By Gary Curreri

Highlands Christian Academy continued its long tradition of hosting a basketball camp this summer. Reg Cook, the school’s former AD, and Boys Varsity basketball coach, started the camp in 1986 with 19 campers in attendance. This year’s camp had 25 campers and consisted of children in the 3rd through 8th grade.

“We had a great group of campers,” said Highlands Christian basketball coach Paul Pridemore, who is also the school’s athletic director. “They learned a lot of fundamental skills that they can build on. The most exciting thing that happened was we had one camper that accepted Christ as his savior.”

Trophies were awarded for competitions like free throws, hot shot, full court layups, Mikan layups, one-on-one, in addition to the best defender, most improved and camper of the week.

In addition to basketball, Highlands Christian Academy also held a softball camp and a volleyball camp that ended this week.

Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association results

The Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association held two tournaments recently for its players. A total of 29 golfers competed in the Two Best Ball of Foursome tournament on July 17 at the Pines Course and the team of Jim Blake, Frank Cutrone and Willie Smith shot 116 to win by two strokes. The team of Bill Hazlett, Robert Raser and Dennis Sejda shot a 118 and won on a match of cards over the third place team of Robert Blau, Gary Gill and Jim Greeley, who also carded a 118. Jim Blake won the closest to the pin contest on hole No. 15.

One week later, the Pompano Beach Men’s Golf Association held an individual play – Odd Holes Minus ½ Handicap in Classes tournament on the Pines Course with Tom Pawelczyk winning the Class A Net Score with a 29.0. Dennis Sejda recorded a 29.5 to take second, while Bill Hadersbeck shot a 30.0 to finish in third in the Class A.

 In Class B, Mike Marruquin shot a 29.5 and finished in first place after a match of cards over Jim Greeley. Robert Raser carded a 30.0 to take third.

Dennis Rooy shot 27.5 to take first place in the Class C Division, while Bill Hazlett (29.5) and Henry Lesburt (30.5) finished second and third respectively. Lesburt won on a match of cards. The closest to the pin winner on hole (No. 17) was Bill O’Brien.

There were 30 players in the field.

Simply Soccer camp down to final week

Area residents have one final chance to take part in the Simply Soccer camp series that is in its 31st year of soccer camps for children 5-15 in nearby Coral Springs.

There are three sessions each day ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., extended hours camp from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a Tiny Tot program for kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Full day campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. You do not have to be a city resident to attend.

 The final week is Aug. 5-9. You can register daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs. For information on the camp, call 954-345-2200.

Highlands Christian Academy recently held a basketball camp with 25 campers (bottom photo). The camp also handed out awards (top photo).

The end of summer brings an opportunity for new beginnings in a variety of ways. School children heading back to classes prepare for new lessons, projects, exams, and the like. Moving up a grade usually means meeting new teachers and possibly new classmates. Transitioning from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school means learning your way around a new environment, along with taking new classes and making new friends. For teachers and support staff, the experience is similar. There are new kids to work with, new schedules to keep, and sometimes new educational standards to be implemented.

Parents go through a reset as well. Vacation days with great summer experiences have ended. Kids are out of the house and back in school. There are forms to be filled out and bus routes to confirm. Traffic for the morning commute to work increases, along with anxiety levels during the ride. These end-of -summer rituals predictably occur as most of us make the adjustments both physically and emotionally. Even nature prepares to bid farewell to summer in order to make room for autumn. Change, transition, adjustment and renewal are all around us at this time of year.

Most of the year has passed at this point and we are looking at just a few months left. At the beginning of the year, many people made plans and set goals to be accomplished. Now is a great time to review and assess and to make adjustments, if necessary. The opportunity to reset or begin anew at the end of summer gives us a chance to confirm which goals are most important, and to focus on the things that matter most. Even challenging circumstances may provide us with new lessons, different options, and a change in direction.

There is a movement among churches to capture this sense of renewal at the end of summer by inviting congregants back to church. Attendance usually diminishes during the summer months, causing some churches to adopt a summer schedule of fewer services. As vacation days come to an end and the kids head back to school, people are encouraged to reconnect with the fellowship and worship that church offers. There is even a national “Back to Church Campaign” that provides resources and ideas to congregations that desire to reach out to regular attendees as well as attract new people.

In all of life’s pursuits none should be considered more important than the development of our faith. Connecting with God and finding your purpose through Him is a very rewarding experience. I was impressed with several of the athletes who publicly gave thanks to God for their victories in the recent Olympics. They acknowledged that their abilities were granted by Him and rightly gave God the glory. Even some who came up short offered thanks for the opportunity to compete at such a high profile level.

As we say goodbye to the summer months and adjust to the coming season, why not reset our spiritual lives as well. If you’ve been out of church, or out of contact with your community of faith, why not reconnect and reaffirm your relationship with God. Bring the entire family and make a purposeful decision to move forward with faith, focus and gratitude. Seize these new days, and this new season, with a fresh attitude.

May you discover the joy of the Psalm (96:1) who declared “O sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord all the earth.” There is much more to experience and enjoy in life. Sometimes all you need is to reset.

Bishop Patrick L. Kelly is the pastor of Cathedral Church of God, 365 S. Dixie Hwy., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-427-0302.

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 Gary Curreri

Former Highlands Christian Academy basketball coach and athletic director Reg Cook first staged a summer basketball camp at the school 30 years ago.

It was attended by 19 athletes and not only is it still ongoing, but it is still going strong. The two weeks brought in 60 campers in the first week (7th-12th graders) and 50 in the second week (2nd-6th grade).

“It was one of our most successful camps in the past 10 years,” said current Highlands Academy basketball coach and athletic director Jim Good. “We had a great group of coaches who provided energy, enthusiasm and quality instruction.”

The high school student/ athletes attended the first week of camp and then acted as assistant coaches for the second week of camp with the elementary school campers and earned community service hours.

There were also two guest speakers – Andrew Smith, a 2011 HCA alum, and Casey Wohleb, who is the head coach at North Broward Prep and also the founder of Ball by Design.

Smith attended both the elementary and high school camp sessions while he attended Highlands Christian, and recently graduated from Liberty University (Big South) where he played for the past years.

Smith is currently in China playing with an All-Star team and will then be traveling to Europe in July to pursue playing professionally in Latvia.

“Andrew’s a great role model for our athletes and did a great job explaining the importance of hard work and sacrifice while trying to achieve your goals,” Good said. “Andrew uses basketball as his platform to proclaim the name of Christ.”

Good was also impressed with Wohleb, who played locally at Westminster Academy where he helped the team win a state title in 2002 as a junior and then transferred to North Broward Prep for his senior year. He went on to play at Florida Gulf Coast University and also professionally overseas.

“Casey was able to come in the afternoon,” Good said. “He provided and led several quality and productive shooting drills.”

A typical morning always started off with a devotion in which several of the coaches were able to provide a spiritual thought and Scripture for the day.

The basketball activities included warm-up runs, stretching, ball handling, dribbling, and speed and agility stations.

The campers were then broken up into specific age groups to work on layups, “cone” drills and shooting. Several Gatorade contests were done throughout the day.

The trophy contests included a 1-on-1 tournament, 2-on-2 tourney, free throw shooting and a Hot Shots Competition.

Campers enjoyed lunch at Chick-Fil-A and CiCi’s Pizza. The day concluded with 5-on-5 full court games in the afternoon.

The coaches included John Wilson (boys elementary head coach/girls varsity assistant), Jim Good (Athletic Director/Boys Varsity Head Coach), Kyle Lassen (11th grade), Josh Good (boys JH head coach), Luke Still (Boys JV head coach), Matt Veynovich (10th grade), Herman Robinson (11th grade), Caris Everette (HCA alumnus 2014) and Danielle Domino (11th grade).

By Gary Curreri

For nearly three decades, Highlands Christian Academy has combined fun and instruction with outstanding results at its annual summer basketball camp.

Now, in its 27th year, Highlands Christian Academy hosted more than 100 players in two separate sessions.

The first session attracted the older students (7th through 12th graders) who met from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There were a total of 55 players.

The younger athletes (2nd through 6th graders) met from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the second session. There were 50 that week.

Jim Good, the school’s athletic director and boys’ varsity basketball coach, said a typical day included morning devotion, warm-up runs, stretches, ball handling, dribbling and Gatorade contests. Each day, a certain competition was done: 1 on 1, 2 on 2, free throw competition and hot shots competition.

“We went to lunch at Chick-fil-A and CiCi’s Pizza,” Good said. “In the afternoon, we played 5 on 5, full court games. Reg Cook started the camp back in 1985, and it is our most popular athletic camp at HCA.

Other athletic camps the school provides include cheerleading, softball, flag football, indoor soccer, volleyball and golf.

The head coaches for the two weeks of camp were Jim Good (boys varsity), Luke Still (boys’ JV), Josh Good (boys’ junior high) and Kelly Fichtner (girls’ varsity).

Several varsity athletes at the school also helped out during the second week to earn community service hours.

Soccer camps slated

Simply Soccer has two summer camps remaining in the city of Pompano. The dates are July 23-27 and August 13-17. Registration is being held at the Pompano Beach Civic Center. The soccer camp is for boys and girls, ages 5-14, of all skill levels, who will be taught a variety of soccer skills from dribbling to shooting. There are three sessions each day, ranging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cost is $100 weekly); extended hours camp is available: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $125 each week, and a Tiny Tot program is offered for kids ages 5 and 6 from 9 a.m.to noon for $55 weekly.

Campers must bring a soccer ball, swimsuit, shin guards, water bottle and lunch. For more information, call the city of Pompano Parks and Recreation Department at 954-786- 4119 or 954-786-4111.

Men’s softball league begins

The city of Pompano Beach’s summer softball league began on July 9. The league, which plays its game at the Pompano Community Park 4-Fields Complex, offers games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights from 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Teams with a little more experience play on Wednesday nights. All-star events such as a Home Run Derby and special prizes will be offered throughout the season. There is a fully operational concession stand.

For more information, call 954-786-4119 or visit www.leaguelineup.com/ pompano.

Registration for the Doreen Gauthier Lighthouse Point Library Summer Camp begins on Monday, May 2 during regular library hours.  This year’s camp runs June 13^th through 17^th at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Education Building.  Children who have completed kindergarten and not yet entering sixth grade are eligible to participate in the “Fun and Fit 2011” events.  Mad Science will be offering hands-on science experiences on how the human body works.  In the afternoon Miss Black, certified physical education instructor from St. Joan of Arc will be coaching sports clinics.  Surprise special guests are planned for each day.  The first 100 students will receive tee shirts provided by Balkan & Patterson, LLP.  Cost for the week is $185 if you enroll by June 1^st; $205 after June 1^st.  Call Doreen Gauthier 954-946-6398 for additional details.