By Rachel Galvin

If the wind is blowing, Tom Leeman is kiteboarding. He began back in 2002 when he saw a friend, who is a professional kiteboarder, braving the surf. He learned by trial and error, but he suggests learning from an expert.

“Anyone who wants to learn how to kiteboard should take a lesson from a qualified instructor who is licensed and insured. That’s the safest way to get started. Kiteboarding is an extreme sport and there is a lot of inherent risk. The ocean can be very unforgiving. Sometimes, the waves are 20 ft. in the currents running 5 to 8 knots. It’s a dangerous place for the inexperienced,” said Leeman, adding, “It’s not too expensive [to get set up]. You’ll probably end up spending about $1500. You need a harness, a board and a couple kites and a bar. Most people start out with a 12 m kite.”

He added, “I was kitesurfing with my friend Jay in Hurricane Dennis and my kite went down into a huge wave that dragged me under. The winds were about 40 kn and it was a pretty hairy situation. When I got back, my friend Jay had broken both bones in his right leg. We had to rush him to the hospital so it was a pretty crazy day.”

Despite the dangers, Leeman likes nothing more than being out in the elements in the blue sea off South Florida shores. Depending on the wind, he may surf all the way up to Boynton.

“Kitesurfing is an addictive sport if you’re an adrenaline junkie you’re going to love it, but if you’re afraid of the ocean and you’re afraid of sharks, and you’re afraid of big waves, you’re not going to like it. Kitesurfing immerses you in nature. You use the energy of the wind to propel you over the ocean. It’s like nothing else on earth. It is experiential. You have to experience it to understand it.”

When not kiteboarding, Leeman is teaching it at Delray Beach Kiteboarding. To get a lesson, give them a call at 561-703-5367 or find them on Facebook. They have teachers who are licensed and insured.

“You’ll learn the proper way to kitesurf and all of the safety systems, including how to rescue yourself in case of emergencies,” he said.

When on land, Leeman also teaches JKA Karate, works on producing movies occasionally and works for BirthdayComp, which provides free birthday discounts and gifts from local businesses on people’s birthdays (www.birthdaycomp.com).

The local to Deerfield Island Water Sports might not have the gear needed for kiteboarding, but they have plenty of surfboards to get your feet wet out in the ocean. They are located at 1985 NE 2 St. in Deerfield Beach.

Open House Meet and Greet at First Christian Day School

Thursday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m.

First Christian Church

1860 NE 39 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Tour natural environment preschool and meet early childhood professionals. Pre-School for ages 2, 3 & 4 and free 3-hour Florida VPK and After School care. Also new program Mom’s Morning Out for 2-year-olds. For information, call 954-942-2549.

Worth the Drive: Sushi & Stroll

Friday, Sept. 9, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

4000 Morikami Park Rd.

Delray Beach, FL 33446

Stroll the gardens, sip craft sakis, taste Asian cuisine, shop in the Museum Store and listen to the roar of Fushu Daiko’s taiko drum performances. Adults: $15, children (6-17): $9, under 6 Free. Seniors and military: $13 (with valid ID), students: $11 (with valid ID). For more information, call 561-495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org.

Women’s Chorus Open House

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m.

Unitarian Universalist Church Of Ft. Lauderdale  

3970 NW 21 Ave.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

Broward Women’s Choral Group is looking for women who love to sing. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon. For information, call 954-677-3190 or email info@bwcchoralgroup.org.

Flyway Planting Party

Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. till noon

• Deerfield Island Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Broward County Parks and Recreation Division invites the public to help plant 1,000 native trees to help birds and butterflies migrate along the Atlantic Flyway. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, gloves and other protective clothing and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water and a snack. For all ages. Free seedlings will be available to participants who want to improve their community, clean our air and water, and help wildlife by providing places for them to thrive. Sign up by calling 954-357-5100 or register online.

5th Annual Brazilian Beat

Saturday, Sept. 10, 6 to 11 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Come hear the sounds of Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Bebel Gilberto and Samba drummers. See beautiful costumed dancers in a Rio-style parade, enjoy savory Brazilian cuisine and cocktails, a Zumba showcase, a Capoeira circle, street dancing and more. Free community event.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to Noon

Elks Lodge

700 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does, Drove 142. Adults-$5/Children-$2.50. Open to the public. For information, call 954-255-3130.

Singers Dream Reunion Workshop & Dinner Showcase

Friday, Sept. 16 (pre-registration)

Hampton Inn

660 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Singers, musicians and artists that have been, or desire to be, taught coached or mentored by internation-ally acclaimed singer/musician/teacher Gene Townsel and Berklee voice professor/recording artist Jeff Ramsey, sign up; space is limited. Tickets andpre-registration forms are available at The Source, 230 Lock Rd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442. Pre-registration is $40 and on site is $45. Advance tickets for Dinner Showcase: $45-singles/$85 – couples. Tickets at the door: $50-singles/$95-couples. For information or registration, call 561-436-0868.

Save the Date:

Fifth Annual Breakfast Palooza

Saturday, Sept. 24, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Church of the Living God Fellowship Hall

186 SW 6 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Bid on the finest home baked goods in town, homemade and preserved from grandparents and great grandparent’s cookbooks. Also enjoy entertainment. Donation-$15 (includes breakfast and chance to win a designer handbag.) Children 12 and under $6. For tickets, call 954-235-7944 or email bfulmore235@gmail.com. Visit www.breastedsoldiers.org.

Save the Date:

• Smithsonian Museum Day Live

Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free Tours. Donations accepted.

• Historic Butler House

380 E, Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Old School Museum

232 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Florida Railway Museum

1300 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

• Authors and Autographs

Sunday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Local authors will sell and autograph their books. Want avendor table? Email elilly707@aol.com.

For more information about these events, visit www.deerfield-history.org or call 954-429-0378.

If you were like me as a kid, Christmas morning was the most anticipated morning of the year. I would toss and turn all night until about 4 a.m. when I would embark upon the mission of waking my parents — year after year to no avail.

In my 12th year of life, there was added expectancy. I was confident Santa Claus would deliver the year’s hottest toy: a Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash track set. Undoubtably by 9 a.m., my Hot Wheels cars would be whirling along the clover-shaped track, zooming through one of four intersecting “crash zones.” Months of agonizing waiting would finally come to bear its fruit in the form of epic crashes.

Santa delivered, both figuratively and literally. An overwhelming sense of happiness burst forth as I ripped the wrapping paper to reveal my Criss Cross Crash track set. The moment had arrived. Immediately I began to build the track. Wait a minute. This can’t be right. Where is it? It has to be here! No. No! These were my thoughts as I realized that one piece of track was missing. I had, for the most part, lost every little league baseball game up until this point in my life, and yet somehow, this moment was considerably more deflating.

As soon as the stores re-opened my dad and I went to make an exchange only to experience calamity number two: No Criss Cross track sets in stock. In this moment of crushing disappointment, somehow I found myself in the BB gun section of the store with my dad asking the most glorious question of all, “Would you rather have a BB gun?” Life changed forever. Criss Cross Crash would fall to the bottom of the memory pit — forgotten, thanks to my new Daisy pump-action BB gun rifle, and the countless hours spent protecting my backyard from an invasion of GI Joe and Ninja Turtle action figures — and my sister’s New Kids on the Block figurine.

I learned a valuable lesson that Christmas: Sometimes you have to give up something you love for something you love more. And 15 years later, God would have me revisit this wisdom.

During my mid-20s, I came across Pastor Craig Groeschel’s book titled Chazown: Define Your Vision. Pursue Your Passion. Live Your Life on Purpose. Pastor Craig uses the Venn Diagram method to reveal how when our spiritual gifts, core values and past experiences merge, we discover a clearer understanding of our God-given purpose. It was through much prayer, meditation and wise counsel that I discovered my God-given purpose.

At age of 27, I gave up something I loved (flying commercially) for something I loved more (investing in the next generation).

Too often we are afraid to fully surrender to the will of God citing the example of the wealthy ruler who asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life (Luke 18:18). When Jesus instructed him to sell all his possessions, we know that he left sorrowful, unwilling to give up what he loved—in his case, wealth (Luke 18:22-23). We fear Jesus will ask us the same of us regarding whatever it is we choose to love more than Him. But when we grasp the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross, we will acknowledge that the things we love are “worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:7-8). It is in this revelation that our response will differ from the sorrowful ruler as we willfully give up the things we love for the One we love more to live the purpose God has for our life — knowing everything we need can be found in the provisions of our Savior. He is all we need.

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.

Guided Tour

Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guided tours of the Historic Butler House. New Alice B Gift Shop now open. Tours conducted every Saturday. Visit www.deerfieldbeachhistoricalsociety.com.

Presentation about Zika

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Percy White Library

837 E. Hillsboro Blvd

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Spokesperson from Florida Dept. of Health in Broward County will discuss Zika, the mosquito-borne disease that has affected parts of Florida. For more information, call 954-357-7680.

Open House Meet and Greet

Thursday, Sept. 8, 6 p.m.

First Christian Day School

1860 NE 39 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Tour preschool and meet early childhood professionals. The preschool is for ages 2, 3 & 4. Free 3-hour Florida VPK and After School care. Also new program: Mom’s Morning Out for 2 year olds. For information, call 954-942-2549.

Friends of the DB Arboretum meets

Thursday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker, Ira Wechterman, president of the Friends of Deerfield Island Park, will talk about this natural nature preserve — what it is now and what it will become. Plant giveaway. Light refreshments will be served. Meeting is free and open to the public. For information, call 954-480-4495 or visit www.treezoo.com.

Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel meets

Thursday, Sept. 8, 11:30 a.m.

Temple Beth Israel

201 S. Military Tr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Ron Masloff discusses High Holy Days in the first meeting of the season. Mini lunch will be served. For information, call 954-428-6265.

Super Circuit Fitness program registration

Wednesday, Sept 10, 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.

Pioneer Park

222 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Cardio and strength/endurance fitness training program. Every Saturday. Registration $9 per single class/$64 for 8 classes. Register today at any City of Deerfield Beach community centers or visit www.deerfield-beach.com/registration. For information, call 954-480-4361.

Save the Date: Woman’s Club meets

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m.

Woman’s Club

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Program features talk on caregiving by author Chris Maclellan. Light refreshments will be served. Guests are welcome. For more information, call 954-421-4700 or visit our website at www.dbwc.org.

1st Annual Jr. Anglers Day

Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m. to noon

International Fishing Pier

200 NE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Youth fishing event includes fishing clinics/exhibitors, goody bags, arts and crafts, face painting and balloon art. Free for children ages 5-13. Register now at www.dfb.city/registration or by visiting any community center. Parking on barrier island is on a first come, first serve basis and is metered parking. Complimentary shuttle service will be available at the Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex (445 SW 2 Street) to the International Fishing Pier. This shuttle service will run continuously from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, call the Community Events and Outreach Division at 954-480-4429 or visit www.dfb.city/jranglersday.

Zonta Seeks vendors

The Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach are inviting all crafters of handmade creations, fine arts, jewelry, holiday gift items, pottery and other artisans, as well as orchid sellers, to join them from. at their annual Festi-Fall, to be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 360 S. Federal Hwy., in Deerfield Beach. The vendor space is 8 x 8 and costs $40 per space, two spaces for $75. They are expecting a good crowd. Visit www.zontadeerfieldbeach.org or contact Sandy Manning at 561-392-2223 or bosanboc@bellsouth.net for more information.

What’s Happening at BaCA in September

• RE-Produce Art Exhibit

Thursday, Sept. 1 to Thursday, Sept. 29

Kick off the season with curator Lisa Rockford, and “RE-Produce,” a juried exhibition seeking artworks that utilize found objects and unexpected debris materials and transform them into works of splendor. Opening Reception Thursday, Sept. 8, 6 to 9 p.m. Free.

• Craft Brew & Arts Festival

Old Town Untapped, Pompano

Friday, Sept. 2, 6 to 10 p.m.

A night filled with free craft beer samples from Pompano’s own breweries, live music, food trucks, art and more! Free. 1st Friday of the each month. For more information, call 954-786-7824.

• Fresh Air with Byrd

Wednesday, Sept. 7, 7 to 8 p.m.

Bi-monthly writing workshop for all levels of writers and performers. Classes can be taken sequentially or individually. Artists who participate in this workshop also receive a ticket into the all-arts open mic night at Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA), happening on the same night. Tickets: $15. Space is limited. Register on website.

• Lyrics Lab Wednesday, Sept. 7, 8 to 11 p.m.Bring your latest work — poems, verses, songs, lyrics and beats and share in our intimate space, accompanied by live music. Tickets: $10. For more information, call 954-284-0141.

BaCA is located at 41 NE 1 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060. For more events, visit www.baileyarts.org.

Creative Clash at Magnetic Pompano

Friday, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre, Ste. 108

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Competing artists will be painting on mannequins. Winner will become first Macy’s Pompano artist of the month, and will have pieces of their work exhibited on the 2nd floor display gallery. Come cheer on and meet artists. This free event is open to the public. R.S.V.P. at www.magneticpompano.org or call 954-839-9578.

A Day in the Park

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

Mayo Howard Park

(Just North of Cracker Barrel)

1131 FAU Research Park Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join Gwyndolen Clark-Reed (running for State Senate, District 34) and Whitney Rawls (running for State Rep. District 92) for the “3P’s” (pens, pencils & paper giveaway). There also will be free hot dogs, chips and Capri Sun (while supplies last.) Enjoy music and super slide. Free event.

McMahon Mix & Mingle Fundraiser

Saturday, Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m.

McIsland

601 NE 3 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Help raise funds for U Can Ride therapeutic horseback riding program which helps special needs individuals. Includes dinner buffet, open bar, entertainment, billiards, arcade games & raffle prizes. Minimum $15 donation. R.S.V.P. with the amount of people in your party to http://mixandmingle.pingg.com/mix.

Authors and Autographs

Sunday, Aug. 28, 1 to 4 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Local authors will sell and autograph their books. Used book sale too. Free event. Donations accepted. www.deerfield-history.org or call 954-429-0378.

Adult coloring class

Monday, Aug. 29, noon to 2 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Coloring generates wellness and quietness while stimulating the brain areas related to the senses and creativity. No fee for class. Bring your own coloring pencils/markers. Drawings will be provided. For more information, call 954-480-4447 or email nefocalpoint@deerfield-beach.com. Classes held every Monday.

Register Now:

• Super Circuit Fitness Registration

Saturday, Sept. 10 through Oct. 29

8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Pioneer Park

222 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

One hour cardio and strength/endurance fitness training program. Registration is $9 per single class or 8 classes for $64. Register today at any of the City of Deerfield Beach community centers, or visit www.dfb.city/registration. For additional information, call 954-480-4361.

• 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 a.m.

Crystal Lake Golf Club

3810 Crystal Lake Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33064

Hosted by Kiwanis Club of Deerfield Beach. All proceeds benefit Kiwanis children’s charities. Registration: $125-individual/$500 foursome (includes continental breakfast and awards luncheon.) Extras include: raffle prizes, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, free drinks on the course. Many sponsorships still available. Contact Henry at 954-242-6083 or hgouldrealtor@comcast.net, or Kerri at 954-980-1833 or kerri1217@gmail.com.

Save the Date:

• Friends of the DB Arboretum meets

Thursday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Constitution Park

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker will be Ira Wechterman, president of the Friends of Deerfield Island Park. Hear about this natural nature preserve … what it is now and what it will become. Plant giveaway. Light refreshments will be served. Meeting is free and open to the public. For information, call 954-480-4495 or visit www.treezoo.com.

• 2nd Annual Women in Deerfield Expo

Thursday, Sept. 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Royal Fiesta Caterers

The Cove Shopping Center

1680 SE 3 Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Showcase your woman-owned or woman-oriented business. Must provide a sample or service to attendees. Vendor space is limited and first come first served. Register at www.deerfieldchamber.com or call Daisja Brinson at 954-427-1050. Presented by the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce.

11th Annual Shop For A Cause

Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016.

Macy’s has provided Gateway Community Outreach (GCO), in Deerfield Beach, with shopping passes to sell for $5 each. GCO will keep 100 percent of the proceeds for every shopping pass that it sells. By purchasing a shopping pass from GCO, customers support homelessness prevention and can enjoy discounts at Macy’s.

For more information, visit www.macys.com/shopforacause.To purchase a shopping pass, contact Madonna Letourneau at 954-725-8434 or 561-289-6127 or visit www.gcoflorida.org.

By Gary Curreri

In the past five years, there has been an explosion of collegiate opportunities for playing beach volleyball.

Two sisters from Deerfield Beach – Alanna and Audrey Hodge – recently placed third in the AVPFirst Girls 14-Under volleyball championship on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Alanna, age 14, is a freshman at Monarch High School and has played beach volleyball for five years.

“I like beach volleyball more than indoor because you get more touches on the ball and it is fun to play with new partners to see how you do with other people,” she said.

Audrey, age 12, a seventh-grader at Boca Christian, also played beach volleyball for five years.

“There is a lot of pressure because I am playing in a higher division than I normally would,” Audrey said. “I like it because it is mostly all on you. You are responsible for half of the court.”

Shawn Taylor, of the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) and the coach at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, said with more juniors playing the game, more and more schools are offering scholarships.

“For years it was just the pro beach tour and there was no avenue to get there, and with colleges coming in as a player, it gave juniors something to shoot for,” Taylor said. “Now with more juniors playing the game, it has provided us with an avenue to create a pipeline and a clear path for them to go from playing junior recreational to, hopefully, playing at the collegiate level and then carrying on past that to the professional level.”

Taylor said there are schools adding the sport “everyday” and estimated there were about 65 schools offering beach volleyball.

“They anticipate being at 100 (schools) in a year or two,” Taylor said. “They were at zero (schools) five years ago. It was a pipe dream and a myth. It was like crazy talk going around.”

Florida Beach Volleyball Tour tournament director Gino Ferraro is in his 27th year and hosted eight events this year – including stops in Pompano Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Siesta Key, Hollywood, and plans to hold one in Delray Beach next year.

“The season starts at the beginning of May and runs through the second week of August,” Ferraro said. “Because of the size of the field, it is hard to find beaches that will hold us anymore.”

Jeudy commits to Alabama

Deerfield Beach High School senior wideout Jerry Jeudy is taking his talents to the University of Alabama next season.

Ranked the fourth-best receiver in the nation by ESPN, Jeudy earned a spot on the all-offense team in July at Nike’s The Opening, one of the top camps in the country in Beaverton, OR It helped parlay him into a good spot to choose his next destination.

“I’m excited,” said Jeudy, who chose the Crimson Tide over Florida, Miami, Florida State University and Tennessee. The four-star recruit had offers from more than 20 different schools. “It was the best fit for me. It’s a great program with great coaches, great players and that’s a winning team. I feel like I can go there and do what I have to do and step on the field and make plays.”

“It was a very hard decision for me,” added Jeudy, who caught 41 passes for 496 yards and 10 scores last season for the Bucks. “I prayed a lot and felt that Alabama was more of a home.”

Deerfield teammate Daewood Davis, who transferred from Stranahan in the spring, previously announced he was committing to the University of South Florida.

Dive-In Movie — The Good Dinosaur

Friday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Aquatics Center

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free movie. For information call,954-420-2262 or visit www.Deerfield-Beach.com.

Summer Time Fun

Friday, Aug. 19, 5 to 9 p.m.

Sprinkles & Scoops Ice Cream Shop

1624 SE 3 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

It is almost time to go back to school so take the whole family for some ice cream at this new-to-The-Cove ice cream shop. Besides delighting in some tasty flavors, you will be helping out a good cause. Twenty percent of proceeds benefit NE Focal Point CASA, Inc. For more information, call 954-480-4460.

Movies on the Lawn – The Lorax 3-D

Friday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.

Intersection of Atlantic Blvd.

and Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

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

Guided Tour

Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Get a guided tour of the Historic Butler House. Visit the new Alice B. Gift Shop. For more information, visit www.deerfieldbeachhistoricalsociety.com.

David Presler performs

Temple Beth Israel

Sunday, Aug. 21, 2 p.m.

201 S. Military Tr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Cantor and entertainer, David Presler, performs. Tickets are free and can be reserved by email at etaarts@aol.com or call 954-421-7060. Donations are welcome.

Kristin’s Catching Up Fundraiser

Sunday, Aug. 21, 5 to 9 p.m.

American Rock Bar and Grill

1600 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

This Cultural Collision Bash will be filled with music, performance art, entertainment, food, fun and raffles. This will be an evening of good vibes you won’t want to miss. The event will support Kristin Cappiello as she faces unprecedented challenges in her life. Please call 754-235-3783 for details.

Tuesday Night Beach Dance

Tuesday, Aug. 23, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Total Recall will be playing. Wear your dancing shoes and bring a beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Free. Sponsored by the City of D.B. For information, call 954-480-4429.

$1 Short Stack Day

Tuesday, Aug. 23, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m

IHOP

516 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to No Kid Hungry to help end child hunger. You can also donate to the No Kid Hungry campaign by visiting www.IHOP.com from Aug. 1 through Sept. 25.

National Lighthouse Preservation Day

Saturday, Aug. 20, hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sands Harbor Dock

125 N. Riverside Dr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

If you have never gone before or if it has been awhile, now is the time to visit the historic Hillsboro Lighthouse. Be aware it gets windy up there, but it provides amazing views of the whole area, so bring your camera. Just walking around the grounds and seeing the Barefoot Mailman statue and other memorials make it a worthy visit and a beautiful day. Transportation is by boat. Arrive at dock 10 to 20 minutes before departure to register. Parking is on east side of street in city (pay) parking lot. Must wear flat, closed shoes. Children must be 4 ft. tall to climb the tower. No pets. $25; free to HLPS members. For more information, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

NE Focal Point Preschool Open House

Thursday, Aug. 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

NE Focal Point

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten offered for ages 2-5 years, beginning Aug. 22. Open year round, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuition includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Art, music, computer classes and swimming lessons also included. Teachers are certified. For information, call 954-480-4473 or email: jhafer@fdeerfield-beach.com.

Music under the Stars

Friday, Aug. 12, 7 p.m.

Pompano Beach Great Lawn

Corner Atlantic Blvd. & Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Featured band D Funk and the Flo (R&B and Funk band).Music under the Stars will be held the second Friday of every month For more information, visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov or call 954-786-4111.

Sushi & Stroll

Friday, Aug. 12, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

4000 Morikami Park Rd.

Delray Beach, FL 33446

Cool off as you stroll the gardens, sip craft sakis, taste Asian cuisine, shop in the museum store and listen to the roars of Fushu Daiko’s taiko drum performances. Adults: $15, children (6-17): $9, under 6 free. Seniors/Military: $13 (with valid ID), students: $11 (with valid ID). Food and drinks are not included in the admission price. Call 561-495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org.

Guided Tour

Saturday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guided tours of the Historic Butler House. New Alice B Gift Shop now open. Fee: donation.

Back to School Fair

Saturday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreation Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Students will receive free backpacks full of supplies, free haircuts, free health screenings. Demonstrations by Broward Sheriff Office’s fire trucks and equipment. Free food & refreshments. For additional information, call 754-224-9182.

Talk to the Mayor

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m.

City Commission Chambers

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Mayor Jean Robb invites residents to her annual “Talk to the Mayor” event. In addition to sharing your comments and questions, there will be a presentation by the developer of the proposed Dixie Highway apartment complex, Deer Trace residences [see more, Pg. 6]. That will be followed by a short update on the Infrastructure Surtax Referendum that voters will see on the November ballot. As a part of that presentation, you will see the list of proposed city infrastructure projects that could be funded by the surtax should voters choose to support that referendum. For more information, contact the City Manager’s office at 954-480-4263.

Vendor Registration for 2nd Annual Women in Deerfield Beach Expo

Thursday, Sept. 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Royal Fiesta Caterers

The Cove Shopping Center

1680 SE 3 Court

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Showcase your woman-owned or woman-oriented business. Must provide a sample or service to attendees. Vendor space is limited and first come, first served. Register at www.deerfieldchamber.com or call Daisja Brinson at 954-427-1050. Presented by the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce.

At the time of writing this article, the population of the United States is 324,192,360. Of those, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 130,000 of them are employed as a commercial or airline pilot. That means only .0004 percent of the U.S. population fly cargo or people professionally. If you were to attend a sold-out Yankees game, of the 54,251 spectators, statistically there are only 22 pilots in the stands. That’s three less people than one team’s active roster! It’s a prestigious career with few completing the extensive training, unrelenting testing and demands that professional pilots experience. I know this because I was one — a captain by age 24, even.

Six years after my departure from the airline industry people still ask, “What kind of plane did you fly?” And when I reply that I operated the CRJ-200, a 50-seat regional jet, forget what I wrote above. I might as well have said that I pulled a Radio Flyer wagon behind my Big Wheel and, yet, some would still consider that the more prestigious.

Easily disregarded by the public is the fact that regional aircraft and crew are held to the same certification and reliability standards as the mainline carriers, which is proven by the regional airlines’ exceedingly unprecedented safety and reliability record. Also ignored, regional pilots — one could argue — possess surpassing “stick-and-rudder” skills as a direct result of the increased amount of operations in what is statistically considered the most dangerous part of the flight which is the take-off and landing (or terminal) environment. Finally, consider how the regional jet has positively impacted the market for the customer by expanding to service smaller cities and providing greater schedule flexibility. Yet, no one wants to fly on the “tiny” jets — the scourge of the industry. Vacation, yes; via a regional jet, no.

As a pastor, the size game continues. How many people go to your church? How many youth went on the summer trip? How many students attend the Wednesday night experience? Numbers, numbers, numbers! In aviation, you’re not a real pilot until you’ve flown a plane with 100 seats or more. And in ministry, you’re not a real pastor until your weekly attendance exceeds 2000 with the additional “pastor street credential” bonus for being multi-site.

Please hear me; I believe God has, and will, use varying church styles and sizes. But what’s being increasingly neglected by church-goers is the focus of what’s most important in the ministry — Christ. Somewhere we’ve come to measure the health and success of a church solely by two metrics: attendance and giving. Can these two be indicators of health or deficiency either way? Yes, they can. But should they be the sole qualifiers? I say absolutely not! As recorded in Matthew 7:20, Jesus says, “[Just] as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”

Timothy Keller, in Shaped By the Gospel, writes, “The most important [action taken] is that a ministry be faithful to the Word and sound in doctrine,” with Christ at the center. We must resist the temptation to be ensnared by shallow number-crunching and instead hold fast to the promise of what God desires to accomplish through a handful of people fully surrendered to His will.

It is we, who call ourselves Christians, that have been commissioned to gather as the body, the Church, and to be known by our actions. We are people with a “passion for His presence, a deep craving to reach the lost, sincere integrity, Spirit-led faith, down-to-earth humility,” and a recognition of our own “brokenness” (It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It, Craig Groeschel).

When we act in such a way, we’ll see rebellious hearts turn toward God and He will “add to the Church” because we abandoned seat-counting and returned to devoting ourselves “to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer” Acts 2:38-47.

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.

Dive in Movies: McFarland USA

Friday, Aug. 5, 8 p.m.

Houston Sworn Pool

901 NW 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Cool off with a dip in the pool while you enjoy a feature film. Snacks and refreshments will be available. For more information, call 954-786-4116 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Rainforest Grand Opening

Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m.

Constitution Park’s Arboretum

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Come see the newly-constructed rainforest. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. For additional information, call Constitution Park at 954-480-4494.

Superhero Splash Bash

Friday, Aug. 5, 6 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Family event with games, splash water park playtime, a movie, bounce house, prizes and more. All ages. $6 per person, children 1 year and under free. Pre-registration required; call 954-357-5100.

Registration and tour — NE Focal Point

Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m to noon

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Free Voluntary Pre Kindergarten offered for ages 2-5 years, beginning Aug. 22. Open year round, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuition includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Art, music, computer classes and swimming lessons also included. Teachers are certified. 5+Quality Rated School with APPLE Accreditation. For information, call 954-480-4473 or email jhafer@fdeerfield-beach.com.

Guided Tour

Saturday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guided tours of the Historic Butler House. New Alice B Gift Shop now open. Visit www.deerfield-history.org or call 954-429-0378 for information.

Deerfield Beach Orchid Society meeting

Tuesday, Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speaker: Thanh Nguyen, owner-operator of Springwater Orchids, Melbourne, FL. Guests or new members always welcome. No charge for a guest to visit first two times. After that, there is an annual membership fee. Visit: www.deerfieldbeachorchidsociety.org or email deerfieldbeachorchidsociety@gmail.com for information.

Seeking vendors: 2nd Annual Women in Deerfield Beach Expo

To be held: Thursday, Sept. 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Royal Fiesta Caterers in The Cove Shopping Center, 1680 SE 3 Court, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Showcase your woman-owned or women-oriented business. Must provide a sample or service to attendees. Vendor space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at www.deerfieldchamber.com or call Daisja Brinson at 954-427-1050. Event is presented by the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce.