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 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 first JustAsk community service campaign supporting deserving individuals within our community who overcame adversity and were improving their lives through education. Desmond was our very first candidate. We registered him at Target, and our JABBERS purchased off the registry in an effort to help them accomplish his academic goals. 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 chose 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 his professional success, Desmond found love somewhere along the way. He was recently married to the beautiful, brilliant, successful and amazing Sheena McCleary Meade.
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This is how we roll
on Lincoln Rd.
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The new 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 canceled plans, rallied my troops, and off 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.
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The Meades and the Zameks
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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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Baby Talk
My husband is desperate for me to have another baby. We have one child and I do not want to have any more. This situation is starting to cause a lot of stress on our marriage. If you have experience with this situation, I would love to hear from you.
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Join Us for Breakfast with Bethenny
From Team JAB 
JustAskBoo is teaming up with Books & Books to give you the skinny on balancing health, home and career from the ultimate SkinnyGirl, Bethenny Frankel. Meet us for breakfast with Bethenny at Books & Books in Coral Gables on Tuesday, August 13 at 9 am for a moderated Q&A and an autographed copy of her new book Skinnygirl Solutions: Your Straight-Up Guide to Home, Health, Family, Career, Style and Sex. Click HERE for more details and to order your ticket. |
Holistic HelpI am searching for a doctor or practice specializing in holistic medicine. I would like my daughter tested for food and environmental allergies, and checked for potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies. I also would like assistance with a food and supplement plan. I am in Cooper City, but am willing to travel to Dade. Thanks.
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Sport Support
I am urgently searching for a referral for a sports medicine physician, trainer or counselor who can help an athlete with performance, body image and stress issues. If there is anyone you recommend in the Miami or Boca Raton area, I would appreciate his/her information. I would prefer working through the University of Miami system, but am open to private individuals as well. Thanks for your help.
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Can't Solve Your Child's GI or Nutrition Issues?
 Now you CAN! At the Institute for Children's Advanced Nutrition (iCan) & Gastroenterology we specialize in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal (GI) and nutritional conditions for children of all ages, from newborns to young adults. Led by Harvard trained Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Debora Duro, iCan Gastroenterology's multidisciplinary team offers a friendly and comfortable setting where your child's health can thrive. We can provide the comprehensive care you have been looking for! To learn more about Dr. Duro, click HERE. Call 954.607.3240 or click HERE to schedule your visit.
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Allergy Advice
My 11-year-old son is severely allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. I have been unsuccessful in getting him accepted into clinical trials for oral immunotherapy, a promising therapy to reverse life-threatening food allergies. Does anyone have any advice on joining this program? Has anyone had success with another treatment? I look forward to hearing from you.
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Mind My Mother
From Barbara Kreisberg: REPLY I am searching for a kind, English-speaking caregiver to work on select weekend evenings as a companion for my 89-year-old mother and prepare her for bed. She is intelligent and alert, but has problems with balance and requires the use of walker. She is located in Sunrise. Thank you.
Afterschool Special
I would like to hire a friendly and reliable person to watch my daughter in the afternoons, for about three-and-a-half hours per day. Duties include picking her up at school in northeast Ft. Lauderdale, helping her with homework and providing general companionship. Someone Spanish speaking is preferred, but not a must. Thank you for your referrals!
I Need a Part-Time Nanny
I am searching for a nanny to care for my eight-month-old, Wednesdays through Fridays, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, in Miami. Ideally she should speak English and Spanish. Duties include light housekeeping. |
Help the Homeless Animals in Our CommunitiesFrom Maria Papazian: REPLY  The "Omega Dog" 3rd Annual Animal Adoption Fair and silent auction was created to aid the homeless and helpless animals in our community. Join us Sunday, August 25, at the War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale, to commemorate "National Homeless Animals Day." On behalf of homeless animals in our community, please help us secure tax-deductible donations for the silent auction. We need gift certificates to pet-related businesses, restaurants, hotel stays, time-shares, local attractions and goods. We hope the homeless animals in our community can count on your help. Together we can make a difference! Click HERE to visit the event's Facebook page.*
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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. Please share your recommendations for things to see and do, and restaurants along the way. Merci!
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Big City Stay
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! Thank you.
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Keys to a Good TimeFrom Molly Wassman: REPLY Thanks to all the JABBERS who sent us recommendations for lodging in the Keys! Now that we have a place to stay, what are some must-see, family-friendly attractions in the area? Key West's Duval Street is already on the list. Thank you!
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Noshing in NaplesFrom Alexa Sherr Hartley: REPLY We are headed to Naples for a little staycation later this month. I would love recommendations for non-touristy places to eat. If you have any suggestions, please contact me. Thank you!
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Donate Your Diapers!
What parent doesn't understand the financial burden of diapers? The results of a study published in scientific journal Pediatrics show that a heartbreaking 30% of women report "diaper need", lacking adequate diaper supply for their child. Some families go so far as to reuse diapers to defray costs, according to former social worker and study co-author Joanne Goldblum, in her recent interview with CNN.  | |
This little guy needs
8 to 12 diapers per day.
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JABBERS, we remember how those Pampers pinched our pocketbooks. Let's make a difference together. Here's how you can help: - Buy a box of diapers, and a member of Team JAB will pick it up from you, anywhere in Broward County. It's just that easy. Email us HERE with your details.
- Spread the good word on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
All diapers will be forwarded to a local diaper bank for local redistribution. For more information about Donate You Diapers!, please email Team JAB HERE.
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The Web I WeaveFrom Rachel Charlupski: REPLY I am searching for a group of professionals who can provide web design, programming and graphic design services to update a website and brand image/company logo. I am open to hiring individuals, but I would prefer to assemble a group who has worked together before. Your suggestions are appreciated.
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Feature PresentationFrom Arielle Biscayart: REPLY I am looking for someone to help me design a keynote presentation on an iPad. I would like to include photos, charts, videos and links in the presentation. If you know anyone who has experience with this, please contact me. Thanks!
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Development and Communications Specialist NeededFrom Americans for Immigrant Justice: REPLY Americans for Immigrant Justice seeks specialist to support fundraising, marketing and public relations efforts. Involves increasing donations and visibility through special events, community outreach, mailings, social media, website development, donor and database management. Requires organized, detailed, responsive and communicative person with exceptional writing skills, event planning and graphic design experience. Click HERE for full description and HERE to apply.*
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Happy Birthday, Kathy Procce
From Team JAB 
We want to wish Kathy, who is part of our finance team, a very happy birthday! Team JAB's resident math guru has plenty of experience crunching numbers, first as the founder of a math tutoring business and later as the CFO of Kreps De Maria Public Relations. We wish Kathy a happy and healthy year with her husband and two daughters! To read more about Kathy and her deep dark secret, click HERE. |
SUV S.O.SFrom Valerie Menos: REPLY I need to buy an SUV with three rows at the end of this month but don't have the time to test drive all of the ones that I am considering. If you love the SUV you are driving, please contact me and let me know the model and why you love it. I am hoping this will help me narrow down my options. I look forward to your replies. Thanks!
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 Do You Know a Local Hero?
From Team JAB
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Ping Pong ProblemsFrom Brenda Moreira: REPLY Our ping pong table is in need of some repairs as the wind knocked it over causing some of the edges to crack and the net to break. I have been unsuccessful in getting information from the manufacturer or the store where it was purchased as to where I can have it repaired. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear from you. Thanks!
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Like Riding a BikeFrom Kassandra Perez: REPLY I am currently on the hunt for a gently used cruiser or mountain bike, not a street bike, for my tall fiancee. Preferably tires that are a minimum of 28 inches in diameter. If you are looking to sell yours, please let me know!
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 Stokke Highchair For Sale
Help me de-baby this house! One black Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair for sale, including infant support and blue and white striped textiles. Grows with the baby from infancy through childhood (and beyond.) Paid over $300, asking $100.*
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 A Classified Matter
By Team JAB
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