ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – March/April 2022

ROYAL PALM MARCH/APRIL 2022

Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach

THE MAGAZINE

HELPING LOCAL VETERANS RETURN TO CIVILIAN LIFE Jake Hampu Unified Dream Founder

Plus

Meet H.L. Johnson Principal Dr. Crystal Amado Seven Axes Brings Unique Sport To Local Area New Name, New Branding At Palms West Hospital Boonies Serves Up Great Food With A Country Flair

The Village of

Royal Palm Beach Recognized As One Of The 10 Best Towns In The United States To Raise A Family!

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March/April 2022

contents

volume 2, number 2 MARCH/APRIL 2022

executive editor Joshua I. Manning

Features

publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer

COMBAT 14 HELPING VETERANS REINTEGRATE The biggest battle that many veterans face is not the enemy they found on battlefields. Instead, it’s at home in their own communities as they attempt to reintegrate into regular society. Luckily, fellow veteran Jake Hampu and Unified Dream is there to help. BY MIKE MAY

Stephanie Rodriguez

graphic designers Nancy Pobiak Yolanda Cernicky

account managers Betty Buglio Evie Edwards Joetta Palumbo

from the

AMADO SHARES 20 CRYSTAL HER LOVE FOR LEARNING

bookkeeping

H.L. Johnson Elementary School’s principal has come a long way since she went there as a child. H.L. Johnson recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, and it still feels like a community school. BY DEBORAH WELKY

Jill Kaskel Carol Lieberman

photography Abner Pedraza

Departments

contributors

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

PALM BUSINESS 27 ROYAL Seven Axes brings the unique sport of axe throwing to the western communities.

BY MIKE MAY

PALM HEALTH 31 ROYAL Palms West Hospital is among

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

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.

Newly renovated Boonies Wild West Saloon serves up great food with a country flair.

PALM TODAY 39 ROYAL A hot meal and so much more:

published by

chairman/ceo

ROYAL PALM TABLE

BY MELANIE KOPACZ

Spring is in the air, and what a warm welcome we give it! As we begin our second year of Royal Palm The Magazine, we must take a moment to thank our advertisers, business partners and the village staff for all their support.

This issue, we honor the men and women who continue to serve, including Jake Hampu, founder of Unified Dream, which helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life. We also visit with Dr. Crystal Amado, the principal of H.L. Johnson Elementary School, who actually attended H.L. Johnson when she was young.

We visit Seven Axes, which has brought the unique sport of axe throwing to the western communities. We stop by Palms West Hospital, which recently unveiled new branding that more clearly ties the local hospital into the HCA Florida network.

Next, we sample the fare at the newly renovated Boonies Wild West Saloon, a longtime local favorite with a new look and great food. Finally, we welcome the return of Royal Palm Beach’s senior meals program, which returns in March after a two-year break due to the pandemic.

As you read this issue, we hope you continue to reimagine what you already know about our special community. We look forward to bringing you new and exciting articles for many years to come.

Dawn Rivera

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

Senior meal program returns to Royal Palm Beach. BY ELLIOT COHEN

Royal Palm The Magazine Inc. Barry S. Manning

12 hospitals in southeast Florida to adopt the HCA Florida Healthcare name.

publisher

Social Scene ROYAL PALM SOCIAL SCENE 6 8 10

Village Of Royal Palm Beach Hosts Daddy Daughter Dance RPB Youth Baseball League Opens New Season At Willows Park CAFCI Celebration Honors Legacy Of Dr. Martin Luther King

on the cover

Unified Dream founder Jake Hampu.This unique nonprofit is profiled in this issue.

royal palm the magazine | march/april 2022 5

royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH HOSTS DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, Feb. 11 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

It was a fun-filled night featuring dinner, desserts and dancing with a Valentine’s Day theme.

(Left to right) James and Schaffer Hornsby with Riley, Macy and James Sherman; Mayor Fred Pinto with Anayla Pinto; and Violeta and Carlos Saenz.

(Left to right) Addison, Steve and Faith Poyner; Justin and Alice Valderrama; Catalina, Cesar and Mariana Duque; and Andrew and Kirra Pugliese.

(Left to right) Giada and Stephen Gazzillo; Alma and Pablo Ramallo; Krista and Kolton Galimba; and Sarah and Tim Hicks.

(Left to right) Jillian and Brandon Lozier; Chris and Madison Sloan; Abigail and Frenell Theosmy; and Bella and Juan Carlos Bustamente.

(Left to right) Alexandra and Kenneth Tyson; Anaya and David Rossi; Arianna and Paul Macaluso; Sofia and Robert Calero; and Zoe and Chris Griffiths.

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royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

RPB YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE OPENS NEW SEASON AT WILLOWS PARK

The Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach held opening ceremonies for its new season on Friday, Feb. 18 at Willows Park.The league this year is fielding 25 baseball teams and seven softball teams.A special guest at the event was Triston McKenzie, a former star baseball player on the Royal Palm Beach High School baseball team who is currently playing in the Major Leagues.

Learn more about the Youth Baseball Association of Royal Palm Beach at www.baseballrpb.com.

(Left to right) Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Mike Mikolaichik, Councilwoman Selena Samios, Mayor Fred Pinto, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Councilman Jeff Hmara, Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas and Program Supervisor Brandon Pendergrass; league board members Skye Bloemke, David Mancuso, Dustin Lockhart, Commissioner Tony Candales, President Glenn King, Secretary Lexi King, Treasurer Jeff Starkey and Softball Commissioner Mark McKenna; MLB player Triston McKenzie with Mayor Fred Pinto; and Concession Manager Karen Hidalgo, Secretary Lexi King and Dr. Tim McQueeney.

(Left to right) This season’s teams were at the ceremony with their banners, such as the 8U Angels; the 10U Gators during the opening ceremonies; Mayor Fred Pinto with Riley Rodriguez; and Councilwoman Selena Samios with Victoria Wessman.

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royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

CAFCI CELEBRATION HONORS LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

The 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration hosted by the Caribbean Americans for Community Involvement and the Village of Royal Palm Beach was held Monday, Jan. 17 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. 15th Judicial Circuit Judge Bradley G. Harper gave the keynote address during a program that also saluted Dr. King’s legacy in song and dance.

(Left to right) CAFCI President Dennis Wright, Citizen of the Year honoree Barbara Walker and Port of Palm Beach Commissioner Joseph Anderson; Keynote Speaker Judge Bradley Harper addresses the attendees; incoming CAFCI Cultural Committee Chair Hildreth Stoddard Brown with outgoing Cultural Committee Chair Elet Cyris and President Dennis Wright; Lori Cabrera sings the national anthem; and Hidreth Stoddart-Brown performs “A Tribute to a Dream.”

(Left to right) Gospel singer Katie Gilmore sings “Holy Ghost Power;” Nadine White Boyd, Kashamba Miller Anderson, Port Commissioner Joseph Anderson, Judge Bradley Harper, Wellington Councilman John McGovern, RPB Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas and RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara; Elet Cyris with pianist Copeland Davis; and the Broadway Stars perform on stage.

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A sculpture honoring veterans at Veterans Park in Royal Palm Beach.

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“My priority in life is my purpose. I don’t do this work for a pat on the back. I do it for the survival and betterment of my fellow veterans.”

— Jake Hampu

HELPING COMBAT VETERANS REINTEGRATE Royal Palm Beach-Based Nonprofit Unified Dream Helps Local Veterans Return To Daily Life STORY BY MIKE MAY | PHOTOS BY ABNER PEDRAZA

The biggest battle that many of today’s veterans face is not the enemy they found on battlefields in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead, it’s at home in their own communities as they attempt to reintegrate into regular society after serving their country in the United States military.

To help fellow veterans make a successful transition to civilian life after serving in combat, Jake Hampu, a retired U.S. Marine, has stepped forward and created an organization to help veterans re-adjust to civilian life.

That group is called Unified Dream, a Royal Palm Beach-based nonprofit that Hampu founded in 2017. Since its inception, the group has been volunteerdriven with Hampu at the helm as its founder and president.

“I knew that I had a greater calling in life than leading men in war,” said Hampu, 39, whose military service includes a 2002 deployment to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and a nine-month deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, in 2005. “I knew there were many veterans out there who needed

help integrating back into regular society.”

According to Hampu, the strengths that many veterans display on the battlefield can actually hinder them in their daily lives when they return home.

“Soldiers are tough, stubborn and hard-headed,” explained Hampu, who once led 30 men into war and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001 to 2006. “Today, veterans struggle to ask for help and assistance when they return home. Veterans are looking for that sense of accomplishment and purpose that they had while serving in the military. When we get out of the military, we have to find a new mission.”

With Hampu’s leadership at Unified Dream, nearly 80 veterans to date, and their family members, have received assistance on finding that new mission. Often this means dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

(Right) Unified Dream founder Jake Hampu. royal palm the magazine | march/april 2022 15

Unified Dream was one of several veteran service organizations to receive grants from the Rooney’s Golf Foundation earlier this year. Founder Jake Hampu is shown second from the left.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIFIED DREAM

“PTSD is for real, and the impact of it is also felt by family members of their loved ones who have served in the military,” Hampu said.

While family members love their veteran relatives, their lack of understanding of life in combat often creates a major disconnect back home. “Unless you went through it, you can’t totally understand it,” Hampu explained.

One of his most impactful military experiences was dealing with the loss of a close friend and colleague.“The day after I lost one of my best friends in Fallujah, I was back out on the battlefield,” Hampu recalled.

In civilian life, people pause, mourn and reflect the loss of a close friend or a relative. In the military during wartime, the mission must continue. And it did for Hampu.

“We are trained to suck it up, bottle it [your emotions], tie your boots and keep moving,” Hampu said. “For years, I felt survivor’s guilt because my friend had a wife and child back home. Yet I survived that day for something greater in life.”

For Hampu, that greater calling is his work with Unified Dream.

Back home, when veterans struggle to fit in with society, they feel a sense of hopelessness, lose self-respect, get de16

march/april 2022 | royal palm the magazine

pressed and too often become suicidal.

At Unified Dream, veterans are coached and counseled so they find hope, gain self-respect, deal with depression and look forward to daily life again.

One of Unified Dream’s coaching tactics is to get veterans involved in community projects that help intertwine them with the local community.

“Veterans need a sense of accomplishment in their daily lives, just as they had when they wore a military uniform,” Hampu said. “Since 2017, our local veterans have helped more than 50 local nonprofit organizations. By veterans helping others, we help them.”

But that’s not all.

“We also teach good health and wellness habits,” Hampu said.“We get veterans using yoga and meditation. We also take the veterans on adventure group outings where we go snorkeling, biking, hiking and target shooting. We are now planning a paintball session.”

The element of camaraderie that soldiers experience during military life is a missing ingredient in their civilian lives, which is why adventure group outings are so important to them.

“The friends you have back home often don’t compare to the friendships you form in the military,” Hampu explained.

Among the more recent events was a 5K run/walk and cornhole tournament last December at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park called “The Battle Within,” which aimed to educate the community on the issue of veteran PTSD. According to Hampu, veterans understand and relate to perseverance, discipline and dedication. For the service members who work with Unified Dream, Hampu uses those same qualities to guide and counsel veterans. It doesn’t take too long to make a positive impact on their lives.

“Within a few months, we begin to notice a difference in the lives of veterans,” Hampu said.“They regain their selfrespect, they are looking for more things to do, and they start living a life of peace and purpose. Family members often approach me because they notice a positive change in lives of their loved ones.”

Aside from his work with Unified Dream, Hampu also has a full-time job with the Palm Beach Kennel Club, where he coordinates video, photography and marketing projects.

While he is the executive director of Unified Dream, it’s not a one-man show.

Hampu has the dedicated assistance of many other local veterans, who support Hampu’s passion for helping fellow veterans reintegrate into daily life.

The organization has evolved with the help of Hampu’s longtime friend Matt Baker, a fellow veteran. “Matt fully understands the struggles of reintegration,” Hampu said.

His army of local supporters include a dedicated group of board members and volunteers, such as Bill Garland, Jeff Hmara and Matt Vermilyer.

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Group outings help Unified Dream members recapture some of the camaraderie of their time in the military.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIFIED DREAM

“Bill Garland, a former member of the United States Army, is my right-hand man,” Hampu said. “Jeff Hmara is a retired U.S. Army colonel who cares. He has been instrumental in our growth and is somebody I look up to. Matt Vermilyer is a former Marine who is willing to help, very passionate about our cause, and is a true leader.”

Hampu appreciates their work and

contributions as people who are dedicated to the community and its citizens.

While Hampu is delighted with the progress of Unified Dream, he’s not content with the status quo.

“My goal is to find somebody with a big heart and deep pockets who is willing to make a large donation so I can do this work full-time,” said Hampu, who spends 15 to 20 hours a week with Uni-

fied Dream.“My priority in life is my purpose. I don’t do this work for a pat on the back. I do it for the survival and betterment of my fellow veterans.”

Hampu knows that his work with Unified Dream is making a positive impact on both veterans and the local community.“When we reintegrate a veteran back into regular society, they are your best citizens,” he said.

Hampu remains passionate about making sure that when veterans return home, they don’t have to feel a battlefield experience here like they did in war zones around the world.

To learn more about Jake Hampu and Unified Dream, visit www. unifieddream.org or www.facebook. com/unifieddreamorg.

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SHARING HER LOVE FOR LEARNING

Principal Dr. Crystal Amado Has Come A Long Way Since She Attended H.L. Johnson Elementary As A Child STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

It was a bright, sunny day in Royal Palm Beach, and five-year-old Crystal Amado was outside on the front lawn of H.L. Johnson Elementary School. The year was 1985, and the school was about to be recognized on the TV show “Good Morning, America” for having the largest elementary school population in the United States.

Blink twice, and it’s today, where Amado is principal of H.L. Johnson, the same school she graduated from three decades ago.

Back then, it was the boom years in Royal Palm Beach, when the U.S. Census Bureau recognized the village as the fastest-growing community in the nation.To a five-year-old, it was an exciting time.

“What I remember about those early years is that school was all fun,”said Ama20

march/april 2022 | royal palm the magazine

do, who’s married name is now Kucharski, but she continues to go by Amado at the school. “I know, walking in, I was a little bit nervous, but I had already been there for the open house, and my parents walked me to my classroom. My teacher seemed like the warmest, most knowledgeable person, and the room was colorful and bright. All through elementary school, I had the best teachers. I remember all of their names.They made it fun and made me feel like I was the most important person in the room, something I’m sure they did for each of us. Whatever my interests were at any given time, they would teach me by incorporating those things into the lessons. I was a girly-girl who loved Barbies, and they would use Barbie dolls in the lessons. I was athletic, so they’d use jump ropes. By fifth grade, I was into

soccer. Every one of them would find some way to reach me, and not necessarily because they knew about each of those things.”

Amado also credits her mother for her early enthusiasm.

“She always believed education was the power behind everything and could solve any problem,”Amado said.“She felt it was important to be a well-educated person, and to read. She taught me that learning never ends and made it the most important thing in our family’s lives.That provided the backbone to my love for learning.”

What began for Amado at H.L. Johnson continued at Crestwood Middle School, where she also had great teachers. She then headed to Wellington High School, since Royal Palm Beach High School hadn’t been built yet. That’s

Principal Dr. Crystal Amado in front of a mural at H.L. Johnson Elementary School.

when Amado began to think about teaching biology someday, influenced by her own beloved biology teacher.

“At Wellington High School, the seniors ‘take over the school,’ and I got to be principal for a day, working with then-principal Sharon Isern,” Amado recalled.“From then on — and even prior to that — I just always thought I’d be a principal.”

Amado attended Palm Beach Atlantic University on a soccer scholarship, where she studied biology and briefly considered going into pre-med, perhaps to become a pediatrician. By the time she went on to Florida Atlantic University, however, she was doing the work required to receive a science degree in psychology. She accepted a position teaching in biology at Royal Palm Beach High School and advanced to be-

“I want to empower our students, so they have the knowledge, skills and attitude to take on whatever comes our way — to make a better world, to ‘be the light and give the light.’ Learning is at the epicenter of that, and that’s my goal.”

— Crystal Amado come head of the science department.

“That’s when Dr. Jesús Armas, then principal at RPBHS, asked me to be the coordinator for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). He’s really the one who gave me the opportunities in those moments of learning and growth,” Amado said. “I became the dean of students and then the assistant principal. I

could close the door and say,‘What’s going wrong?’ or ‘What’s going right?’ He could guide me in the right direction.”

Because learning never ends in the Amado family, she got her master’s degree from FAU in 2011 and, just a few weeks ago, received her doctorate in educational leadership from Lynn University. So, she’s Dr.Amado now. royal palm the magazine | march/april 2022 21

Assistant Principal Danielle Agudelo (left) and Principal Dr. Crystal Amado (right) both attended H.L. Johnson Elementary School as children.

After 14 years at RPBHS, Amado got the promotion she dreamed about all those years ago, tapped in January 2021 to be the new principal at her alma mater, H.L. Johnson Elementary School. No longer quite as overflowing as it was in the 1980s, the school is home to 753 students.

Joining Amado in her current role is Assistant Principal Danielle Agudelo, herself an H.L. Johnson alum. She attended kindergarten and first grade there, until the newly opened Cypress Trails Elementary School beckoned.

Like most principals around the globe, the biggest challenge Amado has faced thus far has been the COVID-19 pandemic but, for her, it’s different.

“I became the principal during COVID-19, so I only know how to be a principal during the pandemic,” she said.“There are sick people; morale is up and down. Mask-wearing has become 22

march/april 2022 | royal palm the magazine

very political. It’s strongly encouraged throughout the school district, but it’s at the parents’ discretion. Staff and vendors are required to wear masks if the county goes over 20 percent of those being tested testing positive.”

Amado, however, doesn’t dwell on things that are completely out of her control.

“For me, my biggest success is building strong relationships. I’ve been here over a year, and I’ve worked to keep the morale high,” she said.“I have strong relationships with teachers, staff, students and parents. We’re all coming from a common place — to have our students be the best they can be. So that’s a success, to be able to build relationships with the community and all the stakeholders at the school.”

H.L. Johnson recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, and it still feels like a community school.

“Until recently, everyone walked or rode their bikes to HLJ,” Amado said. “It has kind of been known for that. Now, I’m seeing lots of parents who went to school here themselves. My friends.

And what we have in common is that we all believe in our kids. We want the best for them. Technology has changed some things, but I still feel it’s the same — family and school is at the center of everything we do.”

Amado is very proud that H.L. Johnson is a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) school and a green school, focused on a healthy environment and sustainability practices.

“I’d like us to continue to get better at that,” she said. “I’d like more outdoor environments, more lessons on how to have a sustainable earth and world. I’d like to build on some of the things we do now, like germinating seedlings and learning hydroponics.”

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H.L. Johnson Elementary School Principal Dr. Crystal Amado works at her desk.

The lettuce grown in the hydroponics lab gets used in the cafeteria.

“We’re building a ‘food forest’ where we start a plant as a seed and continue nurturing it,” she added. “We want our students to know they can always grow their own food. We do lots of recycling

projects.There’s so much to be learned outside as well as inside.”

But, most of all, Amado wants H.L. Johnson students to share in her own love of learning.

“Our students believe they belong here and can do anything they want to

do when they grow up, and that’s just what we want. We want them to grow from here and do big things,” Amado said. “I want to empower our students, so they have the knowledge, skills and attitude to take on whatever comes our way — to make a better world, to ‘be the light and give the light.’ Learning is at the epicenter of that, and that’s my goal.”

H.L. Johnson Elementary School is located at 1000 Crestwood Blvd. North in Royal Palm Beach. Learn more at https://hlje.palmbeachschools.org.

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royal palm | business

CALLING ALL AXE THROWERS!

(Above) There are 10 throwing stations at Seven Axes. (Below) Seven Axes owner Laura Delgado with her daughter Bianca.

Seven Axes Brings The Unique Sport Of Axe Throwing To The Western Communities STORY BY MIKE MAY | PHOTOS BY ABNER PEDRAZA

You can now add a new activity to the diverse list of sporting, athletic and recreational interests in the western communities. In addition to the many team sports, individual sports, recreational endeavors and fitness activities that are popular here, the newest activity to hit the local area is axe throwing!

Yes, people are having fun throwing axes. Fortunately, they are being thrown at wooden targets and not people.

If you visit Seven Axes in the Marketplace at Wycliffe, which opened in midNovember, you’ll be able to practice and hone your axe-throwing skills on a regu-

lar basis. It is the place to go if you want to have some target-shooting fun with a small axe or hatchet.

The owner of Seven Axes is not who you expect it might be. It’s a 45-year-old single mother without a long history as an axe thrower.

In fact, her professional experience is in the world of education. Her name is Laura Delgado, and she’s thrilled to be in the fast-growing, axe-throwing business.

“I work in the early learning education field. A couple of years ago, while traveling across the country looking at

preschool investments, I kept seeing axe-throwing venues,” recalled Delgado, who is also the vice president of curriculum and professional development for Learning Beyond Paper in West Palm Beach.“One day, curiosity got the better of me. royal palm the magazine | march/april 2022 27

Axe throwing is an exciting sport for people of all ages.

That’s when she first went into an axe-throwing establishment.

“It was a lot of fun!” she said.“I took my daughter, and she loved it as well. I then started looking at this from a business perspective and thought it would be well-received in the Wellington and western communities area.There aren’t many options for active entertainment — and 90 percent of our customers make a similar comment and have thanked us for opening in this area.”

For Delgado and her new business, the number of potential clients is quite large, which helps the bottom line.

“We require that all throwers be at least six years old,” said Delgado, currently an intermediate axe thrower who is improving every day. “There are no other requirements. This sport is very inclusive of all heights, weights, genders, abilities and skill levels. We have seen people in their 90s, people in wheelchairs, as young as six years old, and everyone in between successfully throw hatchets. It’s a very inclusive sport.”

To expand its reach, Delgado started a series of youth clinics in December.

And there are now a number of seniors taking regular trips during the week to Seven Axes. They take part in a new senior citizen league called the Silver Axes.

Normally, Seven Axes is open Thursday through Saturday to the general public. Tuesday and Sunday nights are set aside for league competition. For the winter season, Delgado also will be 28

march/april 2022 | royal palm the magazine

opening her doors to the general public on Mondays, while Wednesdays are by appointment only.

While nearly everyone who walks in the door is allowed to throw an axe, the vast majority of customers have little or no experience in throwing these sharp objects. Delgado bridges that gap.

“We’re all about safety,” said Delgado, whose business is an officially sanctioned affiliate of the World Axe Throwing League (WATL), which is based in Canada. “We have six qualified coaches on staff who provide instructions on how to grip and safely throw an axe.

Our coaches are very hands-on and present with each group of participants.

The key to success in axe throwing is mental focus and not strength.Axes can be thrown with one hand or two. I think axe throwing is a great stress reliever.”

The coaches at Seven Axes have been professionally trained by two-time world axe-throwing champion Miguel Tamburini.

Two of the safety rules which are strictly enforced focus on footwear and form. Customers are required to wear closed-toe shoes and to not take trick shots with axes. Flip flops and sandals must be left at home when you visit Seven Axes.

At Seven Axes, there are 10 axethrowing stations where the action takes place.The targets are circular and made of poplar, which is a soft wood.There are points attached to each target, similar

to what you would see while shooting a bow and arrow. With each axe throw, you can get up to eight points. If you hit the red bullseye in the middle of the target, you get six points. If you hit one of the two circular targets, known as either the “kill shot” or the “clutch,” you get eight points, but you must declare your intention to hit them before you throw the axe. When you compete against an opponent, you get 10 axe throws each.

The winner is the person with the most points.A game can be completed in less than 10 minutes.

One of the great, unexpected benefits of Seven Axes’ location is its nextdoor neighbor, Hurricane Grill & Wings.

According to Delgado, Hurricane Grill sends its customers next door to have fun throwing axes, while food and drink specials are offered by Hurricane Grill to the clientele who visit Seven Axes.

When you walk in the door at Seven Axes, the charge is simple and reasonable. It’s $25 per hour, per customer.And just like at a restaurant, Delgado’s team of coaches willingly accept tips for their time, teaching and tutelage.

So, why is this business called Seven Axes? It’s simple, really.“Seven is a lucky and spiritual number for me,” Delgado said.

If you are curious about Seven Axes, visit www.sevenaxes.com and follow its growth and popularity on social media @sevenaxespb on Facebook and Instagram. Seven Axes is also a great place to visit if you like artwork, as the artistic creations of artist Nelson Perez adorn the walls and are for sale.

Are you ready to join the growing number of people who are having fun throwing axes? If so, plan your visit today.

Seven Axes is located at 4075 S. State Road 7 in the Marketplace at Wycliffe at the northwest corner of Lake Worth Road and State Road 7. For more information, call (561) 420-7552 or visit www.sevenaxes.com.

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Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jason Ouellette, Chief Nursing Officer Sheila Sanders, CEO Jason Kimbrell, Vice President of Operations Michael Barbera, CFO Onel Rodriguez and COO Damon Barrett unveil the new sign. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

NEW BRANDING, SAME HOSPITAL Palms West Hospital Among 12 Hospitals In Southeast Florida To Adopt The HCA Florida Healthcare Name HCA Florida Palms West Hospital recently announced its new name and new look. It is one of 12 hospitals in Southeast Florida officially adopting a new name that incorporates HCA Florida Healthcare.

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital signals the hospital’s connection to one of the nation’s largest collaborative healthcare networks.

The name was announced at a special celebration held on the hospital’s

Southern Blvd. campus on Thursday, March 3.

“This is an exciting time for our community. After providing healthcare services to the citizens of Palm Beach County for more than 36 years under a singular Palms West Hospital brand, we will now unite as one network, one brand, joining nearly 50 other HCA Healthcare hospitals across Florida,” said Jason Kimbrell, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Palms West Hospi-

tal.“The community can take comfort in knowing that the network was built to make access to services seamless with a patient-centered approach that connects the patients to the care they need close to home.”

HCA Florida Healthcare connects more than 11,000 staff physicians, 77,000 colleagues, 49 hospitals, and more than 350 physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and other sites of care across the state. royal palm the magazine | march/april 2022 31

royal palm | health

Vice President of Operations Michael Barbera, COO Damon Barrett, CEO Jason Kimbrell, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jason Ouellette, Chief Nursing Officer Sheila Sanders and CFO Onel Rodriguez.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

As a comprehensive and connected network, HCA Florida Healthcare has a unique ability to continually improve quality, expand patient access to care, address the ongoing nursing shortage, respond during times of disaster, advance diversity in healthcare, and fund and collaborate with nonprofit organizations to address high-priority community needs.

The announcement was made simultaneously with holding a blood drive at 14 locations throughout South Florida — a partnership between HCA Florida Healthcare and OneBlood.

“Our 14 hospitals in South Florida were fortunate not to be adversely affected by the drastic drop in blood donations that is happening in other parts of the nation,” said Charles Gressle, president of HCA East Florida Division.“It is important a sustained donor response continues. We’re confident this unique blood drive event will bring our colleagues and the community together to donate blood and further ensure our blood provider, OneBlood, has a ready supply for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.”

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march/april 2022 | royal palm the magazine

Susan Forbes of OneBlood noted that the pandemic has up-ended the traditional venues for blood drives.

“Remote work impacts participation at corporate blood drives, many high schools and colleges have not resumed blood drives, and the lack of large community events limits where we can take the Big Red Bus for blood drives,” Forbes said. “We are grateful to HCA Florida Healthcare for their partnership and for shinning a spotlight on the ongoing need for blood donations.”

HCA Florida Healthcare chose March 3 as the day to host the blood drive because it aligned with the introduction of its new statewide brand. Each donor received a $20 e-gift card and superhero themed t-shirt, courtesy of OneBlood.

Serving Palm Beach County for more than 36 years, HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is a 200-bed full-service acute care hospital. Specializing in emergency services, dedicated pediatric emergency services, pediatric services, concussion testing and treatment, pediatric oncology services, pediatric intensive care services, orthopedic and spine care services, maternity services, Level II neonatal

services, and minimally invasive and robotic surgery, the hospital provides high quality, exceptional patient care to residents of the western communities and beyond.

The hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades in the top 10 percent in the nation for general surgery and named among its 100 best hospitals for prostate surgery.The hospital’s 24-hour emergency room, pediatric emergency room and the Children’s Hospital at Palms West provide specialized hospital services for adults and children of all ages.

HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 450 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms, offering the state’s leading network of personalized care.

United as a statewide network in 2021, HCA Florida Healthcare includes 11,000 experienced doctors and 77,000 colleagues working together to deliver advanced, collaborative care to more than 6.4 million patients each year.

HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provided nearly $836.6 million in uncompensated care and invested significantly in innovative technologies and facilities across Florida, including the new $360 million state-of-the-art, multi-specialty HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie.

A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State.

For additional information, visit www. hcafloridahealthcare.com.

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is located at 13001 Southern Blvd. For more info., call (561) 798-3300 or visit www.palmswesthospital.com.

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GREAT FOOD WITH AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT Newly Renovated Boonies Wild West Saloon Serves Up Great Food With A Country Flair STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELANIE KOPACZ

Boonies Wild West Saloon is like an old friend waving to drivers along a road, not so less traveled anymore. But the longtime hangout along busy Southern Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves is seeing a vibrant rebirth. It’s bringing in a multigenerational crowd that can enjoy a variety of live music, mouthwatering American cuisine with a southern twist and an all-around down-home vibe.

“Our staff is the heart and soul of this place and takes care of everyone who walks through that door,” General Manager Jim Wallace said.“We try to focus on treating everyone like they’re family from the minute they walk in.”

Since its re-opening under new ownership in September 2021, a new vision has come to life for Boonies.

“It’s a vision of having a western live venue.The area needed it.A local place

they can go to dance, listen to live music and enjoy a great family friendly experience,”Wallace said.

Larger-than-life prints of country icons like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash welcome you in, while an array of flickering hues ranging from electric blue to green and pink along a stage backed by an American flag plays host to out-of-town bands as well as local acts.

Boonies Wild West Saloon, located on Southern Blvd., has recently undergone a major renovation.

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march/april 2022 | royal palm the magazine

royal palm | table “It’s almost electric when you walk in on a Friday or Saturday night, and you have the live bands playing, and you see people up and dancing and just having a great time,” Wallace said.

“We recently had a Toby Keith Tribute band.That was really exciting.”

Just as exciting as the live entertainment is the wide-ranging menu.

Part steakhouse, part southern pub, Boonies is a blend that has an array of options for anyone’s taste.

For meat lovers, there’s a number of options. From hand-cut filet mignon to Delmonico hand-cut boneless ribeye, or the Chairman’s Reserve New York Strip, which happens to be the chef’s favorite. “I cut all the steaks by hand, and we grill to order. People love them.

My favorite is the New York strip, but this crowd loves the ribeye,” explained Arturo Lorenzo, the chef at Boonies Wild West Saloon.

The crowd also loves the Lollipop Lamb Chops. This delicacy is a huge seller. “They’re French style,” Lorenzo said. “We marinate them overnight with garlic, rosemary and mint, and grill them to the customer’s taste, then add a balsamic glaze.”

The redskin whipped potatoes with gravy along with steamed asparagus are two of the most popular pairings.Two sides come with each entrée, with a number of choices.

The Wild West Burger comes made to order topped with barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, sizzling applewood bacon and a trio of beer-battered onion rings on a brioche bun accompanied by light, crispy French fries.

Boonies’ Gator Bites are also a top favorite. Deep fried, locally sourced gator is made to order and served with the house special sauce. The Stacked Nachos are also a crowd-pleasing appetizer piled with homemade chili, queso, pico de gallo, jalapeños and cilantro crema.

The Lollipop Lamb Chops are hugely popular, shown paired with redskin whipped potatoes and gravy along with steamed asparagus; the Boonies’ Gator Bites are deep fried, locally sourced gator made to order and served with the house special sauce; the popular signature cocktails include the Boot Scootin’ and the Southern Mule; the Stacked Nachos are a crowd pleaser piled high with homemade chili, queso, pico de gallo, jalapeños and cilantro crema; and the Wild West Burger is made to order topped with sizzling applewood bacon and a trio of beer-battered onion rings with barbecue sauce and cheddar on a brioche bun. royal palm the magazine | march/april 2022 35

(Above) Pool tables and bar games fill the back area of the restaurant near the main bar, with its own seating and views of the stage. (Inset) The bar serves ice-cold beer, signature cocktails and more.

For greens, salad options include Boonies’ House with mixed lettuce, cucumbers, cheddar jack cheese, tomatoes, red onions, croutons and a choice of dressing. Options of lightly

blackened shrimp, salmon, mahi-mahi or chicken can be added.

“Our chef is phenomenal,” Wallace said.“He’s gifted and cares about every ingredient in everything that’s made.

We have an incredible team in the kitchen.They have a dedication to putting out great food.”

A fully stocked bar and friendly bartending staff is ready to serve from open to close. Order your favorite or choose from signature cocktails, which can be served in a Boonies’ 20-ounce souvenir LED cowboy boot mug with colors beaming through drinks like in the Boot Scootin’, which is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Malibu Rum, Creme De Banana, pineapple and orange juice, with a touch of grenadine.

The Southern Mule has its own spin made with Jameson Orange Whiskey, Fever Tree Ginger Beer and lime juice.

The weekly event schedule is packed. Each day and night of the week there is action. Mondays are open for various community events with a big focus on charity.

“We’re very big into giving back.

We try to sponsor as much as we can,”

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royal palm | table Wallace said. “Every month, we do a different charity event where we do a quarter auction option in addition to a portion of proceeds from sales.”

Tuesdays are always for karaoke, so warm up those vocals and grab the mic.

Wednesdays are Bingo Night, popular and friendly for all ages with payouts.

Thursday night is Ladies Night with line dancing lessons, an in-house DJ until midnight and discounted drinks.

Fridays and Saturdays are all about live entertainment with bands from near and far taking center stage. Finally, on Sundays, it’s poker at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

There are a number of specials each week. Monday through Friday, happy hour runs from open until 6 p.m. with two-for-one well drinks, domestic drafts and house wine, as well as 25 percent off appetizers. Early bird specials run from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., when entrées are the same portion size at a discounted price.

“We didn’t want to change the portion, but allow for those who don’t want to be out late to still get to try our most popular items, without sacrificing size,”Wallace explained.

For the really early birds, breakfast is also now being served both Saturday and Sunday mornings from 7 to 11 a.m.

A kids menu ranging from burger bites to meatball marinara with several sides make for a well-rounded selection.

For sweet treats, desserts include Killer Key Lime Pie, as well as a Turtle Cheesecake topped with chocolate ganache, creamy caramel and pecans.

Aside from the food and drinks, it’s game time with a billiards area to the left of the bar, which offers additional seating, relaxed lighting and bar games.

The pool tables extend outside under the large patio area, which will include an outdoor bar come late spring. Both smoking and non-smoking outdoor ar-

eas are available. Corn hole is also on hand to play.

With so many options, Boonies strives to be an all-in-one, early morning and late-night place for everyone.

“We’re really all about the community, not just giving back, but trying to make them feel this is a place they can call their own,”Wallace said.“From regulars to those trying for the first time, we want to exceed their expectations.”

Find Boonies on Facebook and Instagram for the daily schedule and specials.Take out is available, as is delivery from DoorDash. The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends, and closes at 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 2 a.m. Thursday, and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Boonies Wild West Saloon is located in the Palms West Plaza at 14555 Southern Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves.

For more information, call (561) 8557405 or visit www.booniesfl.com.

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A HOT MEAL AND SO MUCH MORE Senior Meal Program Returns To The Village Of Royal Palm Beach

BY ELLIOT COHEN

After an extended absence related to COVID-19, the Village of Royal Palm Beach is restarting its regular hosting of a meal and outreach program for senior citizens.The return is being viewed as a much-needed lifeline for a demographic group that has been hit particularly hard over the past two years.

Even before the pandemic, loneliness and social isolation were among the most serious public health risks affecting older adults. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineer-

ing and Medicine found that one in four adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that older adults “are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness and hearing loss.”

Forced separation and quarantining due to the COVID-19 pandemic only made things dramatically worse, ac-

cording to experts at the World Health Organization.

“The information we have now about the impact of COVID-19 on the world’s mental health is just the tip of the iceberg,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained.

Closer to home, the Village of Royal Palm Beach has long focused attention on its older adult population, making assistance and social programming for seniors a priority. royal palm the magazine | march/april 2022 39

One of the pre-COVID-19 cornerstones of that commitment had not only been hosting daily meal services for seniors, but also the full range of village programs available to older adults once they finish the meal. Beginning March 21, those services return.

“We are so excited to come back and have social activities and engagement for our older adults,” said Shakeera Thomas, the village’s supervisor for senior programs. “So many of them have been home for so long, and they are ready to return.”

The program provides a hot meal around lunchtime Mondays through Fridays at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. The food is provided by Palm Beach County and distributed by a dedicated combination of village employees and volunteers. Anyone who is 60 years or older is eligible to receive a meal. You do not need to be a resident of Royal Palm Beach. You may not even need transportation. Village officials note that the county’s Palm Tran service may be available to help bring seniors to the recreation center.

But the benefits of the program extend far beyond providing a hot meal.

The true benefit, Thomas said, is in the social interaction that takes place afterward.

With the effects of isolation felt more intensely among older adults, a key value of the program is in what participants can do after they eat. While the lunch menu varies day to day, so does

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royal palm | today the menu of available activities. The village offers a long list of classes to seniors that encourage both mental stimulation as well as social contact.

On some days, the village’s Silver Sneakers program helps maintain physical health and well-being. Some workouts include exercises to improve strength and endurance. Others may move through seated and standing yoga poses to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion.

There is a post-meal book club where seniors can share impressions and thoughts on various pieces of literature. If writing, rather than reading, is more your style, the village has a writing club for older adults.Technology classes teach the use of smart phones and other devices. There is even a knitting group for making those cold-weather accessories for family members living up north.

In addition to the more enjoyable recreation options, the village also makes

“We are so excited to come back and have social activities and engagement for our older adults. So many of them have been home for so long, and they are ready to return.”

— Shakeera Thomas sure program participants are aware of its Senior Referral Program.

Protecting and enhancing the quality of life for its senior population remains one of the Village of Royal Palm Beach’s core missions. The Senior Referral Program connects residents with services and organizations that can help solve problems or provide needed assistance.

“For example, if a senior is having a problem with a neighbor, we can help point them toward someone who can help resolve it,”Thomas said.

All participants in the meal program are required to pre-register so organizers know how many meals to prepare each day. The registration needs to be done in person at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center, located at 100 Sweet Bay Lane, off Sparrow Drive west of Crestwood Middle School. You can access Sparrow Drive off Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and Crestwood Blvd. south of Okeechobee.

For more information about these programs for senior citizens, call Shakeera Thomas at (561) 753-1241.

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