ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – January/February 2022 by Wellington The Magazine LLC

ROYAL PALM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach

THE MAGAZINE

Recreational Visionary Lou Recchio

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January/February 2022

contents

volume 2, number 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

executive editor Joshua I. Manning

Features

publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer

RECCHIO: A 14 LOU RECREATIONAL VISIONARY Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio has been a key figure in village programs since the 1980s.Along the way, Recchio has overseen a huge expansion of village parks, as well as recreation offerings in the community. BY DEBORAH WELKY

Stephanie Rodriguez

graphic designers Nancy Pobiak Yolanda Cernicky

account managers Betty Buglio Evie Edwards Joetta Palumbo

from the

DECADES OF 21 THREE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

bookkeeping

For more than 30 years, the Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) has supported cultural diversity programs and much more in the Village of Royal Palm Beach. BY DENIS EIRIKIS

Jill Kaskel Carol Lieberman

photography Abner Pedraza

Departments

contributors

Elliot Cohen Erin Davisson Denis Eirikis Denise Fleischman Mike May Callie Sharkey Deborah Welky

PALM BUSINESS 27 ROYAL Royal Palm Auto Spa keeps vehicles of all makes and models running smoothly. BY DEBORAH WELKY

PALM HEALTH 31 ROYAL Ophthalmologist Dr. Steven

ROYAL PALM 35 Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach

THE MAGAZINE

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

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

ROYAL PALM TABLE

Sample authentic Vietnamese comfort cuisine at Pho 16 in Royal Palm Beach.

PALM TODAY 39 ROYAL You may not know what GIS is,

As we begin 2022, let us offer you our wish for your great health and happiness in this new year! This issue, we salute longtime Royal Palm Beach ambassador Lou Recchio for all he has brought to our community during his long tenure as director of parks and recreation. We also profile CAFCI, an amazing local nonprofit that brings so much to the village. Next, we visit local business Royal Palm Auto Spa and get tips from Jason Nifakos on how to keep your vehicle running like a dream.We also sample the fare at Pho 16, which serves up tasty Vietnamese comfort food, and we profile ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Naids, who recently joined the team at the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute. Finally, we learn how GIS technology serves all residents of Royal Palm Beach. As we publish what is our sixth issue of Royal Palm The Magazine, we pause to thank all of our charter advertisers that jumped on board to bring this magazine to our community, as well as our avid readers, who continue to subscribe for delivery of each issue right to their home or business. When we began this endeavor, we knew it was time for Royal Palm Beach to have its own publication, and we are thrilled that it has been received so well. Enjoy the read, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dawn Rivera

but it’ll help you as a resident of Royal Palm Beach. BY ELLIOT COHEN

Royal Palm The Magazine Inc.

chairman/ceo

BY DEBORAH WELKY

BY CALLIE SHARKEY

published by

Barry S. Manning

Naids has joined the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute team.

publisher

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

Social Scene ROYAL PALM SOCIAL SCENE 6 8 10

Royal Palm Winterfest Brings Holiday Fun To Commons Park The NRI Institute Of Health Sciences Graduates 20 New Nurses Royal Palm Beach & American Legion Celebrate Veterans Day

on the cover

Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio, who is profiled in this issue.

royal palm the magazine | january/february 2022 5

royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

ROYAL PALM WINTERFEST BRINGS HOLIDAY FUN TO COMMONS PARK

(Left) Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Councilman Jeff Hmara, Mayor Fred Pinto, Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas and Councilwoman Selena Samios welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Right) Ariana Ryan, who turned 7 on Christmas Day, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Winterfest returned to Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on Saturday, Dec. 4. The event included a lighting ceremony of the village’s 28foot Christmas tree, accompanied by fireworks and a Santa Claus meet and greet. New features included a snowslide with real snow and an iceskating rink with simulated ice. There was also a craft station, hot cocoa and cookies, and musical entertainment.

(Left to right) Sara Ghimpu works on her gingerbread house; Cameron Meyers mails a letter to Santa; Nayssa Florea with her gingerbread house; and Matthew Jr. and Matthew Hogan and Danielle and Jeff Putnal work on crafts.

(Left to right) Holly Robson with Indie; Abbie Hill, Natascha Schroeder and Braxton Schroeder with Bowie; the Mitchell family stops by for a photo op with Santa; Carol Reavy, James Woods, Jacob Coulter, Karen Wible, Cheryl Reavy and Ellie Woods; and Armond and Tamara Sabatini of Parkside Cafe & Catering.

(Left to right) Movements Arts Dance Academy performs on stage; the Solid Gold Twirlers perform; Danica Enck and Yaris Vanegas of the Solid Gold Twirlers; and Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with Florence and Janet Kusmierek.

(Left to right) The Rowe family gets a chance to visit with Santa; Braxton and Chris Schroeder enjoy tubing on real snow; Sebastian Vick dances with an elf; and Bill Cipriano, Mrs. Claus (Penny Orsini), Santa Claus (Richard Connor) and Kathy Connor.

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royal palm | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

THE NRI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES GRADUATES 20 NEW NURSES

The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held commencement exercises on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.A total of 20 new registered nurses graduated with associate of science in nursing degrees. One graduate received an occupational associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography. M. Daniel Splain, chief administrative officer of the school, served as master of ceremonies. Mayor Fred Pinto welcomed the attendees to the commencement exercises. Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief, a registered nurse who also served two terms as Broward County mayor, was the commencement speaker. Honors graduate Guerlande Fontus was the student speaker. The invocation was delivered by Pastor Michael Rose, and the benediction was pronounced by Dr. Joseph Kloba. Graduates were awarded their degrees by Elizabeth Stolkowski, director of the nursing program.They received their nursing pins from Dr. M.J. Duthie.

(Left to right) Dignitaries on stage included ITID Supervisor Keith Jordano, RPB Rotarian Lynn Balch, RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara, Dr. Joseph Kloba, Pastor Michael Rose, RPB Mayor Fred Pinto, guest speaker Dr. Barbara Sharief and Chief Administrative Officer Dan Splain; guest speaker Dr. Barbara Sharief at the podium; student speaker Guerlande Fontus addresses her fellow graduates; and the new graduates take the Nightingale Pledge.

(Left to right) Elizabeth Stolkowski, graduate Felisena Rosier and her husband Guyanel Roland; Elizabeth Stolkowski and graduate Kimberly Winthrop with husband Neil Winthrop and Phillip Winthrop; graduate Maluna Michel with her family; and graduate Caridad Excellent with her family.

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PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

ROYAL PALM BEACH, AMERICAN LEGION CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY

The Village of Royal Palm Beach, in conjunction with American Legion Post 367, presented a Veterans Day Remembrance Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. More than 100 people were treated to breakfast before the observance and had a chance to mingle with veterans and the guest speakers.

(Left to right) American Legion Post 367 members at the Veterans Day event; guest speakers included Army Sgt. 1C Julia Norberg, Navy Chief Master-at-Arms Sergio Sandoval, State Rep. Matt Willhite and American Legion Chaplain Jack Martin; Councilman Jeff Hmara, Carolyn Hmara, George Peltzmacher and Ray Nazareth; and Chuck Eigner, Greg Choinski, Ray Nazareth, George Peltzmacher and Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas.

(Left to right) RPB Mayor Fred Pinto addresses the attendees; JROTC members with Navy Chief Master-at-Arms Sergio Sandoval; Boy Scout Troop 111 members with Scoutmaster Ryan McNally; and Andrew Sossa, Isabelle Ritter, Ray Nazareth and Navy Chief Master-at-Arms Sergio Sandoval.

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A RECREATIONAL VISIONARY Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio Has Been A Key Figure In Village Programs Since The 1980s

BY DEBORAH WELKY

It often seems like everyone in the community knows Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio. Whether they have a child in a sports program, are an adult taking part in a special event or know a senior citizen who enjoys the monthly Young at Heart Club luncheons, the affable Recchio is somewhere behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. He’s got a knack for it, and he has been doing it for decades. Recchio grew up in the small town of Frankfort, a suburb of Utica, “smackdab in the middle” of New York State. He met his wife Donna in high school and, this year, the couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Following high school, Recchio attended Dean College in Massachusetts, then began a successful career in the main office of Carl’s Drug Stores as the buyer of pharmaceuticals and over-thecounter medicines for its 36 locations. When Carl’s sold out to a larger chain, 14

january/february 2022 | royal palm the magazine

they brought in their own employees, and Recchio was out of a job in an area of the country that was struggling economically. He took a brief vacation to visit a friend in Florida and liked what he saw. It was August 1983. “I found a job to keep me going, went back to New York for Thanksgiving, and Donna packed everything up and moved down with our three kids in December. I didn’t help pack, but I did pick her up at the airport,” Recchio recalled with a laugh. His first foray into the field of recreation came when he found himself having to take his children to Wellington to play t-ball. “I didn’t see any reason for that,” Recchio said. “I went to see Tom Bolinski, who was the Royal Palm Beach recreation director at the time, and asked him about a baseball league and other youth sports programs. He said they had tried it, but it hadn’t worked out. They only had basketball. However, he was will-

ing to try again, if I was. I made some calls and put a notice in the paper, and one thing led to another. Pretty soon, we had enough interest to start a league. I had an attorney friend and a few other guys I knew, and we started up the Royal Palm Beach Athletic Association in my living room.We were all volunteers.” The group filed for nonprofit status in November 1986 and held its first baseball game the first weekend of March 1987. Girls softball and soccer were soon to follow. Through the league, Recchio met David Ruderman and, when Ruderman was hired as recreation director for the Acme Improvement District — Wellington’s pre-incorporation government — Recchio was offered a job. He stayed with Acme from 1988 until an assistant recreation director position opened up in Royal Palm Beach. His many friends on the north side of Southern Blvd. asked him to apply, so he did. He was hired in October 1993. When Bolinski

Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio has overseen a dramatic expansion of Royal Palm Beach’s parks, including Commons Park, which opened in 2013.

left for a job in Ocala in 1995, Recchio became the department’s director. “From there, it’s history,” Recchio said. “Today, you have the soccer, the youth baseball and youth softball, and they’re all separate entities. When I came over, the first thing I started was roller hockey. That really was almost a demand. In Wellington, we played roller hockey in the parking lot.We had to ask people to move their cars. But in Royal Palm Beach, the mayor wanted to get a roller hockey league going, and we built a regular-sized rink. Two years later, we built a second rink. It was a huge program. Now, you’ve got indoor ice rinks, so kids are playing ice hockey. We converted one of the roller hockey rinks into a skate park with ramps and, on the

other one, we are building four pickleball courts. Things change. There are fads. Football used to be huge, and now people are skeptical about youth football because of concussion issues.” When Recchio initially took over as parks and recreation director,the department had a budget of about $550,000. Today, it’s ten times that — $5.5 million. Recreation program participants and park acreage have quadrupled in size. “In the beginning, we had Camellia Park and Willows Park, and now we have 24 parks,” Recchio said. “There’s Preservation Park, where the recreation center is, and that’s 40 acres. Willows used to have one baseball field; now there are eight baseball fields. That park is about 25 acres. But, out of the 24 parks, prob-

ably the newest and biggest is the 163acre Commons Park, built where the old Tradition Golf Club used to be. There isn’t a park around that has the opportunities Commons Park presents to us. It has 20 picnic pavilions, a three-story building where we rent out the top floor for weddings and parties. It has an amphitheater. Our big community events — the fall festival, the holiday tree-lighting, the spring seafood festival and the Fourth of July — draw anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 people. In addition to that, we have people come in and run things like 5K events and Cultural Diversity Day. To get people out of their houses during COVID-19, we started up Friday night concerts and kids’ outdoor movie nights. It keeps us busy.” royal palm the magazine | january/february 2022 15

Lou Recchio oversaw a complete renovation of the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, which re-opened with a significant expansion in early 2019.

And who oversees the maintenance of all these buildings, parks and fields? That would be Recchio, supported, of course, by a hardworking staff of professionals. “From what I see and hear at parks and recreation meetings and conventions, most agencies are constantly fighting with their councils to get things,” Recchio said. “In Royal Palm Beach, they’re so pro-recreation. And I’m not trying to be political when I say that — it’s a fact. I’ve got it pretty easy in that respect. I would say my biggest challenge is in staying up with the times. Every year, the demands are different. Things come in phases. About 15 years ago, we tried starting pickleball, and it just didn’t go. It wasn’t time. Now it’s growing like crazy.We hold it inside the gymnasium in the mornings, and now we’re building four pickleball courts outside. The Young at Heart senior program has become huge — about 400 members. We have dance classes that we really didn’t have before. Probably 16

january/february 2022 | royal palm the magazine

the hardest thing is getting things for teenagers and, like everywhere, getting good help.” Back in the day, when Wellington recreation’s office was in a trailer and programs were held in a doublewide, Royal Palm Beach’s recreation office was housed in a brick-and-mortar building... that they shared with the old Royal Palm Beach Police Department. “We each had half the building, and I remember we had to alternate between sitting at the desk and sitting at the counter,” Recchio laughed. “We would take turns.” Things are different now. The Royal Palm Beach Police Department merged with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and has a building all its own. Recchio’s department has the Recreation Center, the Cultural Center and the Sporting Center, not to mention other smaller buildings. And even more changes are on the horizon. “I think we are going to be less of a provider and more of a facilitator, like

Palm Beach County. The county has all these parks and, most of the time, they lease them out to organizations for their own particular programs. That’s how things are headed here,” he predicted. “The classes that are happening inside our buildings are generally run by independent contractors — teachers who want to teach a class in their off hours, dance instructors, art teachers. Instead of them going out and renting space in a building, we give them the facility, and they pay us a percentage of their revenue.We facilitate the baseball at Willows Park, but the league runs the program; we maintain the grounds. Our department has certain parameters but, if issues arise, participants go to their own boards first. If they are unable to reach resolution, we will help solve the problem. If the public wants to run a program, and can do it, government doesn’t need to get involved.” Recchio likes that Royal Palm Beach has maintained the small-town feel he moved here for nearly 40 years ago.

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“In the beginning, we had Camellia Park and Willows Park, and now we have 24 parks... I would say my biggest challenge is in staying up with the times. Every year, the demands are different.” — Lou Recchio Lou Recchio stands outside the Sporting Center at Commons Park. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

“I enjoy working in Royal Palm Beach,” he said. “It’s nice when people appreciate what you’re doing, and the people here do appreciate the programs and the community events. It makes you feel good.”

What Recchio is looking forward to now is the planned expansion of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center, which is currently in its design phase. “People say to me, ‘You’re a greatgrandfather! You’re going to be 72 years

old, and you’re still working?’ But I enjoy it,” Recchio said.“I want to expand that recreation center, and after that, well, then I’ll reevaluate my future.” Learn more about all the recreation opportunities in the Village of Royal Palm Beach at www.royalpalmbeach. com/parksrec.

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(L-R) CAFCI President Dennis Wright, Second Vice President Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, Recording Secretary Doreen Baker, First Vice President Genieve White, Corresponding Secretary Carolyn Hmara, Board Member Hildreth Brown and Director Barry Martin.

THREE DECADES OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT CAFCI Supports Cultural Diversity Programs And Much More In The Village Of Royal Palm Beach

STORY BY DENIS EIRIKIS | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

One of the many reasons that the Village of Royal Palm Beach is a wonderful place to live is its unique cultural diversity. For more than 30 years, the Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) has enhanced, maintained and sustained the quality of life for the local community of Caribbean descent, while also promoting events supporting cultural diversity across the greater community. It’s hard to describe CAFCI, formal-

ly known as Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement in Florida Inc. Many people, and they would not be incorrect, think of it as a diverse friendship society that stages entertaining events designed to engage the community while promoting the many cultures of Royal Palm Beach’s thriving Caribbean-American community. The organization did, in fact, start out as a social club. While on hold recently due to the pandemic, CAFCI still hosts a

full slate of social events, such as a gala on New Year’s Eve, its annual Friendship Ball, barbecues, fundraisers and more. Its members clearly know how to have a good time. But the organization also plays a serious and key role as longtime partners to the Village of Royal Palm Beach on a full slate of diversity-related and social programs. In 1999, CAFCI was incorporated as a nonprofit organization and broadened its mission. royal palm the magazine | january/february 2022 21

“One of the biggest attributes of CAFCI is how what started out as a small organization became so involved in our community.” — Rhonda Ferrin-Davis Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, Dennis Wright and Genieve White discuss ideas for CAFCI’s scout troop.

“CAFCI is the reason that the Village of Royal Palm Beach becomes the epicenter of the western communities each MLK Day,” said Mayor Fred Pinto, who served as president of CAFCI before being elected to office and remains active as a member. “The village provides the venue, and CAFCI does all the rest.They are excellent partners.” In addition to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in January, CAFCI produces the village’s Cultural Diversity Day event in the spring. “They are great partners for the village. We can rely on them to do a great job on MLK Day and other events,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said. He added that CAFCI makes a huge impact on the greater community, and CAFCI volunteers are among the most active in community events. “Royal Palm Beach is a very diverse community, ethnically and racially,” Liggins said. “We share many of the same trials and tribulations in our lives.This, I believe, gives our community greater empathy for each other, and in return provides a safer, happier place to be. Community organizations like 22

january/february 2022 | royal palm the magazine

CAFCI help us know each other and gain even more appreciation for each other.” Aside from community events and social events, CAFCI has a long-running scholarship program that last year helped 11 students and does other outreach to community youth, such as sponsoring a scout troop. Current President Dennis Wright pointed out that CAFCI is engaged in a variety of projects that lead to respect and mutual understanding among all ethnic groups in the community. “We tend to promote projects that are likely to improve the quality of life for the community at large,”Wright said. “Our four main areas of focus right now are: managing MLK Day events for the village, sponsoring Cultural Diversity Day, arranging scholarships for promising students and sponsoring various youth groups.” Since 1993, CAFCI has provided scholarship awards to 221 students totaling more than $225,500. The feedback from many past recipients reflects gratitude for the financial assistance and the invaluable experience gained from

the application and interview processes. While local leaders have nothing but praise for CAFCI, it is also useful to get a feel for the organization through the point of view of newcomers. Burnadetta Fergus arrived in Royal Palm Beach alone and distraught some dozen years ago. In the blink of an eye, her life had been turned upside down by a family tragedy. “I was brand new in town and didn’t know anyone,” she recalled.“I was grieving and telling some of my story to the pharmacist at the Royal Palm Beach Winn-Dixie. As I was leaving the store, a gentleman politely tapped me on the shoulder and said he had overheard my story and that he was part of an organization that might help her.” That was her introduction to CAFCI. “CAFCI changed my life. Not only did they openly welcome me into the community, they took note of my plight and even held a domino tournament as a fundraiser for me,” she said. Fergus remains so thankful to CAFCI, that to this day, she gives back by selling tickets to CAFCI events.

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(Above) Carolyn Hmara, Barry Martin, Rhonda Ferrin-Davis, Dennis Wright, Genieve White, Doreen Baker and Hildreth Brown meet to discuss upcoming CAFCI programs. (Left) Dennis Wright, Carolyn Hmara and Hildreth Brown discuss Relay for Life plans. CAFCI always has a booth at this annual American Cancer Society event.

Lorna Archer Stanley shared with her Royal Palm Beach friends, who were CAFCI members, of her dream of returning to one of the poorest sections of Jamaica and starting a school for underserved youth in a neighborhood called Trenchtown. “CAFCI encouraged me and helped me,” she said. “They were instrumental in helping make my dream a reality.They even gave me $700 back in 1994, which enabled me to kickstart the program using an old, abandoned building for a day school. More than 20 years later, we’ve served a lot of people, and I will never forget CAFCI for encouraging me.” CAFCI founders Rhonda Ferrin-Davis and Junette Powell remain active in the organization.They like the group’s focus on inclusiveness. “One of the biggest attributes of 24

january/february 2022 | royal palm the magazine

CAFCI is how what started out as a small organization became so involved in our community and expanded to not only do things in conjunction with the village, but also expanded to helping our youth and chartering both a Boy Scout troop and a Cub Scout pack in Royal Palm Beach,” Ferrin-Davis said. She is also proud of bringing the MLK Day program to the village and offering other programs to celebrate cultural awareness in the community, not just the Caribbean cultures, but the cultures of all people in the community. The pandemic has made it more challenging for CAFCI to raise funds to support this year’s scholarship effort, and the nonprofit could use some help in that area as well, Powell noted. “Because of the commitment we have made to village youths, we will

continue to pursue every opportunity,” Powell said.“Our children are the future. If anyone is interested in becoming a donor or wishes to provide a scholarship in memory of family members or on behalf of a specific organization, we will be happy to partner with you in that effort.” Wright encouraged all residents of Royal Palm Beach and beyond to get involved with CAFCI. “We want to invite each and every person reading this to check out our web page and come out to one of our events,” Wright said. “Membership is open to everyone, and we would love for you to join us and become active in our organization.” To learn more about CAFCI, visit www.cafcipbc.org or call (561) 7904002.

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royal palm | business

TOP NOTCH SERVICE FOR YOUR CAR

(Above) Royal Palm Auto Spa is owned by brothers Spiro and Jason Nifakos. (Top) The facility is located on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach.

Royal Palm Auto Spa Keeps Vehicles Of All Makes And Models Running Smoothly STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY | PHOTOS BY ABNER PEDRAZA

With decades of experience in automobile repairs, Royal Palm Auto Spa is busy all the time, serving the needs of a growing list of clients all across the area. The family-owned business is currently operated by Jason Nifakos and his brother Spiro Nifakos. However, the family operation was started by their father, Peter, in 1985. In those early years, it was more of a traditional

gas station company with auto repair bays. “We had an Exxon station on Okeechobee Blvd., a couple of Chevrons on Military Trail, a Hess on Military and another station in Hypoluxo,” Jason Nifakos recalled. “Now, we don’t do any gas sales. It’s all repair work.” Calling the business an “auto spa” was an inspiration from across the pond.

“In Europe, they have specialty shops that do rims, turbos and wraps, as well as the more mundane things like oil changes. It’s more like a facelift for your car,” Nifakos said. “That’s how we started out. You would bring in your car looking frumpy and, when it left here, it would look and drive like a brand-new car again.” Today, Royal Palm Auto Spa’s focus is more on car repairs alone. royal palm the magazine | january/february 2022 27

royal palm | business

“Find a shop that you can trust, and when the shop gives you recommendations, do what has been recommended and don’t put it off.” — Jason Nifakos Royal Palm Auto Spa caters to the owners of both foreign and domestic vehicles.

“That type of service — refreshing a car — was how we built the company, but we’ve had to stop doing that,” Nifakos said. “We worked straight through the pandemic and were busy the whole time. Manufacturers are not able to get all the materials they need, so new car prices have gone up 20 to 25 percent. Used car dealers are having trouble getting the parts they need, so used car prices there have gone up 30 to 35 percent. It has made it to where it’s very tough to keep up with the high demand for repairs.” Today’s typical customer needs brake pads, tires, an oil change, a muffler replacement, perhaps much more. “The most common problem we see is a car that won’t start,” Nifakos said. “It either won’t crank at all, or cranks but won’t start.” That’s when it gets towed to Royal Palm Auto Spa. “We focus on keeping them on the road,” Nifakos said. “If a customer does ask to have their car ‘refreshed,’ first, we’d run through it mechanically and fix any problems. If the exterior is great, we wouldn’t do anything. But if the client comes in and the headlights are dingy and the car has scuffs and scrapes, we’d get it running well, then refer it for a wash/wax/compound, or 28

january/february 2022 | royal palm the magazine

send it to the body shop in the plaza right behind us.” Either way, when the car comes back, it’s running smoothly and safely — and looks good, too. Customers can drop their cars off at Royal Palm Auto Spa and pick them up there when all the work has been completed, or they can deal with each aspect of the process on their own. “Some people like to deal with the body shop directly, for instance,” Nifakos said. In addition to repairs, Royal Palm Auto Spa offers tune-ups, wheel alignments, air conditioning services and regularly scheduled maintenance services. The top car suggestion that Nifakos offers is advice that will keep you out of his shop entirely. “Find a shop that you can trust, and when the shop gives you recommendations, do what has been recommended and don’t put it off,” he said. “Find out what your car needs, do it and keep ahead of it. That way, you won’t be calling us a week later because your car broke down.” However, keeping you running at optimum efficiency takes attention and time. “You need to get the oil changed regularly,” Nifakos said. “Worn tires need

to be replaced before they start blowing out. It’s the same with the battery — it has about a two- to three-year life expectancy, then it needs to be replaced. Keep up with that stuff, and you’ll be in good shape.” Royal Palm Auto Spa is located on Southern Blvd. just east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., but there may be more locations coming soon. “Hopefully in Wellington, and maybe further east, in the West Palm Beach area,” Nifakos said. Royal Palm Auto Spa caters to owners of both foreign and domestic vehicles, honors extended warranties, employs a team of ASE-certified mechanics, uses the very latest in diagnostic technology and offers towing services if all else fails. “This ensures that we get right to the problem and get the repair done right, the first time, so you can spend less time in the shop, and more time on the road,” Nifakos said. He is proud that much of his clientele comes through the recommendation of happy customers. “That’s the best thing I can say about our business. People talk about us, and what they say is positive,” Nifakos said. Royal Palm Auto Spa is located at 11503 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 7847116 or visit www.royalpalmautospa. com.

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royal palm | health

LATEST TREATMENTS FOR CATARACTS AND EYE DISEASE Ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Naids Has Joined The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute Team STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY | PHOTOS BY ABNER PEDRAZA

Dr. Steven M. Naids, a highly skilled ophthalmologist with sub-specialty training in cataract surgery and eye disease, has joined the team at the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, which has offices in Wellington, Boynton Beach and Boca Raton. Inspired by his father, Dr. Richard Naids, an ophthalmologist still practicing in New Jersey, Naids was drawn into the medical field. “Growing up, I saw how he would interact with his patients and the joy he brought to their lives, and I found myself wanting to do the same thing. He is my biggest influence,” Naids said. A diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, Naids received his medical degree from the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha national honor medical society. He completed his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and trained at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where his research interest included visual outcomes after cataract and corneal transplantation surgery. Upon relocating to Beverly Hills, California, Naids was named an “LA Top Doctor” and national “Super Doctor.”

He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, where he has received awards for outstanding research. Yet the pull of South Florida was strong, as much of Naids’ family had already made the move. “My family has been in Florida for the past decade,” he said.“I finished my training, went to LA and practiced alongside the top ophthalmologists in world. But with two young kids — and the pandemic — my wife and I realized it was so important to be with our family. So, I brought my family here, and I brought what I’ve learned over the last 10 Ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Naids has relocated from California years of training.” to South Florida, joining the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute. While continuing to focus on comprehensive care of the en- mendously over the last decade,” he said. tire eye, Naids practices the newest “There are a number of amazing techmodalities of cataract and refractive nologies to make surgery easier for pasurgery, as well as corneal transplanta- tients, as well as to provide outcomes that we weren’t capable of obtaining tion. “Cataract surgery has evolved tre- even five years ago.” royal palm the magazine | january/february 2022 31

royal palm | health ery day. Today, cataract surgery has evolved into a refractive procedure, like Lasik. Many patients will enjoy a fuller range of vision after the surgery and may only have to wear reading glasses.” In the case of a corneal transplant, the organ must be replaced with donor tissue. “The cornea is the clear, front covering of the eye that protects the eye from the outside world,” Naids said.“But it is also one of the most important organs of the eye in terms of getting light to where it needs to go.A patient may have a disease of the cornea, or an infection, or have experienced trauma to the cornea that has left it swollen, scarred or irDr. Steven Naids has sub-specialty training in cataract surgery and regular. In order to get eye disease. He also has an interest in cornea transplantation. them better vision, we have to replace tissue in full or in part.” Using a laser at the time of surgery However, doctors have found that is one such evolution, allowing patients only one layer — the innermost — may with astigmatism to obtain some correction during the cataract surgery itself. have to be replaced. “The cornea was Improved lenses for implantation is an- the first organ ever transplanted, and the art has definitely evolved over time,” other scientific advance. “When you have cataract surgery, we Naids said. “Within the last 15 years, remove the natural part of the eye that we’ve been able to do these selective has become cloudy and put in a lens layer corneal transplants, and patient rethat focuses light,” Naids explained.“But covery is much faster.” Naids urged patients with frequent lenses have evolved to the point where we can provide an extended range of vi- dry eye to seek help from an ophthalsion and tailor a patient’s vision to their mologist. It is often much more than an needs. Assuming that the rest of your irritating nuisance. “Dry eye is a multi-factorial disease eye is healthy, with no glaucoma or macular degeneration, you should come out that results from either diminished tear of cataract surgery with the best pos- production or problems with the oil sible vision you’ve ever had. In the old glands in the eyelids. In virtually everydays, we’d put in a lens, but you would body, it’s a combination of both,” said probably still have to wear glasses ev- Naids, who has a specialized interest 32

january/february 2022 | royal palm the magazine

in the management of dry eye disease. “Millions of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with it, and we are probably underdiagnosing. We’ve seen it in people from teens on up. One of the biggest problems with it is that it affects both the patient’s eyesight and quality of life. One could blame it on body and hormonal changes, or on working with computers at home, but, again, in order for you to have your best quality of sight, your eyes can’t be dry. Your vision is affected, and it’s not just uncomfortable. As the day goes on, your vision becomes less clear, and you find yourself blinking to get a good quality image.” Dry eye syndrome is something Naids takes into consideration when a patient comes in to discuss cataract surgery. “The cornea is responsible for focusing light,” he noted.“If your cornea is dry, we won’t be able to accurately hit our targets as far as cataract surgery. We’ve got to get the dry eye under control first, even if it means delaying surgery for a few months. We suggest intense treatment in the beginning, and then decide on the best maintenance for each patient… There are a few excellent prescription eye drops out there that increase tear production, as well as some other anti-inflammatory medications. We treat oil glands with thermal pulsation — like a massage treatment for the eyelids — wait a few months, then proceed with the cataract surgery after we make sure the patient feels better. But dry eye is a chronic issue. If you let up, it will come back.” When he’s not working, Naids enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, playing golf and tennis, and watching his hometown Philadelphia sports teams. The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute is located at 2575 S. State Road 7 in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 792-1205 or visit www. fleyedocs.com.

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royal palm | table

Sample Authentic Vietnamese Comfort Cuisine At Pho 16 In Royal Palm Beach STORY AND PHOTOS BY CALLIE SHARKEY

Finding the best local flavors is more than just a quest for food lovers, it is a way to support local families and experience authentic fare from around the globe. For fans of traditional Vietnamese pho — a light rice noodle in a savory broth — Pho 16 takes this simple concept and delivers an amazing bowl of flavor. Husband and wife owners Kim Hoang and Trung Vo opened Pho 16 in March 2020, taking over for a different Vietnamese restaurant at the same location previously. Over the past two years, they have embraced their local customers and neighbors in Royal Palm Beach as family. “We are so grateful to be here. We were welcomed right away, and they told people to come here, and now we have people who come in four or five times a week,” Hoang said. “Many of my customers are like my friends. They come in and sit down, and I bring what they like without them even having to order.” The menu at Pho 16 offers a variety of options for all preferences, including extensive vegan selections. All the dishes are made from scratch, and patrons can choose their broth (beef, chicken or vegetable), protein and noodle (egg, udon, clear or pho/rice) for the ideal combination. The portions are huge, and be prepared to take some home after filling up.

(Clockwise from top left) The rare beef and brisket pho (#15 on the menu) is both an owner and patron favorite; the popular combo platter (#27) includes Korean short ribs, shrimp, pork, chicken and a beautiful egg along with white rice and Pho 16’s signature dipping sauce; the restaurant is decorated in green with many plants; fresh bean sprouts and more come with every bowl of pho; the chicken eggrolls (#1 on the menu) are flavorful, served with a sweet and sour sauce; and Thai milk tea (#43 on the menu) paired with the rare steak pho. royal palm the magazine | january/february 2022 35

Pho 16 Royal Palm Beach’s husband and wife owners Trung Vo and Kim Hoang.

“One of our most popular dishes is the rare beef and brisket pho, or the vegan pho,” Vo said. “We simmer the broth for nine hours, so the flavors are very good — not too salty and very healthy.” The taste-tempting smell is amazing and noticeable the moment guests walk inside.

Pho is unique compared to other soups in that the boiling broth cooks the protein when served, making the dish as fresh as possible. All pho dishes are also served with accompanying vegetables, such as bean sprouts, on the side to make for a nice crunch, adding to the different textures that merge together in one bowl.

“In Vietnam, I used to cook for my family,” Vo said. “When I came here, I used to always like the pho. I enjoy the cooking and sharing. I have my wife here, and now she is stuck with me.” Despite opening during a difficult time, Hoang and Vo are pleased to build a business and raise two young children in Royal Palm Beach. “We are closed every Tuesday for a family day,” Hoang explained. “Family is a priority, and it’s about how you are happy in your life.” The clean and bright atmosphere of Pho 16 is evidence of a hard-working family that cares about its customers like family. If you are not in the mood for pho, other popular menu items include the Korean barbecue short ribs and combo rice platters. Don’t forget to refresh with ice cold milk teas. The sweet and colorful Thai tea is orange, and the taro milk tea is a lavender shade of purple.

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royal palm | table Both will clear your palate and keep a spring in your step. Pho 16 is a family restaurant built on providing comfortable food in a comfortable atmosphere. The couple first met at school in Vietnam and later joined each other here in the United States. Vo is originally from Bên Tre Province in the Mekong Delta area of southern Vietnam, and Hoang is more of a city girl from the Saigon area. They found each other again at Hoang’s brother-in-law and sister’s Pho 16 restaurant in West Palm Beach. If you want to come across as an expert, you might want to know how to order this unique Vietnamese soup dish. While it is spelled “pho,” it is most commonly pronounced as “fuh.” However, some pronounce the soup as “foe.” Which one is correct? Huang has the answer. “Depending on where you are in my country, you pronounce it differently,” she said.

Pho 16 has plenty of convenient indoor seating, and also offers food to go and for delivery.

No matter how you pronounce this unique Vietnamese dish, the team Pho 16 will be ready to serve, as well as offer suggestions for newcomers to Vietnamese cuisine. Pho 16 is located in Crestwood Square at 11963 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Monday

from 10 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. for dine-in, carry out and delivery. For more information, or to place an order, call (561) 249-3733. Delivery service is offered through Uber Eats and Delivery Dudes. The restaurant is also on social media @pho16_royalpalm on Instagram and Pho16 Royal Palm on Facebook.

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royal palm | today

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS You May Not Know What GIS Is, But It Will Help You As A Resident Of Royal Palm Beach BY ELLIOT COHEN

Turn to the person next to you and ask them, “Do you know what GIS stands for?” If, by chance, that person is a world traveler, they may know that GIS is the airport code for Gisborne, New Zealand. Perhaps, since we are in South Florida, there could be a chance they know that GIS also stands for the Green Iguana Society. (Yes, it’s a real thing.We checked!) Of course, neither of these answers has anything to do with helping you as resident of the Village of Royal Palm Beach. The most relevant answer to the question is that GIS stands for Geo-

graphic Information Systems.This is the system used by the Village of Royal Palm Beach to accurately map the entire village, down to the smallest detail. The village’s GIS division provides data collection, map creation, disaster and recovery planning, and in-house training on database and software usage. GIS data is accessible to the public on the village’s web site. But how can GIS data help you? There are many answers to that question. Let’s suppose you are shopping for a new insurance policy for your home.

Your broker asks if your home is in a flood zone. The answer could determine whether you will pay more or less for your homeowner’s insurance. By using the village’s GIS Federal Emergency Management Agency flood map, you can zoom down to your specific house and see if it is included in any type of flood zone. Need another example? How many times have you driven down a village roadway and the shock absorbers in your car told you that the road probably should be resurfaced? royal palm the magazine | january/february 2022 39

While most of the village’s roadways are actually in great condition, the village does have a schedule it follows to resurface many of the roads over the

next 24 years. How would you be able to learn when the roads in your neighborhood are scheduled for resurfacing? The answer is GIS!

The village has a GIS map on its web site showing the roadways that will be resurfaced this year, and in future years. The plan extends out to the year 2046. With GIS, you can zoom in and drill down to your specific neighborhood or your route to work and see the plan. If you enjoy riding your bicycle in the village, but need to know the best routes, GIS can help with that, too.You can pull up a map of the entire village with colorcoded bike and pedestrian paths corresponding to the village’s Bike and Pedestrian Comprehensive Plan. According to Nobel Systems, a firm that works with local governments to create resident-friendly GIS applications,“Geographic Information Systems are powerful decision-making tools for any business or industry, since it allows the analyzation of environmental, demographic and topographic data. Data intelligence compiled from GIS applications help companies and various in-

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royal palm | today dustries, and consumers, make informed decisions.” The Village of Royal Palm Beach is already ahead of the curve when it comes to using GIS data to assist residents. From garbage collection days to land zoning, you can easily access information down to your exact street address. One of Royal Palm Beach’s most popular GIS programs is the Capital Improvement Project Tracking Map (CIPTM). Each year, the village spends almost $25 million on various capital improvement projects. Public transparency concerning how those dollars are spent is a top priority for village leadership. If you visit the CIPTM, you will see projects broken down into several categories, including those currently in the design phase, those currently under construction and those recently completed. The CIPTM is one of the more dynamic uses of GIS technology in the village. The possible uses of GIS technology

are as limitless as the number of ways residents would want to access locationspecific data about the village. All these GIS maps can be found on the village’s

web site at www.royalpalmbeach.com. Simply look for the Engineering Department’s GIS Engineering tab under the department menu on the home page.

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SEE s Trio m Tilli The Pa 4, 2022 March

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