DBHS graduate/Pompano resident completes Navy basic training

Dear Editor:

Navy Seaman Recruit Shaneka R. Devonish, daughter of Rosanne J. and Ralph D. Alleyne of Pompano Beach, FL, completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL on March 21.

During the eight-week program, Devonish completed a variety of training, including classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. Emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations.” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly “Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor.

Devonish is a 2012 graduate of Deerfield Beach High School.

Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE)

Norfolk, VA

RE: Visit to Deerfield beach

Dear Editor:

This is in response to Larry from Omaha, who has written to two Deerfield newspapers [April 18 Observer] to complain about our beautiful beach.

As someone who has lived here, grown up here, and who never, EVER, wants to leave, I disagree with his opinion that we don’t have any restaurants and that our beach is dirty.

I can go to the beach every day of the week and eat at a different restaurant. I have a choice between ones that have an ocean breeze and view of the water, one that was featured on a well-known TV program, or another favorite of the locals with great service and food, etc…

I can think of 10 off the top of my head.

I take advantage of our beautiful beach at least twice a week. Whether I’m north or south of the pier, everywhere I go is clean and well-maintained.

I’m sorry Larry had such a “terrible” experience visiting our beautiful beach, but from his comments, I’m certain no beach could live up to his high expectations. All I can say to him is “Thanks for visiting Larry, please don’t come again.”

Lesley Howard

Deerfield Beach

What’s Deerfield becoming?

Dear Editor:

In the aftermath of the Boston terrorist attack, I was lowering my flag at half mast and noticed someone had stolen my plants right out of the ground.

Then, I heard that my neighbor had reported all of his solar lights stolen.

Is this what Deerfield has become?

Coincidentally, after all [of this], in the middle of the night, I stopped two grown women from trying to catch our neighbor’s bunny with a big fishing net.

When I commented that I had lived here for over 30 years, they proudly said that they were born here, and claimed they were with the Humane Society and were catching the bunny to prevent production of more.

I did call the Humane Society in the morning, as this occurred in the middle of the night. I was told that they do not catch bunnies. And FYI, the police said it is theft to catch someone else’s pet.

So I repeat: What is becoming of Deerfield Beach?

Maybe we should be more aware of our own local people!

Maureen Kenny

Deerfield Beach

From 2 storm drains

Dear Editor:

I understand that you were present at the recent Deerfield Beach commission meeting [April 16].

Following discussion of the pier restaurant, the next topic was pollution and maintenance issues affecting the Kingfisher waterway in The Cove section of east Deerfield. My neighbors and I have been invited to the May 7 commission meeting for further discussion.

Our concern is based on the obvious pollutants and debris that are visible on a day-to-day basis.

In 1998, a very thorough, 30-day analysis of the Kingfisher waterway was done by the then Broward County Dept. of Resource Protection. A copy of their action plan was forwarded to the city manager at that time. The letter outlined the actions the city was instructed to perform, the little they did do and what remains to be done. (I can also provide you with the full analytical report that addresses the extremely high levels of fecal coliform, oil and petroleum, and chemical pollutants that enter via two storm drains.)

Although the report is old, I believe the findings may still be factual since there has not been a meaningful effort by the city to contain and eliminate the pollutants.

With the growth in the city’s population, I can only guess [whether] conditions in the Kingfisher have more than likely worsened.

Those of us living along the waterway would like to see a follow-up, in-depth analysis based on the 1998 report done to determine the current level of water quality. And, of course, installation of filtering devices, regular maintenance programs and dredging.

John Gerbino

Deerfield Beach

Good news for Alzheimer’s Day Care

Dear Editor:

On behalf of the individuals and family caregivers impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we thank each of you, all of our community partners and organizations, and the local media for your unending commitment and support of NE Focal Point, especially the Alzheimer’s Day Care Center.

We are thankful that the funding is restored and we want to make sure that it remains a reality.

Together, we can and do make a difference!

In gratitude always,

Donna DeFronzo, Director

NE Focal Point Senior Services Center

Deerfield resident’s son becomes Marine

Dear Editor:

Marine Corps Pfc. Abraham F. De Freitas, son of Ediberto De Freitas of Deerfield Beach, FL, earned the title of United States Marine after graduating from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC.

For 13 weeks, De Freitas stayed committed during some of the world’s most demanding entry-level military training in order to be transformed from civilian to Marine, instilled with pride, discipline and the core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Training subjects included close-order drill, marksmanship with an M-16A4 rifle, physical fitness, martial arts, swimming, military history, customs and courtesies.

One week prior to graduation, De Freitas endured The Crucible, a 54-hour final test of recruits’ minds and bodies. Upon completion, recruits are presented the Marine Corps emblem and called Marines for the first time.

De Freitas is a 2009 graduate of Miami Dade Christian Academy of Hollywood, FL.

Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE)

Norfolk, VA

April is “National Car Care Month”

Dear Editor:

Three out of four cars need service. If you own a vehicle, chances are it needs some work. National Car Care Month in April is the ideal time to spring into action and give your car some extra attention.

Results of vehicle inspections held at community car care events across the country reveal that 77 percent of vehicles need service or parts. Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value.

Whether you visit a professional service technician or do it yourself, following a routine maintenance program on an ongoing basis can keep your car safe and dependable.

Rich White, Executive Director

Car Care Council

Bethesda, MD

To our wonderful supporters

Dear Editor:

After totaling all proceeds from Relay for Life, we’re just below $100,000 in fundraising!

We raised over $20,000 at the Relay!

Thanks to all of your contributions–from publicity, entertainment, activities, food, accommodations, supplies, manpower, to the inspirational message. We couldn’t have pulled it together without you. It was truly an amazing and inspirational 24+ hours, and we are so appreciative of your support.

Nona and the Relay Committee

Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Hillsboro Beach, FL

Visit to Deerfield beach

Dear Editor:

We visited Deerfield beach on spring break. We could not believe that there was no place to eat on the beach, except for two restaurants that charged $50 for a couple hamburgers. We’ve been to Miami beaches and others that have Tiki bars and strollers with food/drinks.

Deerfield beach has nothing. Probably just the two restaurants, one was JB’s, can’t remember the other one. And the beach is terrible. Full of cigarette butts, junk, trash. Don’t you ever clean your beach?

Larry

Omaha, NE

Editor’s note: For many years, Deerfield beach has also offered a more affordable “beach shack” for beachgoers to pick up something simple to eat. It closed for pier renovations in October 2011. The new Deerfield Beach Café is now slated to open in late May 2013.

Funding loss for NE Focal Point

Dear Editor:

We need your help in advocating and educating to restore the proposed funding cut by the Florida Senate to our Deerfield Beach Alzheimer’s Day Care Center.

We appreciate your assistance in promoting the importance of this funding, along with the devastating impact that it will have on families who reside in the northeast section of Broward County whose loved ones have this dreadful disease. It is vitally important that the $195,150 be restored. This funding cut is to start July 2013. It is an over 50 percent cut to our Alzheimer’s Day Care Center’s budget!

Please call and/or email your State Senator.

Find your State Senator by looking at your voter’s registration card to find your district:

• State Senator District 34 Maria Lorts Sachs 561-279-1427–sachs.maria.web@flsenate.gov

• State Senator District 29 Jeremy Ring 954-917-1392–ring.jeremy.web@flsenate.gov

• State Senator District 31Christopher Smith 954-321-2705–smith.chris.web@flsenate.gov

• State Senator District # 33Eleanor Sobe 954-924-3693–sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov

• State Senator District # 36 Oscar Braynon II 305-654-7150–braynon.oscar.web@flsenate.gov

The information below will give you “talking points” to use.

The main objective is to have them save/restore that funding. Please start by thanking them for their support of senior services and Alzheimer’s Day Care programs. Please tell them that you heard about the cut mentioned above and then tell them of the importance of the respite program at NE Focal Point Alzheimer’s Day Care in Deerfield Beach. This state funding for the respite program is crucial in order to provide daycare services for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss and other memory-related disorders. In addition to providing services for the individual with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to provide respite/relief services, case management, and caregiver training and support for the caregivers. These vital services delay premature institutionalization, which makes the services much more cost effective than long-term care facilities. In addition, the services provide caregivers “peace of mind” and allow them to be able to continue to contribute to society by maintaining active employment. This significant funding loss of $195,150 to the daycare center will be devastating to the families who care for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.

Donna DeFronzo

Director

NE Focal Point

Senior Services Center

Deerfield Beach, FL

Thank you! Citizens of Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

A couple weeks ago a notice was put in the Deerfield Beach Observer asking for assistance on behalf of my college tuition. [“Help a District 2 college student with tuition,” in the March 28 Observer.]

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your efforts to help me successfully matriculate at Savannah College of Arts and Design.

With your help, I was able to continue my college education and become one step closer to my dream.

I would also like to extend a very special thanks to Mr. Frank Congemi for putting his belief in me.

I will continue to work diligently and perform with academic satisfactory.

Again, Thank you! I really appreciate what has been done on my behalf. May your days be filled with splendor!

Sincerely,

Nathaniel Myles

Deerfield Beach

Let me breathe the air

Dear Editor:

A recent edition of the Observer newspaper [March 14] featured a “GOING GREEN resolution check-in” column — a list of steps one can take to clean up our world.

Buying and using more sustainable products was one idea, but what are they, and where can you find them?

Personal care products and any products that contain fragrances are not green, because fragrances contain a host of the same cancer-causing toxins that are in tobacco smoke, including formaldehyde, benzene, toluene for starters. Even essential oil, plant-based fragrances are toxic respiratory irritants to many people, because they become a form of turpentine in the milling and distilling process.

As a Florida resident in winter months, I am shocked at the heavy fragrances that permeate shops and emanate from people on sidewalks, in restaurants, and on the beaches. It is hard to find clean air anywhere in South Florida — air that is unscented.

To go greener, we must read labels to be sure the word “fragrance” or “plant-based fragrances” are not in products. “Natural, green, organic or biodegradable” mean nothing if fragrances lurk in them.

Julie Mellum

President, Take Back to the Air

www.takebacktheair.com

Deerfield Beach

Trash bins

Dear Editor:

I am so thoroughly disgusted by the non-containment of garbage from the shoe store on 32nd and Hillsboro. There are bins with gates but these are never closed and trash overflows. I live in Deer Run and pass these bins every day. Code Enforcement should be on top of this and the owners be fined.

Disgusted in Deer Run

Lorraine Barsher

Deerfield Beach

A positive – not a negative

Dear Editor:

I came in the house and five minutes later, heard a gush of I didn’t know what. I went toward the sound and found water pouring from under the toilet in the guest bath upstairs. It had almost reached the hall carpeting.

I turned off the water and threw down several large towels to soak up the water. I called my plumber, Gator Plumbing, which used to be based in Deerfield. They have serviced my home for 25 years. They were here in 10 minutes, made the necessary repairs, and checked the other guest bath downstairs to ensure this situation would not occur there. They were gone in less than an hour.

Service like this, with the spirit in which they worked, is to be commended as often as possible.

For those who don’t have someone to call in an emergency, I urge you to become familiar with a plumber, electrician, etc., so that when you need them immediately, they will be as responsive as Gator Plumbing is.

J.M. Harte

Deerfield Beach

Attn: VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) Parents

Dear Editor:

Did you know that your children can have fun and learn at the same time? By way of taking a virtual field trip, they can go places that they may not have the chance to go otherwise via streaming media.

Just log onto www.kidvision.org and begin watching, for FREE, in the convenience of your own home with your children, these places of interest.

To name a few: Marlins Stadium,Flamingo Gardens, Butterfly World, Jungle Island, the zoo and library, an airport and a host of others.

Whether after school,or during spring and summer breaks, this is a great way to help your child to learn and have fun doing so.

Happy Viewing,

A concerned Parent and VPK Teacher

Patricia Johnson

Margate

To the residents of Century Village East (CVE)

Dear Editor:

I was hurt and offended when I returned from a cruise to find that I and the entire CVE Master Management (MM) Board of Directors had been recalled two days earlier. It was particularly galling that the members of the Board of COOCVE (Condominium Owners Organization of CVE), my neighbors, could not wait for my return to allow me to speak against the false accusations that were made at a hastily-called meeting of questionable legality by those who would then themselves be nominated to replace me, my [fellow] officers and the rest of my board.

I don’t believe the 140 members who voted to remove the Board and myself represented the true feelings of the community. Much was made of the urgency to buy the Hillsboro Pines Golf Course – but no matter how much my enemies may have made of it, good business judgment required that a Bank Appraisal, which I had already initiated, be obtained before beginning negotiations. I would never act without due diligence and the concurrence of the Board of Directors. It took the former Board members (who led the ‘coup’) 4 years to decide to spend $7 million on the new Irrigation System, but they couldn’t allow a few weeks for me and my Board to complete our due diligence and formulate a plan of action before spending millions for the golf course.

It is unforgivable that the COOCVE Board acted in such a hasty manner and allowed rumor and innuendo to replace facts when making such a momentous decision. I doubt that many of the 15 members of the deposed MM Board, all of whom were elected by the COOCVE Board over the past 3 years, would ever again have any interest in volunteering to serve a community where a lynch mob mentality could be so easily provoked. I certainly would not. And as for those who planned and instigated this takeover, you have set a terrible precedent and done great damage to the image and well-being of the community.

Anthony Falco

Century Village East

Deerfield Beach

Passover and Seder

Dear Editor:

[Sundown on Monday ] marked the beginning of Passover and the Seder.

While we all come from different faiths and backgrounds, each of us can learn much from this Jewish holiday commemorating the struggle of the Jewish people over 3,000 years ago, their emancipation from slavery in Egypt, receipt of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, and establishment of their homeland in the Promised Land.

The eight-day feast of Passover is a time when Jewish people reflect upon the story of their ancestors and retell it, parent to child, to ensure that the love of liberty is passed on from generation to generation.

The Jewish people’s liberation from tyranny is not so different from ours as Americans. Our Founding Fathers fought the British monarchy so that we could enjoy the fruits of our labors and the liberties they believed were inherent to all human beings. But today, too many of us have lost sight of this, and our freedoms seem not to be cherished as they should. This is abundantly evident in our political system that seeks to take away the very liberties enshrined in the Constitution — the right to bear arms, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and more.

So, as we wish our Jewish friends a happy Passover, let us also reflect on the freedoms so many have fought to preserve in our own nation, and ensure that the love of liberty is passed on.

Lt. Col. Allen B. West USA (ret)

Palm Beach Gardens

To My Neighbors, Friends, Residents and City Businesses

Dear Editor:

It is with a heavy heart that I leave the Office of Mayor of Deerfield Beach.

I was so proud to serve as Mayor of the city I love. I feel that in those four years, much was accomplished. Because of my love of the people, as well as the city in which I served a total of 16 years, my wish is that it will continue to flourish.

I, personally, want to thank all those who supported me and helped me on this journey. Thank you for your vote of confidence; the fact that it was a loss of only 27 votes shows that we, with your support, put up a good fight!

My wish is for continued health and happiness for all my fellow residents of Deerfield Beach.

Sincerely,

Peggy Noland

Deerfield Beach

Municipal Election

Dear Editor:

It’s Wednesday after the election and I went online to find out the results.

The winner was not known yet, but right now, I am ashamed to be a Deerfield resident… with an election I think so important, which will really affect our daily lives, like the utility tax.

I can’t believe under 6,000 thousand people voted! I do not know the exact number of registered voters in Deerfield, but I damn well think it’s more than that.

I am disgusted.

Steven J. Fabrizio

Deerfield Beach

Freedom of Speech

Dear Editor:

At Brooklyn College, police were called to check people attending a “Program in favor of Palestinians” presented by Jewish professor from Columbia University Judith Butler and activist Omar Barghouti.

Jewish groups, including [American lawyer, jurist, and political commentator Alan] Dershowitz wanted the college to withdraw sponsorship — which didn’t happen.

President of the College Karen Gould was attacked for allowing a program sponsored by the Political Science Dept. and other student groups. Karen said she didn’t agree with the program but was FOR free speech, as are many people. There was plenty of “hate mongering to shut down the event.”

The event sold out and received a standing ovation.

They said anti-semitism in Europe was equal to racism today in Israel against Palestinians. By the way, there are many professors and Israelis who also believe Palestinians have been treated poorly.

In the film “Gatekeepers,” top Israeli secret service people also felt that their policy was too rigid and not looking for peace. In the program, they supported equal rights for Palestinians and the event had a “waiting list.”

I am sure many people were upset when Dershowitz was banned from speaking and would be just as upset if Jewish groups who believe Israel is never wrong were not allowed to speak.

In other words, “free speech” for both sides is what all Americans should be FOR.

Marty Weisberg

Coral Springs

Election-time statements: True or False?

Dear Editor:

Echoing the most mendacious national campaign in my memory — and I’m no longer young, I find in Deerfield Beach a similar performance by a perennial candidate to preside at commission meetings. In this campaign, I’ve been hearing bizarre departures from FACT.

Large raises in salary to senior staff have been cited as being unwarranted. FACT: there were no across-the-board salary raises for senior staff. Certain positions were eliminated and taken over by staff members who were entitled to more pay for increased responsibilities and longer hours of work. Each adjustment was determined on a one-by-one basis. All in all, the changes have resulted in a net savings for the city.

As to raises in salary for elected officials, this cost-ofliving increase was mandated by an ordinance in 2004.

FACT: Most of these officials put in at least 40 hours per week in serving their districts and the city. Their hours vary since they serve at the convenience of citizens — which can be at all hours.

The mayoral candidate was echoed by one candidate for commission as saying that “this job is part-time and easily can be managed by scheduling” is unrealistic. It is true that parts of some districts have been overlooked by certain commissioners. But it is also true that direct contact by citizens with hard working commissioners and staff have served well since the current administration has been in place.

The fire assessment [fee] preceded by years the recent adoption on the utility tax. FACT: For a candidate, coupling them is truly a disservice to the truth.

The perennial candidate’s campaign against a perception of inequities in water rates for the Century Village complex is not ancient history as was stated. FACT: Those attacks against water rates for Century Village were quite recent. Even more recent is the current about-face. You may watch the candidate addressing the commission on video.

David Cohen

Deerfield Beach

Education = Quality of Life

Dear Editor:

[There are] too many homes with single mothers and fatherless children.

Education is not a racial issue. It’s a social one across the board.

We have lowered the standards for passing grades to facilitate the overcrowded schools and the bureaucratic obesity of school board systems. Yes, education starts at home always has, always will.

We don’t need an Ivy League study to know this. It’s common sense. Oh yes, I forgot, common sense is not common.

And neither are family values. When you have babies having babies in eighth and ninth grade and opting out from school to welfare (remember, not a racial issue, it’s a social one across the board) this equals a poorer quality of life and a burden for all of society.

As we see in today’s time, a diploma or degree is not automatic employment.

What can we do to help single mothers with fatherless children on the way? Seems like a good question for our Ivy Leagues to study.

Ray Bish

Deerfield Beach