Over the summer you may have noticed the adventures of our Senior Ambassador Jack. He’s been on the road visiting schools and meeting students of the class of 2018. Many of you have wondered where Jack, who usually greets customers in our waiting room, came from. Well here is Jack’s story.

His journey to us begins with Sargent Jack, a now retired police officer. He’s been a long time client. We have all gotten to know him through the years as it became his tradition to bring his bulldog Gemstone in every year for their annual Christmas Card photo. Gemstone served with Sargent Jack for 11 years and never missed a day! Through those years we’ve created a lot of fun Christmas Card for Jack and Gemstone.

Jack the bear was first seen near the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Rt. 169 at a flower shop. They advertised that they had live reindeer to pet at Christmas time. As part of their elaborate display Jack was dressed up in a Santa Suit.

Jack then resided in Brooklyn at a law firm. Here he would greet clients at the front door. When Sargent Jack decided to retire he planned to move to Florida. He wanted to find a good home for Jack. He figured the perfect place would be the waiting room at Charleen’s Portrait Studio where he could once again meet families and children and put a smile on their faces.

So next time you’re in make sure to visit Jack and even take a selfie!