Events and Things to Do in Delray Beach and Boca Raton

Boca Raton and Delray Beach are among the most vibrant communities you’ll ever find.

Both cities feature a vast array of events year-round that are sure to interest people of all ages and interests. From arts festivals and music events to a vibrant food scene and cultural landscape Boca-Delray has it all.

At YourDelrayBoca.com we strive to curate the best events and give you insider’s tips to make your experience the best it can be.

24 November, 2025 4 4 Comments

Thankful…

November 24, 2025 By 4 Comments

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I know I’m not alone in that regard. Many people love Thanksgiving.

It’s not the turkey (which I can take or leave) or the stuffing (which is always delicious) it’s the sentiment; being thankful is the key to happiness.

Truth be told, this has been a tough year.

If you know, you know. No need to list the many horrors playing out across our world.

We owe the holiday to President Lincoln, who in 1863, declared a day of thanks at a difficult time in American history. I find President Lincoln to be remarkable. He can still teach us lessons if we choose to listen. But while Lincoln was a singular figure in American history, the story of Thanksgiving cannot be faithfully told without talking about Sarah Josepha Hale, who spent decades campaigning to make Thanksgiving a national holiday; proof that every accomplishment often has multiple authors. That Lincoln proclaimed a day of thanks in the midst of a Civil War is a lesson that the best leaders seek to unite us, not divide us.

Here at home, we’ve lost many amazing civic leaders in 2025. Their accomplishments were awe inspiring, but I knew them as friends as well. And I miss them. I really miss them.

Still, while the losses we suffer are painful, I find myself thankful for having had these people in my life.

I spoke with a friend who recently lost a parent, and we talked about the void that loss creates in your life. Life most certainly moves on, but for those of us who lose loved ones, which is all of us at some point, the world is never quite the same.

We heal, but never fully.

For me, each loss reminds me to appreciate those we love who are still here.

I’m thankful that my father is still front and center in my family’s life.

He’s been given the gift of longevity and good health. We are thankful for that and for his life partner who looks out for him and has provided my dad with happiness and companionship.

I’m thankful for the community servants I get to work with as we build a philanthropy that will be here in perpetuity. What a unique and wonderful opportunity. We are reminded that a lot of good can come from hard work, freedom and generosity.

I’m thankful for the meaningful conversations I get to have with great minds.

Recently, I had lunch with Kevin Ross, president of Lynn University. I’ve admired Kevin for years. He’s an extraordinary leader. And he’s been tested in ways that nobody could have foreseen.

But with each crisis, I’ve seen him and his outstanding team rise to the occasion and find innovative ways to not only survive but thrive.

Lynn University is a special place. I’m thankful to be a trustee and see the university become a national pacesetter in higher education.

This year, I’ve met several times with the dedicated team at Stet News who are finding a way to cover local news in an environment where the business model for journalism has been completely upended. That’s a euphemism for destroyed.

I’m thankful for the good people at Stet. There’s so much happening in Palm Beach County. We need reliable coverage to understand all the moving parts. A free press is essential to Democracy (big D) and to a community. We need to find a way to support news gathering.

Speaking of great journalists, my friend Michael Williams, retired WPTV News Anchor and veteran political reporter Brian Crowley have created a terrific podcast “Top of Mind Florida “which gives me a half hour plus of learning every week. I’m grateful for their intelligence and perspective. I urge you to check it out.

Speaking of local podcasts do not miss “Culture Under Fire” featuring the President of the Arts Garage Marjorie Waldo and “Create for No Reason” starring the multi-talented Kate Volman. It is important for voices in the community to defend and celebrate the arts and the artists in our world. Art is what clarifies and helps us see. Art unites and builds community. We need culture now more than ever.

This year, I had the privilege of sharing notes with great philanthropists near and far. I get to pick their brains and listen to their “theories of change” which inform my work and understanding of the world.

For me, there’s nothing more exciting than to meet with people like Patrick McNamara and Carrie Browne of Palm Health Foundation, Raphael Clemente of Palm Beach Venture Philanthropy and funders networks in Broward and Palm Beach counties. These people are hard at work thinking about the future of our community. Thankfully, we are in good hands.

This year, as many of you know, I indulged a new passion: playwriting.

I’ve turned my inability to sleep well into a productive creative process. So, at 3 am, instead of staring at the ceiling I write stories.

I don’t recommend my hours, but I do recommend finding a creative outlet. I’m grateful for the creative community I’ve found and the local institutions who gave me a shot. Here’s looking at you Arts Garage and Delray Playhouse.

Please support live performance, it’s one of the last activities we do together; in community, with each other, without a screen.

It’s worth saving.

So much of our daily experience is worth savoring.

Florida is a vexing place in many ways. But when I step outside and feel a cool November breeze, I’m reminded that we are fortunate to live here. Yes, the tropics are menacing, the insurance costs high and the humidity can be stifling but…the winters are sublime. Be thankful.

Have a wonderful, safe and happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for reading.

13 October, 2025 9 9 Comments

Cafes, Community, Connections & Gratitude

October 13, 2025 By 9 Comments

Let me begin where I always like to start—with gratitude.

I’ve experienced a swirl of emotions this past weekend, but the feeling that rises to the top is thankfulness.

The Arts Garage produced two performances of my first full-length play, The Café on Main, on Saturday. Two nearly full houses turned up to see a story I’ve been working on, in various forms, for two years. Friends, family, and fellow theatre lovers came out and seemed to have a good time. I’m so thankful. And, truthfully, a little relieved too.

Putting a show “on its feet” is hard work.

Really hard work.

Luckily, a team of dedicated people came together and gave up their nights and weekends for weeks on end to learn lines, design the production, and tend to the seemingly endless details that make a show happen—a show that runs, and then disappears. It’s a labor of love, because nobody’s getting rich doing this. Still, there are rewards.

Those that make plays come to life believe. They believe in the magic and importance of theatre. They believe that in a noisy world, coming together to tell stories that make us laugh, cry, and think still matters.

Theatre artists exist to create worlds. They build characters and places.  They hope that their words, songs, and performances stir something in us. It’s a tremendous challenge. Hours of thought and preparation go into a show, and then the lights go down and you hope to win over the audience. It’s a high-wire act—thrilling and more than a little scary.

It’s  also intoxicating.

I sat in the audience for two performances hanging on every word and aware of everyone around me. I was rooting for the actors on stage who have become friends. I was thinking about the director and the tech crew and I was fixated on the audience. Would they like it? Would the play land? Would it move them, make them think and make them feel?

At intermission during our evening performance, my friend Diane Franco turned around and told me: “Jeff, you can hear a pin drop.” She was genuinely moved and those six words put me at ease.

As a playwright, hearing your words brought to life by talented actors and a gifted director, stage manager, and tech crew is a feeling that’s hard to describe. Writing can be lonely—you sit staring at a blank screen, trying to put words together that make sense, and you rarely know if they reach anyone. But theatre is different. You start off alone, and if you’re lucky, a theatre takes a chance on your work and suddenly your words are alive in front of an audience.

A few months ago, I traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to see my short play Press Conference performed as part of the “Brave Stories” festival. There were over 500 entries from around the world and only four were selected. I still don’t know how mine made the cut, but I do know how rare and special it is for a play to make it to the stage. Most never do—they sit forgotten in a drawer or on a hard drive.

In today’s world, live theatre faces real challenges. The stages that remain often lean on the classics—West Side Story, The Producers, Chicago—leaving little space for new voices. That’s why I’m so grateful to The Arts Garage for giving new work a chance.

President Marjorie Waldo is a brave visionary who has built something remarkable in a tough climate for the arts. Artistic Director Michelle Diaz, who worked so closely with me on The Café on Main, is a delight—smart, insightful, and caring, with a wonderful touch and instincts that are always spot-on.

I’m also deeply indebted to Director Marianne Regan, who first set me on this late-in-life path through the Playwrights Festival she and Dan Bellante produce at the Delray Beach Playhouse. The Café on Main began as a short piece there.

For this production, we reunited the original cast, minus Diane Tyminski—who couldn’t join us because she landed the lead in Tenderly at the Delray Playhouse. (I’ll be there next week to cheer her on—she’s incredible.)

In her place, we welcomed Raven Adams, who absolutely knocked it out of the park. The rest of the cast—Peter Salzer, Shelly Pittleman,  Nancy Ferraro, and Sergio Fuenzalida—blew me away with their talent, dedication, and heart. They rehearsed four hours a day, met after hours on Zoom, and even stayed late to run lines. During rehearsals, I’d see them tucked in a corner of the black box, urging each other to dig deeper. All in service of the story. It was awe-inspiring.

There’s so much local talent in our area. It’s humbling to watch these actors bring characters to life while balancing jobs, families, and children. That’s real dedication to craft.

Regan–as she is affectionately known– led with calm and creativity, making the process joyful and supportive. Her right hand, Michelle Popken, and her husband Dave provided invaluable technical and script support. Elena and Bruce Cherlow—who had walk-on parts—helped everything run smoothly and were there for their friends every step of the way.

What a wonderful experience.

My first full-length play. In my town. About my hometown. In a venue I adore.

I’m grateful.

And I’m also inspired—to keep writing, to keep learning, and to keep telling stories that reflect the world around us. The Café on Main reminded me that art connects us in ways nothing else can. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads next.

6 October, 2025 0 Comments

Catalysts Leave & Weave A Legacy

October 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment

The Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation’s 2025 Catalyst Award Winners Chuck Halberg and Maria Hernandez (third from left) with Foundation staff Maritza Benitez and Angela Giachetti.

Every year, the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation honors two special people in our community with a “Catalyst Award.”

Along with a cash prize that the honorees can direct to their favorite nonprofits, we host a luncheon in their honor and add a few other surprises.

The surprise part is important.

We like to surprise and delight honorees, something our founder Carl DeSantis enjoyed doing. In fact, he made joy (and generosity) a way of life.

Carl had a saying: “good begets good”. And he ran his businesses using that simple but profound credo.

He believed, that if you treated people well, the benefits would come back to you ten-fold.

We created the Catalyst Award three years ago to celebrate Mr. DeSantis’ spirit. We wanted to fashion an award that celebrated the spirit of a very special man who believed passionately in the power of one person to spark meaningful and lasting change.

Mr. DeSantis was not only a world-class entrepreneur—who revolutionized the beverage and nutrition industries– he was a true catalyst– someone who led boldly, inspired his team, lifted others, and left communities and industries stronger than he found them. Carl was really something… he continues to inspire us today.

The Catalyst Award is our way of extending his legacy. Each year, we shine a light on remarkable individuals whose vision, energy, and commitment remind us of what is possible when passion meets purpose. You can’t apply for this award; it is something we present when we see special people in our community that embody the heart and spirit of Mr. DeSantis.

Mr. D, as we called him, passed two years ago, but his spirit lives on in our work. And when we comb the landscape looking for catalysts, we ask ourselves, is this someone Carl would embrace?

This year, we found two people that Carl would have adored.

Chuck Halberg, the consummate Delray volunteer and Maria Hernandez, a Vice President of the United Way of Broward County, fit our vision of a catalyst to a tee.

They also fit in nicely with past winners: Delray’s Ted Hoskinson, founder of Roots and Wings which helps young readers thrive, Danny Pacheco of the Delray Beach Police Department who started the innovative youth soccer program Delray Kicks , Pastor Bill Mitchell, founder of CityLead which gathers the community for lessons in life and business and Julia Kadel co-founder of the Miracle League of Palm Beach County have been our previous winners. We’re proud of them all.

This year, we selected two very special people who create what we call “ripples” of goodness in the community. Their good deeds are so widespread that it becomes hard to fully quantify their extensive reach.

Chuck Halberg—whose generosity of time, talent, and heart has touched countless lives for decades, is the newly named president of Delray Citizens for Delray Police. In his day job, he runs Stuart & Shelby, a busy home building company.

Chuck has become a model for what it means to give back fully, with humility and with joy. I would list his civic resume, but its almost endless, let’s just say he has given his all to dozens of nonprofits with a special emphasis on causes that support law enforcement and  children in need.

Maria Hernandez—is a true dynamo who is a leader at the United Way of Broward County. Maria’s drive, creativity, and relentless focus on people is legendary. Her work, her heart, strengthens families and is building a stronger community. Everywhere we have gone in the past year in Broward, Maria’s name has come up as someone to know—she’s a true catalyst with a tremendous reach. Like our founder Mr. DeSantis, Maria makes things happen. She’s a go-to person. She shakes it up and we are proud to honor that spirit.

Thomas Watson, the United Way CFO, called us up after the event to sing his colleagues praises.

“Maria’s work is known nationally,” he said. “She’s amazing.”

Together, Chuck and Maria embody the very best of what this award stands for: the belief that one person can ignite a wave of change that benefits all.

So, when you run into them, and you are bound to do so, because they are everywhere, please take a moment to say thanks. Be inspired by them as well. Because in celebrating their work, we remind ourselves that each of us has the power to be a catalyst; to leave a legacy of love, kindness, grace and generosity.

1 September, 2025 4 4 Comments

Seeking Connection In An Age Of Screens

September 1, 2025 By 4 Comments

A scene from Press Conference performed in Ohio.

Last week, we ventured to Columbus, Ohio to see the opening of a short play I wrote called “Press Conference.”

I had entered the play about a mayor dealing with the fallout of a shooting in a “Brave Stories” contest run by Boxland Media.
They received over 500 entries from all over the country and a few foreign nations as well. My play was one of four chosen for the festival.
To say I was surprised would be an understatement. I’m new at this and when the winners were announced I recognized the names of two of the winning playwrights—I’ve read their work and listened to them on podcasts hoping to glean some wisdom from their success.
All three of the other plays were phenomenal and I realized that I  have a lot to learn. I’m eager to do so. But if I can brag for just a moment, my little piece of work held its own. Of that, I’m proud.
The story of Press Conference is loosely based on my experiences as mayor of Delray many moons ago. During my tenure, we experienced the tragic shooting of a 15 year old outside a school dance by a rookie police officer.
That experience affected me and many others profoundly.
This year was the 20th anniversary of the shooting and I wanted to write about it—albeit with some artistic license. As I mentioned “Press Conference” is loosely based on what we experienced. But it touches on issues that remain painfully relevant. Race, fear and a style of politics that favors the safe way out over courage and humanity.
The play was also produced in May by a group called Playzoomers for a national audience of online subscribers and a company called Tiny Scripted recently acquired the piece for additional distribution.
It’s all exciting and I am currently working to expand the work into a full length play called “Say My Name”—a nod to our tendency as a society to move on  when we would be better served to learn and talk about the issues that divide us. My theory is that if we talk to one another we’ll find have more in common than we might imagine. If we engage, we take away the corrosive power of those who seek to divide us.
I felt it important to travel to Ohio and be there for opening night. I talked briefly with the cast and director pre-show and then did what is known as a talk back after the show. The cast joined me to discuss their feelings about the play.
What I learned is that live theater can be a powerful experience. It’s one of the few communal things we do these days. We spend much of our time on phones and staring at screens. We rarely talk or gather and I think it’s hurting us.
There’s a crisis of loneliness in America. People of all ages and genders are experiencing isolation but there’s a genuine crisis among young men who are particularly isolated.
Many don’t have friends. Or the friends they do have live in their headphones as they play games online for hours at a time. It’s a very different experience from prior generations.
We used to see movies together, but that’s waning. We used to join bowling leagues and service clubs and volunteer for community projects. There’s been a documented drop in all of those categories.
Live theatre is one of the few things we still experience together, at the same time.
The best plays spark conversations and thought. They evoke emotion and get us to ask questions of each other and ourselves.
That’s what I’m trying to do with my nascent efforts in this beautiful new world I’ve discovered courtesy of FAU’s
Theatre Lab and the festival of new plays sponsored annually by the magnificent Delray Beach Playhouse.
And that’s the spirit that moved us to venture to Ohio to gather with people we didn’t know to see four plays about brave topics.
I left with new friends, new insights into the subject matter and a resolve to write more.
There’s nothing like hearing your words come to life thanks to the efforts of talented actors and actresses. I’ve been blown away by the talent I’ve seen. The directors have been excellent as well.
One of the young actors, Joe Morales, drove two hours each way from Canton, Ohio to perform a small role (spectacularly). That’s dedication. And I’m so grateful for these creatives. They make our world a better place.
The arts are so important. The arts are so meaningful.
The noise of the day comes and goes, but art..well art endures. If it’s good.
I’m trying to be good. I’m reaching for the stars. Not because it’s lucrative (it’s not) but because it matters. It matters to those we are trying to remember, to the audience we are trying to move
 or entertain and to the creatives who give us so much.
On October 11 at 2 pm and 8 pm my play “The Cafe on Main” will be performed at the amazing Arts Garage right here in Delray.
I’m hoping you’ll come out to see the talented cast of local actors and to support the Arts Garage which has become an important cultural hub for our community.
The play is about love, community, second chances and friendship. These are subjects near and dear to us all. Come share the experience with your friends and family.
You’ll leave with memories and you’ll connect with others. Netflix will be there when you come home, I promise.
Visit artsgarage.org for tickets and more information.
25 August, 2025 4 4 Comments

Born To Run

August 25, 2025 By 4 Comments

50 years ago today…

50 years ago today, an album was released that changed my life.

On August 25, 1975, one day before my 11th birthday, Bruce Springsteen released “Born to Run.”
It was a masterpiece.
Eight songs, each meticulously and painstakingly created with musicians who would soon be known the world over as The E Street Band.
The album went on to sell millions of copies. Born to Run has become a touchstone for countless fans who see pageantry and artistry in four chords and a back beat.
Countless words have been used to describe the magic of Born to Run so I will spare you mine.
But on the 50th anniversary of its release, a new book called Jungleland by Peter Ames Carlin tells the story of how the album came into existence.
After two critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful albums, Springsteen was given one last chance. Born to Run was do or die.
The making of the album was torturous. Springsteen labored over every note of every song driving the musicians to the brink.
The story of Born to Run is the story of a driven artist, desperate to succeed but unwilling to compromise.
It’s a great story.
And there are lessons to be learned: great artists don’t compromise, they stay true to themselves and their vision. No man is an island: Bruce needed the E Street Band, his managers, producers and engineers to fully commit and they were rewarded for doing so.  But when  it comes time to “ship” you ship.
Let me explain.
Springsteen almost became paralyzed by the desire for perfection. The album took forever to produce, take after take after take. The song Born to Run took six months to finish. There needed to be an intervention to get Bruce to agree to release it.
But there comes a time when you just have to hit send. That’s a life lesson my friends.
Every year on the anniversary of Born to Run’s release Bruce takes a drive around the Jersey shore and visits the places that inspired the album. He remains grateful for the record that saved his career and seeks to reconnect to the places and experiences that inspired classics such as Backstreets, Thunder Road and the epic Jungleland.
I think that’s an important practice. We have to drive  slow at times, take in the sites and  reconnect.
There’s a line in Thunder Road that has always intrigued me.
Because in these words I sense a paradox. That makes it interesting. That makes it art.
Here’s the line: “it’s a town full of losers and we’re pulling out of here to win.”
The protagonist in the song is asking the object of his affection to leave with him, to find a better place than the dead end town where they live.
It’s a cinematic song, a girl on a porch, dress swaying, a young suitor asking her to take a chance.
Yet we know that Springsteen is an artist rooted and wedded to his native New Jersey.
He jokes that he’s travelled the world, but chooses to live a few miles from where he grew up in Freehold.
The town holds a number of memories—some good, some bad, some joyful, some painful. It’s  been a full experience. One many of us can relate to.
It’s this realism, this depth of feeling, this sharing of pain and joy that makes Springsteen a special artist.
Born to Run was the album that introduced me to an artist that would play a big role in my life.
Alongside The Beatles, the Stones, The Who and several other bands and artists, Bruce’s music became the soundtrack to my life.
What made him a little different for me was that I feel like I grew up alongside his music.
The Beatles, so amazing they defy description and comparison, broke up when I was six. I didn’t have the pleasure of anticipating a new album. When I discovered music their whole canon was there for me to listen to. But with Springsteen there was always new music to discover—right up to today. Even at 75, he’s releasing new work that somehow, magically tracks with my life.
When I was 11, I liked the guitars and music on Born to Run. It was a visceral experience. But I can’t pretend I understood the record or the stories he was telling. I was too young. But over the years, after living a little and listening a lot the record began to take shape for me. Great art does that, it meets you where you are and clarifies at the same time. It also raises questions, makes you think and transports you.
So on the 50th anniversary, I want to savor that experience. And give thanks to an artist who has shaped me and so many others.
23 June, 2025 4 4 Comments

Keep The Cannons Thundering (a nod to Jimmy Buffett)

June 23, 2025 By 4 Comments

The historic (and very beautiful) Delray Beach Playhouse has been giving a voice to local playwrights since 2019.

The hardest thing about writing, for me, is facing the blank page- Octavia Spencer. 

I’ve heard various descriptions of the daunting blank page  for as long as I can remember.
But I have a confession to make: I love the blank page. 
I absolutely, positively crave the blank page.
In fact, nothing gives me more satisfaction than staring down that blank page and filling it with words and thoughts. 
Now those thoughts may be well received or they may be despised; it doesn’t matter. The words may land or miss the mark. It doesn’t matter.  Writing gives me joy. 
I’ve written journalism, bad poetry, books, essays, blogs and plays. I’ve written editorials, columns, screenplays and love letters. I’ve enjoyed it all. 
I love the challenge of the blank page. And I think as we get older, we need to find our own “blank page” in life and fill the space with gusto. 
On my way to work this morning, I heard one of my favorite songs– “A Pirate Looks at 40” by Jimmy Buffett.
“The cannons don’t thunder,” he sings. “There’s nothin’ to plunder, I’m an over 40 victim of fate.”
It’s a poignant song, tempered by the knowledge that Jimmy Buffett was not that guy…he kept the cannons thundering until the end. My goodness, how I miss his presence on this Earth.
All of this is to say a heartfelt thanks to the good folks at the Delray Beach Playhouse for giving local playwrights a chance to fill their magnificent stage with our words. 
This past weekend, 12 playwrights and a few dozen local actors and actresses brought 12 short plays to life at the annual Playwrights Festival. It was wonderful. 
Two sell-out houses came to cheer our work. And I have to say there is no better feeling than to hear gifted actors speaking your words while you sit with an audience that is reacting to your work in real time. Talk about adrenaline!
My play was called “Love After Love.”  It’s a love story that takes place just outside the playhouse on a bench overlooking picturesque Lake Ida. 
Diane and I were there one day with our dogs Gracie and Emmitt, when I saw a lonely looking man staring straight ahead. Something about the scene struck me; maybe it was the way he braced himself against the wind, maybe it was the “thousand yard” stare he had as he looked at the water. 
I built a story around that indelible image. 
That’s the magic of theater, you can try to build a world around a simple image. I’m not sure I pulled it off, I’m still learning, but I sure am having fun. 
This is the second year my work was in the festival. Last year, my play “The Cafe on Main” made its debut. It was the first play I wrote and it took all I had to hit send and give it a shot when I saw the call for entries. I encourage all of you to “hit send” and take a shot yourself whether it’s playwriting, poetry, painting or playing in a pickleball tournament. 
I learned a lot from my director last year Marianne Regan and learned some more this year from “Love After Love’s” director Brenda Aulbach. The cast and tech crew taught me as well. 
After last year’s amazing experience, I spent the next several months working on craft, taking a 10-minute play course by Delray’s own Arianna Rose, going to see plays at Theater Lab, reading plays, books about playwriting and listening to podcasts. I also started working with NY playwright Jack Canfora, a wonderful writer/teacher who has a way of making me see things I miss in my own writing and ideas. 
It has been a magnificent journey.
I’m writing at night and early in the morning. In July, my short play “Press Conference” will be performed by a Massachusetts based company on Zoom and in August the same play will be performed on a stage outside Columbus, Ohio as part of a “Brave Voices” festival. 
Inspired by my experience last year, I expanded “The Cafe on Main” into a full length play that will be performed at The Arts Garage, a venue and organization I adore. I’m also working on two additional full length plays that I’m excited about. 
I don’t have any expectations or dreams of glory or riches (there’s not a lot of money in local and regional theater) but I’m having fun. Lots of fun. I picked up this hobby at age 60–so it’s never too late to try new things. My fellow playwrights this year include an actor/filmmaker, a mother of five who somehow finds the time to write and two writers who write laugh out loud comedy–that’s no an easy feat. 
The blank page doesn’t scare me, or them I suppose. But the blank page does represent possibility and promise. We can create new worlds if we try and if we dare to “hit send.”
“I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full speed. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good.” – Roald Dahl

 

28 April, 2025 2 2 Comments

A Special Friend, A Special Man

April 28, 2025 By 2 Comments

Two great chiefs: Fire Chief Kerry Koen and retired Delray Police Chief Rick Overman.

A few more words about my friend, my teacher Kerry Koen.

Kerry’s funeral was last week at North Creek Presbyterian Church where he was involved for many years.

Kerry was a multi-faceted man. A gifted photographer whose photos of New England made me want to explore that region. He helped me discover a place called Woodstock, Vermont and we talked about the history of New England and its role as the cradle of our Democracy. Kerry was a talented chef, who went to culinary school and made wonderful chili.

He was well-read and had a deep appreciation for history. He would have been an amazing history professor or a wonderful photojournalist.

I spent the week reviewing the email he sent me over the years, each full of wisdom and useful information.

A few years ago, he gave me this quote from Einstein when we met for lunch at Ben’s Deli, a favorite spot of his. It resonated with me then and especially now, in the wake of loss.

“One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day. Never lose a holy curiosity. … Don’t stop to marvel.”

Kerry’s funeral service was a beautiful tribute to a great man. Honor Guards from Boca and Delray Fire Rescue were there along with a large contingent of former Delray and current and past Boca city officials.  Kerry was proud to be a part of these municipal all-star teams. He was an MVP on those teams and his legacy will live on.
He took great pride in his public service. Boca City Manager George Brown did a wonderful job describing Kerry’s impact on Boca. I had the honor of speaking about his time in Delray and his impact on me and so many others. I thought I would reprint my remarks here for Kerry’s many friends and for the benefit of those who didn’t meet him but have benefited from his vision and stellar service. I will miss Kerry deeply.

Here are my remarks…

 

In Remembrance of Kerry Koen

We gather today to honor a great man. Kerry Koen was not just a fire chief – he was a builder of communities, a mentor to generations, and a friend whose love and wisdom touched countless lives.

The heaviness in our hearts today speaks to the profound impact Kerry had on each of us. Even though we knew this day was coming, the loss weighs heavy – because great men like Kerry leave spaces that cannot be filled.

Kerry served as Fire Chief for both Delray Beach and Boca Raton, but titles never captured the essence of who he was. At his core, Kerry was a teacher. He taught through his actions, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to service. Every time someone in our community dials 911, they are benefiting from Kerry’s vision and contributions, though they may never know his name.

Kerry’s intellect was extraordinary. Many have said he was the smartest person they’d ever met when it came to understanding what makes cities work. He saw trends before others did. He thought deeply about challenges and offered solutions that were both pragmatic and visionary. He didn’t just see challenges – he saw possibilities. And he didn’t just raise questions, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Kerry Koen was a problem-solver. The best you could ever imagine.

He did all of this without seeking fanfare…and he never stopped serving his community. He never stopped mentoring those of us lucky enough to know him.

But what made Kerry truly special was how he balanced that sharp intellect with an equally powerful heart. He led with love – love for his country, love for his firefighters, love for his cities and especially love for his wife Lynne and his family. In these past few years, as he faced health challenges that would have broken most of us, that love only grew stronger and more evident.

There’s a message from the fire union that captures Kerry’s impact perfectly: “Chief Koen didn’t just lead Delray Beach Fire Rescue, he built it. He laid the foundation for the professional standards we stand on today and gave generations of firefighters the opportunity to wear this badge with pride.”

Indeed. Kerry Koen was an exceptional man and an exceptional public servant.

Kerry wasn’t interested in the small stuff. He wrestled with big ideas, and he inspired us to think… really think about our world and our role in the community.

Kerry wasn’t interested in personal praise. He was interested in making things better – better training, better equipment, better leadership, and a better future for those who answered the call. He gave a voice to firefighters and fought for their safety with unwavering determination.

In leadership, Kerry showed us what calm in a storm looks like. What humility means. What protection of a community requires. He made hard decisions without flinching and never hid when things got tough.

In friendship, Kerry was generous beyond measure. He shared books, articles, and photographs. He invested in people. He ended conversations with “I love you” – not a common sign-off for men of his generation, but Kerry had grown even softer and more sensitive as he aged, navigating his health challenges with remarkable grace.

Hours before he left this world, Kerry sat with friends at his bedside. I was one of those friends. He calmly told us he was dying. We shared stories, looked at memorabilia, and marveled at the breadth of his life. He was present with us the whole time – one last gift, one final lesson in life, service, and love. When we left, Kerry told us he would see us on the other side. He said I love you, one last time. We said we loved him too….

Kerry and I shared a special bond. I can’t quite put it into words, but what we shared was special. It was precious. Every time we spoke, and we spoke often, he taught me something. He showed me something I didn’t see. Every time…he was my great teacher and his influence on me and others can’t be quantified. He touched so many of us.

To Lynne, his beloved wife and partner on this journey – our hearts are with you, your daughter, grandson and son-in-law.  What a team you two have been. How fortunate we are to know you and to love you. My friend Kerry never failed to tell me how lucky he was to have found Lynne; how he viewed her as a remarkable partner who helped him achieve his dreams in every aspect of life….

We throw the word “greatness” around too easily these days. But Kerry Koen was the real deal. He was truly great – not because of titles or achievements, but because of how deeply he cared, how wisely he led, and how generously he loved.

Some people come into our lives, and words simply cannot adequately describe their impact. Kerry was one of those rare souls.

The great ones leave their marks on our hearts and minds. If we are lucky, they arrive in our lives and communities, and if we are smart, we listen, learn, and appreciate them.

Many of us did just that with Kerry. We listened. We learned. And we are forever grateful.

As the fire union so perfectly said: “We’ve lost more than a former chief; we’ve lost a pillar of our department and community. But his legacy lives in every firehouse, in every crew, and in every firefighter who still strives to live up to the standard he set.”

Rest easy, Chief Koen. We’ll take it from here.

7 April, 2025 2 2 Comments

Seeds Build A Village

April 7, 2025 By 2 Comments

Frances and her crew. From left, Scott Porten, Elise Johnson Nail, Bill Branning, Frances, Joe Gillie and me.

Planting seeds.
Those were the two words I came away with after spending a weekend celebrating a special leader who changed Delray and a special couple whose passion and hard work has enabled all children to play baseball.
On Friday evening we joined about 170 people to honor the founder of Old School Square Frances Bourque with a scholarship named after her that will last forever.

We had a lovely dinner with friends, watched a short film that captured the origins of the cultural arts center and listened to speakers talk about what Frances meant to their lives.
Elise Johnson Nail, Scott Porten, Bill Branning and Joe Gillie spoke about how Frances’ passion for the arts and people brought them together in a common mission.
I also had an opportunity to speak and I thanked Frances for being a mentor, inspiration and muse.

I sat next another mentor of mine, former Mayor Tom Lynch who worked with Frances in the early days of Old School Square when Delray was still trying to jumpstart a moribund downtown and find its way.
Tom’s steadfast leadership and vision made him a natural ally of Frances as she and her team created a cultural center out of a once derelict building.
The word “center” in this case has more than one meaning.

Old School Square became the centerpiece of a civic revival, one that gained national attention.
As I surveyed the room, I saw the architects that made the revival possible.  Two legendary directors of our Community Redevelopment Agency, a few former mayors and commissioners, key donors, talented staff (who were always overworked and underpaid) supportive city staff (now retired) and patrons who enjoyed decades of entertainment and programs.
The visuals filled my heart.

This is what a village looks like.

This is what it takes: good people, working together over a long period of time to move a community forward.
In this case, toxic politics pulled the plug on success. It’s a shame and I’ve written extensively about why the termination of Old School Square was a horrible and expensive mistake.
There’s no point in relitigating the issue, but there’s a point in celebrating the past, thanking people who deserve our gratitude and planning for the future.
That’s what the wonderful people of Old School Square are doing.
They are still hosting a popular “Six by Six” event which features local artists and raises funds for arts education. And now there is an endowed scholarship at the Conmunity Foundation to honor a civic heroine for the ages.
Well done.

Miracle League Founders Julia and Jeff Kadel.

On Saturday, we went to Opening Day at the Miracle League at Miller Field,
The Miracle  League of Palm Beach County is celebrating its 20th season this year and that is something to cheer.
I had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. What a hoot!
20 years ago, I threw out the first pitch as Mayor. Our city commission had given league founders Jeff and Julia Kadel a $10,000 grant to seed the new league.  20 years later, I came back to see the fruits of that seed, and it was emotionally satisfying for everyone who attended.

We saw a parade of children, joining their teammates and coaches as they got ready for another season. We saw another civic heroine, Julia Kadel, run the show with love and passion. We saw sponsors and volunteers and players and parents and business people who stopped by to cheer the kids on. It filled my heart.

I was really happy to see our fire department represented. The men and women of Delray Fire Rescue have been volunteering and supporting the league since it’s inception.  It has been a rough couple of years for our fire department, but from what I see and what I know we are absolutely blessed to have these brave people protecting and serving us.
That’s a good segue to tell you that our former fire chief Kerry Koen was honored with his own day in Boca Raton recently. Kerry was chief in both Delray and Boca. He was a remarkable chief, and he is a remarkable man.
I speak to Kerry few times a week and he always manages to teach me something.
On our last call, he told me about the honor and how much it meant to him.  I was so pleased to hear that he was given the news by Mayor Scott Singer and City Manager George Brown,  two  terrific public servants.
Well done Boca.

Back in the village, Frances planted lots of seeds in Delray Beach that are blossoming everywhere you look. I see Old School Square alumni giving back everywhere.  Volunteering for the Achievement Center, leading at the Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, giving their time their talent and their treasure to good causes throughout our community.

Julia and  her wonderful husband Jeff Kadel planted seeds 20 years ago and this weekend we celebrated volunteers who have been with them for 10, 15 and 20 years.  They planted seeds and those seeds have grown.
And my friend, Kerry Koen…well… he continues to mentor, teach, think  and help behind the scenes to ensure that our community is well protected.
He planted seeds and those seeds became leaders who continue to serve.

On Tuesday, I will attend a luncheon with former Mayors hosted by our chamber. We are addressing the current class of Leadership, Delray.  I am an alumni of the program. I know that current and future leaders are in that class.
The education the chamber provides serve as seeds.  I can’t wait to see those seeds bloom.

Have a wonderful week.

3 March, 2025 6 6 Comments

The Art, Beauty & Importance of Philanthropy

March 3, 2025 By 6 Comments

A session at the recent Florida Philanthropic Network conference in Orlando.

We attended our first Florida Philanthropic Network conference recently in Orlando.

It was an enlightening experience.

Several hundred of the state’s top philanthropic leaders got together for three days of education, fellowship and networking.

As the executive director of a relatively new foundation, the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation, I found the conference invaluable in terms of learning and meeting people with deep experience in the field.

I’m learning that there is a lot to the practice of philanthropy. There’s a lot of rules relative to giving, there’s also a lot of ways to measure impact, AI is beginning to influence the field and there is an emerging trend called venture philanthropy that’s fascinating.

When I tell people what I’m doing these days, they often say “wow, it must be fun to give money to good causes” and it is. It’s very gratifying but philanthropy is much more than writing checks to causes that touch your heart.

Yes, philanthropy is different from charity.

We don’t just write checks, although there is nothing wrong with that. As a philanthropy, we hope to make change.

As a result, we are making strategic investments in nonprofits that we believe can transform our areas of interest.

In our case, our “pillars” are health and nutrition, civic innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship and faith-based initiatives.

We created those areas of interest in concert with Mr. DeSantis to reflect his passions.

Our goal is to support people and organizations that have the potential to transform communities.

There is an art and science to the work we do.  Philanthropy looks at data, financials and leadership capacity to determine whether it makes sense to make an investment.

Like venture capitalists and business investors, we seek a return on that investment in the form of change and results. But philanthropy exists to take risks as well. In fact, philanthropy takes risks and makes investments where others fear to tread. That’s what makes the sector so important. Philanthropy writes the checks that others won’t in order to invest in our collective future.

To date we have made 35 investments totaling $5.855 million. We’ve only just begun. Here’s a small sample of where we’re invested.

We are investing in entrepreneurs through 1909, a remarkable West Palm Beach based incubator/accelerator. We are giving our children a shot a future through nonprofits such as Bound for College, Take Stock in Children and the George Snow Scholarship Fund. We are partners with Her Second Chance giving women in recovery a new lease on life and we are proud of our work with 4Kids and the Achievement Center For Children and Families two organizations devoted to caring for children who need support.

We are working with the Mayo Clinic, FAU and Max Planck on research programs that we hope will uncover answers for Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders.

And there’s more.

We are by invitation only so we can be strategic and selective. But every investment we make has our founder’s ethos and spirit in mind. When I think back at how it all started for me, I just marvel at how fortunate I was to cross paths with such a remarkable man.

Twenty years ago, I walked across a ballroom at a charity event to introduce myself to Mr. DeSantis. We exchanged pleasantries for less than a minute and I didn’t hear from him for a few years until he asked to get together and talk about how I might help him with a new beverage he was excited about called Celsius.

Last week, that little brand Carl was talking about announced sales of over $1 billion. It all started in a small office on 4th Avenue in Delray Beach.

Carl was a believer back then. He saw the path, even when others thought we were crazy.

We were. But in Carl’s case there was genius, belief and courage too.

It paid off.

Last week, that little challenger brand which is now the number three energy drink in the land bought the number four brand Alani Nu for $1.8 billion.

Amazing. And somehow Mr. DeSantis knew. He knew.

Before he passed, Carl asked a colleague of mine and me to sit down and help him create a foundation that would give back to the community in perpetuity. We did. It’s the proudest work I’ve ever done. It not only brings me back full circle to community service it keeps me close to Carl and his terrific family.

I’m honored to do this work. Blessed too.

These thoughts ran through my head at the conference surrounded by people doing transformative work in a world that desperately needs healing.

I’m determined to learn as much as I can so we can make a difference knowing that somehow Carl is watching it all unfold.

 

13 January, 2025 3 3 Comments

A Wonderful Life

January 13, 2025 By 3 Comments

President Carter

Like many Americans, I didn’t think Jimmy Carter was a great president.
But also like many Americans, I think Jimmy Carter may have been our best former president.
President Carter, who passed recently at the age of 100, was a long term player. I like long term players. I think they hold great lessons for all of us.

When you reach a pinnacle, President, CEO, Governor or even mayor of a small town,  it’s just that, a pinnacle. Not The Pinnacle. There’s always more for us to do. More for us to accomplish and aspire too.

Last week, I shared an article with friends that talked about old age.
The article noted that we cease being young when we stop aspiring, when we stop dreaming about the future.
It’s fine to be nostalgic and it’s important to learn from and reflect on the past, but we can’t live there. We have to keep moving forward. We can’t stop dreaming. There’s more for us to do. President Carter was a great example of that.

President Carter never got old.

He was only 56 when he lost his reelection bid to Ronald Reagan. He lived another 44 years. And it was a remarkable 44 years filled with building homes, global diplomacy, writing, teaching and of course romancing his beloved wife Rosalynn.

My friend Scott was one of President Carter’s students at Emory. He speaks glowingly about President Carter and tells a remarkable story about running into him years later while on a trip to Greece. The president remembered his name.
Now, Scott is a memorable character but that’s impressive.

A week before President Carter’s death, I happened to listen to a podcast featuring the historian Kai Bird.
Bird recently wrote a book about Carter which sounds fascinating.
He believes that Jimmy Carter may have been the smartest man to occupy the Oval Office. He talked about President Carter’s rise from Plains, Georgia to leader of the free world with stops first in the Navy, the Georgia Senate and Governor’s mansion.
It’s a remarkable story. An only in America saga. We still produce those stories and that’s comforting.

Jimmy Carter was our first rock and roll president befriending the Allman Brothers, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.
That’s a cool tidbit, but the important takeaway of his life, is that he turned a bitter and decisive defeat into a triumphant second chapter.
He was a long term contributor and he never stopped serving his country and people in need.
Personally, I don’t understand leaders who fade away.
How can you care so much about a cause or a place or a business and then just disappear?
Now admittedly there’s a fine line.

You don’t want to be the quarterback hanging around the high school parking lot talking about glory days.  And the you don’t want to be the  micromanager lurking in the shadows pulling the strings.
But you can be the veteran presence providing support and advice when needed and when asked. You can advise and find other ways to serve when the spotlight shifts to someone else. And folks, the spotlight always shifts to someone else.

Jimmy Carter never stopped serving or caring. You may disagree with his politics but it’s hard to argue with his commitment.
We need more servant leaders. We need more people who care to stay engaged for the long run.
Remembering a Chief
Delray lost another contributor recently with the passing of former fire chief Bob Rehr.
Chief Rehr was a good man and I enjoyed working with him briefly after I was elected to the City Commission in 2000.
He had a long and distinguished career in the fire service. He spent 24 years with the Miami Fire Department and served as Fire Chief in West Palm Beach.  All told, he spent 37 years in the fire service.
He will be missed. We send our condolences to Chief Rehr’s family during this difficult time.

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