ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – September/October 2024 by Wellington The Magazine LLC

From Teacher To Principal

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.

EYE CARE for the E ntire Family

• General Eye Care

• Laser Cataract Surgery

• Laser Vision Correction/LASIK

• Medical & Surgical Retina (Macular Degeneration/Diabetic Retinopathy)

• Diabetic Eye Exams

• Corneal Transplantation, Tumors & Lesions of the External Eye

• Medical & Surgical Glaucoma

• Advanced Dry Eye Care & Treatment

• Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus

• Eye Allergy Treatments

volume 4, number 5

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024

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

administration

Shanta Daibee

Jill Kaskel

Carol Lieberman

photography

Abner Pedraza

contributors

Shannon Anastasio

Matthew Auerbach

Erin Davisson

Denise Fleischman

Frank Koester

Melanie Kopacz

Mike May

Callie Sharkey

ROYAL PALM

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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 2024, 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 TEACHER TO PRINCIPAL

When students returned to Royal Palm Beach High School for the new school year, there was a new principal in charge, but Dr. Shakeica Robinson is not new to the school. It was a fullcircle moment for Robinson, since she first arrived at RPBHS in 2004 as a math teacher. BY

JOSHUA MANNING

14 QUALITY CARE CLOSE TO HOME AT P.W. HOSPITAL

At HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, a board of trustees made up of community leaders, physicians and hospital officials meet regularly to provide oversight of the hospital and advice to its board of managers.

BY SHANNON ANASTASIO

19 BIG HOMESTYLE FLAVOR, SERVED WITH A SMILE

There is a hidden treasure located in a business park off State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach — the family-owned restaurant Morgan’s Country Kitchen. BY CHRISTINA CHARLES

HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ALL AT PALM BEACH STATE

Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker leads the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, the college has hit record enrollment levels and opened a fifth location. BY JOSHUA MANNING

ROYAL PALM TODAY

The Village of Royal Palm Beach is gearing up for a vibrant lineup of exciting events this fall, offering something for everyone in the community to enjoy. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a senior looking for festive fun or a family seeking adventure, there’s an event just for you.

from the publisher

On our cover this month is Dr. Shakeica Robinson, the new principal at Royal Palm Beach High School. A Royal Palm Beach resident, she was appointed over the summer after serving as principal at Tradewinds Middle school. Profiled this issue, Robinson returned to the school 20 years after first arriving at RPBHS in 2004 as a newly minted math teacher.

Also featured is an interview with Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker, who leads the county’s largest institution of higher education. We spoke with Parker about plans for the fast-growing Loxahatchee Groves campus, located just west of Royal Palm Beach.

At HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, a board of trustees works to improve healthcare for everyone in the community. Aside from hospital administrators and doctors, the board includes community leaders, such as attorney Mickey Smith, who we spoke to for this issue.

We also visit the family-owned Morgan’s Country Kitchen to check out this hidden jewel of the Royal Palm Beach community that serves up great comfort food while supporting those in need. Finally, we take a look at the amazing community events planned for this fall in Royal Palm Beach.

As we await more temperate weather, we hope your fall season is going well, and we will be back as the calendar ticks toward the holiday season. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for more information on plans to honor 65 years of Royal Palm Beach history, coming to Royal Palm The Magazine readers early in 2025.

Dawn Rivera

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

NRI Institute In RPB Celebrates New Grads At Commencement Shakespeare Festival Stages King Lear At RPB Commons Park Gym Opens In RPB Catering To Kids With Autism, Special Needs

NRI INSTITUTE IN RPB CELEBRATES NEW GRADS AT COMMENCEMENT

The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held a commencement ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The ceremony celebrated the newly graduated nurses and ultrasound students. The NRI Institute is located in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.nriinstitute.edu.

(Left to right) NRI graduates gather for a group photo; faculty members Hans Meyer, Anthony Ferri, Ellen Steinberg, Sara Curry, Elizabeth Stolkowski, David Lynch, M.J. Duthie, Guerlande Fontus and Charmaine Huntley; Erin and Paula Beauchesne with Jessynia Rivero; and Karen Azan, Jessynia Rivero, Dr. Tracy Edelstein, Mayor Fred Pinto and Councilman Jeff Hmara on stage.

(Left to right) The guest speaker was Wellington Regional Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Tracy Edelstein; Shakeera Thomas, NRI Clinical Director Dr. Mary Jean Duthie and Arianna Vishnudat-Samaroo; Jorgens Nemorin, pinned by Sandra Condé; NRI’s Elizabeth Stolkowski with Maria Valencia, pinned by Osmaira Catalan; and Rose Boutin with her son, Eddbryan Boutin.

SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL STAGES KING LEAR AT RPB COMMONS PARK

The Shakespeare by the Palms IV production of King Lear took place Thursday, July 25 through Sunday, July 28 at the Royal Palm Beach Commons Park amphitheater. Considered one of the greatest tragedies ever performed, this year’s professional production of King Lear was adapted and directed by Trent Stephens. The cast included Amy Simms as King Lear, Caroline Tarantolo as Regan, Casey McNamara as Albany, Darryl Willis as Gloucester, Julia Kirk as Oswald, Kelly Hussey as Goneril, Kyler O’Brien as Edgar, Lee Ritter as Kent, Matthew Paszkiet as Edmund, Sara Grant as Cordelia/The Fool and Seth Trucks as Cornwall. For more information, visit www.pbshakespeare.org.

to right) Matthew Connor Paszkiet, Kyler O’Brien, Darryl Willis, Casey McNamara, Kelly Hussey, Sara Grant, Caroline Tarantolo, Seth Trucks, Lee Ritter, Julia Kirk, Keira Martenson and Nat Cona-Calberg with (front) Amy Simms as King Lear; Sara Grant as Cordelia, Lee Ritter as the Earl of Kent and Amy Simms as King Lear; Matthew Connor Paszkiet, Kyler O’Brien, Darryl Willis, Sara Grant and Caroline Tarantolo; and Holly and Dan Wagner as “Commoners.”

Fee-for-service patients only; cannot be redeemed with insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, discount

on referring patients or purchase of additional services. Must mention offer(s) at the initial new patient appointment within 30 days of receipt of the offer(s) to redeem. Not valid for orthodontics or specialty treatments. Free Opalescence® Go Mini Whitening Kit ($45 value) offer cannot be redeemed by patients with insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, discount dental plans, or combined with other discounts, treatment offers, or programs. Offer is non-transferable, one per patient, while supplies last, only at participating Sage Dental practices, and upon completion of a new patient

(Left

(Left to right) Ava Kneedler and Danny Rodriguez; Alexandria Thomas and Robert Cerdas; Director Trent Stephens with Ophelia; Mark McKenzie and Beth Levinson enjoy a snack; and Bina Joseph and Sheila Hooda.

GYM OPENS IN RPB CATERING TO KIDS WITH AUTISM, SPECIAL NEEDS

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, an international children’s gym franchise, recently opened its new location in Royal Palm Beach. The opening of We Rock the Spectrum Palm Beach was accompanied by a celebration on Saturday, Aug. 10 at the new gym, located at 1169 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Families with children from all walks of life will get to experience a breadth of sensory and physically beneficial activities within a safe, clean and controlled environment. Amber Rudishauser and Mike Krga are the new owners of We Rock the Spectrum Palm Beach. They are also the owners of the Jupiter/Tequesta and Davie locations. To learn more about We Rock the Spectrum Palm Beach, call (561) 4083066 or visit www.werockthespectrumpalmbeach.com.

(Left to right) We Rock the Spectrum Coral Springs owners Marla, Andrew and Lindsay Vidra with Royal Palm Beach owners Amber Rudishauser and Mike Krga; Adrian and Sofia Suarez; Meadow and Matthew Berneche; and Sadie Chmura and Janelis Ortiz.

(Left to right) Special guest Bluey gets hugs from young attendees; Shirley Alvarez with David Bravo; Alyanna Malave hugs special guest Bluey; Adam and George Schott; and Mike Krga, John Field, Jaime Gonzalez, Matthew Maccubbin, John Auricchio and Amber Rudishauser with a $500 scholarship donation from AZ Contracting.

The evolution of MRI

What a weight-bearing MRI reveals vs. a Supine MRI

G-scan Brio Reveals What Supine MRI Misses

Conventional

G-scan Brio Reveals What Supine MRI Misses

Conventional MRI may not demonstrate the pathology related to these symptoms, but G-scan Brio gives you a new point of view so you can accurately diagnose MSK pathologies affected by weight-bearing position.

The

More Detail, Better Accuracy, Greater Confidence

G-scan Brio: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis

The

The G-scan Bro is superior to other MRIs because both the magnet and patient can rotate from 0 to 90 degrees.

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

G-scan Brio: Adds Weight To Your Diagnosis

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

“My first month as principal was incredibly fulfilling and productive... The positive energy and collaborative spirit at Royal Palm Beach High School have been truly inspiring.”

— Dr. Shakeica Robinson

FROM TEACHER TO PRINCIPAL

Dr. Shakeica Robinson Takes Over

At Royal Palm Beach High School

When students returned to Royal Palm Beach High School for the new school year, there was a new principal in charge, but it would not be accurate to say that Dr. Shakeica Robinson is new to the school.

It was a full-circle moment when Robinson was named the new principal over the summer, since she first arrived at RPBHS in 2004 as a math teacher, her first position as an educator. Most recently principal at Tradewinds Middle School in Greenacres, Robinson took over for Michelle Fleming, who was transferred to the top job at Palm Beach Gardens High School.

Between her appointment in June and students arriving back in August, Robinson used the time to reacquaint herself with the school.

“My first month as principal was incredibly fulfilling and productive,” she said. “Some of the highlights include meeting our dedicated faculty and staff, engaging with students and parents, and implementing new initiatives to enhance our learning environment. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of meeting with various community members, which has

been invaluable in understanding the needs and aspirations of our community. The positive energy and collaborative spirit at Royal Palm Beach High School have been truly inspiring.”

Now a Royal Palm Beach resident, Robinson grew up in West Palm Beach and graduated from Suncoast High School in 1999. She majored in psychology at the University of Central Florida and was planning a psychology career before a short segway into teaching became a permanent fixture in her life.

“I fell in love with teaching, and I think it was the mentoring aspect,” said Robinson, who also coached cheerleading at RPBHS, along with teaching a variety of math classes at all levels. “The students saw me as someone they could talk to. They saw me as a role model. I fell in love with working with students. I realized that was my calling. It was something that came so natural to me.”

In addition to her undergraduate degree, Robinson later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership through Capella University and finished her doctoral program in May 2023, also through Capella University.

After teaching at RPBHS, Robinson transitioned to Florida Virtual School, which gave her more time at home with her two young children. However, she continued to coach cheerleading and do substitute work at RPBHS during this time.

“In 2008, I decided to come back to the district at Royal Palm Beach High School as the math coach, then served as testing coordinator,” explained Robinson, who was also on the SAC committee.

In 2015, Robinson earned her first assistant principal position at Santaluces High School.

“During my tenure there, I was really focused on increasing our accelerated programs, AICE and AP,” she said, adding that she wanted all students to have the opportunity to enroll in these courses. “I helped build a strong college readiness program, so our students were ready when they graduated and went on to college.”

During her time at Santaluces, Robinson helped achieve a significant increase in graduation rates and overall acceleration rates. She was promoted to principal

STORY BY JOSHUA MANNING | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

at Tradewinds in January 2022. “Tradewinds prepared me for leading a comprehensive high school. I was really able to improve upon my leadership skills that I already had,” she said. “Going back to middle school gave me an opportunity to see some of the areas for growth that we can expose our ninth graders to.”

Her time at Tradewinds allowed her to see the full scope of students from sixth to 12th grade and gave Robinson insight into providing an additional level of support for their entire secondary experience.

“I really focused on making sure we improved upon our school culture,” she said, explaining that students were coming off the pandemic, which had interrupted their education. “There were a lot of things we had to deal with.”

Working with Santaluces, a feeder school for Tradewinds, she maintained her focus on adding accelerated courses for students.

“Academically, we didn’t have a lot of high school courses when I started,” Robinson said. “I really believe that any student is capable of thriving in any accelerated course if they have the proper support.”

Most recently, the acceleration rate at Tradewinds was 82 percent, making it among the highest for a Title I school, an accomplishment that Robinson is very proud of.

Returning to RPBHS is a homecoming in more ways than one. Robinson has a son currently attending the school, as well as a younger son at Cypress Trails Elementary School.

“I am looking forward to immersing myself back into the culture of the school,” she said. “I really want to focus on student achievement and foster student engagement.”

She wants to make sure that every student is involved in activities on campus

with an additional goal of building on the school’s unique nature.

“Royal Palm Beach High School has always been one of those innovative high schools, whether that be starting the first International Baccalaureate program in the western communities, to expanding the AICE program and the HVAC program. It has a very diverse population, but still very involved. The school truly embraces the community, which allows our students to excel in various domains,” she said.

Robinson is particularly impressed by the commitment from the staff, including many who have been at the school for more than 20 years.

“It melted my heart to see how many teachers were still here from before I first started,” she said. “You know there are some great things happening here.”

Since June, Robinson has been busy meeting with teachers, students and other stakeholders. “I am one of those leaders who likes to look, learn and listen,” she said.

As an educational leader, she said part of her focus will be on assessment scores and making sure that all students are on track toward graduation.

“I am a very outside the box type of leader. I am never afraid of a challenge,”

Custodian Maria Orozco, Principal Dr. Shakeica Robinson and Lead

Custodian Sandra Valencia work over the summer to get the school ready for students.

added Robinson, who said she hopes to be at RPBHS for the long term, perhaps even for the rest of her career.

Aside from serving as principal at RPBHS, Robinson enjoys being an active resident of the community.

“Living in Royal Palm Beach is a wonderful experience,” she said. “I appreciate the close-knit community, the beautiful parks and the variety of local events that bring people together. The friendly atmosphere and supportive neighbors make it a great place to call home.”

Don’t be surprised if you see her around town.

“I love attending community events, visiting the vibrant farmers’ market on weekends and enjoying local sporting events,” Robinson said. “Additionally, dining at the diverse range of local restaurants is always a delightful experience.”

Her family takes up much of her free time, but she does have several other things she enjoys.

“When not working, I enjoy fishing, boating, volunteering with the youth sports program and being a youth sports mom,” Robinson said. “These activities allow me to connect with nature, give back to the community and spend quality time with my family.”

“Your

Board Of Trustees

QUALITY CARE CLOSE TO HOME

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Trustees Work To Improve Healthcare For Everyone In The Community

BY SHANNON ANASTASIO

Recently, attorney and western communities civic leader Michael “Mickey” Smith joined the board. He hopes to use his experience and connections to help improve healthcare for everyone in the community.

“I served on the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board with Palms West Hospital CEO Jason

Kimbrell,” Smith explained. “He asked me if I was interested. When I saw how excited Jason was about everything happening at the hospital, it got me excited, too.”

Smith has been practicing law for more than 40 years and has been a shareholder in the personal injury law firm Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC since 2004. A graduate of the Duke University School of Law, he has been involved with many local nonprofits. Aside from the Boys & Girls Club, he is a leader with the Rotary Club of Wellington and serves on the board of direc-

tors of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.

However, his new role at the hospital is different than the other volunteer work he has done.

“It interested me, as it was something new. It was not like other boards I had been involved with in the past. There has been a learning curve for me, but I have found it both challenging and fun,” Smith said.

Aside from the oversight work, he sees this new role as being a top cheerleader for Palms West Hospital in the community and beyond.

Tanya Siskind Community Member, Board Chair

Jason L. Kimbrell CEO, Secretary

Charles Gressle President EFD

Dr. Rich Giroux Chief of Staff Marcia Andrews Community Member

Tara Gallagher Community Member

Dr. Roger Duncan Community Member

Dr. Deborah Loney Community Member

Michael Smith Community Member

Joey Wolffer Community Member

“Many people probably do not know that it employes over 1,000 people,” he said. “More importantly, it is providing world-class care right here in our own backyard.”

An area resident for decades, Smith believes that his service will be beneficial for the hospital.

“I believe just living in the community for 33 years is quite helpful, as it provides a perspective on how much things have changed in the western communities, both in healthcare and otherwise,” he said. “Being a lawyer is helpful in analyzing the hard data. I have been extremely impressed by how well the hospital consistently does, as measured by objective metrics.”

In his time as a Floridian, Smith has seen a dramatic upgrade in the quality of hospital services across the region.

“This area has become a mecca for healthcare, with so many providers from New York and elsewhere recently opening outposts here,” he said. “That said, I am proud to say that Palms West Hospital is leading the way in providing world-class healthcare. It has deep roots right here in the community and has the backing and resources of HCA, the largest operator of hospitals in the country. Now, instead of people flying out of Palm Beach County for care, many are flying here to come to HCA Florida Palms West Hospital.”

As an example, he noted the hospital’s major focus on cutting-edge robotic surgery.

“The hospital has invested heavily in its Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence and has some of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the country, and the investment continues,” Smith noted. “An $80 million patient tower is scheduled to break ground later this year. The new tower will be home to the Surgical Suites at Palms West Hospital. This 36bed, post-surgical unit will provide cus-

tomized care for patients who undergo robotic surgery by the expert surgeons on the hospital’s staff. Palms West is a leader in robotic surgery, and this investment demonstrates its commitment to stay there.”

As a board member, he was thrilled by the opportunity to shadow Dr. James Goad during two robotic surgeries.

“It was fascinating. Dr. Goad has performed more than 3,200 procedures on the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System,” Smith said. “The fact that a surgeon of his reputation and ability chose HCA Florida Palms West Hospital speaks volumes about the hospital’s reputation and quality.”

Smith added that engagement and outreach play a huge role in the health and success of the entire community.

“The physicians at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital frequently provide free programs to educate the public and help keep us healthy,” he said. “They do it because it is the right thing to do. I would like to be a part in spreading the word about these available resources.”

While he is proud to serve on the board, Smith noted that his goal is to support the real heroes of the community. “The hospital’s staff is second to none and saves lives daily,” he said. “They are heroes and have every reason to be proud of what they do. Without question, this hospital is the crown jewel of our community, and we are so very fortunate to have it.”

Also joining Smith as a new appointee to the Palms West Hospital Board of Trustees this year is Dr. Deborah Loney, a head and neck surgeon who has treated patients at the hospital since 2010. She received her medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Iowa College of Medicine.

“HCA Florida Palms West Hospital

is strategically located in a growing community where a variety of health services are crucial. There is thus both immense need and immense potential. I have witnessed the steady growth and improvements over the last 14 years and consider it a privilege to be asked to serve as a member of the board of trustees,” Loney said at the time of her appointment earlier this year.

Also serving on the board is CEO Jason L. Kimbrell; HCA East Florida Division President Charles Gressle; physician members Dr. Richard Giroux and Dr. Roger Duncan; and community members Tara Gallagher, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Joey Wolffer and Wellington Councilwoman Tanya Siskind.

“This talented and committed group of professionals that make up our board of trustees is exactly what HCA Florida Palms West Hospital needs to continue to grow to meet the demands of our growing community,” Kimbrell said. “I am confident that through our collaborative leadership, Palms West will continue to be the number one hospital of choice for quality healthcare in our area.”

Serving central Palm Beach County for nearly 40 years, HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is a 206-bed full-service acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission. The hospital is home to the only Women’s and Children’s Center in the western communities, featuring a dedicated pediatric emergency department, pediatric services, pediatric intensive care, maternity, Level III neonatal services and a breast center. It is the first hospital in Palm Beach County to be named a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence and provides award-winning, high-quality patient care.

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is located at 13001 Southern Blvd. Learn more at www.palmswesthospital.com.

BIG HOMESTYLE FLAVOR, SERVED WITH A SMILE

Morgan’s Country Kitchen Is A Hidden Treasure In Royal Palm Beach

There is a hidden treasure located in a business park off State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach — the family-owned restaurant Morgan’s Country Kitchen. This quaint, intimate restaurant with big homestyle flavor is a place where guests will be pleased to discover good, oldfashioned southern cooking.

Owned by Patti Price, Morgan’s Country Kitchen specializes in breakfast and lunch options, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends. The staff welcomes everyone with open arms and a warm smile, always ready to take your order.

The restaurant was named after the daughter of the original owner, and Price felt the tradition should continue, even after she acquired the place 15 years ago. “It was my dream for a very long time,” she said. “I have always wanted to own a restaurant.”

A single mother of two, Price worked at another local establishment prior to taking over at Morgan’s. She worked there with her current chef, Jeremy Varney, for more than 10 years. “He is like the son I never had,” Price said of Varney, who has worked alongside her since he was 15 years old.

After leaving that job, Price did hospice volunteer work to stay busy but started serving at Morgan’s on weekends when a position opened. “The owner at the time was thinking about selling, and I told him that I would be interested,” Price recalled.

After working at Morgan’s Country Kitchen for another year devising a plan, she took a leap of faith and became the restaurant’s owner.

The family-friendly atmosphere at Morgan’s grew when Price’s daughters Katie and Amanda watched their moth-

er’s dreams become reality and joined in. Katie started out by helping with dishes and delivery, even before Price took over as the owner.

“Watching her go from an employee to owner was probably the biggest thing for me,” Katie said.

Younger daughter Amanda started working at Morgan’s just shy of 16 years old and has remained there ever since. “I wouldn’t want to work for anyone else,” she said. “My mom is a great boss — she doesn’t just take care of me and my sister; she takes care of everybody.”

Amanda noted that after serving families for years, she now sees some of the children of their customers coming in with their own families. “We call them ‘the Morgan’s kids,’” she said, adding that some of her favorites on the menu are the buffalo wrap and the chicken Philly for lunch, and when it comes to

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA CHARLES

The staff at Morgan’s Country Kitchen invites you to visit the quaint, family-owned restaurant in Royal Palm Beach.

breakfast, omelets and the country skillet are big hits.

Newcomers might not know what to expect, but after entering the establishment, they’ll be surprised by a diverse collection of neighbors, police officers and families enjoying their breakfast and lunch, along with an open kitchen displaying the chef and staff working to provide top-notch food.

Morgan’s had a difficult time during the pandemic, but the restaurant’s community pulled together. Staff members worked for free for a while to help keep the doors open. Regulars knew about the situation, and despite being unable to eat indoors, customers set up camping chairs and tables while food was brought out to them, returning the kindness

that Price and her staff always provided them. As customers placed pickup and to-go orders, they would include generous tips, which would result in hundreds of dollars. Price made sure the tips were divided evenly, which helped the employees survive in that challenging time. Stories of Price’s kindness and dedication to her employees and community are endless, and she has tried hard to keep menu prices affordable. The warm atmosphere is further displayed to the right of the entrance, where visitors can be touched by the kindness of the community through the “Blessing Board.” These are prepaid vouchers that can be received or donated to people or families that are “in need of a blessing,” or a hot meal.

For those having a hard time making ends meet, the idea is to come in, grab a blessing, and the staff at Morgan’s will take care of the rest. It’s really an extension of what Price has been doing for years, because everyone is welcome at Morgan’s Country Kitchen, no matter if you are passing through or a regular. “I do not even look at them as customers, I look at them as family,” Price explained. An average day at Morgan’s starts with early morning prep work. Service starts at 7 a.m. and usually stays busy until the doors close. Tables turn quickly, offering up seats to those who are arriving. They also receive a great deal of take-out orders, yet they still manage to provide excellent service with a smile — fresh food served up fast.

Morgan’s Country Kitchen owner Patti Price (center) with daughters Katie and Amanda. The Blessing Board helps those in need.

(Below) Cliff Cook (left) and Chef Jeremy Varney (right) in the fast-moving kitchen at Morgan’s Country Kitchen. (Left) A variety of the tasty dishes available.

“We work hard to let customers know we care beyond just the day to day and want to know about all experiences,” Price said, adding that the restaurant has a great social media presence on platforms such as Yelp, and tries to answer each and every post, good or bad.

Chef Varney has more than 20 years of experience and cooks using healthier oils. There are so many affordable and delicious options on the menu to choose from, like the house specials, including the Meat-Lover’s Platter, the Georgia Breakfast and the Eggs Benedict. For Price, the key to Southern cooking is simple, “Doing what you love. My cooks love to cook. That is their passion. We all do what we love, and that is the key.”

Morgan’s also features health-conscious breakfasts like the Arnold and the Ripped Hombre. The staff is always willing to accommodate, and substitutions can be made. There are also weekly specials, such as Monday’s Chop

Steak, Tuesday’s Meatloaf, Wednesday’s Country Fried Steak and Thursday’s Pot Roast. The specials are served with a delicious side of mashed potatoes, veggies and garlic toast.

To get a taste of this authentic, homegrown restaurant, visit Morgan’s Country Kitchen at 180 Business Park Way off State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. For takeout and delivery orders, call (561) 795-5285,

“My cooks love to cook. That is their passion. We all do what we love, and that is the key.”

— Patti Price

or visit www.morgans-countrykitchen.com to see the menu and learn more.

The staff at Morgan’s Country Kitchen gathers behind the counter.

HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ALL

PBSC’s Ava Parker On Educating

The Workforce Of Tomorrow

BY JOSHUA MANNING

Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker leads the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, the college has hit record enrollment levels and opened a fifth location, the fast-growing Loxahatchee Groves campus just west of Royal Palm Beach on Southern Blvd.

“I am truly honored to serve as the fifth president of the college,” Parker said. “I chose Palm Beach State because of the difference that it has historically made in the lives of our students, their families and our community. We are a partnership institution and a critical part of the economic infrastructure.”

A Wellington resident, Parker holds a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Florida. She came to PBSC nine years ago from Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, where

she served as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“PBSC has the distinction of being the state’s first public community college, a legacy that underscores our commitment to providing an accessible, affordable, high-quality education that opens pathways to careers right here in Palm Beach County,” Parker said.

She is proud of the sense of community she sees in how the school’s faculty and staff work together to support more than 36,000 students.

“Our focus on innovation, coupled with our wide range of programs and resources, empowers students to achieve their career and life goals and make a meaningful impact in the communities of Palm Beach County,” Parker explained.

Looking for a centrally located home

with easy access to PBSC’s five campuses — Boca Raton, Belle Glade, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens — Parker quickly settled on the western communities as her home base.

“I was looking for a family environment with good schools and friendly people and a place that was central to our college campuses,” Parker recalled, adding that people she spoke to mentioned the Wellington area. “My husband Joe Gibbons and I were sold after our first visit. We rented here first just to be sure, and we eventually bought our home here in Wellington. It has been a great choice for us. My son Parker and daughter Bailey have enjoyed participating in recreational sports.”

A key focus of Parker’s tenure has been the opening and growth of the

PBSC President Ava L. Parker in front of a four-story, 83,500-square-foot building under construction at the Loxahatchee Groves campus that will be part of the Frank DiMino Center for Medical Innovation. It will include a fully equipped dental clinic, a surgical technology suite and science labs with cutting-edge technology.

Ava L. Parker has been the president of Palm Beach State College for the past nine years. Loxahatchee Groves campus, designed to serve the central western part of Palm Beach County.

“The rapid growth of this area is reflected in the numbers of students enrolling on our Loxahatchee Groves campus,” Parker said. “We first opened the campus in 2017 with some 700 students. This year, more than 6,000 enrolled on this campus alone, making Loxahatchee Groves the fastest growing of PBSC’s five campuses.”

A key reason for that success is the strong relationships that the college has built with the local community.

“We work directly with the four major high schools in the area: Wellington, Palm Beach Central, Royal Palm Beach and Seminole Ridge,” Parker said. “Beginning this fall, we have advisors from PBSC embedded in all these high schools who help serve students and increase enrollment. We’re also meeting students much earlier in their academic careers, introducing students as young as sixth grade to the college experience through our dual-enrollment programs.”

PBSC also works closely with major employers in the area.

“We have partnerships with businesses such as Wellington Regional Medical Center, HCA Florida Palms West Hos-

pital and Gast Construction Group, as well as with major employers such as Florida Power and Light,” Parker added. “Many of these partners hold educational events for our students and provide internships, as well as paid jobs.”

Parker and her team also make it a point to be active in the community.

“We regularly meet with the mayors of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Westlake and Loxahatchee Groves, as well as their council members and chambers of commerce,” she said. “We also have a 230-seat lecture hall at our Loxahatchee Groves campus, which has become a popular venue for hosting community educational programs, events and meetings.”

The college has made health science a primary focus in Loxahatchee Groves.

“In 2020, we established the Frank DiMino Center for Medical Innovation, enabling PBSC to expand our training programs in high-demand healthcare fields,” Parker said. “Our bachelor of science in nursing program is housed at the Loxahatchee Groves campus, and by fall 2025, we will also offer programs such as surgical technology, physical therapy and dental hygiene. We also offer computing and cybersecurity, and business and accounting programs at our Loxahatchee Groves campus.”

Currently under construction there is the $50 million, 83,500-square-foot Dental & Medical Services Technology Building. “It will feature a fully equipped dental clinic, a surgical technology suite, and science labs that incorporate cutting-edge equipment and technology for students pursuing careers as dental hygienists, dental assistants, surgical technologists and other healthcare occupations,” Parker said. “This new facility will offer virtual reality learning technology and a highly advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection system for anatomy and physiology education.”

The building is set to be completed

by February 2025, and classes will begin in the fall of 2025. The new building will benefit the local community as well by providing low-cost preventative dental care, Parker added.

Other initiatives include the creation of the Construction Trades Center for Workforce Innovation on the Lake Worth campus, which expands skilled trades programming with $5 million in federal funding plus $1 million from the Lowe’s Foundation.

Also, both the Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves campuses have been tapped to expand training for first responders.

“As the top educator of first responders in Palm Beach County, we have begun developing a multidisciplinary Emergency Response Training Center (ERTC) in the west of the county, which will be the first of its kind. Here, local, state and federal emergency responders will be able to train together for natural disasters, acts of terrorism and active shooters,” Parker explained.

Meanwhile, the Palm Beach Gardens campus will be key to a partnership with TMRW Sports. In cooperation with the PGA Tour, TMRW has selected PBSC as the exclusive home for TGL, its new professional indoor golf league that fuses advanced technology with live action for TV audiences.

“We see our mission as educating the future workforce of Palm Beach County,” Parker said. “Thanks to the strong partnerships we have with all the constituents in our community from local schools and the school district to industry, we are ensuring that our curriculum is relevant to the needs of our county. Our students power the engine of Palm Beach County’s economic growth in sectors ranging from healthcare to information technology to construction and engineering.”

Learn more about Palm Beach State College at www.palmbeachstate.edu.

PLENTY OF FAMILY FUN THIS FALL IN ROYAL PALM BEACH

Seasonal Activities Are Available Catering To A Wide Range Of Interests

US Road Running Series

On Saturday, Sept. 14, Royal Palm Beach Commons Park will be buzzing with energy as US Road Running hosts an event in Royal Palm Beach — part of a monthly series at the park. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12. This race series is perfect for runners of

all levels, with distances ranging from one mile to a challenging half marathon. The event promises to be a day packed with fun and fitness, featuring a variety of race distances to suit everyone’s abilities. Each race segment will have check-in points, and participants will earn themed finisher medals. For those who are passionate about running, joining US Road Running also comes with perks, such as a 50 percent discount for club members. To sign up, or to find out more details, visit www. usroadrunning.com.

Rock N Fall Festival

Get ready for a rockin’ good time at

Royal Palm Beach’s Rock N Fall Festival, set to take place on Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5 at Commons Park. This free event promises fun for the whole family. The event kicks off Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. with a Journey tribute band, bounce houses, carnival games and more. Kids will especially love the dedicated fun zone both days. The festivities continue on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring axe throwing, train rides, a Ferris wheel, bounces houses, an escape room, a fun slide, an aerial show, a wood carving show and a Linkin Park tribute band performing at 7:30 p.m. A highlight will be the kids’ costume contest at 5

Mia Clavelo, Amelia Steets, Holden Steets and Audrina Rose check out a huge spider at last year’s Rock N Fall Festival.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

p.m. with wonderful prizes to be won. Other contests include pumpkin carving at 3 p.m. and a pet costume contest at 4 p.m. This event is perfect for a fun-filled family outing. For additional information and updates, visit www. royalpalmbeachfl.gov.

Senior Halloween Party

As Halloween approaches, the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center will transform into a spooky celebration spot for the Senior Program Halloween Party. Scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31 from noon to 2:30 p.m. (subject to change), this event invites seniors to indulge in a night of eerie fun and festive activities. For just $10, guests can enjoy a DJ-spun dance party, delicious food, and engaging games with prizes and giveaways. Don’t forget to come in your best Halloween costume, as there will be a costume contest with exciting prizes. Be sure to call (561) 790-5124 for the latest

updates and registration information.

YAH Trip To Mounts Botanical Garden

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, Royal Palm Beach seniors can enjoy a trip to the Mounts Botanical Garden when the Young at Heart group takes nature lovers on a delightful excursion. Participants will depart from the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center at 8:30 a.m. for a scenic visit to the botanical garden in West Palm Beach. After exploring the lush gardens, attendees will enjoy a leisurely lunch at Golden Cor-

ral. The trip offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a meal with fellow community members. YAH members can join for a fee of $10, while non-members will pay $15. The registration deadlines are Oct. 4 for YAH members and Oct. 14 for others. To learn more, call (561) 790-5124.

So, mark your calendar with all of the events this fall, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can partake in a wide range of activities while diving into the vibrant community spirit of the Village of Royal Palm Beach.

ROYAL PALM

Dr. Michael Mikolajczak, DO

Leah Saporito, PA-C

Dr. Michael Mikolajczak is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon who has been practicing conservative and surgical orthopedics for over 25 years in the western communities in Florida. He is blessed to be taking care of multiple generations of families. He practices comprehensive value based compassionate care. He specializes in conservative non-surgical care including the latest techniques in regenerative medicine. PRP/A2MG/STEM CELL in office procedures. He does the latest technology Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, Anterior Approach total hip arthroplasty. Tru-Match total knee arthroplasty. Dr Mike is active in the hospital and community. He has served multiple leadership roles throughout his tenure. Dr Mike has a dedicated team who has been with him for over 20 years.

Wellington Orthopedic Institute (WOI) provides compassionate orthopedic care with boutique service to patients in Wellington and surrounding communities. The WOI team takes pride in finding the very best possible solutions for patients’ orthopedic needs.

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• Reverse Total Shoulders

• Anterior Approach

Total Hips

• Foot And Ankle Injuries

• Neck/Back Non-surgical

• Workers Compensation/ Auto