Abacoa & Alton Neighbors May 2020

M a y 2 0 2 0 | Abacoa &Alton N E I G H B O R S 23 RESIDENT FEATURE As the Jupiter community’s voices sounded off among neighborhoods to elect May, these same people are in the midst of the complicated new normal that began in March locally, statewide, and worldwide. The Jupiter community has come nose to nose with fear, and heart to heart with each other. Cameron’s thoughts about the importance of a tight-knit community validate the change taking place—and emphasize his political purpose. “I think the community has come together in a way I haven’t seen in a long time,” he said.“Growing up here, you knew somebody who knew somebody, who knew somebody. The behavior of our culture has proven the fabric of our roots. People have come together. People are sharing. The community has come back together.” And because loving a place takes root in knowing a place, the Mays know the local families are able to adapt and overcome. Having his boys has helped him and Magen stay grounded during the current climate of uncertainty. Because they are a family steeped in tradition of simpler times, keeping to the outdoors as a family provides stability. It also echoes the hallmarks of their childhoods. Since neither Cameron or Magen grew up playing video games or watching a whole lot of television, they seek adventure. Biking, fishing, going to the beach, and boating are their outdoor staples. They are members of Jupiter First Church and like to attend beach cleanups with Friends of Jupiter Beach and charity events hosted by Place of Hope. Their home life is surrounded by neighbors who count as friends and family—they live in Summerwood. When not at home and on vacation, they try to visit a new place each year. Regular visits to the Keys in the Summer and snowboarding and skiing in Colorado in the winter are at the top of their adventure list. Their lives uncluttered, with a family first focus, includes two yellow labs, Ruger and Brynley that enjoy the recent expanse in family. “They love anything to do with water or the beach and obviously long walks!” May chimed. “For the most part, you can find them lounging in the house near one of the kids because they love to snuggle by them.” As their boys grow, the Mays plan to support Jupiter and its recreation, and re-creation to maintain an ecosystem ripe with kindness. It is the fabric of life’s lessons they want Merrick and Carson to learn. “Always be kind,” he said.“My biggest thing especially in the field I am in, is always be kind to people because you never know what they are going through. Always be willing to lend a hand to anybody and never expect to receive anything in return.”