Attitude of Gratitude – Part 1
The New Year begins with lots of buzzy motivational words and slogans being bandied about on social media. We are going with this one - 2023 is all about an Attitude of Gratitude. With that, here are our words of appreciation for our TMG 23. That’s 23 people, places and things that we look forward to enjoying and/or cheering on this year!
2023 Attitude of Gratitude Part 1 –
Despite the multiple challenges the past few years brought to Jersey City and beyond, there have been bright spots and uplifting moments of hope thanks to these beloved members of the JC community. Our winter hats go off to these Community Inspirations.
1. Sam Pesin. The landscape of Jersey City would be a dramatically different place without Sam. Don’t let his slight stature and gentle voice fool you – Sam’s steely resolve is matched only by his boundless dedication to Liberty State Park. While he partnered with some key allies to stave off privatization of LSP of any kind or size, it’s Sam who is steering this movement. The retired pre-school teacher and beloved son of Morris and Ethel Pesin, he continues his family legacy to protect what he calls “The People’s Park.” His most recent battle is to prevent the authorization of tourist helicopters to routinely fly over LSP (“Stop the Chop”). He is a legend.
2. Tina Nalls. To know Tina Nalls is to love her and respect her. She is the founder of Community Treasures. This is her 14th year – yes, 14th – devoting her weekends to organizing and providing a drop off and pick up for neighbors in need to receive donated goods. She distributes clothes, kitchenware, toys - you name it. She is a one-woman goodwill mission, constantly connecting with folks on social media and in person. 14 years is a long time to devote yourself so completely to your community, what an accomplishment from this remarkable woman.
3. The St. Peter’s University Peacocks. The tiny school was the little engine that could, providing the feel-good sports story for the entire COUNTRY in 2022. Will they give us another March to remember and make it to March Madness? Will Doug still have his ‘stache? We don’t know the answers to any of these questions, all we know is that JC will be wearing blue and cheering the boys on again this March. Strut Up!
4. Tia Planta. Shayla Cabrera, aka Tia Planta, is everything fabulous all at once. She is a loving caregiver AND a fighter. This New Jersey native started out her career life as a super-nanny before translating her love and knowledge of plants into a fantastic business, finally garnering a brick-and-mortar location at a kiosk in McGinley Square. (Getting and keeping that locale was way more difficult than it deserved to be, but.). Fast forward to today and Tia Planta has her head, heart and entrepreneurial spirit fully invested in the cannabis industry. Her new venture, Cannaplanta, has rightfully been granted the designation to represent Jersey City in the cannabis industry. Bravo, Tia P. We support everything you do.
5. The Triangle Park Community Center in Greenville is a ministry of Jersey City. Open since 2017, they offer a multitude of services to the community. Under the leadership of Director Monica Shaw, the Center provides emergency supplies for babies and toddlers - you can only imagine what a complete lifeline they have been for families in the past two years especially. They also offer youth services for older children and young adults, a clothing closet, food pantry and health screenings.