Go Newark. Live Green. Love Pink.

"He who knows his WHY in life can live through any HOW" - Victor Frankl

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

History Among History, Inauguration 2009

Linda McDonald-Carter, an attorney and history professor at Essex County College in Newark, NJ invited her class to witness history in the city’s Society Hill Club House. Friends, community, professor and students enjoyed a continental spread while reflecting on the historic and personal value of the Barak Obama Presidential Inauguration. There are many reasons to celebrate this day of change, but for this community an additional reason is almost a century old.


As if the first Black President of the United States of America isn’t historic enough, the Society Hill attendees were in for another fantastic treat. Assembled in the room, were some of Newark’s eldest citizens, one of whom celebrated a 97th birthday. Born January 20, 1912 Mrs. Mountain was overjoyed by the notion of a President of color. “I never dreamed that I’d see this day, I am so happy that we have a colored president. This is history. It’s my 97th birthday and I am so happy that I’ve lived to see it.”


In 1919 Mrs. Fountain began her working career as a sharecropper in Baskerville, Virginia. Years later, in 1937, she moved to Newark, NJ married, bought a home and started a locksmith business with her husband on Howard Street. A lot has changed since Mountains entrepreneurial days in Newark’s, Central Ward. She cites the culture, politics, businesses, but most importantly, she believes that there is great opportunity for youth to surmount adversity. In her view, if Newark’s men are equipped with the right tools, they can bring Newark to a place of glory. “I think these boys should put on a shirt and pants, cut their hair and look like men,” says Mountain, “there are many schools for them to go to today…so many opportunities. All they need to do is go to school and be somebody.”


From ‘I have a Dream’ to ‘Choose a Better History’ Mrs. Mountain has witnessed history. “History is my heart,” comments Carter, “and Mrs. Mountain is living history.” Mrs. Mountain’s life reflects the diverse story that defines Newark and the country. As a veteran to love, adversity and hope, her story is President Obama’s ‘idealism’ incarnate.


The inauguration of Barack Obama is a new chapter in American history. It is not only the Dream becoming a reality, but a catalyst for significant change. Hope is the mechanism that has inspired a uniformed approach to reformed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.





Sunday, January 18, 2009

Local Cleaning Service Goes Green


North Bergen, New Jersey - Tina’s Cleaning Service, the popular home and office cleaning company that serves the Greater New York area, has officially made the important environmentally sound transition to “CLEANING GREEN.”


One of the most important recent changes in the cleaning and janitorial business is the growing awareness of environmental concerns and possible harmful effects of the chemicals that are currently used by most cleaning service. There is a growing consumer demand for cleaning supplies that are both non-toxic and earth-friendly.


“We want to keep the high standards that our clientele expect, and at the same time we recognize that toxic chemicals are no longer an option for the educated consumer,” says Tina Ison, owner of Tina’s Cleaning Service. After extensive research, Ison decided that creating her own brand was the best way to address the concern.


The cleaning products, which are manufactured by Ison and safety tested, are not just non-toxic to ensure the health and safety of children and pets, but also environmentally friendly. The product line, which includes liquid hand soap, window cleaner, furniture polish, and an all-purpose cleaning solution, are sold on-line through the company website as well as in local stores. They are moderately priced with easy-to-read labels.


Cleaning green is only one of the Tina’s Cleaning Service advantages over competition: most other cleaning businesses operate during standard business hours, so that customers who prefer to be at home with the cleaning staff but work full time are unable to do so. Tina’s Cleaning offers non-traditional hours to accommodate such clients. Tina’s service is available during early morning and late evening hours, as well as weekends. While other companies often hire workers with a limited understanding of English which frustrates the English-speaking customer, all of Tina’s employees speak and understand English fluently. All of Tina’s employees are trained by the owner and are fully bonded.


Whether the service is general cleaning; move-ins or move-outs; post-construction or after-party clean up; or specialized cleaning per the customer’s request, Tina’s prides itself on offering reasonable prices, prompt and timely service and a professional attitude. And now that Tina’s has gone green, quality service with quality products, provided by quality people is what Tina’s Cleaning Service is all about.


For more information contact:

Tina’s Cleaning Service
7709 Broadway
North Bergen, NJ 07047
(201) 869-7231 (212) 252-4089
misstison@aol.com