Page 3 - PGA Community News - November '22

November 2022 November 2022 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 3
From The Editor:

Let Us Give Thanks…

The ice cold steel of other senior citizens. They were on fixed incomes and had no receives a four year college scholarship or two year technical
the handcuffs encircled savings. They were terrified of the prospect that their families school scholarship, a volunteer mentor who meets once a
Clara’s wrists behind her and friends would find out about their misdeeds. I reminded week for one hour with the student, continuous monitoring
back as the police officer them of the attorney-client privilege and assured them that by a case manager and career/educational counseling. It is
escorted her through the no one would hear about it from me. Marie had children and through the combined efforts of state government, businesses,
discount department store grandchildren. Clara had a sister, brother and nieces. This was school systems, social service agencies, civic and religious
to the awaiting squad car. my first criminal case since being admitted to the Florida Bar organizations and private citizens that more than thirty-seven
Neither Clara nor her friend, a year earlier. Fortunately the justice system offered Clara thousand students statewide have benefited from Take Stock
Marie, envisioned what and Marie community service and small fines in exchange in Children since its inception in 1995.
would happen to them as for a plea of no contest through the Pre-Trial Intervention At this time of Thanksgiving, let us give thanks for the
they attempted to exit the Program. Marie volunteered at a church and Clara devoted many blessings we have received and help others reap the
store through the Garden her community hours to a hospital. Thanksgiving arrived bountiful harvest that exists here in South Florida. Let us
Shop with the articles they had in their arms wrapped in and Clara and Marie gave thanks for being spared a criminal give thanks.
their sweaters. They cringed as they saw the store detective record and the criticism of their relatives and friends. Until next month…
approach them and direct them to the office where they would Since that time in 1982 I have learned that there are James A. Cioffi, Editor
await the arrival of the police. many services provided to our senior population in Palm james@jcclaw.com
Clara was 75 years old and Marie was 73 in mid- Beach County to ease their financial burden such as “Meals
November, 1982 when they were arrested for shoplifting. I On Wheels” and a bus service that can be scheduled which
received a call at 7pm at my home from Clara’s sister advising will transport seniors to their medical appointments for a Reminder From
me that Clara needed my assistance as an attorney. Clara and modest fee. We all drive by (and some of us vote at) the
Marie were in the Lake Park Jail and if I did not meet them Senior Citizens Center on Northlake Boulevard which offers The POA/ARC
within the hour, they would be transported to the Palm Beach many activities and benefits. Clara and Marie acted out
County Stockade and held overnight. I called the jail to inquire of desperation when they committed a crime. Clara had a
about bail and was told that it was $200.00 for each detainee. wealthy brother who would assist her financially from time POA documents require that all
I immediately went to my ATM machine and withdrew the to time but she never told him of her dilemma that holiday residents apply for POA and HOA
required funds. As I entered the jail I saw Clara and Marie, season. It is this time of year that we become aware of the approval prior to making any
both approximately five feet tall, with weary expressions and needs among us. Government budgets are being cut and our changes to the exterior of your
tears in their eyes. They were being fingerprinted and then seniors need our help more than ever. We are fortunate to home, including but not limited to
the mug shots followed. Picture your grandmother in these live in a community of citizens who care about each other tree removal or planting, new landscaping, painting,
environs and you can imagine my reaction. I interviewed and give thanks by serving others. roofing, additions or construction, fencing, hurricane
each one separately. I chuckled inside when I heard each We are all mindful of the Chinese Proverb, “Give a man shutters, impact glass, play equipment, garage door
one blame the other for the idea of leaving the store without a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and replacement or any other change, you must contact
paying for the merchandise. They told me that the holidays you feed him for a lifetime.” This is the goal of the youth the PGA POA Architectural Review Committee for
were approaching and neither could afford to buy gifts for mentoring organizations in Palm Beach County. If you are approval. Information and forms are available at
their loved ones. I realized they were not being totally honest not currently volunteering to help children in our local area, www.pga-poa.com under the “Documents & Forms”
with me when I reviewed the items in their possession when please consider “Take Stock in Children of Palm Beach heading or call 627-2800.
they were caught, i.e. brassieres and other personal items County.” One of the most critical problems we face is the high Thank you,
that are not normally presents. In reality they did not have dropout rate from our schools and high youth crime rates. Take Jack Hughes,
the income to provide the basic necessities. They lived in the Stock in Children helps our children stay in school, graduate Chairman, POA ARC
mobile home park on Blue Heron Boulevard west of I-95 with from college and become productive citizens. Every student

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