We Need You To Make An Impact

We need you: To Make An Impact

We take a break from local politics  to focus on something just as important: local philanthropy.
Last week, the newly formed Impact 100 for Men Palm Beach County held its first awards night at Delray’s Arts Garage.
It was a fun and memorable evening. And hopefully, the start of a long history for the nascent group started by my friend Chuck Halberg, a local contractor (we won’t call him a developer..heaven forbid) who spearheaded the group to support non-profits serving children in southern Palm Beach County.
I am honored to be part of the founding board along with a group of truly great guys. Impact 100 was modeled after the wildly successful Impact 100 for Women’s group which I think now gives close to $600,000 a year to local charities.
The concept is brilliantly simple: write one check, attend one meeting and vote to give a big amount to a few non-profits. Repeat year after year and make an impact.
In our first year, we managed to attract 56 men who stepped up and wrote checks for $1,000 plus a fee to the Community Foundation which houses the funds eliminating the need for us to form and administer a 501c3.
While we fell short of our goal of giving away $100,000 we were pleased with our debut and hope to grow each year.

The big winner in our first year was The Miracle League  founded and run by our friends and neighbors Julia and Jeff Kadel.
We’ve written about the Miracle League in this space before. The program allows children with special needs to play the great game of baseball.
It’s an amazing and beautiful endeavor. I was fortunate to be on the City Commission when the Kadel’s approached the City of Delray with the idea of opening the first accessible baseball diamond in Palm Beach County. We provided some seed money along with the county and the league formed at Delray’s Miller Field. It has grown and thrived ever since attracting private philanthropy, grants and scores of volunteers.
The dream now includes creating a boundless playground for children at Miller Park.
The Impact for Men group voted last week to award the Miracle League $50,000 toward the dream after hearing a compelling presentation from Julia.
We were also proud to donate $3,000 each to the amazing Milagro Center in Delray and to Junior Achievement which teaches kids the importance of entrepreneurship.
We are hoping that those dollar amounts increase in subsequent years and that we can make as large an impact as the Women’s group has been able to achieve.
While we live in a community that features great wealth, we are also a community that has overwhelming needs.
Less than a mile from million dollar homes and a rocking downtown there are many people living in crushing poverty.
There is hunger and deprivation in our communities and children and families  who go without.
We are fortunate to have many great non-profits that work hard to address the needs from Family Promise of South Palm Beach County which provides emergency housing to families and the Milagro Center which has a remarkable track record of impacting our most vulnerable children to Delray Students First which mentors and cares for kids looking to break out of the cycle of poverty to the stellar Achievement Center for Children and Families we are blessed with organizations that care and do a great job.
But despite the talent and dedication to making lives better there are unmet needs. And each of the organizations mentioned and many others struggle to raise funds for their critical missions.
I have long felt that while Delray has done a remarkable job revitalizing our city we have fallen somewhat short in our potential to develop a deeper pool of local philanthropists.
Yes, we have many generous people and a few foundations that have been invaluable. But from my vantage point, too many people are sitting on the sidelines, giving “back home” or simply unaware of the needs we have here at home. And this is our home.
While I’m sure there are unmet needs in Boca, from across the border I’ve long admired that community’s ability to raise funds for education, health care and the arts.
I have had the good fortune to sit on many non-profit boards over the years and it’s been a struggle to expand the pool of those who give back.  And so I see many of the same people going to the well time and time again. I’m so thankful for them. But we need more people to give what they can.
Many of the charities in our community are designed to break the cycle of poverty or inspire people to do more and be more.
Whether it’s teaching a child to consider business as a career (Junior Achievement) providing children with an arts experience that may spur a career choice or inspire beauty and understanding (Old School Square, Milagro) or spurring an interest in education (The Delray Public Library, Delray Students First) etc., we have vehicles to transform people. We just need some more fuel.
I’ve enjoyed the first year of Impact 100 for Men. The camaraderie of guys getting together to do good and the emotion of awards night.
I continue to marvel at the leadership and energy of people who step up, like my friend Chuck and many others.
As Uncle Sam might say, we need you to get involved. It really does take a village.

Arts Garage is a Start Up to Bet On

Bob and Linda Schmier and Chuck and Pam Halberg are just a few of the passionate volunteers devoted to Delray's Arts Garage.

Bob and Linda Schmier and Chuck and Pam Halberg are just a few of the passionate volunteers devoted to Delray’s Arts Garage. The couples were honored for their contributions Friday night.

I think of Delray’s Art Garage as an entrepreneurial startup.
Roughly five years old, the Arts Garage has blazed a trail, overcome a few near death experiences and has created a brand in a very crowded and fickle marketplace.
Tomorrow night, the Arts Garage is hoping to land a five year lease from the City Commission. I hope they get it. I’m rooting for the Arts Garage because it’s an important part of Delray Beach and because some really great and passionate people have rolled up their sleeves and opened their check books to keep it alive and thriving.
If you had doubts as to the passion and commitment to the cause, they would have been erased if you saw what I saw Friday night during the Arts Garage’s Tribute Gala.
The sold out event honored Chuck and Pam Halberg and Bob and Linda Schmier for their commitment to the organization.

I was honored to emcee the event and say a few words to celebrate the naming of two theaters at the facility after the Schmier’s and the Halberg’s.
You couldn’t find two more deserving couples. Their commitment, generosity, hard work and belief in the Arts Garage has been unwavering and that’s a good thing because the Arts Garage has had some major challenges in its short life.
First there was an ill advised attempt to challenge the CRA’s ability to provide funding, then there was some strange politics that briefly threatened the organization, followed by fiscal challenges, staffing issues, board turnover, attempts by others to purchase the space and assorted other dramas.
Through it all, the Halberg’s and the Schmier’s were there.
The truth is, cities, startups and non-profits all need people like the Halberg’s and the Schmier’s in order to thrive. They need the true believers, people who just won’t let an endeavor or a mission fail.
Delray has been especially blessed to have these kind of people in a variety of spheres over the years.
When they show up and lead, great things happen, success is ensured and any and all obstacles can and will be overcome. Progress is literally assured.
Smart communities recognize these heroes and heroines and nurture them. These leaders should be appreciated, protected, trusted and supported. Help them if you can or get out of their way. But trust in the outcome. Because success is assured.

These are the type of people who are so talented, so dedicated and so committed that failure is simply not an option.
I have seen the power of this type of leadership and it is remarkable to experience.

Quite simply, it’s magical.

And while it is rare, it is also essential. That’s why I believe our city has been blessed. We have had a bunch of special people who have emerged to achieve incredible success often against long odds.

If you think this type of work is easy, I can assure you it’s anything but. Yet the examples of local success are abundant and that’s made all the difference in Delray Beach.
Frances Bourque and Joe Gillie at Old School Square. Nancy Hurd at the Achievement Center. Lynda Hunter at our library. Perry Don Francisco of Boston’s on the Beach as an exemplar for the business community. And the list goes on.
I have a similar feeling about the Arts Garage thanks to people like Chuck and Pam, Bob and Linda.
The key is to be able replenish the tank when it inevitably empties. People move on. They retire. They pass away. They relocate. They want to try new things.
The Arts Garage is still new. It was launched by a very powerful and visionary force: Alyona Ushe.
I really like the choice of Marjorie Waldo as the new leader. And of course, they have the Halberg’s and Schmier’s.
These are the type of people you trust in… Brian Rosen too.  He’s a real good guy. Ronnie Dunayer: awesome. The other board members–excellent.

The great people on the Guild too..they care.
Give them a lease–they’ve been month to month for 9 months;  a period of time in which they have made strides. Let them experiment; don’t micromanage. Allow them to use the facility to raise money and try new things. Trust in passion. It’s what makes cities magical.

Random Thoughts…

Dare 2 Be Great Scholars Believe in 'paying it forward'

Dare 2 Be Great Scholars Believe in ‘paying it forward’

This is the time of year that the Dare 2 Be Great board pours over applications for scholarships.
It’s a humbling experience to read through the resumes and essays of these incredible young men and women.
Many of the essays are inspirational and more than a few are heartbreaking.
The common thread seems to be resilience. It just seems that some people are built by adversity. They succeed regardless of life’s circumstances and overcome hurdles. It’s almost as if they succeed because they are determined to live better lives.
These kids inspire me. I wish we could help them all. It breaks my heart that we can’t. We’ll keep you posted on the Class of ’16.

It’s a Miracle
Congratulations to the Miracle League of Palm Beach County which pulled off its first successful dinner on the diamond last week.
Julia and Jeff Kadel and their team of volunteers have done a remarkable job bringing the great game of baseball to kids who might not otherwise have an ability to play.
So good to see this wonderful non-profit grow and thrive. And I’m pleased to see Celsius, a company I’m involved with, step up and sponsor.

An Affair to Remember

We hope you’ll visit the Delray Affair this weekend.
The 54th annual event is a great chance to see friends and to adopt a rescue pet.
That’s right.
We’ve adopted two pets at the Affair over the years: Randy and Sophie.
Both little dogs enriched our families beyond words. We also hope the city doesn’t “fee” this event to death.

It’s Delray’s signature event, a tradition and helps our Chamber of Commerce stay healthy and more than ever this city needs a healthy chamber.

Hello Rhys, Goodbye Kim
We wish Tech Runway’s founding director Kim Gramm well on her new job in Texas.
Kim did a lot to put FAU’s ambitious project on the map.
She will be missed.

We are excited to see our Leadership Florida friend Rhys Williams step into the role of leading Tech Runway.

Thanks, Alyona

We’ll also miss Alyona Ushe well as she departs Delray’s innovative Arts Garage.
Alyona won’t be far away as she will continue to work her magic in Pompano Beach.
It’s not easy to start something and make it relevant. Alyona put the Arts Garage on the cultural map in South Florida creating buzz and staging lots of memorable shows and performances.
She made an impact.

Vision

Vision is imperative

Vision is imperative

Over the past few weeks, I have been meeting with a friend who is hard at work on a book about mayors.

The book is focused on mayoral leadership and the author’s premise is that successful mayors articulate or champion a vision, involve the public, put a team in place to implement the vision and exercise political will to ensure that the vision is accomplished when the inevitable opposition to change arises.

It’s all good stuff. But what intrigues me is the author’s premise that cities need to create a new vision every 25 years or they will run into trouble.

I agree with that. And doing the math, I’d say that Delray is due a new or renewed vision.

The best visions are community building exercises in which all major stakeholders are engaged and asked to participate.

Delray’s revitalization began in the late 80s, when a group of committed citizens working alongside city staff developed Visions 2000.

Visions 2000 served as a blueprint for the next decade of policymaking and informed spending for the next ten years. It also enabled the passing of the landmark $21.5 million Decade of Excellence Bond, in which citizens voted to go into debt in order to improve the community.

Why? Because they not only believed in the vision, they helped to craft it. They also had faith in local government to deliver.

The Decade of Excellence helped to usher in a lot of private investment; business owners, homeowners, restauranteurs and developers began to risk capital because they believed in Delray and were excited by the vision. I can think of no more valuable economic development tool than to have an exciting vision.

But you can’t stop at a vision, you have to implement and Delray did so–remarkably well.

When the Decade of Excellence wrapped up and the projects were completed, a new vision for the downtown was formed –again with an inclusive process. While Visions 2000 brought a representative sample of citizens together, the Downtown Master Plan invited everybody willing to show up to the table.

In all, over 500 people participated in the charrette, plus several hundred who visited temporary design studios set up on Swinton Avenue.

Immediately upon completion, a steering committee in charge of the plan, morphed into an implementation committee which prioritized projects and worked with staff and related agencies to get projects designed, funded and under way. The process worked and unlike other cities that let plans sit on a shelf, Delray delivered.

But like everything else in a fast-changing world, visions need to change to meet current needs and aspirations.

As a result of past good work, Delray has a ton of options and possibilities that it didn’t have when the journey started 30 years ago.

We dreamt of creating a place attractive to the creative class and now they are here.

We dreamt of creating a vibrant food and beverage scene and it happened. Now the challenge is to move beyond food and beverage.

We dreamt of creating a walkable community with downtown residential options and mixed use projects and saw it happen.

We dreamt of becoming a cultural beacon for the region and it happened with the redevelopment of Delray Center for the Arts,  The Arts Garage and now Artist’s Alley and other efforts.

Parts of the vision are incomplete and or didn’t quite happen, but a great deal of it did. And it should be a source of enormous civic pride.

But complacency is a killer and cities should never rest on their laurels. Downtown is never done, we used to say. Success is never permanent and hopefully failure is never fatal.

Cities are not a zero sum game, you can concentrate on downtown and the neighborhoods. You can promote West Atlantic Avenue and Congress Avenue.

And you should.

 

Weekend Best Bets: Journey & Jazz

The Allan Harris Quartet thrills the Arts Garage this weekend.

The Allan Harris Quartet thrills the Arts Garage this weekend.

Allan Harris Quartet
JAZZ | Sat, 11/15 8PM at the Arts Garage

Allan Harris is unquestionably one of the most versatile talents in contemporary jazz and blues music with his charismatic combination of soulful yet elegant phrasing, exciting musicianship, and dynamic stage presence.
“…probably the most exciting young male singer on the scene.”—Wall Street Journal

Visit www.artsgarage.org for tickets and more information.

Journey Tribute Tonight

My prom shared the same theme song as the final episode of The Sopranos; “Don’t Stop Believing.” (Dave’s prom theme was sung by Rudy Vallee but I digress).
We haven’t stopped believing and that’s why you will see us under the stars tonight at the Pavilion at the Delray Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 to see Odyssey Road, a really good Journey Tribute Band.

How good? Well, when the lights go down in the city you won’t be able to tell the difference between Odyssey and Steve Perry.

You will be Stone in Love and won’t be going your Separate Ways when you enjoy the music with  Open Arms.

If we don’t see you because you are not Feeling That Way that’s Ok, because I’ll be Alright Without You…..we give up, you get the picture and we Faithfully believe you will be there.

 

 

Weekend Best Bets: Jazz and Blues Edition

A singular talent.

A singular talent.

Jazz Pianist Ready To Rock

 

What: An Evening of Jazz with Fred Hersch

 When:  Fri, 10/17 8PM

  Fred Hersch comes to Delray’s Arts Garage with a big reputation. No less an authority than the New York Tiimes has  praised him as “singular among the trailblazers of their art, a largely unsung innovator of this borderless, individualistic jazz – a jazz for the 21st century.”

And it doesn’t end with the Times, Vanity Fair called Hersch “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade.”
He’ll be in town for one night, don’t miss him. Visit
www.artsgarage.org for tickets.

Downtown Delray Arts Festival

The 20th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival will be held on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  During the Howard Alan event, the following road closures will be in effect:

NE/SE 4th Avenue will be closed from Atlantic Avenue to NE 2nd Street and from Atlantic Avenue to SE 2nd Street, beginning at 4am on Saturday, October 18 through 7pm on Sunday, October 19.

For event information, visit www.artfestival.com. 

 

Get Your Blues at Arts Garage

 

What:  An evening  of blues with Doug Deming & Dennis Gruenling  with The Jewel Tones

When: Sat, 10/18 8pm

 

“Like World Champions…Dennis Gruenling and Doug Deming are individually great talents who are even better when they come together as one of the most prolific duos on today’s contemporary American Blues scene” — says Music News.

 

Weekend Best Bets: Owls Football & Jazz

Jazz at the Arts Garage

Jazz at the Arts Garage

The weekend is here…

Our two recommendations:

Jowee Omicil @ The Arts Garage

Who: JOWEE OMICIL

What: JAZZ

Where: Arts Garage

When: Fri, Sep 26, 8:00PM 

 

Born in Canada to Haitian parents, Jowee has been called  “the future of Haitian Jazz Music…” While he plays everything from the saxophone to the flute and even the piccolo, Jowee is also a composer, producer, arranger, vocalist, band leader, and music instructor. He has collaborated with artists like Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove, Richard Bona, and Wyclef Jean. In 2010 he performed at the White House for President Obama’s inaugural observation of Haitian Flag Day. Don’t miss him!

Visit www.artsgarage.org for more information.

 

FAU Football

Come see the Owls take on Texas-San Antonio at Schnellenger Field.

Kick off is 5 p.m.

Sometimes at yourdelrayboca we enjoy boasting. So if you go, look for us in the president’s box. That’s right, we live it up around these parts. Thanks to our friend Beth Johnston, of course.

The Roadrunners are 1-2, the Owls are 1-3 but we smell a victory.

 

 

Weekend Best Bets: Catch A Rising Star Edition

A can't miss talent

Polly Gibbons: A special talent

 

Catch a Rising Star

Polly Gibbons is one of the most respected and talked about young singer/songwriters of her generation.

Luckily, she is making her North American debut at Arts Garage, Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.

Being nominated for a BBC Jazz Award back in 2006 with no album release to her name was a clear indication of just how special a singer and performer Polly is. With warm, rich, soulful vocals and an innate blues sensibility, Polly has been likened to many of the jazz and soul greats, while bringing her own storytelling and earnest depth alongside unique humor and fun to performances. Having developed her craft over the past decade, Polly has performed at all the leading UK jazz clubs, international festivals and is a regular at Ronnie Scott’s performing with the All Stars.

With an innate vocal versatility, Polly is a much sought-after session talent, working on various projects including: a track with hip hop group Vinyl Dialect, on Wall of Sound’s Bad Magic label, and co-writing and performing a song on the British Soul compilation album, ‘Diggz Presents Random Soul on Random Records. Polly was featured alongside such jazz luminaries as Ian Shaw, Jacqui Dankworth and Gwyneth Herbert on an album entitled The Music of BB Cooper, and has spent many occasions recording and performing with renowned artist and producer Ian Shaw.

Don’t believe us, trust the experts:

“A truly exceptional, once in a generation talent, possessing a voice of such sizzling intensity and raw emotion you could fry an egg on it.” Peter Quinn, Jazzwise Magazine

“They don’t come along very often, but this one’s a star.” Johnny Mandel.

Visit www.artsgarage.org for tickets.

Volleyball returns to Delray Beach

Professional and amateur volleyball players will compete in the Extreme Volleyball Professionals (EVP) Pro, Amateur and Juniors Southeast Championships on Saturday, September 13, at Delray’s Municipal Beach. This is the fourth consecutive year that our City has been selected as the site for the EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, which is being co-sponsored by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

World-class athletes will display their exceptional talent and physical abilities on the sand courts from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm as they battle for the coveted 1st prize.  The EVP ProSeries National Championship is a free spectator event and the public is invited to spend the day experiencing the excitement of this team sport.

For more information, including event schedule, visit www.evptour.com.

Bodybuilding and Bikini Competition

For those of you who appreciate natural bodybuilders and not those enhanced by steroids, you’ll want to check out the ANBF South Florida Natural Bodybuilding and Bikini Competition Saturday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The event will take place at 2880 NW Boca  Raton Blvd. #2.

Tell them Dave sent you.

 

Weekend Best Bets: Pillow Talk & More

Celebrating the music of Billy Joel

Celebrating the music of Billy Joel

The weekend is here. Be safe and enjoy!

Billy Joel Tribute at Mizner

Friday, August 8th, 2014 at 7:30PM

The City of Boca Raton continues its Friday Night Summer Tribute Series with a tribute to Billy Joel featuring the popular band  Turnstiles.  Say  goodbye to Hollywood, and come Downtown to join friends, neighbors, and fellow music lovers for a great night of live music under the stars. If you think this is a free event, you may be right.  Blankets  and chairs are welcome. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site. No coolers, outside food and beverages or pets allowed. We will also have chairs available to rent for $5.00. There is free parking at City Hall and the libraries

Mother, Me & The Monsters | Fri, 8/8 7:30pm, Delray’s Arts Garage | Concert Play-reading

 The hilarious and heartbreaking true story of Sam’s relationship with his mother over the course of four dads and three divorces, and his evolving friendship with the monster under his bed. The show was first presented in a workshop production by Barrington Stage and was named a Critic’s Pick by the Boston Globe. From acclaimed composer of “The Trouble With Doug”, Will Aronson, with book and lyrics by Sam Salmond.

   Divorce has never been so much fun! Mention yours when you call for tickets, and receive 10% off. 561-450-6357

The Other Side of the Pillow

Meet Zane at the Spady Museum.

The NY Times Bestselling Author of 30 books, the publisher of Strebor Books an imprint of Simon & Schuster, the Creator – Scriptwriter and Executive Producer of two Cinemax series: Zane’s Sex Chronicles and Zane’s The Jump Off will be at Delray’s Spady Museum Tuesday evening.

To set the mood, you’ll also experience music by saxophonist extraordinaire and Miami native Jesse Jones, Jr. (He’s amazing).

A festive evening with refreshments including wine & cheese, music, prizes and booksigning.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

6pm – 8pm

$20 per person; $35 per couple

  Call 561.279.8883 for more information.

Weekend Best Bets: U2 Tribute at Mizner and More

Jazz, funk, Latin and Rock are some of the genres covered by Aaron Lebos Reality

Jazz, funk, Latin and Rock are some of the genres covered by Aaron Lebos Reality

A musical montage

Aaron Lebos Reality, is back at Arts Garage for the second time tonight, July 25 at 8 p.m.

The group  is a powerful and unique group from Miami, whose style encompasses jazz, funk, rock, R&B, Latin and world music. Since forming in 2012, the group has exploded in South Florida, attracting the interest of both established musicians and mainstream audiences.

Visit www.artsgarage.org and grab your tickets.

Friday Night Summer Tribute Series: U2 by UV (U2 tribute band)

Friday, July 25th, 2014 at 7:30PM

The City of Boca Raton continues its Friday Night Summer Tribute Series featuring U2 by UV  , a tribute to the legendary U2.   It’s going to be a beautiful day, and maybe even better than the real thing,  if you  join friends, neighbors and fellow music lovers for a great evening of live music under the stars. This is a free community event and blankets and chairs are welcome. No coolers, outside food and beverages or pets allowed. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site and we will also have chairs available to rent for $5.00. Free parking at City Hall and the libraries.

When Dave thinks Bono, he thinks Sonny Bono. For the rest of us, this is a can’t miss show.