ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – July/August 2023

Florida Eye Welcomes

Jonathan Lam, M.D.

Laser Cataract Surgery & Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Florida Eye is excited to announce Dr. Lam is now seeing patients at our newest office, located on the campus of Bethesda West Hospital in West Boynton Beach.*

Please call our office for more information and to book appointments. 561.737.5500 *Our new location is at the corner of State Road 7 & Boynton Beach Blvd, Suite 240.

EYE CARE for the Entire Family

• Laser Cataract Surgery

• Refractive Laser Surgery

• Medical & Surgical Retina

(Macular Degeneration/Diabetic Retinopathy)

• Medical & Surgical Cornea & Glaucoma

• Advanced Dry Eye Care and Treatment

• Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus

• Eye Allergy Treatments

• Clinical Trials

Lee Friedman, M.D.

Randy Katz, M.D.

Barry Schechter, M.D., F.A.A.O.

Jonathan Criss, M.D.

Megan Rowlands, M.D., M.P.H.

Steven Naids, M.D.

Jonathan Lam, M.D, M.B.A.

James Walsh, O.D.

executive editor

Joshua I. Manning publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer

Stephanie Rodriguez

graphic designers

Nancy Pobiak

Yolanda Cernicky

account managers

Betty Buglio

Evie Edwards

Joetta Palumbo

bookkeeping

Jill Kaskel

Carol Lieberman

photography

Abner Pedraza

contributors

Meredith Burow

Erin Davisson

Denise Fleischman

Frank Koester

Melanie Kopacz

Mike May

Callie Sharkey

Julie Unger

Features

CRESTWOOD’S COUNTY CHAMPIONS: TEAM WINS THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Crestwood Middle School’s boys varsity basketball team from Royal Palm Beach had a better season this year than the Miami Heat. While both teams made it to their respective championship finals, only the Crestwood Eagles were able to walk away winners. BY

MIKE MAY

from the publisher

BUCKEYE

PLUMBING: FOUR DECADES OF

SUPERIOR SERVICE

It’s time to cut the cake and break out the champagne. Buckeye Plumbing is celebrating its 40th anniversary serving clients in the western communities and beyond. BY MIKE MAY

Departments

ROYAL PALM TABLE

Convenience merges with healthy eating at budget-friendly Ideal Nutrition, which recently opened a storefront in Wellington serving perfectly portioned, delicious meals.

BY CALLIE SHARKEY

ROYAL PALM TODAY

Attention all shutterbugs: It’s time to unleash your creativity and showcase your talent in the first Village of Royal Palm Beach photo contest, “Picture a Place You Call Home: Photo Contest 2023.” Meanwhile, it’s hurricane season. Are you and your property prepared for a storm?

On our cover this issue, accompanied by a feature story inside, we profile the amazing boys basketball team from Royal Palm Beach’s Crestwood Middle School. Not only did the Eagles win the Palm Beach County Middle School Boys Basketball Championship this year, but the team won all 10 regular season games and three playoff games for a perfect 13-0 record. Also in this issue, we salute Buckeye Plumbing, a longtime Royal Palm Beach business now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Since 1983, this local success story has grown from two people and two trucks to a huge staff and a fleet of 70 trucks. Founders Kevin and Cindy Gillum are proud of their company’s reputation for superior service.

Royal Palm Table visits the new local storefront location of Ideal Nutrition, a unique concept that joins healthy eating with budget-friendly convenience. Royal Palm Today invites residents to participate in an exciting contest sponsored by the Village of Royal Palm Beach. If you are an amateur shutterbug or a seasoned photographer, you can submit your best photos taken in the village for a chance to be included in Royal Palm Beach’s upcoming 2024 calendar. Meanwhile, it is hurricane season, and the Village of Royal Palm Beach can help you determine your property’s flood zone status and make suggestions to protect yourself in the event of a storm.

As the hot summer months draw to a close, we hope you’ve managed to keep cool and find time to relax here in this community we all love.

Dawn Rivera

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

Fairgrounds Graduation Ceremony Salutes The Class Of 2023

NRI Institute Of Health Sciences Holds Graduation Ceremony

RPB Rotary Holds 33rd Awards Dinner & Induction Ceremony

Royal Palm Beach Seniors Relive Their Youth At ‘Senior Prom’ CAFCI Holds Its Annual Student Assistance Award Ceremony

The Crestwood Middle School boys basketball team, featured this issue, celebrates their big victory in the countywide competition.

FAIRGROUNDS GRADUATION CEREMONY SALUTES THE CLASS OF 2023

Royal Palm Beach High School held its commencement ceremony Wednesday, May 24 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. More than 550 Wildcat seniors became Wildcat graduates at a celebration of their successes. The event included speeches by Principal Michelle Fleming, Superintendent Michael Burke, Valedictorian Alexander Casal and Salutatorian Sara Dominguez-Perez. Student Council President Javier Rivas led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Senior Class President Rayna Forist led the Turning of the Tassel.

(Left to right) Marine Gunnery Sgt. Mujica, JROTC member Emalee Berrios, JROTC member Lilyan Moran and Marine Staff Sgt. Isajiw; Superintendent Michael Burke delivers his commencement message; Valedictorian Alexander Casal addresses his classmates; the RPBHS symphonic band under the direction of Benjamin Eubank; and Marlon Zazo, graduate Jessica Penton and Yaquelin Gonzalez.

(Left) Valedictorian Alexander Casal and Salutatorian Sara Dominguez-Perez.

(Right) School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Instructional Superintendent Karen Whetsell, Principal Michelle Fleming, Superintendent Michael Burke, Royal Palm Beach Councilman Jeff Hmara and Regional Superintendent Valerie Zuloaga-Haines.

(Left to right) Adrienne Nichols with graduate Ryan Dover; graduate Melanie Cabrera celebrates with her family; graduate Samuel Dorcelus-Cetoute with his family; and graduate Joshua Forbes surrounded by his family.

(Left to right) Paul Sutton, Joseline Rey, graduate Faith Rey and Michael Coker; Fernando Casal, RPBHS Valedictorian Alexander Casal, Anna Casal and Giovani Casal; Omaelle Michel celebrates her graduation with her family; RPBHS graduates Tyler Thomas, Chris “Glacier” St-Juste, Joey Gabriel and Samuel Dorcelus-Cetoute; and graduates Payton Hinz and Chloe Carpenter.

(Left to right) Graduate Peyton Parajon and family; graduates Jacob Ramp and Valeria Martinez with their families; graduate Yazen Al-Masoodi with her family; and VIPs surround Principal Michelle Fleming (center).

NRI INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCES HOLDS GRADUATION CEREMONY

The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held its 10th commencement on Thursday, June 8 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. A total of 30 nursing graduates received their degrees. M. Daniel Splain served as master of ceremonies, and Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto delivered welcome remarks. The new nurses received their degrees from Dr. Elizabeth Stolkowski, and Dr. Mary Jean Duthie presented their pins. Dr. Barbara Miller administered the Nightingale Pledge to the new nurses. At the ceremony, Jess Santamaria was presented with the Founders’ Award for his contributions to education and society during his lengthy public service career.

(Left to right) Faculty members Ellen Steinberg, Alona Basilan, Marcia Ridgell, Dr. Barbara Miller, Hans Meyer, M.J. Duthie, Chriss Kloba and Elizabeth Stolkowski; VIPs Jeff Hmara, Dr. Joseph Kloba, Dante Tolbert, Rachel Desir-Francoise and Mayor Fred Pinto; Jess Santamaria (center) receives an award for his years of service from NRI’s Elizabeth Stolkowski and Dan Splain; and Elizabeth Stolkowski, Rachel Desir-Francoise and Stravinsky Francoise.

The graduates and faculty members gather for a group photo.

(Left to right) Elizabeth Stolkowski, graduate Dennisha Jackson and Aniyah Adams; mom Araceis Castilo, graduate Jaclissa Reyes with daughter Aleia Marrero and cousin Kamila Owens; graduate Andres Rojas, Janai Manzur with baby Ruby Rojas; Lovely Demosthenes with graduate Filencia Demosthenes; and graduate Dennisha Jackson with her family.

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its 33rd annual Awards Dinner & Induction Ceremony for 2023-24 officers on Friday, June 2 at Hilary’s Restaurant. Outgoing President Romeo Siquijor passed the gavel to incoming President Chris Durham. Award winners included Ray Ahmed with the Mother Earth/Green Award, Carlos Pino with the Rookie Rotarian of the Year Award, Joan Scherer as Rotarian of the Year, and Service Above Self awards to Chris Durham, Chris Harris and Diane Smith.

Our goal at Shults Orthodontics is to help our patients achieve more attractive and healthier smiles with minimal discomfort and inconvenience. We are committed to serving you and your children efficiently in our comfortable family-centered practice in Wellington, Florida.

(Left to right) Carlos Pino, Lynn Balch, Chris Durham, Eric Gordon, Romeo Siquijor, Dr. Sarda Bhandary, Steve Epstein and Jeff Hmara; Outgoing President Romeo Siquijor passes the gavel to incoming President Chris Durham; Lynn Balch, Eric Gordon, Adam Jordano and Keith Jordano; and Mavel Gomez, Romeo Siquijor, Sara and Chris Durham, and Steve Epstein.

(Left to right) Dr. Bruce and Lisa Elkind with Lynn and Sally Balch; Jeff and Carolyn Hmara with Lalita and Dr. Sarda Bhandar; Andre Blackwood, Opal Johnson, and Tammy and Dr. Randall Dugal; and Romeo Siquijor with award winners Joan Scherer, Ray Ahmed, Carlos Pino and Chris Durham.

Royal Palm Beach seniors relived their youth at a “Senior Prom” held Friday, May 26 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Attendees were dressed to the nines and enjoyed a buffet dinner, door prizes and dancing to the oldies.

(Left to right) Barbara Searls, Patty McFarland, Jenny Lopez, Charla Colburn, Ann Hardin and Pat LaValley; Argentina Batista, Hilary Varlack and Maria Gonzalez; Marie Sanfield with Angel and Jose De La Torre; and Andres Palacio and Linda Catron.

(Left to right) Jonni Holybee, Sabrina Zeller, Maggie Zeller and Arlene Morosco of Prominence

Medicare Advantage Insurance; 100-year-old Angelina Dawkins with Vinette Tracey; Shakeera Thomas, Councilwoman Selena Samios and Miranda Russell; Prom King Michael Gerson and Prom Queen Ellie Gerson, along with Prom King Ferdinand Hinds and Prom Queen Fredericka Nelson; and Carolyn and Councilman Jeff Hmara.

PHOTOS

CAFCI HOLDS ITS ANNUAL STUDENT ASSISTANCE AWARD CEREMONY

CAFCI held its 30th annual Student Assistance Award ceremony on Saturday, June 17. The award ceremony featured 2016 award recipient Ijahala Pottinger as keynote speaker, with an inspiring message for this year’s recipients. At the event, CAFCI congratulated this year’s eight recipients: Jada Appolon (Florida Memorial University), Ryan Rose (Drexel University), Marlena Hutchinson (University of Florida), Ethan Elliott (University of Florida), Marisha Civil (University of South Florida), Shia Rozier (North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University), Miguel Benavente (Florida Atlantic University) and Christy Pierre Louis (University of South Florida). For more information about CAFCI, visit www.cafcipbc.org.

(Left to right) Ryan Rose plays the national anthem on his cello; RPB Councilman Richard Valuntas, Councilwoman Selena Samios, Mayor Fred Pinto, Nadine White-Boyd, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Councilman Jeff Hmara and Port Commissioner Deandre Poole; and students Miguel Benavente, Ethan Elliott, Marlena Hutchison, Shia Rozier, Jada Appolon and Ryan Rose.

(Left to right) Committee members Leonie Escoffery, Doreen Baker, Nadine White-Boyd, Norma Smith Hill, Doreen Grayson and Lavern Blackwood; Jess & Victoria Santamaria Award winner Miguel Benavente with Chris Santamaria; Doreen Baker, guest speaker Ijahala Pottinger and Nadine White-Boyd; and Doreen Grayson, Nadine White-Boyd, students Christy Pierre Louis and Marisha Civil, Doreen Baker and Norma Smith Hill.

The Crestwood Middle School boys basketball team celebrates its championship victory.

CRESTWOOD’S COUNTY CHAMPIONS

Team From RPB School Wins The Middle School Boys Basketball Championship

BY MIKE MAY

The Crestwood Middle School’s boys varsity basketball team from Royal Palm Beach had a better season this year than the Miami Heat. While both teams made it to their respective championship finals, only the Crestwood Eagles were able to walk away as champions. Not only did the Eagles win the Palm Beach County Middle School Boys Basketball Championship this year, but the team won all 10 regular season games and three playoff games for a perfect 13-0 record.

As expected, the final three playoff games were competitive. As the No. 1 overall seed, Crestwood received a firstround bye. One of the benefits of being the top seed in the postseason tournament was the chance to play all games on its home court. But Crestwood’s gym was under renovation, so the team had to play at the nearby Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center.

On Thursday, March 31, in a quarterfinal clash, the Eagles defeated Roosevelt Middle School, 56-40. On Tuesday, April 4, Crestwood faced Bear Lakes Middle School in the semifinal,

coming away with a narrower 42-39 victory. That propelled Crestwood into the championship game against Eagles Landing Middle School from Boca Raton. The game was played on Tuesday, April 11. It was a close game from the outset. Crestwood took an early lead but trailed for most of the game — until the final seconds of the fourth quarter.

It was a game where Crestwood kept it close and took the lead at just the right time.

“We scored the first basket of the game, and we then trailed until the very end,” Crestwood head coach Tim Hegarty said. “We finally took the lead for good with less than a minute to go in the game, when Ja’Quan Johnson made four free throws. Just before that, with 60 seconds left in the championship game and trailing by four, David Alexis made a big three-pointer from the corner. It was the shot of the year.”

When the final buzzer sounded, Crestwood had won by a score of 46-43. It was the first-ever county basketball title in school history.

According to Hegarty, this year’s team, featuring 11 eighth graders and one seventh grader, may not have been his most talented team, but it was certainly his most united squad.

“We had a talented team, and all 12 players bonded very well together,” Hegarty said. “There were no egos on the team, and all the players truly enjoyed hanging out together off the court. We had a close-knit group of players. They were very supportive of one another during games and in practice.”

For Hegarty, it’s a team and a season that he will never forget.

“This was my most rewarding season ever as a coach,” said Hegarty, who just completed his third year as the team’s head coach. “All our players had great attitudes.”

Hegarty’s starters was a group where all five players could safely control, catch, pass and dribble the basketball.

Those starters were point guard Ja’Quan Johnson, shooting guard Jeremiah Neath, small forward Xavier Police, power forward Michael Chambers and center David Alexis.

As a point-scoring point guard, Johnson was the team leader on the court.

“Ja’Quan had no ego, was humble, and worked hard in every practice and every game,” Hegarty said. “He also was a good passer who led the team in assists. He was very popular with his teammates.”

Johnson is so popular with his teammates that he was lifted up on their shoulders while he held the team’s championship trophy following their big win.

“In our last two games of the playoffs, Ja’Quan made four free throws in each game to win those games for us,” Hegarty said.

Neath’s big role was to stop the opposition.

“Jeremiah was our top lock-down defender,” Hegarty said. “I would assign Jeremiah to cover the opponent’s top guard.”

Hegarty considers Police as possibly his best all-around player.

“Xavier can run, defend, rebound, pass and shoot very well,” Hegarty said. “He can do it all.”

One of Chambers’ strengths was his ability to score points.

“Michael was the MVP of the championship game, where he scored 16 points,” Hegarty said.

As the team’s center, Alexis’ job was to clog the lane with his size, block shots and score on occasion. “David is really a big guard,” Hegarty said.

The other members of the team are Guervinsly Pierre, Oriean Eells, Ethan Desarmes, Christopher Jones, Treven Tipton, Jordan Philistin and Ashton Fountain. Each of those players contributed to their team’s overall success.

“Guervinsly is new to basketball. He was our main shot blocker and is now playing travel basketball,” Hegarty said. “Oriean grabbed rebounds and played great defense for us. Ethan is a talented small forward who will be a good high school player. Chris is a great power forward whose playing time was limited by injuries this season. Treven was our backup point guard. He would have started for most middle school teams in the county. Jordan was our inspirational

leader. When he spoke, his teammates listened. Our nickname for Ashton is ‘big fundamental.’ He was the only seventh grader on the team. His fundamentals are excellent. He will be a big part of the basketball team next season.”

Of the starting five, three of them — Johnson, Police and Chambers — were rewarded for their season-long play by being named as all-star/all-county selections.

To celebrate the basketball team’s success, Crestwood honored the players at school in mid-April, soon after the championship game victory. But there wasn’t much time to do anything else because most of the players were competing on Crestwood’s track team this spring. Crestwood’s boys track team also won the Palm Beach County Middle School Track & Field Championship held in May.

“After track season, all the players gathered for a pizza party, watched a replay of the game, which is posted on YouTube, and then did what basketball players do — they played an intrasquad game on the new court at their school,” Hegarty said.

As for next year, the 11 eighth graders on the team will transition to high school. Hegarty is leaving Crestwood, where he also teaches algebra. He will be teaching and coaching basketball at Conniston Middle School in West Palm Beach.

However, there is one more scheduled group celebration at Crestwood.

“Championship rings have been ordered. They will be presented to the members of this year’s team during the next school year, probably in September,” Hegarty said. “Everybody will come back to Crestwood for one final celebration.”

Ja’Quan Johnson (with the ball) and teammate Michael Chambers (right) setting a pick.

“We had a talented team, and all 12 players bonded very well together.”

— Coach Tim Hegarty

The evolution of MRI

a weight-bearing MRI reveals vs. a Supine MRI

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.

More Detail, Better Accuracy, Greater Confidence

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: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis

G-scan Brio offers a revolutionary MRI approach that increases diagnostic accuracy and confidence for musculoskeletal applications.

For your Safety: Our facility has installed three Bipolar Ionization Air Purification Systems that eliminates bacteria and viruses. The same system used on airplanes.

What

G-Scan - Anterolistesis

G-Scan - Disc Modification Cervical scan

40 YEARS OF SUPERIOR SERVICE

Buckeye Plumbing Marks Four Decades Serving The Western Communities And Beyond

It’s time to cut the cake and break out the champagne. Buckeye Plumbing is celebrating its 40th anniversary serving clients in the western communities and beyond.

If you look at how this longtime Royal Palm Beach-based business has grown in the last 40 years, the changes have been meteoric.

“In 1983, we started with two people and two trucks,” recalled Cindy Gillum, lead administrator at Buckeye Plumbing and wife of the founder and president,

Kevin Gillum. “At first, we just worked on plumbing jobs associated with new construction. Now, we have a fleet of 70 trucks.”

While Buckeye Plumbing now has many plumbers on staff, the expansion has been pragmatic and calculated.

“We won’t hire a plumber to visit a customer’s home who we would not be comfortable making a repair in our own home,” Cindy said.

On a day-to-day basis, Kevin operates the business side of the operation,

STORY BY MIKE MAY | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

Kevin Gillum and Cindy Gillum, founders of Buckeye Plumbing.

Buckeye Plumbing staff members.

while Cindy oversees human resources, insurances, marketing, social media and the computer systems.

While Kevin and Cindy remain involved in running the company’s daily affairs, they have help from their nowexpanded family. Daughters Jennifer and Sara are on the payroll.

“Jennifer manages water services, and Sara works in human resources,” Cindy said. “Sara’s husband Casey is a manager who has worked here for 23 years.”

A third daughter, Kimberly, used to work for Buckeye Plumbing, but she’s now a teacher. A fourth daughter, Melanie, is married and lives in Orlando. She also started her career at Buckeye Plumbing.

Not surprisingly, there have been a few employees who have worked for Buckeye Plumbing for 30-plus years. Two of the longest-serving employees are Ron Quintal, who has worked at the firm for more than 35 years, and Calvin Haylas, who has been at Buckeye Plumbing for more than 30 years.

Over the past four decades, the folks at Buckeye Plumbing have worked hard to become known across the region as experienced plumbing experts committed to maintaining a rock-solid reputation. More than 80 percent of its business is returning customers and referrals.

“We really do care about each client,”

Cindy said. “We are committed to taking care of people. We want our customers to call us the next time.”

As for the company’s name, it’s connected with Kevin and Cindy Gillum’s roots in the Buckeye State. “We are both from Ohio, specifically Brunswick,

If you need a plumbing specialist for general plumbing issues, water filtration issues or backflow issues, Buckeye Plumbing is ready to respond, repair or replace. Its team of plumbers is available 24/7/365.

“We will respond at any time if there is a true emergency, such as no water in the home or a home without a working toilet,” Cindy said.

If your home has no water on Christmas morning, Buckeye Plumbing is ready. If there’s a plumbing emergency on New Year’s Eve, Buckeye Plumbing can get the problem solved before the ball drops. “We have had to respond to those kinds of emergencies in the past,” Cindy said.

Top-notch service is all part of the Buckeye Plumbing experience.

which is just south of Cleveland,” Cindy said.

The both graduated from high school in 1978, got married in 1980 and moved to South Florida in 1981, where Kevin started working for Seppala & Aho, a Canadian-owned construction company operating out of Lantana. Before too long, Kevin decided to go out on his own and formed his plumbing company.

“Our technicians are fully prepared and trained, our trucks are fully stocked with all the necessary parts and supplies, and our office staff is experienced to handle any client’s plumbing emergency,” Cindy said. “Although times, technology and the trade have changed, Buckeye Plumbing has continued to evolve through the years. We provide up-to-date services and techniques that assist our customers with today’s demands and challenges.”

While Buckeye Plumbing is based just off State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach,

“We are committed to taking care of people. We want our customers to call us the next time.”

— Cindy Gillum

(Left) Buckeye’s commercial trucks can be seen all over the western communities. (Right) Warehouse Manager Luis Trujillo moves merchandise with a forklift.

the company has clients throughout the region — across Palm Beach County and into northern Broward, and north into Martin and St. Lucies counties. A quick analysis of Google reviews contains a series of testimonials from clients that are indebted to Buckeye Plumbing’s highly rated professional services.

While Buckeye Plumbing is a forprofit entity, the company is well aware of the costs of its services. In order to provide some cost savings to customers, there is a section on its web site that provides a discount coupon for the next time you call for plumbing help.

Buckeye Plumbing is also a big supporter of local charities and nonprofit causes in Palm Beach County.

“We support local food banks, homeless programs, Habitat for Humanity, Urban Youth and local high school graduation programs,” Cindy said. “We sup-

port community programs because we are part of the community.”

As for the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations, Buckeye Plumbing hosted a company picnic at the Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach in mid-June for its employees and their families. And a fourhour cruise is planned for December, which will travel up and down the Intracoastal Waterway near Delray Beach. But don’t worry. Even if you call during

the cruise, Buckeye Plumbing will still be ready to help a customer in need.

“There are always people who won’t be on the cruise, so they volunteer to be available to respond to a plumbing emergency,” Cindy said.

Buckeye Plumbing is located at 310 Business Park Way in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 2825393, e-mail service@callbuckeye.com or visit www.buckeyeplmg.com.

Purchaser Jan Neeley and Warehouse Manager Luis Trujillo move a water heater.

Celebrate Summer!

PERFECTLY PORTIONED, DELICIOUS MEALS

Convenience Merges With Healthy Eating At Budget-Friendly Ideal Nutrition

BY CALLIE SHARKEY

Eating healthier is a common goal — for parents trying to juggle busy schedules with healthy food habits, and for adults trying to lose weight or keep to dietary restrictions. Sometimes, these challenges leave us rushing around and settling for whatever food we can find, which is often fast and less than healthy.

But a City of West Palm Beach police officer named Wolfgang Brunet set out to change the way people eat, recently opening a new Ideal Nutrition storefront in the western communities, one of five operated by Brunet’s company.

“During my law enforcement career, I worked long hours and found it

very difficult to prepare healthy meals at home. Other police officers shared this frustration with me. I knew there had to be a better way, so I opened a small kitchen in West Palm Beach and started making fully prepared meals with fresh, locally sourced ingredients,” said Brunet, CEO and founder of Ideal Nutrition. “This idea blossomed into what Ideal Nutrition is today. Making life healthier and more convenient for other people is the greatest joy for me.”

While you may have seen Ideal Nutrition delivery vans around — they currently deliver from Vero Beach to Miami — this is no ordinary meal service. Each meal is perfectly portioned as a single

serving for only $7.70 per meal. One price, no matter the meal, and you don’t have to be a subscriber.

“Our meals are never frozen — that is a big staple in our company. The meals are not all pure protein and vegetable, some have a delicious starch on the side, but it’s all balanced and already portioned so you’re not going to overeat,” Ideal Nutrition Marketing Director Dena Chislak said. “I eat the food every day. The Chicken Cordon Bleu is probably my favorite. When you cut into it, it’s cheesy but not too much. It already has your vegetable, your starch, and you’re done. I don’t have to worry about anything else. It’s so delicious.”

(Left) The Steak Fajitas with Avocado Cream Sauce includes strips of marinated beef steak and tender veggies served with yellow cilantro rice and fresh guacamole. (Top, left to right) The Pollo Italiano over Lemon Spaghetti features chicken breast seasoned with Italian spices, served over spaghetti with a hint of lemon; the Keto Shepherd’s Pie is low-carb with cauliflower, ground beef, veggies and more; the Parmesan Herb-Crusted Salmon is a tender salmon fillet coated with Dijon mustard, crusted in Parmesan, panko and fresh herbs, served with mashed potatoes and asparagus; the Ideal Protein Breakfast has scrambled eggs with fluffy pancakes loaded with protein and chocolate chips; the Vegetarian Lemon Ricotta Farfalle features farfalle pasta with spinach, made with locally sourced ingredients and served with pico de gallo; the Paleo Korean BBQ Chicken Meatballs have sweet and savory flavors, served over bok choy, peppers, light soy sauce, sesame seeds and green onions; and the Baked Chicken Parmigiana includes chicken breast lightly coated with breading and spices, topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce, accompanied by penne.

Brunet’s kitchen opened in 2016 and was intended as a meal delivery service. Now, Ideal Nutrition has a 43,000-square-foot kitchen where all meals are carefully and safely prepared and packaged for delivery to the five stores, or directly to customers’ homes.

“Consistency is the key: high quality, fresh food that is already prepared for you,” Brunet said. “The work is done for you. Life can be so much easier when cooking is taken care of and there’s no cleaning up. I believe everyone should be able to afford that luxury, and now they can.”

Brunet likes to keep his Florida company supporting Florida by using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. For this reason, the menu rotates several meals each week.

“We like to keep all the traditional dishes for people who count on those, but there is always something new and

WEEKLY EVENTS

(Above) Ideal Nutrition’s store locations include display cases with freshly packed, perfectly portioned meals at a low price. (Inset) The store in the western communities is located in the Pointe at Wellington Green near LA Fitness. The meals can also be delivered directly to your home.

exciting. A lot of the menu is based on what is local and what is easily available right here. We don’t like to haul food in from outside Florida,” Chislak said. “For the first time, we are making these overnight oats as a meal because it has become a hit lately, and I think people appreciate having options. It doesn’t matter if you are paleo, keto, vegan — we have everything, so that goes back to the convenience factor.”

Chislak recommends anyone looking to try out Ideal Nutrition to visit online and check out the menu, and feel free to call the store in Wellington to order or see what is in stock. Don’t want delivery? That is why the storefront exists, and curbside pickup is available for those in a hurry.

“Just take the meals from the bag to the fridge, and you’re done. Put it in your microwave or air fryer, and in two or three minutes, you’re good to go. Un-

less it is one of the wraps or muffins, which you can eat right away or put it in the fridge for later,” Chislak said. “The containers are 100 percent recyclable and BPA free.”

A mother herself, Chislak is thrilled that her children not only eat healthy food but can also hit the fridge and eat what they want because they love the meals.

“My seven-year-old is one extremely picky eater, so I think she is the best endorsement I could make,” Chislak said.

She used to have a subscription to another popular meal service, but she still had to prep, cook and clean. When Chislak crunched the numbers, it was more expensive than if she went to the grocery store in person. “Now, the price is so affordable, and I love telling people about it,” she said. “It’s healthy and you can afford it. It’s cheaper than getting fast food from the drive through!”

Be on the lookout for Ideal Nutrition at community events, especially ones that involve first responders and the Police Athletic League, including camps for kids. One of the company’s newest partners is the local nonprofit Little Smiles.

Not sure what to try first? Check out Brunet’s favorite, No. 18, the Paleo Grilled Chicken and Sweet Potato Mash, which is gluten-free and often tops the list of favorites.

Ideal Nutrition’s nearest store is located at 10160 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite C-160, near LA Fitness in the Pointe at Wellington Green. You can visit www. idealnutritionnow.com to see the current menu or call the store at (561) 990-2160. For more information, there is a live chat feature on the web site, e-mail support@ idealnutritionnow.com or call (888) 5572018. Call center hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays.

Claudia Diesti

Monica Diesti World Educated Stylists Board Certified Hair Colorist

Julie Thornburg, APRN | Vincent Apicella, DO, President & Founder | Sonya Jackson, APRN | Teresita Brunner, APRN

Premier Family Health is expanding our provider network and is excited to welcome Julie Thornburg, APRN; Sonya Jackson Simmons, APRN; and Teresita Brunner, APRN to the team.

CAPTURE THE BEAUTY OF ROYAL PALM BEACH

Residents Are Invited To Join In The Village’s First-Ever Photo Contest

Attention all shutterbugs and visual storytellers! It’s time to unleash your creativity and showcase your talent in the first Village of Royal Palm Beach photo contest, “Picture a Place You Call Home: Photo Contest 2023.”

Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a seasoned pro, the village wants to see your photos. Grab your cameras, unleash your imagination and get ready to capture breathtaking moments that will leave a lasting impression.

This photo contest serves as a platform for photographers from all walks of life to express their unique perspectives and narratives. Regardless of your

preferred genre — landscape, wildlife, portrait, street photography or beyond — the competition celebrates the diverse beauty and power of visual storytelling.

First, second and third-place winners will each receive a gift card — $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third, sponsored by Tara Vernie, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty. In addition to the gift cards, the winners will also have their photos displayed in the new Village Hall for the period of one year. As an added incentive, the first-place photo will be featured on the cover of

the 2024 village calendar. Second and third places, along with 10 additional photos, will be featured inside the calendar as well.

To participate, submit your highresolution JPG, JPEG or PNG image using the official submission form (link below). If the photo is taken with a cell phone, be sure to submit it in its actual size. Include the contestant/photographer’s name, location where the photo was taken within Royal Palm Beach village limits, the photo title, and a current e-mail address and phone number. The submission period opened June 12 and continues through Oct. 31.

For full contest details and rules, as well as the submission form, visit

BE PREPARED FOR A STORM

It’s hurricane season! Are you prepared? Call the Village of Royal Palm Beach’s Engineering Department at (561) 790-2612 for access to FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and elevation certificates on file for the village, and to learn if a property is in a special flood hazard area, and if it may be affected by local drainage problems or is in an area that has previously had flooding problems. You can also see if your property is located near an area that should be protected because of its natural floodplain functions. Check your flood zone using the interactive map at www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov/floodlookup.

Protect Your Property

There are practical and cost-effective methods for reducing or eliminating your property’s exposure to flooding:

• Electrical panel boxes, air conditioning condensing units and other appliances should be elevated above ground level.

• Check your building for water entry points, such as doors, low windows and dryer vents.

• Dry flood proofing includes sealing or waterproofing with special materials and compounds that provide a chemical or physical barrier against water intrusion during times of flooding.

• Search the Palm Beach County li-

brary catalog for flood information. Visit FEMA’s web site at www.ready.gov/ floods.

• Village staff is available to provide property protection consultations, including site visits and drainage evaluations on your property. Call the Engineering Department at (561) 790-5103 for advice.

Flood Warning

Take the time to understand the local alert notification systems and know what you should do, so you are prepared to take action to protect yourself and your property when flooding is imminent. Residents should be aware that Royal Palm Beach is directed by the Palm

Beach County Emergency Management Division, which advises the community of impending storms and flood threats. For more information about emergency notifications, visit the Palm Beach County web site at www.pbcgov.com. You will be notified of flood watches (when conditions are likely for flooding) and warnings (flooding is imminent) by local television and radio stations. You should also monitor the Weather Channel and have a NOAA weather radio onhand with extra batteries.

Stay Informed

To be ready for a storm, connect with the Village of Royal Palm Beach on Facebook (@VillageOfRoyalPalmBeach) and

royal palm | today Twitter (@_RoyalPalmBeach). Go to www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov or contact the village at (561) 790-5100 to sign up for CodeRED local emergency alerts. Watch live, up-to-the-minute streaming broadcasts or videos on Channel 18.

Also, be sure to build responsibly. No construction, including the moving of earth, is allowed in the floodplain with

figures for residents to better understand the risk of flooding, its impact and how flood insurance can help reduce the financial impact of flooding:

• There is usually a 30-day waiting period for flood insurance to take effect.

• More than 20 percent of all flood claims are for properties located outside of high-risk flood areas.

your property is in a special flood hazard area or not.

• Flood insurance is available for buildings and for contents. Renters should buy flood insurance for their belongings.

• Call the Village of Royal Palm Beach for flood insurance advice at (561) 790-

Dr.

Here, Children Matter Most

Hope and compassionate care fill every room and hallway at Nicklaus Children’s. With the brightest medical minds dedicated to children’s wellbeing, we proudly maintain our position as the top-ranked children’s hospital in South Florida according to U.S.News & World Report’s 2023-24 Pediatric Rankings. Leading with compassion and extraordinary care, we demonstrate every day why this is where your child matters most. nicklauschildrens.org

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is the top-ranked children’s hospital in South Florida.