Smyrna couple who stepped up for paralyzed neighbor nominated for Nextdoor 100

SMYRNA, Ga. — WSB-TV and Nextdoor are partnering to celebrate the top 100 neighbors across the country.

A Smyrna couple says that when they found out they had been nominated, they laughed out loud.

Jae and Jess Scarborough were nominated by their neighbors, Laurie Malecki and Steve Klaw.

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“I couldn’t think of better neighbors. Jae and Jess are wonderful,” Malecki said.

Last year, Klaw had back surgery and became partially paralyzed. Malecki says the Scarborough family stepped up to the plate without even being asked.

“Had we not had Jae and Jess around, I don’t know what we would have done. I couldn’t even wheel him into the house by myself, and they’re good like that with everyone around the neighborhood,” Malecki explained.

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“Why not help? It makes sense. It’s easy too. Yeah, do unto others,” Jess Scarborough said.

The Scarboroughs say the feeling of respect and admiration is mutual. They told Channel 2′s Heather Catlin that they love their over-the-fence conversations and they all helped one another during the pandemic lockdown.

“It’s wonderful to have neighbors that are friends, that you truly love,” Jess Scarborough said.

“It makes the neighborhood more fun to have neighbors you actually like to hang out with,” Jae Scarborough said.

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While they know their friendship will last a lifetime, Malecki and Klaw had one request to make of their neighbors.

“We beg them not to move. Beg them,” Malecki laughed.

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