 As summer begins to wind down, I want to share one of the highlights for me because you helped make it happen. You may remember Desmond Meade. It was exactly three years ago when we launched our very first Just Ask community service campaign, when we selected a deserving member of our community who overcame adversity and was improving his/her life through education. We registered him/her at Target, and our JABBERS purchased the registry items in an effort to help them accomplish their academic goals. Desmond was our very first candidate. As fate would have it, he became a close friend not only to me, but to my entire family. Once afflicted with homelessness, addiction and even suicidal thoughts, Desmond decided to turn his life around. In 2005, he became sober and began building his future. His fortitude and will to succeed helped him accomplish even his loftiest goals. He enrolled in Miami-Dade College where he graduated with honors and received numerous awards, and in 2010 he was accepted to FIU School of Law. In addition to holding a firm position in the top tier of his class, Desmond is a mentor to his peers, and even finds time to serve as President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. He is a true inspiration to all who know him. I am delighted to inform you that Desmond will graduate this spring (2014).
In addition to professional success, Desmond also found love somewhere along the way. He was recently married to the beautiful, brilliant, successful, amazing Sheena McCleary Meade.
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The Zamek and Meade families on Lincoln Road
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Mrs. Meade knew that Desmond and I had been trying to connect for several months. But life, work, kids, school and social commitments continued to distract us, and neither of us made it happen. My phone rang about two weeks ago and to my surprise, it was Sheena on the other end ... with a plan up her sleeve. (God, I love her.) It was Desmond's birthday and Sheena was ready to pull out some surprises. I cancelled plans, rallied my troops, and we headed to Miami Beach to meet Sheena, Desmond, and two of their children (Xcellence, 10 and Xzion, 6) for dinner. The Meades, of course, showed up in style in a limo (See? I told you Sheena's a force). Desmond was floored. We had a perfect visit, complete with steak and fruit juice (Desmond's favorite!). But Sheena wasn't finished. The limo driver delivered our two families to Lucky Strike Bowling Alley, where Desmond's friends and family were waiting, ready to bowl and even more ready to celebrate Desmond.
 | Desmond and crew
enjoying the limo |
Thank you, JABBERS, for introducing my family to the Meades. This friendship would not have happened without you. Thank you to Chapman Partnership and to FIU and to each and every one of you JABBERS who donated to Desmond and his registry three years ago. You remind me every day how lucky I am to be a part of this amazing community of JABBERS.
Happy giving and Happy JABBING!
-Boo
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Talk it Out
I am looking for a marriage counselor in Palm Beach County. If you have any recommendations for someone you have had personal experience with, please send me his/her contact information. Thank you!
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Love the Skin You're In?
If you have a dermatologist that you love and they are located between Boca and West Palm, please forward me their contact information. Thanks!
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Tour de France (and Spain)
From Melissa Montes: REPLY This fall, I will be traveling with my family to Paris, Bordeaux, St. Jean de Luz, San Sebastian, Salamanca, Burgos, Granada, Merida, and Sevilla. I'd love your recommendations for restaurants as well as for things to see and do. Merci! Gracias!
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New York State of Mind
From Bridget Jackson: REPLY I would like to rent a two bedroom apartment in Manhattan for a long weekend getaway for two couples in October. If you know the perfect place, please contact me!
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Back to School, Back to the Doctor: Summer Special!
From Megan Bennington: REPLY  No matter what grade your child is about to enter, there's always the yearly back-to-school checklist of to-dos: shopping for school supplies, filling out permission forms - and the pediatric check-up. At Jupiter Medical Center's Urgent Care Center, we are offering a summer special of both school and sports physicals for $15. This offer is good until September 1, 2013. Our Urgent Care Center provides fast and affordable walk-in service in a convenient location. We're here for you so you can get in, get out, and get back to good health - and get back to school. For more information, click HERE or call 561.263.7010.*
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It Takes A Village (Or In Our Case, a County)
 In just a few days, many parents will be sending their little ones back to school equipped with all the school supplies they need and plenty of extras to make it more fun - a personalized backpack and lunch box, brand new shoes and custom made hair bows to match their school uniforms. But for others, back-to-school means a struggle to find the money to buy the most basic back-to-school needs.
You may be shocked to learn that the average age of a homeless person is nine years old. There are nearly 2,000 homeless children registered in Palm Beach County Schools. Many of these children are sleeping in local parks or living in cars with their families. Because community programs are unable to meet the increasing demand, your help is needed more than ever before. Below are three convenient ways to make a difference in the life a child in our community.
- The next time you're in Publix, donate to the Tools For Back to School program which ends August 14. Your donation will be distributed to underprivileged students throughout Palm Beach County.
- Donate to Children's Home Society of Florida's Back-to-School Drive. Click HERE to check out their wish list or to make a monetary donation.
- Pick up extra school supplies while you are doing your last-minute back-to-school shopping, and a member of Team JAB will pick it up from you, anywhere in Palm Beach County by August 16. It's just that easy. Email us HERE with your details.
Happy helping and Happy JABBING!
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Where to Turn for Treatment
My 26-year-old son was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. Being so young, he does not know how to handle it or what to expect. Do you know of any support groups for young people going through similar situations? I know it would help to raise his spirits. Also, if you know of any treatment options for patients without insurance, that information would be extremely helpful. I appreciate your replies.
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Windy City, Here we Come!
My husband and I have decided to relocate to Chicago. We are a professional couple who want to be either in or close to the city. We enjoy walking to local restaurants for dinner and taking our dog to parks. If you are from the Chicago area and can recommend safe areas for us to start our housing search, I would love to hear from you. Thanks!
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A Birthday With Bruno
I would like to purchase two tickets to the August 30th Bruno Mars concert in Miami for my daughter's birthday. If you know someone who is selling tickets, please let me know. Thanks!
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Mammograms Save Lives. Schedule Yours Today! At Care Diagnostics for Women, we understand the vulnerability women feel when undergoing a breast exam. That's why we bring a unique approach to women's imaging by providing care in a comfortable, friendly and trusting environment. Our experienced radiologists are board certified and fellowship trained in breast imaging. We utilize the latest imaging technology to foster breast wellness. Care Diagnostics is conveniently located in Boca Raton across the street from Town Center Mall, next to Too Jay's Deli. Click HERE to schedule an appointment online or call 561.361.7872 to schedule your visit. Early morning appointments available, starting at 7:30am.*
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Have We Met?
I would like to attend the sold out Brian Weiss seminar, Miracles Happen: The Transformational Healing Power of Past Life Memories, in Miami on August 15. If you have two tickets you'd like to sell, please contact me. Thank You!
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California Dreaming
Do you you know of a condo, guest house or other accommodation in or near Carlsbad, California that is available from September 15 to March 15? If so, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!
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It's a Wrap!
Has anyone used It Works Body Wraps and seen positive results? I have lost several pounds through exercise and changing my diet but I have some stubborn belly fat that needs a little extra attention. I am in a wedding at the end of the month so any feedback you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thanks! |
The Piano Boy
My son is very interested in taking piano lessons but we do not have a piano or the space for one in our home. Is there a portable type of keyboard that I can buy for him to practice on once he begins lessons? If you have any recommendations, I would love to hear from you. Thanks! |
Volunteer. Make New Friends. Develop Your Potential!
From Ashley Schutz: REPLY  Since 1941, the Junior League of the Palm Beaches has provided women with the opportunity to develop their potential as leaders and trained volunteers. Not only do our members work hard to improve our community, they make lifelong friendships along the way. The skills you will acquire are not only beneficial to your JLPB experience, but will help you in your chosen profession, at other non-profits, and with interpersonal relationships. We are currently accepting new members to be a part of our 2013-2014 Provisional Class. For more information, please contact our office at 561.689.7590, or visit our website HERE.*
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Ship Out
From Brittany Rich: REPLY I am moving from Boca to Carlsbad, California and need to ship my car. Can anyone recommend a company they have used in the past? Thanks for your suggestions.
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Training Days
I am going to begin the process of crate training my labrador puppy. If you or someone you know has a large crate to sell, please contact me. Thanks!
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Charming Hypoluxo Home
1416 Lands End Road
$695,000 This charming 3 bedroom/2 bath home with separate guest bedroom located off of the pool area is situated on Hypoluxo Island which is part of the exclusive Manalapan-Hypoluxo Island community and is nestled in the heart of Florida's Palm Beach county, tucked away between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. For more information, email Sabra Kirkpatrick HERE, Jack Elkins HERE, or visit their website HERE. Fite Shavell & Associates.*
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 Let Us Know a Little Something About You! From Team JAB We want you to be in the loop on the latest and greatest at JAB. To do this, we'd love for you to update your profile HERE. It'll take just a few seconds! (We promise, your personal information is always safe with us). Thanks and Happy JABBING! |
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