WELLINGTON - Folke Peterson Wildlife Center in Wellington announced today it is closing its doors after five years. The organization has been having financial troubles for several months now and sent out a plea to the community for funds just a couple of months ago.

Folke cares for injured and displaced native Florida wildlife. The center has more than 350 animals under its care right now.

For assistance with injured wildlife in Palm Beach County, the public is asked to call Busch Wildlife Sanctuary at 561-575-3399. In Broward County call the Wildlife Care Center at 954-524-4302.

The center has admitted more than 15,000 animals to its veterinary hospital and rehabilitation facility since opening in 2004.

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Lizbeth Benacquisto was elected to the Wellington Council in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. She recently announced her candidacy for State Senate District 27. District 27 stretches from coast to coast and includes parts of Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry, Charlotte Counties and Lee counties.

Benacquisto has lived in Florida for the past 31 years. She's also a Realtor and a mother of two school-age children.

Senator Dave Aronberg announced he will be vacating the seat in order to run for Attorney General.

What do you do outside of the council?

I am a real estate agent and I do special events consulting.

How and why did you get involved in government?

I was involved in the project to build Tiger Shark Cove and I felt a stronger sense of community through that process about 10 years. As our family became even further rooted in the community I felt a young mother with a young family was needed on the council. I am finishing up my 8 years on the council and it's been an incredibly fulfilling experience.

What are your biggest accomplishments since joining the Village Council?

"There are so many things we've done. Wellington finds itself today in very strong financial position in this economic climate. I am very proud of our work, our reserves are strong, and our taxes are low. We have done a lot of great things over the years. The crime rate is low here in town. I'm involved in the economic development initiative, the rehabilitation of Forest HIll Boulevard and preserving our sense of our community. Our commitment to the environment has been very strong. Our commitment to the Everglades restoration program and the
investment we have made in our public education in Wellington I am very proud of. I believe the Citizens Volunteer Organization will have a lasting legacy.

Why do you want to run for State Senate District 27? What do you want to accomplish in the Senate?

I always have had a strong desire to serve in the legislature. I believe the timing is right. Some of the hardest hit neighborhoods in the state are in this district in terms of loss of jobs and foreclosures. I believe it's time to be a part of that dialogue so I can help shape the future of Florida. I want to help people get back to work. I want to see businesses begin to thrive again and that really motivates me to seek the office.

Besides the budget crisis what are the other big challenges facing Florida?

Well certainly property taxes and insurance remain critical issues for the state.
I want to be a part of the dialog and strengthen those systems. I want to keep Florida affordable to live here.

How will you differ in office than Dave Aronberg?

I can't really contrast myself. The universal feeling in the area is that he's done a great job and I hope when I am elected I will too.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I am incredibly grateful for the support we've received so far. When so many well respected and wonderful people lend their name it's very gratifying. We are very energized to win this seat. I look forward to having everyone on the team
and I want to start with a big thank you to all of the folks who have expressed their support so far,

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WESTERN COMMUNITIES - The Palm Beach County Division of Mosquito Control will be aerial spraying at sundown Thursday, June 18, weather permitting.

The county plans to spray 108,000 acres, which includes all populated areas from north of Lantana Road and west of U.S. Highway 441, including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, The Acreage and Jupiter Farms.

Aerial spraying is used to control the mosquito population, which has increased during the recent rains. To further help control mosquitoes, the county asks residents to drain or minimize standing water on their properties.

The county advises people who are going outdoors after dark to use an insect repellent containing DEET and wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.

The Aerial Spray Hotline is 561-642-8775.

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WELLINGTON - Folke Peterson Wildlife Center, 10948 Acme Rd, is hosting "Wild Wednesday" at 7 p.m. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

The topic will be "The Purple Martin - Backyard Birding at its Best" with Susan Halpin, a local purple martin landlord and owner of PurpleMartins-R-Us.com. The Purple Martin is the largest North American swallow. Halpin will share techniques to attract purple martins and teach how to help in the conservation of the migratory songbird.

Click here for more information about Folke Peterson or call 561-793-2473.

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WELLINGTON - Capt. Greg Richter of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office will be the Wellington Chamber of Commerce's key note speaker Wednesday at its June 17 luncheon. The topic will be “Crime in Wellington: Reality vs. Rumor."

Richter is the commander of District 8-Wellington.

The luncheon will be held at Kontiki Restaurant, 13860 Wellington Trace Ste 21-22. Cost is $20 for Chamber members (with RSVP); $25 at the door and $30 for Non-Members. Call 561-792-6525 for reservations or more information.

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WELLINGTON - Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria will host his monthly community forum from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 in the center court of the original Wellington mall, southeast corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and Wellington Trace.

This month's topic will focus on the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s recently released grand jury report.

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ROYAL PALM BEACH - The president of PROCER (The Puerto Rican Organization for Cultural Enhancement and Reaffirmation), Israel Pabón, was honored Wednesday with the Blue Dove Award 2009 in West Palm Beach during a ceremony at the Airport HIlton.

The Blue Dove Award is given out each year to a distinguished member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This year's award was presented by Hospice of Palm beach County and sponsored by the Chamber. The Black Chamber of Palm Beach County also co-sponsors the Blue Dove Awards.

PROCER is based in Royal Palm Beach and presents several community programs such as Puerto Rican Cuatro Lessons, Acrylic Painting Classes and Folkloric Dance at the Boys and Girls Club in Wellington and West Palm Beach.

Visit www.procercultural.org for more information.

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WELLINGTON - The Wellington Library, 1951 Royal Fern Drive, will host “Pizza & Pages: Runaways” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11. Copies of Brian K. Vaughan’s graphic novel are available at the children’s desk. "Runaways" is a comic book series that follows a group of teenagers who discover that their parents are part of an evil crime group called the Pride

Call 561-790-6070 to register or for more information.

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WELLINGTON - Rumour Hazit will be headlining Wellington's Outdoor Concert Series Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. on the front field of the Wellington Community Center, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Rumour Hazit is a local band that plays a mix a classic and modern rock songs. Admission and parking is free.

There will be food and refreshments available for purchase. Residents are advised to bring their blankets and/or lawn chairs.

Call the Wellington Community Center at 561-753-2484 for more information.

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WELLINGTON - Chef Joe shares his quick and easy boating and beach recipes 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Whole Foods Market U.S. Highway 441, in the Lifestyle Center. There is no charge for the event.

Call 561-904-4000 to register or for more information.

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ROYAL PALM BEACH - The village of Royal Palm Beach will be celebrating its 50th anniversary Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, with a variety of events including a cupcake bake-off, chili cook-off and a 5K Run/Walk.

One of the highlights of the two-day celebration, however, will be the unveiling of a piece of public art that will sit at the corner of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards.

"The unveiling of the art sculpture and the unveiling of the time capsule at village hall are the highlights," said Carlos Morales, facilities supervisor at the RPB Cultural Center. "It's going to be a fun-filled event."

The sculpture will consist of five stylized palm leaves that represent the five decades of the village's history. It will stand about 10 feet tall, 15 feet wide and 8 feet deep. It's being made out of bright finished metal with dichroic coating inserts. The village budgeted $85,000 for the sculpture.

"It's going to be a fun piece," designer and sculptor Mark T. Fuller said. "It's fun doing this kind of work for the public to enjoy."

The unveiling will take place at 5 p.m. June 12 kicking off the two-day celebration. Following the unveiling there will be a anniversary party from 7 to 9 p.m. at Veterans Park, 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

"Oh I think it's going to be wonderful," said Councilwoman Martha Webster. "We're going to add a nice piece of culture and there's going to be a companion piece of art on the opposite corner."

The second piece of art won't be ready in time for the anniversary celebration, but it will consist of a palm archway with reflective leaves.

The cupcake bake off and chili cook off will be held 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The 5K Run/Walk starts 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

Call 561-790-5124 for more information.

Here's a listing of the scheduled events:

FRIDAY JUNE 12

5 p.m. - Unveiling of art sculpture on Village Hall Grounds

6 p.m. - Crafts, games, and rock wall at Veterans Park

7 p.m. - Happy Birthday cake at Veterans Park, community band concert
and variety show

9 p.m. - Movie under the stars "Cartoon Capers," "Some Like it Hot."
Free popcorn and lemonade

SATURDAY JUNE 13

7:30 a.m - 5K Run/Walk starting at Camellia Park

8 a.m. - Continental breakfast at Village Hall. Crafts, games,
waterslide, rock wall and sports center at Veterans Park

10 a.m. Village unearths time capsule

11:30 a.m. - Appearance by the Chili Chicks at the Chili Cook-Off,
Cupcake bake-off at Veterans Park

Noon - Interactive DJ at Veterans Park.

2 p.m. - Pie-eating contest

3 p.m. - Hot dog-eating contest

4 p.m. - Live music by "On Target"

5 - 7 p.m. - Free hot dogs and lemonade

7 p.m. - Live music by "Hot Brass Monkey Evolution"

9 p.m. - Fireworks display

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WESTERN COMMUNITIES - The Palm Beach County Division of Mosquito Control will be aerial spraying at sundown Friday, June 12, weather permitting.

The county plans to spray 215,000 acres, which includes all populated areas from Military Trail west to the Glades communities.

Aerial spraying is used to control the mosquito population, which has increased during the recent rains. To further help control mosquitoes, the county asks residents to drain or minimize standing water on their properties.

The county advises people who are going outdoors after dark to use an insect repellent containing DEET and wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.

The Aerial Spray Hotline is 561-642-8775.

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WELLINGTON - Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto announced her bid for State Senate District 27 Friday. District 27 is currently held by Dave Aronberg who recently decided to run for Attorney General in 2010.

Benacquisto said in a press release:

"It has been an incredible privilege to serve the residents of my community as a councilwoman for the past seven years. I am humbled and extremely grateful for the support I've received for my candidacy for the Florida Senate District 27. In today’s economic climate, I believe we need more people in Tallahassee who know how to get Florida back on track by creating more jobs and bringing new business to Florida. I will work hard to improve Florida's educational system and guard against wasteful government spending. As a Florida Senator, I will seek new approaches to make Florida's resources work for all of us ---residents and business alike."

District 27 includes parts of Palm Beach, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and Lee counties.

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WELLINGTON - Panelists from six banks and the U.S. Small Business Administration will discuss the state of commercial lending in the western communities from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Wellington Reserve Campus 1047 U.S. Highway 441. The deadline to RSVP is Monday, June 8.

Panelists will include Craig Crombie, VP of commercial lending, at Sterling Bank; Emsley E. Hylton II, VP of business banking at Washington Mutual; Michele Krupp Kagan, VP of commercial banking at SunTrust Bank; Peggy Lisi, Senior VP of business banking at Wachovia/Wells Fargo; and Tabitha Stambaugh, commercial lender at TD Bank; Stan Kushay, business banking officer at National City/PNC.

Call 561-790-6200 or e-mail anitra@palmswest.com to RSVP for this event.

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ROYAL PALM BEACH - The Palms West Chamber of Commerce announced its annual Business of the Year Awards at its monthly luncheon Monday.

The two winners were Dale Pickford of Graphic-Signs for 2009 Business of the Year with gross sales of less than $2 million and Julie Kime of Allstate Insurance Company for 2009 Business of the Year with gross sales of more than $2 million.

Other winners included the Chairman's Choice Award which went to Susan Giddings of O'Dell Land Development Consultants for her assistance this year with the chamber's new building that broke ground earlier this year and is expected to be completed by the end of summer.

Hoffman's Chocolate was announced as the winner of the People's Choice Award for best chocolate dessert at last week's Taste of the West and Chocolate Lovers' Festival. Hoffman's won last year as well.

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LOXAHATCHEE - Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law today a bill that would require children younger than 16 to wear a helmet while riding on public roads.

The bill, nicknamed Nicole's law, was introduced by local leaders after Nicole Hornstein, 12, died after falling off her horse in June of 2006. After the accident she was in a coma for 20 days.

She wasn't wearing a helmet.

Since then her father Gary Hornstein made it his mission to prevent other children from suffering from the same fate.

Under the bill (HB 169), any person who allowed a child to ride a horse without a helmet would be fined $500.

Along the way Gary has recruited many supporters such as State Sen. Dave Aronberg, State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo and Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto.

Last year Wellington passed an ordinance requiring equine riders younger than 16 years of age to wear a helmet while riding on public property. Parents of violators can be issued a $25 fine.

"We passed an ordinance in the village of Wellington because of our equestrian activities and in hopes that the state of Florida would make it a law throughout the state," said Councilwoman Benacquisto. "It was important to set an example in our community."

She said many local communities have passed resolutions supporting a statewide law.

Meanwhile Aronberg introduced statewide legislation last year that would require riders under the age of 16 to wear helmets. Similar legislation passed the House of Representatives, but never made it before the full senate. He introduced the legislation again this year in the senate while State Rep. Abruzzo introduced it in the house.

"The victim lived in my district. I wanted to protect others like her.
We have a mandate for children to wear a helmet riding a bike why not the same mandate for children riding a horse?" Aronberg asked. "We're just talking about public lands and we're trying to make the law as unintrusive as possible. This is a matter of safety. It will save lives."

Jason Parsley can be reached at jeparsley@tribune.com.

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ROYAL PALM BEACH - Congressman Ron Klein will announce the Palms West Chamber of Commerce of Commerce's "Business of the Year" award winners Monday, June 8 at the chamber's monthly meeting.

The luncheon starts at 11:45 a.m. at Carrabba's Italian Grill, Southern Palm Crossings, 11141 Southern Blvd.

Call 561-790-6200 for more information.

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WELLINGTON - The Wellington library, 1951 Royal Fern Drive, will hold its summer reading program kickoff “Tale Twisters” 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6 for grades pre-K and up. Children will help to create tales and wear balloon costumes.

Call 561-790-6070 for more information.

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WEST PALM BEACH - The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will be held at the Americraft Expo Center Saturday and Sunday June and 7 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd.

The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults, 16 and under free and seniors $6. The next show will be held in November.

Visit www.festivalofantiques.com or call 561-640-3433 for more information.

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LOXAHATCHEE - Ron Seibly will be holding a clinic on equine first aid and hurricane preparedness at noon Sunday, June 7 at Red Fences Farm on D Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Cost is $15. Call Seibly at 561-547-7082 or Red Fences Farm at 561-333-3018 for more information.

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The Palms West Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 12th annual Taste of the West and Chocolate Lovers' Festival from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

More than 40 restaurants from the western communities will have the opportunity to showcase their food to the more than 1,500 people that are expected to attend.

A people's choice award will be given to whomever makes the best chocolate dessert. Also back again this year will be a pie-eating contest involving the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Students from the Florida Culinary Institute have also been invited back again to compete in a chocolate cake-decorating contest. Last year they created an original chocolate dessert.

New this year is a kid's cooking corner where a chef will help children make their own chocolate dessert. There will also be a "Science of Chocolate" booth from the Science Museum so children can learn about where chocolate comes from and how it's made.

The cakes, pies and ingredients for the kid's corner is being supplied by the recently opened Whole Foods Market.

"We're really looking forward to being involved. We heard its been growing every year and we wanted to sponsor a few of their events," said Whole Foods Community Specialist Lauren Belinsky.

"We also wanted to our new and current customers to taste our desserts that are made from our high quality, organic and natural ingredients."

Visit www.palmswest.com or call 561-791-6200 for more information.

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WELLINGTON - As of Monday the new summer hours for the Wellington Aquatic Complex are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. Saturdays; and closed on Sundays. The complex will continue to accept private pool rentals Friday evenings and sunshine rentals for exclusive use on Sunday mornings.

The Aquatic Complex also offers swimming lessons throughout the summer for children, ages 6 months and up to adults. The next session begins June 15.

Call 561-753-2484 for more information.

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