December 09 Lhp Magazine

Lighthouse Point www.LHPmag.com

December 2009

Lighthouse Point A’Glow!

Around the Around the Point is a column that includes news items relevant to the residents of LHP. We reserve the right to reject material that may not be in the best interest of the community.

LIGHTHOUSE A’GLOW A FAMILY GATHERING Wednesday, December 2nd Frank McDonough Park • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Train Rides, Face Painters, Real Snow, Entertainment Cookies and Cocoa all night long Santa arrives to light the City tree at 7:00 p.m.

SOUTH FLORIDA’S ‘FINEST COUPLES’ RAISE $110,000 FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION South Florida’s “most outstanding” couples helped net $110,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at a gala held Friday, October 2 at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale. The 24 couples were honored for their success in business, community leadership and unparalleled support of charitable causes. On this night, however, the cause that took center stage was cystic fibrosis. “Our honorees, as well as our sponsors, stepped up in a big way to support an important charity, the economy notwithstanding,” said William E. Lewis, Jr. event chairman. “I’m pleased to say we exceeded our fundraising goal which will go a long way in helping to find a cure for this life shortening disease.” Lewis, along with wife Jennifer and Eileen and Chip LaMarca, co-chaired the South Florida’s Finest Couples event. Those who were honored included: Catalina and Freddie Avalos, Robin and John Bartleman, Tony Beall and Ray Birbilas, Rhonda and Adam Black, Cheryl and Michael Brown,Tamara and John Chase, Carole and Governor Charlie Crist, Marlene and Pedro Dijols, Danielle and Nick DiNicola, Stephanie and Commissioner Angel Gomez, Pauline and Juan Carlos Gomez, Genesi and Julio Gonzalez, Barbara and Hal Hammel, Lisa and Derek Hayward, Karen and Joe Hillman, Cyndie and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Trina Robinson and Clarence McKee, Melissa and Congressman Adam Putnam, Summer and Jim Robertson, Sharon Glazer and David Singer, Kristi Krueger and Todd Templin, Sheryl and Bruce Udolf, Michelle Seyez and Alan Jay Wildstein. Lt. Governor Kottkamp presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to Jennifer Lewis, Chip LaMarca and Mike Brown for their commitment to the community and to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. James E. McDonnell IV received the President’s Call to Service Award for more than 10 years of volunteerism. For more information on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, contact Jennifer Tate at 954-739-5006 or email [email protected].

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“RELAY FOR LIFE” NEEDS YOUR HELP! Relay For Life will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 1,2, 2010 at Quiet Waters Park. Our 2010 theme is “Countries.” Each team will be highlighting a specific country with food, decorations, music, and activities at the Relay. The May 2009 Relay raised $102,300. The 40 teams that participated raised $90,000 of the total and the remainder came from sponsorships. Our goal for the 2010 Relay is to have at least 40 teams and raise $110,000 for the American Cancer Society. To learn more about the Deerfield Beach/Lighthouse Point Relay for Life, please go to www.relayforlife.org/ dblpfl. You can also call Carlos Sanchez, Event Chairperson, 954-822-9582, or Carol Landau, Event Vice Chairperson, 954-426-6547. Be a part of this outstanding Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society.

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT BUYER BREAKFAST CLUB SEMINAR FEATURED GUEST SPEAKER JIM ROSEMURGY The REDI Foundation is pleased to announce that Jim Rosemurgy of Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate is the featured Guest Speaker at the Commercial Investment Buyer Breakfast Club Seminar, held at the Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club, December 17th. Mr. Rosemurgy is one of the owners of Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate. This year marks his firm’s 56th anniversary. The company has grown over the years to become one of the largest real estate sales and property management companies in South Florida. Mr. Rosemurgy is also a noted real estate developer and investor. Richard Michael Abraham, the Founder of REDI, will present the Seminar. Mr. Abraham has experience in real estate development and took part in $5 Billion dollars of commercial transactions in 25 states. The Seminar is designed for a select group of buyers who are ready, willing and able to acquire commercial investments in the $1-$10 Million dollar price range. Space is strictly limited. For Seminar topics and an Application, visit: www.redii.org/seminar.

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From the

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eatures

10 Tight’s People Pumpkin Party 15 Friends Come Out to Support Michael Brewer 30 LHP Halloween Happenings 36 LHP Sprouts Celebrate Halloween 42 Lighthouse Point Health Fair 46 Casa Macaluso Restaurant The complete December issue and back issues of

Lighthouse Point Magazine can be seen on our great website at www.LHPmag.com

Advertising Rates & Information The Lighthouse Point Magazine is published monthly by City News Group and delivered by mail, free of charge each month to residents of Lighthouse Point, Deerfield Cove, businesses and the surrounding communities. Check our website for advertising rates and specials for new clients, or call 954-486-3820. DEADLINES FOR CAMERA-READY ART AND PREPAYMENT OF ADS ARE DUE ON THE 1ST DAY OF THE PRECEDING MONTH OF PUBLICATION. ALL ON-GOING ADS MUST BE CANCELLED BY THE 1ST DAY OF THE PRECEDING MONTH OF PUBLICATION.

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OUR NOVEMBER COVER It was understandable that a few of our readers would be uncomfortable with the November issue cover, and perhaps better suited for a cosmopolitan audience. Debra Todd’s amazing underwater photography is not only a beautiful, unique and a creative work of art, but perfectly embodies the theme of the story regarding the plight of a single mother. ❖❖❖

Editor

people did not make the nightmarish journey any more tolerable. Oh yes, my phone has a constant hum that is beyond their technical expertise. My opinion? Life is too short. Stay as far away from AT&T as you can! ❖❖❖

ECONOMIC BUMP UP?

AN AT&T NIGHTMARE! Oh, the promises by the AT&T salesman about the new U-Verse system were too good to be true – but it wasn’t long before the truth came to light. No less than 45 AT&T “repairmen” have tramped through my home for the past 8 months, unable to get my T.V., Internet and phone in any working order for any length of time. It seems the company subcontracts much of their work out to highly unqualified people, instead of actual company workers who may know what they’re doing. Incredibly, one worker even blew out my 19-inch TV. Spending hours on the phone speaking with pleasant, but poorly informed Philippine and Indian customer support

We felt about a 10% drop in business during the summer months, but we’re happy to report that Lighthouse Point Magazine is now taking orders for ads the January and February issues (as this is being written on October 27th). We feel that it is in great part to our wonderful staff, which now includes Babs Kall at Kall Graphics. However, nothing can be taken for granted in the current environment, so we will be sure to bring you the best monthly business and family news possible. At this time, Wendell Abern, writer of “Cantankerously Yours,” is on leave, tending to his wife, Carol, who is seriously ill. We wish her fast recovery.

Lighthouse Point 3467 N.W. 17 Terrace, Oakland Park, FL 33309 OFFICE 954-486-3820 • CELL 954-608-3820 • FAX 954-735-3652 Email: [email protected] Website: www.LHPmag.com ©2009 Lighthouse Point Magazine

JonFrangipane – Founder/Publisher/Editor BabsKall, Kall Graphics – Magazine Design & Layout BohPhillips – Ad Design WendellAbern – Staff Writer

LindaKaufman – Staff Writer AlanWilliamson – Staff Writer

Contributing Writers Jim Balistreri, Doreen Gauthier, Sheriff Al Lamberti, Dr. Steve Wigdor, Donna Torrey, Dr. Gary Goberville, Erica and Jan Davey, Barbara Silkstone, Rev. Jack Noble, Mary Griffin, Karen Hammett, Denise Richardson, Al Siefert, Mary Greenwood, John Offerdahl, Catherine Favitta, Kim Sherman and Commissioner Ken Keetchl

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Fashion & Jewe lr y

Beacon Light Jewe lers & Engravers Body & Soul Bout ique Bonworth My Own Cruising Journal Myriam’s Jewelry & Engraving

Ser vices

-School Station Pre Education uffolo Janet M. R Interiors by oint Florals P Lighthouse r haver Cente S ’s n Milber er an le C ry D One Price ilders Summit Bu uggage Venetian L air & Shoe Rep

Food & Spirits Buccaneer Lounge & Liquor Fin & Claw II Golden China Offerdahl’s Rita’s Italian Ice Sicilian Oven S & J Culinary Creations

Salon & Spa

Beacon Light Ba rber & Salon Blue Room Sa lon Casa Del Sol Ta nning Haircolorxperts Merle Norman Cosmetics & D ay Spa Sally Beauty Su pply Top Nails

Pets

utique ca Pet Bo Gigi & Lu oming Salon n Gro Pet Have

www.BeaconLightShoppes.com Health

ion Center Eye Site Vis ehab of S. FL gnostic R Medical Dia

Insurance & Finance Allstate Insurance Bank United Bee Insurance nts Edward Jones Investme rida Flo Mortgage Results of

Art & Fra ming Worden’s Art & Fram

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2400 North Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point • 2 blocks north of Copans Road on the east side

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I Love My Pet

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Al’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Around the Point . . . . . . . . . . . 5 As I Was Saying . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Beauty Spot of the Month . . 26 Commissioner’s Report . . . . . 72 Cookin’ with the Community. 62 Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Eyes Have It. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Garden Lady . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Green Harriet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Grief Man. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Happy Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Healthy Choices . . . . . . . . . . 60 Hot Off the Grill . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Identity Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Maggie Mae

I Love My Pet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Hi, my name is Maggie and I get into most everything around the house. I like to help out on craft projects, construction projects, laundry—pretty much where ever my Mom and Dad need me. Dad does some great wood turning and as you can see, I love trying out the shape of the bowls he brings in the house. Ahhh.... this one is just the right size.

Kids at Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Legal Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Library News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Mortgage News . . . . . . . . . . . 48 On Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Out & About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Pet Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Real Estate News . . . . . . . . . 58 Sheriff Lamberti Reports . . . . 64 Strange, But True . . . . . . . . . . 54

NOTICE Past issues of

Lighthouse Point Magazine can be viewed online at www.LHPmag.com To accommodate the many requests we get for our publication, copies of the Lighthouse Point Magazine are now available during the first week of each month at: LHP Library, Police Station, Red Fox Diner, Roadhouse Grill, LHP Yacht & Racquet Club, J. Marks, Yahoo’s, Rita’s Ice, Bonefish Mac’s, Duffy’s Diner, Federal Grill and Offerdahl’s Cafe. Call for other locations. 8

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There are many great ADOPT dogs and cats awaiting a forever home. Help A FRIEND support our local FOR LIFE shelter, The Florida Humane Society, a local, No-Kill, 501(c)3 Organization. FloridaHumaneSociety.org

Timothy Jameson I’m Timmy, a long-hair tuxedo cat. During my day I pretty much follow Maggie around and try to get her to play with me. I enjoy the usual “cat naps” but love to romp around and play chase and hide-and-go-seek. Both of these loving cats were adopted from local “No Kill” shelters.

Please send us a favorite photo of your pet. Also, include 75 words, or less why you love your pet, your name, address, phone and the name of your pet. Send photos by regular mail, or by email as a PDF or jpeg file to [email protected]. No photos will be returned.

DECEMBER QUOTE “Decisions are the endless uncertainties of life that we’ll not know if they’re right until the very end, so do the best you can and hope it’s right.” - Lily Collins www.lhpmag.com

The Tight’s People Pumpkin Party!

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The occasion was the annual pumpkin carving event, sponsored by John and Cathy Tight. And oh yes, the surgery began early on the Friday before Halloween at the Lighthouse Point Tennis Center, when the knife blades dug into pumpkins displayed on the many tables just outside the clubhouse. Some youngsters came early and could be seen working feverishly to get a jump on the rest of the crowd. It’s amazing how creative one can get in pumpkin carving. And what a shame the works of “art” cannot be preserved for posterity. Also Impressive was the gastronomical delights that seemed to continually come through the door at the Tennis Center.The selection and quality of the food was exceptional.

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Frie to Su

Michael Brewer at Restaurant and Patio Bar

Grant Galuppi, Joseph Cholak, Mellsia Pollack and Pat Galuppi.

Galuppi’s Restaurant and Patio Bar was host to a fundraiser for 15-year-old Michael Brewer, who was seriously burned on October 15th in Deerfield Beach. Pat and Grant Galuppi, owners of Galuppi’s, and Melissa Pollack were talking a few days after the story made national news and decided they had to do something. An event was planned for October 27th at the restaurant and the Galuppis said that they would be donating all bar proceeds from the night and all the bartenders would donate their tips. They contacted the media, printed flyers, used Facebook and got the word out. “It was amazing to see so many people turn out to support this family, physically and financially. We had so many people thank us for giving them an opportunity to

be part of such an event and support the cause. I think many people just didn’t know what to do and how to help,” said Mellisa. Don Larson did a wonderful job selling 50/50 tickets which brought in $2,000.00 and 80% of the people who bought tickets and won donated the money back to the Brewer Family. Donations were also accepted. Children to seniors, city commissioners, to political figures, firefighters, to police officers, tourist visiting South Florida to all the regulars, everyone was there in support. $10,000 was raised! Thank you to Galuppi’s and Melissa and everyone involved for supporting a most worthy cause!

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The Grief Man By David Plumb He had an idea for the New Year and he knew he could make money on it. He rented a sky blue pickup truck and stuck signs on the doors that read: THE GRIEF MAN Pick Up and Hauling, Day or Night No Grief Refused. Reasonable Rates Telephone 1-800 NO-GRIEF He drove around the neighborhoods for weeks. At first people peered through their curtains or went in the house when he slowed down, but one day a small woman in her seventies waddled down her front walk and asked him if he could take the memory of her dead husband. After six years, not only did she not miss him, but he was haunting her house to the point where she couldn’t find anybody else, and she had to admit he wasn’t, if you asked her ninety-six year old mother, a very nice man to begin with. The Grief Man smiled and she wrote a check. He put the dead husband memory in the truck and drove off slowly, partly out of a sense of honor and hopefully, so the rest of the neighborhood would see that he really was serious and write down his phone number. Of course the woman got on the phone and the word spread. Within days his phone was ringing off the hook. He could barely fill his orders. A man wanted to get rid of his son’s drug addiction, another man wanted to be relieved of the embarrassment of wearing a hairpiece, not the hair piece mind you, the embarrassment thereof. A child called. It seems the kid down the block got a tan cowboy hat and he got a red one when all he really wanted was AUTO THEFT. He couldn’t throw his red one away because everyone would know. Parents called in droves to rid themselves of the worry of what to do about leaving their children alone. Alcoholics called at all hours of the day and night. The back of his truck reeked with alcoholic grief going into withdrawal without people. Then there were the sick, the elderly and the fleeced, which had lost their entire savings to illness or inscrutability. The Grief Man left them at the curb with cherubic smiles. A single mother wanted traffic removed. A fish cutter said he never wanted to see another fish; a fast food worker wanted the smell of French fries removed forever. A set of twin women in their forties wanted to rid themselves of their likeness. The Grief Man took credit cards. The Grief Man bought two cell phones. He didn’t need to advertise. The Grief Man could barely fill his orders. The Grief Man had to rent a warehouse. A woman from Pembroke Pines, Florida said she was too hot. A man from Pulaski, New York said he was too cold. The Grief Man agreed to take heat and cold via overnight express. A Chicago banker wanted the entire New Year removed and the Grief Man devised a way to do it on the installment plan with balloon payments. Best he could do given such short notice. The banker agreed. A Las Cruces, New Mexico woman, wanted slipperiness taken out of satin sheets. Children with dead pets called from all over the world. A little girl from Adams, Massachusetts wanted a sun fish she caught, cleaned and buried in the back yard the summer before, to be put back in the lake. A therapist from Los Altos, California wanted to know if the Grief Man could remove the need, “To talk it all out.” A man who said he represented a large government agency he refused to identify, called regarding the elimination of war and poverty, but left no return phone number. The Grief Man got rich. He picked up a too-late Eminem record

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collection, sixteen truckloads of Brittney Spears supermarket Musak and one volume of poetry by Robert Service, four hundred thousand truckloads of used Harry Potter videos, a four by eight mini-storage unit full of 1960s memories and stadium-size tonnage of books about the uselessness of the sixties. The Grief man couldn't fill the number of orders for the removal of grief over the Martin Luther King and Kennedy assassinations, but he managed to put a dent in it. So it was, on New Years Eve at 11:57 p.m. that he drove his truck up to the side of his house, full of last minute pickups ; cockroach problems, found money, winning lottery tickets, missed chiropractic appointments. He felt exhausted, but happy. He gazed wearily at the Christmas tree aglow by the fireplace in the adjoining living room. He sat down at the kitchen table and opened a beer. He watched the smoky gas escape from the top. He picked up the bottle and brought it to his lips, when the phone rang. He paused to wonder who it could be and he promised himself he would not answer. He listened to the phone ring, one two three rings; he wanted to drink his beer. He picked up the phone. It was the little boy of the red cowboy hat. The Grief Man wanted to know what he was doing up at that hour and the boy said he’d been to church and the minister told him to be grateful for what he had instead of always wanting what somebody else had and could the Grief Man return his red hat? The Grief Man hesitated for a second before obliging. After all, it was THE GRIEF MAN the New Year and this was a little boy. P ck Up and Hauling, Day or N ght No Gr ef Refused. Little boys don't always understand Rates e Reasonab Telephone 1-800 NO-GRIEF what, or why they do what they do. The Grief Man looked at the nice hot chocolate that he hadn’t even sipped. . Now he had to go out and get the red hat, but before he could get his coat on, the other phone rang again. The kitchen clock read 12:09 a.m. It was the New Year. The woman on the phone was crying. She said she was Susan of the Susan and Sylvia twins. She said no one recognized her without Sylvia and would he please, please return her to, at least, a shadow of her former self. By 12:20 a.m. the phones never stopped. The fast food worker said she needed the smell of French fries on her skin to feel alive, the alcoholics wanted their drinks, parents wanted their children to go somewhere, anywhere, so they could be alone, the cold man from Pulaski couldn’t stand sweat, the hot woman from Pembroke Pines couldn’t stop shivering, the banker called to say the balloon payments on the removal of New Year had given him no place to begin, nor end, and the widow called to say she discovered the Grief Man's phone number on the refrigerator door and it reminded her that she needed to cry, but she couldn’t remember what for, so would it be possible, to return what it was she had forgot to remember, immediately. Thereafter the Grief Man’s phone never stopped ringing as he drove frantically and forever into the night of nights, the forwarding of calls jamming his truck phone, his ears, his very life; the calls to the Grief Man waxing toward a hopeful dawn. Happy Holidays to all! David Plumb is the author of six books. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Miami Herald, The Orlando Sentinel, New Verse News, Blue Collar Review, New College Review Beyond the Pleasure Dome Anthology, Homeless Not Helpless Anthology, Would you Wear My Eyes, A Tribute to Poet, Bob Kaufman, 100 Poets Against the War, Salt Press UK, and St. Martin’s Anthology, Monde James Dean. Mr. Plumb is a long-time member of the Fort Lauderdale Writers’ Group. http://notesfromawaveringplanet. blogspot.com

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LHP Chamber of Commerce Social It was all about the PINK!!! Thursday, October 22, 2009

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Lighthouse Point Chamber of Commerce’s October Social on Thursday, October 22, 2009 was themed in Pink, Pink, and Pink! Over 80 members and guests, donned in PINK, enjoyed mixing and mingling at the Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club. This is a record number of attendees. Linda Lennon, the Director of Club Membership and her team were gracious hosts and provided Spa Services that evening such as Chair Massages and Cranial Release Technique treatments. Linda invited everyone to learn more about the services and benefits of becoming a LHP Yacht Club member. Over 40 “pink themed” gifts were raffled off and the $300 raised will be donated locally to American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. These items were purchased from the many of the local LHP retailers to support and promote shopping in and around town. Stop in and visit their array of merchandise which is perfect for many events and celebrations all year long. The Merchant Presentations this month were done by Joanne Massey-Dean and Dr. Brian Rask. Joanne brought a beautiful collection of Sipalda Jewelry and announced that a portion of the proceeds from the jewelry sales that night will go Breast Cancer Research. For more information about Sipalda Jewelry, log on to http://mysilpada.com/joanne.massey-dean. Dr. Brian Rask announced that he will be offering “Invisalign Days” at his dental practice on Thursday, October 29th from 8 am to 5 pm and again on Wednesday, November 11th. During this time he will be providing treatment consultations for this clear way to straighten your teeth. Call his scheduling coordinator at 954-782-1864 for more information about this new service and event. Michele Greene, President of the LHP Chamber reminded everyone that the date for the upcoming Taste of LHP will be on January 19th and will be held at the Yacht & Racquet Club. The committees are busy bees with the final plans. The goal is to raise $50,000.00 this year. Log on to www.lhpchamber.com for

New Members (L to R) Sue Agnew, The Cove Restaurant; Valerie Booth, SkyMax; Larry DeVille, Fast-teks and Patty Miranda, Olympian Flame Diner and Julie Wheeler, LHP Chamber Membership more information. There are still several sponsorship opportunities available and the committee will be collecting auctions items until January 10th. Cindy Tenberg announced that the new chamber directory, The Navigator, is well on its way to completion. She notated that the deadline to be included in this directory is November 1st. This is a great way to promote your local business both in the printed directory that is being mailed to all LHP residents as well as being featured on-line. The directory will be available in early January. Julie Wheeler, Membership Chair announced that membership count is up to a whooping 173! Greene announced the following new members: Patty Miranda, Olympia Flame Diner; Dr. Dean and Dr. Weekes, LHP Animal Hospital; Christina Henley, Solid Rock Realty; Larry DeVille, Fast Tex On-site Computer Services; Jacqueline Smith Abraham, Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate; Carmen Turner, Compu-Pay; and Danielle Williams, Ocean’s Bistro Restaurant and Valerie Booth, SkyMax.

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Body & Soul Retreat of Lighthouse Point Customer Appreciation Party The Body and Soul Retreat held a friendly party on the evening of October 17th, although a downpour of rain threatened to dampen the proceedings. But as 7 p.m. approached, the skies cleared and the big party began. They promised our clients and local merchants an extravagant affair and they succeeded. Valerie Brunnberg of Party Lite, gave the front entrance of Body and Soul Retreat a quick facelift with her stunning candle arrangement. Restaurants such as El AGave, Sub Talk, and 4th Generation Organic Market had two tables filled with a variety of foods for everyone to sample. The entertainment, provided by Luis Mario’s Entertainment Company, had peopled glad they brought their dancing shoes. Mayor Fred Schorr and his lovely wife, Laraine, mingled with members of the community in the garden area, as our staff was chatted with different clients. Everyone who attended received a raffle ticket, in hopes to win our gift bags. Each bag had gift certificates to our spa, free service vouchers from Dr. Paula Hedglon, candles from Party Lite, free yoga classes from Awaken Yoga, and much more. Body and Soul Retreat takes customer service very importantly. When a client gives their time, they do the best to give high-end services, serenity, and a quick break from the chaos of day-to-day life. Their goal each day is to see each client leave refreshed, renewed, and ready to reenter the world. Body and Soul Retreat is located in the Gateway Shopping Center at 2024-2026 E. Sample Road in Lighthouse Point. Call Kristin at 954-784-5505.

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Norcrest Elementary Celebrates

5

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Annual Math Night

By Cora Martin Publix Math Night Coordinator, Third Grade Teacher/ NBCT

On October 27, Norcrest Elementary celebrated its fifth annual Math Night at Publix at the Shoppes of Beacon Light. The store was crowded as more than 250 students, accompanied by their parents, combed the aisles in search of answers to grade-appropriate questions set for them. The problems have been carefully crafted to address areas of difficulty that students have demonstrated in attempting FCAT questions. They are aligned to both, the Sunshine State Standards and the new math benchmarks. The event is free and open to all Norcrest students who are accompanied by an adult. This fun-filled event aims to foster students' critical thinking skills by solving mathematical problems in the real world setting of a Publix store.

Mr Paul Hammett, himself a Norcrest alumnus, and the current store manager, supports the event by providing cookies and prizes to participants, as well as throwing a party for the class with the highest attendance. This event presents a model of teaching mathematics as a life skill.

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AS I WAS SAY I N G

Mountain Men By Alan Williamson

When asked why he risked life and limb to climb Mt. Everest, master mountaineer George Mallory famously replied “Because it is there.” After 25 years in relentlessly flat South Florida, I can relate. Every so often I feel the need to heed the call of the wild, leave the Florida flatlands behind, and set out to far-off places where I can hike up the face of a mighty, fear-inspiring mountain. My not-so-quotable reason for doing it? “Because it is elsewhere.” Now, before you get carried away with visions of lung-gasping, boulder-clinging adventures in the Alps,Andes or Rockies, let me make one thing mountain river clear. Having grown up in northeast New Jersey about 40 miles north of New York City, my idea of hiking up a mountain involves meandering along a wellmarked trail to a modest peak of no more than 1,000 feet, pausing to enjoy the view and say something appreciative like “nice” or “sweet,” and heading back down in time for dinner. My hiking home turf is a region known as the New Jersey Highlands, a subset of mountains and ridges in the Appalachian chain that extends south from Connecticut into Pennsylvania. West Milford, the rural Jersey town I grew up in, sits in the heart of the Highlands and is home to over 100 miles of marked hiking trails, nearly 40 lakes, four state parks, and my old boyhood home in the woods that my father likes to call “The Ponderosa.” Much to his dismay, my dad also lives in Florida these days, in a house in the suburbs he likes to call “The Penitentiary.” For an outdoorsman like him, living in Port St. Lucie, Florida is akin to a captured white Bengal tiger who, in an ill-conceived attempt at domestication, is trained to try and blend in at the bingo hall and avoid going into a thrill-of-the-kill feeding frenzy at the early bird buffet. To provide a socially acceptable outlet for his untamed tendencies, my mother and he have worked out a system where he is tagged and released into the backcountry of northern New Jersey every autumn where he spends the remainder of the year roaming the secluded trails and forests of wild West Milford. This year, before autumn’s festive charms gave way to winter’s sadistic tortures, I decided to renew my mountain man credentials and join him. How could I go wrong? It was midOctober, a time in northern New Jersey known for mild, sun-splashed days and cool, crisp nights. A time where nature’s Crayola box of primary colors erupts into joyful celebration, causing grown men to stop on the side of the road and tear up in worshipful wonder. A time when the smell of smoke from nearby chimneys signals the end of summer as townsfolk sustain the flickering warmth with a cozy fire and well-worn sweater. Except that, this year, winter decided to hold a sneak preview. “I hear it’s supposed to get down in the 30s tonight,” I relayed to my father as we made our way into the woods and onto the white dot trail. “It doesn’t feel cold to me,” he asserted, as a contradictory droplet of snot dangled from his nose.“As long as you’re dressed for it, it’s not a big deal.” I thought of the winter coat, gloves and hat with built-in ear flaps that my uncle had lent me, kicking myself for leaving them in the rental car back at the house. “Only a la-la would be cold in this kind of weather,” I bellowed, jamming my hands deep into the pockets of my flimsy denim

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jacket in search of undiscovered warmth. “It’s not a good idea to walk in the woods with your hands in your pockets like that,” my father cautioned. “If you trip, you’ll need to throw your hands out in front of you so you don’t hit the ground face first.” “Good point. You ready to take a break and have some trail mix” I proposed. “We’ve been out here a couple hours by now.” “We’re only 30 feet from the house,” dad pointed out, nodding toward my rented Ford Focus visible in the driveway through the trees. With my father eying me warily, we followed the white dot trail deeper into the woods, occasionally using our hand-carved walking sticks like a third leg to maintain balance over wet leaves and loose stones. “I like having the walking stick in case we run into any black bear,” dad mentioned casually. This made me shiver for other reasons. “Have you seen any black bear out here?” “Not this trip. But they’re out here. The mounds of bear scat are everywhere.” “I always heard that you’re supposed to lie down and play dead if you cross paths with a bear,” I ventured, seeking confirmation. “That’s for grizzlies,” dad clarified. “Black bear will just bend down and start digging into their happy meal, grateful for the quiet treat. Of course, if you hit them in the face just right with your walking stick, you might be able to daze them long enough to get away.” “What if you miss?” “Then your best shot is to poke yourself in the face with the walking stick and hope the bear thinks you’re crazy.” With thoughts of keeping a hungry 300-pound bear at bay with a walking stick and a wild gleam in my eye, my dad and I pushed on to the final phase of our climb, navigating a steep, boulder-strewn path to emerge out on the open rocks for a scenic bird’s eye view of the serenely impressive Wanaque Reservoir. Surveying the dramatic beauty below us, the strain of the cold weather and rugged climb caught up to me, and instead of saying the customary “Wow, what a view,” I said… “Wow, it’s so easy to lose all track of time out here in the wilderness. Like, I could have sworn I hopped on a plane in midOctober, but now here I am, freezing cold, and it feels like mid-December. I love Thanksgiving, but I guess I blew right by it this year walking around for months in the woods. I’d offer you some trail mix dad, but it’s all gone. Every last raisin. I wish I had rationed it better, but mountain men gotta eat, right? Still not sure about the black bear survival strategy. And what about deer, coyotes, bobcats, wild turkey, low-flying eagles? I heard something about porcupines being out here and being very territorial. I’d hate to piss off a porcupine, but it’s really not practical to spend a four-hour hike constantly thinking “watch out for porcupines,” “watch out for porcupines,” “steer clear of the porcupines.” Dad? Dad?!?

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The Garden Lady Says… Jurassic Park? By Donna Torrey

It seems that lizards are a real hot button issue among homeowners. I didn’t say among gardeners, because real gardeners know that most lizards are really our friends. First of all, not all lizards are alike in their choice of foods. Remember the dinosaurs, those great lizards of long ago? Some were carnivores and others were herbivores. The remnants of these creatures have similar traits. Some lizards, like iguanas, are strictly vegetarian, or herbivore. Iguanas are a good example of what happens when an exotic species runs amok. They just don’t belong in South Florida, where there are no natural predators. Iguanas are the ones causing all the damage to plant material, and for which Garlic Barrier can be used to try and control their eating habits. There are some products being touted as sure fire for getting them to move on, but none are guaranteed to work, especially if it rains a lot. There is a good product called PlantProtec, which are vials of garlic that you clip on to your plants being eaten. It lasts for six months without having to re-apply. Products with Neem in them are also working for some folks. The Neem makes the plants taste extremely bitter. If nothing else, both products will also deter insects.

All we can do is repel them, but if they are hungry enough, and their populations are high, nothing is Plant more milkweed; iguanas safe. The garlic/neem don't like them, but butterflies do! flavor imbued onto their favorite dinner menu makes plants unpalatable and hopefully, they will move on. Use this link: http://edis.ifas.ufl. edu/IN528. It is a University of Florida publication that will give you all the options available to control them. Don’t be misled; they state that “There are currently no repellents registered for preventing feeding damage from iguanas.” The smaller, carnivorous lizards are actually quite beneficial to your home environment. They eat the very creatures you most despise: mosquitoes, roaches, flies, ants, beetles and snails. They will not bite, aren’t poisonous to you or your pets and are more afraid of you than you are of them. These are good to have around. Garden Gate Nursery is located in the Pompano Citi Centre. Donna can be reached at 954-783-GATE, or at www.donnasgardengate.com

Beauty Spot of the Month

Congratulations to Debbie and Fanancy Anzalone of 3910 30th Avenue, winners of the Lighthouse Point Community’s Beauty Spot of the Month Award for November, chosen by the LHP Beautification Committee.

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Lighthouse Point Halloween Happenings

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New Location on the Water

3100 E. OAKLAND PARK BLVD. • FT LAUDERDALE, FL 33308

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The Light Celebrate

Sprouts

Halloween

Julie Clark as the Capri Sun Queen with Kris Coe as Eco Friendly Rapunzel (her braid is Publix Bags).

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The Lighthouse Point Sprouts celebrated Halloween with an EcoGreen Halloween Party at McDonough Park on Saturday morning. There, kids participated in a costume contest, scavenger hunts, a “recycling” relay — where kids had to grab items and place them in the appropriate recycling bins — and munched on a variety of snacks and goodies. The costume contest included opportunities for kids and parents to create recycling-themed costumes, including one parent making a dress out of plastic bags given out during the J.R. Dunn Run, a Rapunzel costume featuring braided hair made from Publix shopping bags, two knights who created costumes out of recycled aluminum juice drink bags, and two others dressed as recycling bins complete with cans and plastic bottles. one activity table, a green-themed tarot card reader gave out advice and hints as to things people can do to help the environment. The Eco-Green Halloween party was sponsored by The Chappell Group of Pompano Beach, with food and beverages provided by Publix at Venetian Isle and Starbucks in Pompano Beach. Working with the city’s Beautification Committee, the Lighthouse Point Sprouts provides a venue to educate young people about the environment and is dedicated to improving the City of Lighthouse Point and the surrounding areas. Meeting monthly to either plan or execute events, the Sprouts have planted gardens at parks, cleaned up local beaches, and celebrated holidays using environmentally friendly themes. Families can join for just a $25 membership fee and receive a t-shirt for participating. For more information, visit www.lhpsprouts.com.

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For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call 954.776.8824 38

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BrowardHealth.org

Fundraiser at Galuppi’s On November 3rd, associates from the RE/MAX Partners Lighthouse Point office organized a fundraiser to help out a fellow realtor, Dorine Wollangk, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Dorine, who is a single mother and real estate agent, was going to do a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen during this trying time until the associates from her office stepped in to help and do a fundraiser for her instead. The event turned out to be a huge success and they raised over $2,000 to help her cover medical expenses. Thanks to the donations from local realtors, title companies, mortgage companies, close friends and neighbors she will now have a little more support. Thanks to all who helped out a friend in need.

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Lighthouse Point Health Fair The City of Lighthouse Point, in conjunction with BROWARD HEALTH North Broward Medical Center, presented the annual Community Health Fair at the lighthouse Point Fire Station from 9 to noon on Saturday, November 7th. Residents showed up in force for free event, which included a Bloodmobile, and the North Broward Medical Center with Dr. Nada Boscovic answering questions regarding Internal Medicine, as well as Cholesterol/Blood Sugar screening, Carotid Artery Screening, Blood Pressure Checks, Pulse Oximetry, Stroke Assessment, Memory Disorder Center, Joint Replacement Center and Wound Care Center. Imperial Point Center presented Dr. Coral Vallaneuva, Podiatrist, along with Dr. Peter Painter, Chiropractor, American Cancer Society, Broward Homebound, Curves, NE Focal Point and much, much more!

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Experience

Kn ow led

ge

Integri ty

Smith & Abraham S Abraha am READY TO PLAY PL YO YOUR OUR H HAND?

As foreign for o eign buyer buyers acquire cquire U.S. U.S. commercial commercial property property investments, investments,, do you you know how thro ed asset kno w ho w to thr ow your acee on these troubled ets? s? urgy, Featured Guest Speaker S Jim Rosemu Rosemurgy, COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL PROPE P OPERTY PR INVE INVESTMENT T BUYER BREAKFAST ST CLUB CLUB U SEMINAR BREAK Sponsored d by The REDI Foundation Fou undation Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racq Racquet quet Club 17, December 17 7, 2009 8:30 AM Noon N Featurin Featuring: g: Richard Richa Michael Ab Abraham Speaker Guest Spea aker Jim R Rosemu osemu urgy Space is lim limited mited Members 0 Yacht Club Mem mbers $20 $25 Others $2 25 To ensure your seat a at the seminar complete the Ap Application: pplication: www.redii.org/semina www .redii.org/sseminar

Befo ore you buy any comme ercial property investment, investme ent, attend this seminar Before commercial and meet Richard Michael Abraham. A With experience in $5 Billion n dollars worth of real es state transactions in estate states, Mr.. Abraham will guide you, as your Buye Buyer 25 st tates, Mr er Broker. He works w only, who w are ready for buyers only, ready,, willing and capitalized to buy $1,00 $1,000,00000,000- $10,000,000 do dollar ollar commercial propert property ty investments. Learn below: Lear rn what you do not know w about the topics below w: • • • • •

Market Trends. Trends. The silver s lining in this mad market. ma arket. The best type of inve investment stment properties this yea year. ar. Properrties. How to buy and turn around Distressed Properties. Developin g an Opportunistic Opporrtunistic Investment Strategy. Strate egy. Developing nducts Market Analysis, prepares p How Mr Mr.. Abraham co conducts detailed Financial Evaluation, Eva aluation, negotiates Price, Price, creates Joint V Ventures entures ((pools pools s buyer capital) to acquire acquirre institutional M dollar Commercial Property P Grade A, $50 $100 Million rene egotiates lender mortgage es so his Investments and renegotiates mortgages troub bled but prime investments. investmentss. buyers can own troubled

Attendance Atten ndance for the BREAKFAST CLUB SEMINAR is is for buyers only. only. To en ensure nsure your seat at the Seminar, S Seminar , complete the Application: A www.redii.org/seminar ww ww.redii.org/seminar To sc schedule chedule a private meetin meeting ng with Mr Mr.. Abraham, Abraham ca call all 954-545-7733 954 954-545-7733. 545 7733. Want W antt to sell your investmentt property? Call Jackie J Smith at 954-545-7734. 954-545 5-7734.

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REDUCED! 3 BR/3.5 BA updated and upgraded two story home. Fantastic pool/patio with 90 ft of deepwater!

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3 BR/ 3 BA open and spacious floor plan in Venetian Isles . Wonderful pool overlooking 90 feet of deepwater.

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2BR/2 BA unit in Lighthouse Colony sits directly on the Intracoastal. Great complex with great ammenities!

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www.MyLighthousePointHome.com RE/MAX Partners * 4301 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Antonio and Carlo Macaluso, natives of Sicily, have opened a gem of an Italian restaurant on Sample Road, just one block west of US1, called Casa Macaluso. Antonio serves as the host, and brother Carlo is Head Chef. A small white picket fence with red gardenias at the door entrance gives the exterior a defining feature when searching for the restaurant by car. As I entered the restaurant I was overcome by nostalgic feelings of my dining experiences in Italy, where the food is fresh, simply divine, and the ambience, intimate and charming. Immediately, you are greeted by Antonio, who can only be described as the epitome of Italian charisma—a warm, inviting smile, a twinkle in his eyes, and most importantly, the MARVELOUS Italian accent! For years I had been in search of a small Italian restaurant that conjured up my gastronomical love affair with Italy… and I finally found it! Golden tan with touches of blue upholstered booths line one side of the room, and dark wood tables occupy the opposite side, all of which are dressed with white table linen. The walls are finished in a shiny, textured golden, terra cotta hue, a Venetian marble method that Antonio used to portray an authentic Italian feel to the restaurant. Two flat-screen televisions play Italian movies with subtitles—one night it was Fellini, one of the all-time great filmmakers. Italian chansons and light operas such as that of Andrea Bocelli and the low lighting set the mood for an intimate experience. Salami Platter Reminiscent of the European dining experience, having dinner at Casa Macaluso you order a nice bottle of wine, savor the flavor and presentation of each artistic dish, and exchange a bit of laughter, humor and conversation.This is not a place to go if you want your meal in ten minutes. Here, everything is freshly made -- nothing is prepared in advance, so it will take a little extra time to get your meal. But I assure you that it’s definitely worth the wait. Once seated,Antonio will bring over a large parmigiana cheese wheel from which he carves a few pieces and serves with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.Then he brings a sampling of Sfincione, a slice of Palermo pizza made with onion and artichoke, and eggplant made with capers, green olives, tomato paste and white balsamic vinegar, as well as a sampling of roasted peppers. Just indulge in these appetizers slowly as you peruse the menu. The Italian wine list is extensive, prices ranging from $23 to $148.The familiar “boot” shape map of Italy appears next to the different wines with the region highlighted in red to indicate where the wine originates. A little wine lesson to start! The antipasti selection comes in a generous portion that can be shared among a small party of four or more. Prices range from $9.75 to $14.75.The Clams Oreganato ($13.75) was a delightful start that brought out the contrast of a light, flavorful breading of the clams. The Salami Platter ($14.75) is a large platter of Prosciutto di Parma, Bresaola, Capicollo Piccante, Soppressata, Parmigiano Reggiano and

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Fontina, served with homemade Ciabatta Crostini—one made with artichoke pates, one with black olives pates and one with sundried tomato pates. A most memorable dish was the Beef Carpaccio ($14.75), which is the finest part of beef tenderloin, served raw and seasoned with a light balsamic Dijon mustard vinaigrette and topped with a nest of arugula salad, slivers of Parmigiano Reggiano and cherry tomatoes.The beef is so tender that it just melts in your mouth, and the combination of parmigiana and arugula is just perfect.Adding a bit of tartness and texture. The pasta dishes range from $12.75 to $18.75. As mentioned earlier, all the pasta is fresh which makes a big difference in its flavor. I had to try my favorite Italian dish— Beef Carpaccio Linguine with White Clam Sauce ($18.75) that was cooked perfectly, al dente, in white wine, garlic, fresh chilies and a half pound of Manila clams. It was light and heavenly and the chilies gave it a little zip to its flavor! For Risotto lovers, this is the place! The Mushroom Risotto ($20.75) is made with Arborio risotto, wild mushrooms and white truffle oil in the kitchen.Then Antonio puts it in a large parmigiana wheel, flambes it, then stirs the rice while the cheese melts into the risotto. Highly recommended! I loved the Seafood Risotto ($28.75) which came with clams, mussels, tiger shrimps, calamari, sea scallops, 6oz of lobster tail, cherry tomatoes and finished with olio verde di casterlvetrano.The slightly spicy flavor gave it a lighter taste that I prefer.

The meat dishes range from $17.75 to $33.75. I would assume that one of Carlo’s signature dishes is the Veal Parmigiana on the bone ($33.75), which easily serves two people. It’s a 16 oz center cut veal chop pounded and Panko breaded, first pan fried then finished in the oven, topped with melted Mozzarella, Fontina Cheese, San Marzano sauce and served with homemade Ricotta Gnocchetti.The Ossobuco alla Milanese ($28.75) is a nice piece of veal shank, marinated over night with Chianti wine, baby roots veggies and aromatic herbs, then slowly braised in the same marinated liquid until the meat falls off the bone.This is served with Arborio saffron risotto. The fish dishes range from $22.75 to $32.75. The Sea Scallops and Prosciutto ($22.75) are three large pan seared sea scallops wrapped in a slice of prosciutto di Parma and served over Antonio prepares a bed of sautéed special Mushroom spinach with their homemade Risotto recipe orange tartar. The Mediterranean Black Cod ($26.75) with who ran a restaurant in a hotel owned by the family since 1912 in black olives, capers, garlic, Sicily. According to Antonio, one of the customers complained that Seafood Salad shallots, Italian parsley, fresh the Lemoncello wasn’t cold enough, so his grandmother froze a oregano and a splash of white wine bottle of Lemoncello in an ice bucket and presented it to her in their San Marzano sauce was perfectly moist and flavorful customer with the bottle in the block of ice and asked, “Is this and melted in my mouth. Blissful! cold enough?” Since then, the Macalusos have presented their My all time favorite is the Branzino ($32.75) which is Lemoncello in a block of ice! extremely light and exquisite in its subtle flavor. The As I recall the lifestyle of the Italians, dining has always been whole fish is stuffed with aromatic herbs, garlic and seen as an important part of their culture. It’s more than just an completely covered with sea salt and baked in the activity to satiate one’s hunger. It’s an occasion to celebrate time oven in its own steam, keeping all its natural spent with family and friends, a moment to exchange thoughts, flavors. It is then de-boned at the chef’s ideas, stories, and love. It’s a time when each moment is table and served with sautéed spinach enjoyed and remembered. Dining is never hurried; it’s and lemon mashed potatoes. played out in aleisurely pace. Just heavenly! I found the Casa Macaluso a special place where As Carlo says, “I create Italian love songs played while I sipped my Pinot classic Italian with a modern Grigio, where Antonio smiled with his twist.”The Tiramasu ($5.75) is eyes every time he passed our table and asked, served in a glass bowl with “How is everything, Senora?”As if we were guests thin shavings of homemade at his home,Antonio and Carlo seemed to want to dark chocolate. The Cannolo please us every moment we were there. It was Siciliano is one of his Grandma’s definitely a time to remember—and I plan to be recipe, which is an unforgetback time and again! table experience altogether! Café Macaluso is located at 1825 E. Sample Road, Being a chocolate lover, I devoured Pompano Beach. Call 954-788-0255. the homemade chocolate molten cake that was served with mint gelato ($5.75). This article is for promotional purpose only. Veal Parmiggianna At the end of the meal, you will have the on the bone opportunity to indulge in a glass of their homemade Lemoncello, a recipe handed down from their grandma

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MORTGAGE N EWS

Beware When Shopping for a Mortgage By Karen Hammett Not only has shopping for a home in this wild Real Estate market become a tedious and nerve racking experience, but shopping for the best mortgage has q y ng. First of all, a person’s home in most cases is their largest investment. So, naturally, the stress level is high. Secondly, that long list of charges on the Good Faith Estimate are so ”scary”. Even some of the most educated and experienced borrowers become overwhelmed when presented with one. Some are embarrassed or overwhelmed to admit that they have no idea why a particular fee is being charged. Many of the fees are standard and others are “negotiable” or they are “junk” fees. Some are more due to new regulation (since the HVCC passed appraisals fees have increased significantly), or new to the industry. Unfortunately, some may be misrepresentations by the bank or broker. The borrower can’t help but become confused. It is very common for buyers to meet with several banks and/or mortgage brokers when shopping for a mortgage. For some of us the comparison is welcomed. Because for us, the more the borrower shops, the faster they will be running back to our office asking if we can lock them in right away. That is if all the quotes they have gotten compare apples to apples, so to speak. It is common to have borrowers come back to us convinced that a competitor is offering a rate and terms we know is absolutely impossible to obtain in the current market. Often times after further investigation we find that the lender is offering the rate that the borrower claimed, but they failed to mention that they would have to pay up to 2 “points” to get that rate. The banks and brokers are smart though, they are aware of the compliance laws, so they don’t call them “points” they

call them something else so that they are not included in the APR. The result, the borrower is tricked… until the day before the closing when it is too late to change lenders. Most of us left in the mortgage business like to believe the these practices don’t exist anymore. But unfortunately we hear stories more often than we would like to that the greed and deception still exist. Keep in mind that the APR is pliable. By law, certain fees are calculated into the APR calculation, others are not. Brokers and bank play with the “names” of fees to artificially lower their APR’s. Rates may be quoted with “no points” to entice the borrower. But, keep in mind that ”points” are tax deductable costs. Other closing fees may not be. So, charging fees in lieu of points to manipulate the APR is an injustice to the borrower because the total cost is ultimately higher because they are not tax deductible. This important detail can cost the borrower thousands of dollars if he is not careful. In addition, Be leery of any broker or bank that will not give you a Good Faith Estimate within a reasonable matter of time. On very straight forward transactions the GFE should be provided in a matter of a few hours. On more complex transactions more time may be required. If they tell you that you must complete a full application to obtain one, your guard should go up immediately. Now more than ever, meeting with an experienced, reputable mortgage professional is vital in the home buying process. Give us a call for any mortgage advice you may require. We are committed to handling our clients in the most honest and professional manner possible. Karen Hammett is a licensed Mortgage Broker and owner of Howard Grace Mortgage located in the Duval Court Professional Centre located at 625 SE 10 Street, Deerfield Beach. Please call her at 954-421-3010 or e-mail her at [email protected].

LEGAL MAT TERS

Accidents Happen to People Like You! By Kim Douglas Sherman, Esquire The insurance companies have done a very good job convincing the public that lawyers are to blame for higher insurance premiums. It is not the legal community that is the cause of crashes, falls, and professional malpractice — it is carelessness. Let us start with the practical fact that people make mistakes, and their mistakes cause damage and injury to themselves or others.As a litigation attorney for over thirty years, I have learned that a great many conflicts can be resolved without attorneys. Sometimes it is as simple as just saying “sorry,” acknowledging the damage, and paying for the damage caused. When the damages are just too great, that is when you need to have adequate insurance. You should carry enough insurance to protect your assets in the event you cause the damage. What people in South Florida often ignore, is that so many people have no insurance to pay for their mistakes, and those same people have insufficient assets from which victims of their mistakes can be paid. This is really the main point of this month’s legal matter article. Florida applies “comparative negligence” in determining how much someone may recover in an accident claim. It is really a logical concept. For example, if someone trips over an uneven walkway, you could say that the person who tripped might be fifty percent responsible for not watching their feet, while the owner of the property is responsible for the other fifty percent of fault. Using that example, if the injuries

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suffered equal $10,000, the person who was hurt would be entitled to $5,000. For motor vehicle accidents, Florida adds the concept of “No Fault.” In simple terms, even if a person is one hundred percent at fault, they cannot be sued for the victim’s pain and suffering, unless the damage caused is permanent injury, scarring, or disfigurement. The state requires every driver to insure themselves for at least $10,000 of their own damages; that is called PIP, or personal injury protection. The “penalty” for not carrying the PIP is the loss of the “permanent injury” requirement from being sued; you are subject to what we used to call “nuisance claims.” If a driver causes a crash with injuries and does not have liability insurance, the state will suspend the driving privilege until insurance is obtained and the damages have been paid. It is clear that in Florida, there are too many uninsured drivers, who just don’t care. You should have enough insurance to cover any damage that other people may cause to you. Make sure to buy uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage. Elect medical payment coverage to supplement you deductibles. Seriously think about how much money you might need if someone damages you. In Florida, it is not “if” you will be in an accident, but “when.” For further info: Sherman Law Offices 954-489-9500, or visit the website at www.shermanlegal.com

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Why You Should Go To A Chiropractor If you’re sick, you should go to a chiropractor to strengthen your natural healing ability. The goal of the chiropractor is to awaken your own natural healing ability by correcting subluxations. A subluxation is a misalignment in your spine that irritates your nervous system resulting in overall weakness, disharmony or malfunction. Subluxations affect the health of your nerves, ligaments, discs, joints, muscles because they inhibit the energy that flows from your brain and nerves to all parts of your body. By correcting subluxations you promote natural healing, vitality, strength, and health. That is why you may see many people with different kinds of health problems in our office.

We are specially trained to analyze you for subluxations. We use a specific chiropractic adjustment technique, freeing you from pressure in your spinal cord and nerve interference. The Chiropractic Message is simple. You have within you an inborn or innate natural healing ability that needs to be reawakened and unleashed. Your body is your best healer. You will feel better , heal better and function better if you have no subluxations inside of you. Common Questions about Chiropractic Should I go to a chiropractor if I’m suffering from a disease? Yes. Can I see a chiropractor if I’m under medical care? Yes. Can my children be checked if there are no problems? Yes.

Chiropractic keeps your chil- office is friendly and we care dren healthy, helps their for you like our own family. body function and builds Come see for yourself. their immune system. HOLIDAY SPECIAL If I had spinal surgery (neck • FREE infrared thermal or back) can I still go to the scan ($50 retail value) chiropractor? Yes, we have • X-rays are only $35 special techniques that are ($250 retail value.) gentle and effective. Offer expires 12/31/09 Why should I go to a chiropractor if I feel OK? You may have a subluxation and not know it. Fortunately, we can detect subluxations by using computer scans, examinations, and x-rays before you feel it or have a symptom. Why should I come to your office? Chiropractic is my Life and I have been under Paula R. Hedglon, D.C. chiropractic since I was Chiropractor 24 years’ experience born. We take care of many families. It is our mission to 1313 E. Sample Rd. make sure everybody gets their spine checked, especial- Pompano Beach Call Now for ly the kids. We love kids, our

FREE The patient and any other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or THERMAL be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and SCAN within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted service, examination or treatment.

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Appointment

(954) 946-1799

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LI B R ARY N EWS

Gift of Time By Doreen Gauthier We are approaching the giving period of year. The desire to obtain the perfect gift for each and every person on our list confounds all of us. For many the most welcome gift to give or to receive is the gift of time. Enough time is a commodity that eludes the most organized or the most casual individuals. Even those who operate on “island time” are stressed to the max trying to coordinate calendar events and obligations from Halloween until Super Bowl weekend. Have you noticed how much longer the “holiday season” has become? Donating a few hours of one’s time may seem insignificant during any given week — but compound your gift of a few hours with the few hours of like-minded others and the total number of hours is dramatic — and what can be accomplished is extraordinary. Even Walt Disney gets into the volunteer spirit — the Disney Corporation announced free passes to 1,000 individuals nationwide who participate in the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” program through 2010. The gift of time is a self-less gift — remember the O’Henry tale of the Gift of the Magi? The Doreen Gauthier Lighthouse Point Library is blessed to receive the gift of time 365 days every year from our volunteers. This cadre of devoted men and women donate hundreds of hours to make the operation of this city’s cultural hub run efficiently and effectively. During this economically stressed era their donations

are a boon to stretching our budget. Each year I report that the volunteers save the equivalent of three full time employees or about $125,000 in salaries and benefits. $125,000 would fill many stockings! Our volunteers come from a broad spectrum of service — we have retirees, and some who are still employed, from the professions, business, retail outlets, teachers, financial whizzes, medical fields and religious agencies. Their rich tapestry of experience adds a depth of knowledge and support for our staff. The wealth of their collective knowledge is often probed to answer a particularly pondering query. The volunteers mark milestones of service with us — it is not uncommon for us to recognize 10, 15 or 20 years of service. Years of service are like one’s age, only a number. We celebrate both! We all know “it is more blessed to give than to receive” — this is the perfect season to give that precious commodity of time. Take a homebound neighbor to the mall to see the decorations. Offer to babysit the neighbor’s children so Mom can have a respite. Walk a friend’s dog for an evening or two. Whatever little time you give to someone else will be a gift to yourself as well. To have a friend, be a friend — to have time, give time. The Library staff, boards, and volunteers wish you and yours a meaningful, spiritual and blessed holiday season and a very healthy, happy and prosperous 2010.

P ET C AR E

Holiday Pet Precautions By Laurie Phillips, DVM While you’re busy making festive plans for the holidays, please don’t forget about your pets. One of the most common items around a home during the holidays is chocolate. Small amounts of theobromine (an ingredient in chocolate) can cause vomiting and restlessness in pets, and few pet owners realize its toxic potential. Ounce for ounce, baking chocolate has six to nine times as much of the substance as milk chocolate does. Estimates of the smallest amounts that can be fatal are: • 4 to 10 ounces of milk chocolate or 1/2 to 1 ounce of baking chocolate for small dogs, such as Chihuahuas and toy poodles. • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of milk chocolate or 2 to 3 ounces of baking chocolate for medium-sized dogs, like cocker spaniels and dachshunds. • 2 to 4 1/2 pounds of milk chocolate or 4 to 8 ounces of baking chocolate for large dogs, including collies and Labrador retrievers. If accidental ingestion occurs, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Cats have much different eating habits and seldom are poisoned by chocolate. Other pet hazards to be thoughtful of during the holiday season are: Bones: The holiday turkey will leave tantalizing bones, but don’t feed them to your pet. Small bones or bone chips can lodge in the throat, stomach, and intestinal tract. Holiday plants: Holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous when eaten. The poinsettia may not be truly poisonous, but its milky white sap and leaves can cause severe gastric distress.

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Electrical cords: Holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew; have cords secured and out of the way. Candles: Lighted candles should never be left unattended and that is even more important if left at kitty’s eye level or within puppy’s chewing zone. An exuberant tail or a swat of a paw, and candles or hot wax can quickly become disastrous. Pine Needles: Check around holiday trees and boughs frequently. Ingested pine needles can puncture your pet’s intestines if sharp enough. Holiday Tree: Make sure your tree is well secured. If you have a climbing cat or large dog with a happy tail, anchor the top of the tree to the wall. Preservatives used in the water in a tree stand can cause gastric upsets, so make it inaccessible. Ornaments: Sharp or breakable ornaments, and even aluminum foil, should be kept out of reach. String objects, especially tinsel and ribbons, should be safeguarded at all costs. They are thin and sharp and can wrap around intestines or ball up in the stomach. Stress and company: With everyone coming and going, watch out for open doors. Make sure your pets have collars and tags on in case of escape. Provide a quiet place for your pets to retreat to when the festivities get too stressful. Happy Holidays from the Acacia Animal Hospital staff! Provided by the American Animal Hospital Association, Courtesy of Laurie Phillips, DVM and Mark Stevens, DVM, Acacia Animal Hospital, 4771 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, (954)942-5955, www.AcaciaAnimalHospital.com

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He is known throughout the world, by various names; Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, St. Nick, and Pere Noel. On Christmas Eve, countless children all over the world lie in their beds while “visions of sugarplums dance in their heads.” When they awake they will excitedly check to see if Santa Claus has come to bring them gifts. One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. There is also a Santa, Idaho. The original Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, was born in Turkey in the 4th century. He was very pious from an early age, devoting his life to Christianity. He became widely known for his generosity for the poor. But the Romans held him in contempt. He was imprisoned and tortured. But when Constantine became emperor of Rome, he allowed Nicholas to go free. Constantine became a Christian and convened the Council of Nicaea in 325. Nicholas was a delegate to the council. He is especially noted for his love of children and for his generosity. He is the patron saint of sailors, Sicily, Greece, and Russia. He is also, of course, the patron saint of children. The Dutch kept the legend of St. Nicholas alive. In 16th century Holland, Dutch children would place their wooden shoes by the hearth in hopes that they would be filled with a treat. The Dutch spelled

St. Nicholas as Sint Nikolaas, which became corrupted to Sinterklaas, and finally, in Anglican, to Santa Claus. In 1822, Clement C. Moore composed his famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nick,” which was later published as “The Night Before Christmas.” Moore is credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly fat man in a red suit. The snowman is a fun way for children to play in the snow. Made from large snowballs and accessories for decorating — a carrot for a nose, buttons for eyes and sticks for arms. The first Christmas card was created in England on December 9, 1842. Hallmark introduced its first Christmas cards in 1915, five years after the founding of the company. An average household in America will mail out 28 Christmas cards each year and see 28 eight cards return in their place. More than three billion Christmas cards are sent annually in the United States. The Santa Claus suit was developed in the 1930s. The Coca-Cola Company hired American artist Haddon Sundblom in 1931, to redesign Santa Claus. Sundblom chose the official colors of Coca-Cola, red and white. The movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) features more than 52,000 Christmas lights, about 8,200 Christmas ornaments, and nearly 2,000 candy canes.

Green Harriet

Composting Tips for Your Organic Trash

Composting, the controlled decomposition of yard and household organic waste, is increasingly popular among today’s homeowners. Besides diverting organic waste from our landfills (the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that yard and household organic residuals constitute 24 percent of the United States’ solid waste stream), composting biodegradable household waste creates a useful organic fertilizer that improves the quality of garden soil and promotes the health of your plants.

Composting Basics Home composting can easily be accomplished in backyards using either an enclosed bin or an open pile; many cities even hold composting workshops. Inside the compost material, decomposition is fueled by microscopic organisms that devour and recycle the organic waste. Many household waste items can be composted, including grass clippings, leaves, landscape trimmings and fruit and vegetable scraps. Meat and dairy scraps should be avoided to reduce odor and pest problems. Simply add your materials to the bin or pile, turn the compost occasionally 54

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to incorporate air, and keep the material moist, but not wet. In two to three months, you will know that your organic compost is “done” when the material becomes dark brown and crumbly with an earthy aroma.

Composting Equipment The simplest home composting method is to create a pile, but commercial compost bins are readily available at your home and garden store and other sources. Homemade bins are fairly easy to construct with scrap wood; even a garbage can with holes punched in it will suffice. Find a location in your yard with good air circulation and drainage; you may also wish to choose a place out of view from neighbors and your windows.The ideal size for a compost pile is about 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet, as this allows for optimal air circulation while encouraging the heat buildup required for the transformation of waste into compost. The only other equipment necessary for home composting is a shovel and a water source.

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TRICIA’S SKIN CARE RELOCATES AND NOW OFFERS MORE SERVICES! Miss Patricia (Tricia) Lambe has been providing esthetic services in her popular Lighthouse Point salon for the last ten years. Her original services included facials, microderm abrasions, waxing, manicures and pedicures. She recently moved her salon two blocks south to provide for expanded services of laser applications. These new services include Acne Clearance, Permanent Hair Reduction, Photo-Rejuvenations, Pigmented and Vascular Lesion Reductions, Rosacea Reductions and Cellulite Reduction. Known for her colorful personality, Tricia is meticulous and serious in her approach to skin care. Tricia was born and educated in Ireland and has resided here in the United States since 1984. Skin care is her life’s passion and she is truly excited with her new ability to provide additional services for her clients. Tricia is pleased to carry a full line of Dermalogica and Bioelements products. Visit Tricia in her beautiful new salon Now known as

TRICIA’S SKIN AND LASER CENTRE 1701 NE 28th Street Pompano Beach, Fl. 33064 Phone: 954-242-0542

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ON R E LIG I O N

Childhood Memories By Reverend Jack Noble When I was a boy, maybe eight or nine, it was decided by someone in our home — my parents I would suspect — that I would go to a summer camp in the Sierra Nevada’s.This camp was run along some rather punctilious lines. Part of our wardrobe, as campers was to include a shirt, and not just any shirt either, but a one-of-a-kind-designed-specially-for-this-camp sort of shirt. It was to be worn every afternoon, without exception when we were “inspected.” Somehow, for reasons that were never fully explained, my parents sent me off to camp without that one-of-a-kind-specially-designed-for-this-camp shirt. Instead by some catastrophic, miscalculation they sent me to camp with a shirt that was “sort of” the right color, made out of “kind of” the right material, but it wasn’t the shirt. So, every afternoon when I wore that shirt to inspection, instead of blending-in inconspicuously there I was, a somewhat short, overweight, small, homesick boy, who saw himself as something of an oddity. Looking back now from the perspective of this many years, I can smile at the memory of my chubby little body and my forlornly mumbling, “Here,” when my name was called. But at the time, I promise you, it was no joke! I was miserable — unspeakably miserable, abjectly miserable. Why; for the simple reason that I was different from all the others. I stood out from the crowd at time in my life, and in a place where that was the last thing I wanted. I would suspect that I am not alone in this. I am certain that more than a few of us carry around such memories from childhood — some episode of loneliness and terror at the thought of being different. Further, I would suggest that there are even fewer of us who do not carry some of this deep-

rooted fear well into our adulthood. This terror I would imagine is as fundamental as the fear of falling. And perhaps it is exactly that — the fear of falling, of falling out of favor with others simply because we are different from them. Yet, I suggest if we value leadership, or if we prize achievement, or if we are at all concerned with our own painful struggle toward maturity, then this fear must be overcome. The rewards of differentness are easy to see. Regardless of where we might look – science, entertainment, law, education and it goes on and on — the demand for individuals who are above average, and therefore different is crucial.As with most fears, this one too dims when we drag it out of the shadows, and into the light of day. By so seeing, at the bottom of it all is this intense preoccupation with self. That silly shirt, and my fear, was just a form of inverted egotism. It takes courage to be different. But there is also an art to it. I mean to be different without antagonizing people with our differentness is important. In my opinion most people don’t object to the differentness nearly so much as they object to the attitude of superiority that so often goes with it. One rule of thumb, perhaps, let’s be as different as we like, but let’s also try to be tolerant of the people who differ from us. If we were to simply grant to one another the right to be simply ourselves, then that I suggest would be difference enough. What are we to do? Go ahead, take a chance. If you are letting the fear of “what people might say” hold you back or down, be brave, take a chance. The risk may be greater than the penalties, and the rewards may be greater than you could ever imagine.

R EAL ESTATE N EWS

What’s a Commercial Property Investment Worth? Only What a Buyer will Pay! By Richard Abraham In my 35 years of nationwide experience in real estate development and Commercial Property Investments, during "hot" markets long gone, commercial property investments were priced based on the average local market capitalization rate. (“cap rate”) For example, if buyers were placing offers, the buyer willing to pay a price based on the lowest cap rate, owned the property. And so, as this process proceeded, an average cap rate was established. In the good times, if an office building had a $1,000,000 net operating income (NOI), and the average local market cap rate was 6%, then dividing the net operating income by the cap rate, resulted in a price paid by the buyer of $16,666,000. Thus, the seller and listing broker of Commercial Property Investments were setting the price based on a 6% cap rate. What this meant from the buyer's perspective is the equivalent of getting a 6% return. And so, in the good times, the seller and listing broker set the price using the average local market cap rate.Those days, that method and approach to pricing Commercial Property Investments means nothing in today's market. In today's Commercial Property Investment market e.g. office and medical buildings, shopping and retail centers, apartment complexes, hotels, storage facilities, triple net industrial property, etc. the seller and listing broker NO LONGER set the local market cap rate or the pricing. The buyers now set the cap rate and price! For example, if the office building described above showed a $1,000,000 net operating income, the buyer decides what return he/she

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wants to earn, and thus, what price to pay. If buyers in the market want to earn a 10% return, then the office building above is worth $10,000,000, and not $16,666,000. As an advisor and Buyer Broker for buyers of Commercial Property Investments, the first question I ask my buyers is, "What return are you looking for?" Some buyers will respond 15%, or 12%, or 9%, or 8%.Thus, the buyer who seeks an 8% return, will pay $12,500,000. In my business, as advisor and Buyer Broker to buyers of Commercial Property Investments, I conduct a financial evaluation on all worthwhile Commercial Property Investment submissions and once I've completed my detailed market and financial evaluation, and have determined with precision, the real, actual NOI, and value, only then do I present my proprietary investments to my buyers. (I teach my methods at the COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INVESTMENT BUYER BREAKFAST CLUB SEMINAR, December 17, at the Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club) Thus, in today’s market, the buyer who will pay a price, based on the lowest cap rate, owns the property. Therefore, in today’s market, every Commercial Property Investment is Worth only What a Buyer is willing to pay. Richard Michael Abraham is the Founder of The REDI Foundation, www.redii.org, and a Broker Associate with Campbell & Rosemurgy Real Estate. If you would like to contact Mr. Abraham, or have any questions, call Direct 954-545-7733, or Cell 954-397-5355 or email: [email protected]

H EALTH Y C H O I C ES

Open Your Eyes to Latisse Patients Embrace Eyelash Growth Product By Melanie S. Hecker, MD, MBA

Latisse

Can I Use Latisse on my Eyebrows?

Since making its debut on the market this year, Latisse is the first treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to increase eyelash growth. Latisse has gained a following as a new tool in the aesthetic dermatology market for improving a patient’s cosmetic appearance. Most medical practices have been busy with the latest treatments and technologies for wrinkles, brown spots and sagging skin in recent years. However, there has been some skepticism over how much demand there truly was in the marketplace for an eyelash growth treatment. However, an informal poll of aging women demonstrated that there is a demand to improve one’s eyelash appearance.

How Does Latisse Work? The product is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes only and increases eyelash growth within 8-16 weeks. However, I have seen results in as little as 4 weeks. Once results are seen, it is possible to slow down or reduce the frequency of use of Latisse. Over the course of 8 weeks, patients reported improved length and thickness of their eyelashes. Eyelashes also may get darker and more noticeable over time, especially if you have light or blonde eyelashes. You must continue using Latisse to keep these benefits. In December 2008, Latisse gained FDA approval following a clinical trial of 278 patients. After once-a-day applications on the upper eyelid margins for 16 weeks, patients treated with Latisse showed statistically significant greater improvement than those in the control group in the measurement of eyelash prominence, length, thickness and darkness.

Although it is referred to as an off-label use and not in the directions for use or approved by the FDA for eyebrow use, patients have reported seeing some benefit from applying the product to their eyebrows. Some have reported fuller and longer eyebrows as well. But I caution that this is an off-label use of Latisse and the recommended directions are for the upper eyelashes only.

Side Effects Surprisingly, few side effects have been reported during the clinical trials for Latisse and during post marketing of the product. The most common adverse events observed during the clinical trial were eye redness, itchy eyes and skin darkening of the eyelid skin. If this last complication occurs, it is important to stop the Latisse. Allergan (the makers of Latisse) also warns of the side effect of iris pigmentation that has been seen in glaucoma patients (using the main ingredient of Latisse at much higher doses) but such cases are rare and were not reported during the Latisse clinical trial. I tell patients that this rare side effect is possible but very unlikely. I also advise patients to check with their ophthalmologist before using Latisse if there is any question regarding glaucoma or other eye conditions. To find out more about Latisse, please contact us at Hecker Dermatology Group at 954-783-2323. Or visit us on-line: www.heckerderm.com. Our office is located in Pompano Beach. New patients are welcome and many insurances are accepted. Latisse is dispensed at our office. Insurance does not cover Latisse.

TH E EYES HAVE IT

CONTACT LENSES — NEW AND IMPROVED BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! By Dr. Steven Wigdor Contact lens designs and materials are constantly being improved. Every major company now has a silicon based lens to increase oxygen transmission and to help with dryness. Initial lens materials and designs were only able to increase oxygen by making the lens very thin or by increasing the water content. Thin lenses were hard to handle and lenses with high water content needed your tears to help maintain their water level. If your tears didn’t have enough moisture, neither did your lens. Silicon by its nature allows a tremendous amount of oxygen, and doesn’t increase the water content of a lens at all. With increased oxygen there is less corneal swelling and in general a more comfortable lens. The lens design and its fitting relationship to your cornea is more important with these lenses since silicon lenses have a higher modulus. This means that they tend to be a little more rigid and can actually be less comfortable it not fit properly to your corneal shape. Most lens designs are now available in silicon materials also. Spherical, astigmatic, and multi focal designs are all available in these new materials. Although not available everywhere yet, Vistakon’s silicon Oasys for Presbyopia lens for example, has shown excellent

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promise in early studies that were performed in our office. That isn’t to say that some conventional lens designs and materials are not good for you. Many of my patients still wear some early slightly less costly designs, very comfortably, all day long. The key is to fit lenses based on your needs, and your eye’s needs. A good contact lens fitter will always take the time to talk with you and to make sure all your needs are met. The next step in comfort might very possibly come from the solution the lens is stored in and not the lens itself. Our office is currently doing a study for a company soon to be a new player in the contact lens solution market. Interestingly, different solution formulas so far have resulted in varying degrees of lens comfort late in the day. You might think that the “comfort” of a solution would only have an effect early in the day when the lens is first placed on your eye. It seems that solutions might have a significant impact on end of day comfort as well. If you ever wanted to wear contact lenses or were once unsuccessful, lens designs, materials, and solutions can now give almost everyone a very comfortable, clear outcome. Remember, everyone has hindsight — protect your eyesight! Dr. Steven Wigdor, a board certified Optometric Physician, and his staff welcome your calls and questions in Lighthouse Point at 954943-6210. You can also visit them at 3650 N. Federal Hwy in the Venetian Isle Shops or on the web at www.eyecareandeyewear.com

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Cookin’ With The Community

We encourage those who can perform magic in their kitchens to submit favorite creations that can be enjoyed by readers of our magazine. To submit your recipe, please email us at: [email protected] and type “RECIPE” in the subject line.

Broiled Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri For lamb chops: • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon • 4 (1-inch-thick) lamb shoulder chops

Main ingredients: Lime, Buttermilk, Cucumber, Pistachio, Yogurt, Radish, Avocado, Herb

For mint chimichurri: • 1 to 2 garlic cloves • 2 cups flat-leaf parsley including trimmed stems • 2 cups mint including trimmed stems • 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil For peas: • 1 (10-ounces) package frozen peas • 3 tablespoons water • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Cook chops: Preheat broiler. Stir together cinnamon and 1 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a bowl, then rub over chops. Broil in a 4-sided sheet pan 3 to 4 inches from heat, turning once, 8 to 10 minutes total for medium-rare. Meanwhile, make chimichurri and cook peas: With motor running, drop garlic into food processor and finely chop. Add remaining sauce ingredients and 1/2 teaspoon salt and pulse until herbs are finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl. Cook peas in water and butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, covered, stirring once or twice, until just tender, about 3 minutes. Serve chops drizzled with a little chimichurri and serve peas and remaining chimichurri on the side.

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potatoes and Acorn Squash Main ingredients: Butter, Sweet Potato/Yam, Squash Yield: Makes 8 servings Ingredients • 2 large sweet potatoes (1 3/4 pounds total), peeled and sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick • 1 large acorn squash (3 to 3 1/2 pounds), halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg Preparation Preheat oven to 375°F with racks in upper and lower thirds. Toss sweet potatoes and squash with butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Divide between two 17" x 11", 4-sided sheet pans. Bake, switching position of pans halfway through, 25 minutes. Stir together brown sugar and nutmeg. Turn vegetable slices and sprinkle evenly with sugar mixture. Bake until golden and tender, 35 to 40 minutes more. Cooks’ note: Vegetables can be baked 1 day ahead and chilled. Reheat in a baking dish, covered, in oven.

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Avocado Soup with Herbs, Slivered Radishes, and Pistachios

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Yield: 3 1/2 Cups Avocado pureed with buttermilk (low-fat) and yogurt (with the cream on top) yields a pale green soup laced with masses of minced herbs and a fabulous texture. Ingredients • 2 cups low-fat buttermilk • 1 cup yogurt, preferably whole-milk • 1 large avocado, peeled and pitted • 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded • 1 large garlic clove • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper • 3 slender scallions, white parts plus a bit of the green, finely minced • 2 tablespoons chopped dill • 1 tablespoon snipped chives • 1 tablespoon minced marjoram or oregano • 1 tablespoon minced tarragon • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro • 1/2 jalapeño chile, seeded and chopped • Zest and juice of 1 lime • 1/2 teaspoon sweetener, such as agave syrup, to taste To Finish • Finely sliced chives and chive blossoms • Thinly slivered radishes • Dill, mint, and cilantro sprigs • 1/3 cup shelled pistachios or walnuts Preparation 1. Puree the buttermilk, yogurt, avocado, and a quarter of the peeled cucumber in a blender until smooth, then pour it into a bowl. 2. Mash the garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir it into the puree along with the scallions, herbs, chile, and lime zest. Season to taste with salt, pepper, lime juice, and sweetener, if needed. Seed and finely dice the remaining cucumber and add to the soup. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled. Just before serving, taste and correct the seasonings. 3. Ladle the soup into bowls, then cover the surface with the chives, radishes, herb sprigs, and pistachios.

WE ALWAYS WELCOME YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES PLEASE SHARE THEM WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS!!

Hot Off the Grill By John Offerdahl

Sheriff Al Lamberti Reports

(a.k.a. The Gridiron Griller)

PRO BOWL PINEAPPLE CHICKEN As homage to the previous Pro bowl games played in Hawaii, I created a grilled pineapple chicken “O-Bob” for this issue’s featured recipe [O is for Offerdahl!]. I was honored to be selected to the Pro Bowl in the first 5 of 8 years I played in the NFL. Some of my fondest memories are of spending time with the elite of football and their families in an idyllic setting like Hawaii. However, South Florida takes the honors this year as Miami hosts the first Pro Bowl game on mainland soil in over 30 years! That’s a big honor and a lot of pressure, but with South Beach and the beautiful coastline, we are sure to not disappoint! I know those players will appreciate the shorter flight and hot clubs and restaurants we have to offer. So, fire up those grills, thread your skewers and prepare to say Aloha to the Pro Bowl, right here in our own backyard!

PREP Marinade • 1/3 c. fresh lime or lemon juice • 1/4 tsp. pepper • 1/3 c. olive oil • 1 tsp. salt • 6 chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2" pieces Combine marinade and chicken pieces in a ziplock for 30 minutes. Salsa • 1 mango (seeded), 1/2" chunks • 1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro • 1 sweet red pepper, 1/4" chunks • 1/4 c. lime or lemon juice • 1 jalapeno pepper • 1 T. honey (seeded & minced) • 1 tsp. salt • 1/2 c. red onion chopped fine • 1 to 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped Combine salsa ingredients. Pineapple Refrigerate fresh pineapple (cored, skinned & cut in 1" chunks, refrigerate)

READY Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto water-soaked wooden skewers alternating with pineapple chunks.

LETS GRILL! Coat grill grates with non-stick spray and grill over medium-high heat (425˚) for 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is done, turning and brushing occasionally with remaining marinade. Discard unused marinade. Serve kabobs with jasmine or brown rice and fresh salsa.

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STAY SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON By Sheriff Al Lamberti The men and women of the Broward Sheriff's Office are committed to keeping Broward County residents and visitors safe this holiday season and throughout the year. Following some simple safety tips will help keep you and your family safe this season. Too often, opportunistic criminals prey on holiday shoppers.While you are out making your purchases, stay alert. Remember to park your car in a well-lit area and secure valuables inside your trunk or take them with you.When you return to your vehicle, have your keys in hand so that you can quickly unlock the door and get in.You should never carry large amounts of money and if you go to an ATM for cash, do so during daytime hours in a safe location. With the number of vehicles on our roadways and in crowded parking lots, it is important to practice patience. Speeding, distractions and alcohol contribute to the increased number of accidents this time of year. If you are attending a holiday celebration and plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver or take a cab. The Broward Sheriff’s Office has a zero tolerance policy for drunk drivers and will be out in force to ensure all of our roadways are safe. If you will be leaving home for the holidays and live in a BSO jurisdiction, I encourage you to sign up for our free Home Watch program. A deputy or community service aide will check on your home regularly while you are on vacation.To sign up for this free service, visit www.sheriff.org/homewatch. Once you complete the form, return it to your BSO district office. Before you leave town, remember to secure your doors, windows, garage, storage sheds and gates. If possible, leave a parked car in your driveway. Have the post office hold your mail and stop all newspaper delivery. Remember, a few minutes of prevention can save you from becoming a victim of a crime this holiday season. On behalf of the men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, I wish you a safe holiday and very happy New Year.

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I DENTIT Y TH EF T

Don’t Let Santa Fraud Ruin Your Holidays! By Denise Richardson Victims of fraud and identity theft lose more than just their life savings — they lose their sense of security, their self-worth, and their inner peace. According to the National Institute of Justice, more than 24 million people will become victims of fraud this year. These 24 million people will lose over $40 billion to unscrupulous criminals. Modern-day technology has made it easier than ever for con artists to swindle you out of your life savings. Every year, millions of people fall victim to fraud schemes.The lucky ones lose ten or twenty dollars. Unfortunately, the unlucky ones lose their entire life savings. How can you protect yourself? Learn how to spot the cons.

medical bills. He would call his parents, but they would only yell at him and refuse to help. He needs his loving grandmother to send him thousands of dollars through a money transfer company — money that will go straight into the con artist’s pocket. Protect Yourself — Never provide financial information to strangers over the phone or via wire without first investigating. Phone your relative to see if he is in trouble — odds are, he is safe at home. If your elderly neighbors, parents or grandparents live alone, tell them about this type of scheme. Make sure they know your cell phone number so they can reach you if they ever think you are in trouble.

The Jury Duty Scam

“I’ve been Robbed” Scam

The Con — The phone rings, you pick it up, and the caller identifies himself as an officer of the court. He says you failed to report for jury duty and that a warrant is out for your arrest. You say you never received a notice. To clear it up, the caller says he’ll need some information for “verification purposes” — your birth date, social security number, maybe even a credit card number to take care of any “fines and penalties.” Protect Yourself — This is when you should hang up the phone. It’s a scam. Communities in more than a dozen states have issued public warnings about cold calls from people claiming to be court officials seeking personal information. As a rule, court officers never ask for confidential information over the phone; they generally correspond with prospective jurors via mail. Facing the unexpected threat of arrest, victims are caught off guard and may be quick to part with some information to defuse the situation.

900 Scams The Con — A letter arrives in the mail claiming you have won a fantastic prize — a car, a boat, or a million dollars. To find out what you have won, however, you need to call the 900-number listed in the letter. You dial the number and reach a computer that keeps you on the line for ten minutes — at a rate of $4.99 a minute. At the end of the call, you realize the grand total of your prize equals two dollars. Protect Yourself — Carefully read through these letters before picking up the phone. If the letter mentions a oneor two-dollar prize, throw it in the garbage. A two-dollar prize is not worth wasting $49.90 on a phone call.

Grandparent Scam The Con — An elderly person receives a phone call from someone claiming to be her grandson. This man tells his socalled grandmother that he is in trouble and needs her help. A thief stole his wallet and he can’t afford to pay his rent, or he has been in a car accident and needs money to pay for his 66

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The Con — The email claims your friends have been robbed and have had their cell phone and passport stolen. They desperately need money wired to them as they are stranded in another country. In reality, your friend’s computer has been hacked and the thief now has access to their contact list. By sending out emails to all people in their address book, they hope someone will fall for the scam and wire money. Protect Yourself — DO NOT Wire money period. If you receive an email like this -contact your friend via phone to warn them their computer has been hacked.

Inheritance Scheme The Con — You receive an email asking for your assistance; a wealthy businessman has died, and his friends need your help to hide his fortune from greedy relatives. The effort on your part will be minimal — all you need to do is provide the number to your bank account, where the businessman’s friends will deposit the millions. In exchange, you will receive around 20 percent of the fortune. Protect Yourself — Once the con artist has your banking information, he could drain your account. Some criminals take the scam a step further by asking for an up-front banking fee. Either way, this scheme could cost you thousands. If you receive an email offering you millions of dollars for doing nothing, delete it - it is a scam. It takes years to rebuild bank accounts, but it takes a lifetime to rebuild self-esteem and trust. Save yourself the financial hardship and emotional turmoil — just say no when someone asks you to wire money or divulge personal information. Always trust your instincts — if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. For more information, tips and scam alerts visit my website and blog at GiveMeBackMyCredit.com and feel free to contact me at your convenience.

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LOCAL BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY

Cell (954) 242-5872

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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Should You Add “Munis” to Your Portfolio? During this election season, you may have the opportunity to vote on something that can affect your city or state: municipal bonds. However, voting to give your state or local government permission to issue municipal bonds doesn’t mean you have to invest in them. But should you? By investing in municipal bonds, or “munis,” you’ll receive regular interest payments that are typically exempt from federal income taxes — and possibly state and local income taxes as well. Consequently, if you’re in an upper tax bracket, you may be especially interested in tax-free municipal bonds. Before purchasing a municipal bond, though, be aware that some munis may trigger the alternative minimum tax, so consult with your tax advisor before investing. Also, keep in mind that when interest rates rise, the prices of your bonds can fall, so you could lose principal value. Municipal bonds may benefit you — so give them some thought.

954-783-6694

www.edwardjones.com

Robert Friedman AAMS 1827 NE 24th Street Lighthouse Point FL 33064 MEMBER SIPC

[email protected]

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Hey Kids! Born in January Send us your photos before December 8th! Include your name and birthdate and Email to: [email protected] and Please type “Lighthouse Point Birthday” in the Subject Line, or mail to: City News Group, LHP Birthday, 3467 17th Terrace, Oakland Park, FL 33309

For a DESSE ll show our birthdRT! ing th a is pag y kids by COLD ea CREASTONE t the Pomp M ano C ERY iti Ce nter

Adriana turned 1 on November 21st

Lawton turned 5 on September 8th

Sawyer turns 8 on December 15th

Reagen Ann turns 2 on December 17th

Reiley M. turned 3 on November 12th

Jackson S. turns 1 on December 3rd

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KI DS AT R ISK

Hidden Toy Hazards By John Patterson An onslaught of product recalls in the past year has drawn attention to the fact that many of the products we use in our homes and purchase for our families are not always safe.The toys children play with are not exempt from these recalls, and in fact, they frequently top the product recall list. With the Christmas toy buying season almost here, parents should know the dangers of some products. More than 550 products were recalled in 2008, and most were toys and cribs. While toys might be designed in the U.S., many are made overseas where they don’t have the same standards for safety and quality. Because of numerous recalls, class action lawsuits, and potential dangers to our children, new legislation was passed to increase testing and regulations on these products. The legislation, called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, was enacted in Feb. 2009, but the deadline for compliance with new regulations was extended until next year. A client of the local law firm of Balkan & Patterson was requested to testify in front of Congress, helping develop the new laws. Essentially, the legislation prohibits the use of lead and certain toxic chemicals in toys and infant products, requiring them to be tested before approved for sale to consumers. Manufacturers and importers of children’s products will not need to meet these new requirements until Feb. 10, 2010, but they must meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory standards and other requirements. An example of the dangers of some toys is a class action lawsuit against Mattel, the world’s largest toy importing company. Mattel and

Fisher-Price distributed millions of toys containing lead, which can poison a child if ingested. The lawsuit settled in October for an estimated $50 million. Another case involves more than 10 million Magnetix toys, manufactured by MEGA Brands. Until better regulations are in place for toys, there are some tips parents can keep in mind when shopping. • Read Labels: This information gives age and safety recommendations for each toy. • Age Appropriate: Make sure your children’s toys are designed for their age. If there are younger children in the house, take necessary precautions to ensure they can’t get a toy that is not made for their age level. • Small Parts/Magnets: If you have young children, use caution as small parts or magnets can cause serious injuries. When ingested, magnets can attract each other or a metal object and cause serious internal injuries or death. • Research: Before buying, consult the CPSC website for up-to-date information on recalled products. John Patterson is a partner in the law firm of Balkan & Patterson and was involved with the class action case that Mattel settled for $50 million. As a parent and Lighthouse Point resident, he works to protect our community, handling personal injury cases, including class actions, product recalls, auto accidents and cases of child / special needs student abuse. For additional information, please visit www.balkanpatterson.com.

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C o mmissio ner ’ s R ep o r t

Looking Out for District 4 as Broward County’s Mayor By Broward County Mayor and Commissioner Ken Keechl I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: it’s an awesome responsibility! Last year, my colleagues honored me by electing me to be the Vice Mayor of Broward County. I have enjoyed the position over the last twelve months. On November 17th, they honored me again by electing me to be the Mayor of Broward County for the next twelve months. I look forward to the challenge. And make no mistake: in these economic times, it will be a challenge. First and foremost, I intend to use my position to continue our shared vision for Broward County. As we have done over the last 3 years, we must continue to lower property taxes and to streamline Broward’s vast governmental structure. We have decreased Broward’s annual budget by more than $300,000,000.00 since you elected me, and we have eliminated 1300 positions as we operate Broward County as a more efficient business. But our work is not yet done. In order to recover from this recession, we must see to fruition our previously approved capital projects: the expansion of our southern runway at Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport; the expansion of our seaport; the construction of a new downtown courthouse; and the upgrading and “greening” of our infrastructure. These projects will benefit Broward County over the

next 50 years. They will create jobs. But they must be funded without property taxes. Each of these projects can be done. I will make it my top priority to keep them on track. Lastly, I was raised to believe that people are basically honest and want to do the right thing. And I don’t exclude elected officials from that view. But you cannot escape the fact that local government currently has an image problem. And as they say, “perception is reality.” So, I support the work of the Broward Ethics Commission. As I wrote in a recent article, this Committee was created by the voters in November 2008 and is tasked with bringing forth a Code of Ethics to be presented to the Broward County Commission. If the Commission fails to adopt the proposed code, it will be placed on the November 2010 ballot for acceptance or rejection by Broward’s voters. I intend to work very closely with this group to enact substantive ethics reform. It’s the right thing to do. It’s going to be an exciting year. I look forward to being Broward’s Mayor, but my top priority is being your County Commissioner. That’s why you elected me. My best to you and your families.

KEN KEECHL Broward County Mayor and Commissioner 954 357-7004 • www.broward.org/kkeechl

AL’S COR N ER

How Reliable Are The Internet Ratings For Advertisers? By Al Siefert When you Google Electricians, Electrical Contractors, Plumbers, Air Conditioning Companies an information page will come up showing information about those companies. Some pages will have ratings with testimonials from customers about the service they received. Of the ones I looked at, there were some really upset people making comments.There were also some positive reviews that appear to be written by someone to promote their business by saying good things. Unfortunately, there is no way to be sure which comments are true. For example, anyone could write something negative about a company, even if they never did business with them.When you read a comment like this you would probably move on to the next company. People who want reliable references should check with the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List for a rating. The Better Business Bureau requires the business to be a member. With their membership they earn a rating based on comments from their customers.With Angie’s List I believe businesses sign up for free, but consumers must be a member for access to the comments. In either case the business has the ability to challenge the complaint or satisfy the customer. Your friends and neighbors are also good sources for recommendations. Companies that have been around for a while should also be considered as reputable. When you have someone working inside your house you should check to be sure that the

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company has a service department. Many service companies require background checks of their employees and provide ongoing training, uniforms and a drug free workplace policy. They should also arrive to your location in a well marked vehicle. In today’s world people need to be sure that they are safe with anyone they let into their home. While the internet is a way to find companies online, it does not offer any reference to the quality of the work that they do. Quality is not just the ability to fix your problem. Quality also involves how the technician behaves in your home. We learned this lesson several years ago. We used the son of a friend to fix a toilet at the house. We assumed that he would do a good job for us because he was just starting his own business. He was a good plumber, however he was task oriented with more of a construction background. His focus was to fix the problem and forgot that he was a guest in our home. He did a good job fixing the toilet but he used the bathroom hand towel as a rag to wipe his hands.This left a stain that would not come out. Linda, my wife, was outraged when she found it and I am still hearing about it. As a service company, we always try to exceed your expectations by being on time, respecting your property and paying attention to your priorities. If you do not know who to call for any type of service, call us. We may know someone to recommend.

   


You’re Invited to Celebrate Christmas with Us Christmas Candlelight Services December 24th 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Special Christmas Message from Pastor Dennis to Lighthouse Point

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