ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – March/April 2023

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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

Melanie Kopacz

Mike May

Callie Sharkey

Julie Unger Deborah Welky

UP-AND-COMING COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER JOE NOTO FROM RPB HAS A NEWLY RELEASED SINGLE

Did you know a kid named Joe Noto who grew up in Royal Palm Beach in the early 2000s? Whether you did or didn’t, you’re going to want to give a listen to this up-and-coming country music star’s newly released single, “Every Time the Wind Blows.”

BY DEBORAH WELKY

GOLFING FOR A GREAT CAUSE

The third annual Sloane Staffing Charity Golf Tournament was held recently at the Madison Green Country Club in Royal Palm Beach as a benefit for the Golden Cub Ambassador’s Club, which supports the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital through the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. BY MIKE MAY

Spring is in the air here in Royal Palm Beach, and among the many sounds of the season, you might notice a new tune. Perhaps it’s the new song by Royal Palm Beach native Joe Noto, an up-and-coming country music singer now based in Nashville. He just released his new single, “Every Time the Wind Blows,” a wonderfully lyrical song about lost love. He speaks with Royal Palm The Magazine this issue regarding growing up here, and how his background in Royal Palm Beach shapes his world and his music.

Also in this issue, we follow up on a recent golf tournament at the Madison Green Country Club that raised money for a great cause. The Sloane Staffing Charity Golf Tournament was a benefit for the Golden Cub Ambassador’s Club, which supports the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital through the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

Dr. Katherine Brazzale has been named the new chief medical officer at Trustbridge. BY DEBORAH WELKY ROYAL

World of Beer Bar & Kitchen returns with a concept that pairs hundreds of beer choices with an elevated menu. BY MELANIE KOPACZ

Our Royal Palm Business feature this issue profiles Armand Platinum Pest Control Services, a Royal Palm Beach-based company run by Scott Armand and Jim Bartley that brings decades of experience in pest control to local residents and businesses. Royal Palm Health profiles Dr. Katherine Brazzale, who was recently named chief medical officer at Trustbridge. Royal Palm Table visits the new location of World of Beer Bar & Kitchen in Southern Palm Crossing, which serves up hundreds of beer selections paired with an elevated food menu. Finally, Royal Palm Today looks at some of the exciting activities planned by the Village of Royal Palm Beach this spring.

Dawn Rivera

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

West Fest Fun Returns To Royal Palm Beach’s Commons Park Western Academy Charter School Celebrates New Building Daddy Daughter Dance At Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center CAFCI, RPB Host Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

WEST FEST FUN RETURNS TO ROYAL PALM BEACH’S COMMONS PARK

Great music, colorful rides, creative vendors and taste-tempting food trucks were at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park from Friday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 19 during the return of West Fest, a country-themed, family friendly event hosted by the Village of Royal Palm Beach. The free, three-day event also boasted horseback rides and crafts for children and adults alike, along with the much-anticipated crowning of Mr. and Miss West Fest.

(Left to right) Mr. and Miss West Fest judges Tamara Casanova, Grace Moderwell and Nicole Eppenbaugh; the Fast Forward Band performs on stage; Mother and daughter Ilena and Charlee Lee; and Mr. West Fest winner Heath Devin Corum.

(Left) Mayor Fred Pinto addresses the West Fest crowd, joined by Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Vice Mayor Selena Samios and Councilman Richard Valuntas (Right) Mr. and Miss West Fest sponsor Chelsea Chilcutt of High Voltage Equestrians with the 2023 contestants.

(Left to right) Sweetheart Miss West Fest Calli Tenan and Princess Miss West Fest Eden Wood; Supreme Miss West Fest winner Raelynn Lee Mortimer with her mom Katrina; Mini Miss West Fest winner Laney Branch; Rachel and Melanie McGee with Bailey; and Noa Nierman leads Brycen Gilles on pony Coco.

(Left to right) Isabella Perez on the mechanical bull; Elayna Ricks hits the rock-climbing wall; Mariana and Silvana Espinal aim their axes; Oden Williamson and Josefina Roccatagliata; and Axel Debrowski aboard a carousel zebra.

(Left to right) Danny Jaworski gets some face paint from Natalie McGriff; Daniel Casanas and Romell Covarrabias decorate a birdhouse together; RPB’s Shakeera Thomas with Royal Palm Beach High School volunteers Mia Vidal, Gabriela Ramos and Ashley Weyer Liranzo; and the band Southern Blood rocks the crowd.

EY E CAR E f o r t h e En ti r e F amil y

• MACULAR DEGENERATION

• DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

• CLINICAL TRIALS

• CATARACTS

• GLAUCOMA

• DRY EYE

• ADULT & PEDIATRIC

OPHTHALMOLOGY

• STRABISMUS

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WESTERN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL CELEBRATES NEW BUILDING

A dream 20 years in the making was celebrated at the new location of Western Academy Charter School on Saturday, Jan. 21. Western Academy cut the ribbon on a newly renovated, 62,000-square-foot complex at 12031 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. The ribboncutting featured Linda Terranova, who founded the school in 2003, and Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto, whose son, Ryan, graduated from Western Academy in 2015. Enrollment is underway for the 2023-24 school year. For more info., call (561) 792-4123 or visit www. westernacademycharter.com.

There’s No Place Like Home for World-Class Cancer Care.

The best cancer care in the region is now even closer to home. Turn to the board-certified radiation oncologists at Advocate Radiation Oncology in West Palm Beach – including Dr. Thomas Klein. Widely published and trained at the most prestigious institutes in the nation, our doctors bring decades of experience and passion for outstanding patient care.

Helping patients find peace as they navigate each stage of care, we provide state-of-the-art treatment in a comfortable setting.

(Left to right) VIPs gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony; founder Linda Terranova with Principal/CEO Tsiri Miller; RPB Mayor Fred Pinto addresses the gathering; Board of Directors President Christine Janiszewski at the podium; and the Western Academy chorus and show choir.

(Left to right) RPB Councilman Richard Valuntas, Councilman Jeff Hmara, Mayor Fred Pinto, Linda Terranova, Tsiri Miller and Vice Mayor Selena Smith; board members Christopher Madden, Vice President Reese Harvey, Mark Howard, Secretary Cristy Altaro, President Chistine Janiszewski, Kevin Davies and Treasurer Barbara Noble; and Western Academy faculty members Tayler Downs, Amanda Carpenter, Kat Gombos, Sarah Jolly and Kristen Mariani.

Dr. Thomas J. Klein M.D., Ph.D., FACRO

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE AT ROYAL PALM BEACH CULTURAL CENTER

Royal Palm Beach held its annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Guests enjoyed delicious food and a hot chocolate bar, then played games such as musical chairs and limbo.

(Left to right) Dax and Amya Eazor with Aria and Robert Rodriguez-Miller; Leah Giorgetti with Jeff and Providence Haines; Tedrick and Denver Patterson; and Matthew, Amelia and Christiana Clarke.

(Left to right) Rachel and Robin Ferguson; Victoria and William Ruiz; Bexley and Chuck Myers; Zoey and Rick Orahood; and Yudi Figueroa with Belinda, Linda and Andres Zapata.

CAFCI and the Village of Royal Palm Beach presented the 21st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 16 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Attorney Willie Gary served as the keynote speaker at the free event celebrating King’s legacy.

(Left to right) CAFCI members with attorney Willie Gary; Mayor Fred Pinto at the podium; Councilman Jeff Hmara with Shirley Morrison, Hildreth Stoddart-Brown, Genieve White, Winsom Martin, Paul Baker, Elet Cyris and Kilon Rhoden; and Samara Lewis sang the national anthem and the Black anthem.

(Left to right) Copeland Davis at the piano; the United Overcomer Church of God Dance Group performs; Vice Mayor Selena Smith, attorney Willie Gary, Councilman Richard Valuntas and Councilman Jeff Hmara; and Elet Cyris and Hildreth Stoddart Brown.

“I’m so appreciative to have been raised in Royal Palm Beach, where we had a little bit of every culture, and it shaped me into the person I am.”

— Joe Noto

A STAR IN THE MAKING

Up-And-Coming Country Music Singer Joe Noto From Royal Palm Beach Has A Newly Released Single

Did you know a kid named Joe Noto who grew up in Royal Palm Beach in the early 2000s? Whether you did or didn’t, you’re going to want to give a listen to this up-and-coming country music star’s newly released single, “Every Time the

Based on a personal break-up, and all the painful reminders that followed, it’s Noto’s first single and what could be a big step toward country music fame.

Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Royal Palm Beach, Joe Noto IV grew up in a music-loving family. His paternal grandfather (Joe II) was renowned on the Las Vegas circuit for his ability to play two different melodies on two different trumpets — both at the

“My grandfather played with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as in western New York and at Sunfest,” Noto recalled. “He made sure I had an instrument in my hand every day, even though, often, I had no idea what I was doing. My grandfather passed in 2003, but I’m fortunate to have gotten to play some of the same spots he did.”

Developing his craft as

he grew, Noto began taking music lessons at the Melody School of Music in Wellington when he was five, and later at School of Rock in Palm Beach Gardens.

“That’s where I began playing in a band setting,” recalled Noto, who, at the time, played the drums. “I fell in love with being on stage and never got enough of it.”

Other family members eventually introduced him to the joys of the guitar. “I was fascinated by them,” Noto said. “The drums were too rigid for me.”

It took a while for his love of country music to develop.

“It wasn’t very hip in Royal Palm Beach to listen to country music — particularly old country music,” he said. “Michael Jackson was my ‘greatest artist of all time.’ I loved songs with groove. Bon Jovi was another idol. But when I went to Western Pines Middle School, and when I went out with my friends, it was the Zac Brown Band having a bunch of number ones and crushing it in their scene. So, I started diving into the genre — discovered more artists every day, got my first acoustic guitar and taught myself to play.”

He was 12 at the time.

“Once I got into country, I began to understand music,” Noto said. “I don’t

know music theory, and I can’t read music. My teachers wanted to teach me, but I wasn’t interested. I just wanted to play my favorite songs. It was through country that I learned how different chords played into each other.”

He also began to understand how to write country music.

“The storytelling was what I fell in love with,” said Noto, remembering two songs that provided the initial inspiration. “They impacted me so much that I remember where I was when I heard them. They’re both by Alan Jackson — ‘Remember When’ and ‘Where Were You when the World Stopped Turning?’”

But music wasn’t the young Noto’s only talent. Excelling in volleyball and cross-country, he received an athletic scholarship to the Oxbridge Academy for high school. From there, he went on to Florida State University.

He started writing songs while in college, thanks to a push from country star Morgan Wallen, who had appeared on “The Voice.”

“In 2017, he played a show that a great friend of mine [country artist Maggie Baugh] was opening for and, after the show, a couple of my buddies and I offered to show him around Tallahassee,” Noto recalled.

That led to a memorable evening.

“We had ourselves a night and a half and ended up in my dorm room, passing the guitar back and forth,” Noto said. “Then he said, ‘Play one of your own songs.’ I said I didn’t have any, and he said, ‘You’d better get to writing.’”

Noto dropped out of college and moved to Nashville, signing with The Artist Management Group, co-founded by Rob Beckham and headlined by mega-star Brad Paisley.

“I was very blessed with recording in general, though Nashville always works with you and wants you to create the best work,” Noto said. “Rob extended a contract to a kid who didn’t have a lot of buzz because he believed in me, believed in my vision. He pays for me to get into the studio.”

Yet once in the studio, Noto isn’t about to sit back and see where things go.

“I look at it differently than most,” he said. “I’m very hands-on. I believe music is all feeling. So, after the studio musicians have listened to an acoustic demo, I explain to them what I’m looking for, sound wise. I tell them, ‘Nothing that you are about to play is going to be wrong. I’ll tell you if there’s something I don’t like, but we can improve on it.’ I let the song speak to them and want them to let their feelings come out in their music.”

It is that process that led to his new single.

“I think we captured magic that day when we recorded ‘Every Time the Wind Blows,’” Noto said.

It’s a song of heartbreak. The girl who inspired “Every Time the Wind Blows” was a college girlfriend of Noto’s while he was at FSU. “She had had some rough relationships in the past, and she just didn’t know if she wanted to continue with ours,” he said, explaining that they eventually broke up. “Still, everything in Tallahassee reminded me of her — we went there; we ate there. Inherently, every time I turned around and the wind blew, I was reminded of her.”

Having released his first single, Noto has already adopted the Nashville way of life and is ready to “pay it forward” to young musicians coming up the ranks.

“Studios, singer/songwriters — the best way to find them is through social media,” he said. “I’ve got a bunch of great connections, and I want to help everyone else succeed. Reach out to me.”

Generous that way, Noto is also the kind of guy who values his roots.

“I’m family oriented, but I keep my friends as close to my heart as I keep my family,” he said. “I moved to Nashville, but I stay in touch with friends all the way back to middle school. They’re so supportive of me. It also makes doing music really cool because I’ve had certain opportunities come up where I can include them — things that us normal

kids from Royal Palm Beach would never get to experience.”

He wouldn’t trade his formative years here for any other experience.

“I’m so appreciative to have been raised in Royal Palm Beach, where we had a little bit of every culture, and it shaped me into the person I am — from the teachers in my grade schools to my neighbors, to the recreation center, to the people at the Western Communities Football League, and on down the list of amazing people in Royal Palm. People love to tell me, ‘I don’t identify Florida with country music.’ My response is, ‘Come out with us.’ We have the city, the country, the beach and everything in-between.”

Breaking into country music is not easy, and Noto is thankful for the support that has come his way.

“I’m fortunate with my management, and I’m fortunate to be here in Nashville with Jake Owen, a Vero Beach native that I idolized when I was growing up,” Noto said. “He’s a great resource for me. He invites me here and there and answers my questions. Just to be able to call him my friend is amazing!”

Noto considers himself a wellrounded person, thanks to all the fantastic people he grew up with in Royal Palm Beach. “Without my faith, family, friends and neighbors, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Royal Palm Beach has been great for me and fantastic for my cousin, Jordan Travis, too. He’s the quarterback at Florida State,” Noto said. “I want everybody to know that no matter where this career takes me — and God will determine my peak — I want to be a friendly face for everybody. I’m excited to be on this journey, but this is bigger than me.”

“Every Time the Wind Blows” is available now on Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Apple Music and anywhere you stream music. For more information, visit www.joenotomusic.com.

Musician Joe Noto grew up in Royal Palm Beach but now lives in Nashville.

GOLFING FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Tournament At Madison Green Raises Money For The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

BY MIKE MAY

When good people get together at a great venue at a great time of the year to work in support of a great cause, great things happen. That was shown once again late last year when the third annual Sloane Staffing Charity Golf Tournament was held at the Madison Green Country Club in Royal Palm Beach as a benefit for the Golden Cub Ambassador’s Club, which supports the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital through the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. It all started several years ago with

the husband-and-wife team of Max and Lindsey Spanier, who have been the driving force behind some significant local fundraising efforts. During business hours, the Spaniers are the owners of Palm Beach Gardens-based Sloane Staffing, one of the nation’s leading marketing technology and demand generation recruitment agencies. Outside of business hours, they spend their time and energy helping others, including their work with the Golden Cub Ambassador’s Club.

Like so many other successful small business owners, the Spaniers felt a need to give back to the local community. It all started with a bake sale in early 2020, which raised $1,500 and was matched by Jersey Mike’s. That money was used to buy sandwiches for healthcare workers at Jupiter Medical Center and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center.

“I thought we did fairly well for a first-time bake sale,” Lindsey Spanier said. “But we wanted and needed to do more.”

Todger, Harry and Christie Strunk with Lindsey, Max and Max Spanier Jr.

Phil Doumar, Nick O’Leary, Cody Parkey and Bo Jahna during the golf tournament.

The momentum of that successful bake sale evolved into a charity golf tournament.

“My husband loves to play golf, and he thought that it would be a really great idea to raise more money through a charity golf tournament,” Spanier explained. “I knew very little about golf, but I knew that golf tournaments can raise a great deal of money for charities.”

The annual Sloane Staffing Charity Golf Tournament started in late 2020. This annual event has turned into an opportunity to raise funds for local charities, with the money being distributed to support programs and projects focused on the health and well-being of children and families.

In 2020 and 2021, the Spaniers conducted the tournaments at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, raising money for Place of Hope, which supports abused and neglected children. “We raised $25,000 for Place of Hope with those two tournaments,” Spanier said.

Then, on Dec. 2, 2022, the Spaniers conducted the third annual Sloane Staffing Charity Golf Tournament, but it was moved to the Madison Green Country Club in Royal Palm Beach.

With the assistance of many volunteers, a number of generous sponsors and a field of more than 100 golfers playing in this 18-hole scramble golf tournament, $18,000 was raised to support a

new charity — the Golden Cub Ambassador’s Club supporting the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The successful event had some star appeal, as two of the golfers in the field were a pair of former NFL players — placekicker Cody Parkey and tight end Nick O’Leary, who is the grandson of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus.

Max and Lindsay Spanier are members of the Golden Cub Ambassador’s Club, and they are friends with the group’s co-chairs, Christie NicklausStrunk and her husband Todger Strunk. Christie is a granddaughter of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. The aptly named club, since golf legend Jack Nicklaus is known as the Golden Bear, was formed for young adults ages 21 to 45 to support the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.

The choice of the Golden Bear Ambassador’s Club and its affiliation with the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation has great personal meaning to the Spaniers. Raising awareness and money for the Golden Cub Ambassador’s Club is especially close to their hearts since their son, Max Jr., was born with heart defects and is currently a cardiology patient of the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where he will have heart surgery when he is three or four years old. Right now, he’s approaching 18 months old.

Despite the healthcare challenges facing young Max, doctors and the Span-

iers are happy with his progress.

“We take Max to the local Nicklaus Children’s Palm Beach Gardens Urgent Care Center for check-ups every quarter, and he’s doing well,” Spanier said.

The next Sloane Staffing Golf Tournament won’t be held until the spring of 2024, and it will continue to be an opportunity to raise funds for local charities that support programs and projects focused on the health and well-being of children and families.

Learn more about the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation at www. nchcf.org.

(Left to right) Chris Altopiedi of Sloane Staffing; Casey Taranella, Yamit Azrad and Lindsey Spanier of Sloane Staffing; and Mike Peck during the golf tourney.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital patient Max Spanier Jr. with Yamit Azrad of Sloane Staffing.

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KEEP SOUTH FLORIDA PESTS UNDER CONTROL

Royal Palm Beach-Based Armand Platinum Pest Control Services Brings Decades Of Experience To Residents And Businesses

STORY BY MIKE MAY | PHOTOS BY ABNER PEDRAZA

Veteran pest control specialists Scott Armand and Jim Bartley at Armand Platinum Pest Control Services have the experience, expertise and know how to protect your home and business. They have many years of experience providing pest control services across all necessary locations, including your lawn, flower beds, garage and more.

In early January, Armand and his wife Mair, along with Bartley and his wife Shilla, merged their two pest control firms to create a new company, Armand Platinum Pest Control Services, which is based in Royal Palm Beach.

With a new company name and logo, Armand and Bartley may have a new corporate image, but their professional skills remain tried, tested and, most importantly, trusted.

“We are owner-operated, we have every license possible in the pest control industry, and our staff has more than 100 years of combined experience in this business,” said Armand, who has been working in the pest control industry in Palm Beach County since 1983.

Armand Platinum Pest Control Services serves clients here in the western communities and beyond.

“The new company will cover all of South Florida, providing all facets of pest, lawn and termite control to both residential and commercial properties

Armand Platinum Pest Control partners Scott Armand, Mair Armand and Jim Bartley.

with the same reliable, guaranteed and professional services that South Florida has come to expect from Scott and I,” said Bartley, whose professional career as a pest control specialist started in Palm Beach County in 1985.

Armand and Bartley have seen it all when it comes to South Florida pests.

“In Florida, it’s always a season for some type of pest,” Bartley said. “There are so many things in the pest control business that you have to know so much about. Frankly, I’m a bug nerd, and bugs fascinate me.”

If you have an issue with palmetto bugs, cockroaches, spiders, silver fish, termites, ants, rats, mice, fleas, bees, ticks, and even wildlife such as raccoons, squirrels and porcupines, Armand Platinum Pest Control Services will come to your rescue.

“We are a boutique pest control firm that provides specific services that best meet the needs of our clients,” Armand said. “Our pest control products are applied pinpoint and not broadcast.”

They aim to solve the problem without harming your landscape.

“We do pay special attention to lawns, ornamental plants and trees,” Bartley said.

While any business can proclaim to have the finest products and services,

Armand and Bartley are both proud of their customer service record, which has generated many strong testimonials.

“Scott brings professionalism to this industry and customer service at the highest level,” Lisa Marder said.

“Armand Platinum Pest Control Services is second-to-none,” added attorney Mickey Smith of Lesser, Lesser, Landy and Smith. “The entire team is knowledgeable, professional and extremely responsive. I am very particular when it comes to my home, and that is why I would trust no one else to protect it. Armand Platinum also services our law firm’s offices. We could not be happier with the service we receive.”

“I’m confident those who hire Scott and his team will conclude that the quality of work he provides is absolutely second to no other,” Dennis Ewing said.

In addition to running the business, Armand and Bartley also find time to mix and mingle with other local business leaders. Armand is the presidentelect of the Wellington Rotary Club and is a member of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, while Bartley is the current president of the Certified Pest Control Operators of Florida. Meanwhile, Armand’s wife Mair leads the Women of the Western Communities, while Bartley’s wife Shil-

la will also represent the company from time to time.

Right now, the client base for Armand Platinum Pest Control Services is in the vicinity of 200 customers. While the majority of its clients are based in the western communities, they are regularly sending crews as far north as Stuart in Martin County and to parts of northern Broward County to deliver pest control services.

While Armand Platinum Pest Control Services is staffed by a veteran crew of experienced pest control specialists, the company is technologically trendy and is in touch with its clients and prospective clients through multiple social media channels.

“We have a presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,” Armand said. “Our web site, found at www.armandpest.com, is also worth reviewing.”

The team at Armand Platinum Pest Control Services is excited to further serve South Florida residents and businesses delivering quality, personalized pest control services.

To learn more, contact Scott Armand at scott@armandpest.com or (561) 7898777, or Jim Bartley at jim@armandpest. com or (561) 440-4567. Learn more at www.armandpest.com.

Scott Armand

Mair Armand

Jim Bartley

“We are so thankful to have Bethesda Hospital so close to home. The Emergency Department is the hospital’s front door, so we are thrilled with the plans for renovation. We hope the community will join us in donating to such a critical need.”

–Kelly & Pascal Liguori, Bethesda Hospital Grateful Patients and Volunteers

Through the incredible generosity of those in our community, Baptist Health Foundation’s Bethesda Hospital Emergency Services campaign is now at 70% of goal. Every dollar raised will support the complete redesign and renovation of the Emergency Department at Bethesda East Hospital. When completed, this modern facility will offer private rooms, smart technology and optimized patient care.

Give today. Visit BaptistHealth.net/Giving. Email Giving@BaptistHealth.net Or call 561-737-7733 ext. 84445.

Artist renderings. Expected completion date: Summer 2024.

TREATING PATIENTS WITH CARE & COMPASSION

Dr. Katherine Brazzale Has Been Named

The New Chief Medical Officer At Trustbridge

BY DEBORAH WELKY

Dr. Katherine Brazzale, a Wellington resident who was recently promoted to chief medical officer at Trustbridge, grew up in England and was studying to be an architect at University College London when she recognized medicine as her true calling.

Brazzale then fell in love with an American and moved to the United States in 2004. She completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Florida, where she was chief resident at Shands in 2008 before becoming the first-ever physician fellow for hospice and palliative care by Trustbridge that same year.

Trustbridge is the nonprofit umbrella organization for Hospice of Palm Beach County, Hospice of Broward County and Hospice by the Sea. Having long worked with pediatric hospice

patients for Trustbridge, Brazzale became chief medical officer for the organization this year.

“I love Trustbridge because it’s nonprofit,” Brazzale said. “Being English, I come from a National Health Service, and I am uncomfortable with the fact that money often delineates what kind of healthcare you get in America. Also, many people are under the impression that ‘hospice’ means that they’re going to take away all your medicines and you’re going to die. Not at Trustbridge. Most of our patients are on Medicare, but Medicare funding is fairly minimal. Here, we can apply to our foundation to get grants for treatments that are not available through regular hospice. For instance, if Medicare doesn’t cover it, but you need a month or two more of dialysis so you can attend your daugh-

ter’s wedding, we can go to our foundation for the funding.”

Brazzale said she loves working with her team, a 130-member group comprised of 30 board-certified or boardeligible doctors, as well as nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers. She loves their creative process of “finding a way.”

“Whenever a patient needs something, I’m never told no. I’m just asked how I’m going to do it,” Brazzale said. “You have to think outside the box. Some of the situations you walk into, it’s challenging. Most of the patients are very sick, and we get invited into people’s lives — the whole family’s lives. So, I feel it’s a real privilege. They’re in a vulnerable state, and they reveal so much to us. They allow us to get involved.”

Dr. Katherine Brazzale, a resident of the western communities, is the new chief medical officer at Trustbridge.

What she tells her team, first and foremost, is to listen.

“You have to be so careful when you’re entering someone’s home,” Brazzale said. “You want to create a sense of trust. This person may be in real trouble, and you have to assimilate information very fast. I suggest saying as little as possible. Let them talk. If you look around, are observant, you’ll get clues as to how things are going. You may see a medical drip, an oxygen tank. You may be able to guess what religion they may be or whether they’re alone. In the 15 minutes we are there for a first visit, there are so many pieces of information we gain in homes that can help us, as opposed to in a clinic. I tell my team to remain humble and respectful. Don’t sit down unless invited. Create the relationship from there. Foster a feeling of trust.”

In hospice situations, that can be a challenge.

“Some patients are resentful, filled with hostility. Some view me as the Grim Reaper,” Brazzale said. “Or maybe the daughter thought it was a good idea, but the patient doesn’t want me there. These people typically have a lot of anger. They’re angry that they’re sick, and they’re frightened. The worst thing would be that they don’t let you in or ask you to leave. It can go horribly wrong. You need to tread lightly and listen. You want to meet the needs of the patient, rather than deciding what you think they need. If a patient asks

— Dr. Katherine Brazzale me to leave, I leave. I’ll try to reach out again later, but it depends how much turmoil there is.”

In many situations, the whole family may be under stress. That’s when Brazzale may bring along another team member.

“If a patient is having a hard time with wound care or symptom management, that’s my job,” Brazzale said. “It often helps to have a joint visit that includes a nurse or chaplain. But if a family member or spouse is also having issues, I might bring along a social worker, who can be working with the spouse while I’m working with the patient. That’s the beauty of hospice — you’re working as a team the whole time.”

Trustbridge’s efforts extend beyond the patient in many ways. Among the many bereavement programs offered is Club Seahorse.

“Once a year, children who are bereaved come together in a camp run by Trustbridge volunteers,” she explained. “And we have a bereavement team who reaches out to family members after the patient has passed to let them know that there are bereavement groups out there if they need them.”

Pet therapy and music therapy are also Trustbridge offerings.

“Music therapy is not just entertainment,” Brazzale said. “Particularly in dementia patients, it’s wonderful to see their response to familiar music as the music therapist works with them.

That’s what sets Trustbridge apart — inpatient or outpatient, we can supply our patients with these additional things.”

Under Brazzale’s leadership, there will also be increased participation with the Veterans Administration. “We currently partner with them, and we do hold a ceremony for our veterans, but veterans do have specific experiences and specific needs that we need to take into consideration,” she said.

Another push forward is Trustbridge’s partnership with the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, which works to provide philanthropic support to ensure the ongoing availability of safe, quality, cost-effective healthcare for children and their families, regardless of ability to pay.

“At Trustbridge, we do applicative care consults in hospitals and hospice for young patients who have six months or more left — as well as palliative care — but our focus is still on getting children home,” Brazzale said. “We always hope that, even with symptoms, people can continue to live their lives.”

As she continues to have a soft spot in her heart for pediatrics, Brazzale hopes her new administrative role doesn’t keep her from one-on-one contact with patients.

“I’ve been with Trustbridge 14 years now,” she said. “I still visit facilities and assisted living centers, and I’m learning a bit more about the administrative work. I’m thrilled to be in this position — a little scared, too. I think healthcare is such a difficult thing, ever-changing. Yet I would rather be in the driving seat, navigating the change, rather than experiencing the change downstream… I hope I never get disconnected from those home visits and become purely administrative and lose sight of that. It’s going to be an adventure.”

To learn more about Trustbridge and its services, call (561) 848-5200 or visit www.trustbridge.com.

“Whenever a patient needs something, I’m never told no. I’m just asked how I’m going to do it. You have to think outside the box.”

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GREAT BREWS AND DELICIOUS MEALS

World Of Beer Bar & Kitchen Returns With A Reframed Concept

That Pairs Hundreds Of Beer Choices With An Elevated Menu

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELANIE KOPACZ

It’s a whole new world inside the reframed World of Beer Bar & Kitchen, now open in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center. WOB invites beer lovers and beyond to have a cold one (or two), along with a delicious beer-paired meal and some interactive fun.

The highly anticipated return of this popular hangout, after closing its previous Palm Beach County locations, hit record-breaking sales at the new hotspot, drawing in hundreds of people to its February grand opening, welcoming back many longtime customers.

“About 10:30 a.m. we had a line about a half-mile long, and it just kept going from there,” said Regional Manager Holly Mauser, who started as a server 11 years ago. “We formerly had locations in West Palm Beach and Wellington, so we knew coming here, we’d have regulars from both, and the showing was above our expectations.”

Previously, WOB did not serve food, but the reimagined concept brings with it a laid-back, but elevated experience, including a full menu with hand-picked recipes that pair well with the hundreds of beers on offer.

“We look for the best craft beers,” Mauser said. “We have a dedicated project manager who works every week with the distributors who order beer, talks to reps, tries samples and then decides exactly what we are going to put on draft and what we’ll put in our cooler.”

WOB is ready to serve up a variety of more than 300 ice cold brews, in addition to more than 40 beers on tap, which are poured to perfection from a rotating selection. Coolers are separated geographically from areas across the United States and around the world. The selection also features specialty kegs and seasonal beers.

“In the winter, stouts; summer, light-

er brews,” Mauser explained. “We definitely cater to the season and what customers in the area want. We also work with a lot of local breweries.”

Locally, that includes Royal Palm Brewing Company, Matthews Brewing Company in Lake Worth, Steam Horse Brewing in West Palm Beach and others. You’ll also find a full bar of spirits and wine.

The design is warm and inviting with upscale décor, including an eye-catching antler chandelier in the center of a massive dining room that seats close to 300. The sunny “Florida room” is welcoming with both table seating, or a corner with comfy couches, in a relaxing area with plenty of TVs in every direction.

“We’re very elevated,” Mauser said. “A good mix of casual but upscale, and I think our customers feel that when they come in. The team is meticulous, and so is the service.”

(Left) 40 taps of rotating craft beer line the back of the bar. (Top, left to right) The Cali Bowl is loaded with your choice of protein stacked atop colorful veggies, paired with Schneider Weisse Helle Weisse; the giant German Pretzel is soft inside and crispy outside, paired with Kona Longboard; the Mac Bite Burger features fresh Angus beef topped with WOB’s award-winning fried pepper jack mac and cheese patty, crisp applewood bacon, lettuce and sriracha aioli; a cold pint of WOB’s own Secret Llama IPA; the Steak Frites includes a marinated and grilled flat-iron steak, served with broccoli and fries, paired with a St. Bernardus Abt 12; guests are welcome to build their own beer flights; and the WOB Chicken Wings are freshly glazed with one of many flavor styles to choose from.

Stay and try a flight of beers. Build your own from local brews, or order a flight of WOB’s proprietary Secret Llama beers.

Long known for its beer selection, WOB now has a full kitchen. Shareables come in large servings, including the popular giant German Pretzel. It’s baked

soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, salted and served with house-made, stone-ground mustard. Add amber ale beer cheese for a few extra bucks. It goes well with a Kona Longboard brew.

The WOB Chicken Wings are perfectly glazed and served with celery and a choice of house-made blue cheese or

ranch. It pairs great with a glass of the Secret Llama IPA. Other appetizers include the Loaded Taters with amber ale beer cheese and topped with jalapeños, applewood smoked bacon, scallions and sour cream.

Moving on to meals, Mondays are BYO, build your own burger, all day for $6.95, made from fresh Angus beef and plenty of toppings to choose from. The Mac Bite Burger is a must try. It’s made with fresh Angus beef topped with WOB’s award-winning fried pepper jack mac and cheese patty, crisp applewood bacon and lettuce, and finished with sriracha aioli. It pairs well with a pint of New Belgium Fat Tire.

The Steak Frites make for a rich and hearty meal of marinated flat-iron steak that is grilled and thinly sliced, then topped with a dollop of garlic butter, served with broccoli, fries and garlic ai-

One of two Topgolf Swing Suites with seating and service while you play golf, football, hockey and more.

oli. It pairs well with the St. Bernardus Abt 12. For lighter fare, the Cali Bowl is a great choice, stacked over jasmine rice or spring greens, with grape tomatoes, shredded carrots and cucumbers, drizzled with Sriracha-lime aioli and topped with fresh avocado, toasted sesame seeds and scallions with several protein options. It goes well with a glass of Schneider Weisse Helle Weisse.

Each menu item has a suggested beer for pairing, and the servers are happy to make recommendations.

Work off some of those calories and have fun in one of two Topgolf Swing Suites — an immersive, virtual, social experience offering guests a comfy lounge to enjoy food and beverage service while playing golf, hockey, football and more. Prices vary by time of day, and reservations can be made online.

“We cater to families, large parties,

business meetings, everyone,” Mauser said. “Our patio is pet friendly — we even have a pup menu.”

Whether it’s exploring the massive selection of beers, taking in a great meal or having some interactive fun, there’s something for everyone at WOB, which is open Monday through Thursday, 11

a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

World of Beer Bar & Kitchen is located at 11121 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 8342430. Visit www.worldofbeer.com for beer selections, the food menu and rewards.

One of the WOB “Stars” serving up a flight of craft beer. Guests are welcome to build their own!

Claudia Diesti

Monica Diesti World Educated Stylists Board Certified Hair Colorist

EXCITING EVENTS THIS SPRING

Royal Palm Beach Planning Activities For Residents Of All Ages

Spring is in the air, and the Village of Royal Palm Beach is gearing up for some outside fun. A wide array of exciting upcoming events promises to bring people together and showcase the best of what the community has to offer for residents of all ages. The first event on the calendar is celebrating Florida Bike Month with the annual Bike Rodeo. This free family event will be held on Saturday, March 25 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, located at 1600 Poinciana Blvd. The Bike Rodeo is always a popular event among locals that brings the community together. Participants should sign up by

Bike Rodeo

pre-registering on Eventbrite. Registration for the race starts at 8 a.m., and the racing begins at 9 a.m. with staggered start times. The event is expected to conclude at 1 p.m. The Bike Rodeo offers races for advanced (five miles), intermediate (four miles) and beginner (three miles). There will be a raffle with tickets given out during pre-registration for a chance to win a bike giveaway. Every participant goes home with the gift of a free t-shirt. Complete event details and event course maps are available at www. royalpalmbeachfl.gov. Next up, the village is also planning the return of the annual Community

Garage Sale, so get ready to clean out your closets, reorganize your garage and/ or come out to find some hidden treasures. On Sunday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Village Hall Complex will be transformed into a gigantic garage sale hunters’ delight. Vendor spaces are available for $20 plus applicable tax. For more information, call (561) 790-5196.

SpringSeriesConcert

Community Garage Sale

If music is more your vibe, the village is setting the stage for the start of its Spring Concert Series and Food Truck Expo. Beginning on Friday, April 7 and running through Friday, June 16, grab your lawn chairs or blankets and head down to Royal Palm Beach Commons

Park and enjoy great tribute bands each week. Come out and jam to the Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, Billy Joel and so much more. The series will spice it up a bit with a Latin theme on Friday, May 5 in honor of Cinco de Mayo. The food and fun get underway each week at 5 p.m., and the concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m.

Senior Citizen Prom

In May, the village will be hosting a prom! But it’s not just any prom, it is the Young At Heart Senior Citizen Prom on Friday, May 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Each attendee will receive a festive mask, buffet-style dinner and entertainment. There will be prizes, and what is a prom without the coronation of prom king and queen, which will take place as well. This event is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Sponsors for this event include Cano Health, AmeriHealth Caritas and Healthy Partners. For more info., call (561) 790-5124.

MemorialServiceDay

Turning our focus from fun to remembrance, the annual Memorial Day Service will take place at the Veterans

Park Amphitheater at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. on Monday, May 29. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. as the community honors and remembers the men and women who have died in service to our country. The American Legion Family is a proud participant in this event.

As the spring season draws closer, Royal Palm Beach residents are looking forward to coming together, enjoying some great food and celebrating all the things that make the community such a special place to live. With so many exciting events on the calendar, it will certainly be a spring to remember.

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Robert Rochman, MD Foot & Ankle Surgery; General Orthopedics

Mark A. Waeltz, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgery

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Veronica Pedro, MD Hand Surgery

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Since local government and special district law is the focus of our practice, Davis & Associates, P.A. clients, whether government entities or citizens, receive the finest legal services available to them.

CareYou Can Count On

When it comes to your family’s health, you can count on our dedication to deliver compassionate, quality care every time. Wellington Regional is here with award-winning services, including cardiovascular, maternity and Level III NICU, emergency medicine, an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation by the American College of Cardiology, an Accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV, an Accredited Bariatric Center of Excellence by MBSAQIP and much more.

Florida Spine Associates (FSA) brings over 50 years of combined experience to our practice — and to your care. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons and Interventional Pain Management physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists and staff of medical professionals have a true passion for improving the lives of people with spinal and other pain conditions.

Our services include conservative non-surgical interventions, officebased interventions, minimallyinvasive spinal surgery, complex revision surgery, and spinal deformity and scoliosis surgery. Our physicians are well versed in the latest and most advanced techniques and are prepared to offer a tailored care plan to help you “take back your life.”

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