ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – November/December 2021

ROYAL PALM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach

THE MAGAZINE

Inspiring Students For The Future Principal Dr. Stephanie Nance

Plus

RPB American Legion Post 367 Serves Local Veterans Les Shields: Legal Help With Dedication & Compassion Living Your Best Life With Help From Calla Genics Tasty Mexican Street Food And More At PapiChulo

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November/December 2021

contents

volume 1, number 5 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

executive editor Joshua I. Manning

Features

publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer

from the

PREPARE 14 ACADEMIES CRESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Stephanie Rodriguez

If “Attitude Determines Altitude” as the motto on the front wall at Crestwood Middle School proclaims, then a trio of specialty programs are the wind beneath the academic wings of the Crestwood Eagles.

graphic designers Nancy Pobiak Yolanda Cernicky

account managers

BY LOUIS HILLARY PARK

Betty Buglio Evie Edwards Joetta Palumbo

ROYAL PALM’S 21 SERVING VETERAN COMMUNITY

bookkeeping

Royal Palm Beach has had its own American Legion post for nearly 30 years. Royal Palm Beach Post 367 was established in 1994 as a way for local veterans to help and support other veterans. BY DEBORAH WELKY

Jill Kaskel Carol Lieberman

photography Abner Pedraza

Departments

contributors

Meredith Burow Erin Davisson Denise Fleischman Jennifer Martinez Mike May Louis Hillary Park Callie Sharkey M. Dennis Taylor Deborah Welky

PALM BUSINESS 27 ROYAL RPB attorney Les Shields of Morris & Shields has experience in a wide variety of legal areas.

BY DEBORAH WELKY

PALM HEALTH 31 ROYAL Calla Genics focuses on

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 2021, 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

Featuring Mexican street food in a fun atmosphere, PapiChulo is celebrating its first anniversary in RPB. BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ

Who is ready for some holiday cheer? It feels like a bit of holiday spirit in the air, as we shop our local stores and visit our children’s schools. I think it must be the happiness of knowing that as we move into this special season, many can look forward to spending time with loved ones again.

Although we still need to remain vigilant of the pandemic, I think concerns are being lifted, along with people’s spirits.

On our cover this issue is Dr. Stephanie Nance, longtime principal at Crestwood Middle School. Our cover story highlights the amazing special academy programs at Crestwood, Royal Palm Beach’s community middle school.We also feature American Legion Post 367, which has been serving our local community since the early 1990s.

Royal Palm Business profiles attorney Les Shields with the law firm Morris & Shields.

Royal Palm Health looks at the unique services available at Calla Genics, while Royal Palm Table samples the amazing Mexican street food at PapiChulo Tacos.

The team here at Royal Palm The Magazine wants to extend a very hearty Thanksgiving, happy holiday season and fantastic new year to our Royal Palm Beach community! We hope you can enjoy and celebrate as you take a look back on all that we have to be grateful for and imagine all that can be possible in 2022.

Dawn Rivera

of the new Royal Palm Beach Village Hall has begun.

Royal Palm The Magazine Inc.

chairman/ceo

BY M. DENNIS TAYLOR

PALM TODAY 39 ROYAL The long-awaited construction

published by

Barry S. Manning

med spa, rejuvenation and sexual wellness therapies.

publisher

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

Social Scene ROYAL PALM SOCIAL SCENE 6 8 10

New Pet Supplies Plus Store Hosts Grand Opening Celebration RPB Village Staff And Volunteers Power Weekly Food Giveaway RPB Young At Heart Opens Season With A Colorful Luncheon

on the cover

Dr. Stephanie Nance is the principal at Crestwood Middle School, which is profiled in this issue. PHOTO BY ABNER PEDRAZA

royal palm the magazine | november/december 2021 5

royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

NEW PET SUPPLIES PLUS STORE HOSTS GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Pet Supplies Plus staff members David Harrison, Antoinette Beauchamp Harrison, Assistant Manager Anja Denobriga, owner Jim Beauchamp and Manager Philip McMullin.

The new Pet Supplies Plus store in Royal Palm Beach held a grand opening party on Saturday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 3 with prizes and giveaways, store discounts, free dog training and pet wash, and visits from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue and Ali Cat Rescue. The celebration continued on Saturday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 17 with live radio broadcasts, giveaways and animals available for adoption. The store is located at 11051 Southern Blvd., Unit 160, in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza. For more information, call (561) 345-3151.

(Left to right) Peggy Adams Animal Rescue volunteers Scott with Athena, Rochelle with Mikey, Kim with Jane, Shannon with Alani, Wally with Saint and Mitchell with Medusa; Ace gets groomed by Olivia Gordon; and Peggy Adams volunteer Kim Santangelo with Jane, who needs a loving home.

(Left to right) Peggy Adams Animal Rescue Marketing Coordinator Marisa Holiday and Off-Site Adoption Manager Niki Gottesman; Danielle Hernandez washes her dog Chico; Nicole Ramos holding Sally, up for adoption through Peggy Adams; and Precy Go with Coco.

(Left to right) Nancy Mendenhall and Toto wait for claws to be clipped; Nate Kameka and Landon Kameka bought fish; Adrea Guaglione from Ali Cat Rescue with Buttercup; Radio personality Jennifer Ross holds a guinea pig, joined by animal handler Harry Torres and store owner Jim Beauchamp; and Judith Allen stocks up on cat food.

(Left to right) Jennifer Ross with Brie, a kitten from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue; Rosseau got adopted through Lisa Amara of Ali Cats Rescue; Naidy Escobar, Jennifer Ross and Rushawn Ragoonanan at the Sunny 107.9 FM tent; Olivia Gordon clips Bella, a 10-year-old Maltese; and Mary Anne Greely from the Wellington Garden Club is a big fan of radio personality Jennifer Ross.

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november/december 2021 | royal palm the magazine

royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

RPB VILLAGE STAFF, VOLUNTEERS POWER WEEKLY FOOD GIVEAWAY

Park employees from the Village of Royal Palm Beach, along with a number of volunteers, have been distributing food to more than 600 families in need every Wednesday morning since April 22, 2020, at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Shown here is the food giveaway in full swing on Wednesday, Oct. 20, taking care of vulnerable residents of western communities during these difficult times. Each week, cars start lining up at 5 a.m., awaiting a truck from Feeding South Florida. Then the staff offloads the truck and volunteers bag the food and give it out to the families. More than 3 million pounds of food have been given out since the project began.

(Left to right) All the volunteers gather for a group photo; Colleen Hogarth, Mayor Fred Pinto and Vinnie Perrin; Pamela Zeitz, Ray Boucher and Althea Ceasor; and Councilman Jeff and Carolyn Hmara with bags of potatoes.

(Left to right) Sally Dena rode over to get food; Park Superintendent Richard Wishart takes some notes; the father-and-son team of Lonnie and Brandon Pendergrass from the Parks Department; Michelle Peterkin with Jamie Nixon, who walked up to get some food; and Parks & Recreation Department staff with Mayor Fred Pinto.

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royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

RPB YOUNG AT HEART OPENS SEASON WITH A COLORFUL LUNCHEON

The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club held its first luncheon of the 2021-22 season on Friday, Oct. 1 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.The theme for the year is “Explosion of Colors,” and each monthly luncheon will feature a different color. Z.Z. and Mr. Keys of the music group It Takes Two sang oldies rock ’n’ roll, and guests had fun singing along and dancing. The event was sponsored by Healthy Partners with catering from Gun Club Café.

(Left to right) Decorating Committee members Berit Hogan, Lee Messina, Colette Cardinale and Mary Ann Robinson; Mireille Montreuil, Councilwoman Selena Samios, Mayor Fred Pinto, Dolores Venezia, Bella Wissing and Shakeera Thomas; Jenny Lopez, Charla Colburn and Patty McFarland; and Roberta Hennessy, Carolyn Burden, Marie Luzzo and Joan Murphy.

(Left to right) C.S. and Alice Stern with Helio and Effie Gonzalez; Ellie Key, Bella Wissing and Dolores Venezia; Mr. Keys and Z.Z. from the musical group It Takes Two; RPB Events & Facility Manager Steven Poyner and Program Coordinator Shakeera Thomas; and Young at Heart Club board members President Sandy Rubin, Vice President Mary Ellen Paulton, Secretary Francine Bryant, Membership Chair Lee Messina, Hospitality Chair Dolly Hughes, Sunshine Chair Rhonda Ninfo and Decorating Chair Mary Ann Robinson.

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ACADEMIES PREPARE CRESTWOOD STUDENTS Programs Keep Royal Palm Beach Middle-Schoolers On Track For High School, College & Career STORY AND PHOTOS BY LOUIS HILLARY PARK

If “Attitude Determines Altitude” as the motto on the front wall at Crestwood Middle School in Royal Palm Beach proclaims, then a trio of specialty programs developed over the last six years are the wind beneath the academic wings of the Crestwood Eagles.

First came the school’s Science,Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy in 2015, followed by the PreBusiness Information Technology (IT) Academy and the Multimedia, Music and Communications Academy in 2017.

Those are on top of the Infinity Gifted Academy, which dates back to the 1980s and provides advanced opportunities for students interested in the more general areas of language arts, math and social studies.

“The majority of students who do well in these programs go on to pursue careers, and they do well in those careers,” longtime Principal Dr. Stephanie Nance said.“We know students will have more successful outcomes when they find something that fits him or her.”

Teacher Shelly Jordan,a get-her-hands14

november/december 2021 | royal palm the magazine

STEM students Summer Burke and Christensen Horace work on colors for a tiny house.

dirty Rhode Island native, has been the STEM instructor at Crestwood for three and half years. She enjoys helping students find that right fit, even before some of them realize what it is.

“If you enjoy a task, it’s not a struggle, it’s a joy,” said Jordan, who is in her 28th year of teaching. “[Crestwood’s STEM program] allows students to

engage in an exploration of these disciplines. They at least have an opportunity to see what an engineer does and begin to understand the engineering process.”

Projects that help students understand that process include a tabletop robotics test track, for which teams of students build a robot to perform real-world tasks such as offloading freight; creating a miniature car that will protect an egg during a simulated crash; and designing and creating precise models of tiny houses, right down to the furnishings. Other projects during the three-year curriculum can include constructing a paper rollercoaster, bridges, gliders and even rockets. Coming soon, Jordan hopes, is a program using drones.

All of this fits right into the ambitions of student Valentina Holland, whose goal is to someday work for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Technically speaking, Holland said robotics is the part of the class she most enjoys, but more broadly, it is the “freedom and creativity” that the program fosters.

Christensen Horace, one of 93 Crest-

“The majority of students who do well in these programs go on to pursue careers, and they do well in those careers.”

— Dr. Stephanie Nance Dr. Stephanie Nance is the longtime principal of Crestwood Middle School. PHOTO BY ABNER PEDRAZA

wood students presently enrolled in the STEM classes, enjoys drawing and hopes to someday put that skill to use as an architect.“This is one of the only classes I can express myself in,” Horace said.

With a bachelor’s degree in art education, Jordan taught graphic arts during her 21 years in the Miami-Dade school system. She understands the need to express yourself in that way.“Art is part of the engineering process,” she said.“It all starts with a drawing.”

Austin Laclair, whose father, James, is an engineer with the Village of Wellington, said the drawing and the re-

port writing are the most challenging aspects of the pre-engineering program for him.“I needed something I like and enjoy.This is a natural,” he said.“It’s definitely something I’m going to pursue in high school.”

Then there’s Summer Burke. As she uses an artist’s brush to paint a tiny house, Burke said she likes the hands-on creativity of the class, but she isn’t sure what she wants to do in the future.

That’s OK, said Jordan, who also has a master’s degree in curriculum and technology.There’s more to learn in the class than the nuts and bolts of design or con-

struction. “Most of what we do in here is group projects,” she explained. “You learn to work with people with different strengths and weaknesses. I simply want students to give their best all the time.And that’s what I expect.”

However, encouraging a “continuum” of students from the three elementary schools that feed into Crestwood — Cypress Trails, H.L. Johnson and Royal Palm Beach — through middle school and into the local high school programs is an important part of the concept Nance bought into in 2015, and now has expanded. royal palm the magazine | november/december 2021 15

Teacher Shelly Jordan shows off the robot testing track.

(Left to right) Teacher Shelly Jordan works with students on a tiny house project; Valentina Holland shows off the model for her very turqouise tiny house; Christensen Horace works at his computer; and Austin Laclair and Summer Burke work on their tiny house project.

There are 104 students in the PreBusiness IT program, which focuses on computer coding and algorithms, web site design and even hands-on refurbishing of old computers; and 71 students in the Multimedia program, which includes television and the school’s longstanding musical arts. Those include band, chorus, symphonic and jazz bands, and handbells.

Overall, that means that nearly 300 of Crestwood’s 739 students are enrolled in a specialty engineering or technology program.

“If you look at the trends over the last 25 years, they’ve all moved in the direc16

november/december 2021 | royal palm the magazine

tion of science, technology and coding,” Nance explained. “The whole world has moved in that direction, and it has trickled down to our children. We want to continue to create programs that tap into that arena.”

Of course, those decisions will not be made in a vacuum. Parents, local business leaders, others in the Palm Beach County teaching community and members of the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board all are important stakeholders in such decisions, said Nance, adding that she welcomes the involvement, just as she did when creating the STEM program.

“We participated in a deep analysis of other schools... and reached out to other STEM programs,” she recalled.“We really wanted to understand what were the interests of students coming into our school.”

The support for Crestwood Middle School in the greater Royal Palm Beach community was on full display at the February 2020 meeting of the village’s Education Advisory Board, which featured a full house of students and parents singing the praises of the school — and a performance by the school band under the direction of Jeneve Jarvis.

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Students Haven Eaton and Levent Yazar work at their computers in the engineering classroom.

Nance is not done building a broad and powerful base to launch her middle-schoolers into high school. She’ll be applying the same sort of in-depth analysis and broad gathering of input in relation to the latest proposed addition to Crestwood’s list of academies — Pre-Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). Based on standards set

by England’s Cambridge University, the program focuses on a rigorous core curriculum, plus some 50 subjects that can be selected from three groups — math and science, languages and arts, and humanities. This will flow directly into a companion program at Royal Palm Beach High School.

“My litmus test is always, is it good

for the kids?” Nance explained.

With a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, and a master’s degree and doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Nance said her favorite thing about her position is “the ability to bring people of different backgrounds together to work with a common goal and vision.”

Married with a daughter in middle school, Nance has seen many changes over her last 26 years at Crestwood — her entire career.

“It’s a special place. It’s where I began. I call it my home away from home,” Nance said.“We have great kids, a really supportive family community that has grown into a beautifully diverse community. I call it ‘our beautiful mosaic.’”

Learn more about programs available at Crestwood Middle School at https://cstm.palmbeachschools.org.

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(Left to right) Royal Palm Beach American Legion Post 367 officers Jack Martin, Millie Espinoza, Johnny Castro, Richard Feltz, Jerry Lawson and Daryl Walcher.

SERVING ROYAL PALM’S VETERAN COMMUNITY American Legion Post 367 Helps Local Veterans And Supports The Greater RPB Community STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY | PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON

Royal Palm Beach has had its own American Legion post for nearly 30 years. Royal Palm Beach Post 367 was established in 1994 as a way for local veterans to help and support other veterans.

Aside from providing a key social outlet for veterans, Post 367 reaches out to homeless veterans, finding them housing or helping them stay in their own homes; watches out for the children of veterans and the greater community through school supplies, scholarships

and more; and makes sure the holidays are happy for everyone.

Post 367 is also a major part of Royal Palm Beach’s observances on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. “The Village of Royal Palm Beach has given us the ability to plan these events,” Post Commander Johnny Castro said.

“We come up with a program and go to them for approval. I personally reach out to potential speakers and our activeduty component. This year, we’re happy to be able to offer our Veterans Day

Brunch at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center again.The last time we held it, in 2019, we had 142 people.”

Castro is also quick to point out the differences between Veterans Day in November and Memorial Day in May. “People think laying the wreath on Veterans Day is the proper thing to do — it’s not. Veterans Day is to celebrate the vets around you who are alive, maybe on active duty,” he said.“I like to see American Legion posts take the event a step further.” royal palm the magazine | november/december 2021 21

Post Commander Johnny Castro believes that visibility is key when trying to attract new veterans to join. “A lot of vets see what we do in the community, so it’s easier for us to bring them in as members,” he said.

Plaques commemorating American Legion Post 367’s many achievements.

He suggests that posts make it a celebration. “Bring out the equipment, vehicles, whatever a local unit may have — and host an open house,” he said.

“Where a wreath comes into play is on Memorial Day. That’s a somber event in which we recognize those veterans who have passed on.”

By working with other organizations, Castro has been able to have the Royal Palm Beach Community Band play at events, while scout groups work at the brunch, serving the food and handing out flags. Students from Seminole Ridge and Royal Palm Beach high schools have participated on Memorial Day with color guards and by reading the names of lost loved ones.

Sergeant-at-Arms Daryl Walcher credits Castro with getting the post involved in so many community activities — from painting buildings to helping with the disabled to helping veterans get disability benefits.

“I’ve been with the post now since 2007, and they’ve changed commanders along the way, but Castro, he’s into helping everybody — and he doesn’t just do 22

november/december 2021 | royal palm the magazine

the American Legion! He’s with three or four other organizations to help them.

He also coordinates the color guard and the honor guard with the veterans’ cemetery.That guy is a planner, an organizer and is able to get to the right people at the right time to make sure people get the help they need.”

More volunteers are always welcome. “With a group effort, we’ve managed to get where we are now,”Walcher said.“But we could sure use some help.”

First Vice Commander Millie Espinoza is in charge of membership at Post 367. All it takes for a veteran to join is a copy of their DD214 discharge papers and a phone call to her at (561) 6011265. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at Clubhouse B in Golden Lakes Village, just off Okeechobee Blvd.

“Our first form of revenue is membership dues,” Castro said.“Dues are $40 per year. Of that, $29 goes to the Florida headquarters as well as the national headquarters.The $11 that’s left is kept at the post level.”

As you may well imagine, Post 367

gratefully accepts donations. They also work hard to earn money through fundraising events. “We host spaghetti dinners at Golden Lakes Village,” Castro said.“We attend events planned by others where we have tables out to provide information about the American Legion and our post.There’s a dinner at the district level that affords us access to funding as well. And this year, we held our first golf tournament. We brought in $4,800 in this initial attempt.”

That event allowed the post to provide a check to the Seminole Ridge Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). “There are a lot of organizations that the American Legion helps out,” Espinoza said.“For Project Holiday, we gather and purchase toys for the children of veterans, but if there are any leftovers, we donate them to other children in need.”

Castro believes that membership, new or renewed, is the key to success in being able to serve the community.

With that attitude, it’s no wonder he was elected Post 367’s commander for the last six years.

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Along the way, he has also been named commander of the 11th District serving Martin, Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties, and just recently was instated as the Southern Area commander for all posts from Port St. Lucie to Key West.

Castro has also been recognized with an award from the state for attaining 100 percent membership renewal for his post. It’s an effort he’s trying to duplicate all over his coverage area.

“Now, as Southern Area commander, I oversee three different districts, so my goal is to have them reach the elevation I’ve reached at the district level,” Castro said. “I recently came from speaking at post training in Miami, and it doesn’t sound like a lot in having people renew their memberships, but it is. I talk about being a salesperson, except for us, it’s not about selling, it’s about supporting our veterans locally.”

Castro believes that visibility is key when trying to attract new veterans to join.“A lot of vets see what we do in the community, so it’s easier for us to bring them in as members,” he said. “We’re geared to the community. Every year, we host an oratorial competition in the high schools. The competition begins at the post level, then district, then area, then state. One of our post’s students came in

second place this year at the state level.

When they won post, we gave them a $100 gift card. When they advanced to state, we gave them a stipend to pay for the cost of travel to the competition. If a student wins first prize at the national level, that’s a $15,000 scholarship.”

Post 367 also supports a program called Boys State (and Girls State), geared to high school juniors. Held in Tallahassee, it is for students interested in government.

“We ask the school counselors to suggest students to apply, and we find some on our own,” Castro said. “They have the desire to learn about our state government. Boys State lasts for a week, and there is an elective process for governor, lieutenant governor, etc.There are scholarships available there as well.”

One thing that Post 367 does not have is a building of its own, like many posts that date back to the early years of the American Legion, which was founded in 1919 after World War I. “We’re one of those posts without a home,” Castro said, explaining that the group has met at various locations in the Royal Palm Beach area through the years. “Eighty percent of these American Legion posts have buildings that are leased to them for one dollar by their city or county in order to help them be-

RPB Post 367 members (L-R) Jack Martin, Joe Jiampetti, Millie Espinoza, Leonard Finkelstein, Johnny Castro, Richard Feltz, Tom Caughman, Jerry Lawson, Daryl Walcher and David Bishop.

24

november/december 2021 | royal palm the magazine

come established. It’s not only to support the veterans and the active-duty personnel and their families, but also to support the community.”

The American Legion also supports foster children, children battling cancer, homeless veterans and even the non-veteran homeless population. Post 367 has done repair work at Grandma’s Place, a nonprofit in Royal Palm Beach serving children in need. Recently, Post 367 held a Back-to-School Bash and handed out more than 300 backpacks stuffed with school supplies.

Espinoza is very proud of the school supply program. “We got them notebooks, pencils, crayons, whatever they needed, according to the school lists for each grade level,” Espinoza said.“We try to put everything they need for their grade level in that backpack, so we depend on donations.”

She is also proud of the work done to help veterans in need.

“I joined three years ago because I’ve always enjoyed helping people, but I noticed that sometimes veterans would get the short stick,” Espinoza said.“Sometimes it’s hard for them to get their benefits. I’ve seen older people getting their benefits rejected for one reason or another.We can tell them where to go and who to call. At the American Legion, there are people to help you fill out the paperwork. But unless people contact us, we don’t know.”

Walcher believes that having a local American Legion post is very important, not only for veterans, but in helping the community recognize its veterans.

“Everybody gets a little something out of it,” he said.“I’ve noticed over the years that not only does the general public get to see the various exhibits on Memorial Day or Veterans Day, but it allows them to kind of set aside all of the other stuff going on in the world today.”

For more information, visit www. floridalegion.org/post367 or call Johnny Castro at (561) 290-9980.

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royal palm | business

LEGAL ADVICE WITH DEDICATION AND COMPASSION RPB Attorney Les Shields Of Morris & Shields Has Experience In A Wide Variety Of Legal Areas

BY DEBORAH WELKY

The Royal Palm Beach law firm currently known as Morris & Shields, Attorneys At Law, dates back to the 1980s, when founder Bob Morris began practicing law here in the western communities.

It has been located in offices at the southern end of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. since 1996.

Attorney Les Shields joined the practice in 2012 when he left the firm he had been working with in West Palm Beach and joined his father-in-law, Bob Morris, at the practice, which was renamed Morris & Shields in 2014.

When Morris retired, Shields and his wife, Terree, took over the firm. For Terree, it was an easy transition. She had been working with her father for decades, taking care of all the administrative aspects of the firm. For Shields, it took a little bit of getting used to. “I practice, and she takes care of everything else,” Shields said of his wife. “She had been working for Bob for 25 years.”

Morris & Shields has experience in a variety of legal fields, including general practice, estate planning, wills and trusts, probate administration and litigation, business law, insurance claims, civil lawsuits and foreclosure defense.

Potential clients usually call for an appointment, but some simply walk in off the street. Those who aren’t sure whether their problem merits paid legal counsel receive a free 30-minute

consultation during which Shields goes over their scenario and the facts.

“Nine times out of 10, they do need an attorney,” Shields said. “All the wills, trusts, deeds and power-of-attorney cases that I’ve been involved in — if stricken, it was because the individuals created the document themselves with forms they got over the Internet. I’ve never seen one prepared by an attorney stricken or challenged. That’s because there are certain statutory requirements that must be executed a certain way, and an ordinary person probably doesn’t know them.”

The estate-planning needs of most people will be met by the creation of a will, but clients who have attained significant assets, such as several buildings or businesses, should consider forming a trust. “A trust is an entity,” Shields said.

“There’s no building or box or drawer that it’s in, it’s on paper alone, but you put all your assets into the trust and appoint yourself as trustee. Now the trust owns the assets but, as trustee, you can access them. You also name a successor trustee. With a will, it stops when you stop. A trust can continue going.”

Shields cites the example of parents with a child requiring special needs.

“Say this special-needs child needs $5,000/month so they can keep going,” he said. “During the parents’ lifetime, the parents would pay. But if the par-

Attorney Les Shields of Morris & Shields.

ents die, unless there’s a trust, there’s no way for the child to keep getting those payments.”

Yet the main reason people want trusts is to avoid probate, where the court steps in to settle the estate.

“Trusts avoid probate,” Shields said.

“Probate is expensive and takes a long time. If you attain assets throughout your lifetime, particular circumstances must be considered. Things change.

The more involved things become, the more you need a trust to set forth the details of what’s supposed to happen if you die. You can change your will at any time and, as long as you’re the trustee, you can change your trust as well.” royal palm the magazine | november/december 2021 27

royal palm | business

Attorney Les Shields with his wife and office manager Terree Shields, daughter of firm founder Bob Morris.

Although wills, trusts and probate do make up the major portion of his practice, Shields does landlord/tenant work as well. Since the pandemic, he has seen an uptick in the number of landlords seeking help due to the government’s decision to stay the requirement that people pay their rent.

“There was nothing they could do,” he said. “They didn’t get their rent, so they didn’t pay their mortgage, and they went into foreclosure. I handle that, too.”

In addition to foreclosure defense, the firm also offers real estate representation, which involves more than just reviewing documents before a closing. Clients may need assistance in formulating an offer to purchase or contract to sell real estate, as well as other advice or consultation. Business law is another focus of the firm.

Advice concerning a proper business 28

november/december 2021 | royal palm the magazine

entity can be a very important part of a client’s financial and estate-planning needs, as well as paving the way for a successful business.

On occasion, the only way to resolve a dispute is by filing a lawsuit in order to motivate an individual or company to resolve a dispute or pay a bill. Morris & Shields is available to represent clients as a plaintiff or defendant when necessary.

And if a potential client comes into his office with a type of case that Shields does not handle — criminal law, for instance — Shields can recommend attorneys at other practices, many of which offer very reasonable rates.

At Morris & Shields, the mission is to demonstrate that there is more to life

than just living. They do this by providing professional, personalized services in a profession often known for indifference and a lack of compassion for the individual.

“Our firm’s one and only focus is our clients, who deserve our full attention and the protection of their rights and freedom,” Shields said. “It is our commitment, dedication and compassionate drive that have resulted in our exceptional service and client loyalty.”

Morris & Shields, Attorneys At Law, is located at 685 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Suite 205, in Royal Palm Beach.

To discuss your legal needs, contact Morris & Shields at (561) 793-1200.

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royal palm | health

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

Dr. Tiffany McCalla owns Calla Genics, located in the original Wellington Mall.

Calla Genics Focuses On Med Spa, Rejuvenation And Sexual Wellness Therapies

BY M. DENNIS TAYLOR

Calla Genics, which opened earlier this year in the original Wellington Mall, specializes in non-surgical aesthetic medicine. The practice provides clients with the latest in med spa, rejuvenation and sexual wellness treatments.

The practice is the brainchild of Dr. Tiffany McCalla, a board-certified emergency physician with two decades of experience. In recent years, she has become interested in addressing wellness on multiple levels, which led her to establish Calla Genics. “Calla Genics has

been my passion project for years,” Dr. McCalla said. “I’ve been a physician for 20 years, and I am the proud owner of this new, state-of-the-art wellness center.

We opened our doors on July 1.”

The practice offers aesthetic medical procedures, such as nonsurgical facelifts, breast lifts and acne/scar minimizing.They also focus on rejuvenation treatments, such as hair regrowth/enhancement, IV therapy, vitamin therapy, light therapy, hyperbaric therapy and medical weight loss.

The facility has a concentration in platelet-rich plasma procedures, which helps patients feel and look like a younger version of themselves — regardless of their age.

“Our mantra around here is ‘living your best life.’ We strive to add value to seeing the doctor,” she explained.

Included in the list of services are a number of treatments for sexual wellness, such as hormone insertion therapy, wave therapy, PRP shots, PDE5 inhibitors and peptide therapy. royal palm the magazine | november/december 2021 31

royal palm | health

“Calla Genics is a place of wellness with a holistic approach to that wellness We offer a 360-degree approach with partners in other specialties and wellness areas — all with a focus on customer experience and results.”

— Dr. Tiffany McCalla Dr. Tiffany McCalla works with Nikasha Wells on Aerolase NeoSkin rejuvenation and hair removal.

“It’s not only therapies for sexual wellness and balance,” Dr. McCalla explained.“It’s a place of wellness with a holistic approach to that wellness. We offer a 360-degree approach with partners in other specialties and wellness areas — all with a focus on customer

experience and results.”

Dr. McCalla, who grew up in Broward County, has been living in Wellington with her family for nearly a decade.

She moved to the community with her husband Alan and her older son Karsten, then an infant. Karsten has since been

joined by four-year-old Kaleb. They are being raised in their hometown of Wellington. “We live here and plan to be here,” she said.“Wellington is a place for kids to grow into great adults.”

Known as “Dr. Tiffany” to staff and patients alike, Dr. McCalla was recog-

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nized as one of Legacy’s South Florida’s 50 Most Powerful & Influential Woman Leaders of 2020 and as one of the Top 25 Frontline Healthcare Workers in 2021.

In addition to practicing medicine, she is president of a nonprofit organization comprised of dedicated healthcare professionals working together to improve health and wellness, access to quality care, and academic and career opportunities for underserved populations in Palm Beach County. “‘Saving the world one patient at a time,’ is an often-repeated motto,” Dr. McCalla said.

Dr. McCalla is active in the Palm Beach chapter of Jack & Jill of America.

She is also active in the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the oldest Greek letter organization for women of color, established in 1908. Previously known as the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, this group of more than 50 professional women is also the first panhellenic group to focus on service to underserved people in Wellington and the surrounding western communities.

Through Calla Genics, Dr. McCalla provides patients with the most powerful and proven procedures that elimi-

nate the common signs of aging.

“Calla Genics is a true physician-led facility featuring wave therapy, revitalizing sexual health treatments and laser rejuvenation. Our therapies and products provide benefits for all skin types,” she explained.

The practice features the newest technology in plasma skin resurfacing, gentle laser skin rejuvenation, tightening and hair removal, and cryo-slimming technology, which presents a nice gradual process, with no sharp contours, no scars and no downtime.

The practice opened during the uncertain times of the pandemic, and that was included in the services offered.

“The pandemic hit the pivoting point, so we addressed the challenge of the needs of COVID-19 patients on a concierge-based medical service,” Dr. McCalla said.“We even provide COVID-19 testing in people’s homes if needed. It’s all a part of service.”

Calla Genics is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suites 9-10, in the original Wellington Mall. For more information, call (561) 252-5398 or email dr.tiffany@callagenics.com. Learn more at www.callagenics.com.

Dr. Tiffany McCalla with her husband Alan and sons Karsten and Kaleb.

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royal palm | table

PapiChulo Tacos Is Celebrating Its First Anniversary In Royal Palm Beach

BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ

In the heart of the western communities sits a hip, yet laid-back taco shop with exciting culinary options and a heart for community that fits perfectly into Royal Palm Beach.

PapiChulo Tacos opened its doors in October 2020 — amid a worldwide pandemic — and brought life back to a once-popular spot on State Road 7 just south of Okeechobee Blvd. The lively, south of the border eatery brings eclectic Mexican-inspired cuisine and an always vibrant fiesta atmosphere. It is owned by a trio of successful hospitality entrepreneurs, Angelo Abbenante, Scott Frielich and Cleve Mash.

“We took influences from Southern California roadside taquerias and more formal restaurants where chefs take creative liberties with the contents of their tacos, including smoking all of our meats in house, preparing all of our sauces and salsas from scratch, and including fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits to create some of the most unique tacos in our area,” co-owner Scott Frielich explained. “It’s fun to see which items are most popular and which excite diners.”

Hungry patrons have flocked to the restaurant for Smoked Brisket Nachos topped with refried beans, pickled red onions, jalapeño, queso fresco, cilantro, sour cream and scallions. Ten different taco selections, priced from $4 to $6, and $3 during happy hour and all day on Tuesday, are always winners.

(Clockwise from top left) A wall of Jarritos Mexican soda adds some colorful flair; PapiChulo has a full drink menu, including many versions of margaritas; there are 12 different varieties of tacos, shown here with beans and rice; you can get your tacos served exactly the way you want them; the popular Mexican Donuts are dusted with cinnamon and sugar; and if you don’t want a taco, try a quesadilla. royal palm the magazine | november/december 2021 35

PapiChulo co-owners Angelo Abbenante, Cleve Mash and Scott Frielich.

Tasty taco options include the Gator, with queso fresco, radishes, scallions, tamarind glaze and green crema, or the always-popular Orange Duck, with mole sauce made from three different types of smokey dried chilis, herbs and

chocolate, cilantro, cabbage slaw and mandarin oranges.

Don’t sleep on the Puerco taco filled with pork shoulder, red cabbage, jicama, sweet peppers, cilantro, scallions and aji amarillo. Larger appetites love

the Smoked Ribs with mango habanero sauce, scallion and street corn, or the Baja Taco Salad filled with beef, lettuce, pico, corn, avocado, jack cheese, beans and chipotle ranch.

After some tacos, no one can resist the Mexican Donuts dusted with cinnamon and sugar and filled with leche condensada or the homemade Caramel Flan flavored with coconut and mint.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, which make PapiChulo the perfect destination for all.

The design, a collaboration of the three partners, focuses on a laid-back, beachy feel and mirrors the look of the sister location in the northern part of the county. The focus is always on fun, and that can be seen in both the indoor and outdoor areas, which feature saucy, tongue-in-cheek quotes painted on the walls; games like corn hole, ring toss, ping-pong and giant Jenga set up for fun on artificial turf; and an expansive

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november/december 2021 | royal palm the magazine

royal palm | table bar with bartenders creating the freshest margaritas around.

PapiChulo’s spin on the traditional happy hour — Papi-hour — is a destination for those looking for half-priced drinks, and $3 and $6 menu selections from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. A Fiesta Brunch on the weekends, half-priced margaritas on Mondays and Taco Tuesdays all respectively create the perfect opportunities for a light bite and bit of fun to spice up the week.

While serving guests in the restaurant is the focus, the team also prioritizes being a part of the community. In its first year, the restaurant has hosted numerous fundraisers for locals who have faced health challenges, has sponsored local sporting teams and has a very special surprise coming up for a young boy facing the fight of his life.

“Community is about being here for each other,” Frielich said. “That can definitely be seen even more after the last

PapiChulo Tacos is located on State Road 7 just south of Okeechobee Blvd.

few years. We are proud to do what we can here in Royal Palm Beach for the entire community.”

PapiChulo Tacos Royal Palm Beach, located at 1005 N. State Road 7, is open seven days a week

for lunch, dinner and a weekend brunch. Call (561) 249-2927 or visit www.papichulotacos.com for more information. Find @papichulotacos on social media for the latest happenings.

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royal palm | today

Royal Palm Beach’s municipal campus at the southeast corner of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards will receive a major upgrade with the construction of the new village hall building.

BREAKING GROUND

Long-Awaited Construction Of The New Royal Palm Beach Village Hall Has Begun Enhanced convenience, better service for residents, and fortified hurricane and emergency response are just three of the benefits the public will see once the new Royal Palm Beach Village Hall is completed.

After years of planning, construction of the new village hall is now underway.

The new building will be double the size of the existing facility, allowing all services to soon be under one roof. Currently, some departments are in a separate building, while Royal Palm Beach Village Council meetings are held across the courtyard. The new building will

bring everything together, including an expanded council chambers with increased public seating.

The original 13,000-square-foot, single-story building was constructed in 1976. Since then, minor improvements have been done to the building, but the majority of the structure has not changed or been significantly expanded in nearly 50 years.

Meanwhile, over that same period, the village has grown from an approximate population of less than 3,500 to more than 40,000 today. Clearly, the needs of the public and staff have

changed, requiring improved services and technologies.

The new two-story, 29,000-squarefoot facility is being built right next to the existing single-story village hall on the same campus.The increase in height allows the building to take up less space on the property, which village officials say is better for the environment. They also believe that the plan to build adjacent to the current building means minimal service disruptions to the public during the construction process. By not requiring staff to move to a temporary space, it also saves money and time. royal palm the magazine | november/december 2021 39

royal palm | today

An artist’s rendering of what the new Royal Palm Beach Village Hall building will look like once completed.

“By not having to displace our staff during the project, our ability to continue to serve the community will be uninterrupted during construction,” Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins said. “Once the building is finished, we will simply turn out the lights in the old building and be able to immediately resume services in the new.”

The new building is going up just to the south of the current village hall.

Once completed, the old building will be torn down to make way for a pedestrian-friendly plaza featuring electric ve-

hicle charging stations, fountains and a new open-air space to host events such as the village’s popular green market.

The design echoes the village’s ongoing commitment to create and maintain inviting, functional public spaces such as Royal Palm Beach Commons Park,Veterans Park and numerous smaller neighborhood open spaces.

In addition to being eco-friendlier and more convenient, the new building will also allow for improved emergency response during hurricanes and other emergencies.

The new village hall will include a new Emergency Operation Center that will allow for easier transition of operations during an active hurricane or other emergency events.

Being able to stay within the same building and maintain operations without moving to temporary shelter will save valuable time and money before, during and after a storm. It will also al-

low the village to provide better services to the public and allow for quicker response.

While the project includes the demolition of the current village hall, there are several buildings on the overall campus that will remain. Those buildings will receive renovations to their exteriors so that they match the style of the new village hall, creating the feeling of an integrated campus.

These include the David B. Farber Training Center and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office District 9 Substation.

The existing council chamber building will also stay where it is. It will be renovated and converted into a new public multi-use space.

With construction having just begun, the new building is expected to be completed in March 2023. The removal of the old building and opening of the pedestrian plaza will follow in December 2023.

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We serve the 65+ communities of Wellington and Royal Palm Beach for Free.

We Ifserve the 65+ communities of you are over 65 and in need of soft services, or if you are over 16 and would like to volunteer, please contact us at Wellington and Royal Palm Beach 561-568-8818 for Free. www.wellingtoncares.org If you are over 65 and in need of soft services, or if you are over 16 and would like to volunteer, please contact us at 561-568-8818.

WE L L I NG T O N CA RE S IS NO W SE R

13837 Wellington Trace | Wellington, FL | (561) 753-9993 | Rockys.com

ROCKY’S IS YOUR LOCAL HARDWARE STORE FOR • Equestrian Supplies • Cleaning Products • Lawn & Garden

• Paint • Grills And More...

• Homewares • Hardware • Tools

President, Rocco Falcone with son, John Falcone

Visit us today for everything you need for your barn and home!

OPEN Mon-Sat 8:00am-7:00pm | Sun 9:00am-5:00pm

Experience the Difference Wellington’s Largest Selection of Gold & Diamond Jewelry • We Buy & Sell Estate Jewelry • We Buy Old Gold & Diamonds • “Highest Prices Paid” • Repairs on Premises

Fine Jewelry HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 10:30 - 5pm • Sun. Closed

Diamonds

Custom Designs

561-790-6220

M M

2891 S. State Road 7 | Suite 120 | Wellington, FL 33414 (By Trader Joe’s) | www.designerstouchjewelry.com

Proudly Featuring M I C H E L E

All Michele Watches

25% OFF

royal palm the magazine | november/december 2021 41

WELCOME TO WESTLAKE’S NEWEST NEIGHBORHOOD, THE ESTATES. Introducing our new estate homes set the perfect stage for plenty of new experiences and lifelong memories.

WELCOME TO which WESTLAKE’S NEWEST NEIGHBORHOOD, THE ESTATES. Introducing our new Tour the Tequesta Grand model to experience luxuriously modern living! estate homes which set the perfect stage for plenty of new experiences and lifelong memories.

Tour the Tequesta Grand model to experience luxuriously modern living!

NEW SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES FROM THE $300s TO $800s NEW SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES FROM THE $300s TO $800s (561) 475-2659 | WestlakeFL.com | 16610 Town Center Parkway North | City of Westlake, FL 33470

(561) 475-2659 | WestlakeFL.com | 16610 Town Center Parkway North | City of Westlake, FL 33470 For location, hours of operation and further details about our award-winning communities, visit MintoUSA.com.

Base price of the home does not include homesite premiums or options and upgrades. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2021. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored transferred inand any form or bydetails any means without express written permission.

Artist’s renderings, specifications, prices For location, hours oforoperation further about our award-winning communities, visitdimensions, MintoUSA.com. and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Westlake and the Westlake logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2021.

Base price of the home does not include homesite premiums or options and upgrades. ©Minto Communities, LLC 2021. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, copied, altered, distributed, stored or transferred in any form or by any means without express written permission. Artist’s renderings, dimensions, specifications, prices and features are approximate and subject to change without notice. Minto, the Minto logo, Westlake and the Westlake logo are trademarks of Minto Communities, LLC and/or its affiliates. 2021.

“Through personal training and teaching group classes, the greatest reward is educating our clients. There is no greater satisfaction than empowering others to make more informed choices and lead healthier lives.”

— Lynette Laufenberg, CPT Owner, Balance Fitness

At Balance Fitness we offer the personal attention of one-on-one private training, semi-private training, and mind/body group classes including Yoga, Pilates, and Barre.

PERSONAL TRAINING SERVICES At Balance Fitness we guide and support you along your fitness and wellness journey through accountability and continuous evaluation of your progress.

During your free consultation we will discuss: • Health history • Exercise history • Goal setting • Nutritional overview • Lifestyle choices • Sleep habits • Stress management • Basic testing (body weight, body fat, blood pressure, movement and posture analysis)

CLASSES For a current schedule of classes or to book online, please visit our website.

Call Today for your Free Consultation

(561) 812-2647

3220 Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 5, Wellington, Florida 33414

www.gobalancefitness.com

If you’ve got questions,

I’ve got answers.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period October 15th - December 7th

Do you have questions about your current coverage or need to make a change?

I can explain all of your available options for 2022

Let’s talk about it!

“Your healthcare is a potentially overwhelming, complex decision.

I can help you navigate through your available options!”

Maggie Zeller

Office (561) 517-8048 (TTY: 711) Mobile (561) 715-9262 medicaremaggie@gmail.com Medicare Maggie

Health Insurance Solutions 12794 Forest Hill Blvd. • Suite 18E Wellington, FL 33414

By Appointment Only

Facebook.com/Medicaremaggie

By calling this number, you agree to speak with an independent health insurance agent about Medicare Advantage products. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. This is an advertisement.