By Rachel Galvin

The Wick Theatre came to life with the magical classic “Peter Pan,” which opened Aug. 6 and runs through Aug. 23. Catch it this weekend before it flies away!

The musical “Peter Pan” has pirates and “Indians,” dogs and alligators and even that naughty fairy Tinkerbell, who is quite jealous it seems of Wendy (For those who do not know the classic tale, go watch and find out more about these colorful characters. It truly is fun for the whole family.) On August 8, adults were buying pixie dust wands of sorts that were sold in the lobby, turning on their lights during the performance, basically reliving childhood.

The show was filled with great choreography, especially when Tiger Lilly’s tribe hit the stage.

The greatest part of the show was the flying effects, courtesy of ZFX Flying. The scene where the children escape their home to go to Neverland with Peter Pan was absolutely a thrill as projections and harnesses helped them to appear as though they were flying across the skyline .

Shannon Mari Mills had quite the Broadway belt as Peter Pan, but it was Robin Haynes as Hook who really stole the show. His wit had the audience in stitches and he lit up the stage wherever he went. There were interactive moments where they both broke the fourth wall to get the audience engaged in the show.

After the show, guests were surprised when cast members, still in costume, came out to pose with them. As usual, before the show during intermission and after, there was entertainment in the lobby, this time a bit of tinkling of the ivories set a nice mood. Adults enjoyed a flute of champagne to celebrate.

For more information, visit www.thewick.org.

By Rachel Galvin

When Renee Quinn perused Facebook a few months ago, she discovered something intriguing, a contest to create an ice cream flavor for Broward 100, which commemorates the county’s centennial.

So she started writing down flavor combinations that would embody the spirit of Broward.

Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant, in Dania Beach, was in charge of concocting the submitted flavors into something feasible and six judges in total picked a winner. In the end, it was Quinn’s choice that won.

The final flavor, Caramel Mocha Coconut Crackle, was made with caramel, reminiscent of dulce de leche, to represent the Hispanic community; coconut, for a tropical flair, and chocolate crackle (like crunchy Magic Shell), as well as the richness of chocolate and mocha. Finally, it was topped with rainbow sprinkles to include the LGBT community.

“It was a collaboration of my idea with Jaxsons’ owner Linda Udell Zakheim and General Manager Jerry Smith’s expertise. They wisely added caramel to the mix to balance the coffee and chocolate (mocha) and toasted coconut for the right amount of texture,” said Quinn, who is a resident of Deerfield Beach.

“It took six weeks … each week eliminating, adding and tweaking until it came down to this flavor,” said Udell Zakheim, who took over when her father Monroe passed away. “Some ingredients made sense and some didn’t. Even though they were great ideas, they didn’t work together.”

Smith added, “It was a lot of fun. There were many that I want to try to make that didn’t fit the [Broward County] criteria – like French Toast and Maple Syrup and Glazed Donut.”

Gregg Weinberg was lucky to be one of the judges.

“It was arduous,” he teased, adding, “It was more fun than judging American Idol. Eat your heart out!”

Quinn’s prize for winning was a “Kitchen Sink,” which is enough ice cream for four … or many more. She invited friends to come out on July 9 to taste her flavor and dive into the sink-full of goodness.

Jaxson’s, which originally opened in 1956 and has become a landmark for the whole family, is located at 128 S. Federal Hwy., Dania Beach. http://jaxsonsicecream.com.

By Rachel Galvin

With a big smile, determined spirit and contagious sense of humor, Master Sergeant Cedric King told stories of his personal battles and how he has taken each challenge head-on and come out victorious. This recipient of a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and other military accolades had his life come to a halt in 2012 when, during his second tour in Afghanistan, he was severely injured by an IED. This blast caused permanent loss to part of his right arm and hand and the amputation of both legs. This crushing blow could have been the end of his illustrious career, but he was determined to make a new path.

Just 21 months later, he completed the Boston marathon, running on prosthetic blades. He has gone on to compete in other marathons, Ironman Triathalons and more.

His inspirational dedication to success has led to him speaking to everyone from Fortune 500 company leaders to spending time with President Obama and the First Lady.

But despite his accolades, this North Carolina native remains humble at heart and took his time to travel here to Deerfield Beach on Friday to talk to kids at the local Teen Center, after being invited by John DiPrato.

The teens are part of a special program called Early Prevention Intervention, which started June 8 and runs through Aug. 7. The group meets daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and helps teach kids (ages 16 to 18) about possible job opportunities and career skills they will need. They mentor and train the kids, as well as take them on fun field trips.

Deputy Harold Morrison, who is a Community Liasion and started the program, said, “A few years ago, I came up with this [after seeing programs done by the state and thinking ‘why not do it here’]. Kids give up their summer to do this. We mentor them, teach them life skills. Hopefully, by the end of the summer, they have made a decision what they want to do for a career. We give them snacks, lunch, pick them up from their house and drop them off. We take them to Westside Park to play ball, go bowling, have cookouts with parents. Some parents want me to address certain things with the kids and I do.”

He interviews perspective participants thoroughly to make sure they are dedicated.

“This is not about babysitting kids for the summer.” he said.

“We meet with businesses, anywhere kids can get a job. We discuss what the difference is between working at a corporation vs. being self-employed. We go with them to tour colleges,” said DiPrato, Co-founder of Driver’s Alert, who helps to fund the program.

Students receive community service hours at high school for attending.

“I think Deputy Morrison is amazing,” said Stephen Greenberger, Special Projects, BSO. “What he does to make a difference in kids’ lives … this program is huge. He should be commended. I came out to support this phenomenal program.”

King said speaking to these kids was the best time he has had in a long time.

“This is what I live for. You are giving me a chance to be a kid again with my friends,” he said. “These kids are just like me. I was born in a poor part of North Carolina with the same disadvantages financially and mentally as they have. They could have been me. This could have been my community center.”

King added, “I wanted them to know the things I wish I would have known at 17. I bought into false pretenses, ideals. At 37, I can pick out where the false things were and share it with these guys.

“I grew up in a trailer that is so far away from the Fountainbleu where I am staying now, the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in. I speak at conferences in front of rooms full of millionaires and don’t feel intimidated. [My] story bridges the gap. Everybody has had adversities rich,poor; black,white.”

He told the kids, “In America, what we consider as problems are blessings. In America, we are born with freedoms at day one. [Immigrants] are risking their lives to get into this place.

“Be good at what you do and do that passionately. It will lead you to what you are supposed to do in life. Whatever you believe in, do that, believe in it. When you believe in something, the power becomes larger than the mountain in front of you. Maybe not on day one or day two, but consistently over time, you will dominate.

The mountain makes us humans look small as big as it is. You will not be able to stop it from being tall and long, but inside of you, you can generate the power to walk over it. More than anything, just be you. There is no other you on the planet. People can tell if you are not authentic. When you are the authentic version of yourself, those who really like you like you more and those who don’t will move to the side.”

By Rachel Galvin

After their first step of launching the sale of their engraved brick pavers on June 11, which will wind along from the front of the restaurant to the beach, Oceans234 held another event to unveil the rest of the plans for a million dollar renovation that will take place in August.

The renovations, by A.W. Rosse & Associates, will take place over 8 weeks. On June 23, Media was invited to see renderings of the new look and try samples of some of their new flavors. They will have a new logo and the interior and exterior will be completely revamped, including the bar area.

They are not adding to their square footage, said owner Danielle Rosse, but being more efficient in their use of space. The indoor will extend onto the patio, a perfect locale for private occasions, seating 40 people.

The fresh new look is accompanied by new flavors. For starters, you will be able to try fried calamari, chicken lettuce wraps, seared pork belly, crab cake or more. “Land and Sea” will offer plenty of entrée options from grilled bronzino, tuna or Mahi Mahi to filet mignon, skirt steak, free range chicken or even Lobster mac and cheese.

Rather grab a sandwich? You can try a burger or get more exotic with a dolphin sandwich or blackened snapper reuben. They will have plenty of salad selections, like Thai Chicken, Poached Pear or Shrimp and Crab salad, and many sushi options too.

There will be a “Renovation Unveiling” for the general public at a happy hour Friday, June 26 at 5 to 7 p.m. at the restaurant. There are plenty of events summer-long as well.

Brick pavers, which can be engraved with name or logo, benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, Deerfield Chamber of Commerce and Broward Health Foundation’s KIDS Campaign. They are still for sale online or at the restaurant. Their goal is to raise $50,000 and they have already raised $18,000.

For more details on all of the above and upcoming events, visit www.oceans234. com.

George Washington talks equality

By Rachel Galvin

On May 16, at The Horizon Club in Deerfield Beach, resident Al Sher, 97, had a special event involving a letter written by George Washington.

This first president wrote a letter to the Touro Synagogue in Newport, RI talking about equality for Jewish citizens. Sher shared the content of this letter, which went missing for awhile and was eventually found in a suburban warehouse.

He also gave a review of the American Revolution, including talking about Haym Saloman, who gave $650,000 to help fund the revolution effort and ended up dying at 44, penniless.

The large crowd responded favorably to the event and asked questions at the end.

Yom Yerushalayim

There was a packed house at Century Village clubhouse May 17 for a special event for Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusulem Day) to celebrate the 1967 reunification of Jerusalem.

The featured guest was Israel’s Consul General for Florida and Puerto Rico, Chaim Shacham, who spoke about some of the dangers Israel faces as well as the accomplishments of its citizens. Rabbi Alton Winters of B’nai Shalom, Rabbi Yossi Goldblatt of Deerfield Chabad and Rabbi Yisroel Edelman of Young Israel spoke. Cantor Sherman led those who had gathered in a rendition of the song “Jerusalem of Gold,” as well as “G-d Bless America” and Hatikvah. Two films about Jerusalem and its soldiers were shown. Charlie Parness emceed the festivities and Commissioner Rosenzweig led Pledge of Allegiance. Guests were treated with cookies and bottles of water. It was a great way for Century Village residents to celebrate their faith, culture and Israel.

“Edible arrangements” for Shavuot

Rebbetzin Shana Dechter, from Chabad of Lighthouse Point, created a fun event for the Women’s Circle ladies at her Lighthouse Point home on May 19. Everyone made their own “edible arrangements.”

This was one celebration for the holiday of Shavuot, which commemorates G-d’s giving of the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai.

Also called “Festival of Weeks,” the two-day holiday, this year (in the diaspora) May 23-25, is celebrated seven weeks after Passover.

It is custom to eat dairy products during this holiday. Some, while refraining from work, light candles and stay up all night on the first evening reading the Torah.

For more information on their Chabad and future events, visit www.JewishLHP.com.

By Rachel Galvin

Nothing like fashion and philanthropy coming together! United Way of Broward County hosted a unique event for the 2nd year in a row called Wine, Women & Shoes.

More than 350 influential individuals from throughout the county attended the event April 23.

This soiree raised more than $60,000 for programs like ReadingPals, which helps to improve children’s literacy skills, and Project Lifeline, which provides nutritious food to local food banks and feeding programs throughout the county.

Guests learned about wine, shoes and fashion while tasting tidbits from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (Ft. Lauderdale) and sipping on wines from around the world. Of course, the event could not be complete without a fabulous fashion show showing off the latest designs by Julian Chang, Lisu Vega, Nicolas Felizola, Tiffany Chimere and Crustal 4 U, produced by Sobol Fashion Productions. The event was housed at the Gallery of Amazing Things in Dania Beach.

Don’t miss United Way’s 4th Annual Magnolia Luncheon recognizing women of dignity, strength and perseverance, to be held May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Global Grille & Event Center in Ft. Lauderdale. It features keynote speaker Maria Mas Blet, the managing principal/ CEO of GSK Wealth Advisors, Inv. They will be honoring community role models: Publix Super Markets, Inc. with the Corporate Philanthropy Award and Lynne Wines with the Magnolia Leadership Award.

By Rachel Galvin

CSI Miami’s own Eva Larue took time to give back by having a meet & greet brunch at Royal Blues Hotel (45 NE 21^st Ave.) in Deerfield Beach on April 27 with proceeds going toward SOS Children’s Village. The intimate gathering was held in the boutique luxury art hotel’s restaurant, Chanson.

CAPTIONS

1. Max Tucci, Eva Larue and Royal Blues Hotel General Manager Claude Dubois.

2. The brunch benefited SOS Children’s Village.

By Rachel Galvin

On April 15, TLC Engineering for Architecture, Inc. held its 60th anniversary party at their Deerfield location. For their soiree, people came from all around to enjoy some tasty tidbits, drink some wine and mingle. Some lucky winners received free trees and everyone enjoyed the musical stylings of Martin Hand.

Since 1955, TLC has been providing their clients with exceptional high-performance engineering design, consulting and energy services. Their headquarters is in Orlando and they have many offices in Florida, as well as in other states. The Deerfield Beach office opened in January 2005.

For more information on this company, visit www.tlcengineers.com.

By Rachel Galvin

The cooler weather was a refreshing change for the participants of this year’s Dunn’s Run.

For the 18^th year, the large crowd lined up behind the starting line for the 5K walk/ run and 5 mile run benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.

With a time of 16:59, Gabe Leitz was the first to cross the finish line. A winner last year as well, Leitz was barely breathing hard after the race, although he said, “I sound better than I feel.”

Gabe Leitz, winner of 5K race, was the first across the finish line.

The first woman across was Valerie Mebane with a time of 20:17. She had to walk it off following the run, but had her training partner with her to cheer her on.

The five mile winners came in at 26:21 and 29:39, respectively, Chris Miller and Alice Henley, who easily got lost among the crowd, which gradually took over the street to welcome the runners and walkers.

Besides the race, there also were plenty of vendor booths to peruse and several types of auctions conducted following, as well as the awards ceremony.

To see all the results, visit www.splitsecondtiming.com.

See more pictures in the October 9 issue of Observer Newspaper. SEE VIDEO ON OBSERVER TV!

By Rachel Galvin

Photos by “Cinema” Dave Montalbano

In one of the biggest public relations events in four years, Disney World Orlando invited press as far north as Toronto and as far west as California to walk beyond Cinderella’s castle walls into the new Fantasyland.

There, they found an Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus.

The opening ceremony included animation legends Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Jo Anne Worley, Ron Clements and John Musker, as well as actress Ginnifer Goodwin, known for playing Snow White on ABC’s Once Upon a Time, and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, who treated guests to some classic Disney songs.

The media who attended enjoyed VIP treatment and not only enjoyed the rides and attractions, but also saw fireworks and a fire breathing dragon!

The Observer’s own “Cinema” Dave Montalbano had a first-hand experience with this new and improved Disney magic.

Wondering what is within the new Fantasyland? In the Enchanted Forest, guests can listen to “tales as old as time” from Belle, have a sip of Le Fou’s Brew in Gaston’s Tavern and have dinner in Beast’s castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant. They can also visit with Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto or jump in a clamshell at Prince Eric’s Castle and take a dark ride beneath the sea in the Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. These are just a few highlights.

The Storybook Circus is inspired by Dumbo. But features rides with other characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. Fly with Dumbo, spiral in a stunt plane at The Barnstormer or get soaked at Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. You can even go to Fantasyland Station to take a 20-minute scenic tour of the Magic Kingdom on an antique train, the Walt Disney World Railroad! These are just a few of the attractions. Look for Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Prince Charming and other familiar faces.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes also had a ribbon cutting in Downtown Disney (across from the House of Blues) and even Goofy attended. This twolevel venue, the largest of its kind, features 30 lanes and 50,000 sq. ft. of entertainment for families. It opens to the public Dec. 19.

And over at Epcot, the reimagined Test Track (presented by Chevrolet) celebrated its grand opening. Here, guests can drive their own custom concept vehicle through all the exhilarating twists and turns at as fast as 65 mph.

Walt Disney also announced some of its future plans, including Princess Fairytale Hall, scheduled to open in 2013, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. At only about three hours away, Disney World is a fun holiday option for the whole family to get out of town, but not go too far.

Make sure to check out the Osbourne Family Dancing Spectacle of Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring an extensive choreographed holiday light display. The event ends Jan. 6.

And if you are feeling a bit wild, head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, where they have improved their safari ride.

disneyworld.disney.go. com/parks