Friends of DB Arboretum meets

Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.

The Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL

Speaker Michael Michalski, who heads the Bromilian Society of South Florida. Usual plant giveaway and light refreshments served. Free entry. For more information, call 954-480-4495 or visit www.treezoo.com.

Movies in the Park — The Jungle Book

Friday, Feb. 10, 7p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Bring your family, blankets and lawn chairs. Concessions and glow merchandise will be sold for small fee, food truck on-site. For more information, call 954-480-4429 or visit www.dfb.city/moviesinthepark.

Music under the Stars

Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Great Lawn

Corner of Atlantic Blvd. & Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Featured band: D Funk and the Flo (R&B and Funk). Free. For more information, visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov or call 954-786-4111.

Auction and Brunch

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

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Woman’s Club, Rotary Club, Historical Society, Butler House and Kiwanis Club East are going to join the Kiwanis Club West for an auction and brunch, including fish and grits, and more. Bring things to donate to the auction. $15. Call Vel. 954-428-1537 for information.

Pasta Dinner Fundraiser

Saturday, Feb. 11, 4 to 7p.m.

St. Ambrose Parish Hall

380 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Support Boy Scout Troop 119. $7 (children 3 years and under free). Meal includes: pasta, garlic toast, salad, beverage & dessert (dine in or carry-out.) Also silent auction and raffles.

Quiet Waters Elementary 25th Anniversary Festival

Saturday, Feb. 11,11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quiet Waters Elementary

4150 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach 33442

Lots of inflatables, games, music, face painting, demonstrations, vendors, crafters, food and more. Wristbands/ game tickets sold at the gate. For more information email quietwaterspta@gmail.com or call 754-322-8100.

5th Annual Plants and People Day

Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sample McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Vendors will share information on plants and nature, and offer a variety of products, crafts and food for sale. Speakers throughout day. Free raffles and music. Optional $5 tour of the historic house. For more information, call 954-234-6053.

Pompano Beach Garden Club meets

Monday, Feb. 13, noon

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Program: NatureScape with Rose Bechard-Butman, Natural Resource Specialist. For more information, call 954-943-0029. Open to public.

Lasagña Dinner

Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6 to 8 p.m.

Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Kick Off to 2017 Pioneer Days. Dinner includes Caesar salad, meat or veggie lasagna dinner, tiramisu and beverage, (BYOB). Music, 50/50, raffles. $25 donation. Reservations required. Call 954-421-4700. Leave a message.

Jane’s Book Review

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Review of The Dusty Ones: Why Wandering Deepens Your Faith, by A. J. Swoboda. Named Christianity Today Book of the Year. Book offers hope and peace to Christians and seekers alike as they make their way down the winding road of faith. For more information, call 954-427-0222.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, Feb. 15, Noon to 1 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Growing up in Deerfield Beach in the ‘50s & ‘60s with Donna Wiles, Ed Dietrich and other pioneers. Light refreshments served. Free, donations accepted. For more information, call 561- 429-0378. or visit www.deerfield-history.org.

Wine & Cheese Pioneer Days Kick-off Celebration

Thursday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$10. For more information, call 954-429-0378 or visit www.deerfield-history.org.

End of Fast Camp Meeting and Seminars

Wednesday Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 12

Church of the Living God

176 SW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Preparing for that Day:

• Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m.

With Pastor Reverend Theodus Times III

• Thursday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.

With Pastor Reverend Demetric Ford

• Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m.

With Pastor Kim Dukes

• Saturday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.

With Bishop George Cox

• Camp Meeting Seminar, 10 a.m. to noon

Free lunch provided following seminar.

• Sunday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.

With host Pastor Elder Dennis Fulmore

For more information, call 954-427-1524.

In 2013, the Chicago Sun-Times cut their photography staff and instructed the reporters to snap any pictures needed with a smartphone.

Three years later, the Chicago Cubs would win the World Series. Those covering the historical moment included the Sun-Times, as well as the Chicago Tribune — who still employed photojournalists. If you were to Google either of these two paper’s front pages the day after the Cubs’ victory you would immediately recognize the capacity of a professional photographer armed with more than a smartphone. Both papers captured the event, but only one captured an iconic moment.

That’s what I love about photography. Even in a world that relentlessly avoids … still, somehow, with just a click of the shutter, that frozen moment of time can tell a story. With this in mind, I grabbed my Nikon, hopped on my longboard and rolled to the Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier over the weekend in search of nanosecond stories. Though I was not expecting to shoot anything near the level of the Tribune at Wrigley Field, I did want to post images on my social media pages that added value to my viewers — pictures they would enjoy. I found plenty, but it was the snapshot I missed that I remember the most.

Atop the parking garage above Bru’s Room, I witnessed the sun sink deeper toward the horizon, engulfing the sky with a warm orange glow. Having already snapped a few pics of the sunset, I packed my gear and called it a day. I was ready for an ice cold Coke.

It was then that the iconic shot presented itself: the sun setting, Mars-esque sky, the Deerfield Beach water tower on the horizon and the Hillsboro Bridge open in the foreground. I knew by the time I unpacked my camera, configured the shutter speed and aperture settings, the moment would have passed. All I could do was follow the advice from the more recent version of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), a negative assets manager for Life Magazine, sets out to find a misplaced negative sent by famed photographer Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn) — supposedly capturing “the essence of Life.” The unadventurous Mitty is forced to brave a treacherous climb through the Himalayan mountains where he finds O’Connell poised ready to photograph the elusive “ghost-cat,” a white snow leopard. When the animal enters the frame, to Mitty’s bewilderment, O’Connell doesn’t snap the pic. Mitty says, “When are you going to take it?”

“Sometimes, I don’t. If I like a moment, for me, personally, I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it,” says O’Connell.

Mind blown! Countless times since first watching Walter Mitty, I’ve been tempted to grab my phone and take a picture, but didn’t. I’m reminded, while there are definitely times for us to capture a special moment — an iconic one even — most of the pictures we take are less about storing a memory and do more to rob us of being present and experiencing the moment.

And so, there I stood. Wanting to take a picture of the setting sun over Deerfield Beach, I clung to O’Connell’s wisdom: I stayed in the moment — no distraction of the camera. It was beautiful, satisfying even … worth clearing the distractions and being fully present.

If you are like me, there are other areas in your life where this is pertinent as well. For me, it’s in my alone time with God. My serving, reading plans, book studies, small group meetings, and even mentoring, while they all serve a higher purpose and help to capture the essence of faith, just like the camera, they can become distractions from being fully present with my Creator.

This week, take a moment to inventory the distractions that cloud your relationship with God. They may be good things, but as James C. Collins says, “Good is the enemy of great.” And we can’t have a great relationship with God — one that is as quintessential as the front page of the Tribune the morning after the 2016 World Series — if we’re bogged down by all the good, never fully present and satisfied with Him alone.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@deerfieldfirst.com.

About Boating Safely Class

Saturday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish River Park HQ Bldg

3001 N. St. Rd. A-1-A

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 3-6 presents this one-day class. $20- ages 12-19/ $35 adults. For questions or to R.S.V.P., call 561-391-3600 and leave a message.

The Big Read Workshop

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m.

Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Big Read, a community-wide reading project, is exploring The Namesake by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, As part of the program, there will be a Bengali Elephant Textile Art Workshop presented by Young At Art at this library. Library visitors will get a chance to create a beautiful and colorful Bengali elephant textile. A Young At Art Educator will showcase several traditional examples of designs, including folk stories, flowers, birds, animals and geometric patterns. Recommended for ages 9 or older. For registration, please call 954-357- 7697 and leave name and telephone number.

Boca Raton Museum Of Art Festival

Saturday, Feb. 4 & Sunday, Feb.5 , 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Boca Raton Museum of Art

501 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free festival features 200 of the nation’s best artisans who will display and sell high-quality art, including ceramics, wood, fiber, glass, drawing, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography and sculpture. Art Activity Zone in the Amphitheater with performances and fun activities for the entire family. Proceeds help support the museum’s educational programs for children and youth. For more information, visit www.bocamuseum.org.

The Lucky Generation —

Presented by Peter Wise

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Author, Peter Wise, explains why he labels us “The Lucky Generation.” Open to the public. Lunch is included. $10 donation is appreciated. Parking is complimentary. For more information, call 954-427-0222.

Meet the Mayoral candidates

Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 to 9 p.m.

Royal Fiesta

1680 SE 3 Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presented by the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach, this event will give the public a chance to meet the candidates for the mayoral election. Included in the forum will be former representative Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, Commissioner Bill Ganz, Ben Preston and Ken Wayne. For more information, visit www.deerfieldchamber.com

Sisterhood Temple Beth Israel meets

Thursday, Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m.

Temple Beth Israel

201 S. Military Tr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Lisa Lobel, of Broward Public Library, will review The Black Widow By Daniel Silva. Fee: $9 (includes kosher luncheon) All, including men, are welcome. For information, call 954-421-7060, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.

Save the Date: Auction and Brunch

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

Oveta McKeithen

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Woman’s Club, Rotary Club, Historical Society, Butler House and Kiwanis Club East are going to join the Kiwanis Club West for an auction and brunch, with fish and grits, and more. Brunch is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Please bring things to donate to the auction. Tickets: $15. Call Vel. at 954-428-1537 for information.

Family Sports Day

Sunday, Feb. 12, 1 to 3 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Registration: 11:30 to noon. For more information, visit www.city.lighthousepoint.com or contact Becky Lysengen at 954-784-3439 or via email at lhprec@lighthousepoint.com.

Pompano Beach Garden Club Soup Luncheon

Saturday, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL. 33060

Includes lunch, raffle and silent auction. Book review and speaker on how to grow and care for orchids. Books and plants for sale. Benefits various charities. Tickets: $18.

Contact Karen Gott 954-532-5602.

2017 KEEPER DAYS

“Lighthouse Point What a Catch; A Fisherman’s Paradise”

Friday, Feb. 10 to Sunday, Feb. 12

• Kickoff Dinner

Friday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht Club

2701 NE 42 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

This year’s Keeper Honorees are The Kniskern family, of KMC Marine; The Ganter family, of Seafood World; and Tom Greene, of Custom Rod and Reel. Tickets: $60 per person. For more information, call Becky Lysengen at 954-784-3439.

• Parade & Celebration

Saturday Feb. 11, 10 a.m.

Route: From First Presbyterian Church of Pompano Beach to NE 24 Street north, to Frank McDonough Park (at 3500 NE 27 Ave.) The parade route will be closed for 20-minute intervals between 10 and 11 a.m. Daytime celebration: Frank McDonough Park, 11 a.m. to 1 pm., includes a car show, bounce houses and entertainment.

• Evening celebration

Saturday Feb. 11, 6 to 9 p.m.

Dan Witt Park

4541 NE 22 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Includes concert by Big City Dawgs, food vendors and

fireworks. Bring lawn chair.

Festival of the Arts

Saturday, Jan. 28 & Sunday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free. Great chance to see the beach and the beautiful art, as well as enjoy food and other vendors. See Pg. 1 for details.

Aunt Mary’s Annual Attic Sale

Saturday, Jan. 28, 8 a.m. to 2pm

St. Paul the Apostle Church, Parish Hall

2700 NE 36 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Household items, furniture, clothes, jewelry, small appliances and more. All items “second time around.” Refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call 954-943-9154.

6th Annual Unity in the Community Family Fun Day

Sat, Jan 28, 11a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community Park

2001 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come meet your neighbors. Free admission. Features DJ Joe Balistreri, live entertainment, free food, beverages, children’s activities, BSO demonstrations, local exhibitors, live auction with Mayor Lamar Fisher. For more information visit, www.uicpompano.org.

Family Fun Day: Pirate Day

Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Climb aboard a real pirate ship “The Avenger” located near Sears, meet and greet with Captain Jack and The Little Mermaid, Ariel. Children of all ages are encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate or mermaid themed costumes for a day of activities that will include arts & crafts, music and face painting. Search through buried treasure at the Pompano Citi Centre table and you might find gold. Ride the carousel during this event for only $1. For more information, visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

Cring & Clazzy

Sunday Jan. 29, 10 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church

3901 NE 22 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Offering their program of humor, stories, song and music to rally the spirits of those who attend. Program is geared to all ages and will be funded through a free-will offering taken at the end of the presentation. For more information, call 954-941-8033.

Club Paradise Toastmasters meet

Monday, Jan. 30, 7 to 8:15 p.m.

The Arboretum at Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Club contest open to the public. Learn how to improve leadership and speaking skills. Enjoy impromptu speeches, mingle with members and enjoy light refreshments. Meetings held every Monday. For more information, visit www.clubparadise.toastmastersclubs.org.

7th Annual Two Georges at The CoveBillfish Tournament

Kick-off party: Thursday, Feb. 2, 7 to 9 p.m.

Fishing day: Saturday, Feb. 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Awards & dinner: Saturday, Feb. 4, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Thousands in prize winnings, trophies, silent auction, raffle prizes. For Registration and Sponsorships, contact Denise Buzzelli 954-427-0353. All Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Jim & Jan Moran Unit. For information, call 954-427-0353.

Deerfield Beach Chamber Business & Breakfast

Thursday, Feb. 2, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton

100 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speaker, Michael Hudak, director of Human Resources, SHL Group. Learn about the world’s largest privately-owned designer, developer and manufacturer of advanced drug delivery systems, such as Auto Injectors & Pen Injectors, located here in Deerfield Beach. Admission: Members – $20 online, $25 at door; non-members – $25 online, $30 at door. For more information, visit www.deerfieldchamber.com.

Save the Date: Auction and Brunch

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

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Women’s Club; Rotary Club, Historical Society, Butler House and Kiwanis Club East are going to join the Kiwanis Club West for an auction, fish and grits , etc. Brunch from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Please bring things to donate to the auction. Tickets: $15. Call Vel. at 954-428-1537 for info.

Pompano Beach Garden Club Soup Luncheon

Saturday, Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m.

Emma Lou Olsen Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL. 33060

Includes lunch, raffle and silent auction. Book review and speaker on how to grow and care for orchids. Books and plants for sale. Benefits various charities. Tickets: $18. Contact Karen Gott 954-532-5602.

Seeking vendors for Pet Expo

Saturday, Feb. 18, noon to 4 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The annual event will feature Pet Costume Contest, Q&A session with Banfield Pet Hospital staff, Puppy Kissing Booth Sponsored by 99.9 FM Kiss Country, Music and Carousel rides. Free event. Leashed pets are welcome. Vendors or charities interested in participating may call 954-691-4888 for information on how to participate in the event. Applications for rescues or vendors can be found at www.pompanociticentre.com/sales-events/

Bed and Breakfast Weekend

Friday, Jan. 20, 3 p.m. to Sunday, Jan. 22, 1 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Hayride on Friday night, movie on Saturday night and continental breakfast, followed by a guided nature walk on Sunday morning. Each campsite features a 10 x 10 ft. platform tent fully set up, fire ring, BBQ grill, picnic table, water, electricity, access to showers/restrooms. Campers are on their own for dinner both nights. Pre-registration/payment required. $80 per campsite for up to 4 campers/$5 per additional camper (limit 2.) One adult camper age 18 + must be included at each campsite. For further information, call 954-357-5100.

Movies on the Lawn — Secret Life of Pets

Friday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m.

Great Lawn

Intersection of Atlantic Blvd./Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Family-friendly event. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics. For more information, call 954-786-4111 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Nautical Flea Market

Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Community Park

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Over 200 vendors will be selling new and used gear at great prices. Find boating equipment, fishing gear, nautical antiques and artwork, scuba gear, beach attire, boat shoes, jewelry, motors, anchors, tackle, hard to find parts and manufacturer close-outs. Local dealers and private sellers will be on-site ready to make a deal on new and used boats, motors, trailers and jet-skis. Listen to live music, enjoy lunch and beverage. Bring the kids too. Adults-$5/Children under 12, free. For more information, email info@nauticalfleamarket.com or call 954-946-6419.

Presidents speak

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2 to 4 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

“Presidents and Their First Ladies, Dramatically Speaking,” presents John And Abagail Adams. See these reenactors bring history to life. Also see new display, “Presidents in Miniature” presented by Les Petits Collecteurs of South Florida. These miniature settings of U.S. presidents were created by the club artisans and hobbyists who live in Deerfield and surrounding communities. For more information, call the reference desk at 954-357-7680.

5K Kiwanis/Key Club Walk/Run

Sunday, Jan. 22, Registration-6:30 a.m.

Walk/Run-7:30 a.m.

Countess de Hoernle Park

100 Spanish River Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Hosted by Boca Raton Kiwanis

Don King, Honorary Chair. Funds benefit homeless and foster care students. To register or donate, visit www.bocaratonkiwanis.com.

Wings of Freedom

Monday, Jan. 23 to Thursday, Jan. 26

Pompano Beach Airpark, Sheltair

1401 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come see historic planes from WWII. Explore the inside of a plane or even take a flight on a B-17 or B-24. Everything has a separate price. For reservations and information on flight experiences, call 800-568-8924 or visit www.collingsfoundation.org.

“Love is in the Air”

Fashion Show Luncheon

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m.

Lighthouse Point Yacht & Racquet Club

2701 NE 42 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Enjoy lunch, fashion show hosted by Sondro’s at the Cove, entertainment and door prizes to benefit NE Focal Point Alzheimer’s, children, senior & adult services. Tickets: $60 in advance. Call 954-480-4460 or email rwilliams@deerfield-beach.com.

Save the Date: Aunt Mary’s Annual Attic Sale

Saturday, Jan. 28, 8 a.m. to 2pm

St. Paul the Apostle Church, Parish Hall

2700 NE 36 St.

Lighthouse Point, Florida 33064

Household items, furniture, clothes, jewelry, small appliances and more. All items “second time around.” Refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call 954-943-9154.

Unity in the Community

Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community Park

2001 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come and visit exhibit for St. Peter’s Anglican Church at this family fun day.

Pirate Day

Saturday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy,

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Climb aboard a “real pirate ship,” located near Sears. Meet and greet with Captain Jack and The Little Mermaid, Ariel. Children of all ages are encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate or mermaid themed costumes for a day of activities that will include arts & crafts, music and face painting. Search through buried treasure at the Pompano Citi Centre table and you might find gold. Ride the carousel during this event for only $1. For more information, visit www.pompanociticentre.com.

Seeking vendors for Pet Expo

Saturday, Feb. 18, noon to 4 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

The annual free event will feature a Pet Costume Contest, Q&A session with Banfield Pet Hospital staff, Puppy Kissing Booth. Sponsored by 99.9 FM Kiss Country. Music and Carousel rides. Leashed pets welcome. Vendors or charities interested in participating may call 954-691-4888 for information on how to participate. Applications for rescues or vendors can be found at www.pompanociticentre.com/sales-events/.

Friends of the DB Arboretum meet

Thursday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

The Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free and open to public. Speaker: John Webster, member of the American hibiscus society and authority on the many species of hibiscus shrubs. Light refreshments served and plant giveaways. For more information, call 954-480-4495 or visit www.treezoo.com.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to noon

Central City Campus, Building A

401 SW 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For safe disposal of hazardous household items, Deerfield Beach Residents may bring materials to the city’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Free, Deerfield Beach residents only. Collection takes place the second Saturday of every month 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 954-480-4391 or visit www.deerfield-beach.com.

Broward Shell Show

Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Thousands of beautiful & unusual shells from around the world on display and for sale. Free. For more information, visit www.Browardshellclub.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch

Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sponsored by Deerfield Beach Kiwanis Club West. Keynote Speaker: Josephus Eggelleton Jr., Fmr. Broward County Commissioner. Moderator: Gwyndolen Clarke – Reed , Fmr. State Representative. Tickets $25. RSVP: Tracey Williams at 954-798-7526 or Velemina Williams at 954 -428- 1637.

30th Annual Boca Fest

Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan.15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Town Center Mall

6000 Glades Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Howard Alan Events is excited to announce that Boca Fest will return to The Town Center Mall at Boca Raton. The show will be located in the parking lot of The Terrace, a recent expansion near Bloomingdales, The Blue Martini and Gap. The show includes over 200 national artists. Free. Pets allowed (with leashes).

2017 Cool Wheels Car Show

Sunday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park (Shelter #10)

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

See a variety of souped-up cars, new and old. Listen to music from DJ Eugene, Rockin’ Rich and Scott the Music Man. Live performance by Across the Universe, the ultimate Beatles tribute. SWAT demonstrations by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, a silent auction and raffle prizes. Local food trucks will be there. Benefits the Youth Automotive Training Center. Free admission but Quiet Waters Park charges $1.50 per person for gate entry. For more information, visit www.yatc.org.

DB Chapter of Hadassah meets

Monday, Jan. 16, noon

Century Village

Le Club Activity Center Rm. C

3501 West Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker, Ira Zornberg will discuss his book Jews, Quakers And The Holocaust. Refreshments served. Guests and chapter members from up north welcome. For more information, call 954-427-9902 after 6 p.m.

Safe Boating Course

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Pompano Beach Sail & Power Squadron

3701 NE 18 Terr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Learn Basics of navigation, docking, emergency situations, water sport safety and local laws. Cost: $50 for Broward residents/$85 all others (includes textbook.) For more information or to register, visit www.pompanosafeboating.com.

DBICA Meeting

Thursday, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

Briggs Hall

1920 SE 5 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

First meeting of the year. For more information, visit www.DBICA.com.

Worth the Drive: 4th Annual Delray Beach Fashion Week

Wednesday, Jan. 25 to Sunday, Jan. 29

Local designers and diverse fashions will take center stage at the fashion runway events, designer showcase, fashion luncheon, Stiletto Race and, for the first time, a Fashion Week Boutique Pop Up Shopping Event. Created by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown businesses. The events will take place throughout Downtown Delray Beach and many are free to the public. Runway seats are ticketed. Ticket proceeds benefit Delray Beach Achievement Centers for Children & Families. For more information, visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/events/delray-beach-fashion-week-2017.

Exchange Club 150 Charity Dinner

The Exchange Club of Pompano Beach will host their annual 150 Charity Auction and Drawdown Dinner at the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 6 to 11 p.m. This year’s theme is Caribbean Soiree, chosen by club president David Vivies, whose heritage comes from the island of Martinique. There will be a steel drum band at the cocktail hour, a live band and entertainment during dinner, and the excitement of the 150 Drawdown to win cash and prizes. In addition, there will be a silent auction, 50/50 and wine wagon raffles, and a live auction with trips to Caribbean islands, a dinner cruise, private plane flight with a destination lunch, fishing charter, and mountain vacation home. This is the Exchange Club’s premier fundraiser to support student scholarships, child abuse prevention, local service projects and charities, such as the Broward Children’s Center, the Children’s Hearing Institute, Dynamos, Woodhouse, Honor Flight and the DAV. Tickets for the event are $150 and dinner only tickets are $100. Attendance is expected to beabout 200 people and the attire is Caribbean formal. Contact David Vivies at davidvivies@gmail.com for tickets or more info.

On the evening of Oct. 21, 2009, the flight crew of Northwest Flight 188 accidentally lost radio contact with air traffic control and flew approximately 150 miles past their destination of Minneapolis, Minnesota (MSP). Unfortunately for the pilots, besides losing their flight credentials, David Letterman, in response as to how this could happen, released the Top Ten Northwest Airlines pilot excuses. Having piloted under the Northwest colors myself, it pains me to admit that number seven —“Tired of that show-off Sullenberger getting all the attention”— gave me a chuckle.

It just so happens that Sullenberger, aka Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, also graced my list of the Top Ten resources in 2016 That Made Me a Better Person.

10. (Movie) God’s Not Dead 2. As a staff member with First Priority of South Florida, a non –profit organization operating under the Equal Access Act which “gives students the right to initiate and lead a Christian club on campus,” this movie reminded me that with nearly half a million students in the public middle and high schools of Southeast Florida — with statistics indicating that over 90 percent of these teens do not know Christ—one of the greatest mission fields is right in my own backyard.

9. (Podcast) Revisionist History by Malcolm Gladwell. This series challenged me to think differently about the past, and while I may not always agree with everything Gladwell has to say, I’m reminded that empathy begins when I leave the island of self.

8. (Podcast) The Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast. One particular episode stirred me to consider that if EQUIP, our student ministry, disappeared, would it matter? Would anyone miss it? I was forced to reevaluate the culture I was creating and enact a strategy to ensure it was a culture of continual improvement through a clear mission and vision. This podcast required me to defend why EQUIP exists.

7. (Movie) Sully. I’m moved to tears when the bustle of New York City drops everything to rescue the 155 passengers and crew of US Air flight 1549 when the plane lands in the Hudson River. This movie reminds me that there is much good in this world, and, as the old cliché states, “Not all heroes wear capes.” Sometimes they just ride ferry boats to work.

6. (Book) From the Pen to the Palace: A Youth Ministry Evangelism and Discipleship Dtrategy for a Post-Christian Culture by Benjamin Kerns. Benjamin introduced me to a world where the prodigal son never returns. It’s a context I have to understand if I’m ever to reach a generation that’s always lived in the “pen” and has never experienced the “palace.”

5. (Book) Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull. The title says it all and it’s my favorite book about how teams should operate.

4. (Movie) I’m Not Ashamed. This true story crafted from the journals of Rachel Scott, who was killed for her faith during the 1999 Columbine shooting, reminds me why it’s important to live boldly for Christ.

3. (Podcast) The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast. Pastor Craig helped me to understand the importance of being a leader that communicates effectively. He also taught me how to embrace change and to accept nothing less than my God-given leadership capacity.

2. (Book) Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg. There is a reason Pastor Doug Sauder recommended this book to his entire staff, and why it’s my No. 2. This book helped me understand exactly what my soul is and how I can administer the proper “soul-care.”

1. (App) The YouVersion Bible App. Truthfully I could just say The Holy Bible — it is all we need. But what I love about the YouVersion Bible App are the reading plans that span every topic and situation imaginable. With this app you’ll never have to say, “I don’t know where to start.” It also includes multiple languages, translations and even audible versions. A truly transformative 2017 begins here in God’s Word.

C.J. Wetzler is the NextGen pastor at First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach. Before transitioning into full-time ministry, CJ was a commercial airline captain and high school leadership and science teacher. For questions or comments he can be reached at cj@deerfieldfirst.com.

Movies in the Park — Finding Dory

Friday, Jan. 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park

4111 NW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free. Bring the family, blankets and lawn chairs. Food truck, movie concessions and glow merchandise will be sold for a small fee. For a full listing of this season’s movies and dates, visit www.dfb.city/moviesinthepark. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Arts Discussion Saturday

Saturday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m. to noon

Deerfield Beach Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Topic: “How Art made the World – How Perception of Reality changed after people discovered visual art & painting.” For more information, call the reference desk at 954-357-7680.

Current Issues in the Middle East

Wednesday, Jan.11, 10:45 a.m. to noon

Community Presbyterian Church

Briggs Hall

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hosted by the Prime Timers Group. Presentation and Slide Show given by Dr. Cecil Mackey, president emeritus of Michigan State University and former president of the University of South Florida. Dr. Mackey has been a special advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the United Arab Emirates for the past 26 years. He continues as a professor at Michigan State University teaching a course entitled “Economics, Oil and Islam.” He and his wife Clare are affiliate members of Community Presbyterian Church. Lunch to follow. $10 donation appreciated.

Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel meets

Thursday, Jan. 12, 11:30 a.m.

Temple Beth Israel

201 S. Military Tr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Program: Ron Dagan, Israeli folk singer and composer. Lunch will be served. Pay $9 at the door. For more information, call 954-421-7060 between 9 a.m. and noon.

Save the Date: Martin Luther King Jr. brunch

Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Sponsored by The Deerfield Beach Kiwanis Club West. Keynote Speaker: Josephus Eggelleton Jr., Fmr. Broward County Commissioner. Moderator: Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed , Fmr. State Representative. Tickets $25. RSVP: Tracey Williams at 954-798-7526 or Velemina Williams at 954 -428- 1637.

2017 Cool Wheels Car Show

Sunday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park (Shelter #10)

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

See a variety of souped-up cars, new and old. Listen to music from DJ Eugene, Rockin’ Rich, and Scott the Music Man. Live performance by Across the Universe, the ultimate Beatles tribute. SWAT demonstrations by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Silent auction and raffle prizes. Local food trucks will be there. Benefits the Youth Automotive Training Center. Free admission but Quiet Waters Park charges $1.50 per person for gate entry. For more information, visit www.yatc.org.

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum S. Florida luncheon

Monday, Jan. 30, noon (check-in at 11 a.m.)

Boca West Country Club

20583 Boca West Dr.

Boca Raton, FL 33434

Join the U.S Holocaust Memorial Museum leadership and supporters from South Florida to learn more about work to keep Holocaust memory alive in a constantly changing world. Luncheon speaker, Wendy Holden, author of Born Survivors A book signing will follow the program. Tickets: $150. For more information, contact the museum at 561-995-6773 or email: southeast@ushmm.org.

MLK events – Pompano

• Pompano Christian Clergy Prayer Breakfast

Saturday, Jan. 7, 8:30 a.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center

520 Hammondville Road/Dr. MLK Jr., Boulevard

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free event

• MLK Basketball Classic

Monday, Jan. 9 to Thursday, Jan. 12, 6 p.m.

Mitchell Moore Center Gymnasium

901 NW 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Ages: 14-15 and 16-17

Registration: $50 per team

• Parade/March

Monday, Jan. 16, Line-up 8 a.m.

Mitchell Moore Park

901 NW 10 St.

• Celebration

Monday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m. (after the parade)

Blanche Ely High School Gymnasium

1201 NW 6 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free event. For more information on these events, visit www.pompanomlkday.org.

30th Annual Boca Fest

Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan.15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Town Center Mall

6000 Glades Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Howard Alan Events is excited to announce that Boca Fest will return to The Town Center Mall at Boca Raton. The show will be located in the parking lot of The Terrace, a recent expansion near Bloomingdales, The Blue Martini and Gap. The show offers over 200 national artists. Free. Pets allowed (with leashes).

City Pub

956 S. Federal Hwy, Deerfield Beach

Rock and Roll New Year’s Eve Party at 9 p.m. Lite Buffet (kitchen will be open), party favors and champagne toast. Music provided by Dancing Pleasure – $15/person. For more information, call 954-427-8213.

JB’s on the Beach

300 NE 21 Ave., Deerfield Beach

New Year’s Eve dinner right on Deerfield’s beach, DJ, dancing, champagne toast at midnight.For more information, call 954-571-5220.

Oceans 234

234 Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach

Enjoy good food and a great view. DJ on-site and a champagne toast at midnight. For more information, call 954-428-2539.

Royal Blues Hotel

45 S. Ocean Way, Deerfield Beach

From 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., enjoy a Gatsby style event with live Jazz, a special menu with a 5-course dinner. Call 954-857-2929 for details and to reserve a spot.

Tipperary Pub

The Cove Shopping Center

1540 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach

Party 9 p.m. to midnight, including champagne toast and buffet. No reservations required. For more information, call 954-421-9769.

Two Georges at The Cove

1754 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach

Special menu, live entertainment, champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Call 954-421-9272 for more information. See more about menu on pg. 12.

Worth the Drive: New Year’s Eve in Downtown Delray Beach

From 5 to 9 p.m., there will be a family-friendly event held again this year in Old School Square Park. Enjoy live music and DJ, food trucks and plenty of events for the kids, including arts & crafts, resolution wall, playhouse murals, gaming tent, vintage game room, photo booth, face painters and games like Cornhole, Jenga and Connect Four. There are many private events happening all over Delray as well.

*On New Year’s Day, try out the buffet at Deer Creek Grille from 11 to 2 p.m. Enjoy a special menu served from silver chafing dishes. $19.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 5 and under. Plus gratuity and 6 percent tax. Reservations required: 954-421-5553. See Pg. 14 for menu.

Chanukah Party

Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Hooper Home

2370 NE 26 St.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For the community… Kosher Buffet, open bar and more. Presented by Chabad of North Broward Beaches. For more information, visit www.jewishlhp.com.

Tuesday Night Beach Dances

Tuesday, Jan. 3, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

“Johnny Vincent” will be playing. Wear dancing shoes and bring beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Free event. For more information, call 954-480-4429.

Save the Date: Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Friday Jan. 13 through Monday, Jan. 16

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join the City of Deerfield Beach along with city leaders, civic organizations and churches, as we pay homage to this great Civil Rights leader. This four daylong event features a weekend carnival, games and live entertainment, before drawing to a close on Monday at 10 a.m. with a two mile long parade and awards ceremony. Grand Marshal & Keynote Speaker: Judge Karen Mills-Francis. Free to attend. Don’t miss the first annual choir competition, which will be on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m.

For carnival schedule, hours and other info., visit www.deerfield-beach.com (under Parks & Recreation,then Special Events) or contact the Community Events andOutreach Division at 954-480-4429. Tickets are $1, or $25 for a wristband for all rides for the day. They are available for purchase on site at box office during carnival hours. More info. soon.

Nautical Flea Market

Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 22, 8 a.m. to 3p.m.

Community Park

US 1 between NE 10 St. and NE 6 St.

All types of boating equipment, fishing gear, nautical antiques and artwork, scuba gear, beach attire, boat shoes, jewelry, motors, anchors, tackle, hard-to-find parts and manufacturer close-outs. Over 200 vendors. Local dealers and private sell-ers will be on-site ready to make a deal on new and used boats,motors, trailers and jet-ski’s. Listen to live music, enjoy lunchand a cold beverage. For more information, email to infonauticalfleamarket.com or call 954-946-6419.

Art Lovers Rejoice 29th Annual Las Olas Art Fair Part I

Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Las Olas Blvd (SE 6th Ave to SE 11th Ave)

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

More than 150 artists will display their works along Las

Olas Boulevard. Meet the artists, commission a specific piece; ask questions about techniques; learn the sources of their inspirations; and purchase fine works of art at affordable prices. Free admission. Pet friendly event. For more information, visit www.artfestival.com.