Food Truck Invasion

Thursday, June 16, 5 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Bring the whole family to the park and dine under the open sky. Food trucks with a wide variety of selections. For information, call 954-357-5100 or visit www.foodtruckinvasion.com.

Movies on the Lawn: The Lego Movie

Friday, June 17, 8 p.m.

Great Lawn

90 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics.

NE Focal Point Annual Senior Prom

Friday, June 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Appearing live — Shane LeMar and The Ink Spots. Everyone encouraged to dress to impress. For information, call 954-480-4447 or e-mail tsutton@deerfield-beach.com.

Scoops with BSO’s Troops

Saturday, June 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant

3901 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Free event hosted by Sheriff Scott Israel. Enjoy free ice cream cones; speak with BSO personnel in a laid-back atmosphere. Also DJ, Ronald McDonald, K-9s and more.

Guided Tour of Butler House

Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Find out more about our community and the Butler House. New Alice B Gift Shop, filled with historical pictures, T-shirts and other gifts, is open.

Downtown Drive Car Show

Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mizner Park

327 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33442

Great Father’s Day outing! Showcase of antique, classic, European sport & exotic cars. Free admission. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For more information, visit www.miznerpark.com.

Writing Workshop Program

Monday, June 20, 1 to 3 p.m.

Century Village Clubhouse

2400 Century Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Must be Century Village resident. Twice a week – Monday and Friday. Six sessions for $50. Bring paper and pen or pencil; be prepared to write. In each session, you will find out what you should write and bring to the following class. During class, you will have the chance to read whatever you write aloud and receive feedback from the group. For more information, call Kimberly Dove at Bay Management, 954-428-6892, ext. 4 .

Tuesday Night Beach Dance

Tuesday, June 21, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Total Recall will be playing for your entertainment and dancing pleasure. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Free. Call 954-480-4429 for information.

Zonta Membership Reception

Tuesday, June 21, 5:30 to 7 pm.

DoubleTree Hilton

100 Fairway Dr.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Prospective members and guests can learn about organization and service projects.Visit www.zontadeerfieldbeach.org or contact Sandy Manning at 561-392-2223 or bosanboc@bellsouth.net.

Butterfly Gardening event

Saturday, June 18, 8 a.m. to noon

Recycling Drop Off Center

401 SW 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

City of Deerfield Beach needs help expanding its butterfly garden. All ages and abilities welcome. Receive a free plant, T-shirt and light lunch. R.S.V.P. to hmarshall@deerfield-beach.com or call 954-480-1420.

Basketball Camp: Kenny Boynton’s Train Like A Pro Weekend

Friday, June 24 through Saturday, June 25

Highlands Christian Academy

501 NE 48 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Think, train, perform like a pro. K-12th grade. Limited space. Also includes Elite Training Clinic: Sunday, June 26, Coral Springs Rec. Ctr. Register now at: arcitecbasketball.com

Worth the Drive: Repticon

Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Universal Palms Hotel & Conference Center

4900 Powerline Rd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

Hundreds of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spiders and small exotic animals to see. Top breeders and vendors offering animals, merchandise, cages, supplies, and expert advice about animals, their habitats, feeding and care. $10 adults, $5 children 5 to12; children under 5 free. VIP tickets available online at www.reptiday.com/ftlauderdale.html.

Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer SLAM, Part One

Saturday, June 18

Just south of the Pompano Beach Pier

Bring your family for a fun day, including The Sunshine Sup Series paddle board races, Free SUP and kayak demos on the beach, lots of free goodies from the 50+ vendors! The Copper Tones will be performing live on stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weigh in at 2:30 p.m. Also join the kick-off party June 16, 6 to 9 p.m., Bru’s Room, 235 S. Federal Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33062. For more information, visit www.extremekayakfishingtournament.org.

Splash Adventure

Thursday June 9, 9:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Splish, splash and beat the summer heat! All ages. $5.25 plus tax/person per session. The park’s regular gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect. Coolers are now permitted in the aquatics area. Food and drinks available for purchase. No glass containers and no alcoholic beverages permitted. For more information, contact the park office at 954-357-5100.

Life drawing from model

Friday, June 10, 7 to 10 p.m.

Bailey Contemporary Arts

41 NE 1 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Dr. Sketchy Anti-Art School is offering a live model drawing class. Ages 18 and over. $10 online; $12 at door. Coffee and cocktails available for purchase. Register at www.baileyarts.org or call 954-284-0141.

Worth the Drive!: Sushi & Stroll

Friday, June 10, 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 through the gardens, sip craft sakis, taste Asian cuisine, shop in the museum store and listen to the beat of Fushu Daiko’s Taiko drum performances. Adults: $15, children (ages 6-17): $9, under 6 free. Seniors and military: $13 and students: $11 (with valid ID). For more information, call 561-495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday June 11, hourly 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sands Harbor Dock

125 N. Riverside Dr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

If you have not had a chance to tour the Lighthouse, do it now. This is a must-see with outstanding views. Bring your camera! Celebrate Jacques Cousteau Day. Must wear flat, closed shoes. Children must be 4 ft. tall to climb the tower. No pets. Transportation is by boat from Sands Harbor Dock. $25; free to HLPS members. For more information, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Summer Music Festival and

Wing Warrior Cook-off

Saturday, June 11, Noon to 6 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Music, food, cooking competition with prizes, kid’s corner and more. Visit www.deerfield-beach.com/smf for details.

Seminar: Uterine Fibroids

Sunday, June 12, two sessions: 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center

201 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Dr. Suzanne LeBlang and Dr. Rebecca Stern will present two seminars on new treatment options for women with fibroids. Free. Pre-register at www.fibroidseminar.com or call 888-449-6636.

Lighthouse Point Summer Tennis Camp

Starts Monday, June 13

Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lighthouse Point Tennis Center

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Improve tennis skills, play outdoors, learn sportsmanship, get exercise. Open to kids 7 to 16 years old. $150 per week or $35 per day. 10 percent discount on second child. Runs through Aug. 5. Call 954-946-7306 or visit www.lhptenniscenter.com for information or to register. Also Pee Wee Summer Camp with Coach Hope, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9 to 10 a.m. for kids 4 to 6. $15 per child, per day. Call Hope at 954-326-2150.

Tuesday Night Beach Dance

Tuesday, June 14, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Total Recall will be playing for your entertainment and dancing pleasure. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Free. Call 954-480-4429 for information.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, June 15, noon to 1 p.m.

Deerfield Beach City Commission Chambers

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Who will be speaking this week? Come and see. Learn about local history. Donation welcome.

I’ve heard that social media is good and bad. Unfortunately, both are an oversimplification, void of a deeper understanding (as I would argue that social media has both “good” and “bad” qualities — key word, qualities).

One of the “bad” qualities is what researchers have determined about stories in our social media newsfeed, how they carry equal weight. Everything shares the proverbial front page. Couple that with the saturation of tragedies posted, desensitizing us to their weightiness, and no wonder silly cat videos go viral. The “bad” qualities have led us straight into being overwhelmed, jaded and complacent … case-and-point, me.

Last week, while scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I came across a picture of a young boy lying in a hospital bed connected to monitoring equipment. The tag line asked for prayer. I started to pray. I wish I could say that I rolled out of bed and dropped to my knees. Or that I at least prayed something more meaningful than, “Lord, be with this young boy; heal him.” But I didn’t. And it was then and there that the Holy Spirit convicted me. I asked God to lead me in what I should pray. What flashed through my mind next was probably one of the most authentic prayers I’ve ever uttered. “Lord, I wish I cared more.”

The truth: I was going through the motions — knocking out my obligatory prayer. I wanted to sleep. But God, after His conviction, prompted me to continue to aimlessly scroll through my newsfeed. He knew that just a few posts away was the same boy, except this time, the picture included detailed instructions how to pray. God is good and I prayed — for real.

While the main plot was that of the young boy — whose surgery went well — the side story included my growth. I decided from that day forward I would commit to caring more. Philippians 2:4 reads, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” and Romans 12:10 says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” I want to take this wisdom to heart as I live the command of John 13:34-35 to “[love] each other [just] as [Christ has] loved you,” so that “[your] love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Did you know that the average age for children being recruited for prostitution is 13 years old, which Peter Haas, in his book Broken Escalators: Funny and Frightful Lessons about Moth Eating and Moving to the Next Level, reports that these children who are coerced or trafficked comprise nearly 20 percent of Internet porn. And just how much cash is spent on pornographic material daily? Haas confirms that among China, the U.S., Japan and South Korea, a whopping $236 million is consumed … per day. What else happens per day? Haas continues, 21,000 children under 5 years old die from poverty-related illnesses. Toss in racism, terrorism, corruption you name it, and it can be overwhelming living in a world that has succumbed to sin.

If you’re like me, you will want to do something. You will want to care more. I love what Benjamin Kerns writes about righting injustices in his book From the Pen to the Palace: A Youth Ministry Evangelism and Discipleship Strategy For a Post-Christian Culture; he calls us to “[leverage] our power for the benefit of others.” We see this modeled by Christ in how He cared, how He loved. Eugene Cho writes in Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World than Actually Changing the World? whether it was the widow, the leper, the adulterer, the prostitute, the marginalized, the oppressed, the forgotten, the rich, the poor, the hurting, the joyful, (you name it), Jesus lived justly and He calls us to follow suit: to love as He loves … to care more.

Join me and, together, let us be the Church — one that loves others by caring more than just in thought, but in deed.

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.

Splash Adventure

Thursday June 2, 9:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

All ages. $5.25 plus tax per session. The park’s regular gate entrance fee of $1.50 per person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect. Coolers are now permitted in the aquatics area. Food and drinks available for purchase. No glass containers and no alcoholic beverages permitted. For more information, contact the park office at 954-357-5100.

Food Truck Invasion

Thursday, June 2, 5 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Bring the whole family to the park and dine under the open sky. Food trucks with a wide variety of selections.

For information, visit www.foodtruckinvasion.com or call 954-357-5100.

22nd Annual Hope Floats Sidewalk Sale for JDRF

Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

The Fresh Market

100 W. Camino Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Each of The Fresh Market’s 175 stores will offer hot dogs, root beer floats and ice cream sundaes (regular and sugar-free), each for a $2 donation. 100 percent of funds raised will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), whose goal is to prevent and end Type 1 diabetes.

The Ultimate Music Game Show

Friday, June 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

The Ultimate Music Game Show hosted by Doug Shannon. This interactive and engaging event includes snippets of stories with trivia questions, Name That Tune (and Artist) and Let’s Make a Deal all rolled up into one. Prizes. Free family event. For information, call 954-786-4590.

Rainforest Planting Day

Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. to noon

Deerfield Beach Arboretum

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Come out and help plant new rainforest exhibit. Plenty of work for everyone including planting, fertilizing, watering and simply cheering others on. Lunch and drinks provided. Wear close-toed shoes and bring work gloves. Email jerry@treezoo.com or call 954-234-1002 for information. See more on Pg. 7.

6th Annual Board Swap & Sample Sale

Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Island Water Sports

1985 NE 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Hey surfers, ready to get rid of your old board and get something new? Now is the time to turn in your board and swap it out. Raffle, discounts, and Kiwanis fundraiser for surf camp scholarships (www.islandcamps.com).

Call 954-427-4929 or visit www.islandwatersports.com.

Butler House Tour

Saturday, June 4, 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.

Kid’s Discovery Day

Saturday, June 4, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St. (Briggs Hall)

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Fun family event. Activity stations featuring gardening, fishing, soccer, Capoeira, arts and crafts, knitting, music, face painting and more. For information, call 954-427-0222.

Tuesday Night Beach Dance

Tuesday, June 7, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Total Recall will be playing for your entertainment and dancing pleasure. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Free.

Call 954-480-4429 for information.

Save the Date!

Tommy James and the Shondells perform

Saturday, June 11, 8 p.m.

Pompano Amphitheatre

1801 NE 6 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The legendary act will be playing all their classic hits, including “Crimson & Clover,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Mony, Mony” and more. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.PompanoBeachArts.org or call 954-519-5500.

Save the Date!

Summer Music Festival and Wing Warrior Contest

Saturday, June 11, Noon to 6 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Celebrate the tastes, smells, sights and sounds of summer at the City of Deerfield Beach’s Annual Summer Music Festival. This year includes Wing Warrior Contest! Free, family friendly event will feature live music by DJ Big Man Kelly, Joey Gilmore, Skotch Bonnett Band, and Howard Hewett. Plenty of entertainment, and a kid’s zone. Arts, crafts and food vendors. No outside food or beverages allowed. Call 954-480-4429 for information.

Hillsboro Inlet to Palm Beach Regatta

June 3 & 4

Pavilion of the Chalfonte

500 S. Ocean Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

• Friday, June 3

— 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Pre-Race Party

• Saturday, June 4

— 7 a.m.: Skippers Meeting

— Race starting at 10 a.m., with three more “starts” in five minute increments.

— 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Cocktails

— 6 to 7 p.m.: Dinner

— 7:30 to 8 p.m: Awards

Race starts just north of Hillsboro Inlet and concludes at Palm Beach Inlet. $50 entry fee includes one dinner; additional dinners $30 each. To register and for details, visit www.regattanetwork.com.

Family Fun Day: Rockstar Day

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

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Plenty of family fun with performances, dress like a rock star station, video games, arts and crafts, $1 carousel rides and much more. Free. Call 954-943-4693 or visit www.pompanociticentre.com for more information.

Tuesday Night Beach Dance

Tuesday, May 31, 7 to 9 p.m.

Main Beach Parking Lot

149 SE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Total Recall will be performing for your entertainment and dancing pleasure. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your beach chair for a fun evening under the stars. Free. Call 954-480-4429 for information.

Splash Adventure

Thursday June 2, 9:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

All ages. $5.25 plus tax/person per session. The park’s regular gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect. Coolers are now permitted in the aquatics area. Food and drinks available for purchase. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages permitted. For more information, contact the park office at 954-357-5100.

Food Truck Invasion

Thursday, June 2, 5 to 10 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Bring the whole family to the park and dine under the open sky. Food trucks with a wide variety of selections. For information, visit www.foodtruckinvasion.com or call 954-357-5100.

Worth the Drive!: Ft. Lauderdale Home Design and Remodeling Show

Friday, May 27, 4 to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 28 & Sunday May 29, noon to 9:30 p.m.

Monday, May 30, Noon to 7:30 p.m.

Broward County Convention Center

1950 Eisenhower Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

An amazing marketplace of home renovation and design products, featuring celebrity designers, landscape designers, artists and chefs. Home improvement products from the smallest to the largest. Admission: $10 adults, $1 children under 11. Visit www.homeshows.net.

Free weekly naturalist-led tours

• Thursdays every week, 10 a.m. Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442. Meet at Harbin Butterfly & Bird Sanctuary, adjacent to Ski Rixen.

• Third Friday every month, 10 a.m., Military Trail Natural Area, 4600 NW 9 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442. For information, call Quiet Waters Park at 954-357-5100.

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS

DEERFIELD

• Commemorative Ceremony

Sunday, May 29, noon to 2 p.m.

Historic Butler House

380 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Deerfield Beach Historical Society and local veterans groups will honor members of the military who lost their lives in service to our country. The ceremony will include the presentation of the colors, an invocation, singing of the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, a concert of patriotic music, and commemorations by local public officials and citizens. Free. Picnic-style food available for purchase. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on the lawn. Park within walking distance at the Post Office, Deerfield Beach Woman’s Club Building or City Hall. Call 954-428-0378 for information, or e-mail elilly707@aol.com.

• Pier Ceremony

Monday, May 30, 11 a.m.

Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier

200 NE 21 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The City of Deerfield Beach and the American Legion will hold a Memorial Day Ceremony on the fishing pier. This year, a plaque will be dedicated to Specialist Daniel Courtney Lawson, a graduate of Deerfield Beach High School, who lost his life during deployment in Afghanistan in 2009. Parking at Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 SE 21 Ave. Reserved seating available for veterans, call 954-480-4429.

Note: City Hall closed for Memorial Day.

POMPANO

• Commemorative Ceremony

Monday, May 30

— 9 a.m.

Westview Cemetery

NW 18 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

— 11 a.m.

Pompano Beach Cemetery

400 SE 23 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Both ceremonies in Pompano Beach are conducted by the American Legion Post 142.

BOCA RATON

• Commemorative Ceremony

Monday, May 30, 9 a.m.

Boca Raton Municipal Cemetery

451 SW 4 Ave.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Laying of wreath and ceremony to honor those who gave their lives.

• Memorial Day Concert

Monday, May 30, 7 p.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheatre

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

New Gardens Band, Inc presents Indian River Pops Orchestra in “An American Tribute,” featuring the Robert Sharon Chorale. Full concert band will play patriotic music under the direction of Dwight Robert Roadman. Free. Call 561-393-7995 for information.

Girls Night Out

Thursday, May 19, 6 to 9 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 S. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come with your girlfriends and be pampered with makeup tutorials, hairstyling, nail care and more. Purchase tickets for $12 per person at www.pompanocitycentre.com.

Showcase of the Arts

Thursday, May 19, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center

227 NW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

View and purchase painting, woodcarvings, ceramics, arts and crafts created by the center’s instructors and participants, along with a display of preschool and senior art. Call 954-480-4447 for information.

Movies on the Lawn: Norm of the North

Friday, May 20, 8 p.m.

Great Lawn

90 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Bring your family, lawn chairs and blankets, and a picnic, and enjoy a great family movie under the stars. For information, call 954-786-4111 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Especially for Kids Family Event

Saturday, May 21, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Sugar Sand Park

300 S. Military Tr.

Boca Raton, FL 33486

Special event for kids with special needs and their families. Includes after-hours access to the Science Explorium, carousel rides, including wheelchair accommodation and sound modifications, arts and crafts, photos, dance room, quiet room, and more. Free. Pre-registration is required at least one day prior for all family members attending. Register in person at Community Center, online at www.sugarsandpark.org/especially-for-kids, or call 561-347-3900.

Town Hall with Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed

Monday, May 23, 6 to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

Johnny Tigner Community Center

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

District 92 Representative to the Florida House, Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, will hold a community open house. Light refreshments will be served. For information, call 954-786-4848.

Annual Small Business Person of the Year Luncheon

Tuesday, May 25, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Signature Grand Hotel

6400 State Rd. 84

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317

The Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce will honor a member of the small business community. Colin Brown, CEO of JM Families, is the keynote speaker. $60 per person through May 20; $60 after. Register at www.deerfieldchamber.com.

8th Annual Congemi Beach Tennis World Cup

Friday, May 20: Mens and Womens Open Singles, Over 40 Doubles, 2 Georges Welcome Players Party

Saturday, May 21: Mens and Womens Open, A and Beginner Doubles, JB’s Players Party

Sunday, May 22: Mixed Doubles Open and A, Junior Division, Farewell Party

Top beach tennis athletes from around the world meet on the beach in Deerfield to compete for the $5,000 first prize. Pre-register at www.beach-tennis.us.

Summer camps

Deerfield Beach

• City-sponsored camps Summer day camps for all ages will be running from June 13 through August 5.

Camps for children 6 to 12 will be available at Deerfield Beach Middle School, 701 SE 6 Ave.; Quiet Waters Elementary, 4150 W. Hillsboro Blvd.; Highlands Park, 511 NE 44 St., and Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex, 445 SW 2 St. Specialty camps include: Teen Camp, Drama Camp, Junior Lifeguards Camp and Sports Camp.

For more information regarding registration fees, locations and dates, please go to www.deerfield-beach.com/summercamp. You can register now at www.deerfield-beach.com/registration or visit any of our community centers.

• NE Focal Point Summer Fun Zone Program, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Summer program for ages 2 to 5 starts June 13, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Swimming, arts and crafts, music and movement, computer lab, intergenerational activities and more. Early learning and school readiness vouchers accepted.

• Island Water Sports Surf Camp, 1987 NE 2 St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Island Water Sports will hold day camps next to the pier for ages 6 to 13 running weekdays June 13 through Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aftercare available. Daily $99 or weekly $299. Call 954-281-2797 or visit www.IslandCamps.com.

Lighthouse Point

Numerous events and programs, including Youth Sailing Program, Soccer Camp and field trips. Download a full brochure from www.city.lighthousepoint.com/recreation.Call 954-784-3439 for information.

• Summer Recreation Programs – Entering Grades 1 through 8: Lighthouse Point Resident Registration: City Clerk’s Office, located at 2200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064. Cash or check only. Summer Program will run: June 15 through July 29.

• Summer Youth Sailing Program – Entering Grades 4 through 8: Lighthouse Point Resident Registration: City Clerk’s Office, located at 2200 NE 38 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064. Cash or check only. Sailing Program will run: June 20 through July 27, Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m.

Boca Raton

• Sugar Sand Park

300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33486

Full and half-day programs available for ages 5 to 16 run weekly June 5 through Aug. 12. Variety of camp themes include spy camp, music, theatre and dance, Lego robotics, cheerleading, science, fitness, art, filmmaking and more. New camps this year include Advanced Filmmaking, Drama Kids and Painting, Printing, Collage and Drawing Fun. Afterhours programs that run until 5:30 p.m. are also available.

Registration is open now at the Sugar Sand Park Community Center, online at www.SugarSandPark.org, or call 561-347-3900 for more information.

By Rachel Galvin

On the corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, a lonely red caboose sits where it has lived since 2002. Seemingly abandoned, left behind from days gone by, this lonely caboose seems to have quite a story. Passersby have wondered what mysteries lie in its past and how long it would sit on this stretch of track. Graffiti has many times marred its sides and it was painted again and again. It seems to beg for a better home. Now, its wish has been granted.

This historic caboose originally began its life as a box car, according to Bill Muenzenmaier. Its wheels are dated 1951. But it wasn’t until the 1960s when it became a caboose.

Back in the olden days, cabooses were used for many purposes, including as a place for a man to act as a lookout for the engineer in front, signaling in case of any sign of trouble or if it needed to back up, for example.

“Guys could sit up high in the cupola and look for signs of smoke. Trains had friction bearings then and each time the train would go into service yard, the [workers] were supposed to check the wheels and squirt oil to keep it lubricated. If they should miss some, as they are going down the road, it can run hot and turn to smoke and then to fire. [Back then], boxcars were made out of all wood. Today, [they are not] and they use regular ball-bearing wheels. The only thing that can happen now is that you could break a coupler and the air hoses could get disconnected [so cabooses are no longer required].”

When this little caboose was no longer in service, it was purchased by a private collector, Richard Weiner, and when he needed a place to put it, he gave it to William Thies & Sons, the beer distributing company, along with four other boxcars he owned. Eventually, the company sold the property and needed to move the caboose. When they tried to give it back to Weiner, he gifted it to the Deerfield Beach Historical Society.

The railway moved it 11 miles up the track to the side track where it now resides. It was neighbors with the recently demolished Deerfield Builders Supply, which once received carloads of material on those tracks from areas as far away as Oregon or even Western Canada.

Owner of the now closed Deerfield Builders Supply, Ed Dietrich Jr., is spearheading the effort to give the caboose a new home, along with Muenzenmaier and the rest of the Deerfield Beach Historical Society.

Dietrich said, “We are going to roll the caboose about 400 ft. south for the people with the crane [Emerald Towing] to lift out and transport it to the former Deerfield Builders Supply lot [currently owned by Stor-All] to do necessary repairs. Dana Eller and Moving Waters Industries are graciously assisting with necessary welding repairs. Professional rail painter Jeff Conner [Show Paints by Conner] will prep and paint the caboose outside prior to moving its new home.”

The caboose will be painted “safety orange” the way it originally was, according to Muenzenmaier.

Its new home will be just east of the Old School House, a place suggested, said Dietrich, by City Manager Burgess Hanson.

“The site will be authentic rail trackage (wood ties, steel I-flange rails, hand spikes and rock ballast),” said Dietrich. “Capital Project Engineer Charles DaBrusco will be coordinating site preparation. “When site and caboose are ready [in a few weeks], Emerald Towing will employ their high capacity cranes to load the caboose body and wheel trucks onto the low-boy trailers for the short trip from Ed Dietrich Sr. Ave. to City Hall. The wheel trucks will go down first and then the caboose body and chassis will be lowered onto them, and the caboose will be put into its permanent position. Eventually, an access ramp will be constructed, along with landscape improvements. Interior restoration will proceed onsite. [It] will include interactive educational components and various historical archives.”

Dietrich added, “This has been 15 years in the making. We appreciate the tremendous contributions and cooperation of the City of Deerfield Beach, the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Deerfield, the Florida East Coast Railway, Stor-All LLC, MWI and Emerald Towing.”

By Rachel Galvin

May 7 was the kickoff for the Deerfield Beach Bison football team’s registration. Over 100 kids came out to run drills, featuring hurdles, knock-away dummies, ladders and halfback pads, during the Miami Dolphins Jr. Training Camp. The first 50 kids to sign up received free registration. Former players were on-hand, as well as current player Lousaka Polite. Cheerleaders Paige and Kristan taught Bison cheerleaders a cheer and gave them an opportunity to do a dance. Former Florida Atlantic University Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger even made an appearance to speak to the kids.

Following the festivities, kids could pick up information from Beauty Anatomy Institute (a cosmetology and wellness school) and get a pair of free sunglasses. FAU gave out some goodies and each child got a Deerfield Beach Bison bag.

Friends of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum

Thursday, May 12, 7 p.m.

Deerfield Beach Arboretum

2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Rose Bechard-Butman, the Naturescape Coordination and Natural Resource Specialist for Broward County, will teach residents how to create a landscape that conserves water, reduces pollution and adds property value. Free. Refreshments available. Last meeting until September 2016. For information, call 954-480-4495.

2nd Annual BSO Golf Tournament

Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m. shotgun start

Crystal Lake Country Club

3810 Crystal Lake Drive

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

All proceeds benefit the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County Fallen Heroes Fund, to assist the families of officers who die in the line of duty. Register at www.deerfield-beach.com/golftournament or call 954-480-4429.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday May 14, hourly 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sands Harbor Dock

125 N. Riverside Dr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

$25; free to HLPS members. Transportation is by boat. Must wear flat, closed shoes. Children must be 4 ft. tall to climb the tower. No pets. Visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Worth the Drive! Art Show: Lori Pratico

Saturday, May 14, 6 p.m.

Gallery 2014

2014 Harrison St.

Hollywood, FL 33020

Deerfield Beach-based artist Lori Pratico, widely recognized for her nationwide mural project “Girl Noticed,” will be the featured artist at Gallery 2014 with her show “Learning to Dance.” The public is welcome to attend the opening reception. Free. Call 954-505-3291 or visit www.gallery2014.com.

Farm Heritage Day

Sunday, May 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

This event will make you feel like you are stepping back in time when this was a farming community. This is part of the centennial celebration of the historic home. There will be classic cars and tractors, a blacksmith to talk about the trade, live entertainment, food and so much more. $5 per person. For information and tickets, visit www.SampleMcDougaldHouse.com or call 754-307-5446.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, May 15, 9 a.m. to noon

Pompano Elks Lodge

700 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

A delicious pancake breakfast hosted by Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 152. $5 adults, $2.50 children. Open to the public. Call 954-255-3130 for information.

BSO Community Hero Night

Monday, May 16, 5 to 8 p.m.

Chick-Fil-A

3648 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Kids, dress up as your favorite superhero and come meet the real BSO heroes who serve our community! Kids dressed in costume get a free 4-piece Nuggets Kids Meal. Call 954-570-0404 for information.

Broward Nature Book Club: The Old Man and the Sea

Wednesday, May 18, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Deerfield Island Park

Shuttle boat: Pioneer Park Dock

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Broward Nature Book Club meets monthly at nature sites for a 60-minute book discussion, followed by a 30-minute light hike led by a Parks naturalist. This month, the great Hemingway classic is up for discussion. Free. RSVP to NaturalAreas@Broward.org or call 954-357-5100.

History at High Noon: Author Susan Gillis

Wednesday, May 18, Noon to 1 p.m.

City Commission Chambers

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Susan Gillis, Curator and Archivist, Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum, will discuss her new book, Palm Beach County During World War II, a pictorial history of our area during World War II. Free; donations accepted. Light refreshments. Call 954-428-0378 for information.

Save the Date! 8th Annual Congemi Beach Tennis World Cup

Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22

Top beach tennis athletes from around the world meet on the beach in Deerfield to compete for the $5,000 first prize.There will not only be plenty of tennis weekend-long but a Havana Nights Welcome Party at 2 Georges at The Cove on Friday. Don’t miss the awards presentation and JB’s Players Party on Saturday, and Flanigans Beach Bash on Sunday. Pre-register at www.beachtennis.us.

Save the date! Miami Marlins Baseball Event

Tuesday, June 21

Tickets must be purchased by May 13

Herb Skolnick Community Center

800 SW 36 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Come see the Miami Marlins v. Atlanta Braves game. $50 per person includes BBQ, home plate seating and transportation to and from game. All ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Handicapped accessible. Tickets available at the community center. For more information, call 954-786-4590.

I dare say that my role as a pastor for students and their families is considerably more challenging than my previous one as an airline captain. That’s not to downplay the demands of the airline profession — trust me, it’s intense. It’s just that when you find yourself embedded in the clouds, with no land in sight, the instrumentation, airport technology and air traffic control perform exactly as they’re designed to: guiding the plane safely, under zero visibility, to the runway. And, let me tell you, when you break out of the cloud deck at 50 ft. above the runway while hauling toward the Earth at roughly 150 miles per hour, it’s exhilarating … but, predictable … quite the opposite from children and teens.

There is the messy business of being called to “Train up a child in the way [they] should go” so that when they are older, “[they] will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6. That begs the question: In which way should they go?

Dr. Seuss has a few suggestions, as do the authors of Nurture Shock, Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. They set out to identify a list of “supertraits” hoping children with a firm grasp of “gratitude, honesty, empathy [and] fairness” would become “good children” in which problems such as “stealing, feeling bored or distressed, excluding others, early sexual activity and succumbing to peer pressure” would essentially “bounce off them just as easily as bullets bounced off Superman.” What they discovered though, through copious amounts of research, is that these “supertraits” can’t be relied upon to act as “moral Kevlar.”

In this absence of a predictable outcome, control has become our new idol. In the documentary Trophy Kids, one parent of a 9-year-old shares his belief about the goal of parenting: “Get [your] kid to buy into your dream and to your ambition, that’s the key.” Another parent with twin 14-year-old boys informed them that their identity is in playing tennis, and that her will for them, for which she’s made a covenant with God on their behalf, is that they become tennis superstars.

Maybe the aforementioned parents teeter on the extreme, but a new generation of controlling parents has materialized called “Helicopter Parents.” Dr. Tim Elmore in his book Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future says this of Helicopter Parents: “These hovering ‘helicopters’ can be controlling and obsessive in their efforts to ensure that everything goes well for their children and that no negative incident affects their self-esteem or their prospects.” Little do these parents understand that, because of their actions, their child isn’t learning the ability to fail and persevere. The “hovering” parent is “[preparing] the path for the child instead of the child for the path.”

In Scripture, time and time again, God prepares the individual for the path, not the other way around. Take David for example. Battling Goliath wasn’t his first altercation. In 1 Samuel 17:33 we see that David “has been a warrior from his youth”— going all commando against lions and bears (“Oh my!” says every parent). Prior to the big match-up, Saul offered up his armor to David, which he declined, knowing it wasn’t needed. (How many times do we try to put our identity — that we rationalize as “armor” or “protection”— on the children under our care?) Later, we see that David “ran quickly toward the battle…” 1 Samuel 17:48, signifying his eagerness and trust in the Lord, slinging the stone, which had the same take-down force of a .45 caliber pistol, into the forehead of the towering infantryman armed with a spear — talk about your classic bringing a knife to a gun fight — “… thus David prevailed over the Philistine” 1 Samuel 17:50.

In David’s story, we see God’s design for the way a child should go — to prevail. They are to be equipped through undergoing challenging experiences, yes, struggles that reveal a true relationship with their Father, creating in them a secure understanding of their identity — who God has ordained them to become. From there, we can trust (in God) that they will eagerly take up their calling and accomplish — prevail in — His work, not ours.

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.