ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – November/December 2023 by Wellington The Magazine LLC

ROYAL PALM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Bringing You The Best Of Royal Palm Beach

MAGAZINE

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contents November/December 2023

volume 3, number 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

executive editor Joshua I. Manning

Features

publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer

LEARNING CENTER, 14 THE WHICH OPENED EARLIER

THIS YEAR IN ROYAL PALM BEACH, SERVES STUDENTS WITH AUTISM

Stephanie Rodriguez

graphic designers Nancy Pobiak Yolanda Cernicky

account managers Betty Buglio Evie Edwards Joetta Palumbo

bookkeeping

Jill Kaskel Carol Lieberman

THE MAGIC 18 CELEBRATE OF THE WINTER SEASON

photography

As the holiday season approaches, the Village of Royal Palm Beach is gearing up for a winter wonderland like no other. Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season, highlighted by the village’s grand Winter Fest celebration.

Abner Pedraza

contributors

Shannon Anastasio Erin Davisson Denise Fleischman Frank Koester Melanie Kopacz Mike May Callie Sharkey Julie Unger

BY SHANNON ANASTASIO

Departments

PALM TABLE 24 ROYAL Big Rocco’s Pizzeria and Tavern is

ROYAL PALM 31 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

published by

Royal Palm The Magazine Inc.

chairman/ceo

Barry S. Manning Royal Palm The Magazine is published six times a year in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Copyright 2023, 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.

from the

part pizzeria and part neighborhood bar. There’s amped-up pub food and a bar full of specials, but it’s the traditional New York-style pizza that is the true star. BY MELANIE KOPACZ

ROYAL PALM TODAY

Royal Palm Beach has hired a new director to lead the community’s award-winning Parks & Recreation Department. Mark Pawlowski, of Aurora, Illinois, will follow the successful leadership of longtime Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio, who retired in October.

publisher

It’s the holiday season here in the Village of Royal Palm Beach. In this edition, we explore some of the fun and fabulous holiday events planned for this festive season. This includes Royal Palm Beach Winter Fest, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Learn more about this special event and many others in this issue. We also visit the Learning Center, a unique charter school serving students on the autism spectrum. The school relocated from Jupiter here to Royal Palm Beach this year with strong support from the village in order to get the necessary approvals to allow the school to open on time with short notice. We chatted with Executive Director Stacie Routt about her program, which serves 150 students. Royal Palm Table this issue visits Big Rocco’s, a place that is part neighborhood bar and part traditional Italian pizzeria, located in the Village Shoppes at the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and State Road 7. Royal Palm Today introduces the community to Mark Pawlowski, who was recently hired to lead Royal Palm Beach’s award-winning Parks & Recreation Department. He will replace longtime Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio, who retired in October. As we come to the end of another year, we wish all of our readers a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and a Wonderful New Year. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

Dawn Rivera

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

Social Scene

6 Royal Palm Beach Rock N Fall Festival Held At Commons Park 8 Kids Cancer Foundation Hosts 5K Run At RPB Commons Park 10 Costume Contest For Furry Friends At Pet Supplies Plus In RPB 12 Young At Heart Club Holds Luncheon At RPB Cultural Center

on the cover

Santa Claus will return to Royal Palm Beach on Saturday, Dec. 2 when Winter Fest returns to Commons Park. PHOTO COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH royal palm the magazine | november/december 2023 5

royal palm | social scene PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

ROYAL PALM BEACH ROCK N FALL FESTIVAL HELD AT COMMONS PARK

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual Rock N Fall Festival on Friday, Oct 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The event included an array of musicians on stage, along with fun fall-themed events, such as carnival games and rides, a corn maze, pumpkin carving and costume contests.

(Left to right) Mia Clavelo, Amelia Steets, Holden Steets and Audrina Rose check out a huge spider; Kala, Gabriel and Drey Sloan; Sofia Mayer with Chase; costume contest judges Laurance Singh, Briana Oliver and Samantha Croge; and Monica Kelemen with Benjamin.

(Left to right) Chuck Rockerman with Simba; Tariq as the fox; Madison as a bee; costume contest winners Alana (angel), Luca (Bam Bam) and Russian (car driver); and Penny as a zombie cheerleader.

(Left to right) Costume contest winners Daphne (fairy dust), Caden (devil) and Madisyn (flamingo); Councilman Jeff Hmara with Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio; Sloane and Ellie Johnson ride the carousel; musician Joe Noto performs on stage; and April DeCandia, Mindy Sepinuck and Melissa Race.

(Left to right) Mike, Brie, Lily and Makenzie Walters with Samantha Chavez; Salome as Snow White; Isabella as a butterfly; Royal Palm Beach’s Lou Recchio with Todd McDermott of WPBF Channel 25; and Camryn Guerzon with Darwin.

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Annual Ugly Sweater Contest For Pets SERVICES Grooming Regular grooming keeps your pets looking good and is important to maintaining their good health. Dog Wash Self-service dog wash - Everything you need to wash and dry your dog. Bakery Treat them to Drool-worthy delights from the bakery.

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royal palm | social scene PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER

KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION HOSTS 5K RUN AT RPB COMMONS PARK

The Kids Cancer Foundation hosted its annual 5K run at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on Saturday, Oct. 28. The run, held in memory of Sabastian Sarmiento, is now in its 15th year and brought in more than 400 runners and 20 sponsors. Runners had the option to run in a superhero costume. Also held along with the run was a fall festival with games and activities, such as painting pumpkins. Christ Fellowship Missions was on hand to give out apple cider, donuts and other treats. Learn more about the Kids Cancer Foundation at www.kidscancersf.org.

(Left to right) Francisco and Sara Sarmiento, with Bentley, get ready for the race; Amanda and Vince Mazzola dressed in costume for the 5K run; Ellie Atkins sings the national anthem at the start of the race; Grace Norick and Piper Apfel cheer the runners on; and Roman Cartes was the first runner to cross the finish line.

(Left to right) Jenn Fees was the first woman to cross the finish line; Marie Arias and 7-year-old Victoria McNeal cross the finish line; Kennedy Miller enjoys painting at the fall festival; Abby and Bodhi Rusnak paint pumpkins; and Team Eli the Brave run the 5K in memory of the late Eli Paine.

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royal palm | social scene PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON

COSTUME CONTEST FOR FURRY FRIENDS AT PET SUPPLIES PLUS IN RPB

On Saturday, Oct. 28, Pet Supplies Plus in Royal Palm Beach held a costume contest for pets. The contest was open to any customer who brought in their beloved fur baby wearing a costume. Pictures were taken, and the owners could spin the prize wheel. Alongside the costume contest, Ali Cat Rescue brought some of their rescue cats for adoption.

(Left to right) Antoinette Beauchamp with Brooklyn dressed as a pumpkin; Baleu as a scarecrow; Sailor as a dragon; Bonnie McKay and Monet dressed as witches; and Allen Caro with Sammy dressed as a hot dog.

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YOUNG AT HEART CLUB HOLDS LUNCHEON AT RPB CULTURAL CENTER

The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club gathered for a luncheon Friday, Oct. 6 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Entertainment was provided by singer Iris Revson, a former Shangri-la member.

(Left to right) Monique Lananna and Teresa Harrington; Primrose Graham and Donna Dale; (seated) Donna Gropper and Joyce Gropper, and (standing) Leslie Leber and Cheryl Kasinger; and (front row) Dolly Hughes and Vinette Tracey, and (back row) Barbara Patterson, Lorna Pearson, Francine Bryant and Hilary Varlack.

(Left to right) Shakeera Thomas with singer Iris Revson; (seated) Dolly Hughes and Mary Kaminski, and (standing) Rhonda Ninfo and Steve Kaminski; Mayor Fred Pinto and Councilwoman Selena Samios with Charles and Janice Schlosser, Beverly Wilson and Judith Martineau; and Hartley Barnes with singer Iris Revson.

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A UNIQUE CHARTER SCHOOL The Learning Center, Which Opened Earlier This Year In Royal Palm Beach, Serves Students With Autism

STORY BY JOSHUA MANNING | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

The Learning Center, a charter school serving children with autism, opened earlier this year in Royal Palm Beach, adding to the diversity of educational options available in the community. In order to open in time for the current school year, this unique school needed support from the Royal Palm Beach community after being left without a home on short notice. “The Palm Beach County School District and the Village of Royal Palm Beach all worked together to make this possible,” Executive Director Stacie Routt said. “We feel that we pulled off a small miracle to make this happen, and the children are flourishing.” 14 november/december 2023 | royal palm the magazine

The school, which serves students ages 3 to 14, with plans to add high school grades next year, originated in 1999 and was one of the first charter schools in the State of Florida. Back then, it operated out of a church building in Palm Beach Gardens. “We started with six students, and now we have 150 students, which is our capacity,” Routt said. “We provide services for children with autism.” Most recently, the nonprofit, tuition-free charter school operated out of a location in Jupiter. However, a disagreement with their lease renewal over the summer gave the Learning Center less than 30 days’ notice to move from

their previous location and find a new home. “We found this beautiful facility that was a pre-existing school, and it met the needs of our students,” Routt said. “We were able to move in quickly and open for the start of the school year.” Luckily, the school only needed to do cosmetic upgrades before opening and didn’t need to move any walls. There was sanding and painting, as well as being sanitized and prepared for fire safety. Located at the northeast corner of Royal Palm Beach and Southern boulevards in the Royal Plaza, the site had been the longtime home of Western Academy Charter School, until that

school moved to a larger campus further west on Southern Blvd. in 2022. “Royal Palm Beach has been the most warm and welcoming community, and we are so happy to be here,” Routt said. She was particularly appreciative of the village’s support in fast-tracking the necessary approvals. “They called a special meeting for us to help us get our approvals through with warm and welcome arms,” Routt said. “Everything from the fire inspections to the Health Department did a fast timeline to inspect and ensure our school was safe. We had people bring us welcome baskets from the neighborhood, welcoming us here. I could not get over the generosity of everybody.” The necessary special exception approval was granted by the Royal Palm Beach Village Council in August, just as the school year was beginning. From the village’s perspective, having the Learning Center in the community was an easy decision to make, since services for students with autism are underserved in the western communities. Also, the school’s capacity of 150 in the 30,000-squarefoot location is far less dense than the site’s previous occupant, which served more than 400 students in the same space. Routt said that the school’s current student count is 137, but a new classroom opening in January will bring it to capacity at 150. “We have about 27 students in the Royal Palm Beach and Wellington area that have joined us since the move,” Routt said. “It is definitely an underserved area, and we are happy to be here providing services for these students.”

Scenes from a school day. (Top) Teacher Kim Jurado, para-professional Maria Arteaga and STEAM teacher Derek Santiago with students. (Second row) eighth graders in the computer lab, occupational therapist Cassie Pierino works with Jayden, and Executive Director Stacie Routt with students Joshua, Dylan and Lilly. (Third row) Para-professional Ana Muntoiu works with Aria, para-professional Katie Fernandez works with Caleb, and teacher Jon Decius and para-professional Jacinta Mejia with students in the cafeteria. (Bottom row) Para-professional Cinthya Bieluch leads students in an activity and Samantha King works with a student.

The majority of the students, and nearly all the staff, made the move with the school from its previous Jupiter location. “Our student-teacher ratio is six to 10 students in a classroom with four to five

professionals, including speech, that rotate in and out of the classroom,” Routt said. “Occupational therapy and boardcertified behavior analysts also rotate. Those services are provided to students in the classroom.” royal palm the magazine | november/december 2023 15

“The students are our primary focus. We believe that every moment we have with them makes a difference for their future. We have seen them grow in so many ways. It is such a special thing to witness.” — Stacie Routt The Learning Center Executive Director Stacie Routt in her office at the new Royal Palm Beach campus.

As necessary, pullout sessions can be held in a less-distracting area. The school offers an extensive fine arts program that includes physical education, art, music and STEAM, as well as an occupational therapy room and a multi-sensory experience room led by the occupational therapist. Students also have access to a state-of-the-art computer lab. The new location is much larger than the schools’ previous home and has several added amenities, including an indoor gymnasium, cafeteria and kitchen. Staff members, meanwhile, are fully trained in providing services for students on the autism spectrum. “Autism itself is a neurological disorder,” Routt said. “We know from experience that providing repetition opportunities for learning, and thinking outside the box for learning opportunities, is life-changing for the students.” Through specialized educational methods, many of the students become more social. “They can do anything they set their minds to with proper instruction and opportunities,” Routt said. “They have so much to give to the community.” Ideally, Routt hopes to one day have a 16 november/december 2023 | royal palm the magazine

stand-alone facility in the western communities to further expand the school. “We are looking for anywhere between five and 15 acres, and then further expanding the services we can provide for children,” she said. But for now, it’s all about the students. “They are our primary focus,” Routt

said. “We believe that every moment we have with them makes a difference for their future. We have seen them grow in so many ways. It is such a special thing to witness and an inspiring job to have.” The Learning Center is located at 650 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. To learn more about the school, call (561) 567-7930 or visit www.thelearningcenter.org.

Executive Director Stacie Routt with lead speech and language pathologist Dany Pardey, who was the school’s team member spotlight for October.

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Celebrate The Of Winter AT ROYAL PALM BEACH WINTER FEST AND OTHER FESTIVE HOLIDAY EVENTS BY SHANNON ANASTASIO

As the holiday season approaches, the Village of Royal Palm Beach is gearing up for a winter wonderland like no other. Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season, from enchanting performances to family-friendly activities, highlighted by the village’s grand Winter Fest celebration on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park (11600 Poinciana Blvd.). The festival promises to be a day filled with joy, laughter and memories that will warm your heart. 18 november/december 2023 | royal palm the magazine

ROYAL PALM BEACH WINTER FEST ON SATURDAY, DEC. 2 The Village of Royal Palm Beach’s Winter Fest event at Commons Park will be a holiday-themed entertainment extravaganza. The entertainment lineup is as diverse as it is exciting, with performances to captivate audiences of all ages. Starting at 1 p.m., the Solid Gold Twirlers will kick off the festivities with their mesmerizing baton-twirling skills, followed by Vantage Pointe Dance at 1:30 p.m. and the Learning Center at 2 p.m. The Movement Arts Dance Academy, Western Academy and Dazzle Dance Studios will take the stage between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., highlighting the talents of the local community. These early performances are sure to set the stage for a day of amazement. Somerset Academy Wellington, the H.L. Johnson Elementary School chorus and Victorian Voices will continue to delight the audience with their musical prowess throughout the late afternoon. The musical highlight of the evening will be a Journey tribute band, taking the stage at 7 p.m. This live performance promises to be an electrifying experi-

ence, transporting listeners through the musical journey of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. The Winter Fest schedule is brimming with other activities for everyone in the family. At 4 p.m., children can experience the thrill of a snowslide, creating magical moments that will be cherished forever. For thrill-seekers, carnival rides, including a train ride and Ferris wheel, will be in full swing. The lighting of a 28-foot Christmas tree and a spectacular fireworks display will take place at 6:15 p.m., adding a touch of magic to the night. If you want to capture the essence of the season, don’t forget to get your photos taken with Santa starting at 6:30 p.m. Santa will be waiting to hear your holiday wishes and create lasting memories. And what’s Winter Fest without warm, comforting treats? Hot cocoa and cookies will be available to keep everyone toasty throughout the evening. Food vendors will be on hand to satisfy culinary cravings, and a children’s craft station will keep the little ones entertained with creative activities. Plus, take note, there will be free photos with Santa also available on Saturday, Dec. 9

and Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Commons Park Sporting Center. For more information about Winter Fest, visit www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov.

MORE FESTIVE DELIGHTS Winter Fest is just the beginning of the holiday merriment in RPB. Here is a sneak peek of some other fantastic events you won’t want to miss: Holiday Concert: On Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., head to the Royal Palm Beach Community Band’s 2023 Holiday Concert. The free concert, located at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way), promises to be a musical extravaganza, getting people in the spirit of the holiday season. The Royal Palm Beach Community Band is composed of local musicians who come together to share their love for music. This concert is a testament to the power of community and the joy that music brings to people’s lives. The concert will include a diverse selection of holiday classics, ranging from classical compositions to contemporary arrangements. The concert is bound to be infused with a festive atmosphere with the holiday season in full swing. royal palm the magazine | november/december 2023 19

Food Truck Expo & Movie Night: On Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Village of Royal Palm Beach will host a Food Truck Expo & Movie Night at Commons Park featuring The Bad Guys. Enjoy delicious bites from food trucks while watching a movie under the stars. Food trucks arrive at 5 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Ugly Sweater Holiday Party: On Tuesday, Dec. 19, from noon to 2 p.m., join the Senior Activity Program Ugly Sweater Holiday Party at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center (100 Sweet Bay Lane). The event promises food, live music, dancing and raffles, ensuring a jolly time for all. Be sure to wear your most festive attire. One of the highlights of this party is the opportunity to display your most creatively designed and outrageously decorated ugly holiday sweater. Attendees often go all out in

20 november/december 2023 | royal palm the magazine

their efforts to win the title of the ugliest sweater, making for a fun and spirited fashion show. THE 39TH ANNUAL WELLINGTON HOLIDAY PARADE ON SUNDAY, DEC. 10 The 39th annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, is a cherished tradition across the western communities that returns this year on Sunday, Dec. 10. This year’s theme is “Holidays Around the World,” promising a multicultural and diverse parade that celebrates the spirit of unity during the holiday season. The parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and winds its way down Forest Hill Blvd., from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. It’s a judged parade, so you can ex-

pect imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes and more. This event is not only a visual feast but also a day of free fun and festivities for the entire family. Gather your loved ones and come out to enjoy this fantastic holiday event. To learn more about the parade and its details, visit www.cpbchamber.com. Be aware that road closures will be in effect, and Forest Hill Blvd. will be closed from its northern intersection at Wellington Trace to South Shore Blvd. between 1 p.m. and approximately 5:30 p.m. So, plan your travel accordingly and seek alternate routes during this time. If you’re parking at Town Center, be aware that vehicles parked there won’t be able to exit until the conclusion of the parade. As the holiday season approaches, the Village of Royal Palm Beach is the place to be, with a host of festivities to celebrate the magic of the winter season, even here in temperate South Florida. Winter Fest, with its enchanting entertainment, exciting activities and delightful treats, is just the beginning of what promises to be a season full of joy and wonder. Mark your calendars and prepare to make memories that will warm your heart.

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24 november/december 2023 | royal palm the magazine

ENJOY AMAZING PIZZA AND SO MUCH MORE Big Rocco’s Pizzeria And Tavern In RPB Is Part Neighborhood Bar and Part Italian Restaurant STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELANIE KOPACZ

Big Rocco’s Pizzeria and Tavern is part pizzeria and part neighborhood bar with a weekly lineup of live music to rock anyone’s musical tastes. The bar concept includes pool leagues, poker, bingo and sporting events meshed with a lively crowd. There’s also amped-up pub food and a bar full of specials. But it’s the traditional New York-style pizza at Big Rocco’s that is the true star with a fan base all its own. The restaurant has become a destination for its New York-style flavors, opening its doors in 2019 at the Village Shoppes, located at the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. Big Rocco’s is a loyal go-to for pizza lovers craving the authentic flavor, sauce and crust. “It’s all made from scratch — the

dough and the sauce, using San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes,” said owner Vikas Bansal, who moved from India to New York City, and that’s where he quickly became a fan of East Coast-style pizza. “I lived in New York City for 17 years. I always loved the pizza there.” It became the inspiration years later when Bansal opened a gas station in Wellington. That is where the concept for Big Rocco’s came to be. Starting as a very busy “Express” pizza to-go business, Bansal decided to expand his popular pizza business into a full restaurant and tavern with live events. It has been attracting both locals and the equestrian crowd during the season, as it’s geared for people of all ages. “We want people to come in and have a good time,” Bansal said. “Parents and kids.”

The casual atmosphere makes for a laid-back dining experience, with a wide variety of pizza choices, such as the popular BBQ Chicken Pizza, layered with a smoky sauce, generous portions of tender chicken, sprinkled with onions and bacon. It is one of the top choices on the menu. The New Yorker Pizza is also a big seller, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, onions and mushrooms, along with a mix of fresh red and green peppers. Make it a Big Rocco’s Signature Pizza by taking all those same ingredients, then add ham, tomatoes, black olives and extra cheese. Other interesting combinations include the Meatball Parm Pizza, topped with ricotta cheese, meatballs and fresh garlic, and the Buffalo Chicken Pizza with grilled chicken and blue cheese crumbles.

(Left) The classic, New York-style cheese pizza, with its authentic crust, is made from scratch with a sauce using San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes. (Top, left to right) Indulge in a creamy piece of fresh New York Cheesecake with a strawberry drizzle for dessert; steaming hot meatballs are made fresh and simmered in a homemade tomato sauce, served atop spaghetti with buttery garlic knots; Sweet Chili Wings, among the many flavors available, are marinated, baked and flash-fried for a juicy, crispy wing; and the specialty BBQ Chicken Pizza is layered with a smoky sauce, generous portions of tender chicken, sprinkled with onions and bacon. royal palm the magazine | november/december 2023 25

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The open dining area at Big Rocco’s shares the space with the large, fully stocked bar. Televisions line the walls for sports fans.

For a great deal, check out the large cheese pizza special for $10.99 Mondays and Tuesdays. Add a topping or two for 99 cents each. Lunch specials from just $7.99 run until 3 p.m. and include a beverage or a

draft beer. It includes different combinations, from two slices of pizza, or mix it up with a garden salad. Cheeseburgers or chicken tenders with fries are also available. Drink specials at that time are $3 for draft beers and $5 for house liquor.

The dining room is filled with lots of high-top seating, as well as a few large and cozy corner booths. The bar sits just toward the back with seating all along three sides. There are a number of drink specials and about a dozen beers on tap that rotate. At the bar, the top seller is Fifty States 6x distilled premium vodka. If you’re looking to snack, the wings are a specialty that come in several flavors, from southern barbecue to honey bourbon, garlic parmesan and more. They’re marinated, baked and flash-fried for a juicy, crispy wing. The Hangover Burger is a huge hit, oozing with toppings that include cheddar cheese, sliced tomatoes, bacon, a fried egg and mango habanero sauce to round out the flavors. There’s also stromboli and calzone choices, including a veggie option.

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26 november/december 2023 | royal palm the magazine

Piping hot meatballs made fresh from scratch are simmered in their homemade tomato sauce and sit atop spaghetti. They come with the popular garlic knots, baked and basted with butter and fresh garlic. The New York Cheesecake is a delicious way to end a meal, topped with a variety of drizzle options, including chocolate, caramel, strawberry or blackberry. The large pool room sits toward the back of the restaurant. It also doubles as a private party room. It includes darts and other games. A large wine selection fills the nearby wall. The dining room is lit with warm fixtures creating a relaxed atmosphere, as Louis Prima and Dean Martin songs play on the jukebox, and paintings of Al Pacino and Leonardo DiCaprio hang on the walls.

A variety of genres of live music fill the restaurant every Friday night, spanning from country, to pop, rock and folk. The fun continues throughout the week with poker night on Wednesdays, bingo on Thursdays and karaoke on Saturdays, as well as monthly paint-nsip parties. Big Rocco’s also hosts a large contingent of Miami Dolphins football fans. “We also have a charity event once a month with as many as 200 people, along with vendors, a quarter auction and more,” Bansal said. “Our goal is to be a neighborhood bar and a favorite restaurant.” Current hours are noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and noon to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The restaurant will open daily at 11 a.m. during the winter equestrian season. Big Rocco’s Pizzeria and Tavern is lo-

Big Rocco’s is located in the Village Shoppes at the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and State Road 7.

cated at 10479 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach’s Village Shoppes. For more info., call (561) 318-8927 or visit www. bigroccospizzeriatavern.com. Find them on Facebook and Instagram for details on upcoming events.

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RPB’S NEW PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR Mark Pawlowski Will Join Royal Palm Beach To Lead The Award-Winning Department The Village of Royal Palm Beach has hired a new director to lead the community’s award-winning Parks & Recreation Department. Mark Pawlowski, of Aurora, Illinois, will follow the successful leadership of longtime Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio, who retired from the position in late October. Pawlowski comes to the Village of Royal Palm Beach with more than 20 years of experience as the executive director at the Winfield Park District, located near Chicago. Under his leadership at the Winfield Park District, he secured more than $4.1 million in grants to enhance the parks and facilities of the district. In his role at Winfield, Pawlowski

manages 18 active park sites that include playgrounds, athletic fields, natural areas, riverfront sites (with a canoe/ kayak launch), a museum, a splash pad, and numerous trails and shelters. The Winfield Park District area also includes 500-plus acres of open space that is managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. “My current district is a near match to the programs and activities offered by the Village of Royal Palm Beach,” Pawlowski said. “The only exception is the tremendous asset that is Commons Park, which is unmatched by almost every community.” In his new role, Pawlowski will oversee a department known for excellence.

“I am very much aware of the high level of service, parks and facilities that Lou has built and maintained for the Royal Palm Beach community, and I plan to continue those efforts with the team that is in the Parks & Recreation Department and on the Recreation Advisory Board,” Pawlowski said. Pawlowski comes to the village with a strong background of park site management, athletic field and facility maintenance, and construction. He most recently completed a $5.6 million remodeling and expansion of the 30,000-square-foot Charles R. Beggs Activity Center in Winfield. This experience will be very useful as the Village of Royal Palm Beach nears the planned

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expansion of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. Moving to southeast Florida will not be a completely new experience for Pawlowski and his wife Amy, as their two children both have lived and worked in the Miami area for the past few years. “My son graduated from FIU-Miami a few years ago, and I had always hoped to be able to continue my career in South Florida,” he said. “Royal Palm Beach is known as a community that really supports and uses their parks and recreation offerings. I’m excited to get started in early December and become part of the community. The Village of Royal Palm Beach looks very similar to the communities I have lived and worked in for several years. I have a comfort level in establishing relationships in a much larger city like Aurora (population 180,000 to

“Royal Palm Beach is known as a community that really supports and uses their parks and recreation offerings. I’m excited to get started in early December and become part of the community.” — Mark Pawlowski 200,000) where I reside, as well as smaller villages like Winfield (pop. 11,000 to 20,000).” In his downtime, Pawlowski enjoys coaching high school girls basketball, golfing on the weekends, and playing pickle ball with his wife. A fixture in the village for 30 years,

The Sporting Center at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park.

32 november/december 2023 | royal palm the magazine

Recchio retired on Oct. 25. A longtime Royal Palm Beach resident, he started the community’s first youth baseball program in 1986 as a volunteer, joining the village staff in 1993. He became director of the Parks & Recreation Department in 1995 and served in that role until his recent retirement.

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