.

Sept. 23: Police responded to an alarm at 2241 NE 25 St. There was no alarm sounding, and the property was checked and it was found secure. A neighbor tried calling the homeowner to no avail.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

By Diane Emeott

New owners of Markee, Keith Ridenour and Derek Assaf, recently back from building a new facility in Tennessee, acquired Markee Music from Mark Begelman in May.

Guitarist, songwriter and producer Keith and bass player and engineer Derek Assaf have been involved at Markee since its construction in 2010.

Ridenour got interested in playing guitar when he and his drummer brother Randy were kids watching a band rehearse in their living room.

“We would watch them rehearse, absorbing every fiber of the music and wanting to emulate them — and gravitated to playing. One year for Christmas, we got used drums and a used guitar! Our dad used to run dances at the old Chamber Building for the Deerfield Beach Jaycees. He used to run them at the Deerfield fishing pier as well.”

Ridenour’s father Ray also wrote poetry — inspiring Keith’s later songwriting ability.

Keith and Randy went to Deerfield Beach High School and played all the dances, including Homecoming, Sadie Hawkins … and all over Broward County, Miami-Dade County and West Palm Beach.

“We were in a band called Black Watch,” said Keith. “I was able to record my first record as a teenager, at age 17, at Mike Pinera’s studio in Miami.”

(Other bands Ridenour has played with include Harvest, a Southern Rock band; Uproar, a Pop Rock band; Razor Red, a Pop Metal all original band, and, most recently, Black Water River, a Doobie Brother’s Tribute Band.)

In 1993, Keith and a silent partner built Ridenour Studio in Oakland Park “where everyone from Ricky Martin and Aerosmith to Johnny Depp, Foreigner and Steve Winwood would play.”

Keith sold that Ridenour Studio in 2003 to move to Nashville where, for the next eight years, he continued songwriting and producing.

As CD sales became less prevalent in 2009 and 2010 (with songs available online), Keith decided to come back to South Florida to open Markee studio with former President and CEO of Office Depot Mark Begelman – who started Mars Music in Ft. Lauderdale in 1996 and later sold it.

At the end of 2017, Keith and Derek went back to Nashville. In 2018, they built ‘A Ridenour Studio’ in Murfreesboro, TN, a suburb two miles from Nashville. It caters to music students from nearby Middle Tennessee State University (MDSU), as well as the prestigious local talent pool of legendary Nashville, also known as “Music City.”

In May 2019, Keith and Derek returned to Deerfield to buy Markee from Begelman.

Offerings

As a one-stop venue for all things musical, Markee offers:

Music Lessons – In its three soundproof music lesson studios, Markee provides professional lessons on guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals, technology and songwriting by highly skilled musicians who all have a wealth of band experience.

Rehearsal Studios – Known as ‘the finest rehearsal space in South Florida,’ Markee offers six, fully-equipped, 342 sq. ft. soundproof rehearsal studios.

Recording Studio – The state-of-the art recording studio is fully equipped with Pro Tools HD and Logic 10. From Focusrite to Genelec, Markee has what it takes to record any genre of music, from Hip Hop to Gospel to Rock ‘n Roll.

Markee Performance Room: The recording studio adjoins a beautiful 875 sq. ft, fully-equipped performance room with a six-piece DW drum kit and 24-channel soundboard, perfect for full band-based recording sessions, recitals and other performances.

What’s new

Keith and Derek are in the process of upgrading all the gear and equipment at Markee, ‘A Ridenour Studio,’ in Deerfield. This includesall new drum kits in the Rehearsal and Recording studios; guitar and bass amp[lifiers]; all new vocal monitors; all new mics; cabling and a new console in the recording studio.

A new venture for Markee is offering Backline Rentals, which literally means all of the back line of musical equipment that typically appears onstage when a band plays. For example, guitar amp(s), bass amp, drums, keyboard, microphones, percussion.

Whether you need a guitar amp, bass amp, drum kit, percussion or instruments, Markee has it to rent. Keith said he and Derek were recently in talks with Pompano Beach Amphitheater about Backline Rental, as well as all other surrounding cities.

Special deals

Lesson Special – Buy three lessons, get one free ($30 per half hour, $55 per hour).

Recording Special – A Markee customer exclusive: Recording package: five hours. Get four hours of recording time plus one hour of set-up time to record up to three songs.

What Markee recommends:

Set up and mic-ing begins one hour prior to playing

You arrive 15 minutes prior to playing (for personal set-up)

Sound check 20 minutes

Recording tracks: 1 hour 10 minutes

Markee engineer mixing: 2 ½ hours

Walk out with a CD!

Regular Price: $375. Markee Customer: $262, which equals a 30 percent savings!

*If you need or desire more time, Markee will discount the regular rate of $69 per hour down to $60.

For more information, call Markee at 954-794-0033 or visit www.markeemusic.com.

By Gary Curreri

Deerfield Beach senior quarterback Michael Pratt threw for a season-best 331 yds. and four touchdowns as the host Bucks toppled Boca Raton 49-6 in the District 12-8A opener for both teams on Friday night. 

Pratt, a Tulane University commit who transferred from Boca Raton High School to Deerfield in August, made his fourth straight start and guided the Bucks to a fourth straight victory.

He has seen his touchdown totals in each game go up by one. He threw for one score in his first, then two, then three and four against his former school. He has 10 TDs on the season.

“We just have to get better every single week,” said Pratt, whose team has a bye this week before facing Spanish River. “My timing with the receivers, connection and chemistry is starting to build up. Our offensive line…I am starting to learn them and they are starting to learn me.”

Deerfield Beach (4-2, 1-0 in the district) took the opening kickoff and marched 80 yds. in three plays, capped by a 40-yd. scoring run by FSU commit Jaylan Knighton. He carried all three times in the drive for 80 yds. Knighton finished the game with seven rushes for 100 yds. and one score.

Boca Raton (2-3, 0-1) cut the lead to 7-6 on a 20-yd. scoring toss from Andrew Caverty to Ashton Gillotte with 4:02 left in the first half. The extra point attempt by Thomas Lofiago was blocked and later also had a 37-yd. field goal attempt blocked.

The score snapped a three-game shutout streak by the Bucks in their last three wins – as they defeated Blanche Ely, 46-0, Zachary (LA), 53-0 and Oak Ridge (Orlando), 42-0 – and outscored the opposition 141-0 during the span.

Deerfield Beach broke the game open in the second quarter when Pratt hit Maryland commit Deajaun McDougle for an 83-yd. catch and run for a 14-6 advantage and then 21-6 on a 64-yd. interception return by Phillip O’Brien. Deerfield Beach made it 28-6 on a 20-yd. scoring toss from Pratt to University of Miami commit Xavier Restrepo.

Pratt connected with Deajaun McDougle two more times in the third quarter from 51 yds. and 60 yds. for a 42-6 lead. It was his 10^th scoring touchdown pass in four games. McDougle had 226 yds. receiving on five catches and three TDs.

Back-up quarterback Marquise Pierre hit Jamarion McDougle on a 45-yd. TD score in the fourth for a 49-6 Bucks lead. It marked just the fifth time in Deerfield Beach history where they have scored 40 or more points in four straight games.

Pratt missed the first two games of the season, losses to Carol City, 24-12, and St. John’s (Washington, D.C.), 52-20, with a groin injury. Pratt threw for 1,208 yds. and 12 TDs at Boca Raton last season. He also ran for 447 yds. and three scores for the Bobcats.

Deerfield Beach coach Jevon Glenn said Pratt handled the week going against his former teammates well.

“He has a steadiness about him and is a little ahead of his time,” Glenn said. “To be quite honest, if he plays the first two games, we would be undefeated and top-10 in the country right now.”

Last season, Deerfield Beach fell in the state semifinals of the Class 8A tournament as they lost 49-21 to the eventual state champion, Miami Columbus, and finished 12-2. Deerfield lost in the regional quarterfinal the season before and lost in the state semifinals in 2016 to the eventual state champion, Southridge, 26-7 in 2016.

“it’s been a great opportunity to learn a few new things,” Pratt added. “I have to make better reads and work on timing.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Before there was “Spooky Empire” in Orlando, there was Petey Mongelli’s inaugural monster conventions in Broward County until Hurricane Wilma hit in 2005. With roadshow buzz about Rob Zombie’s directorial debut House of 1000 Corpses and buzz about the sequel, The Devil’s Rejects, Sid Haig was one of his featured guests. When I met him at his booth back then, we talked about Spider Baby and his film debut with Lon Chaney Jr.

Haig talked about Chaney’s professionalism and generosity on the set of this low budget, but happy production.  Haig seemed pleased when I mentioned he was carrying the torch from Lon Chaney Jr.’s generation for today’s filmmakers.

Since Sid passed away last Saturday morning, the outpouring of grief from fans and the motion picture industry has become overwhelming on social media. He was not a regular on Entertainment Tonight type news programs, but Sid Haig’s legacy is secure to anyone who ever met him or enjoys a master thespian performing his craft.

Last week, this columnist wrote about the marketing strategy for 3 from Hell, which involved limited time on the big screen — three nighttime weekday screenings. On the fourth day, the home viewing release date – Oct. 14 – was launched. 

Without the marketing might (and theme parks) of  Disney and Universal Studios, independent filmmakers are getting creative in seeking distribution and widening the profit margin. Case in Point — El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie — This film was secretly produced in New Mexico, while the fifth season of the television show Better Call Saul was being produced in the same territory. Utilizing much of the cast and crew of the Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul universe, it was a surprise to learn that El Camino will be available on Netflix on Oct. 11.  However, there will be limited screening in major cities like Miami. (I am hoping for something more local).    

Speaking of local, The Deerfield Beach Percy White Library will be hosting “Local Creative Talent — Film Producers” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.  The producers and creative force behind Dead Ant will be in attendance and will host a panel. Starring Sean Astin, Jake Busey and Tom Arnold, Dead Ant is a monster movie/ musical comedy about a one hit wonder heavy metal band that gets stranded in the Joshua Tree Desert. Think This is Spinal Tap meets Tremors.

For almost two years, this columnist has written about the “evolution” of the motion picture industry. With the recent releases of 3 from Hell and El Camino, we are witnessing the business paradigm shift in the motion picture world. With local festivals like the upcoming Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, cinema consumers have the opportunity of better choices.

By Rachel Galvin

A glimpse of the paradise in our own backyard and beyond is captured in large scale black and white photographs created by prolific photographer Clyde Butcher, whose work is currently on display at the Old School House at 232 NE Eller St. in Deerfield Beach. The exhibit started on Sept. 7, runs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Sept. 28. $5 (donation). You can also buy one of his books or a book on Deerfield history and other items.

When asked why the Historical Society brought his artwork to be on display, Historical Society President Emily Lilly said, “I’ve appreciated his work for many years. I love the reasoning behind his photos. They not only tell a story, but tell us to look at the environment in an appreciative way. He has been one of my educators. He’s expressed the love of our state and beyond and that’s what I like.”

“Clyde’s photography is definitely a personal experience,” said Poppi Mercier, who was volunteering at the event on Saturday, “Everybody loves it. The Historical Society is thrilled. It is surprising how many people have seen his work before and still come back for more. I can understand it. Every time you look at it, you see something totally different. The black and white makes you pay attention to the details.”

For more information on Clyde Butcher, visit www.clydebutcher.com. For more information on the historical society, visit www.deerfieldbeachhistoricalsociety.com/

The Historical Society is participating in Free Museum Day on Sept. 21. Not only will this exhibit be open, but also the Butler House, as well as the local train museum, all for free. See ad on this page for details.

Deerfield Beach

Aug. 27: A woman reported that someone stole her bicycle at 2300 SW 15 St.

Aug. 27: A woman reported that a man whom she knows stole $95 and a debit card from her purse at 829 W. Sample Rd.

Aug. 27: A man reported that a former employee of his used stolen business checks and credit cards to steal thousands of dollars from him. The incident was reported at 4100 N. Powerline Rd.

Aug. 27: A man reported that someone entered his vehicle parked at 601 E. Sample Rd. and stole his wallet.

Aug. 28: A woman reported that someone broke into her home at 371 NE 45 St. and stole her television and a handbag.

Lighthouse Point

Aug. 15: Police responded to an alarm call at 2456 NE 26St. It was deemed a false alarm.

Aug. 15: Police responded to a call of a loose German Shepherd and small brown dog in the area of 2631 NE 52St. The police officer said he searched the area vigorously and was unable to locate them and suspected they had maybe returned to their home.

Aug. 16: Police responded to an alarm call at 2200 NE 32 St. It was deemed that the owner accidently set off the alarm.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

Monthly Business Breakfast:

The Future of Work

Thursday, Sept. 5, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

100 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Panelists will discuss 21^st Century workforce trends, disruptions and what they are doing to prepare. Members: $25, non-members: $30. Register at https://deerfieldchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/4659.

Old Town Untapped

Friday, Sept 6. 6 to 10 p.m.

Bailey Contemporary Arts

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Old Town Untapped is a monthly craft beer & arts festival hosted by the Pompano Beach CRA and features free samples of local beers crafted by breweries in Pompano Beach’s emerging craft beer scene. In addition, the streets of Old Town are lined with food trucks, artists, crafters and interactive art. Inside Bailey Contemporary Arts, guests can grab some locally roasted coffee at Blooming Bean Coffee Roasters and walk through the galleries rotating art exhibits each month. 

Caribbean Culinary Museum

Exhibition Opening Reception

Friday, Sept.6, 6 to 8 p.m.

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The Caribbean Culinary Museum includes culinary artifacts from around the Caribbean region. Each item is labeled according to its name on the multiple islands where it is used. There is also a description of each item’s traditional use (s) on these islands. The exhibition also includes a series of graphic narratives exploring the history of Caribbean cuisine presented on large-format foam boards. The information is organized based on flavor profiles, looking at how certain culinary staples made their way into the region, how certain items, preparations and serving methods are used differently or in the same way from island to island, and how certain food traditions bring the region together. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/caribbean-culinary-museum-exhibition-opening-reception-tickets-70093348091.

Murder Mystery Dinner

Saturday, Sept. 7, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

This 1950’s prom is a doo wop disaster! When a death on the dance floor makes this prom night a party foul, it is up to you to figure out whodunit and get this dance back on track. Trade clues with your guests, gather information about the crime, and reveal the punk that made this prom nowheresville. This night of laughter and dancing is now too heavy to razz anyone’s berries, so it’s up to you to find the murderer! $40 includes dinner. To purchase tickets, visit https://tickets.ccpompano.org/TheatreManager/1/online?performance=498.

Clyde Butcher Photography –

Fine Art Exhibit

Saturday, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Old School House Meeting Room

232 NE 2 St. (Eller Drive)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Organized by the Deerfield Beach Historical Society. Sponsored, in part, by the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs. Suggested Donation – $5 per person. Books and calendars available for purchase. For information, call 954-429-0378 or visit www.deerfield-history.org .

Soulful Sundays

Sunday, Sept. 8, 6 to 9 p.m.

Historic Ali Cultural Arts

353 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come out every 2nd Sunday of every month for incredible live music. Soulful Sundays features South Florida’s top performers and bands in various genres ranging from Soul, R&B, Neo Soul, Blues to Jazz and Funk. Merging local and national artists, organizations and vendors, this program creates an unforgettable monthly musical experience that enriches, as well as celebrates, the history and culture of the African American community in Pompano Beach. Come out this September for The Valerie Tyson Band, a soulful and electrifying band that performs classic and modern music, specializing in top 40 popular music, Jazz, Classic Rock, R&B and Reggae. They know how to keep the party rocking and the dance floor packed. For ages 18 and up. Food and beverage are available for purchase by local vendors. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/soulful-sundays-tickets-60727356157.

“God’s Work. Our Hands”

Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m.

Zion Lutheran

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out for worship, fellowship and service as they sort, pack, and decorate their blessing bags, which will be distributed to those in need. They are looking for socks, soap, hand sanitzer or wet wipes, toothbrushes and paste, chapstick, bandaids, tampons, granola and energy bars, crackers, cookies, fruit snacks, gun, hard candy, etc. This is the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church) Day of Service.

9/11 Day for Honoring Our Heroes

Wednesday, Sept.11, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The City of Pompano Beach Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department invites you to a night of remembrance, recognition and celebration. The ceremony will feature guest speakers, musicians and a special performance by the Ft. Lauderdale Symphonic Winds 65-piece band. Admission is free; however, space is limited. Contact Information: 954-786-4111.

Patriot Day Ceremony

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.

Public Safety Building

2601 W. Broward Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312

Please join Sheriff Gregory Tony and the Broward Sheriff’s Office as they remember the 18^th Anniversary of 9/11 and recognize heroic First Responders and Veterans. Please R.S.V.P. to bsorsvp@sheriff.org.

9-11 Memorial Dedication Ceremony

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 5 p.m.

Founders Park

316 NE 3Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The City of Pompano Beach is honored to announce the dedication of its newest piece of public art, a memorial for the tragic events that took place on Sept. 11, 2001. The city’s Fire Rescue Department acquired a piece of steel from the World Trade Center for use in a memorial for the 343 first responders who died saving lives. The Public Art Committee was asked by the department to utilize the steel as a public art project. Project development originally began in 2016. In March 2018, the City’s Public Art Committee issued a Call to Artists. Out of the applications submitted, the glass and corten steel memorial, entitled Unbroken Spine, A Book of American Heroism, by Cherie Saleeby, was selected. The artwork is located at Founders Park next to Pompano Beach’s fire museum. The exposed steel in the artwork symbolizes the backbone of the first responders and their resolute courage. The steel also represents the spine of a bound book helping to keep the pages together. Etched onto the glass pages are the names of the first responders who lost their lives.

Save the Date:

Annual Shinning Stars and Luncheon

Friday, Sept. 13, noon to 2 p.m.

Marriot Pompano Beach Resort & Spa

200 N. Ocean Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, also serving Lighthouse Point & Margate, will be honoring local the honorees during their annual “Shining Stars Awards & Luncheon.” The theme for this year’s event is “The Brightest Stars Are Those Who Shine for The Benefit of Others.” The Shining Star Awards, a special honor, are presented annually to a select group of local citizens, businesses and/or organizations that have shown themselves to have been a valuable asset and major contributor to the growth and stability of the great community. Tickets are $55 in advance, $65 after Sept. 11 by Reservation Only, and $49 for elected officials. Purchase tickets online at www.pompanobeachchamber.com or call the office at 954-941-2940. Sponsorship packages and ads in the souvenir program are available. For info., contact Connie Davis, director of Special Events, at 954-941-2940 or e-mail cdavis@pompanobeachchamber.com.

Largest Expo & Golf Outing

Thursday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Deer Creek Golf Club

2801 DC Country Club Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL , 33442

Motivational speakers and seminars about health & wellness, business franchise, medical, travel, fitness and investment.

Historic Butler House Tours

Every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The James D. and Alice Butler House is an historic home right here in Deerfield Beach, and you can get a tour and find out more about our local history. Donations appreciated. For more information, call 954-429-0378.

By Rachel Galvin

Bright and early, shoppers were eager to check out the brand new Sprouts Farmers Market which opened at 7 a.m. on Aug. 28. Danny Seo of NBC’s Naturally, Danny Seo hand stuffed bags featuring some of his favorite natural products to be given out to the first 100 people to enter the store.

Sprouts opened its first store in 2002 in Chandler, AZ and now has over 320 stores around the country. This newest location, at 930 S. Federal Hwy. in Deerfield Beach, is about 30,000 sq. ft. It makes for an intimate shopping experience but is expansive at the same time. You could easily spend hours exploring all the products.

They don’t consider themselves a specialty store, but rather an alternative to the regular grocery store. But their organic and conventional produce is at the heart of every store representing ¼ of the business. You can find fresh responsibly and sustainably caught seafood. They can even season the fish for you! They also have an in-house butcher and make their own sausages daily. Their beef, pork and chicken is fresh, never frozen with no fillers.

Don’t like to cook? Here you can find fresh pre-made meals, bento boxes, one-dish wonders ready to pop in the oven, plenty of frozen dinners, a salad bar and so much more. It is perfect for the person on-the-go who needs a quick meal. The Deerfield Beach store has the latest prototype of the expanded deli, which allows for more efficient customer service.

Hang out in the lounge area to grab a bite and use the free WiFi. Grab some wine or craft beer to take home. They also have Kombucha and cold brew on tap.

They don’t carry every brand name; but in the natural products, they carry so much more variety than the normal stores. Whether you are on the keto diet, are gluten free, paleo, whichever, they seem to have something for you. You can find a unique variety of products from plant-based yogurts to vegetable or seaweed pasta, to CBD products and more. Sprouts offers their own brand of some products at a lower cost too.

They have a wide range of sports nutritional products. You can also find vitamins, natural hair and skin products, essential oils and more. Team members go through ongoing training to understand the ins and outs of the products and trends.

The stores buy in bulk so they can pass the savings on to the customers. You can also buy items in bulk, or you can grab a bag and scoop your own trail mix, dried fruits, barley, beans and more. If you only need a pinch of spices, you can just take what you need. They even have a machine where you can push a button and grind your own peanut or almond butter.

“We have two decades of experience in making natural foods affordable and approachable. That’s what Sprouts is all about – making healthy living possible,” said Sprouts spokesperson Diego Romero.

The store has a money back guarantee. If you don’t like something, you can return it. They also offer samples of their products. They are always running different discounts. For the opening, they already were putting up BOGO signs.

“Even though it is a smaller store, when I was doing the TV show, I could find all my ingredients at Sprouts,” said Seo, who says he started talking about eating healthy and living green when no one else was doing it and now sees a cultural shift.

“Now, it isn’t [who is green] but just what shade of green are you?”

Sprouts Farmers Market is located at 930 S. Federal Hwy., in Deerfield Beach. For more information on Sprouts, visit www.sprouts.com or call 954-363-2070.