ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – July/August 2022

ROYAL PALM JULY/AUGUST 2022

Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach

THE MAGAZINE

Royal Palm Beach Girls Youth Softball Teams Compete At State Tournament

Plus

New Home For Western Academy Charter School Meet Tree’s Wings General Manager Erin Townsend Enjoy A Tasty Journey To Sardinia At Zona Blu Budget Season Underway In Royal Palm Beach

The Village of

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July/August 2022

contents

volume 2, number 4 JULY/AUGUST 2022

executive editor Joshua I. Manning

Features

publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer

GIRLS ARE 15 THESE PITCH PERFECT A girls fast-pitch softball team from Royal Palm Beach is headed to the Babe Ruth League World Series, while two other local teams are celebrating memorable seasons on the diamond.All three teams come from the Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach. BY MIKE MAY

Stephanie Rodriguez

graphic designers Nancy Pobiak Yolanda Cernicky

account managers Betty Buglio Evie Edwards Joetta Palumbo

from the

DECADES OF 20 TWO PROVEN SUCCESS

bookkeeping

The upcoming school year is going to be an exciting one at Western Academy Charter School.After many years of success,Western Academy is in the process of moving into its new home. BY DEBORAH WELKY

Jill Kaskel Carol Lieberman

photography Abner Pedraza

Departments

contributors

Erin Davisson Denise Fleischman Melanie Kopacz Mike May Callie Sharkey Deborah Welky

PALM BUSINESS 27 ROYAL General Manager Erin Townsend enjoys the challenge of keeping Tree’s Wings running smoothly.

BY DEBORAH WELKY

PALM HEALTH 31 ROYAL Nettecha Rheingold began

ROYAL PALM 35 Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach

THE MAGAZINE

12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33 Wellington, FL 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Fax: (561) 793-1470 www.royalpalmthemagazine.com

chairman/ceo

Barry S. Manning Royal Palm The Magazine is published six times a year in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved by Royal Palm The Magazine Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

ROYAL PALM TABLE

Zona Blu brings the unique cuisine of the Mediterranean island of Sardinia to life for locals to enjoy. BY MELANIE KOPACZ

PALM TODAY 39 ROYAL It’s budget season in Royal Palm

published by

Royal Palm The Magazine Inc.

Achette’n to give women access to top-quality mastectomy bras and prostheses. BY DEBORAH WELKY

publisher While the lazy days of summer fun are upon us, it will soon be time to head back to school. In this issue of Royal Palm The Magazine, we visit the top-rated Western Academy Charter School, which has grown out of its old rented location in the Royal Plaza and will soon be opening its new 62,400-square-foot campus on Southern Blvd.Also this issue,we salute the three youth fast-pitch softball teams from Royal Palm Beach that recently competed at the Babe Ruth League Softball State Tournament. One of the teams is now headed to the Babe Ruth League World Series!

Our Royal Palm Business feature this month profiles Erin Townsend, general manager of the popular local restaurant Tree’s Wings & Ribs. She loves the challenge of keeping this local landmark running smoothly. Royal Palm Health features Nettecha Rheingold of Achette’n, who is in the business of providing top-quality mastectomy bras and prostheses. Take a trip to Sardinia at Zona Blu, a new restaurant on Okeechobee Blvd., to get a taste of this Mediterranean island paradise. Finally, take a look at this year’s Royal Palm Beach village budget in Royal Palm Today.

To all the local children heading back to school in August, as well as those older ones heading off to college or back to college, good luck with your studies! We’re proud that you’re out there representing the Village of Royal Palm Beach.

Dawn Rivera

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

Beach, and village officials have big plans ahead. BY DEBORAH WELKY

Social Scene

ROYAL PALM SOCIAL SCENE

6 8 10 12

RPBHS Celebrates Class Of 2022 At Fairgrounds Ceremony Royal Palm Beach Honors Fallen Soldiers On Memorial Day Royal Palm Beach Rotary Hosts 32nd Annual Awards Dinner New Gentle Birth Center Facility Opens In Royal Palm Beach

on the cover

14U Royal Palm Beach All Star youth softball player Yhazaliyah Avila with coach Christopher Shelby. royal palm the magazine | july/august 2022 5

royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

RPBHS CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2022 AT FAIRGROUNDS CEREMONY

(Left) Salutatorian Carlos Chirino and Valedictorian Ana Ojeda. (Right) VIPs Vivian Green, Crystal Amado, Dwan Moore-Ross, Jennifer Galindo, Tracy Ghettie, Michelle Fleming, Richard Valuntas, Jeff Hmara, Anthony Allen, Ruthann Miller, Bruce Saulter and Karen Whetsell at the ceremony.

Royal Palm Beach High School’s graduating Class of 2022 was celebrated at a ceremony on Monday, May 23 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. It was Principal Michelle Fleming’s first time overseeing the commencement exercises, which also featured speeches by Superintendent Michael Burke, Valedictorian Ana Ojeda and Salutatorian Carlos Chirino.

(Left to right) Class President Jamie Marcus, SGA President Alexandra Agate and Class Vice President Jaden Suckoo; Superintendent Michael Burke, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Principal Michelle Fleming, RPB Councilman Richard Valuntas and RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara; the RPBHS band under the direction of Benjamin Eubank; and the Presentation of the Colors by the JROTC.

(Left to right) Amy, Spenser and Jay Schwartz, Mindy Cohen, Skylar Schwartz, and Peggy and Marshall Cohen; A’Niya Bird with Petty Officer 1st Class Nguyen; Liliana Esparza and Jeffrey Pena; and Joshua Gutierrez and Skylar Schwartz.

(Left to right) Maria Suarez, Alexia Apostolidis, Angelina Sadler, Justina Sadler and Victoria Sadler; Bry Yow, Julia Morris and Lisa Goodwin; Judy Vereen celebrates with her family; and Nydia Sanchez, Ricardo Sanchez and Jasmine Rodriguez.

(Left to right) Graduate Jelianys Ramos Burgos with her family; twins Kanna and Erin Espinoza with their family; Leica Marcelin gathers with her family; Witney Jean and Leica Marcelin; and Denise Moore, Lakel Stewart, Kanye Moore, Dave Elliot, Debbie Moore and Claudette Erskin.

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royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

ROYAL PALM BEACH HONORS FALLEN SOLDIERS ON MEMORIAL DAY

The Village of Royal Palm Beach, in conjunction with American Legion Post 367, presented its “Remember and Honor Memorial Day” observance on Monday, May 30 at Royal Palm Beach Veterans Park. Village officials and American Legion members recalled service members who died and laid a wreath in their honor.

(Left to right) Sergio Sandoval, Vice Mayor Selena Samios, Mayor Fred Pinto, Johnny Castro, Traci Caicedo and Hartley Barnes with the wreath; RPBHS NJROTC Chief Petty Officer Jelvi Castillo and Lt. Isaiah Reilly fold the flag as Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Castro and Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Traci Caicedo look on; Mayor Fred Pinto, veteran Hartley Barnes and Councilwoman Jan Rodusky; and Kiannely Hildalgo sings the national anthem.

(Left to right) Lorna and Joey Johnson; Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Castro presents the flag to Shelby Walcher, in honor of her father Bill Jackowski; Lt. J.G. Angele Melo, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ranemsha Georges and Seaman Recruit Christian Felix read the Fallen Soldier Tribute; American Legion Post 367 members lead the gun salute; and Army Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Castro, Mayor Fred Pinto, Vice Mayor Selena Samios, Army veteran Hartley Barnes, Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Traci Caicedo and Chief Sergio Sandoval.

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royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

ROYAL PALM BEACH ROTARY HOSTS 32ND ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its 32nd annual awards dinner and induction ceremony on Friday, June 17 at Hilary’s Restaurant & Deli. The officers for 2022-23 were installed, including incoming President Romeo Siquijor. Outgoing President Steve Epstein presented awards to people who supported the club over the past year.

(Left to right) Incoming President Romeo Siquijor gets a Rotarian of the Year award from outgoing President Steve Epstein; Eric Gordon installs new board members Jeff Hmara, Althea Ceasor, Joan Scherer, Bob Margolis and Steve Epstein; Steve Epstein gives Jeff Hmara a Rotarian of the Year award; and Service Above Self certificates are awarded to Althea Ceasor, Joan Scherer, Mike Gauger, Lynn Balch, Bob Margolis and Keith Jordano.

(Left to right) Dr. Sarda Bandary presents Steve Epstein with a Paul Harris medallion; Steve Epstein thanks Hilary’s owner Mary Rakoff; Service Above Self certificates are awarded to Tony Endler, Charles Borg, Eric Gordon, Dr. Sarda Bhandary, Chris Durham and Mike Rose; Lynn Balch, Steve Epstein and Mike Gauger; and Dr. Bruce Elkind with Dr. Randall and Tammy Dugal.

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royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

NEW GENTLE BIRTH CENTER FACILITY OPENS IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

The new Gentle Birth Center facility in Royal Palm Beach held its grand opening on Thursday, June 23 with refreshments, giveaways and tours. The location offers expecting mothers a new option for labor and delivery in a more home-like setting.

Gentle Birth Center also offers women’s wellness services conducted by certified nurse midwives. Gentle Birth Center is located at 1490 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. For more info., call (561) 635-3311 or visit www.gentlebirth.net.

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Royal Palm Beach’s victorious 12 & Under (12U) team, shown with the team from Madeira Beach, the division’s second-place team.

THESE GIRLS ARE PITCH PERFECT Royal Palm Beach Softball Squads Celebrate Strong Seasons, Including World Series Invite

BY MIKE MAY

A girls fast-pitch softball team from Royal Palm Beach is headed to the Babe Ruth League World Series, while two other Royal Palm Beach softball squads are celebrating memorable seasons on the diamond.

All three teams come from the Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach, which oversees recreational youth baseball and fast-pitch softball in the Village of Royal Palm Beach.

From June 24 to June 27, the three girls softball teams — 10Us, 12Us and 14Us — from Royal Palm Beach competed in the Florida Babe Ruth Softball State Tournament held at the Southside Recreation Complex in Lake City.

The Florida Babe Ruth Softball State Tournament is the largest tournament held anywhere in the U.S. for baseball and softball, Florida Babe Ruth State Softball Commissioner Doug Hender-

son explained. This double-elimination tournament featured more than 100 teams from Florida that competed in seven age-group divisions — 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U. The Royal Palm Beach 10Us were eliminated after two games, the Royal Palm Beach 14Us finished third with a 2-2 record, and the Royal Palm Beach 12Us emerged victorious in the Elite Division. royal palm the magazine | july/august 2022 15

12U Royal Palm Beach 2022 All Star District/State Champions: (Front row) Jamie McCarroll, Emilie Fox, Victoria Wessman, Ella Orta, Gianna Rettas and Olivia Sbei; (middle row) Gianna Tarducci, Sarah Spidalieri, Kylie Zimmerman, Ella Bianco, Ella Mae Lipp and Gabriela De Los Reyes; and (back row) coaches Edward Bianco, Jen Rudock and Kyle Dubbs. Coach Ivan Tarducci not pictured.

The team compiled a 6-1 record over four days of competition. With that victory, the 12Us, managed by Royal Palm Beach resident Ed Bianco,

have advanced to compete in the Babe Ruth World Series, which will be held in Jensen Beach from July 19 through July 28.

To win the Elite Division title, the local 12U team had to win three games on the last day of the tournament. The 12-player squad did just that by defeating DeBary 4-0, and then producing a pair of back-to-back 9-6 and 9-1 victories over top-seeded and undefeated Madeira Beach.

The key win against Madeira Beach was the 9-6 victory.

“That game was close from the beginning, and then we scored five runs in the top of the seventh inning to take the lead,” Bianco recalled.“Madeira Beach responded with two runs in the bottom of the seventh, but it was not enough, and we won.”

After that 9-6 win, both squads were given a 30-minute break to relax, get rehydrated, and then get ready for the tournament finale.

Bianco put Gabi Reyes on the pitching mound, and she shut down Madeira Beach’s offense while her teammates

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scored nine runs for the runaway victory.

“I’m so proud of the girls,” Bianco said.“This team has been together since last August — and winning this state tournament was our main goal.”

Bianco and his three assistant coaches — Jen Rudock, Kyle Dubbs and Ivan Tarducci — expect their team to do well at the Babe Ruth World Series that starts on July 19 in Jensen Beach.After a short break, the team has already started getting ready for the biggest tournament of the year.“We will practice four days a week starting on July 10,” Bianco said.

Even though the tournament will be held in nearby Jensen Beach, there will be quite a few expenses incurred by the team as it practices and plays in the actual competition.

According to local softball parent Yvette Avila, a fundraiser was set to be held July 9-10 at Wellington’s Town

14U Royal Palm Beach 2022 All Star District Champions: (Front row) Ciara Pena, Madison Phillips, Kelsey Abhau, Ava Martinez, Isabella Berrios and Faith Carrasco; (middle row) Samantha Shelby, Mia Suker, Isabella LaForte, Taylor King and Yhazaliyah Avila; and (back row) coaches Christopher Shelby, Martin McKenna, Ricardo Martinez and Miguel Berrios.

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Avila, whose daughter Yhazaliyah is a pitcher for the 14Us, is proud that three girls softball teams from Royal Palm Beach qualified for the tournament.

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10U Royal Palm Beach 2022 All Star District Runners Up: (Front row) Jewel Garoutte, Ava Viglione, Harper McFadden, Olivia Logsdon, Madison Maruna and Calleigh King; (middle row) Jade Garoutte, Adleigh Weber, Nayeli Avila, Amyah Frazier, Arabella Brioc, Adelynn Galbreath and Ava Logsdon; and (back row) coaches Jim Weber, Megan Morey, Jason Garoutte and Wesley Logsdon.

This impressive showing is proof positive that the sport of softball is in good shape here in Royal Palm Beach, and that the future of the girls varsity

softball programs at local high schools is strong.

“All the girls on our teams play softball at Crestwood Middle School or Wel-

lington Landings Middle School,” Avila said.

Another interested parent and supporter in Lake City was Avila’s husband, William.

“It was amazing to see our three softball teams compete in Lake City,” he said. “Everybody cheered for all three teams. The camaraderie was special to see.”

The manager for the Royal Palm Beach 10Us is Jim Weber, and his coaches are Megan Morley, Jason Garoutte and Wesley Logsdon. The manager for the Royal Palm Beach 14Us is Christopher Shelby, and his coaches are Martin McKenna, Ricardo Martinez and Miguel Berrios.

Learn more about the Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach at www.baseballrpb.com. Babe Ruth World Series information can be found at www.baberuthworldseries. org.

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TWO DECADES OF PROVEN SUCCESS Western Academy Charter School Will Begin The Academic Year In A New, Larger Facility STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

The upcoming school year is going to be an exciting one at Royal Palm Beach’s Western Academy Charter School. After many years of success using rented space in a shopping plaza, Western Academy is in the process of moving into its new home — a 62,400-square-foot building located at 12031 Southern Blvd.

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july/august 2022 | royal palm the magazine

“We’re very excited about going into our new building and being able to offer more opportunities for both our existing students and for new students that we’re now able to serve from the surrounding community,” said Executive Director Linda Terranova, who founded the school nearly 20 years ago.

“We’ll be able to help more children.”

Western Academy Charter School opened with 157 students in 2003 and expanded five times at its previous location. This fall, the new building will open with 575 students — and they’ll all be under one roof.

“We’ll have more control over the security and grounds,” Terranova said.

“We won’t have to use a public park

Western Academy Charter School Principal Tsiri Miller and Executive Director Linda Terranova in front of the new school building on Southern Blvd.

as our playground. We’ll have our own fenced-in basketball courts, a soccer field, an indoor gym room and a large multi-purpose room. We used to have two small cafeterias — now we can have 350 people in this multi-purpose room and use it for the cafeteria, for dances, graduations, after care and special events like Halloween night. We’ll have more classrooms, pull-out support rooms and special education offices, too.”

With students in kindergarten through eighth grade, Western Academy offers traditional education programs that adhere to state standards and curriculum, but it was initially created to serve a specific need.

“My oldest son has Asperger syn-

drome and was falling through the cracks in the Palm Beach County School District system,” Terranova recalled. “Back then, children like him were secluded out in portables. I wanted him to be mainstreamed into the regular education system. I wrote the charter, and we expanded from that.

There was such a high need for something that was not a district school, and we were the only charter school out here for years.”

Terranova explained that Western Academy is set up as a nonprofit organization, unlike many other charter schools.

“Because we are a self-run nonprofit — not a for-profit charter — we don’t have to pay a management company,

and the money can go into the programs,” she explained. “We also have some flexibility for what our students need. We don’t have to wait to get permission from the school board, where it can take a long time to get the support down to the kids. We can implement programs for the students we have that year. If they have problems with math or have reading issues, we can tailor-make our curriculum to correct that because we’re an independent school.”

Terranova, who has a master’s degree in educational leadership, served as the school’s principal for the first 16 years but recently handed the baton to Tsiri Miller, who took over as principal for the 2021-22 school year. royal palm the magazine | july/august 2022 21

Western Academy Charter School Executive Director Linda Terranova and Principal Tsiri Miller go over plans for the building’s renovations.

“In my new role as executive director, my focus was to find us a new location, get bonds to pay for the new facility, oversee the renovations and get us moved into the new building,” Terranova said.

With support from the Village of Royal Palm Beach, Western Academy was able to arrange for bond money through the Arizona Industrial Development Authority to take over and update the vacant building at the northwest corner of Southern and Crestwood boulevards. It was most recently the home of the Palms West Charter School.

Western Academy has been an Arated school since 2006 and has also been designated a “School of Excellence” for being in the top 20 percent of all Florida schools. Its math program ranks in the top 5 percent across the state. Based on tests given to all students in grades 3 through 8 statewide, Western Academy has beat all the district schools in Royal Palm Beach and emerged as the No. 1 charter school in all of Palm Beach County.

Miller became the principal after serving Western Academy as one of its assistant principals, dean of students, 22

july/august 2022 | royal palm the magazine

ESE coordinator and a teacher. She said the school’s biggest challenge recently has been providing high-quality education during the pandemic while keeping students and staff safe and healthy.

“Even during the pandemic, our students thrived and succeeded,” Miller said. “We were one of only a few schools in the county who opted-in for an A school grade in 2021 and remain the No. 1 charter school in Palm Beach County. I’m really proud of our students, staff and parents for working together and supporting each other during those difficult times. I am excit-

ed to be moving into our new building where we will be able to serve more students in our community.”

Terranova is delighted to see how the school has grown over the past two decades.

“The climate of our school is special because it’s like a family,”Terranova said.

“We’ve been around for so long. Some families have multiple children going through our school. We care about the safety, security and academics of our children. It’s a family atmosphere in an all-inclusion school with regular programs, advanced/honors programs at the middle school level and programs for those who are academically challenged.”

Western Academy has closed its enrollment period for the coming school year with all spaces filled, a waiting list and a lottery already conducted. Call (561) 792-4123 to ask to be put on the waiting list in case a space opens up.

In the meantime, enrollment opens for the 2023-24 school year on Sept. 1.

For more information about Western Academy Charter School, visit www.westernacademycharter.com.

Linda Terranova and Tsiri Miller move books into the new building.

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royal palm | business

General Manager Erin Townsend at the front counter of Tree’s Wings & Ribs.

EVERY DAY BRINGS SOMETHING NEW Tree’s Wings General Manager Erin Townsend Enjoys The Challenge Of Keeping The Popular Royal Palm Beach Restaurant Running Smoothly STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

Erin Townsend had three children, all under age four, when she went looking for a part-time job in 2008. Little did she know, that part-time job would change her life.

“I just wanted to work a couple of evenings a week, just to maintain my sanity,” she recalled.

Townsend approached Andy and Linda Maynard, co-owners of Tree’s Wings & Ribs, a popular restaurant at the south

end of Royal Palm Blvd. She asked to be hired as a delivery driver. Unfortunately, no delivery positions were open, but the Maynards asked if she would like to try her hand as a server instead.

“I had never served before, but I said I’d give it a try,”Townsend said.“I loved it. I loved interacting with different people every day, having different conversations. It still tickles me.”

The job soon pivoted into a full-time

position, and before too long, the Maynards approached Townsend about becoming the restaurant’s general manager.

“I was hesitant,” Townsend said. “I had absolutely no experience managing a restaurant. But they needed some help, and I do love a challenge. It was trial by fire, sink or swim. I accepted the job, and very quickly realized that I was in over my head.” royal palm the magazine | july/august 2022 27

royal palm | business

“I had never served before, but I said I’d give it a try. I loved it.

I loved interacting with different people every day, having different conversations. It still tickles me.”

— Erin Townsend

Erin Townsend with an order of the signature hot wings from Tree’s Wings.

But the Maynards wanted Townsend to succeed. They sent her to Philadelphia to attend a restaurant management seminar headed up by John Taffer, star of the TV show “Bar Rescue.”

“It was really cool,” Townsend recalled. “Unlike his TV persona, John is a really sweet guy. When he found out I was from Tree’s Wings, he shouted it out to the whole banquet hall and said, ‘They have the best ribs!’ Turns out he was local then and had our ribs delivered all the time.”

Townsend is still learning every day, but that’s part of what makes the job fun. Designing menus, writing advertisements and creating signage was all new to her, but she embraced the tasks.

“I had to learn things as I went along,” Townsend said. “It was a crash course but, to me, even that was fun.”

Tree’s Wings has been a fixture in the western communities for 27 years.

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july/august 2022 | royal palm the magazine

Townsend’s children are now 17, 16 and almost 15. Her eldest daughter is now a server at Tree’s Wings, following in mom’s footsteps.

“We serve typical American food — wings, ribs, mahi, salads, hamburgers and a ton of good appetizers,”Townsend said.“We stick to what we know, and we do it right.”

Located in the Royal Plaza just north of Southern Blvd., Tree’s Wings features a main dining room and two full bar areas. They also offer take-out, delivery and catering services.

“We’ve seen a shift in habits since the pandemic,” Townsend said. “It used to be 60 percent dine-in customers, and 40 percent split between delivery and take-out.These days, our take-out is closer to 60 percent, while dine-in is 30 percent and delivery is 10 percent.”

Townsend noted that Tree’s Wings has a sizable delivery area, including

all of Royal Palm Beach and Wellington, parts of Loxahatchee and parts of West Palm Beach.And they make ordering catered platters as easy as they can.

“We have a whole menu of easy-toorder party trays,” Townsend said. “You can just call up and say, ‘Give me 100 wings, four racks of ribs and all the sides.’When the Dave Matthews Band is in town each year, that’s just what they do.They call and say,‘We’ve got 60 people. Be ready.’ Many of the fairgrounds performers stay at the Royal Inn across the street, and we become part of their tradition.”

Tree’s Wings also has its cast of regulars.

“Some people have been coming in for years,” Townsend said. “If we don’t know them by name, we certainly know them by their order.”

Townsend prides herself on giving customers what they want, even if it’s

only the flat side of the wing or chicken that has been fried twice to achieve the crispiness they desire.

“We try to be accommodating,” she said.“We want people to be happy with their order. Our primary customer base is made up of hardworking, local people.They’re very loyal.”

Even without a culinary background, Townsend learned a lot growing up in The Acreage.“My mother, Mary Jo, is an amazing cook. I’m the middle of nine children and, on any given day, there could be 20 for dinner,” she said.“We’re super close-knit and every meal cooked is enough to feed an army.”

That said, her parents were slightly surprised at the turn Townsend’s life has taken.

“Managing a restaurant was never one of my goals. I wanted to be a teacher or something to do with nature,” Townsend said. “I was volunteering at the Grassy Waters nature preserve,

planting trees. I think one of the reasons this place feels like home to me is that Andy and Linda are tremendously community minded. When we were shortstaffed during the pandemic, I sometimes had to step in as a server, even though I was earning a salary as general manager. I told the Maynards that it didn’t seem fair, so I was going to donate my tips to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

They matched me, dollar for dollar.”

Townsend said interacting with people is her favorite part of the job.

“I particularly like when they try to guess the secret recipe for our house dressing,” she said. “Our customers call it ‘the green stuff.’ It’s iconic. In addition to what we serve our customers, we sell it by the pint — 150 pints a week! We produce it every day, and it just flies out the door.”

While working at Tree’s Wings was once something to get Townsend out of the house, nowadays she can’t see her

General Manager Erin Townsend works behind the bar at Tree’s Wings.

life without it. “I’m hoping to stay here until the day I retire,” she said.

To learn more about Tree’s Wings & Ribs, visit www.treeswingsandribs. com.

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royal palm | health

PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE FIT Nettecha Rheingold Began Achette’n To Give Women Access To Top Quality Mastectomy Bras And Prostheses

BY DEBORAH WELKY

If you or someone you love needs a specialty mastectomy bra or prostheses, Achette’n offers clients the best possible fit.The firm features a wide range of medical-grade breast forms, mastectomy bras, compression garments and lingerie, measured exactly to fit the client’s body.

The company, founded in 2020, is the brainchild of Nettecha Rheingold.

For 15 years, Rheingold owned assisted living facilities, providing support and encouragement, together with housing, for those needing help with their day-to-day activities. In that role, she was attending a medical equipment trade show when it hit her — there were very few products for women.

“It jolted me,” Rheingold recalled.

“I had been dealing with women for a long time, many of whom had had breast cancer, and there was nothing for their needs.”

Still, Rheingold remained focused on the job at hand — walkers, canes, things to help seniors in their everyday lives — but when she went back the following year and experienced the same dearth of women’s products, she opened her mind and began considering possibilities.

Rheingold did some research and

Achette’n owner and founder Nettecha Rheingold.

royal palm the magazine | july/august 2022 31

royal palm | health

“Everyone is different. I fit my clients based on the shape, size and form of their breasts, but the first thing for me is treating them with care and compassion.

Many women are depressed after a mastectomy, and feel they’ll never be the same again. But their life is not defined by having had breast surgery.”

— Nettecha Rheingold

found that, in Palm Beach County, there were very few places that post-surgical women could go to be fitted for — and buy — a specialty bra. There were also very few specialty bras and protheses to be had.“I was surprised,” she said.

So, in 2020, she sold her assisted living business and began work on Achette’n (a take on a backward spelling of her name).

“There are a lot of regulations — a lot of insurance requirements and so on, but I found a location and opened a store,” she said. “I wanted to provide services and products. I wanted to fit these women and make them feel confident and good about themselves.They have needs like everyone else, and many do not even realize what is available to them for post-surgical issues, much of it paid for by Medicare or private insurers.”

Located on Ocean Avenue in Lantana, Achette’n carries a wide assortment of 32

july/august 2022 | royal palm the magazine

bras culled from the top vendors in the country in different styles, colors and sizes, as well as a variety of protheses.

“Everyone is different,” Rheingold said. “I fit my clients based on the shape, size and form of their breasts, but the first thing for me is treating them with care and compassion. Many women are depressed after a mastectomy, and feel they’ll never be the same again. But their life is not defined by having had breast surgery.They can get back to looking like they were before.

They still can be beautiful.They can be their best.”

With Rheingold’s help, a recovering mastectomy patient’s life can be made a lot more comfortable. She can even help identify their concerns before the surgery takes place.

“I may be able to anticipate their concerns,” she said.“And then I can share as much knowledge and education as I can give.”

Rheingold emphasizes that having had a mastectomy is not a requirement for getting a fitting or access to the perfect bra.

“Many women have their favorite bra, and that’s the one they wear,” she said. “I am able to communicate with them. Sometimes I have to tell them that their bra’s band doesn’t fit, or the straps are making a dent in their shoulders.”

Whatever the issue, Rheingold addresses it honestly, fits the customer for the perfect bra, then offers a selection of styles and colors. When they’re happy, she’s happy.

Patients planning for or recovering from surgery or reconstruction are invited to call and schedule an appointment with one of the certified mastectomy fitters at Achette’n.

Achette’n Specialty Mastectomy Bras and Prostheses is located at 114 E. Ocean Avenue in Lantana. For more information, call (561) 557-7978.

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TAKE A JOURNEY TO SARDINIA

royal palm | table

Zona Blu Brings The Unique Cuisine Of This Mediterranean Island To Life STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELANIE KOPACZ

Dare to be enlightened through an exploration of flavors from the Italian island of Sardinia in a culinary journey at the new local restaurant Zona Blu. The Sardinian style cuisine features an eclectic magic that makes for delectable culinary art with Mediterranean seafood, fresh-baked breads, unique cheeses and imported ingredients.

“We love our island,” co-owner Debbie Marras Bautista said. “We wanted to do something that reflected our cuisine in Sardinia, our culture.”

The restaurant is celebrating that uniqueness with the grand opening at its new location on Okeechobee Blvd., following a thriving first location in Broward’s Weston community. Sisters Debbie Marras Bautista and Sheila Marras David partnered with the menu’s creator, co-owner and Corporate Chef Andrea Fadda.

“The common thread for all of us is that we’re from the island of Sardinia, and that was Andrea’s vision. After traveling the world as a chef, to have these dishes unique to the island on our menu, and that’s what sets us apart,” Bautista said.“We seem to have tapped into a niche. We’re not your typical Italian.”

This is a cuisine that originated from a place in the world that’s so unique, it’s considered a “Blue Zone.”

Sardinia is one of only five designated places in the world deemed by researchers as an area where people are known for their longevity, living 100 years and older.

(Clockwise from top left) The Salumeria platters feature imported meat and cheese choices; handmade pasta spun in the flaming cheese wheel and topped with shaved black truffles; Octopus alla Griglia includes crispy grilled Mediterranean octopus atop a colorful arugula salad; pistachio sorbet coated with pistachio crumbles; the flavorful Fregola Sarda ai Frutti di Mare features couscous-style pasta with mixed fresh seafood; the flaming cheese wheel is lit tableside for an incredible pasta dish; the pan-seared salmon special atop a bed of fresh vegetables; imported Italian extra virgin olive oil is available on every table; an array of delectable desserts featuring the homemade Seada con Miele Sardo; and don’t miss the signature appetizer Soufflé al Pecorino. royal palm the magazine | july/august 2022 35

Corporate Chef Andrea Fadda and Executive Chef Nico Zallu in the kitchen making the salmon special.

“The food that they eat and the wine that’s made from grapes that are grown in Sardinia that have antioxidants,” Bautista explained. “They have benefits attributed to the longevity of the people who live there, so we wanted to incorporate that into the concept, and that’s why we named it Zona Blu.” The illuminating and tranquil blue

hues throughout the dining room set the tone, reflective of the Mediterranean Sea where Sardinia is situated above Sicily, making for a serene dining experience.An extensive outdoor patio is complete with blue shade awnings. Sardinian wines and varieties from around the world fill racks around the restaurant.

“Our maître d’ is from Sardinia and is

basically our sommelier,” Bautista said.

“He selects all of our wine, so we have an extensive wine selection from Sardinia, but also all over Italy, France, California, Washington. On Wednesdays, we have 50 percent off our wines that are up to $100.”

Paintings by a Sardinian artist are spaced around the restaurant portraying the people of the region, giving a feeling of who these recipes represent and the fishermen who reel in the fresh catch.

Like Octopus alla Griglia, for starters.

The crispy grilled Mediterranean octopus is presented atop arugula salad and aromatic roasted potatoes.

A must-try is the Soufflé al Pecorino.

It’s the signature appetizer — a creamy delight made with pecorino cheese from Sardinia with truffle sauce and mushrooms topped with a crispy traditional flat bread.

To help navigate the menu is a knowledgeable staff that helps make the culinary experience one to savor. Also on

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board is Executive Chef Nico Zallu, who not only loves being in the kitchen, but he also loves singing to the customers.

A huge tableside flaming cheese wheel is also an interactive favorite and a tasty experience.

“They prepare the pasta in the cheese wheel and scrape the cheese from the aged big wheel onto the plates. People love the show, and it’s delicious,” Bautista said.“They have all this fresh cheese. It’s something that’s not on our menu, but we have it, and it’s very popular.”

Another experience for the senses is the Spaghetti al Cartoccio with mixed seafood, fresh tomato sauce and pasta covered in a pastry dough baked in a wood-burning oven.

“It comes out as a big puff of pastry, and then they open it in front of the guest, and all they have is the aroma of the fresh seafood,” Bautista explained.

Freshly served Salumeria comes displayed on authentic Sardinian cork serving trays. “One of the main resources is cork, so when you drive around the island, you see all these trees, where the bottom of them is bare because people shaved the cork, and it grows back, and artisans use the cork to make shoes and purses. We wanted to bring that to our restaurant,” Bautista said.

The Salumeria platters come with a choice of meats, including Prosciutto Crudo and Salame Felino, and cheeses like Pecorino Semi Stagionato, with sprinklings of fresh olives served with a side of jam and giardiniera. “It’s a beautiful presentation and very unique,” she said. “People always ask us if they can buy the tray.”

Another plate with a beautiful presentation and full of flavor is the Fregola Sarda ai Frutti di Mare — a Sardinian couscous-style pasta with mixed fresh seafood.

You can pair any dish with a drink from the stocked bar, and happy hour is daily from 4 to 7 p.m. Zona Blu even has signature drinks specially created

royal palm | table

The Zona Blu team includes Corporate Chef Andrea Fadda, sisters Debbie Marras Bautista and Sheila Marras David, and Executive Chef Nico Zallu. They are proud to share their Sardinian cuisine and culture.

(Left) The dining room is filled with hues of blue reflecting the Mediterranean Sea, with brown wooden tables and chairs. (Right) The fully stocked bar with its blue illuminated seating.

for them by a mixologist from Bacardi with a Sardinian twist.“We use a liqueur called mirto, and it’s grown only on the island, kind of like a licorice,” Bautista said of the spirit that comes from myrtle bushes growing wild all over the island.

One of those is the bestselling Wild Sardinia Martini, made with Wild Sardinia gin and mirto. Another favorite is the Cora Sardu, which means “Sardinian Heart.”

An array of desserts makes it hard to choose, including pistachio sorbet coated with pistachio crumbles and a tiramisu layered dessert dusted with cocoa powder.The most popular is a family secret recipe.

“Our parents are from Sardinia, and they’re the ones who make the traditional Sardinian dessert Seadas con Miele Sardo, a homemade puff pastry filled with sweet cheese, lightly fried and drizzled

with Sardinian honey. I don’t think my mom will ever give up that recipe,” Bautista laughed.

It truly is a family affair, right from the beginning when their uncle, a restaurateur from Michigan, suggested the sisters help Chef Andrea Fadda find a location for his talents in Weston.The sisters used their expertise in marketing and advertising to create a concept that has since exploded with community support.“It’s not only that we work well together, but we’re also having fun,” Bautista said.“Andrea is like a brother, and we’re so excited about this second location.”

In true Sardinian style, Zona Blu does stand out like an island of its own.

Zona Blu is located at 8170 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 1, just west of Benoist Farms Road. For more information, call (561) 323-4799 or visit www.zonabluwpb.com. royal palm the magazine | july/august 2022 37

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royal palm | today

BUDGET SEASON IN ROYAL PALM BEACH Village Spending Plan Keeps Property Tax Rate Unchanged With A Focus On Quality-Of-Life Issues

BY DEBORAH WELKY

On July 7, Village Manager Ray Liggins presented his single most important annual report to the Royal Palm Beach Village Council — the proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-23. Following months of work by village staff, based upon years of community visioning sessions by residents and elected officials, the $85 million spending plan was formally presented to the council for the first time.

If the word “budget” had you hit the snooze button, that means you have faith in your elected village representatives to do what’s best for the community in which you live. This is not surprising, since budget hearings in Royal Palm Beach rarely generate a huge outpour-

ing of interest. But if you’re curious as to where your tax dollars are headed, keep reading.

Intended to establish an action, operation and financial plan for the delivery of village services, the annual budget report also helps residents understand exactly how the village functions. Currently, residents pay taxes of 1.92 mills ($1.92) for every $1,000 worth of taxable property that they own, after all exemptions have been applied.This tax rate has remained unchanged for more than a decade and is proposed to remain unchanged in the upcoming year.

However, these taxes only represent a portion of the money Royal Palm Beach uses to fund it operations. Roy-

al Palm Beach collects a share from an array of other taxes and fees, from gas taxes to sales taxes and assorted fees for services. For example, the Capital Improvement Fund, the largest of the village’s funds, gets its money from the sales surtax (38 percent), reserves (29 percent), the American Rescue Plan (20 percent), general capital improvements (8 percent) and other (5 percent).

Together, all these income sources, along with the village’s sizable reserves, total a 2022-23 budget of $85,593,453.

Of that money, 34 percent goes to general operating expenses, 46 percent goes toward capital projects, 18 percent are in reserves and 2 percent is in the stormwater fund. royal palm the magazine | july/august 2022 39

Property taxes make up just a small part of the village’s revenue sources.

The General Fund, which pays for day-to-day operations, will put its money toward personal services (41 percent), contractual services (37 percent) and other (22 percent).

While most of the positions funded by the budget will be unchanged from

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the current year, the village would like to hire a part-time intern for the Engineering Department; a public art professional would go from the Village Manager’s budget to the Cultural Center’s budget; and a payroll specialist for the Human Resources Department would

be shifted over from the Finance Department. Three general maintenance positions within the Parks & Recreation Department are being deleted, but a public information specialist is being requested for the department.

And here’s some cheerful news — about 12 years ago, the council directed staff to operate on a balanced budget without raising the tax rate, and they have managed it every single year since.

This year, it was easier due to the implementation of the American Rescue Plan, designed to provide financial assistance to communities after the fiscal havoc wreaked by the pandemic.

“We received $20.2 million from the American Rescue Plan,” Royal Palm Beach Finance Director Stanley Hochman said.“We didn’t even have to apply for it.The federal government identified the states and cities that would receive it.The money is to be used to help fund

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royal palm | today both capital and operating expenses. It has to be obligated by December 2024 and spent by December 2026. Previously, if our expenditures exceeded revenues, we would use our reserves. The American Rescue Plan is allowing us to subsidize the capital projects over the next four years, so we don’t have to use our reserves.”

Meanwhile, consumption-based revenues, such as sales taxes, gas taxes and state-shared revenues, are increasing as businesses get back to pre-pandemic levels and people utilize their services.

“Our revenues are coming back to The Capital Improvement Fund gets much of its revenue from the sales surtax and the federal government. where they were pre-pandemic,” HoThis has been helped by a steady in- million in the last year to $3.831 billion. chman said. “The conscious decision These increasing property values, towe made a long, long time ago was to crease in property values. Once again, keep taxes at the 1.92 millage rate, and property values have increased this year. gether with fiscal discipline and a focus we have been able to keep that philoso- But if you’re a homeowner, you already on quality-of-life issues, have kept the Village of Royal Palm Beach one of the phy for the last 12 years, all while main- know that!

Total taxable value in the Village of most financially sound municipalities in taining the level of service our residents 22-PBZM-0315 July Kids Free Print Ads Wellington Crier P3 all of South Florida.

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