Election date issues

Dear Editor:

On the day of the most important Presidential Election of our time, Deerfield Beach commission scheduled an official city meeting. It is not as though they have not cancelled meetings throughout October, November and December. Why this meeting on this historical day?

Was it so they could pass a resolution indicating that the next Municipal Election would take place on Tuesday, March 12, 2013? At that time, the mayor’s seat held by Peggy Noland, the District 3 seat held by term-limited Marty Popelsky, and the District 4 seat held by Bill Ganz will be up for election.

Now they take the time to set the date for the election, but when it was suggested that the date be made to coincide with this Presidential Election on Nov. 6, it was not even put to a vote.

This lack of action cost the city $62,000 that would have been saved with the date change. Many of our neighboring cities took advantage of this saving opportunity, but NOT OUR GROUP.

When a great number of our residents are struggling to make ends meet, why bypass the opportunity to save $62,000? That savings would pay the salaries of two of the commissioners, add money to our youth programs, light up the dangerous intersection in District 2, or pay back some of the money taken from city employees.

Now that they have told you that [the Municipal Election] is on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, you can tell them how you feel. Let them hear your voices.

Steve Krevoy

Deerfield Beach

Pier history

Dear Editor:

The new, beautiful, family-friendly Deerfield Beach pier facility will soon have its grand opening. [Dec. 7, 6 p.m.] Let’s not forget that back in 2004, we nearly lost this public treasure to an individual who almost got a 54- year lease on the pier property and was going to build an 18,000 sq. ft. massive restaurant and banquet facility right at the pier entrance.

The members of the Deerfield Beach Original Save Our Beach (“OSOB”) committee found out about this and sprang into action to protect the pier. We fought a long hard battle to prevent this “taking” of our public property. We had the full support of the people of Deerfield Beach, who were adamantly against the idea of giving away our pier area. Due to our love of the beach and pier area, and our firm belief it needed to be preserved for future generations, we fought the battle and the residents won.

So, as the city and its residents celebrate the opening of the new pier facility, remember that if it had not been for the “OSOB” committee and our supporters, this beautiful, family- friendly pier facility would only be a dream. www.originalsaveourbeach.org.

Pam Militello

Deerfield Beach

LHP Library Semi-Annual Book Sale

Thursday, Nov. 15 to Saturday, Nov.17 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dixon Ahl Hall 2220 NE 38 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Gently-used books, DVDs, VHS tapes and CDs available for purchase. 25 cents to $10 books, $1 to $3 for DVDs and CDs. On Nov. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m., $1 gets as many books as you can fit in a plastic bag (we provide). Proceeds benefit library. Donations of books, DVDs and CDs may be dropped off at the library during regular business hours.

Garden Club of LHP Meets

Thursday, Nov. 15 – 11 a.m.

St. Paul’s Education Hall 2700 NE 36 St., Lighthouse Point, Fl 33064

Speaker: Thaddeus Hamilton, Chm. Broward’s Soil & Water Conservation, on “Importance of Our Sand Dunes: Protecting & Restoring Broward’s Soil & Water Resources.” 954-975-9157 or visit www.lhpgc.org.

14th annual America Recycles Day

Thursday, Nov. 15 – noon to 7 p.m.

Publix (in front) 150 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Deerfield residents who take pledge to recycle will earn 200 Recycling Perks Points and a free reusable bag, while supplies last. City staff will answer any questions regarding new recycling incentive program and provide information about what goes in the blue cart. 954-480-4454 or www.americarecyclesday.org.

Friday Night Family Hayride & Campfire Series

Friday, Nov. 16 – 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL

$3.50 per person ages 3 and up. Includes one hayride and one bag of s’mores fixings. Park entrance fee: $1.50 per person, children under 5 free. 954-357-5100.

Yard Sale

Saturday, Nov. 17 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Florida Humane Society 3870 N. Powerline Rd. Pompano Beach, Fl 33073

Huge yard sale to benefit “no kill” Florida Humane Society. Donations accepted Thursday – Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 754-235-2959 or 954-785-2165.

Boca Raton Children’s Museum Yard Sale

Saturday, Nov. 17 – 8 a.m. to noon

498 Crawford Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Food and beverages available for purchase. 561-368- 6875.

Christmas at St. Gabriel Fair

Saturday, Nov. 17 – 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 – 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Gabirel Church Hall 731 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach, Fl 33062

954-946-2551.

Holiday Fair

Saturday, Nov. 17 – Library Hours

Percy White Library 837 Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Continues until Dec. 13. Lots of holiday gifts. 954-360-1380.

Grand Opening Celebration

Saturday, Nov. 17 – 10 a.m. to noon

Northeast Transit Center 304 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Broward County Transit’s newest bus transfer facility. Ribbon-cutting, tour of facility, music, dance entertainment, drumming workshop to celebrate artwork at terminal. FREE. 954-357-8355.

Thanksgiving – Food distribution

Saturday, Nov. 17 – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church 153 NW 12 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

State Representative Gwyn Clarke-Reed, Dist. 92, in conjunction with Jack Cory and the Pompano Beach Farmer’s Market, host. No cost for produce. 954-786-4848.

11th annual Turkish Festival

Saturday, Nov. 17 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE Turkish music, dance, art, food and culture. 954-732-1076 or www.FloridaTurkishFestival.org.

Baumfest

Saturday, Nov. 17 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Tipperary Pub 1542 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Line-up of bands:

1) Steve and Kenny Minotti (of Luminotti) 2) The Search 3) The Hucklebucks Raises money for Tom Baumgardner, (sound engineer and tech for Luminotti, the Search and other local bands) who was injured in a tragic beating that left him with brain stem damage. Unable to work, Tom needs extensive rehab. He has donated his time two years in a row for Relay For Life.

Green Markets

Sundays ‘til April 28, 2013 – 8 a.m.-1p.m.

• Deerfield Beach

The Cove Shopping Center E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Boca Raton

Royal Palm Place SE Mizner Blvd. & S. Federal Hwy. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Locally grown fruits, veggies & more!

Kids of Love/ Leading Lady Fitness Benefit Event

Sunday, Nov. 18 – noon to 3 p.m.

1616 S. Cypress Rd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Music, food, bounce houses, face painting, Hip Hop Dance-Along, raffles, silent auction, vendors and more, visit from Pompano Beach Fire Rescue! Benefits 5- month-old Dylan, who is undergoing chemo to treat the Sarcoma on his left foot. His grandmother is a muchloved member of the gym. 877-897-6662.

“Sounds Phenomenal”

Sunday, Nov. 18 – 4 p.m.

100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432

Concert with pipe organ. Reception follows. Suggested donation – $15. Benefits the ministry. 561-395-8285.

Cresthaven Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Sunday, Nov. 18 – 7:30 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Social Hall 3331 NE 10 Terr. Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Issues will be discussed concerning current events. BSO will be present. 954-786-7536.

DB Hadassah

Monday, Nov. 19 – noon

Century Village Le Club Activity Center, Room B Deerfield Beach, FL33442

Bus 5/6 stops at Le Club. Refreshments served. Guests welcome. Report given on Hadassah’s recent convention in Jerusalem. 954-428-6265.

Gateway’s Special Touch program

Tuesday, Nov. 20 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

291 SE 1 Terr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Needy families are able to get a turkey dinner with all the fixings! Needed: food donations, volunteers to distribute at event and clean up (from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). 954-725-8434.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, Nov. 21 – noon to 1 p.m.

Old Schoolhouse Meeting Room 232 N.E. 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presented by DB Historical Society. FREE, donations welcome. Topic: What do you know about Deerfield Beach? Light refreshments provided. 954-429-0378.

Congrats on 50th Anniversary!

Dear Editor:

On behalf of the staff, participants and Board of the NE Focal Point, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and the Observer Team on your 50th Anniversary.

Thank you for being a wonderful community partner! We enjoy reading the Observer newspaper each week to find out about our community, friends and neighbors. Our very best wishes for continued success!

Donna DeFronzo

Director of Senior Services

NE Focal Point

“Many homes do not even have a newspaper…”

Dear Editor:

When students don’t learn, many say ‘fire the teachers.’ It is never the students who don’t do their work, nor the parents.

There are many studies completed by top colleges like Yale, etc., that say it is not the teachers, it is the parents. Their academic success is [due to] “parental involvement.” (Really?) It doesn’t matter whether private or public school? It has been proven that just having books in the house makes a huge difference in a child’s development, [compared to] if your home just has video games, TV or, like Sarah Palin, who wrote on her hand because her father used to do it.

Yes, there are crappy teachers but so are there crappy parents, cops, soldiers, politicians, sanitation men, business executives, union leaders.

Do we say ‘let’s fire cops’ because crime in their area has increased or [question] did they fix the stats?

Many homes do not even have a newspaper (like The New York Times, Washington Post or The Wall Street Journal) and sports and partying is [considered] more important than studying.

Because the truth is that:

a) Improving education is a very long process that can take many years, but can be done.

b) Improving education means improving the area where students live and who their role models are.

We need to:

c) Change values in America, where football is considered more important than science

d) Create more jobs in the economy – and we know government can only do so much.

e) Spend more and wiser in inner cities, which are still racially and economically segregated.

f) Give minorities a chance, along with our fastestgrowing group of immigrants.

g) Reduce crime by police in “bad” areas.

Marty Weisberg

Coral Springs

Real Deal III

Thursday, Nov. 8 – 6 to 8 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Center 520 MLK Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Third annual networking event for the development and construction industries. Contractors who have won bids in the city will attend, as well as city and CRA personnel to provide information. Discover the Changing Face of Pompano Beach! Light Refreshments provided. 954-586-1111.

The Christmas Emporium

Friday, Nov. 9 – noon to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 10 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33429

Over 150 gift baskets, Christmas decor, attic treasures sale, delectable baked goodies and more. Lunch served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 561-395-8285.

Pineapple Jamboree

Friday, Nov. 9 – 6 to 10 p.m.

Sample McDougald House 450 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Historic bash for Greater Pompano Chamber’s 65th Birthday. Includes bounce house derby, BBQ, complimentary wine and beer, pineapple cocktails, LIVE entertainment and more, as well as exploring the history at the Sample McDougald House. $50/person. Casual attire. 954-941-2940 www.pompanobeachchamber.com.

1st annual Zumbathon Charity Event

Friday, Nov. 9 – 7 to 9 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church 3901 NE 22 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Presented by LHP Curves (1847 NE 25 St.). Supports American Cancer Society Relay For Life. : $15 pre-sale /$20 at the door. Raffles and fun. Ask about group discounts. Info: FitChikTv@gmail.com.

3rd Annual Ranse Classic

• Player Grab Bag and Kick Off Party

Friday, Nov. 9 – 7:30 p.m.

JB’s On The Beach 300 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

• Ranse Classic Volleyball Tournament

Saturday, Nov. 10 – from 8 a.m.

Volleyball tourney on Deerfield beach north of pier.

• Player’s After-Party and Auction/Raffle

Saturday, Nov. 10 – 7:30 p.m.

Oceans 234 234 N. Ocean Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

To Benefit Ranse Jones Stroke Awareness Fund. Register at www.flbeachvolleyball.com.

Yard Sale

Saturday, Nov. 10 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Florida Humane Society 3870 N. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach, Fl 33073

Huge yard sale to benefit “no kill” Florida Humane Society. Donations accepted Thursday – Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 754-235-2959 or 954-785-2165.

Christmas Boutique

Saturday, Nov. 10 – 9 a.m. to 4pm

Sunday Nov. 11 – 9 a.m. to l p.m.

St. Paul the Apostle Church 2700 NE 36 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Handmade decorations & gifts, special raffles, baked goods. Refreshments available for purchase. 954-943-9154.

Orchid Show & Sale

Saturday, Nov. 10 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov.11 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St. Pompano Beach FL 33060

Hosted by Deerfield Beach Orchid Society. $5, kids under 12-FREE. 954-786-4111. dbosorchids@gmail.com.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 10 – noon to 2 p.m.

St. Paul United Methodist Church 244 SE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

FREE Thanksgiving Dinner on church grounds. 954-427-9407.

Night Hike

Saturday, Nov. 10 – 7 to 8 p.m.

Deerfield Island Park 1720 Deerfield Island Park Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

All ages, $5 per person. Must be at Sullivan Park Dock 6:30 p.m. to catch boat shuttle to Park. Pre-registration required, and must wear sturdy shoes. 954-357-5100.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, Nov. 11 – 9 a.m. to noon

Elks Lodge 700 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Adults $5/Children $2.50. 954-587-1121. Open to the public.

Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week

Monday, Nov. 12 thru Monday, Nov. 19

Fill shoe box with school supplies, toys, necessity items and a note of encouragement for a child overseas suffering due to disaster, disease, war, terrorism, famine or poverty. To find drop off location near you, visit: www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Pompano Beach Garden Club Meeting

Monday, Nov. 12 – 12:30 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Presentation by Master Gardner, Donna Parker, on “Creating a Succulent Garden”. Open to the public. Refreshments will be served. 954-943-2699.

DB Woman’s Club Annual Membership Tea

Tuesday Nov. 13 – 1 p.m.

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Held by General Federated Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach. Guest Speakers: Friends of the Greyhounds. Light refreshments. Public welcome. R.S.V.P: 954-421-4700. (Can’t make day meetings? Come to our evening meeting: Thurs., Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Surfateria overview

Dear Editor:

Although [Monday] night was disappointing, I realize that sometimes procedures may be more important than the long-term picture in the city commission atmosphere. I do still think very highly of Deerfield Beach and wish whomever is awarded the [pier] restaurant a successful 10-year lease life.

I am still looking for locations in beach communities – preferably on an oceanfront property with an indoor/ outdoor floor plan.

Mike Coner

Lighthouse Point

Luminotti plays

Friday, Nov. 2 – 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Royal Palm Plaza, 111 SE Mizner Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Info: 561-750-5208.

Memories, Milestones & Memoirs A writing workshop

Friday, Nov. 2 – 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Boca Community Center 150 Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432

Three-session course: Nov. 2, 9, 16. Cost: $54 for Boca residents, $67.50 for others. Info: erosen724@aol.com or www.emilyrosen424.com.

Boy Scouts Multi-Family Rummage sale

Saturday, Nov. 3 – 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Ambrose Church 80 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Rain or shine. Benefits Troop 119.

Holiday Boat Parade Decorating Class

Saturday, Nov. 3 – 10 a.m. to noon

Lowe’s – Pompano’s Citi Center 1851 N. Federal Hwy., Pompano, FL 33062

FREE tips on how to decorate for Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce Holiday Boat Parade, held Dec. 9. To be in parade, preregister: 954-941-2940 or boatparade@pompanobeachchamber.com.

Holiday Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, Nov. 3 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach Elks Lodge 700 NE 10 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES 142. Holiday Crafts and stocking stuffers. Public welcome.

Community Health Fair

Saturday, Nov. 3 – 9 a.m. to noon

Lighthouse Point Fire Station 3140 NE 22 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Presented by City of LHP and Broward Health North Hospital. FREE health screenings. 954-943-6500.

Business Networking Open House

Monday, Nov. 5 5:30-7 p.m.

Pompano Beach CRA Business Resource Center 50 NE 1 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

FREE Event. Light Refreshments. 954-586-1111.

Deerfield Beach Computer Club Meets

Friday, Oct. 26 – 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Century Village E, Le Club/Activity Ctr, Rm. B 3501 West Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

$1 per class (fee waived for first-time guests). Nonresidents must show valid ID at West Gate. Club meets every Friday except holidays. 954-725-9331 or www.dbcc. Org.

Trunk or Treat on Halloween Street

Friday, Oct. 26 – 6 to 9:30 p.m.

E Atlantic Blvd. at Cypress Road (SW Corner) Pompano Beach, FL 33062

FREE Event. Children can “trick or treat” for candy out of decorated car trunks or truck beds. Activities include: vampire ball show, ghostly games, bounce house, psychics, spooky crafts, costume contest. Bring blanket and chairs for presentation of The Corpse Bride at 8 p.m. 954-786-4111.

Boca Raton Greenmarket

Saturday, Oct. 27 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Royal Palm Plaza, SW Parking Lot S. Federal Hwy. and S. Mizner Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432

Freshly-picked fruits and vegetables, local growers, fresh juices, hydroponic/organic produce, baked goods, plants, fresh herbs, fresh mozzarella, gourmet foods, jams & jellies, oils & vinegars, orchids/fresh cut flowers, gardening accessories, soaps, fresh pasta, doggie treats & supplies, fresh fish & seafood, food samplings, community service organizations, health info. Will be held Saturday mornings through April 27, 2013.

K9 Water Festival

Saturday, Oct. 27 & Sunday Oct. 28 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Quiet Waters Park- Splash Adventure 401 S Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Dogs ages 4 mo. and up. Admission-$5 per dog, per 50- minute session (sessions begin hourly). 4 p.m. sessiondogs 25 pounds and under. Donations accepted for homeless animals at Broward County animal shelters. 954-357-5100. 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Saturday, Oct. 27 – 9 a.m.

Mizner Park Amphitheatre 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33442

Details: http://makingstrides.acsevents.org.

Dixieland-Hot Jazz Session

Sunday, Oct. 28 – 1 to 4 p.m.

Henry’s Hideaway St. Henry Catholic Church 1500 S Andrews Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Presented by Hot Jazz & Alligator Gumbo Society. $10. 954-563-5390 or 561-809-6410.

Hallelujah Night

Wednesday, Oct. 31 – 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Solid Rock Christian Church 189 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

Free games, crafts, candy & prizes. Free food, drinks. 561-750-6501.

Rummage Sale – Vendors, Crafters Wanted

Saturday, Nov. 3 – 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Ambrose Church Parking Lot 380 S Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Spaces $15-$30. Reservations required. Rain or shine. 100% fees help support Deerfield Beach Boy Scout Troop 119. 954-895-0050.

Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program

Tuesday, Oct. 30 to Thursday, Nov. 8

Office of Dr. Brian Rask, DMD, FAGD, PA 2701 NE 14 St. Causeway, Ste. 2 Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Kids can bring in their Halloween candy and we will buy it by the pound or give prizes and gift cards. Also, free hygienic dental supplies. All candy collected goes to “America’s Moms for Soldiers,” who will include candy in care packages sent to troops. Do not need to be a patient to participate. 954-782-1864.

Night Hike

Saturdays, Oct. 27 – 7 to 8 p.m.

Deerfield Island Park 1720 Deerfield Island Park, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

All ages, $5 per person. Must be at Sullivan Park dock at 6:30 p.m. to catch boat shuttle to park. Preregistration required and must wear sturdy shoes. 954-357-5100.

GFWC Woman’s Club of Deerfield Beach meets

Thursday, Oct. 18 – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

910 E Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Meet and greet, find out about membership. Free, light refreshments served. This is the first of their evening meetings. For more information, call 954-421-4700.

Fun with Flowers

Thursday, Oct. 18 – 2 p.m.

St. Paul’s Educational Hall 2700 NE 36 St., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Sponsored by Garden Club of Lighthouse Point. Make and take floral arrangement. $15-per person. Bring scissors. Refreshments served. 954-942-4957.

DB Island Community Assoc. meets

Thursday, Oct. 18 – 7:30 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church, Briggs Hall 1920 SE 5 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall

Friday, Oct. 19 to Sunday, Oct. 21 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Forest Lawn South Funeral Home & Cemetery “The Pyramid” 2401 Davie Rd., Davie, FL 33317

Memorial service includes presentation of the colors, performance of National Anthem and Taps against backdrop of American Flags and 2/3rd Replica of Vietnam Wall. Band/school performances. 954-792-9360.

Open House celebrates arrival of new bus

Friday Oct. 19 – 3 p.m.

Emeritus at Deer Creek 2403 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Music and refreshments. 954-426-3800.

Daytime Radness

Friday, Oct. 19 – 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Island Water Sports 1985 NE 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The largest surf and skate event in South Florida is back and will benefit charities Surfers for Autism, Christian Skaters and the Thabit family; their daughter was in an accident and they need to raise funds for her care. Last year, over 8,000 people attended and they raised $6,000 for local charities. There will not only be sales on surf and skate items, but also a Vans half pipe where professional skateboarders will perform and novices can have fun and compete. Well-known brands like Quiksilver, Volcom and Vans will be there. Raffle Prizes. 954-427-4929.

12th Annual Health & Wellness Expo/ Operation Medicine Cabinet

Saturday, Oct. 20 – 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Health screenings, flu shots, vendors, Door Prizes, entertainment, clowns, food available for purchase. Operation medicine cabinet prescription drug take-back program until noon. Sponsored by Broward Sheriff’s Office and United Way Commission on Substance Abuse. www.sheriff.org/omc. 954-480-4446.

FREE Concert – Ray LaBean

Saturday, Oct. 20 – 6 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church 1920 SE 4 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 ‘ Uplifting Christian Music. Free snacks, refreshments, childcare. 954-427-0222.

Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner

Saturday, Oct. 20 – 3 to 8 p.m.

American Legion Post 162 820 SE 8 Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$10 per person – includes bread/salad. Proceeds to benefit Pioneer Park Christmas Wreath Project. Hosted by American Legion Post 162 Auxiliary. 954-421-6097.

Tee Off Fore Wellness Golf and Tennis Tournament

Monday, Oct. 22

Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club 13610 Deering Bay Dr., Coral Gables, FL 33158

Lead sponsors: Golf-Sharp General Contractors, Inc., Pompano Beach/Tennis-Lindsay Spalding and Julie Steven. Benefits Cancer Support Community of Greater Miami. Info: 305-254-2111 or www.cancersupportcommunitymiami.org/spevents.htm.

“Blessing of home” by local rabbi

Dear Editor:

Twenty years ago, my wife and I moved into a nice home in Wallingford, CT. While at our local Rotary Club, I was telling a brother Rotarian about the purchase. He was from Israel and was a religious Jew. He offered to do a traditional Jewish Blessing of our home, which we immediately accepted. It was a fine event.

This spring, we purchased a nice home in Lighthouse Point. The day after move-in, we were reading the Observer newspaper, and, in particular, were seeking a person to perform a traditional Jewish blessing of this home.

Did we ever “hit the jackpot!” That day, in “Clergy Corner,” we read a beautiful article by Rabbi Craig Ezring. We were flying north in two days, but the good Rabbi rearranged his busy schedule and performed the blessing the very next day. It was more meaningful and important than these words can describe. It was a true labor of love for this Godly man, who would only accept a beverage for all his efforts.

My wife and I are Christians and had been exposed to much Anti-Semitism in my early years. We met in Bible College, and, as I grew and matured, I praise God that I learned ALL human beings are precious regardless of religion, color, etc. Prejudice would have prevented us from having this wonderful experience with Rabbi Ezring. I would encourage your readership to read and be blessed by his “Clergy Corner” articles.

Bill Wadsworth

Lighthouse Point

Editor’s note: The following was submitted as a Letter to the Editor on 10-9-12.

RE: TLC Recovery

Dear Mr. Maurodis:

As the attorney for the city of Deerfield Beach, this is to serve as notice that on Oct 8. 2012, the Broward County Dept. Of Health came to 1550 SE 12 St. to inspect the house for the purpose of issuing a drug license to TLC RECOVERY. It should be understood that this was not the intention for the city to approve this facility for the use of housing people under the influence of any controlled substance for rehabilitation purposes. It was represented at our July 27 meeting at [City] Hall that the house would be used as a Sober Home “only” – which is drug-free in accordance with the Oxford Homes represented by TLC’s Attorney, Mr. Green. It should be noted that the original website and the information that was represented to the city was that of a Sober House. Since TLC has received its reasonable accommodation, they have totally changed their website to represent their facility to be used as a drug rehab. This is a clear bait-and-switch tactic on the part of TLC that will not be allowed to succeed. We, the residents of The Cove, expect the city to immediately send a cease-anddesist order to TLC, as well as to contact the Broward County Health Department to confirm the aforementioned information, at which time, they should have their reasonable accommodation approval withdrawn. I, once again, must reiterate that the residents WILL NOT ACCEPT AN OPERATING DRUG REHABILITATION DRUG FACILITY IN OUR SINGLE-FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD and Mr. Green has produced no case law supporting their ability to do so. It is clear that the city is being set up for a lawsuit by TLC, considering the fact that the city failed to specify in their reasonable accommodation approval that the property was only to be used as a Sober House and it is, with this in mind, that TLC is taking advantage of this oversight, which has clearly opened the doors for a threatened lawsuit. We expect to hear the city’s position on this matter as soon as possible.

Patrick Jolivet

Deerfield Beach

Fight Against Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Now through Sunday – Oct. 14

Tijuana Flats 278 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Tijuana Flats is partnering with Estée Lauder by donating $3 of $5 purchase of “Tijuana Flats Just in Queso Foundation Charity Hot Sauce” to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. www.justinqueso.org.

Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, Oct. 13 – 8:45 a.m.

Sands Harbor Hotel 125 N. Riverside Dr., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

First boat leaves hotel at 9 a.m., last boat departs 2:30 p.m. – returns at 4 p.m. Visitors must wear closed-toe shoes, rubber soles, no sandals, flip-flops or heels. Children must be min. of 4 ft. tall and accompanied by adult to climb tower. No pets. Info: 954-782-3313.

“Echoes Of Joy” Chamber Music Concert

Sunday, Oct. 14 – 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach High School Gymnasium 600 NE 13 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Presented by New Presbyterian Church. No tickets needed, offering will be taken. Call Dr. John Wilson 954-448-5083 or go to www.newpres.org.

Former U.S. Congressman Robert Wexler speaks

Sunday, Oct. 14 – 3 p.m.

Century Village, Le Club 3501 W Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Discussion regarding Israel and the administration. Open to the public. Refreshments served.

DB Hadassah meets

Monday, Oct. 15 – noon

Century Village, Le Club, Rm. B 3501 W. Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Refreshments, speaker from League of Women Voters. 954-428-6265.

Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach

Tuesday, Oct. 16

11:15 to 11:45 – Social networking

Noon – Lunch and business

Deerfield Country Club 50 Fairway Dr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Guest Speaker: Karen Alleyne-Means, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher of HERLIFE Magazine. $15. RSVP by Oct. 12: 561-392-2223.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Coastal Navigation Course

Tuesday, Oct. 16 – 6:45 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Pompano Beach Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St., Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Cost: $50 per person, includes “Weekend Navigator” text by Bob Sweet and training chart. 954-941-5781.

Medicare & Medicaid Annual Enrollment Period Kick-Off Event

Thursday, Oct. 11 – 1 p.m.

NE Focal Point Senior Center 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Q & A for seniors. Medicare Annual Election Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. 954-480-4449.

2012 Presidential Debate

Tuesday, Oct. 16 – 8:30 p.m.

Living Room Theaters, FAU Boca campus 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431

Complimentary, RSVP required. Email names of guests to debates2012@livingroomtheaters.com.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, Oct. 17 – noon to 1 p.m.

The Butler House 380 E Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

The Deerfield Beach Historical Society hosts an informative and fun historical lecture open to the community. Guest speaker: Paul “Cowbone” Buster sharing Seminole culture and history. Bring a bag lunch; drinks and dessert provided. Event is FREE, donations welcome. 954-429-0378.

2013 Relay for Life Kickoff Party

Wednesday, Oct. 17 7 to 9p.m.

DB Hilton 100 Fairway Dr. Deerfield Beach FL 33441

Learn how to get involved with “Relay for Life” for DB, LHP and Hillsboro Beach. Info: www.relayforlife.org/ dblpfl.

It’s Pawty Time

Wednesday, Oct. 17 6 to 8 p.m.

Anthony’s Runway 330 State Rd.84 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315

Fun, food and raffle prizes to help continue rescue efforts in saving the lives of homeless and unwanted pets. www.dogsrulerescue.org.