Happy Holidays to everyone from Tip Top Dry Cleaners. Tip Top Dry Cleaners is the leading dry cleaning and laundry valet service in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. We bring the dry cleaners to your office or home. We pick up and deliver 5 days per week and offer convenient credit card on file billing. We handle any type of clothing that needs to be dry cleaned or laundered. We also do wash and fold laundry by the pound.
From now until the end of 2016, we are offering all our customers and prospective customers, 50% off of your order !! (maximum discount is $50.00). We are showing our holiday appreciation to our current customers and hope some of our prospective customers will use this opportunity to try us out.
To take advantage of this promotion, please reply to this email or sign up for our service at www.tiptopdrycleaners.net and “sign up” for valet services. Please act now because the promotion ends on December 31, 2016. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and a happy new year !!
This is one of my favorite times of the year. As we prepare for the holiday season, I am looking forward to the many family and community events ahead.
One of the best parts of living in Wellington is enjoying our family focused holiday events. This year, the Village kicks off the season with our annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on December 2nd, starting at 7:00 pm at the Amphitheater.
Marching in on the heels of this event, join me and the rest of Council at the 33rd Annual Holiday Parade on December 11, starting at 1:30 pm. Enjoy this festive day with a judged parade of imaginative floats featuring school bands, local organizations, baton twirlers, and the biggest celebrity of all, Santa Claus! Vendors will be on-site with goodies available for purchase. Grab your family and your sneakers and come on out for this fantastic holiday event! The route begins at Wellington Trace and continues down Forest Hill Boulevard, ending at the Wellington Amphitheater.
It is easy to see why Wellington is named “The Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” The holiday season heralds the return of our winter residents, both people and horses. There are more cars on our roads and more horses everywhere. It is a time for increased caution, especially as we get closer to the Holidays, and the beginning of the winter equestrian season.
Winter break for our schools begins Friday, December 23, 2016. That means more children out enjoying our Great Hometown. Remember to watch out for our youngest residents and take a little extra time to be aware of your surroundings on the road.
Safety doesn’t stop at your driveway. Christmas tree fires are responsible for untold damages, injuries and even deaths every year. If you’re using a live tree water it daily to keep it moist and remember to keep it away from open flames and heat sources. The greatest gift you can give our local firefighters is a day off.
Let’s not forget that the Holidays are a time of giving as well as receiving. By all means, visit Wellington’s fine shops and find that perfect gift for your loved ones. But remember to take some time to help our neighbors in need. This year, you can make a child’s holiday brighter by participating in the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. Drop off your unwrapped toys by Wednesday, December 21st at Village Hall, the Wellington Community Center, Parks and Recreation, the Lake Wellington Professional Centre, and any Fire Rescue station.
Writing this column and sharing a few of the ways that we can gather and give as a community this holiday season is one more blessing I can count in my own life. I am very grateful for the privilege of serving as your Mayor. The past year has been filled with many accomplishments. I want to personally thank the volunteers, members of our boards and commissions, Village staff, and Council members for their dedication.
I want to wish you and yours a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and many blessings in the year to come.
WinterFest with Vanilla Ice 2016 a Smashing Success
Vanilla Ice on stage. Photo by Carol Porter.
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce another smashing success! WinterFest with Vanilla Ice 2016 drew record breaking crowds on December 3rd at the Wellington Amphitheater.
Presented by The Wellington Chamber of Commerce, The Village of Wellington, Chukker TV and Grand Champions Polo Club, The Royal Inn and The Original Wellington Mall, Palms West Hospital and the Children’s Hospital at Palms West as well as Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC., the event provided a line up of holiday performances, phenomenal food vendors, boutique shopping, business and service vendors, Potions in Motion Lounge and Blizzard Beach.
Local celebrity musical sensation, philanthropist and DIY Network television star (Emmy Award Nominated) “Vanilla Ice” performed his iconic celebrated musical hits to an overflowing crowd.
Winterfest is the most anticipated holiday event of the season. The exceptional hard work and dedication of sponsors, vendors and the professionals at the Village of Wellington made this event a success.
The Chamber wishes to thank our sponsors, without who we could not host such a spectacular event.
Host Venue
The Village of Wellington
Title Sponsors
Grand Champions Polo Club and CHUKKER TV
The Royal Inn and The Original Wellington Mall
Blizzard Beach Sponsor
Palms West Hospital and the Children’s Hospital at Palms West
Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
Drone Sponsor
PYRA Promotions and PYRA 360.com
Photo Booth Sponsors
Arden
Florida Sugar Cane League
Fusion AV Solutions
Greenstein & Lubliner
MEDIA SPONSOR
CHUKKER TV
LUXURY AUTO SPONSOR
Braman Motorcars
Our exceptional VENDORS AND EXHIBITORS were BJ Events LLC, Bolay, Braman BMW, Chappy’s Food Cart, Chick-fil-A, CHUKKER TV, CJR Fine Arts & Frame, CLOTHED4APURPOSE, Coldwell Banker- Rommel Torres, Cruise Planners, Elysa Suzanne Couture Clothing, Family Vision Center, Greenstein & Lubliner, Hard Exercise Works, HealthSource of Royal Palm Beach, HNM Menswear, Homes for Heroes, Hurricane Grill & Wings, HW Interiors, Ice Cream Express, India Bar and Grill, Jessie’s Girl, Jordan’s Steak Bistro. Kiwanis of Wellington, Kona Ice of Palm Beach, Lively Lights, Lularoe, Max Health Chiropractic, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Palm Beach Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine LLC., Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control, Palm Beach Health Center, Palm Beach Int. Academy, Palm Beach Opera, Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club, Palms West Hospital, Paradise Kettle Corn, Peak Profit Global, Perfect Smile Dentistry, Plastic Surgery of Palm Beach, PNC Bank, Potions In Motion, Pretty Deliveries, PYRA/ PYRA 360, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, SANTA, Sarah Spiritual, Shullman Orthodontics, Starbucks, Stonewood Grill and Tavern, Teds Take Out, The Art Cellar, The Beach Buffalo, The Children’s Hospital at Palms West, The Original Wellington Mall , The Quaye at Wellington Luxury Rentals, The Royal Inn, The UPS Store, The Wellness Experience, TITLE Boxing Club, Vanilla Ice Merchandise and .Wellington High School.
Thank you to your Backstage Sponsor Party Vendors- the exceptional establishments of Hurricane Grill & Wings- Wellington, Jordan’s Steak Bistro, Romano’s Macaroni Grill , The Art Cellar and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. If you have not yet visited these establishments or utilized their catering services we strongly encourage you to do so!!!
Our performers could not have been more phenomenal! The talents of our local superstars are amazing. If you have not heard or seen of the following please make it a point to check them out. They are exquisite each in their own….
Thank you to our Master of Ceremonies Wes Kain,
Alex Shaw, Aliyah Pike, Alyssa Marie Coon, Binks Forest Elementary Choir, Donna Tucci School of Dance, Jasmin Thomas, Kayden Muller, Latillia Jackson, Michaela Paige, Nicky Greed, Palm Beach Mako Cheerleaders, Palm Beach Opera, Precision Dance Conservatory, Sarah Spiritual, Vell P., and the Wellington High School Chamber Chorus.
This event could not be possible without the exceptional volunteers from Wellington Community High School, Palm Beach Central High School Key Club, and Bak Middle School of the Arts.
A very special thank you to Alyssa Morrow, to Joe Piconcelli for his talents and expertise, his amazing staff especially Rick Febles, Debbie Liquoiri and the Public Works Logistics Team, The Village of Wellington Mayor Gerwig, Vice- Mayor McGovern and the Village Council, The Wellington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and our President Debbie Crompton for their leadership, Richard C. Bogatin, Kevin Shapiro, Wilson Junior Jean, Lisa Banionis, Sharon Lasko, Stuart and Diann Hack as well as Former- Mayor Darell Bowen and our own Roxanne Stein who kicked off our 2016 event.
Our local superstar and philanthropist “Vanilla Ice” astounds us each year. His spirit of giving and dedication to our community is outstanding. His efforts and those of his team make this event possible. Each is to be commended and thanked for their generosity and for giving back to Wellington. The Chamber is grateful to have the privilege of working with them!
The Chamber salutes all the exhibitors, sponsors and performers for making their contribution to Wellington’s unique lifestyle, its economy and this spectacular event! And to each of you for attending… for being part of this event and for being a part of our community. We look forward to seeing you all next year! Happy Holidays!
The holidays are in full swing, and Eau Spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is offering an over-the-top gift indulgence for very lucky spa lovers – the Eau Spa VIP ‘Black Card,’ Day Pass Program, which entitles the bearer to 365 day passes to Eau Spa, a free birthday spa treatment and 10 percent off all Spa services and products for one full year. With a retail value of $26,000, the Black Card’s special price of $10,000 saves you more than 50 percent on a year’s worth of Forbes Five-Star Eau Spa luxury! The best part is, the day passes can be shared with friends, family – anyone you wish to give the gift of ultimate relaxation.
And, even a Black Card holder needs a stocking stuffer! Tuck in a bottle of Eau Spa Honey – it’s the bee’s knees! This exclusive signature local honey is bottled for Eau Spa by a Delray Beach beekeeper.
Every guest at Eau Spa receives a spoonful of this healthful honey when they arrive for their spa treatment. It retails for $40 and comes already wrapped in a lovely Eau Spa wooden box, perfect for gift-giving! Eau Spa Honey is sold at Eau Spa and online at Eau Spa Boutique. For more information about the Eau Spa VIP Black Card Program, please call 561-540-4960.
Famous Producer Dick Arlett presents “Best Film” Award at 2nd Annual Cell Phone Film Festival for Middle School Students
Academy Award Winner, Famous Producers are judges!
Palm Springs, Florida (12/1/16) – The Cell Phone Film Festival for middle school students is the only one of its kind anywhere in the world. This free one-day event is held in October and is open to all middle school students in Palm Beach County, FL. The 6th, 7th, & 8th graders learn how to shoot, act in and edit a short film using sets that were already constructed for the school’s X-Scream Halloween show. “There is nowhere else in the world that kids this age would get to shoot their own films in a state-of-the-art sound stage other than here at G-Star Studios (named one of the seven best sound stages in the world),” says Dawn Hauptner, founder of the festival. “The kids had so much fun. They wrote some terrific scripts and we had almost 20 final films submitted from our middle schoolers. The films were so well-done, too. We’ve got some really talented young film-makers, actors, and cinematographers.” Judge and producer, Dick Arlett stated, ”This is so cool that G-Star Studios and the Palm Beach International Film Festival has joined this worldwide cell phone trend and recognizes the enormous benefits that a Cell Phone Film Festival has for young aspiring film makers… especially 11-13 year olds.”
“This is the only Cell Phone Film Festival for Middle School Students that we know of in the world. Next, we are planning a Cell Phone Commercial Challenge for middle and high school students. This event will require them to write, shoot and edit a commercial on their cell phone,” Hauptner said.
Dick Artlett, former Producer of The Today Show, the Bob Hope TV Specials and numerous award winning documentaries, will be presenting the 2nd annual Cell Phone Film Festival “Best Film” award this year for middle school students. The Red Carpet Gala and Awards Ceremony will be a formal affair held at G-Star Studios in Palm Springs, Florida on December 10, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Eleven categories will be awarded and the winner of the “Best Film” will receive a second award at the Palm Beach International Film Festival Student Showcase of Films at Lynn University in March.
The judges for this year’s entrants were Bobby Moresco, the Academy Award winning Co-writer and Producer of CRASH and Million Dollar Baby; Dean Lyon, a Special Visual Effects Supervisor of all three Lord of the Rings movies; Jeff Davis, the Film and Broadway Producer of Rock of Ages with Tom Cruise, Legally Blonde; Dick Arlett, world traveling Field Producer of NBC’s The Today Show; and Arthur Bernstein, Writer and Producer of the film Walt Before Mickey.
I share travel experiences with you all year long—and I LOVE doing it. But I thought this month I’d give you a little insight into a traveler’s brain. Those of us who travel are an interesting bunch. Given the choice of jewelry or plane tickets, we typically opt for the latter.
Know anyone like that? Chances are you do and if that person is on your holiday gift list, I’m here to show you how to make your traveling friends and family happy this holiday season. Here are some of my picks for traveling souls.
Oh those traveling souls!
Grab and Go Travel Trays
My husband has become obsessed with products by Red Oxx. This Montana based company offers an abundance of high quality hand-crafted luggage bags and accessories. At the helm is CEO Jim Markel, an avid adventurer who has tested his gear all over the world. Thanks to Greg’s obsession (that would be the husband) we now have an assortment of tote bags, duffels and other items from Red Oxx in our travel gear inventory. Recently Greg presented me with a travel tray—and I have to admit, I had no idea why I would need one. Now I get it.
The Travel Tray is a portable valet tray catchall that’s the perfect size for storing larger items like your Passport, keys, hotel room key, smartphone and wallet. Before using the Travel Tray, I was constantly looking for my hotel room keys and earrings in my travels. Now, I just keep this little tray on the nightstand beside the bed and everything is right beside me. Should I be forced to evacuate my room in the middle of the night, I can just grab it and go. Check out the video demos and other details for this and all Red Oxx products on the website at www.redoxx.com.
Tidy Up The Suitcase with Packing Cubes
Some love them, some don’t but I recently started using packing cubes to keep my luggage organized and compact during my travels—and I’ve become a fan. Obsessed really. Many styles have an extra compression zipper to flatten out clothes taking up less space in the carryon. There are several types of packing cubes available so consider a variety of sizes including smaller cubes for jewelry and designs with compartments for all those electronic chargers. You’ll find some excellent choices by Eagle Creek and Red Oxx.
Training her early, traveling with my granddaughter.
Celebrate Hands Free Sightseeing
It seems when I’m out exploring a new city I always have too much stuff to carry! From my cell phone to my camera, and all the other necessities, I end up being a bit of a juggler. As a result, I’m always on the lookout for a tote bag I can access easily and that’s easy to carry. Well, I’ve found one. Ameribag’s Healthy Back Bag has entered my life and saved the day! The Healthy Back Bag® has safe and convenient places for all your stuff and its ergonomic design is easier on your back than a traditional backpack. You’ll find several colors and sizes on their website here.
You’ve Got the Power
Tired of lugging around bulky laptop chargers and numerous other USB charges in your travels? I know I am and that’s why I was very happy to discover Dart, the world’s smallest laptop charger. Introduced on the market just a couple of months ago, this handy little device also comes with a USB port giving you the option of simultaneously charging your laptop and smartphone. With Dart, it’s true: good things come in small packages. Check it out here.
Personalize The Basics
Luggage tags and passport covers are pretty basic travel staples, but basics don’t have to be boring. Give them a boost with personalization. One of my favorite gifts last holiday season was a luggage tag: but not just any luggage tag. My daughter made a collage from photos of my grandkids and had a luggage tag designed from the collage. Now I can take the little ones with me on every trip.
The SHOLDIT pocket scarf.
Multi-purpose Clothing is the BEST Thing EVER
With baggage fees levied on most flights, packing light is becoming a necessary skill. Multi-purpose clothing and accessories help keep luggage lightweight. I’ve discovered skirts that can be worn three or four different ways from long, to shorter, or even as a sundress.
Recently, I discovered SHOLDIT. This innovative company makes pocketed scarves: This means I can stick a little cash and my cell phone into a pocket on the scarf, zip it up and put it around my neck. And, the lightweight version of the scarf even converts to a clutch. If you’re looking for warmth, their fleece scarves are ideal for outdoor cold weather fun like skiing, football games and winter hikes. Check out the whole collection on their website www.sholdit.com.
Stop The Pick Pocket
If your traveler is heading to the wide open space of a Dude Ranch, he can wear his wallet in whatever pocket of his Wrangler jeans he wants. But if he’s heading to the crowded city streets, that wallet needs to be in a front pocket. Look for slim wallets designed specifically for front pockets with RFID protection. The slim style lies flat inside the front pocket for a comfortable fit. The RFID-blocking material is stitched directly into the lining of the wallet, protecting credit cards from unauthorized access. Maine based Rogue Industries has an excellent selection along with plenty of other quality leather products.
Future globetrotters!
Encouraging Future Wanderlust
As a globetrotting grandmom, encouraging my little ones to learn about cultures from around the world is important to me. Even though I can’t always take them with me, I can introduce them to other cultures with gifts of toys from around the world. Another way to provide a cultural introduction is with National Geographic’s Little Passports program. Every month a package arrives from a different country with activities to introduce customs and cultures around the world. Pretty soon they will be feeding their own wanderlust and I’ll be right there beside them.
Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons and many happy trails in the New Year!
How Cooking Classes can Grow your Business and Make you Money
By Sherri Mraz
Mostly everyone I know likes cooking classes. I watch these classes on TV all the time but quickly get frustrated because most of them are not healthy.
Being a health coach, it is important for me to keep my recipes and classes in alignment with my beliefs and health goals. I started teaching classes with the message that, “Healthy Begins in the Kitchen.” We all know, we are what we eat, but most people don’t know how to change that. You have to give people simple ways to make food changes on their own.
For me, every class is a winner on building my brand. In the Academy, we go through a unique roadmap system that helps you systematically build your business. Here are a few quick tips for you to create a following of your own using cooking classes.
Know what makes you, YOU, turn it into a BRAND
You don’t have to be so different from everyone else; you just have to be authentic. We are all here for a purpose. Let yourself TRUST your unique gifts and let them shine. If you have a vegan, raw, Paleo or just healthy family style, then teach that. Don’t overcomplicate it, just teach what you do.
Create a program roadmap
You can earn a living from just teaching classes but if you want to build up a coaching practice you must learn how to map your programs and services. The class may not be the final destination. Where do you want your people to go next? Always sign them up for the next step.
Grow your list
Use a sign-up sheet at every class and event you do and create a free offer for your website. Learn how to create valuable content that creates loyal followers and how to deliver it.
Become credible, get known as an expert
All successful entrepreneurs and wellness guru’s have a book. In the Academy, we show you how to get this done super efficiently. This will build your brand like nothing else. It will get you booked and become the base for your brand.
Website as your Hub
Create a website that lets people know who you are. Your website should match your personality and become a center point that all your information feeds into.
Are you passionate about teaching others how to eat healthy food? Does it seem that people are always asking you what they should eat? Maybe you are really good at hacking recipes and making them healthier. Why not make a business out of it? And, if you are a coach this is the perfect way to grow your business.
I’m Sherri Mraz, President and founder of the Cookin’ Yogi and the Wellness Business Academy. I teach people how to improve their health through better food and lifestyle choices. I have put together a team of experts who are on the same mission. We believe that “Healthy Begins in the Kitchen.”
As strongly as I feel about this, I feel even more strongly that it’s not all about the food. You can be an amazing chef and educator but still not be building your business. You need a strategy!
I invite you to check out the Wellness Cooking Academy. Get 12 weeks of virtual classes and done-for-you templates that systematically build your business. This course is more like a business in a box that comes complete with live guidance. No longer will you struggle on your own or remain stuck.
KAREN’S EQUINE INTERVENTION IS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE KAREN’S BARNYARD CHRISTMAS BRINGING CHEER TO THE KIDS WHO NEED IT THE MOST. SEND A SHORT PARAGRAPH ABOUT WHY YOUR CHILD OR ONE YOU KNOW SHOULD BE CHOSEN AS ONE OF TEN SPECIAL KIDS THAT NEED THEIR SPIRITS LIFTED THIS SEASON. ONE LUCKY RAFFLE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A FULL SCHOLARSHIP FOR 6 MONTHS OF WEEKLY THERAPEUTIC SESSIONS. ALL KIDS WILL GET A GIFT SPECIALLY CHOSEN FOR THEM DELIVERED BY SANTA IN ADDITION TO OTHER SURPRISES AND GAMES DURING THE FUN FILLED AFTERNOON.
December 3rd | Winterfest
This year Winterfest is celebrating 20 years, on Saturday, December 3rd, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). Hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Village of Wellington, the event features musical and dance performances by local talent, over 50 exhibitors, blizzard beach live snow, a kids winter wonderland village, zip lining, obstacle courses, and special guest Vanilla Ice! Visit www.wellingtonchamber.com for more information.
December 11th | 33rd Annual Holiday Parade
The Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, returns on Sunday, December 11th. Enjoy this free day of fun and festivities with a judged parade filled with imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes, and more! The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and winds its way down Forest Hill Boulevard from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. Vendors will be on-site with goodies available for purchase. Grab your family and your sneakers and come on out for this fantastic holiday event! Visit www.cpbcchamber.com for more information.
December 16th | Free Movie Night: The Santa Clause (PG)
Bring out the family for a free showing of the holiday classic, The Santa Clause (PG), beginning at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, December 16th, at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/events for more information.
December 17th | 26th Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic
Grab your fishing tackle and get ready to reel in “the big one” at the 26th Annual Children’s Holiday Fishing Classic on Saturday, December 17th at the Village Park front lake (11700 Pierson Road). This free fishing tournament is presented by the Village of Wellington, in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The tournament is open to all local children, ages 15 and younger. Register in advance by downloading the form at www.wellingtonfl.gov. Registration on the day of the event opens at 8:00 a.m. and the tournament runs from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Awards and fish tales will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place (based on the total weight of fish caught and released) in each age group: 6 and under; ages 7 to 9; ages 10 to 12; and ages 13 to 15. This event is sponsored by Nite Ize. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/events for more information.
December 17th | A Cool Yule Celebration with the King Guys – “Holiday Hipsters” Band
Attend a holiday spectacular you won’t soon forget! Join all brass band, King Guys – “Holiday Hipsters,” as they perform a mix of your favorite holiday music beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 17th at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). Food Trucks will be on site for food and beverage purchases. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/events for more information.
December 18th | The 5th Annual Wellington Holiday “Jingle Bell Run” 5K
The 5th Annual Wellington Holiday “Jingle Bell Run” 5k returns to Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Sunday, December 18th. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to needy families in the Village of Wellington community as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. All participants will be provided with jingle bells to wear prior to the start of the race. For more details, and registration information, visit www.active.com.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews. For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings
Dr. Miguel Grillo has offered the most innovative services in dental care around Palm Beach County since his establishment in Wellington in 2005. Messy impressions and long wait times are now a thing of the past as this new technology allows for precise in-house digital oral scans that can be sent directly to the lab. Restorations just “drop right in” and the accuracy is so reliable, many cases don’t even require a model. In emergency cases, crowns can be replaced the same day if started in the early morning. These precisely fitting restorations eliminate the need for retakes, remakes and adjustments which means: Faster seating times and fewer return visits associated with remakes, Lower material and labor costs, Improved patient convenience, satisfaction and loyalty.
How old were you when you decide to become a dentist? Why dentistry? Well, my father was a dentist, so was my grandfather. My great-grandfather was also in the medical field. So, I grew into it. As a child I would help my father and I became passionate it about it. I knew what I wanted to do. You studied in The Dominican Republic, and then you did the foreign training in New York. When did you move to Florida? Why Florida? I had a practice in New York, but twelve years ago I had bought some property here in Florida. When I came with my family to take it over, we all fell in love with it. At the time my sons were STA ranked tennis players and they knew that they could play here all year round. I also realized that I could spend more time with my family. So moving here was an easy and welcome choice.
Tell me about “Healthy Smiles”; when did you establish the practice? What drove you to doing that? What is the main goal of your practice?
Together with my wife of 33 years, I had a practice in New York. It was clear when we came here that we wanted to do something to serve the community. I have always been one to look for ways to help and serve my community; opening “Healthy Smiles” was a natural choice. Our practice is based on care and love: on giving the best possible oral-health care at an affordable price. I’m really scared of going to the dentist; many people are. What do you do to make your patients comfortable? I want my patients to feel at home; like they are visiting a favorite uncle. We try to make them feel welcome and to create an atmosphere of trust and comfort. I have often seen people’s oral care neglected because of this fear. We try to adapt the process to take away this fear. For example, if a patient needs a little longer for the numbness to kick in or if they need more pain medication, we make sure they have what they need to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
What do you enjoy most about your work? What do you enjoy the least? What I enjoy the most is the interaction with my patients. We talk about the weather and our families; there’s a lot of small talk, and always a personal touch. Over time, many patients have become friends; people with whom I have lunch and share my time. I actually enjoy everything about my work. I look forward to going in everyday and so does my staff. Our practice is a fun place to be; to work. I have very high expectations of my staff. I want them to give 100% to our patients, and if they aren’t there yet, they are trained to do so. We give them the time and space to grow and learn so that they serve to the best of their abilities. When we enjoy what we do, it becomes contagious; everybody wants to become a part of it, so we all give 100%. Where do you see yourself and “Healthy Smiles” in five or ten years? For me the key word here is continuity. We want to continue providing our service to the community. Now, continuity is not always direct descendants, as my children are none of them in dental care. My sons are a cardiologist and an attorney. The others are in medical school and in high school. However, my niece is in dental school and she has the same passion and dedication to the profession as I have. I see the practice continuing through her.
How do you spend your free time? What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t being a dentist/orthodontist? I love sports. I often go biking. My real passion, though, is flying. I love being able to go from one place to another in a short time. I mostly fly over Florida, but I have also flown to the Caribbean islands. What advice do you have for patients? Besides the usual “keep up your oral hygiene, brush your teeth before going to bed”, my advice is to enjoy life and love one another. We each have our own cross to bear, but we should move them away from hate and anxiety and towards love and compassion. I don’t look at my practice as just a business. I look at it as a way of giving a service to my community; doing this with love to promote peace and confidence in my patients to let me. Dr. Grillo has an unabating passion for offering the most current innovations in dental technology and making it affordable to his community. He knows all of his patients by name and their comfort and satisfaction is his highest priority. His calming demeanor eases even the most dental-phobic patients making Dr. Grillo stand out as a favorite dentist in the area. Patients recommend him to friends and family for his quality work in general dentistry to teeth whitening, veneers and implants, and dental restoration.
Dr. Grillo and Healthy Smiles Dental Group is located at 9136 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. To make an appointment call (561) 784-4670 or for information visit www.healthysmilesdg.com.
One of the best parts of living in Wellington is enjoying our family focused holiday events. This year, the Village kicks off the season with our annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony on December 2nd, starting at 7:00 pm at the Amphitheater.
Health and Fitness
December 3rd | Winterfest
