160+ programs of study, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, and professional certificate programs.
40,000 students attend PBSC, the largest higher education institution in the county, with online options and five campus locations.
500 industry partners focused on fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering technology, cybersecurity, and nursing.
$1.4 billion impact on the county’s economy, which is the equivalent of supporting more than 18,100 jobs.
volume 5, number 5
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025
executive editor
Joshua I. Manning
publisher
Dawn Rivera
senior graphic designer
Stephanie Rodriguez
graphic designer
Yolanda Cernicky
account managers
Betty Buglio
Evie Edwards
Joetta Palumbo
administration
Shanta Daibee
Jill Kaskel
Carol Lieberman
photography
Frank Koester
Abner Pedraza
contributors
Shannon Anastasio
Denis Eirikis
Denise Fleischman
Mike May
Fiona Slusarev
Christopher Vargas
ROYAL PALM
12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33 Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: (561) 793-7606
Fax: (561) 793-1470
www.royalpalmthemagazine.com published by Royal Palm The Magazine Inc.
chairman/ceo
Barry S. Manning
Royal Palm The Magazine is published six times a year in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Copyright 2025, 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.
RPB FAMILY AIMS TO TEACH FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS
Born and raised in Royal Palm Beach, Kelsey and Jonathan Dickinson are not your usual nine-to-five employees. They lead an entrepreneurial lifestyle where they own and operate six different businesses, including the CEO Kid, which is all about teaching children entrepreneurial skills and business basics. BY
DENIS EIRIKIS
15
TOP-NOTCH CARE FOR ADVANCED DENTAL NEEDS
Novudentics Prosthodontics is offering world-class, advanced dental care close to home. The office is led by prosthodontist Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas, also known as Dr. K.
BY MIKE MAY
19
JOANA DONOVAN ON THE SECRET OF GETTING HIRED
Joana Donovan of Propel Résumé and Career Services breathes humanity back into the hiring process. From recent college grads to those making a career pivot, she shows clients how to tell their own story. BY FIONA SLUSAREV
23
MCCARTHY’S WILDLIFE SANCTUARY MILESTONE
Now recognized as one of the area’s most popular attractions, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrating its 35th anniversary. BY DENIS EIRIKIS
IL Pomodoro Ristorante has been serving up tasty Italian fare for years. It is now under new ownership, which has made major upgrades while keeping an emphasis on delicious food. BY MIKE
MAY
from the publisher
On our cover this issue is Royal Palm Beach’s Dickinson family, including parents Kelsey and Jonathan with sons Cruz, Atlas and Boaz. Kelsey and Jonathan run the CEO Kid, a program that teaches youngsters about entrepreneurship and running a business. It’s a fascinating program run by a fascinating family.
Also profiled this issue is Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas of Novudentics Prosthodontics, which offers advanced dental care close to home, treating the most complex cases from an office right on Southern Blvd. here in Royal Palm Beach. Next, we chat with Joana Donovan, CEO and founder of Propel Résumé and Career Services, to learn the secret to getting hired in today’s challenging job market.
We also explore all the unique animals at nearby McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the area’s most popular attractions, and join in the celebration of its 35th anniversary. And finally, we stop by the popular Italian restaurant IL Pomodoro Ristorante, where we meet Nick and Art Bardhi, the new owners of the restaurant, who have big plans for the eatery.
We hope you had a wonderful summer and, like us, are looking forward to all the fun fall events on the horizon. Meanwhile, continue to stay safe as we approach the height of this year’s hurricane season, and we’ll be back with our final issue of the year as the holiday season approaches.
Dawn Rivera
Dawn Rivera, Publisher
Kerala Association Of Palm Beach Celebrates Onam Festival In RPB Grand Opening Event For iThink Financial In Royal Palm Beach Fun End Of Summer Party Held At Royal Palm Beach Rec Center NRI Institute Nursing Students Host Health Fair At RPB Campus
Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach
KERALA ASSOCIATION OF PALM BEACH CELEBRATES ONAM FESTIVAL IN RPB
The Kerala Association of Palm Beach celebrated the Onam Festival on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Onam is a celebration to welcome King Mahabali to the south Indian state of Kerala for his annual visit, ensuring his subjects happiness and prosperity. Food was prepared by Raja Indian Cuisine, and the program featured songs and dances reflecting Indian culture. Mayor Jeff Hmara participated as an honored guest.
(Left) Babu George, Jijo Jose, Mathew Thomas, Mayor Jeff and Carolyn Hmara, and Biju Thonikkadavil. (Right) Ladies waiting to honor and welcome King Mahabali with flowers.
(Left to right) Benjamin Thadavanal arrives, dressed as King Mahabali; music and flowers honor King Mahabali on stage; and Mayor Jeff Hmara takes part in the candle lighting ceremony as Kerala Association President Mathew Thomas looks on.
(Left to right) Sajitha Raj, Sanil Prakash, Ramya Sudhagar, Elizabeth Jose, Sherin Leo, Charutha Balram, Juna Thomas, Rohini Nair, Aisal Brown and Lona DSouza; Kerala Association President Mathew Thomas greets King Mahabali; Benjamin Thadavanal as King Maahabali with Mayor Jeff Hmara; and Emily Kurian sings the Indian national anthem, and Anjana Vijin sings the American national anthem.
(Left to right) “Tug of Words” winner Janaki Raj is presented with a certificate by Biju Thonikkadavil; emcees Anjana Anil and Arjun Sunil; Retheesh Chithralaya speaks; Arya and Anjana Anil dance; and Deepak Vasudevan and Gowri Deepak sing.
(Left to right) Adrika Sarker and Alison Mini Kuruvila on stage; Keerthana Vimal performs; Sanil Prakash on stage; Jace Brown performs; and Rachel and Helen Sebastian dance.
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION FOR
ITHINK
FINANCIAL
IN ROYAL PALM BEACH
A grand opening celebration was held Tuesday, Aug. 19 for the new location of iThink Financial in Royal Palm Beach. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, as well as a live appearance by representatives of Sunny 107.9. Officials from the Village of Royal Palm Beach were also in attendance. The new iThink Financial branch is located at 11317 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Visit www.ithinkfi.org to learn more.
(Left to right) iThink CEO Michael Miller with Mayor Jeff Hmara; Assistant Branch Manager Thomas Bordonaro, Mayor Jeff Hmara and Branch Manager Taylor Musumeci; Linda Foutty enjoys some candy; and Ben Sturgell, Mary Lou Bedford, Jeff Kolhagen, Nicole Heffelfinger, Michael Miller, Sylvia Sharps, Richard Valuntas, Jeff Hmara, Taylor Musumeci and Stephen Johnson.
(Left to right) Assistant Branch Manager Thomas Bordonaro, Branch Manager Taylor Musumeci, Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps, CEO Michael Miller, Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas, Mayor Jeff Hmara and Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford during the ribbon cutting; Sunny 107.9’s Marissa Colangelo, Tracy St. George and Kel Lutz; Mayor Jeff Hmara with iThink’s Kristina Smallwood; and iThink CEO Michael Miller, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford and iThink’s Stephen Johnson.
FUN END OF SUMMER PARTY HELD AT ROYAL PALM BEACH RECREATION CENTER
Royal Palm Beach seniors celebrated at an End of Summer Party on Friday, Aug. 22 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. The tropical-themed party was festooned with flamingos and brightly colored flowers, and featuring a menu of jerk chicken and other Caribbean treats. Visiting parrots Dallas and Santini were a big hit. Everyone wanted to have a parrot perch on their arm for a photo. The lively music had seniors dancing all afternoon.
(Left) Patty McFarland and Edna Alejando (seated) with Elissa Harte, Barbara Searles and Mayor Jeff Hmara (standing). (Right) Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps with birds Dallas and Santini.
(Left to right) Randee Strassler, Jackie Kennedy, Andres Palacio, Yvonne Velez and Sonia Lavore; representatives from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU: (front row) Alicia Velastegui, Kristen Flood, Lourdes Sprinckmoller, Rupuni Haque, Dr. Lisa Wiese, Mayor Jeff Hmara, Deklyn Falkner and Karin Haig, and (back row) Adefemi Obisanya and Nicolas Bukley; Shakeera Thomas with her daughter Skyler Ghezelaiagh; and Ronni Kaplan with Dallas.
(Left to right) Hygee Smith, Pamela Ward, Maureen Wallace, George Skervin and Margie Cruzado; entertainers Garth Bright and Andrea Carroll perform; Linda Foutty with Dallas, a blue and gold macaw; and Jenny Lopez won a prize from Johana Jimenez of Dedicated Senior Medical Center.
(Left to right) Clara Jimenez with Santini; Monique Lananna with Dallas; Garth Bright keeps the party going; and Andres Palacio, Monique Lananna, Margie Cruzado, Sydney Martinez and Alicia Costello.
NURSING STUDENTS FROM NRI INSTITUTE HOST HEALTH FAIR AT RPB CAMPUS
Second semester nursing students from the NRI Institute of Health Sciences set up a health fair for the public on Wednesday, July 23 in the parking lot at the school’s Royal Palm Beach campus. Each group of nursing students hosted a table with a display board with important health information they are studying, such as diet, exercise, healthy babies and mothers, blood pressure and more. They also handed out information on resources for community help and provided blood sugar and blood pressure checks. Learn more about NRI at www.nriinstitute.edu.
(Left to right) Daina Supplice, Dylan Fullwood, Leronel Justin, Paulin Metayer and Sherline Phillipe; Kyra Gilmore and Carmandia Paascal give out information on drowning prevention; Juliette Desilus, Marie Gina Noel, Shaina Victor, Marie Aristal St. Jean, Stacy Priyem, Shakera Chavers and Keelyn Polhill; Paula Beauchesne provides refreshments; and NRI faculty members Dr. Hans Meyer, Dr. M.J. Duthie, David Lynch and Ellen Steinberg.
(Left to right) Donisha Johnson, Emilyn Ramos, Marie Jean, Lainey LeGrand and Wilda Simon; Madison Revilla with her project; Sirley Clark gets her blood pressure taken by Elkana Fertil; and Azaria Johnson, Elkana Fertil, Tiffany Niblack, Claudia Forreus, Philomene Adonis, Kerlyne Joseph and Magdita Ramos.
RPB Family Aims To Teach The Next Generation Of Entrepreneurs
Born and raised in Royal Palm Beach, Kelsey and Jonathan Dickinson are not your usual nine-to-five employees, instead they lead an entrepreneurial lifestyle where they own and operate six different businesses, including one aimed at creating the next generation of business leaders.
Aside from their different ventures, Kelsey is an accomplished graphic artist on the side, while Jonathan is a reserve master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who recently returned from a deployment to Alaska. Together, they are
the parents of three home-schooled children.
“We go where God leads us,” Kelsey said. “We got into the real estate business when the landlord of a dive shop came to us with an offer we could not refuse. We own a small vending machine business. Jonathan manages a yacht in the Bahamas for a client and teaches freediving. We also own a trailer park in Alabama, but the business closest to our hearts right now is the CEO Kid.”
The CEO Kid is all about teach-
ing children entrepreneurial skills and business basics.
“Most kids never learn the realworld skills they need, until it’s too late. Without practical business education, kids can grow up feeling unprepared, unsure or stuck in a system that doesn’t serve their creativity,” Jonathan explained. “With the CEO Kid, they learn to think independently, take initiative and lead with purpose. We don’t just prepare kids for the real world — we help them create it.”
Fifteen-year-old Gracelynn Wald re-
cently completed the CEO Kid course and exhibited at a business fair in Royal Palm Beach. “I think taking the CEO course helped me with my art business,” she said. “I learned a lot and feel better prepared.”
Kelsey and Jonathan were high school sweethearts, with her graduating from Berean Christian School and he from Royal Palm Beach High School. Kelsey likes to tell the story about how she broke up with Jonathan after graduation, thinking that their high school romance had run its course. She expected
to meet her future husband at her next stop, Palm Beach Atlantic University.
“Nice meeting you high school kid, now it’s time to go off to college and meet my husband,” she joked. “I went to university, and Jonathan enlisted in the Air Force. He wrote me letters every day. The defining moment came when his enlistment was up, and he called that he’s getting off active duty, coming home and running a dive shop.”
They were married at 20 years old and just celebrated their 15th anniversary.
Jay Jackson, assistant dean of students at Palm Beach Atlantic University and a longtime friend, is impressed by the Dickinsons.
“They are doing an incredible job raising their three kids,” he said. “I’m proud of the way they are raising future business leaders with the CEO Kid. I find these wonderful folks to be selfless, intentional and super passionate.”
Andrew Lettsome agreed. He is director of training and deployment for Shepherd’s Staff, a missionary organi-
Kelsey and Jonathan Dickinson founded the CEO Kid with the goal of providing children with much-needed entrepreneurial skills.
zation. “The Dickinsons are wonderful people. We are best friends, and they are fun to be around. They keep focus. I think they are successful because they live their faith and prioritize family,” he said.
Jonathan enjoys his work as an entrepreneur.
“With a job, you’re often building someone else’s vision,” he said. “As entrepreneurs, we’re building something God has placed on our hearts, creating value and opportunities for others. We prefer entrepreneurship because it gives us the freedom to shape our family’s life, live out our values in our work and directly see the impact we make.”
It’s a path that brings both risk and reward.
“Not everyone will love the risk and responsibility that come with entrepreneurship,” Jonathan said. “But with the right mindset, willingness to learn and a strong work ethic, many people can thrive. We believe God gives each person unique gifts — some are meant to run businesses, others to be incredible
team members that help those businesses flourish. Both are needed.”
For the Dickinsons, it has never been about the biggest paycheck — it’s about deals where both sides win, relationships grow and long-term impact is created.
Their hardest challenge has been pushing through seasons when finances were tight, but the calling to continue was clear.
“We overcame that by trusting God’s provision, working harder than ever and being willing to pivot when needed,” Kelsey explained. “Our ongoing challenge is balancing the demands of multiple businesses while protecting our time and presence with our kids.”
With the help of tutors, the Dickinsons homeschool their three boys, Cruz (10), Atlas (8) and Boaz (3). Jonathan explained his parenting philosophy.
“Just like in CEO Kids, we encourage curiosity and problem-solving,” he said. “Let kids fail and try again — those are the best lessons. Teach them to see money as a tool, not the goal. And most importantly, remind them that their
“With the CEO Kid, they learn to think independently, take initiative and lead with purpose. We don’t just prepare kids for the real world — we help them create it.”
— Jonathan Dickinson
identity is not in their business, but in Christ.”
Their family values spill over to their businesses.
“Our motto is ‘people over profit.’ One of our managers gave us this quote at one of our annual meetings. Businesses come and go, but how you treat people lasts. Build with integrity, keep your word and don’t sacrifice character for quick gains,” Kelsey said.
The Dickinsons are very fond of the Royal Palm Beach community.
“We love Royal Palm Beach because it feels like a small-town community with big opportunities,” Jonathan said. “The parks, family events and safe neighborhoods make it the perfect place to raise our boys. We have roots here, and we love being part of a village that values families.”
Kelsey agreed. “With the three kids, we are busy people, but I would not trade our lifestyle with anyone, except maybe at tax time. Doing taxes is my least favorite part,” she said.
Learn more about the CEO Kid program at www.theceokid.com.
The CEO Kid’s Kelsey and Jonathan Dickinson with sons Atlas, Boaz and Cruz.
The evolution of MRI
The evolution of MRI
What a weight-bearing MRI reveals vs. a Supine MRI
G-scan Brio Reveals What Supine MRI Misses
Conventional
G-scan Brio Reveals What Supine MRI Misses
G-scan Brio Reveals What Supine MRI Misses
Conventional MRI may not demonstrate the pathology related to these symptoms, but G-scan Brio gives you a new point of view so you can accurately diagnose MSK pathologies affected by weight-bearing position.
The
Conventional MRI may not demonstrate the pathology related to these symptoms, but G-scan Brio gives you a new point of view so you can accurately diagnose MSK pathologies affected by weight-bearing position.
More Detail, Better Accuracy, Greater Confidence
More Detail, Better Accuracy, Greater Confidence
G-scan Brio: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis
The
The G-scan Bro is superior to other MRIs because both the magnet and patient can rotate from 0 to 90 degrees.
G-scan Brio offers a revolutionary MRI approach that increases diagnostic accuracy and confidence for musculoskeletal applications.
G-scan Brio: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis
G-scan Brio: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis
G-scan Brio offers a revolutionary MRI approach that increases diagnostic accuracy and confidence for musculoskeletal applications.
G-scan Brio offers a revolutionary MRI approach that increases diagnostic accuracy and confidence for musculoskeletal applications.
World-Class Care For Patients With Advanced Dental Needs At Novudentics
STORY BY MIKE MAY | PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER
If you’ve ever struggled to find the right dental professional who can handle everything from basic cleanings to complex, full-mouth reconstructions, there’s a new option available for area residents. Novudentics Prosthodontics is offering world-class, advanced dental care close to home. The office is led by prosthodontist Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas, also known as Dr. K. Unlike general dentists, who primarily handle cleanings, fillings and routine care, prosthodontists are specialists trained in restorative, cosmetic and implant dentistry. Think of prosthodontists as the architects of your mouth —
restoring function, health and beauty, especially in complex or esthetically demanding cases.
“A prosthodontist is equipped to manage the most advanced dental needs,” Kallithrakas explained. “We work with patients who have severe wear, missing teeth or need full smile rehabilitations — cases where precision and planning matter most.”
Novudentics Prosthodontics opened in September 2023 in Royal Palm Beach. Though the location is fairly new, Kallithrakas is no stranger to Palm Beach County. He has been serving patients in South Florida — including Boca Ra-
ton and Delray Beach — for more than a decade.
Originally from Greece, and now living in the United States for almost 15 years, Kallithrakas brings a global perspective to his practice, blending European precision with the latest American innovations. He holds a master’s degree in biomaterials and completed an additional three-year residency in prosthodontics after earning his dental degree — a level of specialization only a few in the field attain.
One of the hallmarks of Novudentics is the intimate, one-on-one care every patient receives.
(Left to right) Dental Assistant Brianna Madrigal, Prosthodontist Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas, Dental Practice Manager Jennifer Clark and Dental Assistant Matt Fortes.
Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas
Kallithrakas and his team, including his two dedicated assistants, believe in giving patients priority and exclusivity.
“I don’t like to jump from chair to chair,” Kallithrakas explained. “Each patient gets my full attention, and we don’t need to run around. We enjoy a calm and warm environment. We believe in building trust and delivering care without the stress or long waits.”
From teeth whitening and crowns to implant surgery and full-mouth reconstruction, all procedures are performed on-site, making Novudentics a true one-stop destination for advanced dental care and complex cases.
It’s not just the technology or training that sets this office apart. It’s the personal approach.
“Dr. Kallithrakas believes that who does the work truly matters,” said Jennifer Clark, the practice’s office manager. “He plans and performs every procedure himself, and he even gives patients his personal cell phone number.”
Yes, you read that right. Patients are welcome to call Kallithrakas directly if they have concerns after hours — a rare level of accessibility in today’s healthcare environment.
Kallithrakas is also quick to offer advice to keep people out of the dental chair.
“Most dental issues start where the toothbrush is missing,” Kallithrakas ex-
plained. “That’s why I always emphasize proper hygiene and prevention.”
While the majority of Novudentics’ patients are from central Palm Beach County and the surrounding areas, the practice also treats seasonal residents who travel from out-of-state to maintain continuity of care with Kallithrakas. That trust speaks volumes.
When he’s not creating smiles, Kallithrakas enjoys playing tennis and pickleball, reading books and watching professional football. He resides in Fort Lauderdale with his wife, and values balance between his high-precision work and personal downtime.
“Dr. Kallithrakas believes that who does the work truly matters, he plans and performs every procedure himself, and he even gives patients his personal cell phone number.”
— Dental Practice Manager Jennifer Clark
“I
don’t like to jump from chair to chair, each patient gets my full attention, and we don’t need to run around. We enjoy a calm and warm environment. We believe in building trust and delivering care without the stress or long waits.”
— Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas
And when you leave his office, don’t forget to look up, where there’s a sign on the wall offering a gentle reminder to every patient: “Smile Ahead.”
Novudentics Prosthodontics is located in the Royal Plaza at 11551 Southern Blvd., Suite 1, in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 567-7880 or visit www.prosthodontist.vip.
(Left to right) Dental Assistant Matt Fortes, Dental Practice Manager Jennifer Clark Prosthodontist Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas and Dental Assistant Brianna Madrigal.
Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas uses the latest high-tech tools to treat challenging dental conditions.
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Don’t Go It Alone: Joana Donovan On The Secret Of Getting Hired In Today’s Market
BY FIONA SLUSAREV
It’s said that it takes a village to raise a child, but how many people does it take to get one person hired? In a time where online job boards seem to have never-ending position listings, each seemingly already inundated with hundreds of applications, it is easy to feel lost when looking for work.
Joana Donovan, CEO and founder of Propel Résumé and Career Services, breathes humanity back into the hiring process. From recent college graduates to those making a career pivot in later life, Donovan shows her clients how to tell their own story through résumés, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.
Growing up in New York as the daughter of immigrants from Brazil and Tunisia, Donovan’s life-long passion for learning was ignited as she learned English watching Sesame Street with
her family. She credits her upbringing for making her “resilient and scrappy,” both necessary traits for her careers in real estate and finance.
Returning to school, she earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 2022 from the University of Central Florida. In that same year, Propel was launched. From her previous gift basket business based in Wellington, Donovan knew the local area would embrace Propel with open arms. She believes the smalltown feel to be integral to the success of her business.
“I think that Wellington has deep roots, and people value those deep roots,” Donovan said. “And that’s the foundation of how they bring in newcomers, like myself. They continue to grow that foundation.”
Donovan believes that the area’s
community connection is unique; it is not something she experienced living in New York or New Jersey.
“They’re super supportive. No matter who you meet — whether you’re part of an organization or you’re not, I think it’s like a small-town feel, even though we are growing,” she explained.
It is this sense of interconnectedness that translates into Donovan’s mission at Propel. She is a strong advocate for networking whenever possible. Simple, everyday conversations might introduce you to a new opportunity you had never thought of.
“Sometimes those discussions, the conversations that you have with people, lead to opportunities, and that networking piece, to me, is the most valuable,” Donovan explained.
While artificial intelligence (AI) is
Joana Donovan of Propel Résumé and Career Services.
increasingly used to sort résumés, and large numbers of candidates vie for a single position, human interaction stands out. Donovan noted that, “You have to speak to people. You can’t just submit and hope that it sticks. You have to go the extra mile.”
Also, there must be something about you individually that makes you a unique asset. That is, you must have a personal brand. Creating this narrative for employers can be daunting. Donovan is able to meet each client where they are. She shows them how to create their own professional story.
“If you don’t know who you are, and you don’t know what your brand is, neither will the reader,” she said.
At Propel, Donovan shows her clients how to see themselves in a new light. Seemingly mundane tasks are reframed as evidence for personal brands.
She reflects on an administration worker’s self-described day: “I came in. I answered the phone. I left.” Donovan works to help the client parse through what they actually do. “They never take a step back and look down at themselves to identify what do they actually bring to the table,” she said.
Organic conversation between Donovan and her clients forms the backbone of Propel. She is invested in discovering what makes each individual tick and what motivates them to
get out of bed in the morning. For her, simply rewriting a résumé isn’t enough; she is telling her client’s story.
However, clients have to put in the work. They need to critically engage with the moving pieces of their identity and professional history. Donovan is here to show them how, and to prompt them to reimagine who they are. “They help me, help them, find their brand and their voice,” she explained.
It is this connection to her clients that uniquely positions Donovan as a professional storyteller and advocate. She is able to market job applicants in a more holistic way. They are not just a summary of skills; they are a complete person. Her clients aren’t trying to match their applications word for word to the job description.
“They talk about themselves and are different,” she said. “They give the person who is ultimately going to read the document a better sense of who they are on a team.”
Often, Donovan finds that clients are searching more for a proponent and partner, than pure résumé guidance. With experience across multiple careers, she understands the emotions and challenges that job hunters face.
“They’re looking for that camaraderie, that advocacy, that partnership, that someone is on their side. And that is what makes me different from the next person,” she said.
“I think, having that connection with people, is really the joy. It’s not even the writing anymore, it’s really the joy of being able to tell someone’s story and be a support person.”
— Joana Donovan, CEO of Propel Résumé and Career Services
Donovan provides a refuge in an otherwise isolating process. Everything is intentional in the application process, but she is happy to remind people that “no road is a straight line.” A specific role or responsibility at a job may lead you to a niche that you never knew existed, but nonetheless, suits you perfectly. No time is wasted. Experience becomes evidence for a client’s personal brand.
This ability to appreciate each nuance and become an advocate for her clients is integral to Donovan’s method. It is also what she finds most rewarding.
“I think, having that connection with people, is really the joy,” she said. “It’s not even the writing anymore, it’s really the joy of being able to tell someone’s story and be a support person.”
The interpersonal approach to the hiring process harkens back to the warm reception Donovan received when moving to and starting a career here in central Palm Beach County. The importance of connection echoes throughout her work, and she intends to further strengthen the community by creating a local educational seminar on writing, coaching and LinkedIn this upcoming January.
For more information about Propel Résumé and Career Services, call (561) 291-8832 or visit www.propelresume. com.
Prosthodontics, cosmetic, and implant dentistry located in Royal Palm Beach
Why Visit a Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists at Novudentics offer advanced expertise, experience with complex cases, a cosmetic focus, and a whole-mouth approach that general dentists typically do not have. Prosthodontists can be a better choice for major restorations or smile makeovers.
Novudentics Mission
At Novudentics, we focus on every person individually We provide customized treatment based on many different factors, like age, medical history, previous dental experience, and even financial situations.
We have created a stress-free environment in our brand-new location in sunny Royal Palm Beach, Florida. We are able to offer a unique experience filled with harmony from the moment you step into our state-of-the art office.
We believe in treating every patient in a comprehensive way and addressing any dental issues in a specialty level, whether this is a regular dental cleaning or an advanced full mouth rehabilitation.
Providing a superior work ethic and commitment to do right by the patient is our main mission in order to achieve long term optimal results in terms of esthetics and function. This separates us from the competition. We plan to serve Palm Beach County for decades to come and assume complete responsibility for our work.
� Smile Makeovers
�
� Sedation Dentistry
� Sinus Lifts
� All on 4 - Full Mouth Implants
Dr. Serafeim Kallithrakas (aka Dr. K)
ROYAL PALM BEACH RESIDENTS
The Town-Crier Newspaper is the only community newspaper regularly covering Royal Palm Beach, and you can get it delivered directly to your mailbox for FREE just by requesting to be placed on the mailing list.
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Milestone Anniversary For McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary
BY DENIS EIRIKIS
Now recognized as one of the area’s most popular attractions, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
From humble beginnings on a 1.25acre lot, the wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit has grown into the top-rated attraction in Palm Beach County for the past 13 years on Trip Advisor. Along the way, the Acreage-based sanctuary has rescued more than 10,000 native animals and hundreds of exotic creatures ranging from big cats to venomous snakes.
Founder Mark McCarthy likes to tell the story of how, at only 16 years old, he volunteered with the Detroit Zoo and went on a successful snake-collecting adventure in Arizona. He kept a few rattlesnakes for his own collection, which his mother refused entry to the house.
Undeterred, McCarthy bagged his
rattlesnakes and hitchhiked for three days from Michigan to South Florida, to seek a job at the Miami Serpentarium, then one of the largest snake exhibitions in the world. He was at first turned down, until director Bill Haast saw the writhing burlap bag of rattlesnakes, learned McCarthy’s snake-loving story, and hired him on the spot.
McCarthy has been in the wildlife business ever since, starting McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary on July 1, 1990. Reservations are required to visit the eight lush acres of endangered wildlife surrounded by a botanical garden situated in the palmetto and pine forest of the western communities.
Visitors from all over the world are attracted by the more than 150 animals, including white tigers, African lions, black leopards, ligers, lynx and Amur leopards, all seen from just feet away. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on
experiences with alligators, snakes, tarantulas and a cuddly kinkajou.
Visitors Jackie Toponce and her mom, Keri, loved their visit. Jackie, who wants to be a wildlife veterinarian, came to Florida from Salt Lake City specifically to visit the sanctuary.
“The two places in Florida I wanted to see were Disney World and McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary,” she said. “Neither disappointed, and I love how up close and personal we can get with big cats here. I also loved handling the snake and the tarantula.”
Her mother added, “Jackie loves animals, so we plan trips to major wildlife sanctuaries. McCarthy’s is one of our favorites, and Trip Advisor says it’s in the top 10 percent of attractions globally.”
Kelly Reaves and granddaughter Reagan agree, having traveled from Washington D.C. Five-year-old Reagan
(Below) McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary tour guide Jeremy with Allie Rafkin and Parker Zaffarese in the reptile room. (Inset) Visitor Jackie Toponce admires a tarantula. PHOTOS
especially enjoyed handling the kinkajou but passed up opportunities to handle live snakes. But Allie Rafkin and Parker Zaffarese, visiting from New Jersey, took every opportunity to handle creatures, such a 60-pound albino Burmese python.
Reservations are required, and adult visitors pay $50 while children pay $40 for a comprehensive tour that takes about two hours.
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife rescue facility that takes in injured native wildlife, orphaned babies and unwanted exotic pets. Donations and admission fees help with the tremendous expense of caring for the animals.
When asked for the most important thing he has learned doing wildlife rescue for 35 years, McCarthy replied, “You can dream all you want, but to make it happen, you have to put in the blood, sweat and tears.”
So, McCarthy put in the hard work and long hours, including one time when the phone rang in the middle of the night.
“I got a call at 2 a.m. from Lt. Rick Brown of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission,” McCarthy recalled. “He is the officer in charge of the Orlando district. He told me that he had just seized a tiger and a cougar from a Motel 6 in Orlando, and he had
no place to house them. He asked if I would come and pick them up. I immediately drove up there, and sure enough there was a tiger and a cougar. The owner was not licensed and was illegally exhibiting before he was arrested. So, I named the tiger Slammer and the cougar Repo, because the owner got thrown in the slammer and his cats got repossessed.”
He also recalled the times when his father used to worry about whether McCarthy could make his living as a snake handler and wildlife rescuer. “My proudest moment in this 35-year journey was when my dad asked to be buried in a McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary shirt,” he said.
McCarthy invites interested animal lovers to make a reservation for a visit. Don’t want to get up close with the animals? Well, you can still make a donation.
“Donations are how we get by, and it takes thousands of dollars to keep the facility running and giving the utmost, top care for our animals,” McCarthy said. “We have received a $100,000 challenge grant. Every dollar you donate is matched up to $100,000, and that challenge ends Sept. 30.”
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 12943 61st Street North. For more information, call (561) 790-2116 or visit www.mccarthyswildlife.com.
“Donations are how we get by, and it takes thousands of dollars to keep the facility running and giving the utmost, top care for our animals. We have received a $100,000 challenge grant. Every dollar you donate is matched up to $100,000, and that challenge ends Sept. 30.” — Mark McCarthy
Founder Mark McCarthy with Norma Jean the macaw. ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE FILE PHOTO BY CALLIE SHARKEY
Reagan Diamond handles a kinkajou. PHOTO BY DENIS EIRIKIS
Popular Italian Eatery IL Pomodoro Under New Ownership
BY MIKE MAY
IL Pomodoro Ristorante in the Grove Market at Westlake has been serving up tasty Italian fare for years. It is now under new ownership, which has made major upgrades at the restaurant while keeping an emphasis on delicious food using only high-quality ingredients.
If you are hungry for Italian food in the area, there’s a spectacular, locally owned and operated Italian restaurant option in IL Pomodoro Ristorante in the Grove Market at Westlake.
IL Pomodoro has been in business for years, but it is now under new ownership. Brothers Nick and Art Bardhi assumed control of the restaurant on July 7 and bring an impressive commitment to excellence.
When you walk into IL Pomodoro, you’ll see this message on the wall: “We are committed to using only the highest quality ingredients in our pizza.”
The Bardhi brothers stand by that message, which applies to all the Italian dishes on the menu.
Nick and Art have been in the restaurant business for their entire adult lives, but they’ve never owned a restaurant, until now. With an Albanian father and an Italian mother, food has been at the cornerstone of their lives.
“In the kitchen, we make everything from scratch, and everything is freshly made,” Art said. “Our dinner business in the restaurant is strong, and we are busy with people picking up their food. The delivery business is so brisk that we are now using third party delivery services, such as Uber Eats, Door Dash and Grub Hub.”
They have also completed major upgrades at the restaurant.
“We have new bathrooms, new flooring and a new kitchen,” Nick said. “We plan to have new tables and new booths soon.”
With four categories of pizza — regular, specialty, Sicilian and “Grandma Style” — it’s clear that IL Pomodoro specializes in making and selling pizza. In all, there are seven types of regular pizza, 21 versions of specialty, 20 editions of Sicilian and 20 types of Grandma Style.
According to Nick, a few of the more popular non-pizza items, which he strongly suggests, are the homemade lasagna, shrimp scampi, chicken Francese, linguine with clams, and the Caprese salad, which features sliced tomatoes arranged with slices of mozzarella, drizzled in balsamic vinegar.
If you order a different pizza from IL Pomodoro every day for the next two months, you will still not eat one of each
(Top) The Chicken Marsala features tender chicken sautéed and simmered in a rich marsala wine sauce with fresh mushrooms, served over a choice of pasta. (Above) A half and half specialty pizza.
kind of pizza on the menu. The menu caters to an array of customers, including those who like meat or prefer only vegetables or require a gluten-free option. Ranging in size from 12 inches to 16 inches, not every pizza is the same or created equal, but every pizza is truly delicious, home-made, baked to order and fairly priced.
While pizza is the top item that cus-
“In the kitchen, we make everything from scratch, and everything is freshly made.”
— Co-Owner Art Bardhi
tomers order at IL Pomodoro, there are many other delicious selections on the menu to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy cravings for Italian fare. They include 10 pasta dishes, nine seafood meals, seven chicken entrees, six forms of baked pasta, five versions of stromboli, five veal meals, four different types of calzones and two eggplant dishes. There are also 10 types of salads, plus soups, wings, gyros, wraps, and hot and cold sub options. Despite it being an Italian restaurant, the Greek salad is off the charts, the pasta fagioli gets better with every taste, the meat lovers calzone is awesome and many of the subs have a true Italian theme.
The list of 10 appetizers includes garlic rolls, mozzarella sticks and fried calamari. Each one is a terrific choice. As for the desserts, there are six on the menu — New York cheesecake, Key
We make your day special with a unique modern twist for your events. We specialize in balloon styling and party decor. Our biggest goal is being able to capture your vision and give you that moment you have been waiting for!
Lime pie, White Russia, chocolate cake, chocolate peanut butter cake, cannoli and tiramisu. Be sure to leave room for at least one bite of a cannoli and/or a small serving of tiramisu. If you don’t have room for another bite, order a dessert to-go and enjoy it at home!
One of those happy and satisfied customers is Jon Lund of Westlake.
“The food is tasty, and it’s better than ever. We come here about once a week,” Lund said. “My wife loves the spaghetti and meatballs. I like the Pomodoro Special with jalapeños.”
Don’t be surprised if your first visit to IL Pomodoro Ristorante is so enjoyable that you will make plans to return soon. IL Pomodoro Ristorante is in the Grove Market at Westlake, located at 5030 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. For more information, call (561) 223-3932 or visit www.ilpomodororistorante.net.
MACY’S | DILLARD’S | TOMMY BAHAMA | PANDORA | BRIGHTON
