The Palm Beach Post from West Palm Beach, Florida • Page 20

B2-The Post, Thursday, July 25, 1985 PB $150,000 In Storage Unclaimed Community Close-Up Send information to The Post, Community Close-Up, co Lynn Washam, P.O. Box West Palm Beach, 33402. Releases must be received at least 10 days prior to the date of publication and should include a name and phone number in case additional information is needed. vv- i 'i West Palm Beach Monthly Awareness Seminar Hanley-Hazeldon Counseling Center will present a free Alcohol and Drug Awareness Series at 2151 45th Suite 309, West Palm Beach. The next program, tonight, will focus on cocaine abuse, with a film, lecture and time for questions and discussion.

For information call 844-5184. Officials and Scorekeepers Needed The Palm Beach County Department of Parks and Recreation is looking for officials and scorekeepers for softball, soccer and flag football for fall leagues. Pay varies with the sports and experience is not necessary. Free training will be provided. For information call the Athletic Section, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at 964-4420.

Lighthouse Summer Programs The Light- Dean RutjTHE POST Misael Rivera answers prosecution's questions with help of interpreter By Charles Holmes Staff Writtr When a West Palm Beach storage firm failed to receive rent money from a tenant for three months, employees followed standard procedure last week and opened the small storage bin to take possession of the goods inside. It's not the kind of bill you'd expect someone would forget to pay. Once inside, employees of Hunt's Easy Storage at 833 S. Military Trail, found $150,000. The stash, in denominations of $10s and $20s and wrapped in a newspaper, has Palm Beach County sheriff's detectives curious about just who owns the cash.

Employees called the Sheriff's Office when the money was found July 16, and detectives opened an investigation. But there are few leads about the source of the cash, according to Sgt. Gary Hill. Three suspects, two men who listed their addresses in Tempe, and a New York City woman, have been identified through other papers and photographs found in the box. One of the men was contacted by police and initially told a detective that he knew about the storage box before hanging up.

"We then called him back again at which time he denied ever being in Palm Beach County," Hill said. If no one claims the money, it will be returned to the owners of the storage company, Hill said. Company spokesman Alex Garcia said Hunt's Easy Storage normally auctions property abandoned in its facilities. Garcia said he didn't know what would happen to the money if no one can be found to accept responsibility for it. Sheriff's detectives are urging anyone with information about the money to contact them at 471-2370.

Trial Continues Toda 2 Rivera Asks Mercy for Brother house for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, 78 1 0 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, is offering a summer program for preteen children through Aug. 2. The purpose of the program is to reinforce skills learned during the school year as well as broaden life experiences for sight-impaired children. Activities include bowling, swimming, gymnastics, games and other leisure activities, and household chores.

Special activities will include a trip to Dreher Park Zoo. roller skating and a bake sale. For information call 586-5600. Build a Robot The South Florida Science Museum will offer "An Advanced Robotics Camp" Aug. 5-16 for sophomores in high school to sophomores in college, at the museum, 4801 Dreher Trail West Palm Beach.

Students will fabricate robots from wood, plastic and metal in the museum's workshop, and will then learn how to program the robots using home computers. Students should have at least one course in algebra and some knowledge of computer programming, the use of power tools and electricity. The class is open to 10 students. For information, students should call 832-1348 or write to Tom Gershey at the South Florida Science Museum, 4801 Dreher Trail West Palm Beach, Florida 33405. Holistic Medicine The American School of Holistic Massage will present a lecture on Holistic Massage at 2 p.m.

today at the central branch of the Palm Beach County Library, 3650 Summit West Palm Beach. The program is free. For information call 689-1991. Human Development Workshops A series of workshops is being offered by the Emin Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization, at 8 p.m. Thursdays at Lake Clarke Shores Town Hall, 1701 Barbados Road.

The first workshop is free and each additional is $10. Workshops are: How to Think, An Approach to the Natural Laws and the Law of Two, An Introduction to Human Electromagnetics, The Astral Light and Its Effects On Us Today, Ancient Egypt and Color. For information call 967-5648. Aquacise Workouts The West Palm Beach Recreation Department will offer free aquacise classes through Aug. 15, 6-7 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday at the Howard Pool, 1307 Lake West Palm Beach. Aquacise is an energizing, water-resistant workout in the pool designed to strengthen and tone body and heart. For information call 659-8067. JIM in i. 'i ,1 ff i 1 ft Wiggins 4, 1 11 From Bl" ft 1 I i Lunch Connection Hot kosher meals are being served daily, Monday-Friday, at 11:15 a.m.

and 12:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 2415 Okeechobee West Palm Beach. There is no set fee but participants are encouraged to make a contribution at each meal. Reservations can be made for kosher meals to be delivered to people who are homebound. For information call 689-7700.

By Ron Bishop Staff Writtr Speaking quickly in English laced by the Puerto Rican's native accent, Abraham Rivera pleaded with jurors in Palm Beach County Circuit yesterday to believe that his brother Misael Rivera is innocent of murder. "I don't like for my brother to go to prison for something he didn't do," Rivera told the jury. "I did this but he (Misael) did not know what I was going to do." What Abraham Rivera, a 26-year-old carpenter, did was murder Luis Manuel Velez, his ex-wife's boyfriend. Police photographs submitted as evidence show that the victim's'face and head were severely pummeled, a bullet hole pierced his right cheek just below his eye, and his neck was slashed four inches deep, a wound that almost severed his head from his body. Abraham began serving a life sentence, with no possibility of parole for 25 years, in April, after pleading guilty to first-degree murder and kidnaping.

At his plea conference and during yesterday's testimony, Abraham accepted full responsibility for the slaying and for planning the abduction. He said he duped his brother into arranging the fateful meeting with Velez, at Misael's apartment at 6712 Parker by telling Misael he wanted to end the feud between the two men. Abraham, who had confronted and beaten Velez on two occasions before the murder, blamed Velez for destroying his marriage. Abraham and his wife Judy were divorced in May 1984, and she began dating Velez soon after, according to testimony. Misael, testifying with the help of an interpreter, claimed he had no idea of how deeply the love triangle had affected his brother the two men had not spoken for three years because of an argument over Abraham's cocaine abuse.

Abraham mended that feud just two days before the murder. After that, Abraham asked Misael to set up a meeting with Velez, to "fix things," Misael testified, and Misael agreed. "Abraham called me and said he wanted to straighten the problems out I told Luis, 'I cannot force you to straighten it but he said, 'I trust you, the defendant said. Misael left the two men alone in his apartment, but rushed inside after hearing the noise of a fight. In the bedroom, he found Velez bleeding profusely from head wounds and Abraham standing over him with a gun.

Misael said he refused to participate in his brother's plan to place a knife in Velez' hand and stab Abraham with it so that Abraham could claim self-defense. But when Abraham, who had consumed one-quarter of an ounce of cocaine and had not slept for three days, pointed his gun at him, Misael agreed to escort the groggy Velez to a car and to drive it, both brothers testified. "I was telling Luis to stay calm, that when this was over, I would do everything I could for him, but that we had to wait for Abraham to calm down," Misael testified. teners. "We're heartened at the tremendous community response," Altman said.

"We've had dozens of people call us offering to contribute to increased security measures, and we'll be taking that up with the board." And then there's the matter of replacing Freddy. Altman said a new alligator probably will be donated by the South Florida Water Mangement District within the next two weeks. He'll be Freddy, Too. But another 13-footer? Karl Strayer, one of the two zoo-keepers responsible for going into Freddy's cage to clean up and mow the lawn, thinks a smaller gator will do. Let him grow into the role, so to speak.

"I don't like to use the word 'predictable' as far as wild animals are concerned, but over the years, Freddy got used to the routine and didn't bother us. Frank Griffith, the senior keeper, and myself took turns going into the cage while the other watched. With a large, completely different alligator, that might be touchy without a holding pen." Well, don't just sit there letting your Farina cool. Get on the phone and annoy a disc jockey. Ask for Freddy's Song.

Accept no substitutes. Abraham Rivera took the stand yesterday on behalf of his brother Misael in an attempt to clear him of charges stemming from a December 1984 murder. Abraham currently is serving a life sentence for killing Luis Manuel Velez, his ex-wife's boyfriend. Jurors are expected to hear closing arguments in Misael's trial today. But during the ride, Abraham, who was in the back seat with the victim, shot him at close range and slit his throat.

He ordered Misael to stop the car at the John D. MacArthur State Park, where he dragged Velez' body into undergrowth under the cover of darkness. "He grabbed him by the pants and the shirt and threw him out as if he didn't weigh anything, because he is truly a strong man," Misael said of his brother. Police came to question Misael the next morning, by which time Abraham already had been arrested by police in Virginia. Misael said he did not call police for fear he would be arrested for arranging the meeting and driving the car.

"I thought that if my brother said I committed the murder, I did not think that 20 lawyers could help me," he said. Jurors were to hear closing arguments and begin their deliberations this morning. Kids Star in 'Mother Goose Olympics Separated and Divorced Support Group St. Juliana Church's Separated and Divorced Support Group meets at 7:15 tonight in the school band room, 4500 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach.

For information call Mary at 737-5113. Iks Country Western Dinner Dance The West Palm Beach Elks Lodge 1352 will hold a Country and Western Dinner Dance beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday at the lodge, Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach. Happy hour 6-7 p.m.; dinner p.m.; and dancing to Southern Lovin' country band 8:30 p.m. a.m.

Donation is $5. Breakfast is served at 12:30 p.m. at the lodge for a $1 donation. Door prizes will be awarded. For information call the lodge at 686-1352.

Rummage Sale The Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County will hold a rummage sale 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Mental Health Association building, 909 Fern West Palm Beach. For information call 832-3755 or 276-3581. Crass Volleyball Tournament The YMCA, Edwin W. Brown Branch at 2085 S.

Congress West Palm Beach, will hold a Summer Grass Volleyball Tournament 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday. The tournament is open to Six-Man and Triples Coed Teams. Advance registration is necessary. For information call Stephanie Field at 967-3573 or Ernie Brasch at 588-7457.

Palm Beach High School Brunch Members of Palm Beach High School classes of 1938-42 are invited to brunch at 9 a.m. Sunday at DuBois Park, Jupiter. For information call Dick Myers at 622-8628. Autorama '85 The ultimate in street rods, antiques, trucks and custom show cars will be on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the South Florida Science Museum, 4801 Dreher Trail West Palm Beach.

There will be feature cars such as Tom Wright's fastest 1,100 horsepower pickup, Big George's Wild Cherry, the nation's wildest '57 Chevy custom and the dynamic duo of his and hers T-Birds, plus 300 other street machines at the fifth annual Autorama, presented by Mike Scott. In addition to the model car show, there will be clowns and country bands. Proceeds go to the Science Museum. Admission is (2 for adults and $1 for children which includes admission to the museum. For information call the museum at 832-1988.

Around the County Accounting Scholarship Students who intend to study accounting fulltime at Palm Beach Junior College this fall may apply for one of two scholarships sponsored by the Palm Beach chapter of the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents. Two scholarships covering full tuition and books for the 1985-86 academic year will be given to accounting majors who enroll in at least 12 credit hours and maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. Application is open to both current students and those who plan to attend PBJC. The Florida Society of Enrolled Agents is a local group of professional tax preparers and consultants who have been enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. The deadline for application is Aug.

1. For applications or information contact Mrs. Kittie Wilson, PBJC Financial Aid Office, at 439-8061. 1. I By Greg Schwem Staff Writtr RIVIERA BEACH There's something strange going on at the Suncoast High School gymnasium.

Future basketball stars have temporarily given way to future Hollywood stars. Those stars will shine today at 2 p.m. when the Youth Theatre presents The Mother Goose Olympics, a musical extravaganza that combines the efforts of the Riviera Beach Parks and Recreation Department along with Suncoast High School and the public library. Employees from all three have lent their talents to the first children's theater production in the city's history. It is hoped that it won't be the last.

"ThiS is going to be very beneficial to Riviera Beach because some kids have expressed interest in acting," said Lecia Gray, a library staff member and the show's assistant director. "If people really keep up with this, it could take off." The show's premise mixes the parks and recreation department with the library by combining gymnastics with education, said Anne Sutton, library director. The only thing that's missing is more dialogue for the cast members who range in age from 6 to 15. "All 29 kids wanted speaking parts, and there are only five," she said. But that didn't prevent all 29 from furiously hamming it up for an audience of two yesterday during the show's final rehearsal.

In between loudly practicing their lines, searching for props and awaiting their cues, the stars listened attentively to directions from Sutton, who has doubled as the show's director for the past month and given the children their first taste of the do's and dont's of acting. "I can't hear you," she repeatedly yelled from the stage pit. "There's going to be 400 people out there tomorrow." The audience will primarily consist of chil- Alan ZlotkyTHE POST Anne Sutton (center), with some of the 'Mother Goose' cast Fishing Tournament The Kiwanis Club of Lantana will host a Fishing Tournament Aug. 16 based out of the Lantana docks. The donation of $25 includes a fish fry dinner at the Shamrock Club, 428 S.

Lake Worth. For information call Mike at 964-0047 or Jack at 586-2888. dren enrolled in summer activities at the city's three recreation centers. "I think the parents are taking it more seriously than the kids," Gray said. Presiding over the Olympics is Jhi (Old King Cole) Arnold.

Arnold calls for his pipe and enlivens the events with soap bubbles as he sits on the throne in Mother Goose Stadium. Among the characters competing for gold and silver medals are Jack Be Nimble, who clears a 24-inch candlestick in the high jump. But his record is bested by the Cow. Who Jumped over the Moon, which clears Jupiter on its final effort. Calling the action is James (Howard Cosell) Harper, one of the group's few acting veterans at 15.

Harper had a role in Dark of the Moon with the Riviera Beach community theater, which has since merged with a North Palm Beach theater group. Marine Environment Organi Court Denies Punitive Damages in Accident zation The Ocean Impact Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of the marine environment, is seeking volunteers and members to assist in upcoming projects. For information call 969-0071 after 5 p.m. or write: 3285 Lake Worth Road, Suite Lake Worth, Florida 33461. Concert In the Park The Lake Worth Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Music Performance Trust Fund through the West Palm Beach Musicians Local 806, will host a concert featuring Lee Coleman and his Orchestra 8-10 tonight at Bryant Park band shell, Lake Avenue at the Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Worth.

Those attending should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free. Meetings and events submitted to Close-Up must be nonprofit and open to the public. -g i In a split decision, the 4th District Court of Appeal denied yesterday a request of punitive damages against a man and his 17-year-old son, who was driving a car that struck and killed a West Palm Beach man in another auto.

The court asked the Florida Supreme Court to decide whether parents can be forced to pay such damages for accidents caused by their children who are younger than 18. Franklin Ocha of West Palm Beach was killed when his car was hit by another driven by Brian Parker, 17, of Loxahatchee. Last year, a Palm Beach County jury awarded $160,000 in compensatory damages to Ocha's estate and his widow Dolores. In her appeal, Mrs. Ocha asked that the court consider punitive damages against 'both Brian Parker and his father Otis.

Under Florida law, the parent who signs the driver license application for his child is liable for his child's negligence as well. The court ruled that legislators did not intend to make the parents responsible for extraordinary damages but asked the Supreme Court to consider the question. The issue arose from a Christmas Day 1980 traffic accident oa U.S. 441 west of Boynton Beach in which But the appeal court ordered a new trial on the issue of punitive damages against the son in which the jury would hear evidence of the alcohol content in Brian Parker's blood at the time of the accident. Judge James Walden disagreed with his fellow judges Harry Lee An-stead and Hugh Glickstein.

In a three-page dissent, Walden argued that, the state law make. a parent responsible for any damages..