September 28, 2004

PALM BEACH · Electricity returned unexpectedly to the Rhodes' home Sunday afternoon and the family made sure not to waste it.

"Neighbors: No power??," a sign near the home read. "Need to charge cell or computer? Need to refrig. Rx? Step in -- We will help -- The Rhodes."

Susan Rhodes and her three children -- Samantha, 10; Jesse, 8; and Stephanie, 6 -- spent the day giving out pink lemonade, water, ice cream, popcorn and garden hose spritzes to landscapers, Florida Power & Light Co. workers, neighbors, police officers and other passing strangers.

Those who wished to pay for their refreshments could put a dollar or two in a plastic container that the children plan to donate today to the American Red Cross. By 4 p.m. Monday, they had collected $39.

Susan Rhodes said it is her family's way of thanking those who helped after the storm. "The idea is also teach the kids something, to pay it forward."

The family weathered both Jeanne and Frances inside their one-story, North Lake Way home on the north end of Palm Beach.

For workers repairing the damage, the Rhodes home was an oasis, said Palm Beach police officer Levente Henter, who stopped for lemonade. "There are no shops here. This is truly a residential neighborhood," he said.